EarthLink Review 2026
Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Fiber/DSL (reseller) provider in 50 states
The internet market continues to evolve rapidly. Fiber availability is expanding, with AT&T Fiber, Frontier, and Google Fiber leading growth. Cable providers like Spectrum and Xfinity maintain the widest coverage. 5G home internet from T-Mobile and Verizon offers a compelling no-contract alternative where traditional wired service is limited. Choose fiber if available for best performance; cable for reliability and availability; 5G for flexibility.
Short answer: EarthLink offers fiber/dsl (reseller) internet with speeds up to 5000 Mbps starting at $50/mo. No data caps. Best for: Users wanting simple pricing and privacy focus
Quick Decision Guide
✓ Choose fiber if: You need symmetrical uploads for video calls, gaming, or content creation.
✓ Choose cable if: Fiber unavailable, you stream content, want reliability.
✗ Avoid fiber if: Not available or budget under $50/mo.
✗ Avoid cable if: You need fast uploads or lowest latency.
→ Choose 5G instead if: No contracts, quick install, or wired unavailable.
Key Takeaways
- Best Fiber: AT&T Fiber and Frontier offer up to 5 Gbps (verified January 2026)
- Best Cable: Spectrum unlimited data; Xfinity more speed tiers (FCC BDC, June 2026)
- Best Budget: T-Mobile 5G Home at $50/mo flat, no contract
- Best Gaming: Fiber with 3-15ms latency beats cable's 15-35ms
Quick Decision Guide
✓ Choose EarthLink if: Users wanting simple pricing and privacy focus
✗ Avoid EarthLink if: Those who can get better deals direct from network owner
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✓ No data caps
- ✓ No contracts
- ✓ Price transparency
- ✓ Privacy-focused
- ✓ Uses major networks
Cons
- ✗ Resells other providers (not own network)
- ✗ Limited speed control
- ✗ May cost more than direct provider
EarthLink Plans & Pricing
Prices shown are promotional rates. Actual pricing may vary by location. Verified January 2026.
| Plan | Download | Upload | Price | Data Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | 100 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $50/mo | Unlimited |
| Internet Plus | 300 Mbps | 50 Mbps | $65/mo | Unlimited |
| Fiber | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | $80/mo | Unlimited |
* Prices are promotional and may increase after 12-24 months. Equipment fees may apply.
How EarthLink Compares
EarthLink resells AT&T, CenturyLink, and other networks. Often same service at higher cost. Best to check direct provider first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EarthLink good?
EarthLink Users wanting simple pricing and privacy focus
How much does EarthLink cost?
EarthLink plans range from $50-$100/mo. No contracts
Does EarthLink have data caps?
No data caps
Where is EarthLink available?
EarthLink is available in 50 states.
Related Comparisons
What is the average internet speed in this area?
The average download speed in urban areas is approximately 200-300 Mbps for cable and 300-1000 Mbps for fiber. Actual speeds depend on your provider and plan. Fiber offers symmetrical upload speeds, while cable upload speeds are typically 10-35 Mbps.
Do I need a contract for internet service in my area?
No, most major providers offer no-contract options. Spectrum and T-Mobile 5G Home never require contracts. AT&T and Frontier fiber have no contract requirements. Xfinity and Cox offer month-to-month options with slightly higher rates.
Related Resources
Equipment and Installation Options
When signing up for EarthLink, you can choose between professional installation and self-installation depending on your connection type. Professional installation typically costs $50-100 and includes equipment setup, line testing, and WiFi optimization for your home layout. Self-installation kits are available for most plans and include step-by-step instructions, all necessary cables, and a preconfigured modem or gateway device. Self-installation takes approximately 30-60 minutes and saves on setup costs.
For equipment, EarthLink offers the option to rent a modem and WiFi router for a monthly fee or use your own compatible equipment. Purchasing your own modem and router costs $140-250 upfront but saves $10-15 per month in rental fees, paying for itself within 12-18 months. If you choose to rent, the provider handles all firmware updates and equipment replacements at no additional charge. Call 1-844-254-2546 to check availability and current promotions.
Customer Support and Service Experience
EarthLink provides customer support through multiple channels including phone, live chat, and an online help center. Phone support is available for technical issues, billing questions, and service changes. Many common tasks such as paying bills, upgrading plans, and scheduling appointments can be handled through the provider's website or mobile app without waiting on hold.
For technical troubleshooting, EarthLink support agents can run remote diagnostics on your connection to identify issues before scheduling a technician visit. If an on-site visit is required, the provider typically offers appointment windows and will credit your account for verified service outages exceeding 24 hours.
How to Choose the Right EarthLink Plan
Selecting the best plan depends on your household's internet usage patterns. For 1-2 people doing basic browsing, email, and occasional streaming, the lowest available tier provides adequate performance. Households with 3-5 members who stream video, work remotely, and game online should consider mid-tier plans offering 300-500 Mbps. Power users with many connected devices or who upload large files benefit from gigabit-level plans.
Consider your upload speed needs as well. Remote workers participating in frequent video conferences require at least 10 Mbps upload for reliable HD video quality. Content creators and live streamers need 25-50 Mbps or more for consistent output quality. Compare upload speeds across available plans, as they vary significantly by technology type and plan tier.
Understanding Your EarthLink Bill
Your monthly EarthLink bill may include several line items beyond the base internet plan price. Common additional charges include equipment rental fees for modems and routers ($10-15/month), WiFi management fees ($5-10/month), broadcast TV surcharges if bundled with television, and regulatory recovery fees. Understanding each charge helps you identify opportunities to reduce your bill, such as purchasing your own compatible equipment to eliminate rental fees.
Review your bill regularly for rate increases, especially after promotional periods expire. Many customers do not notice gradual price increases that accumulate over time. If your rate has increased significantly from when you first signed up, contact the retention department to negotiate a better rate. Having competitor pricing information available when you call gives you leverage to secure discounts of $10-30 per month in many cases.
Troubleshooting Common EarthLink Issues
If you experience connectivity problems with EarthLink, start with the basics: power cycle your modem and router by unplugging both for 30 seconds, then reconnecting the modem first and waiting for all lights to stabilize before plugging in the router. This simple step resolves the majority of intermittent connection issues by clearing temporary memory problems and refreshing your network connection.
For persistent speed issues, test your connection using a wired Ethernet connection directly to the modem to rule out WiFi problems. If wired speeds are normal but WiFi is slow, the issue is with your wireless network configuration or equipment rather than the internet service itself. Check for firmware updates on your router, reduce interference by moving the router away from other electronics, and consider upgrading to a WiFi 6 router if yours is more than 3-4 years old.