Best satellite internet providers

Shop popular satellite internet providers

What is satellite internet?

Satellite internet is an internet technology that uses satellites in space to deliver an internet connection to your home. It is the best option for remote or rural areas where fiber, cable or cell tower infrastructure isn’t available, but speeds are generally slower than other internet types.

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 spots in New Mexico, West Virginia and Pennsylvania remain unserviceable in 2024.

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 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.

Best satellite internet providers

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 11/25/24.

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

*Only available in select areas. Visit buy.viasat.com to check plans available in your area. If your data usage is trending to exceed the “typical usage” of a residential user on our network, you may have reduced priority during times of network congestion resulting in slower speeds. Typical usage currently means usage trending to not exceed 850 GBs in any 30-day period. The typical usage amount will vary based on network demands. Please visit www.viasat.com/legal for more details. Speeds are “up to,” are not guaranteed and will vary. Viasat Unleashed does not require an annual contract, which means there is no minimum service term commitment You will have a month-to-month service term, which you may cancel at any time without an early termination fee. As of 11/25/24.

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, 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 11/25/24.

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.

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

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. 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

  3 GB

• Streaming 20 hours of HD video

  50 GB

• Downloading a full-length HD movie

  10 GB

• Downloading a video game

  40+ GB

Source: AT&T data calculator, Forbes.com

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Satellite internet FAQs

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