Which is better, EarthLink or Ritter Communications?

Ritter Communications is faster where you can get it, but EarthLink reaches 527 times as many people, so at most addresses EarthLink is the one on offer (and it is better rated and cheaper to start). Where both are offered (about 444,680 people), Ritter Communications has the faster top speed for 57% of homes.

FasterRitter CommunicationsFaster for 57% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startEarthLinkFrom $39.95 a month, vs $50.

Better ratedEarthLink3.4 of 5 from 15 reviews, vs 2.9 from 7.

Available to more peopleEarthLink267.1 million people in 49 states, vs 506,585 in 6 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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Ritter Communications
Price: $50.00 - $125.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber, cable, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (7)
View Plans

EarthLink vs. Ritter Communications at a glance

Measure	EarthLink	Ritter Communications
Available to	267.1 million people in 49 states	506,585 people in 6 states
Main technology	Fixed wireless 84%, fiber 43%, DSL 42%	Fiber 72%, cable 25%, DSL 17%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	5,000 Mbps	5,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps	5,000 Mbps down, 5,000 Mbps up
Starting price	$39.95 a month	$50 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$959 (100 Mbps plan)	$1,200 (100 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.4 of 5 (15 reviews)	2.9 of 5 (7 reviews)
Rated for speed	2.9 of 5	2.9 of 5
Rated for price	2.9 of 5	2.6 of 5
Where both are offered	About 444,680 people (88% of Ritter Communications's area); Ritter Communications is faster for 57% of them, the same top speed for 38%

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 Ritter Communications are available

EarthLink and Ritter Communications 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, Ritter Communications serves 508,743 residents in 243 cities and 39 counties in 6 states, with a presence in population centers such as Memphis, TN; Jonesboro, AR; and Fort Smith, AR.

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

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

EarthLink vs. Ritter Communications Speeds and Technology

EarthLink and Ritter Communications 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, Ritter Communications offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 3,998 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, Ritter Communications’s top-tier Fiber is available to 71.8% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. Ritter Communications Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for EarthLink and Ritter Communications, 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. Ritter Communications Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and Ritter Communications 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 Ritter Communications maintains a 2.86 / 5 rating from 7 reviews. EarthLink outperforms Ritter Communications by 0.5 points in overall satisfaction. EarthLink’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.67 / 5 stars, compared to Ritter Communications’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.

EarthLink vs. Ritter Communications 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.

Ritter Communications

From 5 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Faster where both are offered: the faster top speed for 57% of those homes.

Cons

• Outages and drops: a complaint in 3 of 5 written reviews. "our signal drops sometimes out of nowhere"

EarthLink vs. Ritter Communications Top Cities

EarthLink serves 41,582 cities while Ritter Communications is available in 243 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.