Both EarthLink and Xfinity supply a fiber-optic network for high-speed broadband services, though Xfinity’s fiber internet network is admittedly smaller. While EarthLink offers fiber, 5G home internet, and DSL services across a total of 26 states, Xfinity reaches a whopping 41 states across the U.S. with fiber and cable internet. Xfinity also offers home security, TV, and phone services, while EarthLink offers only a landline phone option.
EarthLink vs. Xfinity Internet
Compare EarthLink and Xfinity Internet Service in 2025

PROVIDER DETAILS
- Download speeds up to: 5 Gbps
- DSL, Fixed Wireless, Fiber
- Unlimited Data
PROVIDER DETAILS
- Download speeds up to: 10 Gbps
- Cable, Fiber
- $20 a month equipment fees
- Unlimited Data
Learn more about EarthLink and Xfinity:
Learn more about EarthLink and Xfinity
EarthLink vs Xfinity: Best Deals
Internet Deals

EarthLink and Xfinity Are About Even When It Comes to Fees
EarthLink Offers Lower Installation Costs
EarthLink offers customers self-installation and professional installation options depending on the plan. While EarthLink’s self-installation is free, you’ll have to pay $39.99 for Xfinity’s self-installation service. Xfinity’s professional installation is also more expensive at $100.
Xfinity Has More Contract Flexibility
Many EarthLink internet plans require a one-year contract with early-termination fees (ETFs) that can reach $200. Additional fees may apply, such as installation, shipping of equipment, and local taxes. Depending on the plan selected, EarthLink customers may be required to rent a modem for an additional $12.95 per month.
Xfinity offers 12-month and 24-month contracts. The provider also offers a contract-free option for an additional cost. Plans without contracts can be canceled at any time without any penalty fees. Xfinity customers who cancel their contract early will face an ETF based on the remaining months in their contract. Xfinity also charges up to $15 per month for access to its xFi gateway device.
EarthLink Beats Xfinity in Data Caps With Unlimited Internet
There are no data caps on EarthLink’s internet plans, but Xfinity does implement a 1.2 TB data cap on all of its internet plans (which means overage fees). Xfinity also provides the option of unlimited data for an additional $30 per month.
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 726 for EarthLink. EarthLink earned an average score of 4.10 out of 5.
We asked BroadbandNow users to review Xfinity based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.
BroadbandNow readers submitted 6455 for Xfinity. Xfinity earned an average score of 3.44 out of 5.