EarthLink Plans, Prices & Deals
EarthLink offers fiber, 5G and satellite internet plans across the U.S., with availability in 48 states, including the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and parts of California.
EarthLink Internet Review 2026
Last updated: June 2026 · Verified plans & pricing
⚡ TL;DR — Key Takeaways
- Fiber starting at $39.95/mo — among the lowest fiber entry prices available
- No data caps, no contracts on fiber plans
- Available in 100+ markets via resold fiber and DSL infrastructure
- Strong privacy focus — does not sell customer data to third parties
EarthLink is one of America's original internet providers, now reimagined as a privacy-focused ISP offering fiber internet in 100+ markets across the US. With prices starting at $39.95/mo for 100 Mbps fiber and a strict no-data-selling policy, EarthLink appeals to customers who want fast internet and value their personal privacy online.
EarthLink Fiber delivers high-speed internet over fiber-optic infrastructure. No contracts, no data caps, and privacy protection included on all fiber plans.
EarthLink DSL is available in areas where fiber has not yet been deployed. DSL uses your existing phone line and does not require a separate installation. Speeds and pricing vary by location — check your address for available plans.
| Plan | Type | Speed | Data Cap | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 100 | Fiber | 100 Mbps | None | $39.95/mo |
| Fiber 500 | Fiber | 500 Mbps | None | $79.95/mo |
| Fiber 1 Gig | Fiber | 1,000 Mbps | None | $99.95/mo |
| DSL | DSL | Up to 25 Mbps | Varies | $64.95/mo |
EarthLink is transparent about pricing, but does charge an equipment fee. Here's the full breakdown:
📊 Sample Monthly Bill — Fiber 500 Plan
Plan rate: $79.95/mo
- Equipment fee: $9.95/mo (modem/router)
- HackerShield™ cybersecurity: $0.00 (included)
- Federal Universal Service Fund: ~$1.50
- State/local taxes: varies
EarthLink Equipment & HackerShield™
EarthLink provides a modem and Wi-Fi router for a monthly equipment fee (~$9.95/mo). All fiber plans include EarthLink's HackerShield™ cybersecurity tool — a network-level security solution that protects every device in your home from malware, phishing, and other online threats without requiring additional software.
📶 EarthLink Wi-Fi Router
A dual-band or tri-band Wi-Fi router provided for ~$9.95/mo equipment fee. Supports modern Wi-Fi standards and includes multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections. Equipment fee replaces the old modem rental model with a single combined unit. You may use your own compatible router instead.
🛡 HackerShield™ Security
EarthLink's proprietary network-level cybersecurity suite, included free on all fiber plans. Protects your home network from malware, ransomware, phishing websites, and botnet activity — without installing software on individual devices. Monitors threats at the router level so every connected device is protected automatically.
🔒 Privacy Policy Commitment
EarthLink does not sell customer browsing data to advertisers or data brokers — a rare commitment among major ISPs. Your internet activity stays private. This makes EarthLink particularly appealing for privacy-conscious households who want an ISP that isn't also an advertising platform.
🔧 Professional Installation
EarthLink fiber installation requires a technician visit to connect fiber to your home and set up equipment. DSL plans may use self-installation kits where the phone line is already active. Installation fee ($0–$99) may be waived with current promotions — confirm when signing up.
EarthLink Affordable Internet Programs
EarthLink participates in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides a monthly discount for qualifying low-income households. The EarthLink Fiber 100 plan at $39.95/mo is already one of the lowest-priced fiber options available — with the ACP credit applied, it becomes even more accessible.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The ACP provides a $30/mo discount toward your EarthLink internet bill. Applied to the $39.95/mo Fiber 100 plan, the credit reduces your plan rate to just $9.95/mo (before equipment fee). For fiber internet at that price, EarthLink becomes one of the most cost-effective broadband options available to qualifying households.
- Visit affordableconnectivity.gov to apply for the ACP and receive your benefit ID
- Call EarthLink at (978) 723-5746 and provide your ACP benefit approval ID
- EarthLink applies the $30/mo credit — effective on your next billing cycle
- ACP credit continues monthly as long as you remain enrolled in the program
EarthLink Business Internet
EarthLink Business delivers fiber and dedicated internet solutions for small and medium businesses. Business plans include enhanced upload speeds, static IP addresses, SLA-backed uptime, and priority business support — along with the same privacy-first approach that distinguishes EarthLink from other ISPs.
💼 Business Fiber 100
100 Mbps business fiber for small offices and home-based businesses. Includes static IP, no data caps, and 24/7 business support. EarthLink's privacy policy applies to business accounts too — your business traffic stays confidential.
From $59.95/mo · Static IP included🚀 Business Fiber 500
500 Mbps for offices with multiple employees, video conferencing, cloud storage, and POS systems. Includes enhanced SLA, business-priority support, and HackerShield™ Business to protect your office network from cyber threats targeting business endpoints.
From $99.95/mo · Enhanced SLA🌐 Dedicated Internet Access
For businesses requiring guaranteed symmetrical speeds and enterprise-grade SLAs. Dedicated fiber circuits bypass shared infrastructure for consistent performance — ideal for VoIP, video production, healthcare, and financial services that require compliant, reliable connectivity.
Call for custom pricingCall EarthLink Business at (978) 723-5746 to discuss a plan tailored to your office size, industry, and connectivity requirements.
EarthLink Internet Deals & Promotions 2026
EarthLink's best value isn't a temporary promo — it's HackerShield™ included free on every plan. Call (978) 723-5746 to check address-level availability and any current sign-on offers.
🛡️ HackerShield™ Included Free — No Extra Charge
Every EarthLink fiber plan includes HackerShield™ at no additional cost — a network-level cybersecurity layer that blocks malware, phishing sites, and malicious traffic before it reaches any device in your home. Other ISPs charge $5–10/mo for similar security add-ons (Xfinity xFi Advanced Security: $6/mo; Spectrum Wi-Fi Advanced Security: $5/mo). EarthLink bundles it in. For a family of four or a home office with multiple devices, this alone offsets a meaningful portion of the monthly cost. Call (978) 723-5746 to confirm current plan pricing.
💲 ACP — EarthLink Fiber 100 for as Low as $9.95/mo
Qualifying low-income households can apply the $30/mo Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) federal credit to any EarthLink plan. Applied to Fiber 100 ($39.95/mo), the effective cost drops to $9.95/mo for 100 Mbps symmetrical fiber. That's among the lowest fiber prices in the United States. Apply at affordableconnectivity.gov then call (978) 723-5746 to activate your discount.
📅 No Contract — Cancel Any Time
EarthLink's month-to-month terms mean no early termination fee and no annual commitment required. You pay only for active months of service. This flexibility is especially useful in rental housing, during moves, or when comparing against cable competitors who lock you into 12–24 month promotional windows with steep rate increases after they expire. Call (978) 723-5746 for current pricing and to order.
EarthLink Internet Plans & Pricing 2026
EarthLink offers fiber and DSL plans. Where fiber is available, it delivers symmetrical speeds — equal download and upload — on a dedicated connection. DSL is available in many areas where fiber isn't yet deployed, though DSL pricing is less competitive.
| Plan | Download | Upload | Price/mo* | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 100 | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | $39.95 | Budget fiber — solo users, light households |
| Fiber 300 | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | $49.95 | Small families, video calls, streaming |
| Fiber 500 | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | $59.95 | Active families, WFH + streaming simultaneously |
| Fiber Gig | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | $79.95 | Power users, large households, gamers |
| DSL | 25–100 Mbps | Varies | $49.95–$79.95 | Where fiber isn't available (less competitive value) |
*Prices per month. Equipment fee ~$9.95/mo applies unless you bring your own compatible modem/router. No contracts. No data caps on fiber plans.
Should I rent EarthLink's equipment or bring my own?
EarthLink charges ~$9.95/mo for modem and Wi-Fi router rental — totaling ~$119/year. If you purchase a compatible modem/router outright (typically $80–$200 for a quality unit), you break even within 8–20 months. EarthLink supports bring-your-own-device (BYOD) on fiber plans. Confirm device compatibility by calling (978) 723-5746 before purchasing equipment.
EarthLink Internet Review: Pros, Cons & Verdict
EarthLink has undergone a significant transformation from its 1990s dial-up days into a privacy-first fiber ISP. Here's our full assessment of where it excels and where it falls short.
What we like
- Privacy-first policy — EarthLink does not sell customer data to third parties
- HackerShield™ included free — network-level security on every plan
- No data caps on fiber plans
- No annual contracts or early termination fees
- Competitive fiber pricing — Fiber 100 at $39.95/mo is genuinely affordable
- Symmetrical fiber speeds — upload matches download
- BYOD option eliminates the equipment rental fee
What we don't like
- Resells third-party infrastructure — service quality varies by underlying network in your area
- Equipment rental fee ($9.95/mo) adds up vs. competitors who include equipment free
- Less brand recognition than AT&T, Xfinity, or Spectrum — fewer support resources
- DSL plans are overpriced compared to DSL from major providers
- Fiber availability is patchy — check address before planning a move based on EarthLink
EarthLink fiber is a solid choice for privacy-conscious households who want competitive fiber pricing, no data caps, and HackerShield™ security included. For the average user comparing ISPs, EarthLink sits in the upper-mid tier — better than most cable providers on upload speed and privacy, but below the big fiber players on coverage and brand support infrastructure. If it's available at your address, especially for ACP-eligible households, it's a strong value proposition. Call (978) 723-5746 to check availability.
EarthLink Internet & Service Combinations
EarthLink is an internet-only provider — no cable TV package and no wireless offering. This keeps the service simple and the privacy promise intact. Here's how to build a complete home setup around EarthLink fiber.
📺 EarthLink Fiber + Streaming (Full Cord-Cutter Setup)
EarthLink's symmetrical fiber and unlimited data are an ideal base for streaming households. Pair EarthLink Fiber 300 or 500 with YouTube TV ($72.99/mo), Hulu + Live TV ($82.99/mo), or a curated streaming bundle (Netflix + Disney+ + Max) for a flexible, no-cable-contract setup. Upload speed is a key advantage: video calls, live-stream gaming, and cloud backups don't compete with downloads, unlike cable internet where upload is typically 5–20× slower.
🛡️ EarthLink Security Bundle (Add-On Options)
All EarthLink plans include HackerShield™ free. For additional layers, EarthLink offers an optional tech support package and device protection add-on. These are optional and add to the monthly cost — most households will find HackerShield™ + a free password manager (Bitwarden, ProtonPass) provides sufficient protection without paying for add-ons.
📞 VoIP Phone (Optional)
EarthLink has historically offered home phone service via VoIP in some markets. If home phone service is important, call (978) 723-5746 to check availability at your address. Most EarthLink customers skip home phone and use VoIP apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Voice) on their mobile devices via the EarthLink internet connection instead.
EarthLink vs. AT&T, Xfinity, Spectrum & Google Fiber
EarthLink competes in a crowded field. Here's how it stacks up against the most common alternatives in markets where EarthLink fiber is available.
| Provider | Technology | Price (entry) | Privacy Policy | vs. EarthLink |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EarthLink Fiber | Fiber (resold) | $39.95/mo | No data selling | — |
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber (FTTH) | $55/mo | Sells aggregate data | AT&T Fiber is pricier but more established, with wider coverage and promotional incentives up to $400. EarthLink wins on privacy and entry-level pricing; AT&T wins on brand, footprint, and long-term price stability of its infrastructure. |
| Xfinity | Cable (HFC) | ~$30/mo promo | Sells aggregate data | Xfinity's promo pricing beats EarthLink short-term, but Xfinity sells customer data, has a 1.2 TB data cap (without a $25/mo unlimited add-on), and equipment costs $15/mo. EarthLink wins on privacy, upload speed, and data cap policy. |
| Spectrum | Cable (HFC) | $50/mo | Sells aggregate data | Spectrum has no data cap and includes a free modem, matching key EarthLink advantages. EarthLink adds HackerShield™ and a stronger privacy commitment. Spectrum has significantly broader availability (41 states vs. patchy EarthLink fiber coverage). |
| Google Fiber | Fiber (FTTH) | $70/mo (1 Gig) | Limited data use | Google Fiber offers 1 Gig at $70/mo in its cities vs. EarthLink Fiber Gig at $79.95/mo — comparable. EarthLink's Fiber 100 and 300 entry tiers are significantly cheaper. Google Fiber is only available in ~23 cities; EarthLink covers far more markets. |
Pricing verified June 2026. Call (978) 723-5746 to confirm EarthLink options at your address.
EarthLink Internet Speed Test
Test your EarthLink connection's download speed, upload speed, and latency below.
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Speed Test Widget
[EMBED: Reuse existing speed test tool from /internet-tools/internet-speed-test-at-your-address/]
Because EarthLink fiber delivers symmetrical speeds, your upload result should be close to your download result — if upload is significantly lower, it may indicate a wiring or router configuration issue rather than a plan problem. For the most accurate test, connect via wired Ethernet to your router. If speeds are consistently below your plan tier on wired Ethernet, restart your equipment and retest before contacting support at (978) 723-5746.
Where Is EarthLink Internet Available?
EarthLink is technically available across much of the United States via DSL (wherever phone lines run) and in 100+ markets for fiber (where underlying fiber infrastructure is accessible). Fiber availability is highly address-specific — always check your address directly before assuming EarthLink fiber is available.
EarthLink Fiber Coverage (Select Markets)
- Atlanta, GA
- Austin, TX
- Charlotte, NC
- Chicago, IL
- Dallas, TX
- Houston, TX
- Indianapolis, IN
- Jacksonville, FL
- Louisville, KY
- Memphis, TN
- Nashville, TN
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Orlando, FL
- Phoenix, AZ
- Raleigh, NC
- San Antonio, TX
- Tampa, FL
- Tucson, AZ
EarthLink DSL Availability
- DSL service available in 48 states (nearly nationwide)
- Where fiber isn't available, EarthLink DSL is accessible wherever copper phone lines exist
- DSL speeds up to 100 Mbps in many markets
- DSL pricing is less competitive than fiber — compare against local cable before choosing DSL
Check your exact address — fiber availability varies block by block. Call (978) 723-5746 or visit earthlink.net to confirm fiber vs. DSL at your location.
EarthLink Internet — Common Questions
Data sources: Availability from the FCC National Broadband Map (2025). Customer satisfaction from the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Residential ISP Satisfaction Study. Speed benchmarks from the Ookla Speedtest Global Index Q1 2025. Pricing verified June 2026.