EarthLink vs. Xfinity Internet Providers Compared

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EarthLink Vs Xfinity

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Rosslyn Elliott

Written by Rosslyn Elliott - Pub. Jul. 27, 2023 / Updated Oct. 16, 2024

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EarthLink Vs Xfinity

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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

Plans starting at: $20

Popular Package: GIGABIT X2 2000 Mbps

Download speeds up to: 2 Gbps

Connection Types: Cable

Call today & find the best Xfinity internet deals
1-833-440-3190

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

Xfinity Staff rating

3.5

Xfinity has great promotional prices, but higher long-term rates and fees

Xfinity is a giant cable internet service provider that offers coverage to tens of millions of households across the United States. Xfinity’s introductory plan prices are some of the best in the industry at around $20/month for 12-24 months for first-tier plans. After the promotional period, though, customers will need to be aware of significant price hikes, including equipment rental fees. Though Xfinity’s HFC (hybrid fiber-coaxial) technology can’t provide the full symmetrical speed of an all-fiber network, it can offer gigabit download speeds up to 2000 Mbps. That top speed will cost you $120 a month, but it will certainly support any residential internet need. In addition, in limited areas, Xfinity had a Gigabit Pro plan that is 100% fiber and up to 6 Gigs.

PROS

Widespread coverage across the nation Best promotional pricing for 1-2 years Gigabit download speeds

Cons

Pricing varies from region to region Big price hikes after promotional rates Typical cable upload speeds <35 Mbps
Call today & find the best Xfinity internet deals
1-833-440-3190

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

Xfinity Pricing

3.0

Xfinity stands above the pack for its low initial pricing, but pay attention to the later price hikes and fees

Xfinity is the largest internet service provider in the United States, with 32 million broadband subscribers [1]. Xfinity is a subsidiary of cable giant Comcast. Company size and strength gives Xfinity the ability to offer very low promotional prices to consumers for a year or even two years. Xfinity’s promotional plans begin around $20/month. Here's the kicker: after a year or two, your promotional rate will end. At that point, your rate can go up by anywhere from $25 to $50 per month. And Xfinity pricing varies all over the country and is pretty complex in how it changes from plan to plan. By our evaluation standards, this lack of simplicity in pricing hurts Xfinity’s rating despite its great initial promotional rates. In addition, Xfinity’s lower-tier plans have data caps that apply under certain conditions. The data cap is 1.2 TB (terabytes) per month, which is enough to cover many households’ monthly usage without any trouble. However, the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society analyzed data from OpenVault to show that 14.6% of homes used more than 1 terabyte per month, and 2.4% used over 2 terabytes per month [2]. This data suggests that 1 in every 7 homes would run a risk of exceeding the Xfinity data cap. Comcast/Xfinity claims that it does not throttle internet and slow it down, however, Xfinity will charge you overage fees if you exceed your data cap [3]. Those fees can go up to a maximum of $100/month [4]. Odds are that you won’t exceed your data cap. But if you have lots of real-time gaming or heavy streaming in your household, the extra cost for data overage could really add up. With Xfinity's top tier plans, though, you will get unlimited data.
Call today & find the best Xfinity internet deals
1-833-440-3190

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

Xfinity Reliability and Performance

3.5

Xfinity’s hybrid fiber/coaxial cable supplies gigabit download speeds but slower upload speeds

Though Xfinity has advanced cable technology and good speeds, their network seems to be more prone to outages than users would like [5]. That’s the major reason Xfinity gets a lower rating for performance, in addition to the intrinsic differences between cable speed and all-fiber speed. Xfinity uses technology that is mostly fiber but uses coaxial cable for a short stretch of your internet connection. This type of connection is known as hybrid fiber/coaxial cable, or HFC. An HFC internet connection is better than older cable technologies because it can supply download speeds up to gigabit speeds. HFC will give you faster, more reliable internet service than DSL, satellite internet, or fixed wireless internet. And for streaming in HD, this hybrid fiber- cable internet will certainly be able to support multiple devices. The major difference between HFC and an all-fiber internet connection is upload speeds. Your upload speed will be no faster than 35-50 Mbps. An-all fiber connection, by contrast, will give you the same upload speed as your download speed. Your upload speed will affect activities such as gaming, videoconferencing and large file uploads. The good news is that if you have an upload speed of 35 Mbps, you’re still going to be able to upload pretty quickly. For most average households, 35 Mbps is enough. But if you have four or more people in your household streaming HD, playing games, working from home, and videoconferencing simultaneously, you’re going to want all-fiber internet, or what is often called “fiber to the home” (FTTH). Xfinity does have one all-fiber connectivity option that is full FTTH. If your household’s location is eligible, Xfinity will install an FTTH connection for their Gigabit Pro plan. Gigabit Pro is up there with the fastest fiber plans on the market.
Call today & find the best Xfinity internet deals
1-833-440-3190

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

Xfinity Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

3.5

Xfinity offers two different gateways and popular Flex 4K streaming TV box

For TV fans, Xfinity internet service brings the added bonus of its free Flex 4K streaming box [6]. This convenient gadget will work much like a Roku box to consolidate your streaming apps, plus give you over 10,000 free movies and shows, free channels, and a voice remote. Xfinity TV customers are not eligible for a free Flex 4K, however. For your modem and router, you will get the xFi Gateway with its multi-gig speed capability, Wi-Fi 6E, parental controls and security protection [7]. Or you can upgrade to the xFi Complete, which includes unlimited data. Both require a rental fee after the promotional period that could be $15-25, which is part of why your price goes up. If you use your own router and modem to avoid the equipment fee, you will have to live with the 1.2 TB data cap. Installation fees will be similar to other providers at around $100 for a technician install and $15  for a self-install ($15).
Call today & find the best Xfinity internet deals
1-833-440-3190

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

Xfinity Experience & Support

4.0

Xfinity Customer Service shows improvement

Xfinity has not been known for strong customer service over the years. Online reviews continue to mention some problem areas. But Xfinity has been moving up in official rankings, and for that reason, we give them 4 stars for improving their customer experience. Xfinity has customer support on its website, with 24/7 chat for help and 24/7 tech support. An online status center allows you to check for outages and troubleshoot your service. The Xfinity app will make your online customer experience more streamlined. You can also find Xfinity help communities through Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit. Customer service rankings have been improving for Xfinity in recent years. In 2022, Xfinity ranked third in three of four regions in the J.D. Power Residential Internet Service Provider Customer Satisfaction Study  [8]. This ranking reflects Xfinity’s recent effort to improve their customer support. Though Xfinity’s customer support ratings from other sources are not always as high, overall, signs are getting better that you will be satisfied with your customer experience.
Call today & find the best Xfinity internet deals
1-833-440-3190

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

Xfinity FAQ's

Yes, you can get a self-install kit that includes a set-up guide, an xFi Wireless Gateway (leased), a coax cable, and a power cord.
Yes, you can use your own modem/router to access your Xfinity connection. Just be sure to check with Xfinity in advance to be sure your equipment is compatible.
Yes, if you have a qualifying-tier home internet plan, you will have access to millions of Wi-Fi hotspots across Xfinity’s service area.
Xfinity home internet plan pricing can vary according to your location. To see if Xfinity serves your area and get all the plan details, enter your zip code here at CompareInternet.com.
Yes, you can save money on your internet, phone and TV by bundling several services with Xfinity.
Xfinity offers internet plans with download speeds over 1000 Mbps, also known as 1 Gigabit (GB). Gigabit download speeds will handle all your 4K HD streaming needs.
Call today & find the best Xfinity internet deals
1-833-440-3190

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

Xfinity Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
GIGABIT X2 2000 MbpsCable InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $120
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
GIGABIT 1200 MbpsCable InternetUp to 1,200 Mbps Only $80
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
GIGABIT 1000 MbpsCable InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $70
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
SUPERFAST 800 MbpsCable InternetUp to 800 Mbps Only $60
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
FAST 400 MbpsCable InternetUp to 400 Mbps Only $35
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
CONNECT MORECable InternetUp to 200 Mbps Only $25
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
CONNECTCable InternetUp to 75 Mbps Only $20
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Xfinity internet deals
1-833-440-3190

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

Xfinity Customers Review

3.0
Pricing
3.0
3.5
Reliability & Performance
3.5
3.5
Equipment, Installation & Features
3.5
4.0
Customer Experience & Support
4.0
3.5
Overall Rating
3.5
Jose Roberto Meza Torres
1.0
from Harrisonburg, on November 2024
Cobran mucho dinero por mes
Janice Anthes
1.8
from Cedar Crest, on November 2024
Internet speed is horrid at times. Today download was .39 mbps, yes there is a period in front of the 3. It was that slow. Speed varies dramatically.
FRANCISCO Hernandez
1.0
from Hanahan, on November 2024
Shitty service
Judy Bierman-Rudolph
2.3
from Pittsburgh, on October 2024
Difficult to speak with an actual human. Pricing game is frustrating.
ashley M
1.8
from Dallastown, PA on August 2023
Not good service
Call today & find the best Xfinity internet deals
1-833-440-3190