Which is better, EarthLink or Rise Broadband?

Rise Broadband is cheaper to start where you can get it, but EarthLink reaches 19 times as many people, so at most addresses EarthLink is the one on offer (and it is faster and better rated). Where both are offered (about 10.7 million people), EarthLink has the faster top speed for 57% of homes.

FasterEarthLinkFaster for 57% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startRise BroadbandFrom $29.99 a month, vs $39.95.

Better ratedEarthLink3.4 of 5 from 15 reviews, vs 2.9 from 18.

Available to more peopleEarthLink267.1 million people in 49 states, vs 14.3 million in 16 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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Rise Broadband
Price: $29.99 - $79.99 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (18)
View Plans

EarthLink vs. Rise Broadband at a glance

Measure	EarthLink	Rise Broadband
Available to	267.1 million people in 49 states	14.3 million people in 16 states
Main technology	Fixed wireless 84%, fiber 43%, DSL 42%	Fixed wireless 97%, fiber 7.3%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	5,000 Mbps	10,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps	1,000 Mbps
Starting price	$39.95 a month	$29.99 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$959 (100 Mbps plan)	$720 (150 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.4 of 5 (15 reviews)	2.9 of 5 (18 reviews)
Rated for speed	2.9 of 5	3.0 of 5
Rated for price	2.9 of 5	2.9 of 5
Where both are offered	About 10.7 million people (75% of Rise Broadband's area); EarthLink is faster for 57% of them, the same top speed for 15%

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 Rise Broadband are available

EarthLink and Rise 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.

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, Rise Broadband serves 13,973,991 residents in 3,003 cities and 347 counties in 16 states, with a presence in population centers such as Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; and Salt Lake City, UT.

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

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

EarthLink vs. Rise Broadband Speeds and Technology

EarthLink and Rise Broadband 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 Rise Broadband’s average speed of 98 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, Rise Broadband’s top-tier Fiber is available to 2.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. Rise Broadband Plans and Prices

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

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. Rise Broadband Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and Rise Broadband 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 Rise Broadband maintains a 2.89 / 5 rating from 18 reviews. EarthLink outperforms Rise Broadband by 0.5 points in overall satisfaction. EarthLink’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.67 / 5 stars, compared to Rise Broadband’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. Rise Broadband 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.

Rise Broadband

From 14 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Good value: praised in 3 of 14 written reviews. "The speed is decent for the price"
• Cheaper to start: $29.99 a month, vs $39.95 from EarthLink.

Cons

• Outages and drops: a complaint in 7 of 14 written reviews (3 call it reliable). "repeated major multi-day outages and rampant instances of almost constant minor signal cut-out"

EarthLink vs. Rise Broadband Top Cities

EarthLink serves 41,582 cities while Rise Broadband is available in 3,003 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.