Which is better, EarthLink or Metronet?

Metronet is faster and better rated where you can get it, but EarthLink reaches 32 times as many people, so at most addresses EarthLink is the one on offer. Where both are offered (about 7.4 million people), Metronet has the faster top speed for 95% of homes.

FasterMetronetTop speed 5,120 Mbps vs 5,000 Mbps; faster for 95% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startToo close to callBoth start at $39.95 a month.

Better ratedMetronet3.9 of 5 from 76 reviews, vs 3.4 from 15.

Available to more peopleEarthLink267.1 million people in 49 states, vs 8.3 million in 21 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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Metronet
Price: $39.95 - $109.95 / mo.
Speed: 1,000 - 5,120 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber
Rating (Reviews): (74)
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EarthLink vs. Metronet at a glance

Measure	EarthLink	Metronet
Available to	267.1 million people in 49 states	8.3 million people in 21 states
Main technology	Fixed wireless 84%, fiber 43%, DSL 42%	Fiber 100%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	5,000 Mbps	5,120 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps	5,000 Mbps down, 5,000 Mbps up
Starting price	$39.95 a month	$39.95 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$959 (100 Mbps plan)	$959 (100 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.4 of 5 (15 reviews)	3.9 of 5 (76 reviews)
Rated for speed	2.9 of 5	4.1 of 5
Rated for price	2.9 of 5	3.6 of 5
Where both are offered	About 7.4 million people (89% of Metronet's area); Metronet is faster for 95% of them, the same top speed for 0.1%

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 Metronet are available

EarthLink and Metronet 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, Metronet serves 8,333,057 residents in 746 cities and 169 counties in 21 states, with a presence in population centers such as Indianapolis, IN; Chicago, IL; and Des Moines, IA.

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

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

EarthLink vs. Metronet Speeds and Technology

EarthLink and Metronet 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, Metronet offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 4,624 Mbps compared to EarthLink’s average speed of 1,526 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, Metronet’s top-tier Fiber is available to 100.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. Metronet Plans and Prices

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

EarthLink vs. Metronet Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and Metronet 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 Metronet maintains a 3.93 / 5 rating from 76 reviews. Metronet outperforms EarthLink by 0.5 points in overall satisfaction. EarthLink’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.67 / 5 stars, compared to Metronet’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 3.95 / 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. Metronet 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.

Metronet

From 50 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 21 of 50 written reviews (8 call it slow). "Metronet is cheaper, faster and has better customer service"
• Reliable connection: praised in 19 of 50 written reviews (6 report outages). "My service been stable with only one outage that lasted about an hour"
• Helpful customer service: praised in 19 of 50 written reviews (7 fault the service). "Their customer service is surprisingly pretty great"

Cons

• Installation problems: a complaint in 10 of 50 written reviews (6 praise the install). "Installation did not go smooth with Vexus"
• Bills that go up: a complaint in 6 of 50 written reviews. "the price randomly increases from time to time with no warning"
• Equipment problems: a complaint in 3 of 50 written reviews. "The minor equipment issue"

EarthLink vs. Metronet Top Cities

EarthLink serves 41,582 cities while Metronet is available in 746 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.