Which is better, EarthLink or Buckeye?

Buckeye is faster where you can get it, but EarthLink reaches 308 times as many people, so at most addresses EarthLink is the one on offer (and it is better rated and cheaper to start). Where both are offered (about 819,650 people), Buckeye has the faster top speed for 84% of homes.

FasterBuckeyeTop speed 10,000 Mbps vs 5,000 Mbps; faster for 84% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startEarthLinkFrom $39.95 a month, vs $49.99.

Better ratedEarthLink3.4 of 5 from 15 reviews, vs 3.0 from 29.

Available to more peopleEarthLink267.1 million people in 49 states, vs 868,089 in 5 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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Buckeye
Price: $49.99 - $89.99 / mo.
Speed: 1,000 - 10,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable, fiber, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (27)
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EarthLink vs. Buckeye at a glance

Measure	EarthLink	Buckeye
Available to	267.1 million people in 49 states	868,089 people in 5 states
Main technology	Fixed wireless 84%, fiber 43%, DSL 42%	Cable 81%, fiber 54%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	5,000 Mbps	10,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps	1,000 Mbps
Starting price	$39.95 a month	$49.99 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$959 (100 Mbps plan)	$1,200 (200 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.4 of 5 (15 reviews)	3.0 of 5 (29 reviews)
Rated for speed	2.9 of 5	3.5 of 5
Rated for price	2.9 of 5	2.6 of 5
Where both are offered	About 819,650 people (94% of Buckeye's area); Buckeye is faster for 84% of them, the same top speed for 0.8%

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 Buckeye are available

EarthLink and Buckeye 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.

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, Buckeye serves 875,217 residents in 240 cities and 37 counties in 5 states, with a presence in population centers such as Toledo, OH; Sandusky, OH; and Perrysburg, OH.

Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: EarthLink coverage map and Buckeye coverage map.

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

EarthLink vs. Buckeye Speeds and Technology

EarthLink and Buckeye 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, Buckeye offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 5,781 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, Buckeye’s top-tier Fiber is available to 53.1% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. Buckeye Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for EarthLink and Buckeye, 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.

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. Buckeye Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and Buckeye 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 Buckeye maintains a 2.97 / 5 rating from 29 reviews. EarthLink outperforms Buckeye by 0.4 points in overall satisfaction. EarthLink’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.67 / 5 stars, compared to Buckeye’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 3.00 / 5 stars.

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. Buckeye 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.

Buckeye

From 24 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Faster where both are offered: the faster top speed for 84% of those homes.
• No data caps, where EarthLink caps some plans.

Cons

• Expensive for what you get: a complaint in 9 of 24 written reviews (4 call it good value). "I feel their pricing is way too expensive"
• Poor customer service: a complaint in 8 of 24 written reviews (6 praise the service). "Waited for over 2 hours to speak with a manager who was of no help"
• Bills that go up: a complaint in 5 of 24 written reviews. "the price has increased yearly"

EarthLink vs. Buckeye Top Cities

EarthLink serves 41,582 cities while Buckeye is available in 240 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.