EarthLink vs. Astound Broadband

Which is better where you live? Coverage, speed, price and customer ratings, side by side

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Whether you’re researching EarthLink vs. Astound Broadband internet service at your current address, comparing internet options for potential locations, or just researching alternatives, this detailed comparison will help you understand which provider best suits you.

Maintained by:Carson WardData & methodology:Wes WardLast updated:October 24, 2026October 28, 2026

Which is better, EarthLink or Astound Broadband?

Astound Broadband is cheaper to start where you can get it, but EarthLink reaches 21 times as many people, so at most addresses EarthLink is the one on offer (and it is faster and better rated). Where both are offered (about 12.1 million people), EarthLink has the faster top speed for 57% of homes.

FasterEarthLinkFaster for 57% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startAstound BroadbandFrom $30 a month, vs $39.95.

Better ratedEarthLink3.4 of 5 from 15 reviews, vs 3.3 from 119.

Available to more peopleEarthLink267.1 million people in 49 states, vs 12.9 million in 13 states.

EarthLink

Price: $39.95 - $149.95 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless, fiber, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (15)
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Astound Broadband

Price: $30.00 - $175.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable, fiber, fixed wireless, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (117)
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EarthLink vs. Astound Broadband at a glance

Measure	EarthLink	Astound Broadband
Available to	267.1 million people in 49 states	12.9 million people in 13 states
Main technology	Fixed wireless 84%, fiber 43%, DSL 42%	Cable 86%, fiber 20%, fixed wireless 2.8%, DSL 2.1%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	5,000 Mbps	5,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps	5,000 Mbps
Starting price	$39.95 a month	$30 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$959 (100 Mbps plan)	$720 (300 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.4 of 5 (15 reviews)	3.3 of 5 (119 reviews)
Rated for speed	2.9 of 5	3.6 of 5
Rated for price	2.9 of 5	3.1 of 5
Where both are offered	About 12.1 million people (94% of Astound Broadband's area); EarthLink is faster for 57% of them, the same top speed for 0.4%

Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.

Where EarthLink and Astound Broadband are available

EarthLink and Astound Broadband have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.

Both Providers Available | EarthLink Available | Astound Broadband Available | No Coverage

EarthLink currently offers internet service in 41,582 cities and 2,954 counties across 49 states, reaching approximately 270,850,292 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Chicago, IL. By comparison, Astound Broadband serves 12,982,649 residents in 1,052 cities and 129 counties in 13 states, with a presence in population centers such as Chicago, IL; New York, NY; and Boston, MA.

Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether EarthLink, Astound Broadband or both are offered at your home.

EarthLink vs. Astound Broadband Speeds and Technology

EarthLink and Astound Broadband utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Astound Broadband offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,556 Mbps compared to EarthLink’s average speed of 1,526 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. EarthLink’s premium Fiber service reaches 42.5% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Astound Broadband’s top-tier Fiber is available to 20.1% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. Astound Broadband Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for EarthLink and Astound Broadband, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table.

Provider representatives can send plan or pricing updates through our contact page; verified changes publish shortly after review.

EarthLink Internet Plans & Pricing

Plan	Monthly Price	Typical Download Speed	Typical Upload Speed	Connection Type
Fiber 100	$39.95	100 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber
Fiber 300	$49.95	300 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber
Unlimited 5G Home Internet	$59.95	300 Mbps	30 Mbps	Fixed Wireless
18 Mbps Internet	$64.95	18 Mbps	Not listed	DSL
45 Mbps Internet	$64.95	45 Mbps	Not listed	DSL
Fiber 500	$69.95	500 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber
Fiber 1 Gig	$79.95	1000 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber
Fiber 2 Gig	$109.95	2000 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber
Fiber 5 Gig	$149.95	5000 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber

Compiled from current advertised pricing across industry sources, last verified June 2026. Typical speeds shown are the advertised tier speeds. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

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Astound Broadband Internet Plans & Pricing

Plan	Monthly Price	Typical Download Speed	Typical Upload Speed	Connection Type
Astound 300 Mbps Internet	$30.00	300 Mbps	Not listed	Cable
Astound 1 Gig Internet	$40.00	1000 Mbps	Not listed	Cable
Astound 1 Gig Internet	$40.00	1000 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber
Astound 1.5 Gig Internet	$60.00	1500 Mbps	Not listed	Cable
Astound 1.5 Gig Internet	$60.00	1500 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber
Astound 2 Gig Internet	$80.00	2000 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber
Astound 5 Gig Internet	$175.00	5000 Mbps	Not listed	Fiber

Compiled from current advertised pricing across industry sources, last verified October 2026. Typical speeds shown are the advertised tier speeds. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

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Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.

Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.

EarthLink vs. Astound Broadband Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and Astound Broadband based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

When comparing customer satisfaction, EarthLink earns an overall rating of 3.40 / 5 stars from 15 customer reviews, while Astound Broadband maintains a 3.29 / 5 rating from 119 reviews. EarthLink outperforms Astound Broadband by 0.1 points in overall satisfaction. EarthLink’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.67 / 5 stars, compared to Astound Broadband’s highest-rated service, Cable, at 3.34 / 5 stars.

EarthLink Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

(6)

DSL

(5)

Fixed Wireless

(4)

EarthLink has an overall rating of 3.40 out of 5, with a total of 15 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into EarthLink’s ratings, their Fiber service (40% of reviews) averages 3.67 / 5 stars, lower than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our EarthLink Internet Reviews page.

Astound Broadband Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

(20)

Cable

(95)

DSL

(3)

Astound Broadband has an overall rating of 3.29 out of 5, with a total of 119 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Astound Broadband’s ratings, their Cable service (80% of reviews) averages 3.34 / 5 stars, lower than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Astound Broadband Internet Reviews page.

EarthLink vs. Astound Broadband Fees and Details

Beyond advertised monthly rates, additional fees and service details significantly impact your total internet costs. The tables below outline equipment charges, installation fees, contract terms, data caps, and other important factors to consider when comparing these providers. Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs and choose the plan that offers the best overall value.

EarthLink Service

Fee

Not Provided by EarthLink

Astound Broadband Service

Fee

Not Provided by Astound Broadband

Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.

When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.

EarthLink vs. Astound Broadband Pros and Cons

EarthLink

From 11 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

Fast speeds: praised in 4 of 11 written reviews (3 call it slow). "connection speed is awesome, no buffering"
Good value: praised in 3 of 11 written reviews. "The price is manageable at around $90 per month"

Cons

Poor customer service: a complaint in 3 of 11 written reviews. "Your customer service sucks"
Slow uploads: 30 Mbps up on its 300 Mbps plan.
Data caps on some plans.

Astound Broadband

From 84 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

Good value: praised in 32 of 84 written reviews (18 call it overpriced). "The value for money is excellent, as I'm getting the advertised speeds I pay for"
Fast speeds: praised in 26 of 84 written reviews (19 call it slow). "had the best speed ratings in the area"
Easy installation: praised in 14 of 84 written reviews (8 had install trouble). "I have had no issues with routers or installation"

Cons

Bills that go up: a complaint in 14 of 84 written reviews. "the rate went up again by almost $20/mo which was unacceptable"
Billing errors: a complaint in 5 of 84 written reviews. "the inconsistent pricing and random charges are very annoying"

EarthLink vs. Astound Broadband Top Cities

EarthLink serves 41,582 cities while Astound Broadband is available in 1,052 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.