EarthLink internet
Xfinity internet

EarthLink vs. Xfinity

A Side-by-Side Comparison of EarthLink and Xfinity Internet Service in 2023

EarthLink has 9 plans:
Xfinity has 16 plans:

Learn more about EarthLink and Xfinity:

EarthLink has 9 plans:
Xfinity has 16 plans:

Learn more about EarthLink and Xfinity

Based on our study, EarthLink and Xfinity from Comcast are some of the top internet providers in the United States. Both providers supply a fiber-optic network for high-speed broadband services, EarthLink also offers DSL internet across 43 states whereas Xfinity offers cable internet across 40 states. There are a variety of prices and plans offered by EarthLink and Xfinity with significant differences outlined below.

EarthLink vs Xfinity Overall Comparison

EarthLink vs Xfinity 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

    200 Mbps - 6 Gbps

  • Pricing

    $35 - $309.95/mo.

  • Service Type

    Cable, Fiber

  • Equipment Fee

    $15 a month

  • Data Cap

    Unlimited Data

EarthLink offers DSL and fiber broadband services and is the largest U.S. provider of DSL. Their DSL service is available to approximately 169.5 million people. Depending on the location, EarthLink offers internet plans with unlimited data and speeds ranging from 3-1000 Mbps, but does not offer phone or TV services.

Xfinity from Comcast is the largest cable provider in the U.S., with service available to over 111.6 million people. Along with cable services, Xfinity also provides a fiber-optic network in select regions. Xfinity customers have the option to bundle their internet with television and/or phone service.

EarthLink vs Xfinity: Best Deals

Internet Deals

Earthlink vs Xfinity: Extra Fees and Contracts

Installation

EarthLink offers customers self-installation and professional installation options depending on the plan.

With the self-installation option, EarthLink has a one-time setup fee of $19.95 which includes shipping of a self-install kit and modem. EarthLink requires professional installation for $69.95 with select internet plans.

Xfinity offers professional installation and self-installation options.

Professional installation fees with Xfinity can range anywhere between $60-90 and is required for homes that have never been wired for Xfinity services. For homes that have been wired for Xfinity services, customers have the option to self-install. Self-installation includes a self-install kit that’s free of charge.

Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

There are no contract-free plans available with EarthLink.

EarthLink internet plans require a one-year contract with early termination fees that range between $90-200. Additional fees may occur such as installation, shipping of equipment, and local taxes. Depending on the plan selected, EarthLink customers may be required to rent an EarthLink specific modem for an additional $6.95/month.

Xfinity offers 12-month and 24-month long contracts.

The provider also offers a contract-free option for an additional $10/month. Contractless plans can be cancelled at anytime without any penalty fees. Xfinity customers who cancel their contract early will face early termination fees—that varies from plan to plan—for each remaining month in their contract. Fees to rent basic equipment start at $11/month, which includes a modem and router.

Data Caps

There are no data cap restrictions on EarthLink’s internet plans.

There is a 1 TB data cap on all of Xfinity’s internet plans. An additional 50 GB of data is available for $10 in select areas. Xfinity also provides the option to pay a flat fee of $50/month for unlimited data with any plan.

EarthLink vs. Xfinity Internet Review

We asked BroadbandNow users to review EarthLink based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 13 for EarthLink. EarthLink earned an average score of 4.43 out of 5.

We asked BroadbandNow users to review Xfinity based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 5878 for Xfinity. Xfinity earned an average score of 3.46 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions about EarthLink & Xfinity Internet Services

  • Is EarthLink cheaper than Xfinity?

    EarthLink’s internet plans are more affordable than Xfinity’s but offer slower speeds. Currently, EarthLink’s DSL plans start at $14.95/month with speeds up to 3 Mbps whereas Xfinity’s internet-only cable plans start at $39.99/month for 100 Mbps.

  • Who has faster speeds? EarthLink or Xfinity?

    Xfinity offers speeds up to 2000 Mbps with select plans while EarthLink offers speeds up to 1000 Mbps with select plans. Access to these speeds depend on the coverage availability and your location.

  • Do EarthLink and Xfinity have unlimited data?

    EarthLink offers unlimited data with all plans. Xfinity customers can purchase unlimited data with any plan for an extra monthly fee of $50.

  • Do EarthLink and Xfinity require a contract?

    EarthLink requires customers to sign a one-year contract for all internet plans. Xfinity offers 1-2 year contracts or the option to go contract-free for an additional monthly charge of $10.