EarthLink Internet Plans
Wireless Home Internet Essentials
- FIXED WIRELESS connection
- Speed: Up to 25 Mbps
- Price: $49.95/mo
The Ultimate Guide to EarthLink Internet
🌐 Introduction to EarthLink
EarthLink is one of the oldest ISPs in America (founded 1994), now operating as an internet reseller that provides service through other providers' infrastructure (primarily AT&T and Frontier networks). It offers DSL, fiber, and fixed wireless with a focus on no-contract plans and privacy-focused browsing.
✅ Why Consider EarthLink?
✔ Nationwide availability (Uses multiple networks)
✔ No hard data caps (On most plans)
✔ "Price for Life" guarantee (Select plans)
✔ Enhanced security (Free McAfee security suite)
✔ No throttling (Unlike some resellers)
✅ Key Features:
All plans include:
EarthLink's "Security Suite" (VPN, antivirus)
24/7 technical support
No contracts (excludes some fiber plans)
Unique offering:
"EarthLink Extras" (Cloud storage discounts)
⚠ Note: Actual speeds depend on underlying provider's network.
⚡ Speed & Performance
Real-World Speed Tests
| Plan | Advertised | Actual Speed | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|
| HyperLink (DSL) | 100 Mbps | 45-90 Mbps | 25-50 ms |
| Fiber | 1 Gbps | 850-940 Mbps | 5-15 ms |
| Wireless | 50 Mbps | 30-45 Mbps | 40-60 ms |
🔍 Best Uses:
✅ General browsing/email
✅ HD streaming (2-3 devices)
✅ Basic smart home devices
⚠ Not ideal for:
❌ Competitive gaming (DSL latency)
❌ 4K streaming on wireless plans
📍 EarthLink Availability
🌍 Coverage:
✔ DSL: 80%+ of US (via AT&T/Frontier copper lines)
✔ Fiber: Select cities (Where AT&T Fiber exists)
✔ Wireless: Rural communities in 26 states
How to Check Availability:
Visit Check Availability
Enter address
See which network type is offered
⚠ Limitations:
Fiber availability depends on underlying providers
Wireless requires line-of-sight to EarthLink towers
👍 Pros & Cons
✅ Advantages
✔ No bundling pressure (Internet-only focus)
✔ Consistent pricing (No surprise hikes on "Price for Life")
✔ Privacy emphasis (No browsing data sales)
❌ Disadvantages
❌ Speeds vary widely by location
❌ Limited fiber availability
❌ Older DSL infrastructure in many areas
🔍 EarthLink vs. Competitors
| Provider | Type | Max Speed | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EarthLink | Reseller | 1 Gbps | $50-$65/mo | Privacy-conscious users |
| AT&T | Direct ISP | 5 Gbps | $55-$180/mo | Fiber users |
| CenturyLink | Direct ISP | 940 Mbps | $50-$65/mo | Price-sensitive users |
| Starlink | Satellite | 220 Mbps | $120/mo | Remote locations |
💡 Best Alternative?
For fiber reliability: AT&T Fiber (where available)
For rural areas: Starlink (higher cost but faster)
📢 Final Verdict: Is EarthLink Worth It?
⭐ Rating: 3.7/5
👍 Best For:
Users wanting no-contract internet
Privacy-focused individuals
Areas with limited ISP competition
👎 Not Ideal For:
Gamers needing ultra-low latency
Households wanting multi-gig speeds