How EarthLink Prepaid Internet Could Tidy Up Your Monthly Budget

EarthLink has a storied name in internet history. You might remember it for its dial-up internet service and fierce advocacy of customer privacy.

EarthLink turned 30 years old in 2024, and it’s all grown up. It offers fiber, 5G, and satellite to 96% of addresses in the U.S. with a unique value proposition: prepaid home internet, with no surprise fees at the end of the month.

If one of your goals this season is to get your finances in order, EarthLink might be right for you. Paying ahead means you can only spend what you have on hand, and it’s a great way to prevent overdraft fees from your bank. Since no credit checks are required, you won’t see a ding on your credit either.

EarthLink home internet plans

You can sign up for EarthLink services from almost any address in the U.S. because EarthLink resells services on the networks of other major internet providers. You benefit from getting access to the fastest and most reliable connections available. You might be able to get service even when other providers turn you down.

What’s available to you depends on your exact address, but the following is a look at starting prices for each internet type:

EarthLink also offers satellite internet, but prices vary based on where you live. When you enter your address on the EarthLink site, you’ll get a phone number to call for location-specific pricing info.

EarthLink startup costs

One of the ways EarthLink keeps its pricing transparent is to charge for the full cost of installation up front.

The startup cost for 5G home internet is typically $49.95. After you complete your order, your equipment will be shipped within three business days, and you’ll have 10 days to activate the service before EarthLink auto-activates on your behalf.

The startup cost for fiber internet is typically $14.95, but you must sign up for a 12-month contract. If you quit early, the $200 cancellation fee will be prorated based on the amount of time left on your contract.

In both cases, EarthLink charges $14.95 per month for equipment, but it includes that rate in advertised plan prices.

If you don’t want to call in to check pricing, look for the broadband facts page on the EarthLink site and enter your address. Installation charges are called a “Processing & Handling Fee” and are listed in the one-time fee section.

EarthLink as a cable internet reseller

EarthLink works with cable internet providers nationally, so your sales representative may offer you cable internet plans when you call in to order. Listen carefully, as the speeds and prices may be a better deal than what you can get with a 5G plan.

Compared to EarthLink’s 5G and fiber plans, these plans are branded under cable provider names. In other words, you might end up with an Xfinity or a Spectrum plan when you call in to EarthLink.

How to cancel EarthLink

To cancel your EarthLink service, you have to call in and talk with a representative. The process can take about 10 minutes, but you’ll be successful as long as you’re firm with your request.

We recommend calling to cancel a few days before the end of your billing period to make sure you don’t get charged for the next month.

Then, be sure to return your internet equipment within 15 days, or you could get charged up to $400. Ask for a prepaid UPS return label via email or text message.

How EarthLink compares

EarthLink typically charges a little more than other providers for the same 5G and home internet service, and you have to watch out for data caps and contracts. Most other providers have dropped contracts, but EarthLink still offers plans with these requirements.

That said, EarthLink can be a nice alternative because all its plans are prepaid, and no credit checks are required.

My take: EarthLink is just right for some shoppers

I don’t always recommend EarthLink first, but it has serious perks for people with certain financial needs. It’s a nice choice if you want to pay for internet as you go, and it’s available almost anywhere (even when other providers turn you down).

EarthLink has another key advantage: You may be able to get it even if you’re involved in a billing dispute with another provider.

If you can’t get internet service any other way, give EarthLink a try.

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