EarthLink
Internet service provider
Viasat
High-speed satellite internet
EarthLink vs Viasat
Quick Answer
Viasat is better than EarthLink for most users in 2026. Viasat reaches up to 150 Mbps from $70/mo, compared to Varies from Contact for pricing on EarthLink — significantly more headroom for streaming, gaming, and multi-device households.
Compare speeds, pricing, coverage, and features to find the best provider for your needs.
EarthLink and Viasat 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.
Quick Answer
Viasat wins the EarthLink vs Viasat comparison in 2026. EarthLink offers Various internet starting at Contact for pricing/mo with speeds up to Varies (no contract). Viasat offers Satellite internet starting at $70/mo/mo with speeds up to 150 Mbps (contract required). The price difference is $929/mo at entry level. The faster provider reaches 150 Mbps vs Varies.
EarthLink vs Viasat: Key Findings
- Viasat is faster with speeds up to 150 Mbps vs Varies
- Viasat is more affordable starting at $70/mo vs Contact for pricing
- Viasat has wider coverage: 26,093 vs 0 ZIP codes
- Technology: EarthLink uses Various, Viasat uses Satellite
- Data caps: EarthLink has a Varies cap; Viasat has a Varies by plan cap
- Overall winner: Viasat (3 of 5 categories)
How EarthLink and Viasat Compare
EarthLink and Viasat are both major internet service providers, but they take different approaches to delivering broadband. EarthLink primarily uses various technology, while Viasat relies on satellite. This fundamental difference affects speed consistency, latency, and upload performance.
On raw speed, Viasat leads with a maximum of 150 Mbps compared to EarthLink's Varies. However, the fastest plan isn't always the best value — consider whether you actually need speeds above 500 Mbps for your household. 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, Viasat has the edge with plans starting at $70/mo versus Contact for pricing. EarthLink stands out here by not requiring a contract, while Viasat does require one. Both providers impose data caps (Varies for EarthLink, Varies by plan for Viasat), so heavy users should factor in potential overage charges.
Quick Verdict
Viasat
- Faster speeds (150 Mbps)
- Lower starting price ($70/mo)
- Wider coverage (26,093 ZIPs)
EarthLink
- No contract required
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. Viasat is a geostationary satellite internet provider serving all 50 U.S. states, offering speeds up to 150 Mbps with plans designed for rural and underserved communities.
| Feature | EarthLink | Viasat |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 5 Gbps | 150 Mbps |
| Starting Price | $50/moPrice verified April 2026 | $70/moPrice verified April 2026 |
| Technology | Fiber, DSL, Fixed Wireless | Geostationary Satellite |
| Contracts | No | Yes |
| Data Caps | No | Yes |
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | EarthLink | Viasat | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | Varies | 150 Mbps | Viasat Wins |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $70/mo | Viasat Wins |
| Coverage (ZIP Codes) | 0 | 26,093 | Viasat Wins |
| Primary Technology | Various | Satellite | Depends on needs |
| Contract Required | No | Yes | EarthLink Wins |
| Data Cap | Varies | Varies by plan | Tie |
Pros & Cons
Which Provider Should You Choose?
Choose EarthLink if:
- You don't want to commit to a contract
- EarthLink is available at your address
Choose Viasat if:
- You need the fastest speeds available
- You want the lowest starting price
- Viasat is available at your address
The Bottom Line
Choose Viasat if raw speed is your priority (up to 150 Mbps). Choose Viasat for a more budget-friendly option (starting at $70/mo). Ultimately, the best provider depends on availability at your address, your speed requirements, and whether you prefer no-contract or contract plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is cheaper, EarthLink or Viasat?
Do EarthLink and Viasat have data caps?
Do EarthLink or Viasat require a contract?
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Is EarthLink cheaper than Viasat?
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Sources & Methodology
This EarthLink vs Viasat 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.
Data Sources
Last verified: April 2026. 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, December 2024
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