Starlink vs. EarthLink: Which Internet Provider Is Right for You?

Starlink and EarthLink both offer satellite internet, but in different forms; one using a constantly moving low Earth orbit (LEO) network, the other relying on proven geostationary satellite infrastructure backed by over 30 years of telecom experience. 

Starlink offers higher peak speeds, while EarthLink provides more affordable pricing, broader proven coverage, and the versatility of multiple connection types including fiber and wireless 5G home internet. 

Here we’ll break down the differences between the providers, their features and benefits, and help you discover which is the right choice for your internet needs. 

Comparing Starlink vs. EarthLink 

The table below captures the key differences before we get into greater details on EarthLink and Starlink. 

Feature	EarthLink	Starlink
Connection type(s)	Satellite, Fiber, Wireless 5G	LEO Satellite
Download speeds	12–5,000 Mbps (varies by type & plan)	50–250 Mbps
Upload speeds	Varies by plan type	Varies
Latency	Low (fiber/5G); High (satellite)	Low (LEO)
Starting monthly price	$24.95/mo¹	$55/mo
Equipment fees	$14.95/mo (router lease)	$349 (one-time)
Data caps	No hard caps; FAP on satellite	No hard cap; unlimited standard data (deprioritized)
Contract required	No	No
Availability	Nationwide (all 50 states)	Expanding; not yet universal
Best for	Rural, suburban, budget-conscious	Rural, RV/van life, high-speed needs

What Types of Internet Connection Do EarthLink and Starlink Use? 

EarthLink and Starlink both offer satellite-based internet, but they use different technologies to deliver the service. EarthLink’s satellite service uses geostationary equatorial orbit (GEO) satellites that stay in a fixed position above Earth, while Starlink deploys a constellation of LEO satellites that orbit continuously. 

EarthLink vs. Starlink: Connection types 

1. EarthLink Satellite: Geostationary satellite delivers reliable, consistent coverage across all 50 states. Higher latency than terrestrial options due to the distance the signals must travel (satellites orbit at about 22,000 miles above Earth). 
2. Starlink Satellite: Low Earth orbit satellites enable lower latency than traditional satellite, but coverage is still expanding and congestion can be an issue during peak hours. (LEO constellations orbit about 340 miles above Earth.) 
3. EarthLink Fiber: Ultra-fast, low-latency connection available in select markets. Speeds up to 5 Gbps and ideal for heavy multi-device households. 
4. EarthLink Wireless 5G Home Internet (WHI): Uses nearby cell towers to deliver fast, low-latency internet in urban and suburban areas — no satellite dish required. 

The type of internet connection has a direct impact on the performance you’ll experience. EarthLink’s satellite service will have higher latency than Starlink due their altitude. But EarthLink’s fiber and wireless 5G options offer better speed and latency. Starlink provides only LEO satellite service, which means performance is subject to network congestion, satellite obstructions, weather, and ongoing infrastructure expansion. 

EarthLink vs. Starlink Speeds: Download, Upload, and Latency 

Internet performance is based on download speed, upload speed, and latency. Here’s a side-by-side of what each provider delivers across their plans, and what you can expect under real-world conditions from each type of service.  

Speed Metric	EarthLink Fiber	EarthLink 5G Home Internet	EarthLink Satellite	Starlink Satellite
Max download speed	5,000 Mbps	100 Mbps	100 Mbps	250 Mbps
Min download speed	100 Mbps	10 Mbps	12 Mbps	50 Mbps
Latency (ping)	Low (<20ms)	Low (<20ms)	High (600ms+)	Low (20–40ms)
Performance notes	4K streaming, gaming, WFH, multiple devices	HD streaming, remote work, gaming	HD streaming, remote work, light gaming	4K streaming, gaming; congestion during peak hours reported

Speeds and latency vary depending on network conditions, your local home Wi-Fi network, and weather (for satellite internet). Your actual speeds may differ from these maximums.  

Key takeaways from provider connection types: 

• EarthLink’s fiber and wireless 5G options deliver 20ms latency or lower, making them ideal for gaming and video calls. 

• EarthLink satellite’s higher latency is a trade-off for the nationwide coverage it provides in areas with no other options. 

• Starlink offers lower latency than traditional geostationary satellite, but users have reported peak-hour slowdowns due to network congestion, especially in the evenings. 

• Neither satellite service is ideal for competitive online gaming, but both support casual play. 

 EarthLink vs. Starlink Plans and Pricing 

EarthLink’s pricing is more accessible than Starlink’s across all plan tiers, both in monthly service fees and equipment costs. Have a look at the monthly costs for each provider and connection type to get an idea of what your monthly costs will look be. 

EarthLink Plans 

Plan Tier	EarthLink Plan	Price	Speed	Data
Entry	EarthLink Fiber / WHI (Entry)	From $24.95/mo¹	100 Mbps	Unlimited
Mid-tier	EarthLink Wireless 5G Home Internet	From $59.95/mo	Up to 100 Mbps	Unlimited
Satellite	EarthLink Satellite	From $59.95/mo	12–100 Mbps	FAP applies
Premium	EarthLink Fiber (Premium)	Varies by market	Up to 5 Gbps	Unlimited

Starlink Plans 

Plan Tier	Starlink Plan	Price	Speed	Data
Entry	Starlink Residential 100 Mbps	$55/mo	Up to 100 Mbps	Unlimited (deprioritized at peak)
Mid-tier	Starlink Residential 200 Mbps	$85/mo	Up to 200 Mbps	Unlimited (deprioritized at peak)
Max	Starlink Residential Max	$130/mo	Up to 400+ Mbps	Unlimited (highest priority)
Portable / Roam	Starlink Roam	$55/mo (100GB)  $175/mo (Unlimited)	Up to 260 Mbps	100GB–Unlimited
Business/Pro	Starlink Business	Higher; check Starlink.com	Up to 400 Mbps	Higher priority

Prices may not include taxes and other fees and are subject to change. Prices are current as of 05/29/2026.   

Pricing notes: 

• EarthLink’s entry-level promotional rate of $24.95/mo applies to new customers for the first 3 months; the regular rate applies thereafter. 

• Starlink’s residential service starts at $55/mo in select areas; the standard Residential MAX plan is $120/mo and requires a $349 hardware purchase upfront. 

• Starlink pricing varies by location and is subject to change. Prices do not include applicable fees and taxes. 

  EarthLink vs. Starlink Fees and Hidden Costs 

Beyond the monthly price, equipment and setup costs can affect your monthly total, especially in the first year. EarthLink’s lower upfront equipment cost gives it a meaningful advantage for budget-conscious customers. 

Fee Type	EarthLink	Starlink
Equipment/router rental	$14.95/mo	N/A — purchase required
Equipment purchase (one-time)	$79.95 processing fee	$349 hardware kit
Installation fee	$24.95 (fiber); $79.95 (DSL/satellite)	Self-install (included); optional $199 pro install
Activation/setup fee	Varies by plan	None stated
Early termination fee	None (no contract on WHI/satellite)	None (no contract)
Data overage charges	None (speed reduced via FAP)	None (speeds may be deprioritized during peak congestion)
Congestion/demand surcharge	None	$100–$1,500 in high-demand areas (one-time)
Price guarantee/lock	Promotional rate for 2 months	Not specified; varies by region

 Do EarthLink and Starlink Provide Equipment? 

Both providers supply the hardware needed to get online, and both offer equipment rental or lease options, but the terms differ. EarthLink uses a monthly lease model, while Starlink’s rental is available only in select areas.  

1. EarthLink: Provides a router leased at $14.95/mo, with a one-time $79.95 processing and handling fee. Equipment is managed through EarthLink’s support infrastructure. Professional installation is standard for fiber plans ($24.95) and satellite service. Visit EarthLink’s internet page for equipment details by plan type. 
2. Starlink: Requires customers to purchase a hardware kit (dish, mounting hardware, router) for $349 upfront in most areas. Self-installation is standard, with optional professional installation for $199. In select markets, Starlink offers rental kits at no upfront cost (just pay shipping); if you cancel, the equipment must be returned undamaged or you’ll be charged the full purchase price. Starlink’s app guides setup and network management. Check your address at Starlink.com to see if rental is available in your area. 
3. EarthLink Satellite: Requires a fixed dish installation, which is not suitable for portable or mobile use cases. EarthLink’s wireless 5G home internet does not require a dish. 
4. Starlink Roam: Offers portable plans for customers who want to use service while traveling, with the dish designed for vehicle or outdoor mounting. See Starlink’s service plans for current Roam hardware and pricing. 

Both providers offer a path to getting online with no large upfront hardware cost; EarthLink through its standard monthly lease, Starlink through rental kits in select markets. Customers outside Starlink’s rental coverage will need to purchase equipment outright, making EarthLink’s lease model the more universally accessible option for budget-conscious customers. 

 EarthLink vs. Starlink Data Policies 

Understanding each provider’s data policies is essential for heavy streamers, remote workers, and multi-device households. Neither EarthLink nor Starlink enforce hard data limits, but both use traffic management policies after certain thresholds. Learn more about EarthLink’s no-data-cap approach. 

Data Policy	EarthLink	Starlink
Monthly data cap	No hard cap	No hard cap
Overage charges	None	None
Throttling after threshold?	Yes; speed reduced during peak hours (FAP on satellite)	Yes; speeds may be deprioritized during peak congestion
Unlimited option available?	Yes; fiber and wireless 5G plans	Not on standard residential
Fair use or network management	Fair Access Policy (FAP) on satellite plans	Standard residential speeds may be deprioritized during peak congestion; priority data allotments on Business/Priority plans

  Where Are EarthLink and Starlink Available? 

Coverage is one of the most important factors for rural customers, and one where EarthLink’s geostationary satellite infrastructure has an advantage. Use EarthLink’s coverage map to see what’s available at your address.  

1. EarthLink: Satellite service is available in all 50 states. Fiber and wireless 5G availability depends on local infrastructure. 
2. Starlink: Available in most of the contiguous U.S. and many international markets, but rural coverage gaps remain. Users must verify availability by address before ordering. 
3. EarthLink rural internet: For customers in the most remote locations, EarthLink’s rural internet page outlines the satellite and wireless 5G home internet options best suited for off-grid and hard-to-reach areas. 

Coverage Type	EarthLink	Starlink
Estimated U.S. coverage	Nationwide (all 50 states via satellite)	Most of contiguous U.S.; expanding
Urban/suburban availability	Fiber and WHI in select markets; satellite nationwide	Available where coverage maps permit
Rural availability	Yes; satellite covers all 50 states	Expanding; check availability by address
Multiple service types	Yes; satellite, fiber, wireless 5G	No; LEO satellite only

  EarthLink vs. Starlink Reliability and Uptime 

Reliability varies by connection type and geography. EarthLink’s geostationary satellite has a long track record of consistent performance, while Starlink’s newer LEO network can deliver impressive speeds but is subject to growing pains as the network expands.  

1. EarthLink Satellite: Geostationary satellites remain in a fixed position, providing predictable and consistent signal delivery. Performance is not affected by satellite movement or handoffs between orbital positions. 
2. Starlink: LEO satellites provide lower latency but are in constant motion, requiring seamless satellite-to-satellite handoffs. Users have reported service interruptions at night due to high network congestion and occasional service interruptions. 
3. Weather sensitivity: Both satellite services can be affected by severe weather, heavy rain, or physical obstructions. EarthLink’s fiber and wireless 5G options are significantly less susceptible to weather-related disruptions. 
4. EarthLink’s track record: EarthLink’s 30+ years of operational experience provides a proven reliability baseline. Learn more about EarthLink’s internet services. 

EarthLink vs. Starlink Contract Terms and Cancellation 

Neither EarthLink nor Starlink requires a long-term contract on most plans, which gives you the flexibility to switch or cancel without penalty. That said, the specifics of promotional pricing and equipment costs affect the real cost of leaving either service early.   

Contract Factor	EarthLink	Starlink
Contract required?	No (WHI/satellite); 12-mo on fiber/DSL	No
Contract length options	Month-to-month or 12-month (fiber)	Month-to-month
Early termination fee	None on no-contract plans	None
Money-back guarantee	Contact EarthLink for details	30-day full refund (hardware return required)
Free trial period	Not specified	30-day trial with full refund option
Price-lock period	Promotional rate for 2 months	No promo pricing; consistent rate

EarthLink vs. Starlink Customer Service and Support 

Customer support can be a key differentiator when internet service has issues. EarthLink’s long-standing customer service infrastructure contrasts with Starlink’s tech-forward but more self-service-oriented model. 

Support Factor	EarthLink	Starlink
24/7 support available?	Yes	Limited; primarily online and app-based
Support channels	Phone (844-356-5249), online	App, online support portal
In-person/technician support	Available depending on plan	Self-install standard; limited on-site
Self-service app/portal	Yes	Yes; Starlink app
J.D. Power / ACSI rating	Contact EarthLink for current ratings	Not widely rated by major indices

Do EarthLink and Starlink Offer Other Services and Bundles? 

EarthLink offers more services than Starlink, which focuses exclusively on internet connectivity. Customers looking to consolidate services or access additional solutions have more options through EarthLink.  

1. EarthLink: Offers multiple internet types (satellite, fiber, wireless 5G), allowing customers to choose the right technology for their location and needs. Business internet solutions are also available for SMB customers. 

1. Starlink: Focuses on satellite internet. Business and maritime plans are available, as well as Roam plans for mobile use cases. No TV, phone, or home security bundles are offered. 

1. Neither provider: Currently offers traditional TV bundle packages or home phone services as a standard part of their residential internet offerings. 

1. Contact EarthLink at 844-356-5249 or visit earthlink.net to explore current plan availability, promotions, and business internet options in your area. 

EarthLink and Starlink Pros and Cons 

EarthLink 

1. Pro: Multiple internet types; satellite, fiber, and wireless 5G 

1. Pro: More affordable monthly pricing, starting at $24.95/mo¹ 

1. Pro: Lower upfront equipment cost ($14.95/mo lease vs. $349 purchase) 

1. Pro: Nationwide satellite coverage across all 50 states 

1. Pro: 30+ years of telecom experience and established customer support 

1. Con: EarthLink satellite has higher latency due to geostationary orbit 

1. Con: Fiber and wireless 5G not available in all areas (check coverage) 

Starlink 

1. Pro: Lower latency than traditional geostationary satellite 

1. Pro: Higher peak download speeds (up to 250 Mbps on most plans) 

1. Pro: Portable Roam plans for travelers and van life users 

1. Con: Higher monthly cost and large upfront hardware cost ($349) 

1. Con: Coverage gaps remain in some rural and remote areas 

1. Con: Reported peak-hour slowdowns and congestion, especially at night 

1. Con: Only one connection type; LEO satellite 

EarthLink vs. Starlink: Which Provider Is Right for You? 

The right choice depends heavily on your location, budget, and how you use the internet. EarthLink is the stronger pick for customers who want affordable, proven satellite coverage across all 50 states, or who have access to fiber or wireless 5G through EarthLink’s broader service portfolio. Starlink is worth considering for users who need higher peak satellite speeds, plan to use internet on the go, or are in areas where EarthLink’s terrestrial options aren’t available. 

If you…	Go with…
Live in a rural area with no cable or fiber available	EarthLink Satellite
Need the fastest satellite speeds	Starlink
Want the lowest monthly price	EarthLink
Need low latency for remote work or video calls	EarthLink Fiber or Wireless 5G
Stream 4K on multiple devices	EarthLink Fiber; Starlink for satellite-only areas — check EarthLink plans
Game online and need low latency	EarthLink Fiber or 5G
Travel frequently or need portable internet	Starlink Roam; EarthLink WHI where cell coverage exists; check EarthLink WHI
Want no annual contract	Either provider — both offer month-to-month options
Want multiple internet types from a single provider	EarthLink