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If you’re in an area where you can choose between EarthLink internet and AT&T internet , we’ve got lots of information about each provider to help make your decision easier. While both offer reliable fiber internet, they also have a few differences like data caps and annual contracts. Read on for the full breakdown of prices, plans, and features each offers.
- Best internet protection
- Unlimited data included
- No credit checks
- Variety of plans
- Wide availability
- Fiber internet speeds
Internet Plans
Our Picks | | |
|---|---|---|
Staring Price | $49.95/mo. – $59.95/mo. | $55/mo. – $80/mo. |
Max Download | 5 Gbps – 100 Mbps | 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps |
Data Caps | No | No |
Equipment Fee | $12.95/mo. | $10/mo. |
| Check Availability | Check Availability |
Our Picks | |
|---|---|
Staring Price | $49.95/mo. – $59.95/mo. |
Max Download | 5 Gbps – 100 Mbps |
Data Caps | No |
Equipment Fee | $12.95/mo. |
| Check Availability | |
Our Picks | |
Staring Price | $55/mo. – $80/mo. |
Max Download | 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps |
Data Caps | No |
Equipment Fee | $10/mo. |
| Check Availability |
Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 7/18/22.
EarthLink Internet Plans
While EarthLink internet plans are available in 50 states, its service areas are somewhat limited. If you do live where EarthLink is available, there are many features to look forward to, like unlimited data, symmetrical speeds, and a fixed-price guarantee. Earthlink offers speeds up to 5 Gbps over fiber internet in select areas, making it ideal for households with multiple, simultaneous users.
AT&T Internet Plans
While only available in 21 states, AT&T has a bigger footprint in larger cities than EarthLink. AT&T internet plans deliver for the most demanding users. With speeds up to 940 Mbps over fiber internet, you’ll get reliability from a connection type that has a lot of growth potential. AT&T offers up-front pricing with no annual contracts, active internet security, and state-of-the-art equipment.
Internet Features
EarthLink and AT&T each offer high-quality internet services with high speeds, reliability, and security. Have a look at our side-by-side comparison of the two providers.
Data Caps
There are no data caps with EarthLink, so you can do all the things you love to do online without worrying about getting charged more.
Data Caps
AT&T imposes internet data caps, but only on its lower-speed plans. Plans with speeds greater than 100 Mbps do not have data caps.
Fast Speeds
While EarthLink offers 5 Gbps fiber internet, it is only available in select areas. Its 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps plans are more widely available.
Fast Speeds
AT&T delivers its internet service over an evolving fiber network with speeds up to 940 Mbps. As its network develops, the potential for faster speeds increases.
Contracts
EarthLink requires customers to agree to a 12-month contract in order to receive internet services.
Contracts
While AT&T internet service doesn’t require a contract, there may be an early termination fee applied when you cancel.
Security
Virus and spam protection are included for free with Earthlink services, as well as an app to administer and monitor your service.
Security
AT&T offers ActiveArmor™ with its internet service, which protects your devices from cyber threats, even when you’re on WiFi.
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Data Caps
There are no data caps with EarthLink, so you can do all the things you love to do online without worrying about getting charged more.
Fast Speeds
While EarthLink offers 5 Gbps fiber internet, it is only available in select areas. Its 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps plans are more widely available.
Contracts
EarthLink requires customers to agree to a 12-month contract in order to receive internet services.
Security
Virus and spam protection are included for free with Earthlink services, as well as an app to administer and monitor your service.
SHOW MORE
Data Caps
AT&T imposes internet data caps, but only on its lower-speed plans. Plans with speeds greater than 100 Mbps do not have data caps.
Fast Speeds
AT&T delivers its internet service over an evolving fiber network with speeds up to 940 Mbps. As its network develops, the potential for faster speeds increases.
Contracts
While AT&T internet service doesn’t require a contract, there may be an early termination fee applied when you cancel.
Security
AT&T offers ActiveArmor™ with its internet service, which protects your devices from cyber threats, even when you’re on WiFi.
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Internet Fees
It is important to know that the prices providers advertise with their plans do not include taxes and other internet fees. Have a look at this list of fees from each provider that may increase your monthly bill.
Installation
EarthLink requires a professional installation for all internet services, which starts at $79.95.
Installation
While the cost of a professional installation is about $100, AT&T does offer an option for free self-installation.
Overage Fees
Since EarthLink internet services have unlimited data, there are no overage fees to worry about.
Overage Fees
For the plans that have data caps, AT&T charges $10 for each 50 GB over the monthly allotment. You may also upgrade to unlimited data for $30/mo. for plans starting at 100 Mbps.
Equipment Fees
EarthLink charges $12.95/mo. for equipment rental, but you can use your own equipment with most EarthLink internet plans.
Equipment Fees
AT&T offers a WiFi gateway rental for $10/mo. It is required for all AT&T internet plans.
Price Increases
While it does require a 12-month contract, EarthLink won’t hike up your monthly price after that contract ends.
Price Increases
AT&T monthly prices are not tied to any promotions. However, AT&T reserves the right to increase prices and certainly has over time.
Early Termination
If you decide to cancel your internet service, EarthLink may charge up to $200 for early termination.
Early Termination
AT&T will charge up to $480 (pro-rated monthly) if you decide to cancel your service early.
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Installation
EarthLink requires a professional installation for all internet services, which starts at $79.95.
Overage Fees
Since EarthLink internet services have unlimited data, there are no overage fees to worry about.
Equipment Fees
EarthLink charges $12.95/mo. for equipment rental, but you can use your own equipment with most EarthLink internet plans.
Price Increases
While it does require a 12-month contract, EarthLink won’t hike up your monthly price after that contract ends.
Early Termination
If you decide to cancel your internet service, EarthLink may charge up to $200 for early termination.
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Installation
While the cost of a professional installation is about $100, AT&T does offer an option for free self-installation.
Overage Fees
For the plans that have data caps, AT&T charges $10 for each 50 GB over the monthly allotment. You may also upgrade to unlimited data for $30/mo. for plans starting at 100 Mbps.
Equipment Fees
AT&T offers a WiFi gateway rental for $10/mo. It is required for all AT&T internet plans.
Price Increases
AT&T monthly prices are not tied to any promotions. However, AT&T reserves the right to increase prices and certainly has over time.
Early Termination
AT&T will charge up to $480 (pro-rated monthly) if you decide to cancel your service early.
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Picking a Provider
EarthLink and AT&T are both excellent internet options. EarthLink may be available in more states and offer faster top speeds, but AT&T has more availability within the states it operates and is somewhat less per Mbps than Earthlink.
Earthlink: Best for Speed & Availability
With a top speed of 5 Gbps and services available in 50 states, EarthLink internet has the edge here. However, keep in mind that that top speed is in select areas and EarthLink is not available state-wide in all 50 states.
AT&T: Best for Budget Shoppers
Although AT&T internet may offer services in fewer states than EarthLink, it has better coverage within those states. Its top speed is 1 Gbps, but AT&T’s prices are considerably lower per Mbps than EarthLink’s prices.
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