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EarthLink

Internet service provider

vs
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Starlink

Low-earth orbit satellite, available almost anywhere

EarthLink vs Starlink

Quick Answer

EarthLink vs Starlink: plans and advertised speeds in 2026. Compare the plans, contract terms, and data caps available at your address, then confirm current pricing.

By Pablo Mendoza, Lead Analyst

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

Higher advertised speedNot available
More ZIP codes in coverage dataNot available

This page compares EarthLink and Starlink on plans, speeds, technology, contract terms, and data caps. Pricing and availability depend on your address, so confirm both before you order.

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Order online in a few minutes, or call to confirm pricing and availability at your address first.

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.

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.

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EarthLink vs Starlink: Key Findings

  • Check the speed tiers available at your address; maximum speed data is incomplete here
  • Check coverage at your address; coverage data is incomplete here
  • Technology: EarthLink uses Various, Starlink uses Satellite
  • Data caps: EarthLink — Varies; Starlink — Unlimited (Residential). Confirm the selected plan's policy

How EarthLink and Starlink Compare

EarthLink and Starlink are both major internet service providers, but they take different approaches to delivering broadband. EarthLink primarily uses various technology, while Starlink relies on satellite. This fundamental difference affects speed consistency, latency, and upload performance.

Check the download and upload speed tiers of the specific plans available at your address.

Confirm each selected plan’s contract and cancellation terms before ordering. Confirm each selected plan’s data cap and overage policy.

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 markets internet service across the continental U.S. (48 states) using fiber, wireless and other technologies; the products available depend on the address. Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is a satellite internet service that uses a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit and is marketed for use at home and on the go, including rural and remote areas; Starlink confirms availability for each address.

EarthLink vs Starlink: Side-by-Side Comparison
FeatureEarthLinkStarlink
Max Speed5 Gbps400+ Mbps
Starting Price$50/moReference price — verify for your address$55/moReference price — verify for your address
TechnologyFiber, DSL, Fixed WirelessLow-Earth Orbit Satellite
ContractsNoNo
Data CapsNoNo

EarthLink vs Starlink: Provider Details

EarthLink and Starlink provider details side-by-side
DetailEarthLinkStarlink
Primary TechnologyFiber, DSL, Fixed WirelessLow-Earth Orbit Satellite
Top Speed (Down/Up)5 Gbps400+ Mbps down / 40 Mbps up
CoverageNational — 48 statesNational — 50 states
ContractNo contractNo contract
Data CapsNoneUnlimited (Residential)
HeadquartersAtlanta, GeorgiaHawthorne, California
Notable FeaturesMultiple technology optionsSelf-install kit • Low latency for satellite • Roam plans for RVs and travel

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.

Starlink Service & Install

Customer service: Support via Starlink app and online portal only — no phone support; typical response within 24 hours; community forums available

Installation: Complete self-install kit ($349) shipped to your door. Mount dish with clear sky view (roof, pole, or ground). Starlink app guides setup and alignment (20-30 minutes). Professional installation now available in select areas; third-party installers also available.

Plans Compared: EarthLink vs Starlink

Verified monthly pricing and typical download speeds for each provider's residential plans, sourced from FCC broadband label filings where available and otherwise from the provider's published plan pricing. 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

Starlink plans

Starlink internet plans and pricing
PlanSpeedPrice
Residential 100100 Mbps$55/mo
Residential 200200 Mbps$85/mo
See all Starlink plans & pricing

Head-to-Head Comparison

EarthLink vs Starlink feature comparison
FeatureEarthLinkStarlinkComparison
Max SpeedVaries400+ MbpsNot available
Coverage (ZIP Codes)Not available29,327Not available
Primary TechnologyVariousSatelliteDepends on needs
Contract RequiredNot availableNoNot available
Data CapNot availableUnlimited (Residential)Not available

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

    Cons

      Starlink

      Pros

      • No contract required

      Cons

      • Has data cap (Unlimited (Residential))

      Which Provider Should You Choose?

      Choose EarthLink if:

      • EarthLink is available at your address

      Choose Starlink if:

      • Starlink is available at your address

      The Bottom Line

      Compare the plans, contract terms, and data caps available at your address, then confirm current pricing.

      Confirm Availability and Current Offers

      Ask about service at your address and what the final order terms include.

      Third-party tracked sales lines • Not provider support • Confirm availability and final terms before ordering

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Which is faster, EarthLink or Starlink?
      Check the download and upload speeds of the specific plans offered by EarthLink and Starlink at your address before choosing a plan.
      Which is cheaper, EarthLink or Starlink?
      Starting prices for EarthLink and Starlink change with promotions and vary by plan, equipment fees, and address, so there is no single answer. Enter your address to see current plans and prices from each provider, then compare the total monthly cost of the speed tier you need.
      Do EarthLink and Starlink have data caps?
      Check the selected EarthLink plan for its data cap policy. Starlink has a data cap of Unlimited (Residential). Confirm the policy for the specific plan available at your address.
      Do EarthLink or Starlink require a contract?
      Confirm the selected plan's contract length and cancellation terms with EarthLink and Starlink before ordering.
      Is EarthLink or Starlink faster?
      Compare the download and upload speeds of the specific plans available from EarthLink and Starlink at your address.
      Which is better, EarthLink or Starlink?
      EarthLink uses Various and Starlink uses Satellite. Compare the speed tier, data cap, contract terms, and current price of the plans available at your address to choose the provider that fits your household.
      Can I get EarthLink and Starlink at the same address?
      Availability depends on your location. Check EarthLink and Starlink at your exact address before comparing their available plans. Technology type alone does not confirm that both providers serve your home.
      Should I choose EarthLink or Starlink?
      The best choice depends on your priorities. Consider current pricing at your address, data caps, contract requirements, technology type, and availability when making your decision.

      Sources & Methodology

      This EarthLink vs Starlink comparison uses coverage data from FCC Broadband Data Collection filings and plan, price and speed details from provider broadband labels where available, otherwise from the plan details we list for each provider. Pricing, speeds, and availability vary by location, so confirm them with the provider before ordering. For a detailed explanation of our data collection and scoring process, see our methodology page.

      InternetProviders.ai is an independent resource. We may earn commissions from partner links. Commissions never change a provider's rating or the plan facts we list. See our methodology for details.

      Source: FCC Broadband Data Collection, June 2025

      Check Availability at Your Address

      Enter your ZIP code to see if EarthLink or Starlink is available