EarthLink vs. Optimum

Maintained by:Carson WardData & methodology:Wes WardLast updated:{{date_modified_text}}July 7, 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 Earthlink and Optimum, 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	100 Mbps	Not listed	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.

EarthLink Plans

Optimum Internet Plans & Pricing

Plan	Monthly Price	Typical Download Speed	Typical Upload Speed	Connection Type
100 Mbps Internet	$50.00	100 Mbps	5 Mbps	Cable
300 Mbps Internet	$45.00 ($70.00 after 12 months)	300 Mbps	25 Mbps	Cable
500 Mbps Internet	$45.00 ($90.00 after 12 months)	500 Mbps	25 Mbps	Cable
1 Gig Internet	$55.00 ($110.00 after 24 months)	1000 Mbps	50 Mbps	Cable
2 Gig Fiber Internet	$85.00 ($130.00 after 36 months)	2500 Mbps	2500 Mbps	Fiber
5 Gig Fiber Internet	$115.00 ($200.00 after 48 months)	5000 Mbps	5000 Mbps	Fiber

Sourced directly from Optimum's FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband label data, 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.

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 3.40 / 5 stars from 15 customer reviews, while Optimum maintains a 3.05 / 5 rating from 255 reviews. Earthlink outperforms Optimum by 0.4 points in overall satisfaction. EarthLink’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.67 / 5 stars, compared to Optimum’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 3.38 / 5 stars.

EarthLink Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

(6)

DSL

(5)

Fixed Wireless

(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.

Optimum Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

(47)

Cable

(208)

Optimum has an overall rating of 3.05 out of 5, with a total of 255 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 (82% of reviews) averages 2.97 / 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.

EarthLink Service

Fee

Not Provided by Earthlink

Optimum Service

Fee

Professional Installation Fee

$100

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. 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.