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EarthLink

Internet service provider

vs
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Mediacom

Internet service provider

EarthLink vs Mediacom

Quick Answer

EarthLink and Mediacom are both strong choices in 2026. EarthLink leads on speed (up to Varies) while EarthLink offers the lower entry price (from Contact for pricing). Best pick depends on availability at your address.

By Pablo Mendoza, Lead Analyst

Compare speeds, pricing, coverage, and features to find the best provider for your needs.

SpeedTie
PriceTie
CoverageMediacom

EarthLink and Mediacom are two of the most searched internet providers in the United States. Below, we compare their plans, pricing, speeds, coverage, and customer satisfaction to help you choose the best option for your home internet needs.

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See which of these providers — and others — actually serve your exact address, with real speeds and pricing from FCC broadband data.

EarthLink vs Mediacom: Key Findings

  • Both providers offer the same max speed of Varies
  • Both start at the same price of Contact for pricing
  • Mediacom has wider coverage: 2,366 vs 0 ZIP codes
  • Technology: EarthLink uses Various, Mediacom uses Various
  • Data caps: EarthLink has a Varies cap; Mediacom has a Varies cap
  • Overall winner: Mediacom (2 of 5 categories)

How EarthLink and Mediacom Compare

EarthLink and Mediacom are both major internet service providers, but they take different approaches to delivering broadband. Both providers use various technology, so the real differentiation comes down to pricing, plan options, and service quality in your area.

Both providers top out at Varies, so speed alone won't be the deciding factor. Focus instead on pricing, contract terms, and availability at your address. For most households of 2-4 people, a plan in the 200-500 Mbps range handles HD streaming, video calls, and general browsing with room to spare.

Both providers start at Contact for pricing, putting them on equal footing for budget-conscious shoppers. Neither provider requires a long-term contract, giving you the flexibility to switch if you find a better deal. Both providers impose data caps (Varies for EarthLink, Varies for Mediacom), so heavy users should factor in potential overage charges.

Quick Verdict

Winner

Mediacom

  • Wider coverage (2,366 ZIPs)
  • No contract required
Runner-up

EarthLink

  • No contract required

Check availability at your address

See which of these providers — and others — actually serve your exact address, with real speeds and pricing from FCC broadband data.

Plans Compared: EarthLink vs Mediacom

Verified monthly pricing and typical download speeds for each provider's residential plans, sourced from their FCC broadband label filings. Promotional and address-specific pricing may vary.

EarthLink plans

EarthLink internet plans and pricing
PlanSpeedPrice
Fiber 100100 Mbps$54.95/mo
Fiber 300300 Mbps$59.95/mo
Fiber 500500 Mbps$69.95/mo
Fiber 1 Gig1 Gbps$79.95/mo
Fiber 2 Gig2 Gbps$99.95/mo
Fiber 5 Gig5 Gbps$154.95/mo
See all EarthLink plans & pricing

Mediacom plans

Mediacom internet plans and pricing
PlanSpeedPrice
Internet 300300 Mbps$65/mo
Internet 1 Gig1 Gbps$75/mo
Internet 2 Gig2 Gbps$90/mo

Head-to-Head Comparison

EarthLink vs Mediacom feature comparison
FeatureEarthLinkMediacomWinner
Max SpeedVariesVariesTie
Starting PriceContact for pricingContact for pricingTie
Coverage (ZIP Codes)02,366Mediacom Wins
Primary TechnologyVariousVariousDepends on needs
Contract RequiredNoNoTie
Data CapVariesVariesTie

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you order through links on this page. Pricing, speeds, and availability vary by address and are subject to change; verify current terms with the provider before ordering.

Pros & Cons

EarthLink

Pros

  • No contract required

Cons

  • Less coverage than Mediacom
  • Has data cap (Varies)

Mediacom

Pros

  • Wider coverage (2,366 ZIP codes)
  • No contract required

Cons

  • Has data cap (Varies)

Which Provider Should You Choose?

Choose EarthLink if:

  • EarthLink is available at your address

Choose Mediacom if:

  • Mediacom is available at your address

The Bottom Line

Both providers offer comparable maximum speeds. Both providers start at a similar price point. Ultimately, the best provider depends on availability at your address, your speed requirements, and whether you prefer no-contract or no-contract plans.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, EarthLink or Mediacom?
Both EarthLink and Mediacom offer the same maximum speed of Varies. EarthLink uses Various while Mediacom uses Various, which may affect real-world performance and latency differently.
Which is cheaper, EarthLink or Mediacom?
Both EarthLink and Mediacom start at the same price of Contact for pricing. The better value depends on the speeds and features included at that price point, as well as any promotional offers currently available.
Do EarthLink and Mediacom have data caps?
EarthLink has a data cap of Varies. Mediacom has a data cap of Varies. Both providers have data caps, so heavy users should check whether they can upgrade to unlimited plans.
Do EarthLink or Mediacom require a contract?
Neither EarthLink nor Mediacom requires a contract, so you can cancel or switch providers at any time without penalty.
Is EarthLink or Mediacom faster?
EarthLink and Mediacom offer the same maximum speed of Varies. EarthLink uses Various and Mediacom uses Various, so real-world latency and upload speeds may differ.
Is EarthLink cheaper than Mediacom?
EarthLink and Mediacom have the same starting price of Contact for pricing. The better deal depends on the speed, data caps, and features included at that price point.
Which is better, EarthLink or Mediacom?
EarthLink and Mediacom are closely matched on price, speed, and features. The better option depends on availability at your address and which technology — Various or Various — delivers better performance in your area.
Can I get EarthLink and Mediacom at the same address?
It depends on your location. Both EarthLink and Mediacom use Various technology, so coverage overlap varies by market. Enter your ZIP code above to check availability at your specific address.
Should I choose EarthLink or Mediacom?
The best choice depends on your priorities. Both offer equal max speeds. Both start at the same price. Consider factors like data caps, contract requirements, technology type, and availability at your address when making your decision.

Sources & Methodology

This EarthLink vs Mediacom comparison uses pricing, speed, and coverage data from FCC Broadband Data Collection filings, provider-published broadband nutrition labels, and Ookla speed test measurements. Plans and pricing are verified against each provider's current public offerings. Pricing, speeds, and availability are verified against provider broadband nutrition labels and may vary by location. For a detailed explanation of our data collection and scoring process, see our methodology page.

How We Score Providers

Our analysts rate every provider on a composite 1–5 scale using five weighted criteria, applied consistently across all reviews and comparisons:

  • Price (30%) — advertised plan pricing verified monthly against each provider's broadband nutrition labels.
  • Speed (25%) — advertised tiers cross-checked with third-party real-world speed test data.
  • Reliability (20%) — technology type, uptime signals, and FCC complaint data.
  • Coverage (15%) — FCC Broadband Data Collection availability records.
  • Customer Service (10%) — published satisfaction indices and verified support channels.

InternetProviders.ai is an independent resource. We may earn commissions from partner links — this does not affect our editorial recommendations. See our methodology for details.

Source: FCC Broadband Data Collection, June 2025

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