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[KK4GMU]

I did a quick internet search for some variation of "Echolink compared to Winlink compared to D-star" and found nothing that summarizes and compares these.

I've read the many comparisons between D-star, Fusion, and DMR.  But I haven't seen those compared to Winlink and Echolink.

What layman's/newbies resource or link provides:
- A summary of each
- A comparison of each- pros and cons
- What each is used for
- Which ones are gaining or losing in popularity/usage.

[AC2EU]

I did a quick internet search for some variation of "Echolink compared to Winlink compared to D-star" and found nothing that summarizes and compares these.

I've read the many comparisons between D-star, Fusion, and DMR.  But I haven't seen those compared to Winlink and Echolink.

What layman's/newbies resource or link provides:
- A summary of each
- A comparison of each- pros and cons
- What each is used for
- Which ones are gaining or losing in popularity/usage.

Dstar and Fusion are "proprietary" technologies. DMR is n more "generic' digital technology.
The usage  is not a question for a forum like this , but for your local repeater clubs. It depends on what THEY support.

Echolink is an internet port to repeaters all over the the world ( those who support it, at least).

Why don't you just get set up with echolink and try it? It costs nothing but the time to send your credentials and get approved.
The others are  VHF /UHF and requires investment in digital radios that are compatible with the systems you decide to use.

Personally, I have very little interest in the digital repeater equipment. Perhaps other can give a better insight into the pros and cons. For me, it's mostly "cons".

[K5LXP]

FT-8 and Winlink are "data" modes, not "voice" modes like the others you listed.  So that leaves your comparison between a digital voice mode (digital modulation) and Echolink, which to the end user is analog FM that is digitized at the repeater.  Another iteration of Winlink is IRLP.  From there it comes down to who you want to talk to, as each mode has it's own network and set of sub-groups.  There are some systems like the PAPA system that can bridge disparate modes together but generally you pick the brand/mode you want based on your ultimate use, and ideally, one that has a local repeater.  One can use a hotspot connected to the internet for access the servers but then you're bound to being near the hotspot, and an internet connection.

They all have their own set of pros and cons but generally it will depend on your goals, not inherent advantage or issue with the mode.  If the "most popular" doesn't have a repeater near you then even though it's "most" you're out of luck, so per above you decide what you want to do, and then acquire the equipment to accomplish it.

Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM

[K0UA]

And FT8 and Winlink have nothing to do with each other either. Winlink is meant to send reasonably large amounts of data, often emails, and FT8 is meant to just make contacts on HF and some VHF. No real data is exchanged beyond signal report and grid square and maybe a 73. It is for DXing and making contacts only. Neither of these modes have anything to do with the 3 voice modes you mentioned, System fusion (C4FM, D-star, DMR). And the reason you cannot find any comparison, is that there is no comparison.

Echolink is not a radio mode either, no radios are required anywhere to make Echolink voice communications. Just two computers, the internet and you are good to go to talk all day. BUT Echolink nodes can also be hooked to repeaters that have internet connections so you can talk from computer to repeater and its users, or even repeater to repeater links so the users of each repeater can talk to each other all over the world. But the common denominator is the internet to provide the links.

So bottom line: You cannot compare Winlink, FT8 and Echolink to the 3 voice modes as they have nothing to do with them or each other

[W6BP]

For each of the modes/systems you've mentioned, there's a passel of YouTube introductory videos. Pick a few and dig in.

[KT4WO]

" Another iteration of Winlink is IRLP. "

WHAT???
Winlink, as you said is Email
IRLP is like Echolink, not Winlink.