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EarthLink

Internet service provider

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Ziply Fiber

Internet service provider

EarthLink vs Ziply Fiber

Quick Answer

EarthLink and Ziply Fiber 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.

By Pablo Mendoza, Lead Analyst|Updated April 2026

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

SpeedTie
PriceTie
CoverageZiply Fiber

EarthLink and Ziply Fiber 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

Ziply Fiber wins the EarthLink vs Ziply Fiber comparison in 2026. EarthLink offers Various internet starting at Contact for pricing/mo with speeds up to Varies (no contract). Ziply Fiber offers Various internet starting at Contact for pricing/mo with speeds up to Varies (no contract).

EarthLink vs Ziply Fiber: Key Findings

  • Both providers offer the same max speed of Varies
  • Both start at the same price of Contact for pricing
  • Ziply Fiber has wider coverage: 854 vs 0 ZIP codes
  • Technology: EarthLink uses Various, Ziply Fiber uses Various
  • Data caps: EarthLink has a Varies cap; Ziply Fiber has a Varies cap
  • Overall winner: Ziply Fiber (2 of 5 categories)

How EarthLink and Ziply Fiber Compare

EarthLink and Ziply Fiber 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 Ziply Fiber), so heavy users should factor in potential overage charges.

Quick Verdict

Winner

Ziply Fiber

  • Wider coverage (854 ZIPs)
  • No contract required
Runner-up

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. Ziply Fiber is a fiber and DSL internet provider serving the Pacific Northwest across 4 states, offering some of the most affordable fiber plans starting at $20/mo.

EarthLink vs Ziply Fiber: Side-by-Side Comparison
FeatureEarthLinkZiply Fiber
Max Speed5 Gbps5 Gbps
Starting Price$50/moPrice verified April 2026$20/moPrice verified April 2026
TechnologyFiber, DSL, Fixed WirelessFiber (FTTH), DSL
ContractsNoNo
Data CapsNoNo

Head-to-Head Comparison

EarthLink vs Ziply Fiber feature comparison
FeatureEarthLinkZiply FiberWinner
Max SpeedVariesVariesTie
Starting PriceContact for pricingContact for pricingTie
Coverage (ZIP Codes)0854Ziply Fiber Wins
Primary TechnologyVariousVariousDepends on needs
Contract RequiredNoNoTie
Data CapVariesVariesTie

Pros & Cons

EarthLink

Pros

  • No contract required

Cons

  • Less coverage than Ziply Fiber
  • Has data cap (Varies)

Ziply Fiber

Pros

  • Wider coverage (854 ZIP codes)
  • No contract required

Cons

  • Has data cap (Varies)

Which Provider Should You Choose?

Choose EarthLink if:

  • EarthLink is available at your address

Choose Ziply Fiber if:

  • Ziply Fiber is available at your address

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

Which is faster, EarthLink or Ziply Fiber?
Both EarthLink and Ziply Fiber offer the same maximum speed of Varies. EarthLink uses Various while Ziply Fiber uses Various, which may affect real-world performance and latency differently.
Which is cheaper, EarthLink or Ziply Fiber?
Both EarthLink and Ziply Fiber start at the same price of Contact for pricing. The better value depends on the speeds and features included at that price point, as well as any promotional offers currently available.
Do EarthLink and Ziply Fiber have data caps?
EarthLink has a data cap of Varies. Ziply Fiber has a data cap of Varies. Both providers have data caps, so heavy users should check whether they can upgrade to unlimited plans.
Do EarthLink or Ziply Fiber require a contract?
Neither EarthLink nor Ziply Fiber requires a contract, so you can cancel or switch providers at any time without penalty.
Is EarthLink or Ziply Fiber faster?
EarthLink and Ziply Fiber offer the same maximum speed of Varies. EarthLink uses Various and Ziply Fiber uses Various, so real-world latency and upload speeds may differ.
Is EarthLink cheaper than Ziply Fiber?
EarthLink and Ziply Fiber have the same starting price of Contact for pricing. The better deal depends on the speed, data caps, and features included at that price point.
Which is better, EarthLink or Ziply Fiber?
EarthLink and Ziply Fiber are closely matched on price, speed, and features. The better option depends on availability at your address and which technology — Various or Various — delivers better performance in your area.
Can I get EarthLink and Ziply Fiber at the same address?
It depends on your location. Both EarthLink and Ziply Fiber use Various technology, so coverage overlap varies by market. Enter your ZIP code above to check availability at your specific address.
Should I choose EarthLink or Ziply Fiber?
The best choice depends on your priorities. Both offer equal max speeds. Both start at the same price. Consider factors like data caps, contract requirements, technology type, and availability at your address when making your decision.

Sources & Methodology

This EarthLink vs Ziply Fiber 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.

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

Check Availability at Your Address

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