Frontier internet
EarthLink internet

Frontier vs. EarthLink

A Side-by-Side Comparison of Frontier and EarthLink Internet Service in 2023

EarthLink has 9 plans:

Learn more about Frontier and EarthLink:

EarthLink has 9 plans:

Learn more about Frontier and EarthLink

Frontier Communications and EarthLink are household names in the U.S. internet provider industry. Both providers offer high-speed fiber internet with varying speeds. They also have DSL options that are more affordable but might not be the best option for those who stream and download content more frequently. We’ve outlined fundamental differences between the two providers below, including fees, installation, and contracts.

Frontier vs EarthLink Overall Comparison

Frontier vs EarthLink Overall Comparison

  • Speed

    115 Mbps - 5 Gbps

  • Pricing

    $49.99 - $154.99/mo.

  • Service Type

    DSL, Fiber, Fixed Wireless, Copper

  • Equipment Fee

    $0 a month

  • Data Cap

    Unlimited Data

  • Speed

    100 Mbps - 5 Gbps

  • Pricing

    $59.95 - $189.95/mo.

  • Service Type

    DSL, Fixed Wireless, Fiber

  • Equipment Fee

    $15 a month

  • Data Cap

    Unlimited Data

Frontier’s DSL internet plans start at $49.99 per month. Prices and speeds vary depending on location and availability. Currently, Frontier DSL covers 25 states in the U.S. Between Frontier DSL and fiber plans, customers have the option to choose one that suits their needs.

EarthLink has upgraded its internet service to HyperLink, offering fiber internet and high speeds. At this time, its high-speed fiber internet is available in 21 states, with the fastest connection up to 1 Gbps. That translates to 10 songs that can be downloaded in 9 seconds or a 1-hour TV show in less than a minute.

Frontier vs EarthLink: Best Deals

Internet Deals

Frontier Communications vs. EarthLink: Extra Fees and Contracts

Installation

Self-installation is available for EarthLink’s DSL plans for $19.95, which provides a self-install kit. Self-installation is not an option for their fiber internet. Professional installation costs a one-time fee of $69.95. For the DSL internet plans, EarthLink recommends that customers use their specific modem rather than one they already own.

Frontier’s expert installation fee can be waived if a customer chooses a qualified fiber internet plan. Otherwise, the fee costs $85.

Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

EarthLink contracts are all 12-month agreements with early termination fees up to $200. Customers can rent a modem from EarthLink for $6.95 per month. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Failure to pay may cost the customer a penalty fee per occurrence per circuit as it is considered a breach of contract.

Frontier has optional contracts, but no contract is required. The benefit of a contract is the fixed price for the contract duration and signup rewards, but if the contract is breached, be prepared to face early termination fees up to $400. There is also a non-return equipment rental fee of $150.

Data Caps

EarthLink doesn’t have data caps. Customers can enjoy high speeds of up to 1 Gbps and stream, download content, browse the internet, shop online, or game without any data limitations.

Frontier also doesn’t have any data caps or data overage fees. With a wide variety of unlimited data plans, customers can download, stream, and play games without any data restrictions.

Frontier vs. EarthLink Internet Review

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

BroadbandNow readers submitted 3253 for Frontier. Frontier earned an average score of 3.34 out of 5.

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

BroadbandNow readers submitted 13 for EarthLink. EarthLink earned an average score of 4.43 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions about Frontier & EarthLink Internet Services

  • Is Frontier cheaper than EarthLink?

    Frontier’s lowest-priced internet-only DSL plan costs $49.99 per month, while EarthLink’s lowest-priced internet-only DSL plan costs  per month. Plans depend on location and availability, so customers may find more affordable plans with EarthLink than Frontier or vice versa.

  • Who has faster speeds? Frontier or EarthLink?

    Frontier offers high-speed internet with varying download speeds. EarthLink’s download speeds reach 1 Gbps and may have more coverage than Frontier but this varies by location and availability.

  • Do Frontier and EarthLink have unlimited data?

    Both providers offer unlimited data for most of their internet plans which is beneficial for power-internet users.

  • Do Frontier and EarthLink require a contract?

    Frontier offers contract-free options, whether customers opt for DSL or fiber. On the other hand, all of EarthLink’s plans require a 12-month contract.