Which is better, EarthLink or C Spire?

C Spire is faster and better rated where you can get it, but EarthLink reaches 89 times as many people, so at most addresses EarthLink is the one on offer (and it is cheaper to start). Where both are offered (about 2.7 million people), C Spire has the faster top speed for 52% of homes.

FasterC SpireTop speed 10,000 Mbps vs 5,000 Mbps; faster for 52% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startEarthLinkFrom $39.95 a month, vs $50.

Better ratedC Spire4.2 of 5 from 26 reviews, vs 3.4 from 15.

Available to more peopleEarthLink267.1 million people in 49 states, vs 3 million in 4 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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C Spire
Price: $50.00 - $350.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 10,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless, fiber, cable, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (26)
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EarthLink vs. C Spire at a glance

Measure	EarthLink	C Spire
Available to	267.1 million people in 49 states	3 million people in 4 states
Main technology	Fixed wireless 84%, fiber 43%, DSL 42%	Fixed wireless 73%, fiber 38%, cable 1.7%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	5,000 Mbps	10,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps	8,000 Mbps down, 8,000 Mbps up
Starting price	$39.95 a month	$50 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$959 (100 Mbps plan)	$1,200 (200 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.4 of 5 (15 reviews)	4.2 of 5 (26 reviews)
Rated for speed	2.9 of 5	4.5 of 5
Rated for price	2.9 of 5	3.7 of 5
Where both are offered	About 2.7 million people (88% of C Spire's area); C Spire is faster for 52% of them, the same top speed for 14%

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 C Spire are available

EarthLink and C Spire 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, C Spire serves 3,069,022 residents in 1,268 cities and 105 counties in 4 states, with a presence in population centers such as Jackson, MS; Memphis, TN; and Montgomery, AL.

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

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

EarthLink vs. C Spire Speeds and Technology

EarthLink and C Spire 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, C Spire offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 2,660 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, C Spire’s top-tier Fiber is available to 37.4% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. C Spire Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for EarthLink and C Spire, 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. C Spire Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and C Spire 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 C Spire maintains a 4.23 / 5 rating from 26 reviews. C Spire outperforms EarthLink by 0.8 points in overall satisfaction. EarthLink’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.67 / 5 stars, compared to C Spire’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 4.30 / 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. C Spire 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.

C Spire

From 19 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Reliable connection: praised in 10 of 19 written reviews. "it never goes down"
• Fast speeds: praised in 9 of 19 written reviews (3 call it slow). "more reliable, faster and easier to deal with"
• Good value: praised in 8 of 19 written reviews. "I think it is a great price"

Cons

EarthLink vs. C Spire Top Cities

EarthLink serves 41,582 cities while C Spire is available in 1,268 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.