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EarthLink vs. Frontier Internet Providers Compared

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EarthLink Vs Frontier

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Rosslyn Elliott

Written by Rosslyn Elliott - Pub. Jul. 27, 2023 / Updated Oct. 16, 2024

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EarthLink Vs Frontier

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Plans starting at: $39.95

Popular Package: 5 Gigs

Download speeds up to: 5 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber

Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

Plans starting at: $29.99

Popular Package: Fiber 7 Gig

Download speeds up to: 7 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber & DSL

Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

EarthLink Staff rating

3.5

Earthlink is known for great customer service but higher initial prices

Earthlink’s chief difference from most other national ISPs is that Earthlink is a third-party seller. In other words, Earthlink is partnering with other major internet companies who actually provide the technology for your internet service. Your service through Earthlink might come from AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, Verizon, or Viasat. That means your type of connection through Earthlink can vary from super-fast fiber internet all the way to slower satellite internet. You will know which type of internet connection you are purchasing when you sign up for service. Just as with any other provider, you will have an idea of your approximate speed and performance when you buy. The catch is, you will pay more because Earthlink doesn’t own the networks it uses. Why would you choose a service that costs more? Well, Earthlink is known for very solid customer service in an industry that has historically struggled in that area [1]. And Earthlink offers service in less-populated areas without many other providers. That means there may be some places where Earthlink is one of your top options for internet speed or reliability.

PROS

Widespread coverage across the nation High ratings for customer service No data caps on fiber plans

Cons

As a 3rd party seller, tech outcomes will vary Prices are higher than most Plans vary significantly by region
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

Frontier Staff rating

3.8
Frontier has the same split profile as other internet providers that offer both fiber and DSL. Frontier's fiber internet offerings are outstanding across the board for both performance and pricing. But their DSL internet speed and cost will be mediocre compared to Frontier Fiber. Nearly 70% of Frontier customers can now access fiber internet, with average speeds of 6,394 Mbps for both download and upload [1]. In September 2024, Verizon announced a definitive agreement to acquire Frontier in an all-cash transaction valued at $20 billion [2]. The deal received FCC approval in May 2025 and is expected to close by February 2026 [3]. Currently, Frontier has 7.2 million fiber locations and 2.2 million fiber subscribers across 25 states, with plans to build out an additional 2.8 million fiber locations by the end of 2026. All these fiber connections are FTTP (fiber-to-the-premises), meaning all fiber-optic line, all the way to your home. That's good news, because the difference between DSL and fiber is night and day. Fiber internet will be much faster and more reliable, and you'll get much more internet speed for the price you pay. The pending Verizon acquisition is expected to accelerate fiber expansion and bring Frontier's fiber services into Verizon's broader network of approximately 7.4 million Fios connections.

PROS

Some of the best fiber prices in the country No data caps, Wi-Fi router included Strong customer satisfaction for fiber

Cons

DSL is more expensive DSL is slower Fiber is not available to all customers at present
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

EarthLink Pricing

3.0

Earthlink will charge you more initially, but prices even out by the second or third year

Many internet service providers will offer you a great promotional price for a year or two, but then raise prices much higher. Earthlink will not offer you initial promotional prices, so their plans may initially give you sticker shock. For initial prices, Earthlink will charge you more for every type of internet service: fiber, fixed wireless, or satellite. But in some cases, over the course of a few years, you may even end up saving a little money with Earthlink. Only a head-to-head comparison of specific providers in your area will tell you, so check out our price plan comparisons using your zip code.

Pricing will also vary significantly based on your internet connection type

The biggest difference between Earthlink plans is whether your chosen plan has a data cap. Earthlink Fiber internet won’t have data caps. Earthlink satellite internet and fixed wireless (4G LTE or 5G) will have data caps. If you have a plan with data caps, you may end up having to buy extra data at the end of the month. Because of these unpredictable charges, satellite pricing and fixed wireless pricing for Earthlink are less stable than for their other plans. But here’s an unusual benefit of Earthlink Wireless Home Internet. Most Earthlink plans require a one-year contract, but Earthlink’s Wireless Home Internet plans do not require a contract [2].
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

Frontier Pricing

4.0
Frontier will give you a good deal on fiber, but DSL varies widely Frontier's main distinction among fiber internet providers is competitive pricing on high-speed plans. Fiber internet plans range from $19.99 to $109.99 per month with Auto Pay and Paperless Billing [4]. Current promotional pricing includes Fiber 200 at $39.99/month, Fiber 500 at $29.99/month, and Fiber 1 Gig at $49.99/month—all offering symmetrical upload and download speeds.  With router rental included and no data caps, Frontier Fiber offers the kind of simple, clear pricing that earns high ratings from us. Frontier offers significant sign-up incentives, some of which has included a $300 Visa Reward Card with Fiber 5 Gig and 7 Gig plans, a $200 Visa Reward Card with Fiber 2 Gig, and $10/month off YouTube TV for 12 months. Be sure to check Frontier’s official website for current promotions. The only drawback is that Frontier Internet (the name for their DSL plans) does not provide the same kind of bargain. Frontier's single DSL plan costs $64.99 per month with variable speeds depending on your location. Plus, the DSL speed you will be able to get at your address will vary depending on infrastructure, with customers receiving average download speeds of 30 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 Mbps [5]. Average DSL pricing in the industry is not a great deal for customers compared to cable and fiber pricing. That's why Frontier and many other providers are moving away from copper-based service in favor of fiber.
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

EarthLink Reliability and Performance

3.5

Earthlink’s performance depends completely on the networks of major partners

One of Earthlink’s claims to fame is having “the largest network,” because Earthlink serves 90% of the United States [1]. The reality is that Earthlink does have a very large coverage area, but Earthlink does not own the networks in those areas. Differences between Earthlink’s partner networks will mean that your internet speed and performance will vary if you sign up with Earthlink. Just like Earthlink’s pricing, the quality of the service they can deliver depends on other providers. Most of the time, this works out fine because Earthlink partners with reputable ISPs. But Earthlink does not have control over your service, and that can be a disadvantage if something goes wrong. If you get Earthlink Fiber, you are probably going to be happy with your speed and reliability. Fiber is known for these advantages. Earthlink satellite or fixed wireless will often be too slow for real-timeactivities such as real-time gaming or videoconferencing. Reliability issues are going to be more likely with Earthlink’s satellite internet or Wireless Home Internet. Both satellite and wireless internet can be affected by weather. Fixed wireless can also slow down at peak times when thenetwork is congested with more traffic. Satellite internet tends to have high latency, which means a slight lag in the transmission of a signal. Latency is not noticeable for many internet activities but may affect real-time data transfer for gaming and videoconferencing.
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

Frontier Reliability and Performance

4.0
Frontier Fiber offers speed and reliability, but their DSL lags behind Just like pricing, performance for Frontier plans is heavily split depending on whether you get fiber or DSL. With Frontier Fiber, you can get multi-gigabit speeds up to 7,000 Mbps. That's right up there with the top few providers in the fiber internet business, with Frontier customers receiving average fiber speeds of 6,394 Mbps for both downloads and uploads. Frontier's fiber network delivers true symmetrical speeds—meaning your upload speed matches your download speed—which is particularly valuable for video conferencing, cloud backups, and content creation. These multi-gigabit speeds will be more than sufficient for very large households with many devices all streaming or gaming simultaneously. Even 500 Mbps is still a lot of speed and will be more than capable of supporting a five- or six-person home and all the devices in it. The pending Verizon acquisition commits to completing Frontier's planned expansion to 10 million fiber homes by 2026, ensuring continued network investment and reliability improvements.

DSL performance will be unpredictable, with customers receiving average download speeds of just 30 Mbps and upload speeds of only 2 Mbps. The only constant is that it will not deliver fiber-like performance. If you're lucky, you'll get a speed above 25 Mbps download. With that speed, you'll be able to do most standard internet activities such as streaming and browsing, though you'll have to watch how many devices are online at once. But if you get a speed that's 10 Mbps or lower, you may find your service glitching or freezing during heavy-data tasks. Frontier is actively phasing out DSL in favor of fiber networks, with former CEO Nick Jeffery indicating full copper decommissioning is expected within a three- to five-year timeframe [6].

Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

EarthLink Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

3.0

Earthlink’s installation fees and equipment fees vary

We can't give a score for any kind of consistent pricing or equipment fees because of Earthlink's 3rd party seller business model. Earthlink’s lower rating from us in this category results from the lack of simple, freely available information on pricing and fees on their website, as well as their higher prices for equipment and installation. This lack of transparency is one of the weaknesses of the telecom industry. We recommend that Earthlink, along with other internet providers, begin to be much more straightforward about which services are available across the United States and how much they cost in each area. Satellite equipment will cost you considerably more if you buy it upfront, which is typical of satellite. Earthlink will offer you the option to rent the equipment if that is more feasible. Satellite equipment will come from Viasat, Earthlink’s satellite internet partner. Because Viasat’s equipment fees are $12.99/month or $299.99 prepaid, consumers should estimate that Earthlink’s fees for Viasat equipment will be similar or slightly higher [3]. Earthlink’s bonus services include Easy Tech for unlimited tech support at $9.95 a month. Earthlink Guardian provides parental monitoring, Earthlink Protect gives security protection, and Earthlink Online Backup will protect you from data loss.
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

Frontier Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.0
Installation fees waived for fiber, included router varies by plan Frontier currently waives installation fees entirely for all fiber plans, while DSL plans have a $100 installation fee that you can avoid by doing self-installation. Every Frontier Fiber plan includes a premium Wi-Fi router at no charge, with the specific model depending on your speed tier. Plans from Fiber 200 through Fiber 2 Gig come with a free Amazon eero Pro 6E router, while Fiber 5 Gig and Fiber 7 Gig plans include the more advanced TP-Link Archer AXE300 6E router. For customers choosing the top-tier 5 Gig plan, Frontier also includes a three-year new tech upgrade guarantee. However, there are some important fees to be aware of if you decide to cancel service. Frontier charges a $100 early termination fee if you cancel within the first 12 months for all fiber plans except the Fiber 2 Gig plan, which has no early termination fee. Additionally, if you fail to return equipment after terminating service, Frontier may charge for non-return equipment fees. There's also a $50 restocking fee if you decide you no longer want your Frontier Fiber service.
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

EarthLink Experience & Support

4.5

Earthlink is known above all for superior customer service

When you research Earthlink online, you will see that Earthlink survives on its customer service. The company gets good, solid ratings for customer service, where many ISPs fall far short. That means that if you call Earthlink, odds are that you will be satisfied with what they do for you. There are just a couple of caveats to that recommendation. First, some customers report that their customer service has been routed to Earthlink’s partner providers, which removes the whole point of having Earthlink service if you’re seeking their brand of better customer service. Second, Earthlink acknowledged beginning to “reshore” its service in September 2021, which implicitly reveals that the company had offshored its customer service [4]. Offshoring customer service to foreign countries is not only potentially frustrating for the customer, but worse for U.S. workers. Many internet providers now base their customer service in the United States, and we hope Earthlink will be sure to provide its own customer support from within the country.
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

Frontier Experience & Support

3.0
Frontier Fiber shows strong performance in customer satisfaction Frontier's reviews have improved greatly with increased fiber service. In the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report, Frontier scored 71/100 for its fiber service—a significant improvement over its 58/100 score for non-fiber internet [7]. While fiber ISP satisfaction scores tend to run lower industry-wide, with AT&T leading at 78/100, Frontier's fiber performance places it competitively among major providers. Recent customer feedback reinforces these improvements. One Reddit user wrote that their “newly installed 2 Gig fiber [is an] awesome experience so far” [8]. That said, reliability might depend on where you reside, as another Reddit thread had commenters praising their service in Plano, TX, but also reporting outages and inconsistencies in speeds [9]. Frontier's sharp rise in rankings is a promising sign that if you get Frontier Fiber, you will be happy with your choice. The fiber service has earned an overall rating of 3.83 stars specifically, compared to just 2.55 stars for DSL service, highlighting the dramatic difference in customer satisfaction between the two technologies.
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

EarthLink FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit EarthlinkDeals.com.
Earthlink provides a variety of internet technologies in different regions. Earthlink’s offerings include fiber and DSL connections, with fiber providing much higher speeds than DSL. Earthlink is a third-party provider, which means they are using infrastructure owned by other companies to manage your internet service. The infrastructure they use varies from location to location.
If you have any inquiries or need assistance, you can easily contact Earthlink's customer service. They offer multiple channels of support, including phone, email, and online chat on their website. Their dedicated team is ready to help you with any concerns you may have. Earthlink is known for having one of the best customer support systems in the industry.
No, Earthlink does not impose data caps on their fiber and DSL internet plans. You can enjoy unlimited data usage without worrying about additional charges or restrictions on your internet usage.
Earthlink’s installation fee will vary based on your internet type. The fee is often between $40 and $80, which is lower than some competitors’ fees.
To check the availability of Earthlink internet in your area, simply enter your zip code here at CompareInternet.com. You can find out if Earthlink services are accessible in your location and determine the best internet plan for your needs. Because Earthlink uses the infrastructure of other ISPs, they have wide availability in 48 states.
Yes, Earthlink will support your home Wi-Fi. Earthlink supplies a Wi-Fi modem combo that will ensure compatibility.
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

Frontier FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit BuyFrontierNow.com.
Fiber-optic internet is the most advanced type of internet service offered by Frontier. Fiber-optic cables transmit data with light signals, providing faster and more reliable internet speeds compared to traditional DSL connections. Fiber-optic internet is ideal for customers who require high-speed internet for activities like streaming, gaming, and large file downloads.
Yes, Frontier offers DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) internet service. DSL uses existing copper telephone lines to provide internet connectivity to customers. DSL is a reliable option in rural areas for those who prefer a wired internet connection.
Opting for Paperless Billing with Frontier offers several benefits. First, you will not be charged the Printed Bill Fee. You will also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing paper waste. Finally, all your bills will be organized in one place and easily accessible online.
When you sign up for Frontier Internet, a professional technician will be scheduled to install the service at your home. They will ensure that the necessary equipment is properly set up and connected, allowing you to start using Frontier Internet.
Yes, you can usually keep your current email address when you switch to Frontier Internet. However, it's important to check with Frontier's customer support to confirm the details and requirements for email address migration.
No, Frontier does not enforce data caps on their internet plans. Frontier provides customers with unlimited data usage, allowing you to stream, browse, and download without worrying about exceeding any data limits or incurring additional charges.
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

EarthLink Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
5 GigsFiber InternetUp to 5,000 Mbps Only $189.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
2 GigFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $129.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
1 GigFiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $79.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
300 MbpsFiber InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $49.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
100 MbpsFiber InternetUp to 100 Mbps Only $39.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
500 MbpsFiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $64.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

Frontier Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
3-Year Price Guarantee!
Fiber 7 GigFiber InternetUp to 7,000 Mbps Only $109.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Fiber 5 GigFiber InternetUp to 5,000 Mbps Only $89.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Fiber 2 GigFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $64.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Fiber 1 GigFiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $49.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Fiber 500Fiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $29.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
1-month free of WH WiFi!
Fiber 200Fiber InternetUp to 200 Mbps Only $39.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Frontier InternetDSL InternetUp to 100 Mbps Only $64.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

EarthLink Customers Review

3.0
Pricing
3.0
3.5
Reliability & Performance
3.5
3.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
3.0
4.5
Customer Experience & Support
4.5
3.5
Overall Rating
3.5
Wes L
3.0
from Elk Grove, CA on November 2025
I ordered Earthlink Fiber service on Oct 27th 2025, with an installation date confirmed for Nov 7th 2025 from 1-5 PM. I stayed home from work waiting for the technician. I received no contact for that span of time. I contacted Earthlink via Web Text Chat on Nov 8th 2025, but got no response. I did not have time to contact them again until Nov 14th 2025. I again tried the Texting Chat and got a very delayed response. I then called the phone number 866.383.3080 on their website and finally got a response. I asked to cancel my service because of nearly complete lack of communication. ( on Nov 12th 2025 they did send a reschedule of my installation). I was told by the Retention department that there was some issue with the installation on the Nov 7th 2025, but they did not communicate this to me at all until Nov 12th 2025. And then rather than ask me when I would be available, they assigned Nov 29th 2025 (which is literally in the middle of the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend). Earthlink clearly does not have good communication between technicians, customer service, and customers, which is ironic for a company whose product is communication technology. And they are not aware of US American Holidays. To me this says that Earthlink is not competent and I do not want to have to endure this throughout the use of their service. Fortunately they have demonstrated that they do not want my money, before I had to suffer from their poor performance. ---WJL
Lamoyne Westerbeck
4.8
from Farmington, IA on September 2025
Service fine not enough and no money in when they get payment have to do without till payment made and no prorated price for service or extension from when payment made
Kathy H
3.5
from Vincennes, IN on August 2025
Earthlink is a good company, but they keep raising their price all the time it's too e pensive now.
Rebecca
1.0
from Franklin, OH on August 2025
Cannot get anyone help me install. Sending back
Mary Floyd
2.3
from Clarkston, GA on April 2025
Can not work laptop when television is on. No reception reception
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

Frontier Customers Review

4.0
Pricing
4.0
4.0
Reliability & Performance
4.0
4.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.0
3.0
Customer Experience & Support
3.0
3.8
Overall Rating
3.8
RON N
1.0
from Warne, NC on January 2026
worst customer service ever
Lynne B
1.5
from Carland, MI on December 2025
I'm paying almost $100.00 a month for WiFi! And my bill states it's going up another $10.00 next month!! Ridiculous. I'm currently looking for another provider.
Paul
2.5
from Bradenton, FL on December 2025
customer service is unwilling to review recent increases and is more willing to lose business
Sarah Munson
3.8
from El Lago, TX on November 2025
Reliable but price has increased 38% in the past two years. Customer support can be spotty.
Pamela W
3.0
from Ruskin, FL on October 2025
Have given me new quotes twice in last 3 months about $25 less than I am paying now but then I get the bill for $5 more. Done with them.
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520