EarthLink
Internet service provider
Starlink
Low-earth orbit satellite, available almost anywhere
EarthLink vs Starlink
Quick Answer
Starlink offers better value than EarthLink in 2026. Starlink starts at $55/mo with speeds up to 400+ Mbps, beating EarthLink at Contact for pricing for Varies. Both use comparable technology, so price is the main tiebreaker.
Compare speeds, pricing, coverage, and features to find the best provider for your needs.
EarthLink and Starlink 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 Starlink: Key Findings
- Both providers offer the same max speed of Varies
- Starlink is more affordable starting at $55/mo vs Contact for pricing
- Starlink has wider coverage: 29,327 vs 0 ZIP codes
- Technology: EarthLink uses Various, Starlink uses Satellite
- Data caps: EarthLink has a Varies cap; Starlink has a Unlimited (Residential) cap
- Overall winner: Starlink (3 of 5 categories)
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.
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.
From a cost perspective, Starlink has the edge with plans starting at $55/mo versus Contact for pricing. 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, Unlimited (Residential) for Starlink), so heavy users should factor in potential overage charges.
Quick Verdict
Starlink
- Lower starting price ($55/mo)
- Wider coverage (29,327 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. Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is a low-Earth orbit satellite internet service available across all 50 U.S. states, designed primarily for rural and underserved areas.
| Feature | EarthLink | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 5 Gbps | 400+ Mbps |
| Starting Price | $50/moPrice verified August 2026 | $55/moPrice verified August 2026 |
| Technology | Fiber, DSL, Fixed Wireless | Low-Earth Orbit Satellite |
| Contracts | No | No |
| Data Caps | No | No |
EarthLink vs Starlink: Provider Details
| Detail | EarthLink | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Technology | Fiber, DSL, Fixed Wireless | Low-Earth Orbit Satellite |
| Top Speed (Down/Up) | 5 Gbps | 400+ Mbps down / 40 Mbps up |
| Starting Price | $50/mo | $55/mo |
| Coverage | National — 50 states | National — 50 states |
| Contract | No contract | No contract |
| Data Caps | None | Unlimited (Residential) |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia | Hawthorne, California |
| Notable Features | No data caps • No throttling • Dedicated customer service | Available virtually anywhere • Self-install kit • Low latency for satellite |
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
| 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 |
Starlink plans
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Residential 100 | 100 Mbps | $55/mo |
| Residential 200 | 200 Mbps | $85/mo |
| Residential Max | 400 Mbps | $130/mo |
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | EarthLink | Starlink | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | Varies | 400+ Mbps | Tie |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $55/mo | Starlink Wins |
| Coverage (ZIP Codes) | 0 | 29,327 | Starlink Wins |
| Primary Technology | Various | Satellite | Depends on needs |
| Contract Required | No | No | Tie |
| Data Cap | Varies | Unlimited (Residential) | 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?
Choose Starlink if:
- You want the lowest starting price
- Starlink is available at your address
The Bottom Line
Both providers offer comparable maximum speeds. Choose Starlink for a more budget-friendly option (starting at $55/mo). 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 Starlink 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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