Which is better, EarthLink or FirstLight?

FirstLight is faster where you can get it, but EarthLink reaches 10,071 times as many people, so at most addresses EarthLink is the one on offer. Where both are offered (about 21,785 people), FirstLight has the faster top speed for 82% of homes.

FasterFirstLightFaster for 82% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startToo close to callWe do not list plans for both yet.

Better ratedToo close to callToo few reviews to compare yet (15 and 3).

Available to more peopleEarthLink267.1 million people in 49 states, vs 26,519 in 4 states.

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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FirstLight
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 10 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: DSL and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (3)
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EarthLink vs. FirstLight at a glance

Measure	EarthLink	FirstLight
Available to	267.1 million people in 49 states	26,519 people in 4 states
Main technology	Fixed wireless 84%, fiber 43%, DSL 42%	Fiber 73%, DSL 73%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	5,000 Mbps	1,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps	Not listed
Starting price	$39.95 a month	Not listed
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$959 (100 Mbps plan)	Not listed
Customer rating	3.4 of 5 (15 reviews)	3.3 of 5 (3 reviews)
Rated for speed	2.9 of 5	3.3 of 5
Rated for price	2.9 of 5	3.7 of 5
Where both are offered	About 21,785 people (82% of FirstLight's area); FirstLight is faster for 82% 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 EarthLink and FirstLight are available

EarthLink and FirstLight 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.

EarthLink currently offers internet service in 41,582 cities and 2,954 counties across 49 states, reaching approximately 270,850,292 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Chicago, IL. By comparison, FirstLight serves 27,905 residents in 52 cities and 12 counties in 4 states, with a presence in population centers such as Turner, ME; Bethel, ME; and Minot, ME.

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

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

EarthLink vs. FirstLight Speeds and Technology

EarthLink and FirstLight 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 FirstLight’s average speed of 641 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. EarthLink’s premium Fiber service reaches 42.5% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, FirstLight’s top-tier Fiber is available to 69.3% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. FirstLight Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for EarthLink, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table. Unfortunately, FirstLight has not complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data, limiting transparency and the ability for consumers to make direct comparisons.

If you represent FirstLight, getting listed is simple: publish your machine-readable broadband label file, or send your current plan lineup through our contact page, and your plans will appear here shortly after verification.

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. FirstLight Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and FirstLight 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 FirstLight maintains a 3.33 / 5 rating from 3 reviews. EarthLink outperforms FirstLight by 0.1 points in overall satisfaction. EarthLink’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.67 / 5 stars, compared to FirstLight’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 3.33 / 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.

EarthLink vs. FirstLight Pros and Cons

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.

FirstLight

Too few written reviews to sum up yet (2); these lines come from our data.

Pros

• Faster where both are offered: the faster top speed for 82% of those homes.

Cons

EarthLink vs. FirstLight Top Cities

EarthLink serves 41,582 cities while FirstLight is available in 52 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.