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Viasat vs. EarthLink: Which Internet Provider Is Better?

Compare internet speeds, pricing, reliability, customer reviews, and fees so you can choose the best internet provider for your home.

100% unbiased. Provider information updated regularly.
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Viasat Vs EarthLink

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3.9/5 CompareInternet Staff Rating
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3.5/5 CompareInternet Staff Rating
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3.9

Plans starting at: $39.99

Popular Package: Unleashed

Download speeds up to: 200 Mbps

Connection Types: Satellite

Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3544
3.5

Plans starting at: $39.95

Popular Package: 1 Gig

Download speeds up to: 5 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber

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

Viasat Provider Information

Viasat is a major satellite internet provider headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Unlike terrestrial options that rely on wires buried in the ground, Viasat beams data directly from space to a dish installed at your home. This technology makes it a top choice for people living in rural or remote areas where cable or fiber infrastructure doesn't exist. In September 2026, Viasat's ViaSat-3 F2 satellite entered service over the Americas, completing the company's next-generation ViaSat-3 network, which Viasat says has tripled bandwidth across its fleet. That added capacity powers a refreshed lineup of three home internet plans: Essentials, Unleashed, and Unleashed Max. Viasat now handles streaming, web browsing, and everyday work tasks well, and every plan includes unlimited data. Essentials includes 150 GB of High-Speed Data, while Unleashed and Unleashed Max include unlimited High-Speed Data with no long-term contract. You will still notice higher latency than hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) or fiber connections, so Viasat isn't ideal for competitive online gaming or lag-sensitive video calls. Plans start at $39.99 for 150 Mbps, while the most advanced options reach $109.99 for 200 Mbps. Availability is nationwide, covering all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and Viasat estimates that 99% of U.S. households can get its service. Viasat's biggest advantage is its reach, as it is often the only high-speed option for rural residents. However, the trade-offs are real. Your home needs a clear view of the southern sky for the dish, though standard professional installation is now free. Heavy rain or severe weather can also interrupt your connection, and the Essentials plan requires a 24-month contract. If you have access to a wired connection like fiber or HFC, it will almost always offer better performance and lower latency. For rural households without those options, Viasat is a stronger choice than ever.

EarthLink Provider Information

EarthLink operates as a nationwide internet service provider that functions primarily as a reseller, leveraging the existing infrastructure of major regional networks to deliver connectivity. Because they do not own the physical lines, your specific connection type depends on your location. You might receive service via fiber optics, which offers symmetrical speeds and high reliability, or through hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks that provide fast downloads but typically slower upload speeds. This model gives EarthLink a massive footprint across the United States, making them a viable option in areas where direct access to primary providers might be limited or restricted.

Pricing is generally straightforward, though it can vary based on the underlying network partner in your area. Plans start at $39.95 for 100 Mbps, scaling up to $189.95 for 5000 Mbps. The primary benefit of choosing EarthLink is their focus on customer service and a lack of data caps, which provides peace of mind for heavy users. However, because they are a middleman, you are subject to the technical limitations and maintenance schedules of the local network owner. If you experience a service outage, you are reliant on EarthLink to coordinate with the infrastructure owner for repairs. EarthLink is a solid fit for people who prioritize a simplified billing experience and responsive support over the potential cost savings of signing up directly with a massive regional utility provider.

PROS

Wide coverage means 99% of U.S. households can get satellite internet Unlimited data on every plan Burst speeds up to 200 Mbps on Unleashed Max Free standard installation

Cons

Slower than fiber or hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) internet Higher latency or “ping” Can experience temporary “rain fade” during heavy rain or snow Essentials plan requires a 24-month contract

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

Viasat Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
$30 off for 12 months
UnleashedSatellite InternetUp to 180 Mbps Only $69.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$30 off for 12 months
EssentialsSatellite InternetUp to 150 Mbps Only $39.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$70 off for 12 months
Unleashed MaxSatellite InternetUp to 200 Mbps Only $109.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3544

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

Viasat FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit ViasatDeals.com.
Viasat internet uses a modem and dish system to transmit user requests to satellites, which then connect to a gateway station on the ground network.
Viasat internet covers all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The company estimates that 99% of the U.S. population can get its service.
Viasat internet frequently offers faster speeds compared to DSL or LTE, with burst speeds up to 200 Mbps on Unleashed Max.
Yes, Viasat’s data plans and speed will allow you to stream HD videos.
Every Viasat plan has unlimited data, so you never lose your connection. Unleashed and Unleashed Max include unlimited High-Speed Data, while Essentials includes 150 GB of High-Speed Data followed by unlimited Standard Data that may slow down during congestion.
You can game on Viasat internet, but performance depends on the game. Turn-based and single-player games work well, but fast-paced multiplayer games struggle because satellite latency typically runs at 600 milliseconds or higher.
Both plans include unlimited High-Speed Data and no long-term contract. Unleashed Max adds burst speeds up to 200 Mbps (versus 180 Mbps on Unleashed), priority network access during busy hours, and EasyCare protection at no extra charge.
Viasat Unleashed and Unleashed Max are month-to-month plans with no long-term contract. Viasat Essentials requires a 24-month service agreement.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3544

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