Internet Service Providers
Top Companies in 2026
EarthLink vs Optimum
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- Contract-flexible plan options
- Unlimited data availability on many plans
- Legacy ISP experience with modern broadband
- Optional full-service technical support add-on
- Competitive introductory pricing on fiber plans
- No contracts or data caps on residential plans
- Expanding fiber network with multi-gigabit speeds
- Inclusive Wi-Fi 6 gateway with no extra monthly fee
- Bundling discounts for internet, TV, and mobile
- Access to nationwide Optimum Wi-Fi hotspots
- Affordable Access Program for eligible households
- Inconsistent service experience by connection type
- Limited upfront pricing transparency
- Fewer advanced networking features by default
- Unclear equipment options and ownership terms
- Significant post-promotional price increases
- Widespread customer service complaints
- Low customer satisfaction and BBB ratings
- Slow upload speeds on non-fiber (cable) plans
- Inconsistent service reliability in older network areas
- Limited fiber availability in many service regions
EarthLink Internet is a long-established internet service provider that has operated in the U.S. market since 1994. They are headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and provide internet access to residential and small business customers across much of the country. Unlike providers that rely on a single network, EarthLink delivers service through multiple connection types based on location, including fiber, wireless home internet, and satellite. This structure allows them to reach customers in both well-served metro areas and regions where internet options are more limited. Their offerings are built around flexibility and availability rather than bundled entertainment services. Many plans emphasize unlimited data usage, and select options allow customers to avoid long-term contracts. EarthLink also supplements standard internet service with optional technical support tools and account management resources designed to simplify setup and ongoing use. Customer feedback across major review platforms reflects a mixed but informative picture. Some users highlight stable performance and smooth installations, while others point to pricing clarity and performance variability depending on connection type. From an industry standpoint, EarthLink remains a recognizable legacy ISP that has adapted to modern broadband delivery models rather than exiting the market.
Optimum, operating under their parent company Altice USA, are a major telecommunications provider headquartered in Long Island City, New York. Their core service area spans 21 states, with a strong concentration in the Northeast. The company provides internet, TV, and mobile services, with their most compelling offerings being their expanding fiber-optic network. Standout features include multi-gigabit speeds up to 8 Gbps, a "Price for Life" price lock guarantee on select fiber plans, and the inclusion of a Wi-Fi 6 gateway with no equipment fee. For value-seeking customers, Optimum promotes strong bundle discounts, often including a free unlimited mobile line for a year with certain internet plans, and an Affordable Access Program for eligible households. Despite these technical strengths, Optimum's reputation is severely impacted by consistent critical feedback. They hold an F rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting a high volume of unresolved customer complaints. Common grievances center on significant price increases after the promotional period ends, considerable difficulties with customer service, including long wait times and unhelpful support, and unreliable service in areas still dependent on its older cable infrastructure. This creates a stark contrast between their capable network technology and a frequently frustrating customer experience.
- Customer Service : Good
- Mobile Service : True
- Online Billing : True
- Served Areas : 48 states
- Customer Service : Good
- Mobile Service : True
- Online Billing : True
- Served Areas : 21 states across the US, concentrated in the Northeast; expanding elsewhere
- Multi-network internet access under one brand
- Strong availability in limited-option markets
- Location-first service model
- Edge-case connectivity coverage
- "Price for Life" guarantee on select fiber plans
- 60-day money-back guarantee for fiber customers
- Strong bundle value with a free unlimited mobile line for one year
- 5-year price lock on budget "Advantage Internet" plans
- Desktop Application
- FAQs
- Help Center
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Phone
- Ticket
- Desktop Application—Undisclosed
- FAQs
- Help Center
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Phone
- Ticket—Undisclosed
- Business Internet
- Fibre Internet
- Rural Internet
- Satellite Internet
- Wireless Home Internet
- Business Internet
- Fibre Internet
- Rural Internet—Undisclosed
- Satellite Internet
- Wireless Home Internet
- 4G
- 5G
- 4G
- 5G
- Android
- iOS
- Android
- iOS
EarthLink vs. Optimum
This comparison examines EarthLink and Optimum side by side to help you see how they differ in terms of speed, availability, reliability, and overall value. You’re likely considering these two if they both serve your area and you want fast, dependable home internet. Both offer strong options, but they take different approaches, so understanding those differences makes the choice easier.
Speeds and availability
EarthLink primarily focuses on fiber internet in areas where the infrastructure is available, with plans that can reach up to around 5 Gbps. In areas without fiber, they may offer fixed wireless or satellite options to maintain broad coverage. Their fiber plans typically include unlimited data, though availability still depends heavily on whether fiber has been built in your neighborhood, so access can vary from one address to another.
Optimum serves customers mainly across the Northeast and several surrounding regions, offering both cable and growing fiber-to-the-home service. Their cable plans generally reach speeds of up to about 940 Mbps, while their fiber plans can reach multi-gig speeds of around 8 Gbps in select areas. All plans include unlimited data, but the exact speeds you can get depend heavily on whether your address is covered by cable or fiber.
Reliability and performance
EarthLink’s fiber service generally delivers strong reliability, consistent speeds, and low latency, especially in households that do a lot of streaming, gaming, or remote work. Fiber technology handles heavy demand more effectively than traditional cable, so performance tends to remain steady even during peak usage hours. Where fiber isn’t available, and other technologies are used, performance can vary depending on the type of connection.
Optimum’s reliability depends a lot on whether you’re on their cable network or fiber network. Cable plans typically offer fast downloads but slower uploads compared to fiber, and performance can fluctuate more during peak evening hours. In areas where Optimum has rolled out full fiber, performance improves significantly, with better stability, stronger upload speeds, and lower latency, although that fiber coverage is still expanding.
Pricing and value
EarthLink’s pricing changes based on plan speed and location, with entry-level fiber costing less and higher-speed tiers costing more. They tend to emphasize straightforward pricing, unlimited data, and fewer aggressive price hikes than some traditional cable providers, though equipment fees and availability can still affect your final monthly cost. Overall, the best value from EarthLink comes where fiber is available.
Optimum’s plans usually start around a budget-friendly monthly rate and scale upward for faster speeds, especially on fiber tiers. They often highlight perks like included equipment, no contracts, and promotional deals, but many plans do see price increases after the introductory period. Even so, the combination of unlimited data, flexible terms, and breakneck top speeds can make Optimum appealing in the right locations.
Conclusion
EarthLink is best for you if fiber is available at your address and you want stable speeds, strong performance, and a straightforward internet experience. Optimum makes more sense if you live within their core service regions, want access to very high top speeds, and prefer plans with unlimited data and no long-term contracts. Since both providers vary by location, the smartest step is to check your exact address, compare available speeds and final monthly pricing, and then choose the one that best fits how you and your household actually use the internet.