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Satellite internet provider comparison

When comparing Viasat, Hughesnet and Starlink to one another, we considered cost, speeds, latency, contracts and data caps. Hughesnet and Viasat are available to 100% of the U.S., whereas Starlink is about 99% available. Starlink is the most expensive of the three satellite providers but also the fastest. Some Western states and spots in West Virginia remain unserviceable at the start of 2024. Hughesnet is the next fastest, with its Fusion plans and no data caps.

Satellite internet availability

When shopping for satellite internet, you’ll likely find one of these three options near you because satellite internet is available nearly everywhere: Hughesnet, Viasat and Starlink.

Although all three satellite providers do offer high-speed internet options, satellite internet is not known for being as efficient as other connection types, such as fiber or cable internet. This is due to its high latency.

Its biggest selling point, however, is that satellite internet is available nearly everywhere in the U.S. Hence, areas of the country that do not have other internet options can still connect to the internet.

Hughesnet: Best overall

Hughesnet introduced Fusion in late 2022, a combination of satellite and wireless technology that delivers internet with lower latency than Hughesnet’s other plans. Although Fusion plans have lower latency, keep in mind the speed you need for certain internet activities with multiple devices connected at once. 

Hughesnet internet plans

*Monthly Fee reflects the applied $5 savings for ACH enrollment. Enroll before the 2nd billing cycle for continued savings. Service plan availability varies based on geographical area. 24-month commitment required. **Actual speeds may vary and are not guaranteed. As of 01/12/24.

Check with Hughesnet

Or call us today: (844) 451-2720 (844) 451-2720

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Viasat: Best for data

Viasat offers faster speeds than Hughesnet, but only in select areas. Regardless of available speeds, customers will appreciate higher data allowances than what’s available with most Hughesnet plans, plus a two-year price guarantee.

Viasat internet plans

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 01/12/24.

Check with Viasat

Or call us today: (844) 451-2720 (844) 451-2720

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Starlink: Best for fastest speed

Starlink internet is a game-changer for satellite internet. With faster speeds, lower latency and unlimited data, Starlink allows residents of rural households unable to work and learn remotely to finally be able to do so. Starlink’s only downside is that it is pricier than HughesNet or Viasat, with prices starting at $120/mo., and $599 down for the equipment.

Although not available everywhere yet, Starlink has introduced a new business-sized plan tier with more range and speed that offers, according to CNET, “a scan array that’s twice as big as the standard plan and with download speeds ranging from 150-500 Mbps. That tier costs $500 per month, plus an initial payment of $2,500 for the equipment.

Starlink internet plans

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 01/12/24.

Satellite internet vs. other technology

If you have options in your internet service, cable and fiber are faster alternatives to satellite. 

Cable is still the most available between the two since fiber is expensive to deploy. It is a bit slower than fiber, which offers symmetrical download and upload speeds, often starting at 300 Mbps. Starting prices are very similar, around $30/mo. Cable does provide a TV option as well.

Satellite internet alternatives

5G home internet is a relatively new player in the internet game. It’s fixed wireless internet, meaning that it works similarly to satellite in that there are no cables running into your home. You use a receiver to beam the signal to your home from the nearest tower. 

T-Mobile, Starry, Verizon, and most recently, AT&T, are the main providers of 5G home internet.

Cable and DSL are also alternatives, but bear in mind that the slow DSL option is being phased out by many providers. 

Satellite internet data caps

Since access to data is shared by potentially thousands of consumers, some satellite ISPs use data caps to ensure everyone can get what they’re paying for. Starry is the one satellite provider that does not have any caps or data restrictions.

Our data use in general is rising fast. Whether you’re an everyday user or gamer, you’ll want the ability to manage your data usage so you can avoid paying extra overage fees. Data usage management apps can help you do this by setting data limits and reminding you of billing cycles.

Hughenet doesn’t have hard data limits and if you exceed your plan data, they won’t cut you off or charge you more. However, during high-traffic periods, you may experience reduced or throttled speeds.

Hughesnet also has “Bonus Zone” data, an additional 50GB of data included at no extra cost each month available between 2 to 8 a.m.

While Viasat internet offers unlimited data, they enforce a tiered system of data thresholds. Your internet speed will be slowed once you exceed your plan’s threshold. Viasat plans offer four levels of data — 40, 60, 100 and 150 GB.

However, if you do not want to go over your data allowance, you can read about how to beat low data caps.

How much data do I need?

To give you an idea of how much data you’ll need with your satellite internet plan, here is an estimate of data consumption for various online activities.

• Browsing the web/social media for 200 hours – 3GB
• Streaming 200 hours of music – 0.8GB
• Streaming 50 hours of SD video – 35GB
• Streaming 20 hours of HD video – 50GB
• Downloading a full-length SD movie – 4GB
• Downloading a full-length HD movie – 10GB
• Downloading a video game – 40+GB

If you’re worried about running over your monthly data cap, you can take advantage of HughesNet’s “Bonus Zone,” which gives you 50GB of extra data per month between 2am-8am local time. If you want to download games or movies without using all of the month’s data allowance, this is a great workaround. Closing background apps on your computer and phone is also an effective way to avoid excess data consumption.

Source: AT&T data calculator, Forbes.com

The future of satellite internet

The worldwide satellite internet market is expected to increase by nearly 10% between now and 2028. The industry is working on improving issues like cost, latency and capacity. The hope is to provide internet access to more of the world’s most formerly unreachable places.

As Starlink launches more satellites, its available speeds should increase with more capacity to handle the demand.

With the launch of their Fusion plans, Hughesnet is working to increase speed and lower costs for satellite internet users. 

What is satellite internet?

An internet service provider, like Starlink, sends satellites into orbit. Signals are then routed through those satellites to a receiver in your home or business to provide you with an internet connection.

Final take on satellite internet

If you’re looking for reliable satellite internet in a rural area, Viasat or Hughesnet (and in some areas, Starlink) are your best, if not only, satellite options.

However, a preferred choice is Hughesnet due to its new Fusion plans that ease the latency issue inherent in most satellite options.

If your address is eligible for Starlink and you can handle the expensive start-up costs and monthly fee, we’d recommend trying it out to experience faster speeds and lower latency.

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