EarthLink Vs Verizon: Is EarthLink Better Than Verizon Fios Internet For Residential Customers In 2024?

The internet world in 2024? Let’s just say it’s more essential than ever. And if you’re shopping around for a new internet service provider, you’ve probably encountered two familiar names: EarthLink and Verizon Fios. Both providers have their champions, their critics, and a whole bunch of data to sort through. But which one’s really right for your home in 2024? That’s what we’re diving into today—head first, no holds barred, and with some hard truths along the way.

In this detailed EarthLink Vs Verizon comparison blog, we will explore pricing, speed, hidden costs, and everything else you need to know. So, is EarthLink the surprise underdog, or does Verizon Fios still reign supreme? Let’s find out.

But before we move on, here is the short answer:

As of 2024, EarthLink is not better than Verizon Fios. This is mainly due to Verizon’s lower prices and additional costs.

How Does EarthLink Vs Verizon Home Internet Compare In a Head-to-Head Comparison?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of EarthLink Vs Verizon plans, fees, and availability, let’s get a quick sense of the pros and cons. Sometimes, it’s not just the technical details but the overall experience that makes or breaks your relationship with an ISP.

EarthLink Internet:

EarthLink has been around for quite a while, initially making its mark as a dial-up service provider. But in 2024, they’ve gone full-fiber and are leveraging partnerships with big players like AT&T and Frontier to serve a wide customer base. Let’s look at what they’re offering.

Pros:

• No Data Caps: Yep, you read that right. No arbitrary limits, no “oh, you’ve reached 95% of your usage this month” warnings. You’re free to stream, game, and browse to your heart’s content.
• Widespread Coverage: EarthLink uses its partnerships to offer fiber across 48 states—far beyond what many people expect. This partnership-based model also explains why you might get EarthLink service even if you’re technically in another ISP’s area.
• No Price Hikes: None of that “$29.99 for the first year, then we’ll slam you with a 70% increase” nonsense. EarthLink’s pricing stays put after your first 12 months.
• Solid Customer Service Reputation: EarthLink might not top every satisfaction list, but they’re no slouches when it comes to customer care. They generally have a solid reputation for being helpful and responsive.

Cons:

• Pricing for Lower Speeds: While their unlimited data offering is fantastic, their lower-tier speeds aren’t exactly competitive in price. If you’re just looking for a basic 100 Mbps plan, you might find cheaper alternatives elsewhere.
• Variable Speeds by Location: Depending on how close you are to a major hub, EarthLink’s speeds can vary.

Verizon Fios Internet:

Verizon Fios, on the other hand, is the fiber internet service that everyone loves to recommend—especially if you’re in the Northeast. They’ve made a name for themselves by offering ultra-fast internet with no contracts or data caps. But is it all sunshine and rainbows?

Pros:

• Symmetrical Speeds: Verizon Fios offers equal download and upload speeds, ideal for remote work, large file uploads, and streaming or gaming.
  
• No Contracts, No Data Caps: Fios doesn’t require contracts and has no data caps, allowing unlimited streaming, gaming, and file uploads without concerns.
  
• Competitive Pricing for High-Speed Plans:
  

Cons:

• Limited Availability: Verizon Fios is primarily available in the Northeast, limiting access and rendering its advantages irrelevant for those outside the service area.
  
• Installation Fees for Lower Plans: There is a $99 installation fee for the 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps plans unless you qualify for self-installation, which can be an unexpected cost.
  

Comparison of Verizon Vs EarthLink Pricing And Internet Plans

Pricing is one of the most significant factors in choosing an internet service provider, and when comparing EarthLink and Verizon Fios, we see some clear distinctions.

EarthLink Internet: Pricing Structure And Internet Speeds:

EarthLink offers a broad range of internet plans, from a modest 100 Mbps all the way up to a blazing 5 Gbps. However, EarthLink’s pricing tends to be on the higher side, particularly for its lower-speed plans, and this is where it can lose ground to competitors like Verizon.

Here’s a breakdown of EarthLink’s fiber internet pricing:

As you can see, EarthLink’s pricing for the Fiber 100 plan starts at $59.95/month. In a market where 100 Mbps can often be found for significantly less, this makes EarthLink a tougher sell for budget-conscious users. However, EarthLink does balance this with unlimited data on all plans, which could appeal to heavy data users or streamers who don’t want to deal with throttling.

Where EarthLink shines is with its no-data-cap policy across all its plans, meaning you won’t be penalized for heavy internet use—whether that’s streaming HD content or working with large files. Their 1 Gig plan comes in at $89.95/month, which is fairly competitive with some ISPs but notably more expensive than Verizon Fios.

Verizon Fios: Plans And Pricing:

Verizon Fios, on the other hand, has positioned itself as a strong value competitor with more competitive pricing, particularly for its entry-level and mid-tier plans. Verizon’s fiber optic plans are geared toward providing robust speeds at a lower cost than many other fiber providers.

Here’s how Verizon Fios’ pricing breaks down:

Verizon’s 300 Mbps plan is priced at $34.99/month, which is almost half the cost of EarthLink’s lowest-tier plan at 100 Mbps. The pricing is aggressive, especially given the solid speeds that come with it. Verizon Fios also keeps it competitive as you move up in speed—their 1 Gig plan is only $64.99/month, which is $25/month cheaper than EarthLink’s 1 Gbps plan.

So, Is EarthLink Cheaper Than Verizon?

In almost every scenario, Verizon Fios offers better pricing than EarthLink for the same or comparable speeds. The only time EarthLink might seem more appealing is if you need higher speeds beyond 2 Gbps (like their 5 Gbps plan), or if you live in an area where Verizon Fios isn’t available.

Additionally, Verizon Fios often includes additional perks with their higher-tier plans, such as free routers or gift cards, which we’ll cover in the next section.

Additional Costs Comparison: Verizon Vs EarthLink

Equipment Cost: EarthLink Vs Verizon

EarthLink charges a $15/month equipment fee for modem and router rentals. This can add up to $180/year, so if you’re planning to stick with them for a while, it’s worth considering buying your own equipment. EarthLink does allow you to use your own modem and router, which is a nice touch for savvy users looking to save some cash in the long run.

Verizon, on the other hand, doesn’t charge an equipment rental fee. All Fios plans include a free router, and for their 1 Gig and 2 Gig plans, they also throw in full-home WiFi. This is a huge value-add, particularly for users with larger homes or for those who want a robust wireless network without additional cost.

In this category, Verizon Fios clearly wins, saving you at least $180/year over EarthLink on equipment alone.

Professional Installation Fee: EarthLink Vs Verizon

Charges a $79.95 one-time installation fee. This applies to all new installations, and there’s no waiver or free installation for higher-tier plans. This fee is fairly standard, but still an added cost to consider.

On the contrary, Verizon charges a $99 installation fee, but—and this is a big but—Verizon waives this fee for their 1 Gig and 2 Gig plans if you order online. If you go with their lower-tier plans (300 Mbps or 500 Mbps), you can avoid this fee by opting for their self-installation option, which is free.

This is another win for Verizon, especially if you’re going for their gigabit plans.

Data Caps And Contracts (Early Termination Fee): Verizon VS EarthLink

One of EarthLink’s strong points is that they don’t impose data caps on any of their plans, and you’re free to use as much data as you want. However, they do require a 1-year contract, and if you cancel early, you’re hit with a $200 early termination fee.

Like EarthLink, Verizon doesn’t impose data caps, but they go a step further by offering no contracts on any of their plans. That means you can cancel at any time without penalty. In fact, if you’re switching from another provider, Verizon will help cover up to $500 in early termination fees, making it easier to switch to their service.

When it comes to contract flexibility and freedom from penalties, Verizon Fios takes the win.

AT&T Vs EarthLink: Are There Any Promotional Deals?

Currently, EarthLink offers no major promotions directly, whereas Verizon provides special deals like a free $200 gift card for new customers, especially for those signing up for the 1 Gig plan.

Exploring Availability And Coverage: EarthLink Vs AT&T

EarthLink Availability:

EarthLink touts coverage in 48 states, but the reality is more complicated. Their wide footprint is thanks to partnerships with other ISPs, such as AT&T and Frontier, allowing EarthLink to resell fiber services over their networks. While this arrangement allows EarthLink to reach a broader audience, it also means your service quality can vary significantly based on your location and which network you’re actually connecting to.

The biggest issue with EarthLink is that, while they advertise fiber, their true fiber service is only available in select areas. In many places, EarthLink customers are still relying on DSL or satellite internet, which is far slower and less reliable than fiber. So, while EarthLink has a large geographic reach, it’s not a pure fiber network across all regions.

The following are the best cities for EarthLink fiber plans:

Verizon Fios Coverage Map:

Verizon Fios is far more limited in terms of geographic reach, with service available in only 9 states, primarily in the Northeast. If you’re in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or Washington D.C., you’re in luck—Verizon’s service is among the best in those regions. But if you’re outside these areas, Verizon Fios isn’t even an option.

This is Verizon’s biggest limitation. While they excel in the areas they serve, their footprint is tiny compared to EarthLink’s.

To find out if Verizon services are available in your location, you can utilize straightforward online resources.

• Start by visiting their official website and inputting your address in the coverage check section. This will reveal the various plans offered in your specific area.
• Alternatively, you can access the National Broadband Map on the FCC’s official website. By entering your address there, the map will provide information about all the internet service providers available in your vicinity.

Which Provider Has Better Coverage In Rural Areas: Verizon or EarthLink?

When it comes to rural areas, EarthLink has the upper hand simply because of their partnership model. EarthLink can offer service to more remote locations thanks to their agreements with other ISPs, even if it’s not always fiber. If you live in a rural area, you’re more likely to find EarthLink as an option, though it may be a DSL or satellite service.

Verizon Fios, on the other hand, is almost nonexistent in rural regions. They focus on urban and suburban areas, which means if you’re out in the countryside, Verizon Fios won’t be an option.

Which Is Better For Gaming EarthLink or Verizon?

For gaming, speed and low latency are non-negotiables. Both EarthLink and Verizon offer speeds that can support hardcore gaming, but Verizon’s symmetrical speeds (download and upload) put it ahead. Plus, Verizon is also famous for its consistently low latency. On average the latency or ping of Fios plans is around 4.25 milliseconds to 5 milliseconds, which is nothing short of awesome. 

To put it in one line. Verizon is better for gaming when compared with EarthLink.

Customer Satisfaction Status of Verizon And EarthLink In 2024

In the 2024 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Verizon Fios achieved a score of 77, reflecting a solid increase in customer satisfaction from the previous year. This places it above the ISP industry average of 71. EarthLink’s specific score isn’t highlighted in the ACSI report, but its reputation generally lags behind major providers.

Meanwhile, the J.D. Power study indicates that Verizon consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction compared to competitors. While detailed figures for EarthLink are unavailable, it often faces challenges in matching the service quality and customer support that Verizon offers.

Final Take: Is EarthLink Internet Service Better Than Verizon?

Here’s the thing: Verizon Fios offers better pricing, more speed for your buck, and higher customer satisfaction—if you live in their coverage area. That’s a big “if.” But if you’re lucky enough to have access, Verizon Fios is probably your best bet.

EarthLink, on the other hand, is a solid option if you’re in a location without Verizon’s fiber network. They offer broad availability, no data caps, and a relatively customer-friendly experience, but their pricing is higher, and speeds can fluctuate.

In 2024, Verizon Fios is the clear winner where available. But if you’re outside their reach, EarthLink is a respectable choice—just watch out for those higher prices.