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Windstream vs. Ethos Broadband

Whether you’re researching Windstream vs. Ethos Broadband 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.

Windstream
Price: $39.99 - $99.99 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 2,000 Mbps
Internet Type: DSL, fiber, fixed wireless, and cable
Rating (Reviews): (87)

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Ethos Broadband
Price: $50.00 - $159.00 / mo.
Speed: 25 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (0)

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Windstream and Ethos Broadband compete directly in approximately 0.57% of their service areas, with Windstream covering 8,666,574 people nationwide and Ethos Broadband serving 1,451,089. Windstream primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Ethos Broadband specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Windstream and Ethos Broadband's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

Windstream vs. Ethos Broadband | Pros & Cons

Windstream Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Service available in rural areas
  • Offers discounted intro pricing
  • Wide range of plan options

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Installation fees apply
  • Contracts required for best pricing

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Ethos Broadband Logo

Pros:

  • Up-front month-to-month pricing
  • Wide range of plan options
  • No contracts required
  • Primarily fiber-based network

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited download speeds
  • Limited fiber availability

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Windstream vs. Ethos Broadband | Availability

Windstream and Ethos 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.

Both Providers Available | Windstream Available | Ethos Broadband Available | No Coverage

Windstream currently offers internet service in 5,504 cities and 713 counties across 19 states, reaching approximately 8,666,574 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; and Lexington, KY. By comparison, Ethos Broadband serves 1,451,089 residents in 452 cities and 49 counties in 6 states, with a presence in population centers such as Albuquerque, NM; Rio Rancho, NM; and Reno, NV.

Windstream has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 51 indicates they offers a balanced distribution of coverage across urban and rural areas..

Ethos Broadband is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 19, Ethos Broadband focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Windstream and Ethos Broadband at your location, use our address search tool:

Windstream vs. Ethos Broadband | Speeds & Technology

Windstream and Ethos Broadband utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

Across their service areas, Windstream primarily delivers internet through DSL, available to 96.4% of their customers. They also offer fiber to 50.4% of their coverage area. Ethos Broadband relies on fiber technology, which comprises less than 1% of their network, with fixed wireless available in 99.8% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Windstream offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 807 Mbps compared to Ethos Broadband's average speed of 76 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Windstream delivers faster speeds in 7.14% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 7.71%, and slower speeds in 85.15%.

The availability of each provider's fastest technology varies significantly by location. Windstream's premium Fiber service reaches 50.4% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Ethos Broadband's top-tier Fiber is available to 0.2% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Windstream vs. Ethos Broadband | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Windstream and Ethos Broadband, sourced directly from FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband labels to ensure transparency and accuracy. We've included both promotional and standard rates for each provider to give you a complete picture of what you'll pay over time. Plan availability and exact pricing may vary by location.

Windstream Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Kinetic Internet 300$39.99 ($39.99 after 12 months)300 Mbps300 MbpsFiber
Kinetic Internet Basic$39.99 ($39.99 after 12 months)50 Mbps10 MbpsDSL
Kinetic Internet 100$50.00 ($50.00 after 12 months)100 Mbps20 MbpsDSL
Kinetic Internet 1 Gig$69.99 ($69.99 after 24 months)1000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber
Kinetic Internet 2 Gig$99.99 ($99.99 after 24 months)2000 Mbps2000 MbpsFiber

Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.

Windstream Plans

Ethos Broadband Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Ethos Essential$50.0025 Mbps3 MbpsFixed Wireless
Ethos Plus$55.0050 Mbps5 MbpsFixed Wireless
Residential Fiber 50$59.9950 Mbps50 MbpsFiber
Ethos Pro$65.00100 Mbps20 MbpsFixed Wireless
Ethos Elite$85.00200 Mbps40 MbpsFixed Wireless
Residential Fiber 1G$159.001000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber

Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.

Ethos Broadband Plans

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.

Windstream vs. Ethos Broadband | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Windstream and Ethos Broadband based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

When comparing customer satisfaction, Windstream earns an overall rating of 3.36 / 5 stars from 87 customer reviews, while Ethos Broadband maintains a 0.00 / 5 rating from 0 reviews. Ethos Broadband outperforms Windstream by 0.00 points in overall satisfaction. Windstream's best-rated service is their fiber offering at 3.86 / 5 stars, compared to Ethos Broadband's highest-rated service, , at 0.00 / 5 stars.

Windstream Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.86 of 5 stars

36

Cable

Cable: 3.00 of 5 stars

2

DSL

DSL: 2.98 of 5 stars

45

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.50 of 5 stars

2

Windstream has an overall rating of 3.36 out of 5, with a total of 87 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Windstream's ratings, their DSL service (52% of reviews) averages 2.98 / 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 Windstream Internet Reviews page.

Ethos Broadband Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Ethos Broadband has an overall rating of 0.00 out of 5, with a total of 0 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Ethos Broadband's ratings, their service (0% of reviews) averages 0.00 / 5 stars, their overall company rating. This suggests that , an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Ethos Broadband Internet Reviews page.

Windstream vs. Ethos Broadband | Fees & 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.

Windstream Service

Fee

Equipment (gateway) rental

$10.99

Professional installation fee (if applicable)

$35

Activation fee

$60

Ethos Broadband Service

Fee

Installation Fee

$150

Regulatory & Admin Fee

2.21

Equipment Lease Fee

10.00

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.

Windstream vs. Ethos Broadband | Top Cities

Windstream serves 5,504 cities while Ethos Broadband is available in 452 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Windstream Cities

Charlotte, NC
  • Availability: 24.82%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 689 Mbps
Atlanta, GA
  • Availability: 5.25%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 992 Mbps
Lexington, KY
  • Availability: 94.71%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 570 Mbps
Cleveland, OH
  • Availability: 13.15%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,038 Mbps
Lincoln, NE
  • Availability: 93.13%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 388 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Espanola, NM
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 331 Mbps
  • Ethos Broadband Avg. Speed: 400 Mbps
Albuquerque, NM
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 196 Mbps
  • Ethos Broadband Avg. Speed: 180 Mbps
Chimayo, NM
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 104 Mbps
  • Ethos Broadband Avg. Speed: 311 Mbps
Dulce, NM
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 104 Mbps
  • Ethos Broadband Avg. Speed: 200 Mbps
Santa Cruz, NM
  • Windstream Avg. Speed: 196 Mbps
  • Ethos Broadband Avg. Speed: 400 Mbps

Ethos Broadband Cities

Albuquerque, NM
  • Availability: 91.32%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 48 Mbps
Rio Rancho, NM
  • Availability: 94.39%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps
Reno, NV
  • Availability: 25.46%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 55 Mbps
Los Lunas, NM
  • Availability: 94.98%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 25 Mbps
South Valley, NM
  • Availability: 97.75%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 25 Mbps