EarthLink Internet Review
EarthLink isn’t quite the same as other internet service providers (ISPs) that you may be accustomed to, such as Verizon or AT&T. Rather than maintaining its own internet service, Earthlink instead utilizes the existing infrastructure of other providers. This allows the ISP to serve customers in many different areas without having to deal with infrastructure.
So, what exactly does EarthLink have to offer and can their internet service satisfy your household’s needs?
- Who is EarthLink internet for?
- Key considerations
- What others say about EarthLink internet
- How does EarthLink internet compare to other providers?
Who is EarthLink internet for?
What sets EarthLink apart from typical ISPs is its commitment to never throttle your speeds or institute data caps. For those who use large amounts of data and have run into problems with exceeding data caps in the past, Earthlink may offer relief. Even if the ISP whose network they are utilizing in your area has data caps, EarthLink won’t pass those caps on to you when you have service through them.
Key considerations
How long are EarthLink contracts?
When you sign up with EarthLink, you will enter into a 12-month agreement. Unlike some other providers, this does not mean your plan is discounted during this time, though. While the lack of introductory pricing may seem like a downside, there is also something to be said for the transparency of Earthlink’s pricing structure.
Can I provide my own equipment?
EarthLink does allow you to supply your own equipment if you choose. However, the $9 equipment fee remains intact whether you use EarthLink’s equipment or your own.*
Are there data overages?
Never. One of the biggest selling points of EarthLink service is its unlimited data policy. This is a major benefit as EarthLink customers are never hit with data overage charges even if the ISP whose network EarthLink uses in your area has a data cap for its own customers.
What is EarthLink’s cancellation policy?
If you cancel your EarthLink service during the initial 12-month contract there will be an early termination fee of up to $200.
What others say about EarthLink internet
Positive comments from EarthLink internet reviews typically center around its stable pricing and generous data policy. While EarthLink plans can be a bit more costly, the unlimited data “could make the cost of service worthwhile,” according to an EarthLink review by CNET.
Other reviews have echoed a similar sentiment. “EarthLink’s data policy was the biggest highlight,” in the eyes of another review by ZDNet.
How does EarthLink internet compare to other providers?
In terms of speed, EarthLink internet is very competitive with maximum download speeds reaching 1000Mbps on its highest-tiered plan. This should come as no surprise as EarthLink utilizes established DSL and fiber networks, such as those maintained by Frontier and Verizon.
EarthLink internet prices are often slightly more expensive than other providers for similar plans. This isn’t always the case, though. For example, EarthLink’s Gigabit plan for $100 is a bargain compared to Spectrum, which prices the same plan at $110.*
Some providers still have data caps on their plans, and this is another area where EarthLink is extremely competitive. For example, Cox has a 1.25TB cap and Xfinity has a 1.2TB cap. If you use an extremely high amount of data each month, EarthLink is worth considering due to the unlimited data you’ll receive with each of their plans.
*Pricing varies by location and availability. Speeds may vary. All prices subject to change; for current pricing and availability visit our internet service page. Prices as of 2/1/22.
Disclosure | Updater articles are based on our own data and research, independent from partner relationships. We are not compensated by partners for information and opinions presented here. Our Editorial Terms of Service can be found here.
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