EarthLink vs. unWired Broadband
Whether you’re researching EarthLink vs. unWired Broadband 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) |
| unWired Broadband |
|---|
![]() |
| Price: $59.99 - $79.99 / mo. |
| Speed: 25 - 5,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber |
Rating (Reviews): (1) |
EarthLink and unWired Broadband compete directly in approximately 1.84% of their service areas, with EarthLink covering 268,204,138 people nationwide and unWired Broadband serving 5,678,453. EarthLink primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; unWired Broadband specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of EarthLink and unWired Broadband’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.
Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees
EarthLink vs. unWired Broadband | 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
Pros:
- Fast upload speeds
- Up-front month-to-month pricing
- No contracts required
- Primarily fiber-based network
Cons:
- Limited service availability
- Limited plan variety
- Limited fiber availability
EarthLink vs. unWired Broadband | Availability
EarthLink and unWired Broadband 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 | unWired Broadband 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, unWired Broadband serves 5,678,453 residents in 397 cities and 23 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Sacramento, CA; Fresno, CA; and Stockton, CA.
Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about EarthLink and unWired Broadband at your location, use our address search tool:
EarthLink vs. unWired Broadband | Speeds & Technology
EarthLink and unWired Broadband 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. unWired Broadband relies on fiber technology, which comprises less than 1% of their network, with fixed wireless available in 100.0% 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 unWired Broadband’s average speed of 257 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, EarthLink delivers faster speeds in 45.71% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 4.96%, and slower speeds in 49.33%.
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, unWired Broadband’s top-tier Fiber is available to 0.4% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.
EarthLink vs. unWired Broadband | Plans & Pricing
Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Earthlink and unWired Broadband, 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.
unWired Broadband Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NextGen Ultra 25 Mbps | $49.99 | 25 Mbps | 25 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| NextGen Fiber 250 Mbps | $69.99 | 250 Mbps | 250 Mbps | Fiber |
| NextGen Fiber 500 Mbps | $89.99 | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | Fiber |
| NextGen Ultra 100 Mbps | $99.99 | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| NextGen Fiber 1 Gig | $99.99 | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | Fiber |
| NextGen Ultra 500 Mbps | $349.99 | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
Sourced directly from unWired Broadband'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.
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. unWired Broadband | Customer Ratings & Reviews
Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and unWired Broadband based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.
EarthLink vs. unWired Broadband | 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
unWired Broadband Service
Fee
Installation Fee
$99.99
Optional equipment fee
$7.99
Early Termination Fee
$20 per remaining months
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. unWired Broadband | Top Cities
EarthLink serves 40,546 cities while unWired Broadband is available in 397 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.
EarthLink Cities
- Availability: 93.53%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,625 Mbps
- Availability: 94.20%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,484 Mbps
- Availability: 96.73%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,124 Mbps
- Availability: 93.66%
- Avg. Download Speed: 2,867 Mbps
- Availability: 93.43%
- Avg. Download Speed: 3,310 Mbps
Overlapping Cities
- EarthLink Avg. Speed: 1,541 Mbps
- unWired Broadband Avg. Speed: 171 Mbps
- EarthLink Avg. Speed: 1,642 Mbps
- unWired Broadband Avg. Speed: 420 Mbps
- EarthLink Avg. Speed: 1,428 Mbps
- unWired Broadband Avg. Speed: 275 Mbps
- EarthLink Avg. Speed: 1,551 Mbps
- unWired Broadband Avg. Speed: 250 Mbps
- EarthLink Avg. Speed: 1,498 Mbps
- unWired Broadband Avg. Speed: 50 Mbps
unWired Broadband Cities
- Availability: 50.23%
- Avg. Download Speed: 168 Mbps
- Availability: 99.08%
- Avg. Download Speed: 400 Mbps
- Availability: 99.47%
- Avg. Download Speed: 240 Mbps
- Availability: 84.21%
- Avg. Download Speed: 259 Mbps
- Availability: 99.95%
- Avg. Download Speed: 50 Mbps

(12)
(1)