Test Your EarthLink Internet Speed

About EarthLink

How to Test Your EarthLink Internet Speed

Visit pong.com on a device connected to your EarthLink network and click Run Speed Test. Because EarthLink delivers service through various partner networks (fiber, fixed wireless, and DSL depending on location), your experience will vary based on the underlying technology at your address.

For the best results, use a wired Ethernet connection to your modem or router. Pong.com measures download speed, upload speed, ping, jitter, and bufferbloat, giving you a complete picture of your EarthLink connection's performance regardless of the underlying technology.

What Speeds Should You Expect from EarthLink?

EarthLink's speeds vary widely because the company resells service from multiple network partners. Fiber customers can expect 100 to 5000 Mbps, while fixed wireless and DSL customers may see 50 to 100 Mbps. Check your specific plan details to know what tier you are subscribed to.

Because EarthLink is a reseller, the network quality depends entirely on the underlying provider in your area. If your EarthLink service runs on AT&T Fiber infrastructure, you will get AT&T Fiber-level performance. If it runs on a DSL network, expect DSL-level speeds and limitations.

Common EarthLink Speed Issues and How to Fix Them

The most common EarthLink issue is confusion about which underlying network is delivering your service. Contact EarthLink support to confirm what technology and partner network serves your address. This information helps you troubleshoot effectively, since the fix for a fiber connection issue differs from a DSL or fixed wireless issue.

If your speeds are consistently below your plan's advertised rate, start with the basics: reboot your modem and router, check for firmware updates, and test with a wired connection. If the problem persists, EarthLink coordinates with the underlying network provider for line issues, though resolution may take longer than dealing with the network operator directly.

Understanding Your EarthLink Speed Test Results

Your Pong.com results depend on the underlying technology. Fiber-based EarthLink connections should show symmetric speeds, low ping, and good bufferbloat grades. DSL-based connections will show lower speeds, higher latency, and potentially worse bufferbloat.

Compare your results against your plan's advertised speeds. If you are consistently getting less than 70 percent of your plan speed on a wired connection, contact EarthLink to investigate. Keep records of your Pong.com test results to document ongoing issues.

EarthLink vs Other Providers

EarthLink differentiates itself with a focus on customer privacy (no data selling) and straightforward pricing. However, because it resells other networks, you can often get the same or better speeds by subscribing directly with the underlying provider, sometimes at a lower price.

The value of EarthLink comes from its bundled support and privacy-focused policies. If the underlying network in your area is from AT&T, Lumen, or another major provider, compare EarthLink's pricing to the direct offering. In some cases, EarthLink may be the only option if the underlying provider is not selling direct in your area.

Tips to Improve Your EarthLink Internet Speed

First, determine what underlying technology serves your address. This guides all other optimization steps. For fiber, focus on your in-home network, use a quality router and Ethernet cables. For DSL, minimize phone line extensions and keep the modem close to the service entry point.

Use a Wi-Fi 6 router for better wireless performance regardless of your connection type. Run Pong.com tests before and after any changes to measure the impact. If your speeds are chronically poor, ask EarthLink if a different technology option is available at your address.