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EarthLink vs. Xfinity Internet

Compare EarthLink and Xfinity Internet Service in 2024

8 Plans Available
EarthLink internet
price range
$39.95 - $189.95/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 12 Mbps - 5 Gbps
  • DSL, Fixed Wireless, Fiber
  • Unlimited Data
19 Plans Available
Xfinity internet
price range
$35 - $299.95/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 300 Mbps - 10 Gbps
  • Cable, Fiber
  • $15 a month equipment fees
  • Unlimited Data

Learn more about EarthLink and Xfinity:

EarthLink has 8 plans:
Xfinity has 19 plans:

Learn more about EarthLink and Xfinity

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: 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 209 for EarthLink. EarthLink earned an average score of 4.07 out of 5.

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

BroadbandNow readers submitted 6235 for Xfinity. Xfinity earned an average score of 3.45 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions About EarthLink and Xfinity Internet Services

  • Is EarthLink or Xfinity cheaper?

    Xfinity is the more affordable option, with prices starting at $35 per month. In comparison, EarthLink plans start at $39.95 per month, which is slightly more expensive.

  • Who has faster speeds? EarthLink or Xfinity?

    Xfinity offers speeds up to 10 Gbps with select plans, which is faster than EarthLink’s top speed, which can reach 5 Gbps. Access to these speeds depends 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 or face a 1.2 TB data cap.

  • Do EarthLink and Xfinity require a contract?

    Xfinity offers service plans free of contracts, while EarthLink requires customers to sign a one-year contract for all internet plans.