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EarthLink offers home internet over fiber, wireless 5G, and satellite, but what you can order—and what it costs—depends on your service address. Its wireless page advertises plans starting at $59.95 per month, while the $24.95 fiber promotion shown on EarthLink’s site ended September 30, 2026. Get an address-specific quote before comparing prices, and confirm the regular rate, fees, equipment charges, and any commitment.
What EarthLink offers
EarthLink sells residential internet through three connection types: fiber, wireless 5G, and satellite. It does not offer cable internet. EarthLink’s plan pages emphasize that availability varies by location, so a company-wide plan list cannot tell you what is orderable at your home.
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- Fiber: The highest advertised speed ceiling, with plans listed from 25 Mbps up to 5 Gbps. EarthLink describes its fiber service as having symmetrical upload and download speeds and unlimited data. EarthLink internet plans and EarthLink fiber internet.
- Wireless 5G: Home internet delivered over a mobile network, with self-installation and unlimited data advertised. Availability and performance depend on the home’s location and local network conditions. EarthLink wireless 5G home internet.
- Satellite: An option EarthLink lists for some locations where other connection types may be harder to obtain. Its reviewed pages do not establish a generally applicable price, speed tier, or contract detail.
EarthLink’s home page claims service reaches more than 96% of continental U.S. homes. That is EarthLink’s own coverage claim, not an independently verified measure of whether a particular address qualifies; use the address lookup to check eligibility. EarthLink home internet.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsEarthLink internet plans and prices
Prices shown in marketing pages are not a substitute for a current quote for your address. The fiber promotion described below has expired, and EarthLink’s reviewed pages do not establish a universal current fiber or satellite rate.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
| Connection | Advertised plan details | Price information |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber | Plans from 25 Mbps up to 5 Gbps; symmetrical upload and download speeds and unlimited data are advertised. | The page displays a $24.95/month introductory offer for the first two months, but says it ended September 30, 2026. It is not a current offer as of October 4, 2026. The reviewed pages do not state a current standard price or exact post-promotion price. EarthLink fiber internet. |
| Wireless 5G | Unlimited data, no contracts, and self-installation are advertised; speeds are not guaranteed. | Starts at $59.95/month on EarthLink’s wireless page. Taxes, fees, modem service charges, eligibility, and other offer terms may apply. EarthLink wireless 5G home internet. |
| Satellite | Listed as a residential service option; plan details vary by address and selected speed. | A current generally applicable price is not stated on the reviewed EarthLink pages. Request an address-specific quote. |
EarthLink’s home page describes a 12-month price lock, while its billing FAQ discusses price locks for one-year or two-year subscription terms. Those statements do not establish the term for every offer. Ask which term applies to the plan you are quoted and what price follows it. EarthLink home internet and EarthLink billing FAQ.
How does EarthLink perform?
Fiber speed claims
EarthLink advertises fiber plans up to 5,000 Mbps (5 Gbps), with examples including 100, 300, 1,000, and 5,000 Mbps. Its fiber page describes symmetrical upload and download speeds, which can be useful for activities that send as well as receive large amounts of data. These are advertised plan capabilities, not a guarantee that every address can order every tier or will see that speed in practice. EarthLink internet plans and EarthLink fiber internet.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
Wireless 5G performance
EarthLink says wireless speeds are not guaranteed. Performance can vary with the device, address, available network technology, and network conditions. Its support FAQ says customers may buy additional high-speed data buckets if speeds slow, so “unlimited” should not be read as a promise of a fixed speed in all conditions. EarthLink wireless 5G home internet and EarthLink 5G Home Internet FAQ.
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Satellite details
EarthLink lists satellite service, but the reviewed pages do not provide a universal speed tier or enough detail to assess performance across locations. Ask for the plan’s stated speeds and terms in your address-specific offer.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
What to check before ordering
Compare actual offers for your address rather than a headline rate or a plan listed for another location. Before you sign up, confirm:
- Eligibility and technology: Whether the exact address can get fiber, 5G, or satellite, and which option the quote covers.
- Total cost over time: The current monthly rate, any introductory period, the regular rate after it, taxes, fees, equipment and installation charges, and whether the stated price lock applies.
- Commitment and data terms: The length of any subscription term, what “unlimited” means for the specific offer, and what happens if wireless speeds slow.
- Performance expectations: Advertised download and upload speeds, whether fiber upload speeds are symmetrical, and the fact that EarthLink does not guarantee wireless speeds.
- Equipment and exit terms: Whether equipment is leased, how and when it must be returned, and the stated charge for equipment that is not returned.
EarthLink’s home internet overview and internet plans page direct customers to check availability by address.
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 - Designed with the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, featuring Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM. Achieve optimized performance on latest WiFi 7 laptops and devices, like the iPhone 16 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- 𝟔-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟔.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐭𝐡 - Achieve full speeds of up to 5764 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 688 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band with 6 streams. Enjoy seamless 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming, and incredibly fast downloads/uploads.
- 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Get up to 2,400 sq. ft. max coverage for up to 90 devices at a time. 6x high performance antennas and Beamforming technology, ensures reliable connections for remote workers, gamers, students, and more.
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN port and 3x 1 Gbps LAN ports offer high-speed data transmissions.³ Integrate with a multi-gig modem for gigplus internet.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
EarthLink 5G equipment and returns
EarthLink says it leases one router per wireless service address; the reviewed material does not identify the hardware model. Its support FAQ says the router can connect up to 12 wireless devices, though performance may slow as devices share network capacity. The same FAQ says leased equipment should be returned within 15 days under its stated return process; it lists a $400 non-return fee plus applicable taxes. Check the support instructions that apply to your account before sending equipment back. EarthLink wireless 5G home internet and EarthLink 5G Home Internet FAQ.
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EarthLink may be worth considering if its technology and plan are available at your address and the full quoted cost fits your budget. Fiber’s advertised speed ceiling and symmetrical speeds make it the clearest option in the reviewed plan information for households prioritizing fast uploads as well as downloads. Wireless 5G offers self-installation and a month-to-month service claim, but real-world speed depends on local conditions. Satellite may be relevant where other options are limited, but you will need a quote to judge its price and plan details.
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
There is no meaningful way to name one best EarthLink plan without knowing the address and seeing the actual offer. Compare the available technology, performance terms, total price over time, and equipment obligations—not an expired promotion—with any other service you can order.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
