InMyArea
EarthLink
National provider5G HomeLast updated: May 2026

EarthLink

Compare EarthLink prices, plans, and check availability. InMyArea.com is the #1 rated shopping and comparison site for Internet, Cable & Satellite TV, and Home Security providers.

Cities served
7,408
States
50
Primary tech
5G
Plans
4
Talk to our team
1-877-697-2926

Confirm EarthLink at your address.

Catalog

EarthLink plans & pricing

Compare plans below. Some details vary by ZIP code.

ConnectionHow it's deliveredDownloadData cap
FiberInfrared light through fiber-optic cablesUp to 5 Gbps—
DSLDigital data through telephone linesUp to 100 Mbps—
Fiber——Unlimited
DSL——Unlimited
Need plan details for your specific address?Call 1-877-697-2926
The verdict

Pros & cons

What customers love and dislike about EarthLink.

Pros
  • Enjoy unlimited access to data without throttling.
  • Maintain the same rate without worrying about increased pricing after temporary promotions.
  • Focus on internet connection and security instead of dealing with incessant pitches for cable and telephone services.
  • Gigabit download speeds
  • Broad availability
  • Multiple plan options and connection types
  • Offers security and privacy service bundles
  • No data caps
Cons
  • Shell out ETFs if you relocate or want to downgrade to a less expensive plan.
  • Pay relatively high prices for internet speeds you could get at lower rates from other ISPs.
  • Lose the ability to bundle your internet service with phone or cable services.
  • Relatively expensive
  • Contracts required
  • No TV or home phone bundles
  • ETFs for early cancellations
The complete guide

EarthLink: a buyer's guide

Everything you need to know about EarthLink — coverage footprint, equipment, installation, and how pricing actually works after the promo.

About EarthLink

Believe it or not, there are as many ways to connect to the internet as there are players on a basketball team. EarthLink primarily provides DSL and fiber to households across 50 states. That means that if it’s the right fit, there’s a good shot you can be a part of team EarthLink.

Why pick EarthLink?

Why pick EarthLink over the alternatives? It depends on what's serviceable at your address and what you're optimizing for. EarthLink runs a 5g network, which means strong speeds and reliability where the infrastructure exists. The pros and cons section on this page summarizes real customer feedback. Before you sign up, always run an availability check at your ZIP — even nationwide carriers don't reach every address.

EarthLink equipment & modems

EarthLink provides the modem and Wi-Fi equipment needed for service in most plans. Some plans include the equipment fee in the monthly price; others charge a $10-15/mo rental. You can typically buy your own compatible modem to avoid rental fees — check EarthLink's approved-device list. Self-installation kits are standard for non-fiber plans and ship in 3-5 business days.

Installing EarthLink

EarthLink installation depends on the plan. Cable, DSL, and fixed-wireless plans usually offer self-install kits — connect the modem yourself in 15 minutes. Fiber plans typically require a professional technician visit (2-4 hour window) for the optical network terminal install. 5G home internet is fully self-install. Same-week appointments are usually available; same-day in major metros.

EarthLink pricing & fees

EarthLink pricing follows the industry pattern: a 12-month promotional rate, then a higher regular rate. Add equipment rental ($10-15/mo) if not included, and any local franchise fees. Bundles with TV or mobile can save $20-40/mo. Watch for: hidden installation fees on professional installs, early termination penalties on contracts, and price hikes after promo period. Always confirm the final post-promo price before signing.

FAQ

EarthLink FAQs

Q1Is EarthLink available in my area?

Find out if EarthLink is available near you by entering your address into the search bar below. You can also scroll down to the bottom of this page to our EarthLink coverage map and zoom in on your location to see if it's in your neighborhood. If your location is highlighted in blue, then EarthLink is accessible to you! Check Availability By Address

Q2How much does EarthLink internet cost?

EarthLink internet plans start at just $39.95 per month.

Q3How fast is EarthLink high-speed internet?

EarthLink Fiber internet plans can reach symetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps.

Q4Does EarthLink have data caps?

All EarthLink internet plans come with unlimited data.

Q5Does EarthLink require a contract?

EarthLink requires at least a one-year contract on all its internet plans unless you sign up for EarthLink Wireless Home Internet, which is paid month-to-month based on a data allotment.

Q6Who owns EarthLink?

Dallas-based private equity firm, Trive Capital, has owned EarthLink since the latter part of 2018, having purchased it from Fortune 500 company Windstream Holdings. Windstream acquired EarthLink in 2017 after its merger with this once-independent ISP giant.

Q7How fast is EarthLink internet?

EarthLink offers a range of speed tiers depending on what's available at your address. Top plans typically reach 1 Gbps or higher; entry plans start around 100-300 Mbps. Fiber addresses see the highest speeds; cable and DSL are slower. Use the address check on the EarthLink site for plan availability at your ZIP.

Q8Does EarthLink have a contract?

EarthLink contract terms vary by plan and region. Some plans are no-contract month-to-month; others lock you in for 12-24 months in exchange for a lower promo rate. Early termination fees on contract plans typically run $10-15 per month remaining, capped around $200-400.

Q9Does EarthLink have data caps?

Most EarthLink residential plans are unlimited or have very high soft caps (1-2 TB). Excessive use can trigger throttling on some lower-tier plans. Streaming, gaming, and video calls don't typically hit caps — only constant 4K streaming across multiple devices comes close.

Need help choosing?

Check EarthLink availability at your address.

1-877-697-2926