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EarthLink vs. DSI Stream

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

Whether you’re researching EarthLink vs. DSI Stream 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.

Which is better, EarthLink or DSI Stream?

EarthLink is faster and available to more people. Where both are offered (about 110,601 people), EarthLink has the faster top speed for 96% of homes.

FasterEarthLinkTop speed 5,000 Mbps vs 1,000 Mbps; faster for 96% of homes where both are offered.
Cheaper to startToo close to callWe do not list plans for both yet.
Better ratedToo close to callToo few reviews to compare yet (15 and 0).
Available to more peopleEarthLink267.1 million people in 49 states, vs 116,190 in 3 states.
EarthLink
Price: $39.95 - $149.95 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless, fiber, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): 3.5 of 5 stars (15)

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DSI Stream
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 50 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): No rating yet (0)

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EarthLink vs. DSI Stream at a glance

Measure EarthLink DSI Stream
Available to267.1 million people in 49 states116,190 people in 3 states
Main technologyFixed wireless 84%, fiber 43%, DSL 42%Fixed wireless 98%, fiber 2.3%
Top download speed filed with the FCC5,000 Mbps1,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list5,000 MbpsNot listed
Starting price$39.95 a monthNot listed
Cheapest plan, first 2 years$959 (100 Mbps plan)Not listed
Customer rating3.4 of 5 (15 reviews)No reviews yet
Rated for speed2.9 of 5No reviews yet
Rated for price2.9 of 5No reviews yet
Where both are offeredAbout 110,601 people (95% of DSI Stream's area); EarthLink is faster for 96% of them, the same top speed for 0.7%

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 DSI Stream are available

EarthLink and DSI Stream 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 | DSI Stream 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, DSI Stream serves 116,190 residents in 17 cities and 4 counties in 3 states, with a presence in population centers such as Los Angeles, CA; Carson, CA; and Gardena, CA.

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

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

EarthLink vs. DSI Stream Speeds and Technology

EarthLink and DSI Stream 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, EarthLink offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,526 Mbps compared to DSI Stream’s average speed of 73 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, DSI Stream’s top-tier Fiber is available to 2.4% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. DSI Stream Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for EarthLink, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table. Unfortunately, DSI Stream has not complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data, limiting transparency and the ability for consumers to make direct comparisons.

If you represent DSI Stream, getting listed is simple: publish your machine-readable broadband label file, or send your current plan lineup through our contact page, and your plans will appear here shortly after verification.

EarthLink Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Fiber 100$39.95100 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber 300$49.95300 MbpsNot listedFiber
Unlimited 5G Home Internet$59.95300 Mbps30 MbpsFixed Wireless
18 Mbps Internet$64.9518 MbpsNot listedDSL
45 Mbps Internet$64.9545 MbpsNot listedDSL
Fiber 500$69.95500 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber 1 Gig$79.951000 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber 2 Gig$109.952000 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber 5 Gig$149.955000 MbpsNot listedFiber

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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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. DSI Stream Customer Ratings and Reviews

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

EarthLink Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.67 of 5 stars

(6)

DSL

DSL: 3.20 of 5 stars

(5)

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.25 of 5 stars

(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.

EarthLink vs. DSI Stream 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.

DSI Stream has not provided standardized fee information through their FCC broadband label data. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess their true service costs beyond advertised rates. For current fee information, we recommend contacting DSI Stream directly or reviewing their terms of service documentation.

EarthLink Service

Fee

Not Provided by EarthLink

DSI Stream Service

Fee

Not Provided by DSI Stream

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. DSI Stream 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.

DSI Stream

No written reviews yet; these lines come from our data.

Pros

    Cons

      EarthLink vs. DSI Stream Top Cities

      EarthLink serves 41,582 cities while DSI Stream is available in 17 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

      EarthLink Cities

      New York, NY
      • Availability: 94.04%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 1,933 Mbps
      Los Angeles, CA
      • Availability: 91.49%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 1,613 Mbps
      Chicago, IL
      • Availability: 96.90%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 1,256 Mbps
      Dallas, TX
      • Availability: 92.32%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 3,066 Mbps
      Houston, TX
      • Availability: 93.48%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 3,487 Mbps

      Overlapping Cities

      Los Angeles, CA
      • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 1,613 Mbps
      • DSI Stream Avg. Speed: 50 Mbps
      Carson, CA
      • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 2,628 Mbps
      • DSI Stream Avg. Speed: 50 Mbps
      Gardena, CA
      • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 1,882 Mbps
      • DSI Stream Avg. Speed: 50 Mbps
      Compton, CA
      • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 2,219 Mbps
      • DSI Stream Avg. Speed: 50 Mbps
      Torrance, CA
      • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 1,312 Mbps
      • DSI Stream Avg. Speed: 50 Mbps

      DSI Stream Cities

      Los Angeles, CA
      • Availability: 0.80%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 50 Mbps
      Carson, CA
      • Availability: 44.43%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 50 Mbps
      Gardena, CA
      • Availability: 38.07%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 50 Mbps
      Compton, CA
      • Availability: 11.01%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 50 Mbps
      Torrance, CA
      • Availability: 5.41%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 50 Mbps