EarthLink vs Xfinity: Compare Plans & Fees 2026

Choosing between internet providers can feel overwhelming, especially when comparing established companies like EarthLink and Xfinity. Both offer reliable service, but they take different approaches to delivering internet to your home. EarthLink focuses on fiber technology and straightforward pricing, while Xfinity provides extensive cable coverage with various bundle options. Whether you’re moving to a new home or looking to switch providers, we’ll break down what each company offers so you can make an informed decision. 

Provider Takeaways

• Best internet protection
• Unlimited data included
• No credit checks

• Same-day installations
• 22+ million free Wi-Fi hotspots
• Unlimited data available

Internet Plans

Our Picks
Starting Price	$39.95/mo.	$30/mo. – $100/mo.
Max Download	5 Gbps	2,000 Mbps
Data Caps	No	No
Equipment Fee	Up to $14.95/mo.	Up to $15/mo.
	Check Availability	Check Availability

Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Prices may reflect promotions and enrollment in paperless billing and autopay. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 4/14/2026.

EarthLink Internet Plans 

EarthLink offers a variety of internet services to meet different needs and locations. Their EarthLink internet plans deliver symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps with unlimited data, making them ideal for heavy streaming, gaming, and working from home. They also provide 5G wireless home internet, which uses cellular networks for broadband access, and satellite internet designed specifically for rural and remote areas. EarthLink’s services are available in select locations nationwide, with competitive internet prices and transparent pricing structures. 

Xfinity Internet Plans 

Xfinity is a leading cable provider offering a range of Xfinity internet plans across more than 40 states. Their cable internet provides Xfinity internet speeds up to 1,200 Mbps with wide availability, while their fiber internet, available in limited markets, delivers speeds up to 2 Gigs. Xfinity’s cable internet remains their most accessible and popular offering, making high-speed connections available to millions of customers across the country. Xfinity internet prices vary based on speed tiers and promotional offers. 

Data Caps

EarthLink: Unlimited data on fiber plans

Data Caps

Xfinity: 1.2 TB data cap with $10/50GB overage fees

Contract Length

EarthLink: No contracts required with 12-month price guarantees

Contract Length

Xfinity: Month-to-month or 12/24-month contract options available

Internet Security

EarthLink: Includes robust security features with antivirus protection, spam blockers, and secure browsing tools

Internet Security

Xfinity: Offers xFi Advanced Security Suite that monitors your network for threats and provides alerts for suspicious activity

Connection Types

EarthLink: Delivers internet service over fiber, providing symmetrical speeds, high bandwidth, and low latency for reliable performance

Connection Types

 Xfinity: Primarily uses cable internet, which offers fast download speeds but limited upload speeds compared to fiber, making it less ideal for activities like video conferencing 

Internet Speeds

EarthLink: Offers fiber plans with speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 5 Gbps, catering to both average users and heavy internet consumers. The symmetrical speeds ensure consistent performance for both uploads and downloads

Internet Speeds

Xfinity: Provides plans with download speeds up to 2 Gbps, but upload speeds are more limited. Their plans are better suited for streaming and casual browsing rather than upload-heavy tasks

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Data Caps

EarthLink: Unlimited data on fiber plans

Contract Length

EarthLink: No contracts required with 12-month price guarantees

Internet Security

EarthLink: Includes robust security features with antivirus protection, spam blockers, and secure browsing tools

Connection Types

EarthLink: Delivers internet service over fiber, providing symmetrical speeds, high bandwidth, and low latency for reliable performance

Internet Speeds

EarthLink: Offers fiber plans with speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 5 Gbps, catering to both average users and heavy internet consumers. The symmetrical speeds ensure consistent performance for both uploads and downloads

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Data Caps

Xfinity: 1.2 TB data cap with $10/50GB overage fees

Contract Length

Xfinity: Month-to-month or 12/24-month contract options available

Internet Security

Xfinity: Offers xFi Advanced Security Suite that monitors your network for threats and provides alerts for suspicious activity

Connection Types

 Xfinity: Primarily uses cable internet, which offers fast download speeds but limited upload speeds compared to fiber, making it less ideal for activities like video conferencing 

Internet Speeds

Xfinity: Provides plans with download speeds up to 2 Gbps, but upload speeds are more limited. Their plans are better suited for streaming and casual browsing rather than upload-heavy tasks

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Price Increases

EarthLink: 12-month price guarantee with stable pricing, then rates may increase

Price Increases

Xfinity: Fixed pricing for 12 months, then increases. New customers can get a 5-year price guarantee with no contract

Installation Costs

EarthLink: Professional fiber installation for $24.95

Installation Costs

• Xfinity: Self-installation $15, professional installation $100

Contracts & Termination Fees

EarthLink: Contract-free options available with no early termination fees

Contracts & Termination Fees

Xfinity: Early termination fees up to $120 for contract plans

Equipment Rental

EarthLink: Wi-Fi router rental for $12.95/mo.

Equipment Rental

Xfinity: Gateway rental $14-25/mo. depending on plan and features

Data Overage Fees

EarthLink: No data overage charges on fiber plans

Data Overage Fees

Xfinity: $10 per 50GB over 1.2TB limit, or add unlimited data for $30/mo.

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Price Increases

EarthLink: 12-month price guarantee with stable pricing, then rates may increase

Installation Costs

EarthLink: Professional fiber installation for $24.95

Contracts & Termination Fees

EarthLink: Contract-free options available with no early termination fees

Equipment Rental

EarthLink: Wi-Fi router rental for $12.95/mo.

Data Overage Fees

EarthLink: No data overage charges on fiber plans

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Price Increases

Xfinity: Fixed pricing for 12 months, then increases. New customers can get a 5-year price guarantee with no contract

Installation Costs

• Xfinity: Self-installation $15, professional installation $100

Contracts & Termination Fees

Xfinity: Early termination fees up to $120 for contract plans

Equipment Rental

Xfinity: Gateway rental $14-25/mo. depending on plan and features

Data Overage Fees

Xfinity: $10 per 50GB over 1.2TB limit, or add unlimited data for $30/mo.

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EarthLink vs Xfinity Deals and Promotions

Both EarthLink and Xfinity frequently offer various deals and promotions to attract new customers. These can include discounted rates, gift cards, or special bundles. Understanding these offers can help you maximize savings when selecting an internet plan. 

EarthLink: 

• Introductory Pricing: EarthLink offers subscribers a price lock guarantee for the first 12 months.
• No Contract Options: EarthLink highlights its contract-free plans, allowing flexibility without early termination fees, which can be a promotion in itself for those seeking commitment-free service.
• Seasonal Offers: Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions that may include extra discounts or waived installation fees.
• No Credit Check and EarthLink Perks: EarthLink does not require credit checks for its internet services. Customers also gain access to EarthLink Perks, a rewards program offering discounts on shopping, dining, and more.

Xfinity Deals and Promotions 

Xfinity is known for its wide array of promotions, often bundling internet with TV, home phone, or mobile services. 

• Bundling Discounts: Xfinity frequently offers significant savings when customers combine internet service with other Xfinity products, such as Xfinity Mobile or Cable TV.
• Introductory Rates: New customers can usually take advantage of lower monthly rates for the first 12 or 24 months, with varying speeds and data allowances.
• Gift Cards & Rewards: Some promotions include virtual or physical gift cards as a sign-up bonus, adding extra value to new subscriptions.
• Long-Term Price Guarantees: Xfinity occasionally offers multi-year price guarantees (e.g., 5-year price lock) for specific plans, providing long-term predictability for your bill.

Pros and Cons: EarthLink 

Pros and Cons: Xfinity 

Is Xfinity or EarthLink Better for You?

Both EarthLink and Xfinity are strong internet providers with unique advantages. EarthLink excels with fiber technology, unlimited data, and transparent EarthLink internet prices, while Xfinity offers widespread availability, flexible Xfinity internet plans, and comprehensive bundle options. Your choice should depend on availability in your area, speed requirements, and preference for contract terms and pricing structures. 

Choose EarthLink if: 

• You want fiber technology with symmetrical speeds
• You prefer transparent pricing without hidden fees
• You need unlimited data for heavy internet usage
• You value reliable EarthLink customer service

Choose Xfinity if: 

• You need wide availability and aren’t in a fiber service area
• You want bundle options combining internet, TV, and phone
• You prefer flexible contract terms
• You need access to extensive Wi-Fi hotspot networks

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