EarthLink vs. River Street

Whether you’re researching EarthLink vs. River Street 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 and River Street compete directly in approximately 0.17% of their service areas, with EarthLink covering 268,204,138 people nationwide and River Street serving 688,350. EarthLink primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; River Street specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of EarthLink and River Street's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

EarthLink vs. River Street | Pros & Cons

EarthLink vs. River Street | Availability

EarthLink and River Street 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 | River Street 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, River Street serves 688,350 residents in 505 cities and 75 counties in 5 states, with a presence in population centers such as Hickory, NC; Danville, VA; and Winston-Salem, NC.

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

EarthLink vs. River Street | Speeds & Technology

EarthLink and River Street 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. River Street relies on fiber technology, which comprises 25.4% of their network, with DSL available in 6.0% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, EarthLink offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,411 Mbps compared to River Street's average speed of 241 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, EarthLink delivers faster speeds in 37.98% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 34.56%, and slower speeds in 27.46%.

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, River Street's top-tier Cable is available to 0.2% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. River Street | Plans & Pricing

Unfortunately, neither EarthLink nor River Street has complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data in the required machine-readable format. This lack of transparency from both providers makes it impossible to offer you standardized, accurate plan comparisons. While we await their compliance with these federal consumer protection measures, we recommend visiting their websites or contacting them directly for pricing information.

At ISP Reports, we simplify complex data to help you make informed decisions. Even without standardized pricing data, you can still explore customer reviews, local speed tests, and detailed coverage maps. To discover all available providers at your location, use our comprehensive address search tool

EarthLink Plans

River Street 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. River Street | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and River Street 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 River Street maintains a 2.00 / 5 rating from 2 reviews. EarthLink outperforms River Street by 1.67 points in overall satisfaction. EarthLink's best-rated service is their fiber offering at 4.20 / 5 stars, compared to River Street's highest-rated service, fiber, at 1.00 / 5 stars.

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. River Street | Top Cities

EarthLink serves 40,546 cities while River Street is available in 505 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.