Which is better, Verizon or EarthLink?

Verizon is better rated; EarthLink is cheaper to start, and Verizon is available to more people. Where both are offered (about 246.6 million people), each has the faster top speed for about half the homes.

FasterToo close to callEach has the faster top speed for about half the homes where both are offered (38% and 44%).

Cheaper to startEarthLinkFrom $39.95 a month, vs $49.99.

Better ratedVerizon3.8 of 5 from 802 reviews, vs 3.4 from 15.

Available to more peopleVerizon282.2 million people in 49 states, vs 267.1 million in 49 states.

Verizon
Price: $49.99 - $119.99 / mo.
Speed: 25 - 2,300 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (772)
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EarthLink
Price: $39.95 - $149.95 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless, fiber, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (15)
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Verizon vs. EarthLink at a glance

Measure	Verizon	EarthLink
Available to	282.2 million people in 49 states	267.1 million people in 49 states
Main technology	Fixed wireless 93%, fiber 15%	Fixed wireless 84%, fiber 43%, DSL 42%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	2,300 Mbps	5,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps down, 5,000 Mbps up	5,000 Mbps
Starting price	$49.99 a month	$39.95 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$1,200 (300 Mbps plan)	$959 (100 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.8 of 5 (802 reviews)	3.4 of 5 (15 reviews)
Rated for speed	4.0 of 5	2.9 of 5
Rated for price	3.5 of 5	2.9 of 5
Where both are offered	About 246.6 million people (92% of EarthLink's area); each is faster for about half of them

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 Verizon and EarthLink are available

Verizon and EarthLink 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.

Verizon currently offers internet service in 41,951 cities and 2,829 counties across 49 states, reaching approximately 282,939,228 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Chicago, IL. By comparison, EarthLink serves 270,850,292 residents in 41,582 cities and 2,954 counties in 49 states, with a presence in population centers such as New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Chicago, IL.

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

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

Verizon vs. EarthLink Speeds and Technology

Verizon and EarthLink 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 Verizon’s average speed of 499 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Verizon’s premium Fiber service reaches 14.7% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, EarthLink’s top-tier Fiber is available to 42.5% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Verizon vs. EarthLink Plans and Prices

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

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.

Verizon vs. EarthLink Customer Ratings and Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Verizon earns an overall rating of 3.77 / 5 stars from 815 customer reviews, while EarthLink maintains a 3.40 / 5 rating from 15 reviews. Verizon outperforms EarthLink by 0.4 points in overall satisfaction. Verizon’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.87 / 5 stars, compared to EarthLink’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 3.67 / 5 stars.

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.

Verizon vs. EarthLink Pros and Cons

Verizon

From 455 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 205 of 455 written reviews (61 call it slow). "overall speeds are fast"
• Reliable connection: praised in 189 of 455 written reviews (58 report outages). "My provider gives me reliable service"
• Good value: praised in 137 of 455 written reviews (95 call it overpriced). "the robust performance and stability make it well worth the investment"

Cons

• Bills that go up: a complaint in 30 of 455 written reviews. "It goes up every year"

EarthLink

From 11 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 4 of 11 written reviews (3 call it slow). "connection speed is awesome, no buffering"
• Good value: praised in 3 of 11 written reviews. "The price is manageable at around $90 per month"

Cons

• Poor customer service: a complaint in 3 of 11 written reviews. "Your customer service sucks"
• Slow uploads: 30 Mbps up on its 300 Mbps plan.
• Data caps on some plans.

Verizon vs. EarthLink Top Cities

Verizon serves 41,951 cities while EarthLink is available in 41,582 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.