EarthLink vs Verizon Fios: Complete Comparison

Choosing the right internet service provider can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. If you are weighing EarthLink against Verizon Fios, you are comparing two providers that serve different needs and different types of internet users. EarthLink delivers fiber + wireless connectivity with speeds ranging from 50-5,000 Mbps, while Verizon Fios offers fiber service with speeds of 300-2,300 Mbps. Understanding the differences in technology, pricing, and availability will help you make the best decision for your household.

In this comprehensive comparison, we analyze every aspect of these two providers, including their speed tiers, monthly costs, coverage areas, contract terms, and customer satisfaction ratings. Whether you are a casual browser, a remote worker, a gamer, or a family with multiple devices streaming simultaneously, one of these providers is likely a better fit for your specific internet usage patterns and budget. We will also look at how each provider handles data caps, equipment fees, and promotional pricing so you can see the true cost of service over time.

Related comparisons: AT&T vs Verizon Fios | Spectrum vs Verizon Fios | Xfinity vs Verizon Fios | EarthLink vs Centurylink

Speed Comparison

When it comes to raw download speeds, EarthLink offers 5,000 Mbps at the top end, while Verizon Fios reaches 2,300 Mbps. These maximum speeds tell part of the story, but the typical speeds you will experience in your home depend on your plan tier, network congestion in your area, and whether you connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Both providers advertise their peak speeds prominently, but the entry-level plans are what most subscribers actually sign up for, so it is worth comparing the base tiers as well as the premium options.

Upload speeds are an increasingly important factor for remote workers, content creators, and anyone who regularly video conferences. EarthLink provides upload speeds up to 5,000 Mbps (Fiber) / 20 Mbps (Wireless), compared to Verizon Fios's 2,300 Mbps. Since both providers offer fiber service, subscribers on fiber plans can expect symmetric or near-symmetric upload speeds, which is a significant advantage over cable or DSL connections where upload speeds are typically a fraction of download speeds.

Latency, often called ping time, measures how quickly data travels between your device and the server. EarthLink delivers typical latency of 5-15 ms (Fiber) / 25-50 ms (Wireless), while Verizon Fios comes in at 4-10 ms. For everyday browsing, streaming, and social media, both providers offer latency well within acceptable ranges. The difference becomes noticeable primarily in competitive online gaming, real-time stock trading, and high-definition video conferencing where every millisecond counts. Fiber connections consistently deliver the lowest latency, making them the preferred choice for time-sensitive applications. Learn more in our complete internet speed guide.

Data caps determine how much you can download and upload each month before facing throttling or overage charges. EarthLink has the following data cap policy: None. Meanwhile, Verizon Fios's policy is: None. In an era of 4K streaming, cloud gaming, smart home devices, and work-from-home demands, a household can easily consume hundreds of gigabytes per month. Unlimited data is increasingly important, and providers that enforce caps may penalize heavy users through throttling, reduced speeds, or extra fees. Check the fine print of any plan you are considering to understand exactly how data limits apply and whether there are options to upgrade to unlimited service.

Pricing Comparison

EarthLink plans start at $50 per month and go up to 100/mo for its highest speed tier. Verizon Fios pricing ranges from $50 per month to 110/mo at the top end. When comparing these prices, it is important to look beyond the headline number and consider what you actually get at each price point. The cheapest plan from one provider may deliver significantly more speed than the entry-level offering from the other, making the per-megabit value quite different from what the sticker price suggests.

Contract terms and promotional pricing play a major role in the true cost of internet service. Some providers offer attractive introductory rates that increase substantially after 12 or 24 months, while others maintain consistent pricing throughout your subscription. Equipment fees are another hidden cost to watch for. Router rental fees typically range from $10 to $15 per month, which adds $120 to $180 annually to your bill. Both EarthLink and Verizon Fios may offer options to use your own compatible router, potentially saving you money over the life of your subscription.

Installation costs are worth factoring into your budget as well. Fiber installation can sometimes be free during promotional periods but may cost $50 to $100 or more at other times. Self-installation kits are often available for simpler setups, reducing or eliminating the installation fee entirely. Look for seasonal promotions, bundle discounts if you also need TV or phone service, and special offers for new customers. Both providers typically offer their best deals to new subscribers, so it is worth checking their websites or calling to ask about current promotions before committing.

When calculating the total cost of ownership over a two-year period, consider the monthly rate, any rate increases after the promotional period ends, equipment rental fees, installation charges, and potential early termination fees if the provider requires a contract. A plan that appears cheaper upfront may end up costing more over time if the price jumps significantly after the introductory period. Conversely, a slightly more expensive plan with price-lock guarantees and no contracts may deliver better long-term value and peace of mind for budget-conscious households.

Coverage and Availability

EarthLink offers internet service in all 50 states through a combination of its own infrastructure and partnerships with major network operators. Its fiber service piggybacks on partner networks in select metro areas, while its fixed wireless options extend reach into suburban and some rural areas. This reseller model gives EarthLink one of the broadest geographic footprints among ISPs.

Verizon Fios is available in select areas along the East Coast, primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. Coverage spans parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. While geographically limited, Fios serves millions of households in some of the most densely populated areas in the country.

In terms of geographic overlap, these two providers serve largely different regions, meaning that for many customers, the choice is made by availability rather than preference. However, in markets where both providers offer service, competition typically drives better pricing and service quality. We recommend checking both providers' availability at your specific address using the phone numbers below or their respective websites. Even within a provider's advertised service area, availability can vary by neighborhood or even by street, so confirming with your exact address is essential before making a decision.

Customer Satisfaction

EarthLink generally receives positive customer satisfaction ratings, particularly for its straightforward pricing and privacy-focused approach. Customers appreciate the lack of data caps, transparent billing, and the company's commitment to not selling user data. Since EarthLink uses partner networks, actual service quality can vary depending on the underlying infrastructure in each location.

Verizon Fios consistently ranks among the top internet providers in the United States for customer satisfaction. In J.D. Power surveys, Fios frequently appears at or near the top of the East region rankings. The ACSI also gives Fios high marks, particularly for speed reliability, consistent performance, and the quality of its customer support infrastructure.

When evaluating customer satisfaction, it is important to consider that experiences can vary significantly by location, technology type, and individual expectations. A customer on a fiber connection will almost always report higher satisfaction than one on DSL or satellite, regardless of the provider. Online reviews tend to skew negative since dissatisfied customers are more motivated to leave feedback, so industry surveys from organizations like J.D. Power and the ACSI provide a more balanced picture. We recommend checking recent reviews specific to your area, as service quality can differ meaningfully between regions even within the same provider's network.

Which Provider Should You Choose?

Choose EarthLink if: You value digital privacy and want a provider that commits to not selling your personal data, you need service in an area where Verizon Fios is not available, you prefer a provider that offers nationwide coverage through its partner network model, or you want straightforward pricing without the complexity of bundling offers. EarthLink's privacy-focused approach appeals to users who are increasingly concerned about how their ISP handles personal information.

Choose Verizon Fios if: You want the absolute best speed and reliability available for home internet, you need symmetric upload and download speeds, you prefer a provider that owns and maintains its own fiber network rather than reselling service, or you are in the Northeast where Fios has the strongest coverage. Fios's reputation for consistency and speed makes it a top choice. Read more in our fiber internet guide.

How to Check Availability

The fastest way to determine whether EarthLink or Verizon Fios is available at your home is to check directly with each provider. Both offer online address-lookup tools on their websites where you can enter your street address and instantly see which plans and speeds are available. You can also call their dedicated sales lines for personalized assistance. Representatives can check availability, explain current promotions, and walk you through the sign-up process. If you are moving to a new address, checking availability before you finalize your housing decision can save you from settling into a home with limited connectivity.

If neither provider is available at your address, consider checking other options in your area. Fixed wireless providers like T-Mobile and Verizon 5G Home Internet are expanding rapidly, and local fiber providers may serve your specific neighborhood even if larger national brands do not. Our internet speed guide can help you determine what speeds you actually need based on your usage patterns.

Call to check EarthLink availability: 1-855-927-0851

Call to check Verizon Fios availability: 1-855-387-1456