Advertiser Disclosure: We may earn commissions when you buy through links on our site. Learn more

EarthLink vs. LiteWire

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

Whether you’re researching EarthLink vs. LiteWire 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 LiteWire?

Faster
Cheaper to start
Better rated
Available to more people
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)

View Plans

LiteWire
Price: $40.95 - $110.95 / mo.
Speed: 100 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): No rating yet (0)

View Plans

EarthLink vs. LiteWire at a glance

Measure EarthLink LiteWire

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 LiteWire are available

EarthLink and LiteWire 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 | LiteWire 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, LiteWire serves 610,783 residents in 116 cities and 9 counties in 2 states, with a presence in population centers such as Madison, WI; Janesville, WI; and Fitchburg, WI.

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

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

EarthLink vs. LiteWire Speeds and Technology

EarthLink and LiteWire 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 LiteWire’s average speed of 100 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, LiteWire’s top-tier fixed wireless is available to 100.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. LiteWire Plans and Prices

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

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.

View Plans

LiteWire Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Starter$40.958 Mbps1 MbpsFixed Wireless
Advanced$65.9550 Mbps5 MbpsFixed Wireless
Ultimate$110.95150 MbpsNot listedFixed Wireless

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.

View 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. LiteWire Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and LiteWire 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. LiteWire 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

LiteWire Service

Fee

Not Provided by LiteWire

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. LiteWire Pros and Cons

EarthLink

Pros

    Cons

      LiteWire

      Pros

        Cons

          EarthLink vs. LiteWire Top Cities

          EarthLink serves 41,582 cities while LiteWire is available in 116 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

          Madison, WI
          • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 1,696 Mbps
          • LiteWire Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
          Janesville, WI
          • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 647 Mbps
          • LiteWire Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
          Fitchburg, WI
          • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 2,057 Mbps
          • LiteWire Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
          Beloit, WI
          • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 671 Mbps
          • LiteWire Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
          Middleton, WI
          • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 461 Mbps
          • LiteWire Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps

          LiteWire Cities

          Madison, WI
          • Availability: 71.91%
          • Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps
          Janesville, WI
          • Availability: 52.39%
          • Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps
          Fitchburg, WI
          • Availability: 95.73%
          • Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps
          Middleton, WI
          • Availability: 98.85%
          • Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps
          Sun Prairie, WI
          • Availability: 64.52%
          • Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps