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 |
|---|
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| Price: $39.99 - $99.99 / mo. |
| Speed: 10 - 2,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: DSL, fiber, fixed wireless, and cable |
Rating (Reviews): (87) |
| Ethos Broadband |
|---|
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| Price: $50.00 - $159.00 / mo. |
| Speed: 25 - 1,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber |
Rating (Reviews): (0) |
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
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
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
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.
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
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetic Internet 300 | $39.99 ($39.99 after 12 months) | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | Fiber |
| Kinetic Internet Basic | $39.99 ($39.99 after 12 months) | 50 Mbps | 10 Mbps | DSL |
| Kinetic Internet 100 | $50.00 ($50.00 after 12 months) | 100 Mbps | 20 Mbps | DSL |
| Kinetic Internet 1 Gig | $69.99 ($69.99 after 24 months) | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Kinetic Internet 2 Gig | $99.99 ($99.99 after 24 months) | 2000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps | Fiber |
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 Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethos Essential | $50.00 | 25 Mbps | 3 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| Ethos Plus | $55.00 | 50 Mbps | 5 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| Residential Fiber 50 | $59.99 | 50 Mbps | 50 Mbps | Fiber |
| Ethos Pro | $65.00 | 100 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| Ethos Elite | $85.00 | 200 Mbps | 40 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| Residential Fiber 1G | $159.00 | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | Fiber |
Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.
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.
Windstream Ratings & Reviews
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Cable
DSL
Fixed Wireless
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.
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
- Availability: 24.82%
- Avg. Download Speed: 689 Mbps
- Availability: 5.25%
- Avg. Download Speed: 992 Mbps
- Availability: 94.71%
- Avg. Download Speed: 570 Mbps
- Availability: 13.15%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,038 Mbps
- Availability: 93.13%
- Avg. Download Speed: 388 Mbps
Overlapping Cities
- Windstream Avg. Speed: 331 Mbps
- Ethos Broadband Avg. Speed: 400 Mbps
- Windstream Avg. Speed: 196 Mbps
- Ethos Broadband Avg. Speed: 180 Mbps
- Windstream Avg. Speed: 104 Mbps
- Ethos Broadband Avg. Speed: 311 Mbps
- Windstream Avg. Speed: 104 Mbps
- Ethos Broadband Avg. Speed: 200 Mbps
- Windstream Avg. Speed: 196 Mbps
- Ethos Broadband Avg. Speed: 400 Mbps
Ethos Broadband Cities
- Availability: 91.32%
- Avg. Download Speed: 48 Mbps
- Availability: 94.39%
- Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps
- Availability: 25.46%
- Avg. Download Speed: 55 Mbps
- Availability: 94.98%
- Avg. Download Speed: 25 Mbps
- Availability: 97.75%
- Avg. Download Speed: 25 Mbps
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