EarthLink vs. Optimum

Maintained by:Carson WardData & methodology:Wes WardLast updated:{{date_modified_text}}January 31, 2026

Whether you’re researching EarthLink vs. Optimum 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: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless, DSL, and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (12)
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Optimum

Price: $25.00 - $55.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 8,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (246)
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EarthLink and Optimum compete directly in approximately 6.71% of their service areas, with EarthLink covering 268,204,138 people nationwide and Optimum serving 20,642,705. EarthLink primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Optimum specializes in cable connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of EarthLink and Optimum's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

EarthLink vs. Optimum | Pros & Cons

Pros:

Gigabit speeds available
Widespread national availability
Extensive fiber network
Works with smart home devices

Cons:

May require credit check for service activation
Coverage strength varies within service areas
Performance depends on local infrastructure

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Pros:

Multi-gig speeds available
Offers discounted intro pricing
Wide range of plan options
Extensive fiber network

Cons:

Limited service availability
Customers report dissatisfaction with pricing
Contracts required for best pricing

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EarthLink vs. Optimum | Availability

EarthLink and Optimum 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 | Optimum Available | No Coverage

EarthLink currently offers internet service in 40,546 cities and 2,905 counties across 48 states, reaching approximately 268,204,138 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Chicago, IL. By comparison, Optimum serves 20,642,705 residents in 3,357 cities and 358 counties in 21 states, with a presence in population centers such as New York, NY; Brooklyn, NY; and Bronx, NY.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about EarthLink and Optimum at your location, use our address search tool:

EarthLink vs. Optimum | Speeds & Technology

EarthLink and Optimum 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 DSL, available to 41.6% of their customers. They also offer fiber to 41.4% of their coverage area. Optimum relies on cable technology, which comprises 99.8% of their network, with fiber available in 56.0% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Optimum offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 4,787 Mbps compared to EarthLink's average speed of 1,411 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Optimum delivers faster speeds in 14.23% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 2.41%, and slower speeds in 83.36%.

The availability of each provider's fastest technology varies significantly by location. EarthLink's premium Fiber service reaches 41.4% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Optimum's top-tier Fiber is available to 56.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. Optimum | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Optimum, sourced directly from FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband labels to ensure transparency and accuracy. Unfortunately, EarthLink has not complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data, limiting transparency and the ability for consumers to make direct comparisons.

We've included the available Optimum plan details below to help you understand their offerings while we await EarthLink's compliance with federal transparency requirements.

Optimum Internet Plans & Pricing

Plan	Monthly Price	Typical Download Speed	Typical Upload Speed	Connection Type
100 Internet	$25.00 ($30.00 after 12 months)	112 Mbps	5.6 Mbps	Cable
300 Fiber Internet	$30.00 ($35.00 after 12 months)	365 Mbps	323 Mbps	Fiber
300 Internet	$30.00 ($35.00 after 12 months)	329 Mbps	22 Mbps	Cable
500 Fiber Internet	$40.00 ($45.00 after 12 months)	609 Mbps	540 Mbps	Fiber
500 Internet	$40.00 ($45.00 after 12 months)	542 Mbps	22 Mbps	Cable
1 Gig Fiber Internet	$50.00 ($55.00 after 24 months)	1217 Mbps	1078 Mbps	Fiber
1 Gig Internet	$50.00 ($55.00 after 24 months)	1007 Mbps	38 Mbps	Cable

Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.

Optimum 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. Optimum | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, EarthLink earns an overall rating of 3.67 / 5 stars from 12 customer reviews, while Optimum maintains a 3.11 / 5 rating from 246 reviews. EarthLink outperforms Optimum by 0.56 points in overall satisfaction. EarthLink's best-rated service is their fiber offering at 4.20 / 5 stars, compared to Optimum's highest-rated service, fiber, at 3.38 / 5 stars.

EarthLink Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Cable

DSL

EarthLink has an overall rating of 3.67 out of 5, with a total of 12 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into EarthLink's ratings, their fiber service (42% of reviews) averages 4.20 / 5 stars, lower than their overall company rating. This difference suggests that customers have notably different experiences with their various service types, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our EarthLink Internet Reviews page.

Optimum Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Cable

190

DSL

Fixed Wireless

Optimum has an overall rating of 3.11 out of 5, with a total of 246 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Optimum's ratings, their cable service (77% of reviews) averages 3.04 / 5 stars, higher 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 Optimum Internet Reviews page.

EarthLink vs. Optimum | 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.

Optimum 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 Optimum directly or reviewing their terms of service documentation.

EarthLink Service

Fee

Not Provided by EarthLink

Optimum Service

Fee

Professional Installation

100

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. Optimum | Top Cities

EarthLink serves 40,546 cities while Optimum is available in 3,357 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.