EarthLink vs. Crystal Broadband Networks
Whether you’re researching EarthLink vs. Crystal Broadband Networks 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.
| EarthLink |
|---|
![]() |
| Price: $39.95 - $149.95 / mo. |
| Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fixed wireless, fiber, and DSL |
Rating (Reviews): (15) |
| Crystal Broadband Networks |
|---|
![]() |
| Price: $44.99 / mo. |
| Speed: 200 - 1,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fiber and cable |
Rating (Reviews): (0) |
EarthLink and Crystal Broadband Networks compete directly in approximately 0.01% of their service areas, with EarthLink covering 269,769,206 people nationwide and Crystal Broadband Networks serving 19,768. EarthLink primarily delivers internet through a fiber connection; Crystal Broadband Networks specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of EarthLink and Crystal Broadband Networks’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.
Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees
EarthLink vs. Crystal Broadband Networks | Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Gigabit speeds available
- Widespread national availability
- Up-front month-to-month pricing
- No contracts required
Cons:
- Limited plan variety
- Customers report speed issues
- Performance depends on local infrastructure
Pros:
- Fast upload speeds
- Service available in rural areas
- Up-front month-to-month pricing
- No contracts required
Cons:
- Limited service availability
- Limited plan variety
- Higher speeds require premium pricing
EarthLink vs. Crystal Broadband Networks | Availability
EarthLink and Crystal Broadband Networks 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 | Crystal Broadband Networks Available | No Coverage
EarthLink currently offers internet service in 41,344 cities and 2,917 counties across 48 states, reaching approximately 269,769,206 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Chicago, IL.
Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about EarthLink and Crystal Broadband Networks at your location, use our address search tool:
EarthLink vs. Crystal Broadband Networks | Speeds & Technology
EarthLink and Crystal Broadband Networks utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.
Across their service areas, EarthLink primarily delivers internet through fiber, available to 0.0% of their customers. They also offer DSL to less than 1% of their coverage area. Crystal Broadband Networks relies on fiber technology, which comprises 0.0% of their network, with cable available in less than 1% of their service locations.
In terms of potential speeds across the country, EarthLink offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,532 Mbps compared to Crystal Broadband Networks’s average speed of 807 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, EarthLink delivers faster speeds in 39.76% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 4.10%, and slower speeds in 56.13%.
The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. EarthLink’s premium Fiber service reaches 42.7% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Crystal Broadband Networks’s top-tier Fiber is available to 77.8% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.
EarthLink vs. Crystal Broadband Networks | Plans & Pricing
Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for EarthLink and Crystal Broadband Networks, 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.
Crystal Broadband Networks Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Broadband | $44.99 | 1000 Mbps | Not listed | Cable |
Sourced from pricing published on Crystal Broadband Networks's official website, last verified June 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.
Crystal Broadband Networks Plans
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. Crystal Broadband Networks | Customer Ratings & Reviews
Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and Crystal Broadband Networks based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.
EarthLink vs. Crystal Broadband Networks | Fees & 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
Crystal Broadband Networks Service
Fee
Not Provided by Crystal Broadband Networks
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. Crystal Broadband Networks | Top Cities
EarthLink serves 41,344 cities while Crystal Broadband Networks is available in 31 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.
EarthLink Cities
- Availability: 94.04%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,933 Mbps
- Availability: 91.49%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,613 Mbps
- Availability: 96.90%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,256 Mbps
- Availability: 92.32%
- Avg. Download Speed: 3,066 Mbps
- Availability: 93.48%
- Avg. Download Speed: 3,487 Mbps
Overlapping Cities
- EarthLink Avg. Speed: 3,899 Mbps
- Crystal Broadband Networks Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
- EarthLink Avg. Speed: 3,290 Mbps
- Crystal Broadband Networks Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
- EarthLink Avg. Speed: 21 Mbps
- Crystal Broadband Networks Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
- EarthLink Avg. Speed: 2,017 Mbps
- Crystal Broadband Networks Avg. Speed: 874 Mbps
- EarthLink Avg. Speed: 32 Mbps
- Crystal Broadband Networks Avg. Speed: 200 Mbps
Crystal Broadband Networks Cities
- Availability: 72.23%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
- Availability: 32.96%
- Avg. Download Speed: 982 Mbps
- Availability: 50.53%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
- Availability: 50.26%
- Avg. Download Speed: 863 Mbps
- Availability: 66.83%
- Avg. Download Speed: 200 Mbps

(15)
(0)