EarthLink vs. Spectrum
As two of the largest internet providers in the country by coverage area, EarthLink and Spectrum are similar in many ways. Both provide reliable high-speed internet service. However, there are a number of crucial differences in the way these rival companies operate and the service and pricing options they offer. Depending on your location and internet needs, one internet provider may be a better option over the other.
EarthLink Info
Spectrum Info
| EarthLink vs. Spectrum Comparison |
|
|
| Provider | EarthLink | Spectrum |
| Speed | 12-1,000 Mbps | 200-1,000 Mbps |
| Pricing | $49.95-99.95/mo. | $49.99-109.99/mo. |
| Service Type | DSL or Fiber | Cable or Fiber |
| EarthLink vs. Spectrum FEATURE COMPARISON |
|
|
| Provider | EarthLink | Spectrum |
| High-Speed Plans | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited Data | Yes | Yes |
| Contract-Free Plans | No | Yes |
| TV Service | No | Yes |
| Phone Service | No | Yes |
EarthLink Internet Deals †
Last updated on 12/27/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with EarthLink.
Spectrum Internet Deals †
Last updated on 1/13/2022†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Spectrum.
EarthLink vs. Spectrum Performance Overview
EarthLink has the nation’s third-largest fiber network by coverage area and is also the largest provider of residential DSL internet by coverage area. Availability for either internet type will still vary by location. Customers with fiber connections can access internet speeds up to 1000 Mbps. EarthLink provides internet service only, with no phone or TV options.
Spectrum is an internet, cable TV, and telephone provider that uses cable connections almost exclusively for residential internet. The company is the second-largest cable provider in the United States by coverage area. Spectrum offers more than two dozen pricing options for high speed internet service, either alone or bundled with TV and/or phone service. Package availability varies by location.
EarthLink Installation
EarthLink’s installation setup is dependent on the type of internet plan. Installation fees vary from $19.95-69.95.
Installation charges for EarthLink’s Hyperlink plans—a combined fiber/DSL connection—include a $69.95 fee for professional installation. DSL-only customers typically pay $19.95 for a self-installation kit and modem shipping. All EarthLink installation packages include Wi-Fi service.
Spectrum Installation
Spectrum customers are offered a free modem with both self-installation and professional installation options.
Professional installation is a one-time fee of $49.99 with most of its internet-only packages. The installation fee may be reduced or waived with select bundles and packages. To avoid the installation fee, customers may opt for the self-installation option for a one-time Wi-Fi activation charge of $9.99. Households can also rent a Wi-Fi router for a $5 monthly fee from Spectrum.
EarthLink Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print
Currently, all EarthLink internet plans require a 12-month contract.
Customers who cancel their service before their contract ends face early termination fees of up to $200. As with all internet providers, local taxes and fees may also apply. EarthLink contracts require that customers use the company-provided modem for a rental fee of $6.95/month. All EarthLink equipment must be returned upon cancellation or the customer will be charged additional fees.
Spectrum Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print
As a contract-free provider, Spectrum subscribers pay for their service from month to month and are not required to sign a contract of any duration.
Thus, accounts may be cancelled at any time without penalty. Customers should also expect to pay a one-time $9.99 activation fee. Locally assessed taxes and fees may also apply. Spectrum often offers new customers lower promotional rates for the first 12 months followed by a rate increase of as much as $20 per month when the promotional term ends.
EarthLink Data Caps
All EarthLink internet plans allow customers to enjoy unlimited downloading, uploading, and streaming. No data caps are placed on user data. This makes EarthLink a suitable choice for households with multiple power-internet users that may stream a lot of games, movies, or television.
Spectrum Data Caps
Like EarthLink, Spectrum does not limit the amount of data its customers can upload or download. In fact, Spectrum is prohibited from adding data caps to its internet plans by an agreement with the FCC in the wake of a recent merger.
Service Review
5 Stars all the way! Front desk scheduling any time of the day or night. Tech support calls no time limits, smart and always helpful, invested in your problem all the way. Thank you all so much for your kind attitude and willingness to help us.
Excellent Reliability. Steady, fast service at all times.
I switched to Spectrum from our previous ISP because I was having daily intermittent disconnection problems that made internet usage a nightmare. I had to ask for tech support multiple times over the course of the year I was with them. What a fantastic switch I made to Spectrum. I now have cable 400 Mbps download 20 Mbps upload and it is 1,000 times more reliable. Virtually no disconnections ever like I was having regularly every day. I no longer get disconnected from my online games in the middle of the match. I no longer have to deal with random buffering moments when trying to load internet pages due to intermittent disconnects like I had with my previous provider. The service is as expected, and in fact better than expected because my speed test register at about 470 Mbps download, and 23 Mbps upload, regularly, anytime you run the speed test. I am so happy to finally have steady, reliable internet service that doesn't disconnect. Thank you Spectrum. I can't share too much about tech support because I haven't had issues that require me to call them. So it's 5 stars all around. Installation was great and was done by a highly skilled Spectrum contractor here at my house.
EarthLink vs. Spectrum Coverage Availability
EarthLink Coverage & Availability
Spectrum Coverage & Availability
Search for Internet Nearby
Find every Internet Provider in Your Zipcode
Enter your zip code to compare EarthLink and Spectrum with other internet providers near you.
