AT&T vs. EarthLink Internet Providers Compared

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AT&T Vs EarthLink

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Rosslyn Elliott

Written by Rosslyn Elliott - Pub. Jul. 27, 2023 / Updated Oct. 11, 2024

You are currently comparing:

AT&T Vs EarthLink

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Plans starting at: $55

Popular Package: AT&T FIBER - INTERNET 5000

Download speeds up to: 5 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber & DSL

Call today & find the best AT&T internet deals
1-844-637-5162

Plans starting at: $49.95

Popular Package: EarthLink Fiber 5Gx5G

Download speeds up to: 5 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber

Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

AT&T Staff rating

4.8

Industry-leading fiber internet speeds and strong reliability from AT&T

AT&T Fiber can support all your data-intensive internet activities, now and in the future. AT&T continues to lead the industry with multi-gigabit (5000 Mbps) internet speeds available in select areas and more speed on the way. When you add no contracts, no equipment fees, no data caps, and a reputation for reliable customer service, AT&T is a superior choice for all-fiber internet. In areas where only AT&T copper service is available, customers should also check other options and compare speeds and pricing.

PROS

Good value on fast fiber speeds No data caps or equipment fees Highly rated customer service

Cons

Fiber not available in all areas Comparatively high prices on DSL/copper Fee charged if you choose pro installation
Call today & find the best AT&T internet deals
1-844-637-5162

EarthLink Staff rating

3.5

Earthlink is known for great customer service but higher initial prices

Earthlink’s chief difference from most other national ISPs is that Earthlink is a third-party seller. In other words, Earthlink is partnering with other major internet companies who actually provide the technology for your internet service. Your service through Earthlink might come from AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, Verizon, or Viasat. That means your type of connection through Earthlink can vary from super-fast fiber internet all the way to slower satellite internet. You will know which type of internet connection you are purchasing when you sign up for service. Just as with any other provider, you will have an idea of your approximate speed and performance when you buy. The catch is, you will pay more because Earthlink doesn’t own the networks it uses. Why would you choose a service that costs more? Well, Earthlink is known for very solid customer service in an industry that has historically struggled in that area [1]. And Earthlink offers service in less-populated areas without many other providers. That means there may be some places where Earthlink is one of your top options for internet speed or reliability.

PROS

Widespread coverage across the nation High ratings for customer service No data caps on fiber plans

Cons

As a 3rd party seller, tech outcomes will vary Prices are higher than most Plans vary significantly by region
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

AT&T Pricing

4.5

AT&T Fiber internet is affordably priced given its high quality and dependability

AT&T offers reasonable fiber pricing with first-tier fiber internet plans currently starting around $55/month. AT&T won’t always offer you the lowest price for fiber in your area. But AT&T will offer you the low end of industry standard prices. For those prices, you’ll often get higher internet speeds from AT&T than from the competition. You will get good value for the internet speed you’re buying. AT&T Fiber’s advantage is that their fiber connections give you equal download and upload speeds. So, even if AT&T Fiber and a cable provider offer you the same price for a speed they both call “300 Mbps,” you will not be getting the same speeds from fiber and cable providers. All cable internet may have high download speeds, but has much slower upload speeds (usually around 10-20 Mbps). AT&T Fiber will give you the same upload speed as your download speed for your monthly price. Having upload speed equal to your download speed can make a big difference for real-time activities such as video streaming and gaming. Fiber also offers low latency, which you’ll see in a ping test. So overall, you are getting more for your money with a fiber internet plan, even when fiber and cable plans advertise the same prices and download speeds. There’s one drawback to AT&T’s pricing. AT&T’s copper-wired service (DSL/ IPBB) is priced at around the same as its first-tier fiber plan. This price is higher by Mbps given that copper service is much slower and less reliable than fiber. We hope AT&T will consider lowering the price of its copper service to give better value to DSL/IPBB customers.
Call today & find the best AT&T internet deals
1-844-637-5162

EarthLink Pricing

3.0

Earthlink will charge you more initially, but prices even out by the second or third year

Many internet service providers will offer you a great promotional price for a year or two, but then raise prices much higher. Earthlink will not offer you initial promotional prices, so their plans may initially give you sticker shock. For initial prices, Earthlink will charge you more for every type of internet service: fiber, fixed wireless, or satellite. But in some cases, over the course of a few years, you may even end up saving a little money with Earthlink. Only a head-to-head comparison of specific providers in your area will tell you, so check out our price plan comparisons using your zip code.

Pricing will also vary significantly based on your internet connection type

The biggest difference between Earthlink plans is whether your chosen plan has a data cap. Earthlink Fiber internet won’t have data caps. Earthlink satellite internet and fixed wireless (4G LTE or 5G) will have data caps. If you have a plan with data caps, you may end up having to buy extra data at the end of the month. Because of these unpredictable charges, satellite pricing and fixed wireless pricing for Earthlink are less stable than for their other plans. But here’s an unusual benefit of Earthlink Wireless Home Internet. Most Earthlink plans require a one-year contract, but Earthlink’s Wireless Home Internet plans do not require a contract [2].
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

AT&T Reliability and Performance

5.0

Decades of growth give AT&T reliable infrastructure and sophisticated operations

As the third-largest ISP in the United States, AT&T has massive corporate size and history on its side. AT&T’s home internet serves over 100 metro areas in 22 states, with over 19 million fiber internet passings [1] [2]. AT&T provides strong infrastructure and tech support. With 99% reliability for your internet connection, AT&T Fiber service is less likely to be disrupted by outages or slowdowns than many other internet providers [3]. AT&T’s reliability rating is higher than some other ISPs because AT&T customers do not have to work with internet data caps. Many internet service providers have soft data caps. When you hit your data allowance for the month, your ISP will throttle your internet. Your internet speed will slow down to the point that only the simplest email tasks will be possible. You won’t be able to do complex web browsing, streaming, or your other usual internet tasks. In other words, your internet will become unreliable when you hit the limits of your data caps. AT&T and other providers with no data caps give you peace of mind because you won’t suddenly lose most of your internet functionality in the third week of the month. Unlimited data is a major bonus for your internet connection’s reliability.
Call today & find the best AT&T internet deals
1-844-637-5162

EarthLink Reliability and Performance

3.5

Earthlink’s performance depends completely on the networks of major partners

One of Earthlink’s claims to fame is having “the largest network,” because Earthlink serves 90% of the United States [1]. The reality is that Earthlink does have a very large coverage area, but Earthlink does not own the networks in those areas. Differences between Earthlink’s partner networks will mean that your internet speed and performance will vary if you sign up with Earthlink. Just like Earthlink’s pricing, the quality of the service they can deliver depends on other providers. Most of the time, this works out fine because Earthlink partners with reputable ISPs. But Earthlink does not have control over your service, and that can be a disadvantage if something goes wrong. If you get Earthlink Fiber, you are probably going to be happy with your speed and reliability. Fiber is known for these advantages. Earthlink satellite or fixed wireless will often be too slow for real-timeactivities such as real-time gaming or videoconferencing. Reliability issues are going to be more likely with Earthlink’s satellite internet or Wireless Home Internet. Both satellite and wireless internet can be affected by weather. Fixed wireless can also slow down at peak times when thenetwork is congested with more traffic. Satellite internet tends to have high latency, which means a slight lag in the transmission of a signal. Latency is not noticeable for many internet activities but may affect real-time data transfer for gaming and videoconferencing.
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

AT&T Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

5.0

AT&T offers no equipment fees, optional self-installation, extra cybersecurity features

As long as you have AT&T internet service, you will also get to use an internet gateway at no charge [4]. (This gateway is a modem/router combo known as AT&T Smart Wi-Fi.) Your plan may also include a free Wi-Fi extender depending on your terms. If you order AT&T Fiber, technicians will install an ONT (optical network terminal) and a fiber jack or ethernet jack. Professional installation from AT&T will cost you $99 for either copper internet or fiber installation. If you are planning to order copper-based internet (DSL/IPBB) and there is already a dual-port phone jack in your home, AT&T can mail you a self-installation kit at no charge. You can even self-install fiber internet if you are comfortable with a wall installation and following technical instructions. AT&T customers have access to the AT&T ActiveArmor internet security app. The app will block fraud calls and guard risky Wi-Fi connections. For a small extra monthly charge, ActiveArmor offers advanced functions such as Identity Monitoring and Reverse Number Lookup. AT&T also offers a Smart Home Manager app to manage your Wi-Fi and all smart home devices and check for outages.
Call today & find the best AT&T internet deals
1-844-637-5162

EarthLink Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

3.0

Earthlink’s installation fees and equipment fees vary

We can't give a score for any kind of consistent pricing or equipment fees because of Earthlink's 3rd party seller business model. Earthlink’s lower rating from us in this category results from the lack of simple, freely available information on pricing and fees on their website, as well as their higher prices for equipment and installation. This lack of transparency is one of the weaknesses of the telecom industry. We recommend that Earthlink, along with other internet providers, begin to be much more straightforward about which services are available across the United States and how much they cost in each area. Satellite equipment will cost you considerably more if you buy it upfront, which is typical of satellite. Earthlink will offer you the option to rent the equipment if that is more feasible. Satellite equipment will come from Viasat, Earthlink’s satellite internet partner. Because Viasat’s equipment fees are $12.99/month or $299.99 prepaid, consumers should estimate that Earthlink’s fees for Viasat equipment will be similar or slightly higher [3]. Earthlink’s bonus services include Easy Tech for unlimited tech support at $9.95 a month. Earthlink Guardian provides parental monitoring, Earthlink Protect gives security protection, and Earthlink Online Backup will protect you from data loss.
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

AT&T Experience & Support

5.0

AT&T Customer Service provides 24/7 tech support and ranks #1

AT&T has a robust customer support framework, including community forums, live chat, and phone assistance. Tech support is available 24/7, which can be a lifesaver if you work or study from home. Billing and account support are available from 7 AM to 9 PM CT Monday through Friday, and 8 AM to 9 PM Saturday. Those Saturday hours are especially valuable if you work Monday to Friday and can’t squeeze in personal business during the week. In 2023, AT&T ranked#1 for Customer Satisfaction in Residential Internet Service (North Central and West regions) with J.D. Power and Associates [5]. AT&T also ranked #2 in the South region.
Call today & find the best AT&T internet deals
1-844-637-5162

EarthLink Experience & Support

4.5

Earthlink is known above all for superior customer service

When you research Earthlink online, you will see that Earthlink survives on its customer service. The company gets good, solid ratings for customer service, where many ISPs fall far short. That means that if you call Earthlink, odds are that you will be satisfied with what they do for you. There are just a couple of caveats to that recommendation. First, some customers report that their customer service has been routed to Earthlink’s partner providers, which removes the whole point of having Earthlink service if you’re seeking their brand of better customer service. Second, Earthlink acknowledged beginning to “reshore” its service in September 2021, which implicitly reveals that the company had offshored its customer service [4]. Offshoring customer service to foreign countries is not only potentially frustrating for the customer, but worse for U.S. workers. Many internet providers now base their customer service in the United States, and we hope Earthlink will be sure to provide its own customer support from within the country.
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

AT&T FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit ATT-bundles.com.
Absolutely! AT&T provides step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process of setting up your own internet connection. By setting up your internet on your own, you can save money by avoiding the cost of professional installation. Additionally, you'll receive your Wi-Fi gateway within three business days, skipping the waiting time for a technician. The self-setup process takes around 30 minutes, allowing you to connect to the internet quickly.
AT&T offers the free AT&T Smart Home Manager app, which allows you to easily manage and personalize your home network information using your own device. With this app, you can control various aspects of your Wi-Fi network, including device management, network security, and parental controls. The app is free to use if you have one of the compatible Wi-Fi gateways listed on the AT&T website.
Yes, AT&T Internet allows you to connect multiple devices to your home network. Whether it's smartphones, tablets, laptops, or smart home devices, you can connect them all to your Wi-Fi network provided by AT&T Internet.
To optimize your Wi-Fi signal, there are a few steps you can take. Start by placing your Wi-Fi gateway in a central location within your home. Ensure that there are no obstructions, such as walls or large objects, blocking the signal. You can also try adjusting the Wi-Fi channel settings on your gateway to reduce interference from neighboring networks. Additionally, consider using Wi-Fi extenders or mesh network systems to expand your coverage area and improve signal strength in hard-to-reach areas of your home.
AT&T Fiber has no data caps. AT&T Internet has a one terabyte (TB) data cap, which is very high and will support most households with average data use.
Call today & find the best AT&T internet deals
1-844-637-5162

EarthLink FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit EarthlinkDeals.com.
Earthlink provides a variety of internet technologies in different regions. Earthlink’s offerings include fiber and DSL connections, with fiber providing much higher speeds than DSL. Earthlink is a third-party provider, which means they are using infrastructure owned by other companies to manage your internet service. The infrastructure they use varies from location to location.
If you have any inquiries or need assistance, you can easily contact Earthlink's customer service. They offer multiple channels of support, including phone, email, and online chat on their website. Their dedicated team is ready to help you with any concerns you may have. Earthlink is known for having one of the best customer support systems in the industry.
No, Earthlink does not impose data caps on their fiber and DSL internet plans. You can enjoy unlimited data usage without worrying about additional charges or restrictions on your internet usage.
Earthlink’s installation fee will vary based on your internet type. The fee is often between $40 and $80, which is lower than some competitors’ fees.
To check the availability of Earthlink internet in your area, simply enter your zip code here at CompareInternet.com. You can find out if Earthlink services are accessible in your location and determine the best internet plan for your needs. Because Earthlink uses the infrastructure of other ISPs, they have wide availability in 48 states.
Yes, Earthlink will support your home Wi-Fi. Earthlink supplies a Wi-Fi modem combo that will ensure compatibility.
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

AT&T Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
Additional $50 Reward Card with promo code HOLIDAY50 at checkout or when you call in to order.
AT&T FIBER - INTERNET 5000Fiber InternetUp to 5,000 Mbps †† Only $245*/mo. w/ No Annual Contract
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Additional $50 Reward Card with promo code HOLIDAY50 at checkout or when you call in to order.
AT&T FIBER - INTERNET 2000Fiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $145*/mo. w/ No Annual Contract
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Additional $50 Reward Card with promo code HOLIDAY50 at checkout or when you call in to order.
AT&T FIBER - INTERNET 1000Fiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $80*/mo. w/ No Annual Contract
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Additional $50 Reward Card with promo code HOLIDAY50 at checkout or when you call in to order.
AT&T FIBER - INTERNET 500Fiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $65*/mo. w/ No Annual Contract
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Additional $50 Reward Card with promo code HOLIDAY50 at checkout or when you call in to order.
AT&T FIBER - INTERNET 300Fiber InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $55*/mo. w/ No Annual Contract
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Internet 100DSL InternetUp to 100 Mbps Only $60
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Call today & find the best AT&T internet deals
1-844-637-5162

EarthLink Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
EarthLink Fiber 5Gx5GFiber InternetUp to 5,000 Mbps Only $189.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
EarthLink Fiber 2Gx2GFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $129.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
EarthLink Fiber 1Gx1GFiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $79.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
EarthLink Fiber 300Mx300MFiber InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $49.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
EarthLink Fiber 100Mx100MFiber InternetUp to 100 Mbps Only $59.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
EarthLink Fiber 500Mx500MFiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $64.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561

AT&T Customers Review

4.5
Pricing
4.5
5.0
Reliability & Performance
5.0
5.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
5.0
5.0
Customer Experience & Support
5.0
4.8
Overall Rating
4.8
Vicky Wiens
1.3
from Fayetteville, on November 2024
It ungodly amount of money phone service .and it internet they charge for 2 month and phone service is unbelievable what all been charge all kinds account add on to my phone.it so stuip .
Savontae Golden
1.5
from Mount Pleasant, on November 2024
It’s very slow Internet
Steven Mikesell
2.3
from Armona, on October 2024
Always loses internet Have to reinstall
Robert C
1.3
from Springfield, on October 2024
It all sicks and half of us can't get fiber or (10 G)
Janet S
2.5
from Barberton, on October 2024
Their price keeps going up , on Social Security & it is just too much
Call today & find the best AT&T internet deals
1-844-637-5162

EarthLink Customers Review

3.0
Pricing
3.0
3.5
Reliability & Performance
3.5
3.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
3.0
4.5
Customer Experience & Support
4.5
3.5
Overall Rating
3.5
Brian Wick
1.0
from Springfield, on October 2024
I decided to try Earthlink as I am at least average tech savvy and did not mind that they would just mail me a box with instructions on connecting. In any event, I saw they had a service guarantee. I followed the install instructions to the letter, but no matter where I moved the device I still only received a blinking blue light, never a single green light showing some connectivity. I concluded that my apartment was not able to receive the signal from the tower. I then proceeded to call to cancel the service (unable to cancel on the app directly it seems, hmm). The customer service person was rude, talking over me multiple times until I called out their behavior and began talking over them. They insisted that I allow them to centrally activate my device. I told them I had no confidence in the service since I was not able to get a single green bar showing any sign of connectivity potential, and the fact that they can temporarily boost power to activate my device was not reassuring. I wanted to avoid an activated device that nevertheless could not receive the internet signal under normal conditions. I then cancelled the service over the phone, even as the representative admonished me for not letting them activate the device, and warned me that the $85 is nonrefundable. I then had to (successfully) dispute the charge, and got all my money back as the credit card company agreed that Earthlink did not provide the service they promised, and tried to not honor their guarantee. So a fair bit of time wasted, and if you cannot get a single green bar yourself I recommend you dispute the service like I did. Or better, try all other options first—to save yourself time and frustration dealing with indignant and self-righteous customer service representatives. I hope this review saves you time and effort!
Steve B
1.5
from Bishopville, SC on August 2023
This company sucks
Regina C
5.0
from Memphis, TN on July 2023
Love it!
Regina C
5.0
from Memphis, TN on July 2023
Love it!
Mallory R
5.0
from Rocky Mount, NC on July 2023
N/a
Call today & find the best EarthLink internet deals
1-844-534-0561