Is EarthLink cheaper than CenturyLink?

Currently, EarthLink’s lowest-priced internet plan with speeds up to 3.0 Mbps is $39.95, 3-month promotional rate is $14.95/month. CenturyLink’s lowest-priced internet plan offers slightly higher speeds for $45/month.

Who has faster speeds? EarthLink or CenturyLink?

Both EarthLink and CenturyLink offer internet plans with speeds up to 1000 Mbps. Depending on the location, there may be differing speeds available.

Do EarthLink and CenturyLink have unlimited data?

Unlimited data is offered with all EarthLink internet plans. Most CenturyLink internet plans have a data cap of 1 TB but offer unlimited data with select plans.

Do EarthLink and CenturyLink require a contract?

Most internet plans with EarthLink require a minimum 12-month contract but does not require a credit check to sign up. CenturyLink has options where no contract is needed but may require a credit check or deposit for the plan.

EarthLink vs. CenturyLink

A Side-by-Side Comparison of EarthLink and CenturyLink Internet Service in 2020

EarthLink and CenturyLink are two of the largest internet providers in the United States. Both providers offer widespread DSL and fiber connections with a variety of pricing and speed options. EarthLink provides service to 43 states. Trailing closely behind, CenturyLink supplies service to 39 states. EarthLink and CenturyLink both offer reliable and high-speed internet plans, but there are some notable differences between the two providers detailed below.

EarthLink Info

Setup Service

(866) 769-0186

PRICE RANGE

$14.95-99.95/mo.

CenturyLink Info

Setup Service

(855) 913-4257

PRICE RANGE

$49-65/mo.

EarthLink vs. CenturyLink Comparison
Provider	EarthLink	CenturyLink
Speed	3.0-1,000 Mbps	20-940 Mbps
Pricing	$14.95-99.95/mo.	$49-65/mo.
Service Type	DSL or Fiber	DSL, Fiber, Copper, or Fixed Wireless

EarthLink vs. CenturyLink Feature Comparison
Provider	EarthLink	CenturyLink
High-Speed Plans	Yes	Yes
Unlimited Data	Yes	Select Plans
Contract-Free Plans	No	Yes
TV Service	No	No
Phone Service	No	Yes

EarthLink Internet Deals †

Last updated on 10/17/2019

$14.95 for 3.0 Mbps DSL
- 3.0 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
- 3-month promo rate. Regular rate is $39.95.
- Contract Term: 1 year with up to $90 ETF
- Setup: $19.95 (Includes shipping of modem and self-install kit.)
- Modem w/ WiFi: $6.95/mo
- Call (866) 769-0186 to setup service.
$19.95 for 6 Mbps DSL
- 6.0 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
- 3-month promo rate. Regular rate is $44.95.
- Contract Term: 1 year with up to $90 ETF
- Setup: $19.95 (Includes shipping of modem and self-install kit.)
- Modem w/ WiFi: $6.95/mo
- Call (866) 769-0186 to setup service.
$19.95 for 7 Mbps DSL
- 7.0 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
- 3-month promo rate. Regular rate is $49.95.
- Contract Term: 1 year with up to $90 ETF
- Setup: $19.95 (Includes shipping of modem and self-install kit.)
- Modem w/ WiFi: $6.95/mo
- Call (866) 769-0186 to setup service.
$24.95 for 15 Mbps DSL
- 15 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
- 3-month promo rate. Regular rate is $54.95.
- Contract Term: 1 year with up to $90 ETF
- Setup: $19.95 (Includes shipping of modem and self-install kit.)
- Modem w/ WiFi: $6.95/mo
- Call (866) 769-0186 to setup service.
$49.95 for 50 Mbps Fiber
- 50 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
- 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $69.95.
- Contract Term: 1 year with up to $200 ETF
- Setup: $69.95 (Includes professional installation.)
- Modem w/ WiFi: $6.95/mo
- Call (866) 769-0186 to setup service.
$69.95 for 80 Mbps Fiber
- 80 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
- Contract Term: 1 year with up to $200 ETF
- Setup: $69.95 (Includes professional installation.)
- Modem w/ WiFi: $6.95/mo
- Call (866) 769-0186 to setup service.
$79.95 for 100 Mbps Fiber
- 100 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
- Contract Term: 1 year with up to $200 ETF
- Setup: $69.95 (Includes professional installation.)
- Modem w/ WiFi: $6.95/mo
- Call (866) 769-0186 to setup service.
$89.95 for 200 Mbps Fiber
- 200 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
- Contract Term: 1 year with up to $200 ETF
- Setup: $69.95 (Includes professional installation.)
- Modem w/ WiFi: $6.95/mo
- Call (866) 769-0186 to setup service.
$99.95 for 1,000 Mbps Fiber
- 1,000 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
- Contract Term: 1 year with up to $200 ETF
- Setup: $69.95 (Includes professional installation.)
- Modem: $6.95/mo
- Call (866) 769-0186 to setup service.

Show All Deals (9)

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with EarthLink.

CenturyLink Internet Deals †

Last updated on 9/13/2020

$49 for 20 Mbps DSL
- 20 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
- Prepay and paperless billing required.
- Setup: $0 (No charge for self-install, internet activation, and modem shipping and handling.)
- Modem: $15/mo or one-time $200
- Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
$49 for 40 Mbps DSL
- 40 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
- Prepay and paperless billing required.
- Modem: $15/mo or one-time $200
- Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
$49 for 100 Mbps Fiber
- 100 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ a 1024 GB/mo data cap
- Monthly prepayment and paperless billing required.
- Setup: $0 (Free tech install.)
- Modem w/ WiFi: $15/mo or one-time $200
- Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.
$65 for 940 Mbps Fiber
- 940 Mbps ↓ and 940 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
- Monthly prepayment and paperless billing required.
- Setup: $0 (Free tech install.)
- Modem w/ WiFi included.
- Call (855) 272-5033 to setup service.

Show All Deals (4)

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with CenturyLink.

EarthLink vs. CenturyLink Performance Overview

EarthLink provides both DSL and fiber internet options. Currently, EarthLink has coverage in over 43 states with the greatest coverage being reported in New York, California, and Texas. EarthLink offers a variety of internet plans but do not supply phone and television services.

CenturyLink holds the spot for the 13th largest internet provider in the United States while being ranked as the 3rd largest DSL provider, with EarthLink currently holding the number one DSL provider spot. Different internet technologies supplied by CenturyLink include DSL, fiber, copper, and fixed wireless internet access. CenturyLink offers a variety of double play and triple play plans, but their most noteworthy option may be their Price for Life plan that allows you to keep the same price with no contract.

EarthLink Installation

EarthLink’s installation fees range from $19.95-69.95.

Their professional installation is a one-time fee of $69.95, which is required with all their HyperLink plans. EarthLink’s team of professional technicians will ensure that all equipment is up and running properly. They also offer a self-installation option for $19.95 that includes shipping of the modem equipment and a self-install kit.

CenturyLink Installation

CenturyLink customers are offered two installation options.

There is an option for professional installation that can cost up to $125 or free self-installation. With several modem options including a list of compatible modems that can be purchased from other sources, fees vary depending on the type of modem equipment you select.

EarthLink
Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

EarthLink requires a minimum contract of 12 months for all their internet plans.

There are no credit checks for EarthLink services. If the contract is terminated prematurely, there will be an early termination fee that’s dependent on the remainder of your agreement. Any plan that is cancelled within the first 30 days has no termination fee. Plans cancelled after the first 30 days will need to pay a fee of $200. Regarding equipment, there is a monthly fee of $6.95/month for modem rental.

CenturyLink
Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

CenturyLink offers both contract and contract-free options.

There are no early termination fees for contract-free plans. However, if you end a contracted plan early, be prepared to pay an early termination fees for the remaining months of your agreement.

Modems purchased from CenturyLink will cost a one-time fee of $125, or a leasing option for $10/month. The self-install option is available for all CenturyLink-compatible modems.

EarthLink Data Caps

There are no data caps on any of EarthLink’s internet plans.

CenturyLink Data Caps

There is a 1 TB data cap on most CenturyLink internet plans with a few exceptions: Business, Fiber GB, and Prism TV plans. CenturyLink does not charge overage fees if the data limit is exceeded but has the option to reduce usage or subscribe customers to a higher plan.

100 Mbps CenturyLink Internet

Jenni on September 19, 2019

We switched to CenturyLink and could not be happier. It is so much faster, has never cut out and had the best installation customer service. The price is also great.

Featured Review Hopkins, Minnesota

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CenturyLink Internet with Price for Life

Mike Xavier on July 12, 2020

I am a user of CenturyLink Internet and their Internet is the best in the industry. Also, with a cheap bundle, I got a free modem/router. They offer speeds that suit your home needs from 20 Mbps to 940 Mbps.

New York, New York

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EarthLink vs. CenturyLink Coverage Availability

EarthLink Coverage & Availability

EarthLink Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.

CenturyLink Coverage & Availability

CenturyLink Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.

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Frequently Asked Questions about EarthLink & CenturyLink Internet Services

Is EarthLink cheaper than CenturyLink?

Currently, EarthLink’s lowest-priced internet plan with speeds up to 3.0 Mbps is $39.95, 3-month promotional rate is $14.95/month. CenturyLink’s lowest-priced internet plan offers slightly higher speeds for $45/month.
Who has faster speeds? EarthLink or CenturyLink?

Both EarthLink and CenturyLink offer internet plans with speeds up to 1000 Mbps. Depending on the location, there may be differing speeds available.
Do EarthLink and CenturyLink have unlimited data?

Unlimited data is offered with all EarthLink internet plans. Most CenturyLink internet plans have a data cap of 1 TB but offer unlimited data with select plans.
Do EarthLink and CenturyLink require a contract?

Most internet plans with EarthLink require a minimum 12-month contract but does not require a credit check to sign up. CenturyLink has options where no contract is needed but may require a credit check or deposit for the plan.

Last updated on 9/13/2020.