EarthLink vs Frontier: Which Internet Provider Is Better in 2025?

Choosing the right internet provider is one of the most important household decisions you will make. A fast, reliable connection powers everything from remote work and online education to streaming entertainment and smart home devices. In this comprehensive comparison, we put EarthLink Internet and Frontier Fiber (Frontier Communications) head to head across every factor that matters: speed, pricing, technology, coverage, customer satisfaction, and overall value.

This is a comparison of virtual ISP vs direct fiber/DSL provider. EarthLink and Frontier offer an interesting contrast: EarthLink resells other providers' networks nationwide, while Frontier owns and operates its own fiber and DSL infrastructure across 25 states. In some areas, EarthLink may actually be reselling Frontier's network, making the comparison especially nuanced.

Company Overview

Speed Comparison

Both EarthLink and Frontier deliver gigabit-class or faster speeds. EarthLink maxes out at up to 5 Gbps, while Frontier reaches up to 5 Gbps (Fiber). For most households, either provider has more than enough bandwidth.

Here is how each provider handles common internet activities:

Remember that advertised speeds are maximums. Real-world performance depends on network congestion, equipment quality, wiring in your home, distance from infrastructure, and how many devices are connected. We recommend running a speed test after installation to verify you are receiving the speeds you are paying for.

Pricing Comparison

Frontier wins on entry-level pricing at $30-$155/mo compared to $50-$100/mo for EarthLink. You would save $240 per year by choosing Frontier at the starting tier.

When evaluating the true cost of internet service, look beyond the advertised monthly rate:

• Equipment fees: Modem and router rental typically adds $10-$15 per month. Buying your own compatible equipment saves $120-$180 annually.
• Installation charges: Professional installation ranges from free (on promotions) to $99. Self-install kits are often available at no cost.
• Promotional pricing: Most introductory rates last 12-24 months before increasing. Always calculate what you will pay after the promotion ends.
• Data overage fees: Providers with data caps may charge $10-$15 per additional 50 GB block if you exceed your monthly allowance.
• Early termination fees: If a contract is required, leaving early typically costs $10-$15 per remaining month.

To get the most accurate comparison, calculate total cost over 24 months including all fees, equipment, and post-promotional pricing increases.

Technology and Coverage

EarthLink delivers service using Fiber, Fixed Wireless technology across Nationwide (resells other networks). EarthLink is a virtual ISP that resells fiber, cable, and fixed wireless from partners like AT&T, Lumen, and others. Performance depends on the underlying network in your area.

Frontier relies on Fiber, DSL technology, serving customers in 25 states. Frontier is investing heavily in fiber, offering symmetrical speeds from 500 Mbps to 5 Gbps. Legacy DSL service remains in some areas with speeds as low as 6 Mbps. The company is prioritizing fiber buildouts.

Understanding internet technology types helps explain the performance differences you will experience:

• Fiber optic transmits data as light through glass strands, delivering the fastest speeds (up to 10 Gbps), lowest latency (under 5 ms), and most reliable connections. Fiber provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, making it ideal for video conferencing, cloud backups, and content creation.
• Cable (DOCSIS 3.1) uses existing coaxial television infrastructure to deliver strong download speeds with wide availability. Upload speeds are typically 10-20% of download speeds, and performance can dip during peak evening hours due to shared neighborhood bandwidth.
• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) runs over telephone copper wires with speeds degrading based on distance from the provider's central office. Reliable but limited, with maximum speeds generally below 100 Mbps.
• Fixed wireless and 5G transmit data over radio frequencies from nearby towers. Performance varies significantly based on tower proximity, obstacles, and network load. Latency is higher than wired connections but lower than satellite.
• Satellite reaches virtually any location but introduces 600+ ms latency due to the signal traveling to space and back. Data caps and throttling are common. Best as a last resort when no terrestrial option exists.

Customer Satisfaction

Frontier rates higher in customer satisfaction with an ACSI score of 62/100 versus EarthLink's 61/100. These independent benchmarks reflect thousands of real customer experiences with each provider.

The J.D. Power U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study measures performance reliability, cost value, billing transparency, communication quality, and customer service interactions on a 5-point scale. Ratings above 3.5 indicate above-average satisfaction.

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) polls thousands of verified customers annually on a 100-point scale. The ISP industry average sits around 65/100, so providers scoring above this threshold offer a better-than-average experience. Scores below 60 indicate notable customer frustration.

Keep in mind that satisfaction scores represent national averages. Your local market may have better or worse service than what these aggregate scores suggest, depending on infrastructure investment and regional support staffing.

Pros and Cons

Which Provider Should You Choose?

Our analysis gives Frontier the overall edge when looking at speed, pricing, and satisfaction together. That said, EarthLink wins if frontier fiber is available and you want to deal directly with the network owner for faster issue resolution.

Choose EarthLink If:

• Frontier Fiber is available and you want to deal directly with the network owner for faster issue resolution
• You are in EarthLink's Nationwide (resells other networks) coverage area with access to their best technology
• No contracts aligns with how you prefer to manage your internet service
• You are privacy-conscious customers wanting a contract-free, no-data-cap option

Choose Frontier If:

• EarthLink appeals to you for its privacy policies and nationwide availability, especially if Frontier only has DSL
• You live within Frontier's 25 states service territory
• No contracts works for your lifestyle and how long you plan to stay at your current address
• You are customers in Frontier fiber footprint wanting fast, affordable internet with no contracts

No matter which provider you are leaning toward, always check availability at your exact address first. Coverage maps show general service areas, but actual plan options and speeds can vary street by street. Enter your ZIP code or full address on each provider's website to see exactly what is available before making a final decision.

Related Comparisons and Resources

• EarthLink Full Review
• Frontier Full Review
• How to Choose an Internet Provider
• Internet Speed Guide: How Much Speed Do You Need?
• Internet Jargon Glossary
• AT&T vs EarthLink Comparison