EarthLink Internet Review 2025 – Plans, Speeds & Real-World Ratings
EarthLink first made its name in the dial-up days, but in 2025 the brand resells fibre-optic, DSL, and fixed-wireless connections in 30 + states. Marketing highlights symmetrical gigabit speeds and “no data caps,” yet EarthLink’s website reveals little on pricing until you call. To cut through the hype, this review digs into independent speed tests, published plan details, and hundreds of verified customer opinions—so you’ll know whether EarthLink’s convenience justifies the premium, or if a direct-from-the-carrier alternative serves you better.
- Enjoy Full-Speed AX3000 WiFi 6: Enjoy blazing speeds increased by 150% WiFi booster with dual-band 2.4GHz (600Mbps) and 5GHz (2400Mbps). Whether streaming 8K videos or playing action-packed games, experience silk-smooth connectivity.
- Expand WiFi Range to 13888sp.ft: AX3000 wifi extender with 4 antennas widen the wireless signal coverage area and direction, making it possible to cover the whole home without dead zones effectively and dynamically. It expands your wireless cover to 13888 sq.ft.
- Great Compatibility, High Capacity: With a higher capacity of 100+ devices, this WiFi range extender is perfect for multi-device households. Supports any WiFi devices, such as Smart Phones, Smart TV, Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, Web Browsing, Alexa Echo, Ring and more, etc. Compatible with IEEE 802.11 ax/ac/a/n/g/b.
Snapshot of EarthLink Plans & Pricing
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Fiber 100: Offers download and upload speeds of 100/100 Mbps, starting at $39.95 per month. This plan requires a 12-month contract and has no data cap. It’s ideal for households of 1–2 people streaming in HD.
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Fiber 1 Gig: Provides speeds of 1 Gbps for both download and upload, priced at $74.95 per month with a 12-month contract and no data cap. This plan is perfect for 4K gamers and heavy uploaders.
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Fiber 5 Gig: This plan offers 5 Gbps download and upload speeds, costing $189.95 per month with a 12-month contract and no data cap. It’s best suited for remote teams and content creators.
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LTE Home 100 GB: With speeds of up to 100 Mbps download and 15 Mbps upload, this plan is priced at $99.95 per month with a 12-month contract and a 100 GB data cap. It’s designed for rural users who lack access to cable or fiber.
- Enjoy Full-Speed AX3000 WiFi 6: Enjoy blazing speeds increased by 150% WiFi booster with dual-band 2.4GHz (600Mbps) and 5GHz (2400Mbps). Whether streaming 8K videos or playing action-packed games, experience silk-smooth connectivity.
- Expand WiFi Range to 13888sp.ft: AX3000 wifi extender with 4 antennas widen the wireless signal coverage area and direction, making it possible to cover the whole home without dead zones effectively and dynamically. It expands your wireless cover to 13888 sq.ft.
- Great Compatibility, High Capacity: With a higher capacity of 100+ devices, this WiFi range extender is perfect for multi-device households. Supports any WiFi devices, such as Smart Phones, Smart TV, Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, Web Browsing, Alexa Echo, Ring and more, etc. Compatible with IEEE 802.11 ax/ac/a/n/g/b.
How EarthLink Works
EarthLink doesn’t own last-mile lines. Instead it leases wholesale capacity from AT&T Fiber, Frontier, CenturyLink, Verizon and local carriers, layering its own billing and security add-ons. The upside is wider fibre availability; the downside is higher monthly fees and an extra contractual layer for support.
Real-World Customer Ratings
| Source | Avg. score (5 pt) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| BroadbandNow (736 reviews) | 4.10 | Strong speed & reliability marks, middling customer service |
| ConsumerAffairs (1 400 + stories) | 3.4 | Frequent praise for fibre speeds; price-shock complaints when intro promos end |
| BBB complaints (3-year tally) | 620 filed | Billing disputes and early-termination fees common themes |
Overall sentiment: speeds generally meet or exceed advertised rates, but surprise fees and long phone wait times frustrate some subscribers.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Symmetrical fibre speeds up to 5 Gbps | Higher base price than carrier-direct fibre |
| Zero data caps on fibre tiers | Mandatory $19.95 monthly “Tech Service Fee” |
| Available in underserved ZIP codes via wholesale lines | 12-month contract with up-to-$200 ETF |
| Bundled security tools (Protect+, Guardian) for 30 days | Modem rental ($14.95 / mo) unless you BYO |
| US-based phone support 24/7 | DSL lines slower & pricier than cable peers |
How Does It Compare?
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AT&T Fiber 1 Gig – $55 / mo promo, no contract, equipment included; limited to AT&T build-outs.
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Verizon Fios 300 Mbps – $49.99 / mo, router included, price-lock for 5 years in many regions.
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Spectrum Internet® – $49.99 / mo for 300 Mbps cable, no data caps, but upload limited to 10 Mbps.
- Enjoy Full-Speed AX3000 WiFi 6: Enjoy blazing speeds increased by 150% WiFi booster with dual-band 2.4GHz (600Mbps) and 5GHz (2400Mbps). Whether streaming 8K videos or playing action-packed games, experience silk-smooth connectivity.
- Expand WiFi Range to 13888sp.ft: AX3000 wifi extender with 4 antennas widen the wireless signal coverage area and direction, making it possible to cover the whole home without dead zones effectively and dynamically. It expands your wireless cover to 13888 sq.ft.
- Great Compatibility, High Capacity: With a higher capacity of 100+ devices, this WiFi range extender is perfect for multi-device households. Supports any WiFi devices, such as Smart Phones, Smart TV, Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, Web Browsing, Alexa Echo, Ring and more, etc. Compatible with IEEE 802.11 ax/ac/a/n/g/b.
If you can buy fibre direct from the underlying network owner, you’ll typically save $15-25 / mo versus EarthLink’s resold version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EarthLink available in my area?
Enter your ZIP on EarthLink.net or call sales; coverage footprints largely shadow AT&T, Frontier, Lumen/CenturyLink, and Windstream fibre builds.
Does EarthLink throttle or cap data?
Fibre tiers have no caps. LTE Home plans carry 100 GB, 150 GB, or 300 GB soft caps; speeds slow to 1 Mbps after the limit.
Can I use my own modem or router?
Yes on DSL and some fibre ONTs, but EarthLink requires its managed gateway for LTE Home. Using your own gear waives the $14.95 rental, but tech support may be limited.
What setup fees apply?
Expect a one-time $79.95 installation fee (fibre) or $39.95 activation (DSL/LTE). Promotions occasionally waive these charges.
How do I avoid contract penalties?
Move service to a new address or wait out the 12-month term. Cancelling early triggers up to $200 ETF, prorated by months left.
- Enjoy Full-Speed AX3000 WiFi 6: Enjoy blazing speeds increased by 150% WiFi booster with dual-band 2.4GHz (600Mbps) and 5GHz (2400Mbps). Whether streaming 8K videos or playing action-packed games, experience silk-smooth connectivity.
- Expand WiFi Range to 13888sp.ft: AX3000 wifi extender with 4 antennas widen the wireless signal coverage area and direction, making it possible to cover the whole home without dead zones effectively and dynamically. It expands your wireless cover to 13888 sq.ft.
- Great Compatibility, High Capacity: With a higher capacity of 100+ devices, this WiFi range extender is perfect for multi-device households. Supports any WiFi devices, such as Smart Phones, Smart TV, Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, Web Browsing, Alexa Echo, Ring and more, etc. Compatible with IEEE 802.11 ax/ac/a/n/g/b.
Verdict – Who Should Choose EarthLink?
Pick EarthLink if:
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Fibre is available through EarthLink but not direct from the carrier in your area, giving you gigabit speeds where your only alternative is 25 Mbps DSL or costly cable.
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You value unlimited data and will offset the higher monthly bill by ditching TV and phone bundles.
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You want added privacy tools (VPN, dark-web monitoring) bundled into one invoice.
Skip it if you:
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Have direct access to AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber, or Verizon Fios—those will be cheaper.
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Rely on price-lock guarantees; EarthLink’s rates historically rise after year one.
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Need blazing uploads but only qualify for EarthLink DSL (5–12 Mbps up).
Bottom line: EarthLink’s fibre service delivers the advertised speed and avoids draconian caps, but you pay a reseller premium and must mind contract fine print. Evaluate carrier-direct deals first—yet for households stuck in an ISP desert, EarthLink can be the upgrade that finally makes streaming, gaming, and remote work frustration-free.
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