Earthlink's current pricing and plan structure

Earthlink offers internet through two main technologies depending on where you live: fiber and fixed wireless. Fiber plans start around $50 per month for speeds of 300 Mbps and go up to $80 per month for 2 gigabit speeds. Fixed wireless plans typically cost $60 to $70 per month. These are the advertised rates before taxes and fees, which vary by location and can add $10 to $20 monthly.

The company frequently runs promotions that reduce the first-year price — often dropping the opening rate by $10 to $20 per month. These promotional rates expire after 12 months, and your bill then moves to the standard price. Earthlink does not lock you into a contract, so you can leave without penalty once the promotional period ends if the regular price is higher than you want to pay.

Installation costs run $99 for a technician visit in most areas, though Earthlink occasionally waives this fee during promotions. Self-installation is free if you choose to set up the equipment yourself, though this option is not available in all service areas.

Key Takeaways

  • Earthlink fiber plans range from $50 to $80 per month depending on speed, while fixed wireless plans cost $60 to $70 monthly before taxes and fees.
  • Promotional rates typically last 12 months and then increase to the standard price, so confirm what you will pay after the first year before signing up.
  • Installation fees are $99 for a technician but free if you self-install, and Earthlink has no long-term contract requirement.
  • Taxes and fees add $10 to $20 per month depending on your location and are not included in the advertised price.
  • Earthlink's availability depends on your address — fiber reaches some neighborhoods while fixed wireless serves others, so check your specific location before comparing prices.

How Earthlink's speeds compare to its pricing

Earthlink's fiber speeds range from 300 Mbps up to 2 gigabits per second (2,000 Mbps). The 300 Mbps tier is the entry-level option and costs the least. Most households with four or fewer people and moderate streaming use find 300 Mbps sufficient. If you have multiple people video conferencing, gaming, or streaming 4K video simultaneously, the 500 Mbps or 1 gigabit tiers become more practical, though they cost $10 to $20 more per month.

Fixed wireless speeds are typically capped at 100 to 150 Mbps, which is slower than fiber but faster than older cable or DSL. Fixed wireless works best for single-person households or light use. If you need higher speeds, fixed wireless will not meet your needs regardless of price.

The price difference between speed tiers is usually $10 to $15 per month. Before paying extra for a higher tier, test whether your current internet speed is actually the bottleneck — slow performance often comes from router placement, WiFi interference, or too many devices connected at once rather than from insufficient speed.

What is included and what costs extra

Earthlink includes a modem and router with all plans at no extra charge. You own this equipment, not rent it, so you never pay a monthly equipment fee. The company provides 24/7 customer support by phone and online chat.

Earthlink does not bundle television or phone service with internet. If you want TV or phone, you must purchase those separately from another provider. This can be an advantage if you only need internet, since you avoid paying for services you do not use, but it means your total bill will be higher if you want all three services.

There are no data caps on Earthlink internet plans. You can read and upload as much as you want without overage charges or throttling.

How Earthlink's prices stack up against other providers

Earthlink's fiber pricing is competitive with other fiber providers in areas where both operate. When fiber is available from multiple companies, prices tend to cluster in the $50 to $80 range for comparable speeds. Earthlink's fixed wireless pricing is similar to other fixed wireless providers like Verizon 5G Home or T-Mobile Home Internet, which also cost $60 to $70 monthly.

Cable internet from Comcast or Charter is often cheaper at the promotional rate but typically costs more after the promotion ends. DSL from AT&T or Verizon is usually the least expensive option upfront but offers slower speeds. The best value depends on what speeds you actually need and how long you plan to stay at your address.

Earthlink's lack of a contract is an advantage over some competitors who require two-year commitments. This matters most if you think you might move or switch providers within a year or two.

Checking Earthlink availability and getting an accurate quote

Earthlink's service area is not nationwide. The company operates in select regions, and availability varies significantly by neighborhood. Entering your street address on Earthlink's website will show you which plans are actually available at your location and what the exact price will be, including taxes and fees specific to your area.

The advertised prices you see online are starting prices and may not reflect what you will pay. Your actual quote depends on your address, which technology serves your area, and any current promotions. Always check your specific address before comparing Earthlink to other providers, because a plan that is available in one neighborhood might not be available two blocks away.

If Earthlink is not available at your address, the website will tell you that rather than hiding it. This is useful information — it means you can move on to checking other providers without wasting time.

Promotional rates and price increases after the first year

Earthlink's promotional pricing is real but temporary. The company advertises a lower rate for the first 12 months, then the price increases to the standard rate. The increase is typically $10 to $20 per month depending on the plan. You will receive notice of the price change before it happens, usually 30 days in advance.

After the promotional period ends, you have three options: pay the higher price, call Earthlink to negotiate a new promotional rate (which sometimes works), or switch to a different provider. Because there is no contract, switching carries no penalty. Many people use this as leverage — calling to say they are considering switching can sometimes result in a lower renewal rate.

The promotional rate is not a discount off a higher price; it is the actual price you pay for the first year. The standard rate is what the service costs after that. Understanding this distinction helps you make a realistic budget decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Earthlink charge a modem rental fee?

No. Earthlink includes the modem and router with your plan at no extra charge, and you own the equipment. You will never see a monthly equipment fee on your bill.

Can I cancel Earthlink without paying a penalty?

Yes. Earthlink does not require a contract, so you can cancel anytime without an early termination fee. You may owe for service through the end of your billing cycle, but there is no additional penalty for leaving.

What happens to my price after the first year?

Your promotional rate expires after 12 months, and your bill increases to the standard price for that plan. Earthlink will notify you before this happens. You can then choose to pay the higher price, call to negotiate, or switch providers.

Is Earthlink available everywhere?

No. Earthlink serves select regions and neighborhoods. Enter your address on their website to see what is available at your location. If nothing shows up, Earthlink does not serve your area.

What speeds do I actually need?

For one or two people with light use, 100 to 300 Mbps is usually enough. For a household of four or more with multiple video streams or online gaming, 500 Mbps to 1 gigabit is more practical. Test your current speed first — slow performance often comes from WiFi issues rather than insufficient speed.