EarthLink
Internet service provider
Optimum
Internet service provider
EarthLink vs Optimum
Quick Answer
EarthLink and Optimum 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.
Compare speeds, pricing, coverage, and features to find the best provider for your needs.
EarthLink and Optimum 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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EarthLink vs Optimum: Key Findings
- Both providers offer the same max speed of Varies
- Both start at the same price of Contact for pricing
- Optimum has wider coverage: 4,117 vs 0 ZIP codes
- Technology: EarthLink uses Various, Optimum uses Various
- Data caps: EarthLink has a Varies cap; Optimum has a Varies cap
- Overall winner: Optimum (2 of 5 categories)
How EarthLink and Optimum Compare
EarthLink and Optimum 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 Optimum), so heavy users should factor in potential overage charges.
Quick Verdict
Optimum
- Wider coverage (4,117 ZIPs)
- No contract required
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.
EarthLink is a national internet service provider offering fiber, DSL, and fixed wireless internet across all 50 states, with speeds up to 5 Gbps and a focus on customer privacy and reliable service since 1994. Optimum, the consumer brand of Altice USA, is a cable and fiber internet provider in the northeastern U.S., offering speeds up to 8 Gbps across 4 states.
| Feature | EarthLink | Optimum |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 5 Gbps | 8 Gbps |
| Starting Price | $50/moPrice verified August 2026 | $40/moPrice verified August 2026 |
| Technology | Fiber, DSL, Fixed Wireless | Cable, Fiber (FTTH) |
| Contracts | No | No |
| Data Caps | No | No |
EarthLink vs Optimum: Provider Details
| Detail | EarthLink | Optimum |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Technology | Fiber, DSL, Fixed Wireless | Cable, Fiber (FTTH) |
| Top Speed (Down/Up) | 5 Gbps | 8 Gbps |
| Starting Price | $50/mo | $40/mo |
| Coverage | National — 50 states | Regional — 4 states |
| Contract | No contract | No contract |
| Data Caps | None | None |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia | Long Island City, New York |
| Notable Features | No data caps • No throttling • Dedicated customer service | Fiber speeds up to 8 Gbps • No contracts • Optimum Mobile bundling |
EarthLink Service & Install
Customer service: Mon-Fri 8AM-11PM ET, Sat-Sun 8AM-10PM ET; US-based customer support; online chat available
Installation: Professional installation available (varies by technology). Fiber installation requires technician visit. DSL self-install kits available. Fixed wireless gateway ships with easy setup guide.
Optimum Service & Install
Customer service: 24/7 customer support by phone; Optimum stores in NY/NJ/CT open Mon-Sat; Optimum app for billing & self-service
Installation: Free professional installation on most plans. Self-install kit available for cable at existing Optimum locations. Fiber installation requires technician visit (2-3 hours). Appointments within 3-5 business days.
Plans Compared: EarthLink vs Optimum
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
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber 100 | 100 Mbps | $54.95/mo |
| Fiber 300 | 300 Mbps | $59.95/mo |
| Fiber 500 | 500 Mbps | $69.95/mo |
| Fiber 1 Gig | 1 Gbps | $79.95/mo |
| Fiber 2 Gig | 2 Gbps | $99.95/mo |
| Fiber 5 Gig | 5 Gbps | $154.95/mo |
Optimum plans
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bayonne Nj 300 Mbps Internet | 328 Mbps | $45/mo |
| 300 Mbps Fiber Internet | 365 Mbps | $45/mo |
| 500 Mbps Fiber Internet | 566 Mbps | $65/mo |
| Bayonne Nj 500 Mbps Internet | 542 Mbps | $65/mo |
| Cable 1 Gig Internet | 1.0 Gbps | $65/mo |
| 1 Gig Fiber Internet | 1.2 Gbps | $65/mo |
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | EarthLink | Optimum | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | Varies | Varies | Tie |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing | Tie |
| Coverage (ZIP Codes) | 0 | 4,117 | Optimum Wins |
| Primary Technology | Various | Various | Depends on needs |
| Contract Required | No | No | Tie |
| Data Cap | Varies | Varies | Tie |
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
Which Provider Should You Choose?
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
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Sources & Methodology
This EarthLink vs Optimum 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.
Data Sources
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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