EarthLink vs. Optimum

Which is better where you live? Coverage, speed, price and customer ratings, side by side

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Whether you’re researching EarthLink vs. Optimum 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.

Maintained by:Carson WardData & methodology:Wes WardLast updated:October 24, 2026November 4, 2026

Which is better, EarthLink or Optimum?

Optimum is faster and cheaper to start where you can get it, but EarthLink reaches 13 times as many people, so at most addresses EarthLink is the one on offer (and it is better rated). Where both are offered (about 18.4 million people), Optimum has the faster top speed for 83% of homes.

FasterOptimumTop speed 8,000 Mbps vs 5,000 Mbps; faster for 83% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startOptimumFrom $30 a month (promotional), then $75, vs $39.95.

Better ratedEarthLink3.4 of 5 from 15 reviews, vs 3.1 from 275.

Available to more peopleEarthLink267.1 million people in 49 states, vs 20.8 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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Optimum

Price: $35.00 - $300.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 8,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (267)
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EarthLink vs. Optimum at a glance

Measure	EarthLink	Optimum
Available to	267.1 million people in 49 states	20.8 million people in 21 states
Main technology	Fixed wireless 84%, fiber 43%, DSL 42%	Cable 100%, fiber 57%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	5,000 Mbps	8,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps	8,000 Mbps down, 8,000 Mbps up
Starting price	$39.95 a month	$30 a month (promotional), then $75
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$959 (100 Mbps plan)	Not listed
Customer rating	3.4 of 5 (15 reviews)	3.1 of 5 (275 reviews)
Rated for speed	2.9 of 5	3.5 of 5
Rated for price	2.9 of 5	2.8 of 5
Where both are offered	About 18.4 million people (88% of Optimum's area); Optimum is faster for 83% 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 Optimum are available

EarthLink and Optimum 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 | Optimum Available | No Coverage

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.

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

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

EarthLink vs. Optimum Speeds and Technology

EarthLink and Optimum 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, Optimum offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 4,833 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, Optimum’s top-tier Fiber is available to 57.1% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. Optimum Plans and Prices

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

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Optimum Internet Plans & Pricing

Plan	Monthly Price	Typical Download Speed	Typical Upload Speed	Connection Type
300 Mbps Fiber Internet	$35.00 ($75.00 regular price)	300 Mbps	300 Mbps	Fiber
100 Mbps Internet	$94.99	100 Mbps	5 Mbps	Cable
500 Mbps Fiber Internet	$45.00 ($95.00 regular price)	500 Mbps	500 Mbps	Fiber
300 Mbps Internet	$35.00 ($104.99 regular price)	300 Mbps	20 Mbps	Cable
1 Gig Fiber Internet	$55.00 ($115.00 regular price)	1000 Mbps	1000 Mbps	Fiber
500 Mbps Internet	$45.00 ($124.99 regular price)	500 Mbps	20 Mbps	Cable
2 Gig Fiber Internet	$65.00 ($135.00 regular price)	2000 Mbps	2000 Mbps	Fiber
1 Gig Internet	$55.00 ($144.99 regular price)	1000 Mbps	35 Mbps	Cable
5 Gig Fiber Internet	$200.00	5000 Mbps	5000 Mbps	Fiber
8 Gig Fiber Internet	$300.00	8000 Mbps	8000 Mbps	Fiber

Sourced from pricing published on Optimum's official website, last verified November 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.

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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. Optimum Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and Optimum 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 Optimum maintains a 3.09 / 5 rating from 279 reviews. EarthLink outperforms Optimum by 0.3 points in overall satisfaction. EarthLink’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.67 / 5 stars, compared to Optimum’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 3.40 / 5 stars.

EarthLink Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

(6)

DSL

(5)

Fixed Wireless

(4)

EarthLink has an overall rating of 3.40 out of 5, with a total of 15 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into EarthLink’s ratings, their Fiber service (40% of reviews) averages 3.67 / 5 stars, lower than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our EarthLink Internet Reviews page.

Optimum Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

(55)

Cable

(223)

Optimum has an overall rating of 3.09 out of 5, with a total of 279 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Optimum’s ratings, their Cable service (80% of reviews) averages 3.02 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Optimum Internet Reviews page.

EarthLink vs. Optimum Fees and 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

Optimum Service

Fee

Professional Installation Fee

$100

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. Optimum 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.

Optimum

From 175 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

Fast speeds: praised in 59 of 175 written reviews (39 call it slow). "the connection and internet speeds have been surprisingly good"
Easy installation: praised in 18 of 175 written reviews (11 had install trouble). "the installation was fast and easy"

Cons

Poor customer service: a complaint in 56 of 175 written reviews (22 praise the service). "the representatives read from scripts and are painfully difficult to understand"
Outages and drops: a complaint in 54 of 175 written reviews (34 call it reliable). "I have constant outages in my area"
Expensive for what you get: a complaint in 51 of 175 written reviews (31 call it good value). "The pricing is a bit expensive every month"
Promotional price: starts at $30 a month, rises to $75 after the promotion.

EarthLink vs. Optimum Top Cities

EarthLink serves 41,582 cities while Optimum is available in 3,300 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.