EarthLink Vs Spectrum: Is EarthLink Internet Good Against Spectrum In 2025?

Being at the forefront of the tech revolution, the United States can’t survive without high-speed internet. According to a report by Statista, as of 2024, more than 331 million people have access to the internet in the country. This has become possible with the government’s commitment to promoting internet access to all parts of the country.

With this rise in internet usage, the number of internet service providers is also increasing. Two of the biggest and most prominent ISPs in the country are EarthLink and Spectrum. Consumers are constantly evaluating the pros and cons of each provider to determine which service will best meet their digital needs. So, in the battle of EarthLink Vs Spectrum, which company has the edge in 2025?

That’s what this blog is all about. We will discuss both internet providers in detail and answer the question: is EarthLink internet good against Spectrum? So, let’s start.

EarthLink Vs Spectrum: A Head-On Comparison of The Two Internet Providers

EarthLink Internet:

EarthLink was founded in 1994 by Sky Dayton. Within 1 year it had already reached 89 cities and now in the year 2025, the company is providing internet services to all 48 states of the contiguous USA. From being just a dial-up service the company has now become one of the best and largest fiber internet providers.

The reason behind the huge coverage of EarthLink internet is its partnerships with other giants in the market like AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, Verizon, and Viasat to deliver its services. With the combined volume of all these partners, the company is now providing internet to almost 78% of the households in the contiguous USA.

Pros:

• No data limits
• 48 states coverage
• Locked-in price for 1 year
• Excellent customer satisfaction rating

Cons:

• Price may be higher than some competitors
• Speeds and fiber optic availability vary by location

Spectrum Internet:

If you live in the USA and are not in the Stone Age, you must have heard about Spectrum. Just like EarthLink, Spectrum is one of the largest providers of internet in the USA. It is a brand under its parent company, Charter Communications. According to a report by the Federal Communications Commission, Charter Communications is responsible for providing internet access to more than 33.2% of all citizens, which is almost 32 million people. That is Huge!

One of the downsides of Spectrum is that unlike EarthLink it does not provide pure fiber internet, rather it relies on fiber-coaxial connections. 

Pros:

• Spectrum also offers no data caps, allowing for unrestricted internet usage
• No contracts on all plans
• Countrywide free Wi-Fi hotspots

Cons:

• Availability of fiber internet is limited
• Significant increase in price after the promo period

Spectrum Vs EarthLink: Battle of Plans And Pricing

EarthLink Internet: Pricing Structure And Speeds

As mentioned above, the company offers both DSL and fiber internet options. There is not much data available on their website regarding the DSL plans, as the company is highly focused on promoting its fiber optic internet. As per our research, EarthLink offers 2 speeds in their DSL connections i.e., 45 Mbps and 75 Mbps. The prices for these plans are $49.95/mo and $69.95/mo. 

Additionally, EarthLink has 6 fiber plans. The internet speeds for these plans range from just 100 Mbps to a whopping 5000 Mbps. However, the prices for these plans are a little high and range from $59.95/month to $189.95/mo.

All fiber internet plans from EarthLink include a complimentary 30-day trial of their antivirus and cybersecurity features. This trial lets you experience the benefits of protecting your devices and data from online threats.

Spectrum Internet: Plans And Pricing

Spectrum, known for its competitive pricing, offers plans that are designed to attract a broad audience. With prices starting at $24.99 per month, Spectrum’s plans provide speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps. These plans are suitable for a variety of internet users, from casual browsers to heavy streamers and gamers. In total, the company offers 2 cable and 3 fiber plans.

So, in terms of pricing, Spectrum has the upper hand, while EarthLink has a more diverse range of plans and availability.

Spectrum Vs EarthLink: How The Additional Costs Stack Up Against Each Other

When evaluating internet service providers, it’s essential to consider not only the base plan costs but also the additional fees that can impact your overall experience. Let’s explore Spectrum Vs EarthLink and compare these supplementary costs:

Equipment Fee:

Spectrum provides a modem at no extra charge to its customers. This inclusion is beneficial for users who want a hassle-free setup without the need to purchase or rent a separate modem. However, if you require a router (which is essential for Wi-Fi connectivity), Spectrum charges an additional fee of $7 per month. Plus for Wi-Fi pods, you will have to pay an additional 3$ per month.

Unlike Spectrum, EarthLink does not supply its equipment free of charge. If you want to rent a modem or router from them, you will have to pay an additional $15 per month. This is one of the highest equipment fees we have seen for all ISPs. 

Professional Installation Fee:

If you prefer a hassle-free setup, Spectrum can send a technician to your home to install the service for a one-time fee of $65. On the contrary, the company also provides a self-installation option. You will get a DIY kit and instructions manual so anyone can do it at home. For both cases, customers must pay a one-time activation fee of $30. 

EarthLink is at a disadvantage here as well. If you choose the professional installation, you will have to pay a hefty price of  $79.95. 

Contracts And Data Caps: EarthLink Vs Spectrum

Spectrum has maintained its stance on providing services without binding customers to long-term contracts. This approach aligns with the modern consumer’s preference for non-restrictive service agreements, allowing them to change or cancel services without facing hefty penalties. Additionally, Spectrum continues to offer plans with no data caps, a policy that has been in place since the company’s acquisition conditions in 2016.

EarthLink is lost here too. A huge drawback of EarthLink Internet is its 1-year contract policy. If you cancel their subscription before the contract period, you will have to pay an early termination fee of $200.

Exploring Availability And Coverage: EarthLink Vs Spectrum

The availability and coverage of internet service providers are crucial factors for consumers when choosing their ISP. In 2025, both EarthLink and Spectrum have made significant strides in expanding their reach and providing reliable internet services to a broader audience.

Spectrum Fiber Locations:

With a hybrid fiber-coaxial network, Spectrum provides consistent and fast internet speeds to its customers. Spectrum fiber locations span across 41 states, making it one of the most accessible ISPs in the United States. The company is successfully serving over 102 million all across the country. 

EarthLink Internet Availability:

EarthLink, on the other hand, has maintained a wide coverage area, reaching 96% of the continental United States1. EarthLink’s services are delivered primarily through DSL and fiber connections, with the latter offering speeds up to 5,000 Mbps in certain areas. While EarthLink’s DSL service is more widely available, its high-speed fiber service is not accessible in all regions. 

Customer Satisfaction Status In 2025: Spectrum Vs EarthLink

Evaluating customer satisfaction is a tricky one because there are a lot of mixed reviews on numerous websites like Reddit and TrustPilot. However, instead of relying on unverified reviews from individuals, we at GetInterentDeal rely on the authentic reports provided by the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D Power.

Unfortunately, both Spectrum and EarthLink don’t perform very well when it comes to customer satisfaction. As per the ACSI report of 2023, Spectrum has a low score of 64/100. On the other hand, EarthLink isn’t even listed on the best internet providers list.

So, we aren’t very confident in both of these companies, and you should research their performance in your area before buying any plan. 

Who Comes On Top: Final Verdict

So finally, our EarthLink Vs Spectrum comparison comes to an end. Both internet companies are strong contenders, however, there can only be one winner.

While EarthLink is making continuous efforts to improve its performance and plan, it isn’t on par with Spectrum yet. The main reason behind it is its higher pricing structure and the additional costs that are associated with it. If price and flexibility are the primary concerns, Spectrum may be the better choice. However, if a consumer prioritizes high-speed options and values customer service, EarthLink could be the preferable provider. Both ISPs have their strengths, and the decision ultimately rests on individual preferences and requirements.