EarthLink and Frontier are well-known internet service providers (ISPs), offering high-speed broadband across the USA. Both, Frontier and EarthLink offer fiber-optic internet with unlimited data, allowing users to enjoy data-intensive online activities without service disruptions or incurring additional costs.
Now, the question that arises is which one should you choose. Picking one might be a hassle, especially if limited information is available for decision-making. But we are here to assist you. We will compare and contrast the two providers and highlight a few key features that may influence your choice.
EarthLink
EarthLink is one of the largest internet service providers in the USA. Its coverage area spans the contiguous USA, offering services to 78% of American households.
The telecom company provides fiber, fixed wireless, DSL, and satellite internet to homes and businesses. The unique aspect of Earthlink Internet is that instead of constructing its own broadband infrastructure, it piggybacks on other providers’ networks and repackages internet plans to offer better service.
Customers can expect symmetrical internet speeds of up to 5,000 Mbps for rates as low as $54.95 per month and outstanding customer service, straight out of Wise County, Virginia.
Pros
- Service is available in 48 states
- No data caps
- A range of internet connections and plans
- Straightforward pricing
- Award-winning customer service
- Great coverage in rural areas
Cons
- Higher prices compared to other providers
- Maximum speeds and type of service vary by location
- No bundling with TV or telephone service
- Annual contracts are compulsory
Frontier
Frontier Communications, incepted in 1935, is one of the best rural internet providers and deploys its digital subscriber line (DSL) and fiber-optic cable networks to offer broadband internet to nearly 4 million homes.
When it comes to the cost-per-speed ratio, Frontier Internet aces the game. Its fiber internet plans start at $44.99 per month offering speeds between 500 and 5,000 Mbps. A quick survey of the broadband market will tell you that these are some of the lowest introductory rates and even if a provider offers plans cheaper than this, the starting speed is 100 Mbps or slower.
The cost of the plan includes unlimited data, an Amazon Eero Wi-Fi router, and expert installation (up to $100 in value).
Pros
- Service availability in 20 states
- No data caps
- No annual contracts
- Wi-Fi router included
- High customer satisfaction with fiber
Cons
- DSL is more expensive
- Fiber is not available to all customers
- Price hikes after 12 months
Internet Service Comparison – EarthLink vs Frontier
| Features | Frontier | Earthlink |
|---|---|---|
| Contracts | ✘ | ✔ |
| Data Cap | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fiber internet | ✔ | ✔ |
| DSL | ✔ | ✔ |
| Less Expensive | ✔ | ✘ |
| Speed up to 5 Gbps | ✔ | ✔ |
| Availability | 29 states | 48 states |
| Customer Rating | 3.75 | 3.40 |
| Starting Price | $44.99/month | $54.95/month |
| ACSI Score | 74 | N/A |
| Internet Speed Range | 500 – 5,000 Mbps | 12 – 5,000 Mbps |
Plans & Pricing Details – EarthLink vs Frontier
EarthLink and Frontier offer different types of internet connections depending on the infrastructure capabilities of a particular service area. For example, EarthLink’s fiber internet service is mostly limited to metropolitans, whereas its DSL and fixed wireless internet services are widely available in rural and suburban areas.
Because of the differences in connection types, Frontier and EarthLink offer an array of plans at varying prices.
EarthLink’s broadband tiers start at $54.95 per month, offering speeds of up to 5,000 Mbps with unlimited data and 99.9 percent network uptime. However, customers must sign a 12-month contract to get a year-long price guarantee. Leasing a router from EarthLink will further jack up your price by $14.95 a month.
In comparison, Frontier offers more affordable fiber-internet options, with monthly prices starting as low as $44.99. Customers get unlimited data, free equipment, free expert installation on online orders, and $10 off on YouTube TV (for a year) on Frontier Fiber internet plans. However, Frontier’s DSL internet service is $10 pricier than EarthLink’s.
EarthLink Internet Plans
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 100 | $59.95/mo. | 100 Mbps | Fiber-optic |
| Fiber 300 | $69.95/mo. | 300 Mbps | Fiber-optic |
| Fiber 500 | $79.95/mo. | 500 Mbps | Fiber-optic |
| Fiber 1,000 | $89.95/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | Fiber-optic |
| Fiber 2,000 | $129.95/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | Fiber-optic |
| Fiber 5,000 | $189.95/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | Fiber-optic |
| DSL 12 | $54.95/mo | 12 Mbps | DSL |
| DSL 24 | $59.95/mo. | 24 Mbps | DSL |
| DSL 45 | $64.95/mo. | 45 Mbps | DSL |
| DSL 75 | $69.95/mo. | 75 Mbps | DSL |
| 100 GB Wireless | $59.95/mo. | 100 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| 150 GB Wireless | $84.95/mo. | 100 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| 200 GB Wireless | $109.95/mo. | 100 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| 300 GB Wireless | $159.95/mo. | 100 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
The monthly internet fee and availability for EarthLink Fiber Internet plans may vary by location.
Terms and conditions apply.
Frontier Internet Plans
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier Internet | $64.99/mo. | 200 Mbps | DSL |
| Fiber 500 | $44.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber 1 Gig | $64.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber 2 Gig | $99.99/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber 5 Gig | $129.99/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Maximum wired speeds may vary.
Additional Costs – Frontier vs EarthLink
The additional expenses related to EarthLink and Frontier internet services include some of the following.
| Extra Costs | Earthlink Internet | Frontier Internet |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Fee | $14.95/mo. router rental fees | FREE |
| Installation Fee | $79.95 (one-time) | Included ($100 in value) |
| Early Termination Fee | Up to $200.00 | $100.00* |
| Equipment Non-Return Fee | $200.00 | $150.00 |
Better Option for Gaming – EarthLink or Frontier?
Cable internet is the most commonly available source of broadband internet in many states. However, serious gamers should consider a fiber-optic connection.
EarthLink and Frontier both bring fiber internet connections to your doorsteps. The smoothness of your game depends upon the bandwidth and latency. The recommended internet speed for gaming depends on several factors, including the gaming console, the type of game, the platform, and the number of players involved.
Fiber internet offers symmetrical upload and download speeds, and ultra-low latency and jitter, all of which are ideal for pro-level online gaming. So, glitch-free gameplay is guaranteed with Frontier and EarthLink’s fiber plans, speeds of up to 5 Gigs, unlimited data, and latency under 20 milliseconds.
Wider Coverage Area – EarthLink or Frontier?
EarthLink has wider coverage than Frontier. It covers nearly 48 states in the US with a variety of internet services and packages. However, the connection type, plan, and price may differ significantly, depending on your location within the footprint.
EarthLink may offer high-speed fiber internet in some places, especially in densely populated urban areas like New York City, Seattle, Austin, Pittsburgh, and more. Unfortunately, a vast majority have to rely on Earthlink’s wireless and DSL connections for internet connectivity.
On the other hand, Frontier serves 29 states in the US, mostly in the Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest regions. Currently, the telecom company has over 2 million fiber broadband customers, and its network reaches 6.5 million fiber locations.
Better Customer Service – EarthLink or Frontier?
Customer satisfaction within the broadband industry is always a hit-or-miss, leading to lower scores and ratings. However, online evaluations indicate that EarthLink prioritizes customer care through localized tech support from its Wise Country, Virginia, office.
Its long list of accolades such as:
- 2020 – No.1 in Customer Satisfaction by HighSpeedInternet
- 2021 – Best High-Speed Internet Service Provider by Digital.com
- 2022 – Best Overall Customer Satisfaction by HighSpeedInternet
…and an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau is a testament to EarthLink’s world-class customer service.
In contrast, Frontier’s customer service has dwindled over the years. Their service is generally reliable, particularly the fiber, but the DSL service is prone to lags and fluctuating speeds, especially during periods of high demand.
Frontier has obtained below-industry-average scores of 74/100 in the fiber ISPs category and 61/100 in the non-fiber ISPs list on the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).
Therefore, out of Frontier or EarthLink, the latter’s customer service speaks of excellence.
Final Verdict – EarthLink or Frontier?
We have gone over all the important details about EarthLink and Frontier. Overall, Frontier is a better choice for most customers because its prices are lower, speeds are usually faster, and you get more value for the money paid through equipment and installation fee waivers.
However, some customers may ultimately lean towards EarthLink because of its superior coverage and versatile connection types.
