Internet Service Providers
Top Companies in 2026
EarthLink vs Verizon
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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
- Offers fiber and wireless internet options
- Strong performance on fiber plans where available
- Price guarantees add billing predictability
- 30-Day money-back guarantee
- Inconsistent service experience by connection type
- Limited upfront pricing transparency
- Fewer advanced networking features by default
- Unclear equipment options and ownership terms
- Availability and quality vary by location
- Wireless plans can slow down during peak usage
- Pricing details require an address check
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.
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in New York City, Verizon is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States, serving millions of residential and business customers nationwide. As an internet service provider, they offer multiple ways to connect, including fiber-optic internet in select markets and wireless home internet options in areas where wired broadband may be limited. This multi-network approach allows customers to choose a service that aligns with their location, household size, and daily internet use. Fiber-based service is built around consistent performance and low latency, supporting activities such as video conferencing, streaming, and multi-device use. Wireless options focus on ease of setup and broader reach, appealing to households that prioritize convenience or lack access to traditional broadband infrastructure. Pricing structures emphasize predictability through time-based guarantees, while self-install options and centralized account tools aim to simplify the overall experience. Customer feedback reflects a mix of strengths and challenges. Many users highlight strong performance where infrastructure is available, while others raise concerns about billing clarity and support responsiveness. Industry benchmarks and accreditation records position Verizon as a prominent, established provider, making this review a helpful starting point for understanding how their services compare across different use cases.
- Customer Service : Good
- Mobile Service : True
- Online Billing : True
- Served Areas : 48 states
- Customer Service : Fair
- Mobile Service : True
- Online Billing : True
- Served Areas : Fiber in 9 states + Washington, DC. Wireless home internet available in most U.S. states (availability varies by address)
- Multi-network internet access under one brand
- Strong availability in limited-option markets
- Location-first service model
- Edge-case connectivity coverage
- Combines fiber and wireless service under one provider
- Uses multi-year price guarantees instead of short promos
- Includes affordability programs for eligible households
- 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
- Business Internet
- Fibre Internet
- Rural Internet
- Satellite Internet
- Wireless Home Internet
- Business Internet
- Fibre Internet
- Rural Internet
- Satellite Internet
- Wireless Home Internet
- 4G
- 5G
- 4G
- 5G
- Android
- iOS
- Android
- iOS
Verizon vs. EarthLink
Verizon and EarthLink both sell home internet across the U.S., but they reach customers in very different ways. This comparison fits anyone weighing a large national provider with its own network against a provider that relies on partner infrastructure. The goal is to help you see how coverage, speed, and long-term value stack up before you commit.
Speeds and availability
Verizon operates a mix of fiber and wireless home internet. Their Fios fiber service is available in select metro areas, mainly across the Northeast and parts of the Mid-Atlantic, offering symmetrical fiber speeds that scale from a few hundred Mbps up to multi-gig tiers in some markets. Outside fiber regions, they rely on 5G Home and LTE Home Internet, which reach far more addresses but with lower and more variable speeds. Verizon generally avoids data caps across both fiber and wireless plans.
EarthLink does not own a nationwide network. They sell internet through regional partners, which means availability and technology depend heavily on location. In fiber-served areas, EarthLink offers fast plans that can reach gigabit and multi-gig speeds, often with unlimited data. In other locations, service may fall back to DSL or fixed wireless, where speeds drop significantly and performance varies. Coverage is broader on paper, but the experience differs widely by address.
Reliability and performance
Verizon’s fiber service stands out for stability and consistency. Fios uses a dedicated fiber-to-the-home network, which supports low latency and steady speeds even during peak hours. Wireless home internet performs well for everyday use, but speeds can fluctuate based on network congestion, signal quality, and distance from towers, especially in busy urban areas.
EarthLink’s reliability depends on the underlying provider serving your area. Fiber connections through major partner networks can deliver solid uptime and low latency comparable to other fiber ISPs. DSL and fixed wireless options, though, are more sensitive to distance, aging infrastructure, and environmental factors. That makes performance less predictable, especially for video calls, gaming, or heavy streaming.
Pricing and value
Verizon uses straightforward pricing with no annual contracts. Fiber plans usually fall into mid to high price ranges depending on speed tier, while 5G and LTE Home Internet plans tend to sit in lower to mid ranges. Equipment is often included, and promotions may apply for mobile customers, though prices can rise once introductory periods end.
EarthLink pricing varies by service type. Fiber plans typically land in mid to higher price ranges, while DSL options are often priced lower but deliver far less speed. Some plans include promotional pricing or term commitments, depending on the region. Installation fees and equipment costs may apply, and long-term value depends heavily on whether fiber is available at your address.
Conclusion
Verizon is a strong fit if you want consistent performance, modern infrastructure, and predictable pricing, especially if Fios fiber is available where you live. EarthLink makes sense for households in areas with limited choices or where their partner fiber service reaches your home. The right choice depends less on brand and more on what technology actually serves your address, so checking availability and plan details before deciding can save you frustration later.