EarthLink internet
AT&T internet

EarthLink vs. AT&T Internet

A Side-by-Side Comparison of EarthLink and AT&T Internet Internet Service in 2023

EarthLink has 9 plans:
AT&T Internet has 7 plans:

Learn more about EarthLink and AT&T Internet:

EarthLink has 9 plans:
AT&T Internet has 7 plans:

Learn more about EarthLink and AT&T Internet

EarthLink and AT&T Internet rank as premium internet providers in the U.S., both of which offer fiber-optic internet and have the greatest coverage in California and Texas. They also offer DSL internet as an alternative. High speeds, prices, and availability are dependent on location. Below are key similarities and differences that we’ve outlined to better understand what each internet provider offers.

EarthLink vs AT&T Internet Overall Comparison

EarthLink vs AT&T Internet Overall Comparison

  • Speed

    100 Mbps - 5 Gbps

  • Pricing

    $59.95 - $189.95/mo.

  • Service Type

    DSL, Fixed Wireless, Fiber

  • Equipment Fee

    $15 a month

  • Data Cap

    Unlimited Data

  • Speed

    25 Mbps - 5 Gbps

  • Pricing

    $55 - $180/mo.

  • Service Type

    IPBB, Fiber, Fixed Wireless

  • Installation Fee

    $99

  • Equipment Fee

    $0 a month

  • Data Cap

    Unlimited Data

As the largest DSL provider in the U.S., EarthLink’s DSL internet is available to approximately 169.5 million people while their fiber internet is available to approximately 22 million people. EarthLink has introduced HyperLink, which is their high-speed fiber internet. Available in 21 states, HyperLink offers speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. EarthLink does not offer phone or TV services with their internet plans.

AT&T Internet is the second largest provider of residential DSL and fiber broadband in the U.S., with the former covering an estimated 122.8 million people and the latter covering an estimated 25.1 million people. Bundles with phone and TV services are also available. Though there is less coverage for their fiber internet, customers can always opt for their DSL internet.

EarthLink vs AT&T Internet: Best Deals

Internet Deals

EarthLink vs AT&T Internet: Extra Fees and Contracts

Installation

With EarthLink’s HyperLink plans, they require professional installation at a one-time fee of $69.95.

Self-installation is offered to their DSL-only customers who pay $19.95 for a self-installation kit and modem shipping. In addition to the fee is an EarthLink-specific modem, which costs $6.95/month. There may be extra handling and shipping fees as well.

With AT&T Internet, there are two options: self-installation and professional installation.

If customers choose to self-install, the activation fee is $35. The fee for professional installation is typically $99. Included in their internet plans is a Wi-Fi Gateway, so purchasing or renting a modem and router is not necessary. The fee may be waived depending on the bundle offered.

Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

EarthLink’s standard internet plans require a 12-month contract.

Depending on the plan, early termination fees can cost up to $200. Beyond the contract are additional fees that include equipment, handling and shipping, and a one-time installation fee. EarthLink requires a specific modem that they lease for $6.95/month. Keep in mind that EarthLink’s internet plans vary by location and are not available in all geographic areas.

AT&T Internet requires a 12-month contract for new customers; their agreements range from 1-2 years.

If the contract is breached, early termination fees can cost up to $180. Late fees can result up to $10 per bill. As for equipment fees, AT&T supplies a Wi-Fi gateway so customers do not need to buy or rent a modem and router. Depending on the bundles offered, equipment and installation fees may be waived.

Data Caps

EarthLink’s HyperLink plans have no data caps, which is great for power internet users. Customers can enjoy unlimited data and high speeds of up to 1000 Mbps.

AT&T Internet’s various plans offer unlimited data for an extra fee, but the standard data cap is 1 TB/month. An additional $10 is charged for every 50 GB used.

Frequently Asked Questions about EarthLink & AT&T Internet Services

  • Is EarthLink cheaper than AT&T Internet?

    EarthLink’s standard Hyperlink plan is $49.95/month, which is almost the exact price as AT&T’s lowest-priced plan of $50/month. Both providers offer customers a wide variety of plans and pricing options.

  • Who has faster speeds? EarthLink or AT&T Internet?

    Both EarthLink and AT&T Internet have speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. Speeds for EarthLink’s internet-only plans range from 3-1000 Mbps whereas Verizon’s internet-only plans range from 100-1000 Mbps.

  • Do EarthLink and AT&T Internet have unlimited data?

    EarthLink offers unlimited data with most of their internet-only plans. AT&T Internet offers unlimited data with some of their plans, but generally has a data cap of 1 TB/month.

  • Do EarthLink and AT&T Internet require a contract?

    EarthLink requires a 1 year contract, and AT&T requires a 1 or 2 year contract depending on the plan or bundle and if customers are new to the service.