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.