Which is better, EarthLink or Smartway Communications?

Smartway Communications is faster where you can get it, but EarthLink reaches 482 times as many people, so at most addresses EarthLink is the one on offer (and it is cheaper to start). Where both are offered (about 474,498 people), Smartway Communications has the faster top speed for 78% of homes.

FasterSmartway CommunicationsFaster for 78% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startEarthLinkFrom $39.95 a month, vs $55.

Better ratedToo close to callToo few reviews to compare yet (15 and 0).

Available to more peopleEarthLink267.1 million people in 49 states, vs 553,673 in 3 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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Smartway Communications
Price: $55.00 - $115.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 250 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): (0)
View Plans

EarthLink vs. Smartway Communications at a glance

Measure	EarthLink	Smartway Communications
Available to	267.1 million people in 49 states	553,673 people in 3 states
Main technology	Fixed wireless 84%, fiber 43%, DSL 42%	Fixed wireless 100%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	5,000 Mbps	250 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps	250 Mbps down, 50 Mbps up
Starting price	$39.95 a month	$55 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$959 (100 Mbps plan)	$1,320 (50 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.4 of 5 (15 reviews)	No reviews yet
Rated for speed	2.9 of 5	No reviews yet
Rated for price	2.9 of 5	No reviews yet
Where both are offered	About 474,498 people (86% of Smartway Communications's area); Smartway Communications is faster for 78% of them, the same top speed for 2.1%

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 Smartway Communications are available

EarthLink and Smartway 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, Smartway Communications serves 553,673 residents in 476 cities and 39 counties in 3 states, with a presence in population centers such as Columbus, OH; Zanesville, OH; and Dover, OH.

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

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

EarthLink vs. Smartway Communications Speeds and Technology

EarthLink and Smartway 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, EarthLink offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,526 Mbps compared to Smartway Communications’s average speed of 175 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, Smartway Communications’s top-tier fixed wireless 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. Smartway Communications Plans and Prices

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

Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and Smartway Communications based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

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. Smartway 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.

Smartway Communications

No written reviews yet; these lines come from our data.

Pros

• Faster where both are offered: the faster top speed for 78% of those homes.

Cons

EarthLink vs. Smartway Communications Top Cities

EarthLink serves 41,582 cities while Smartway Communications is available in 476 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.