Best satellite internet providers

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Satellite internet provider comparison

Satellite internet technology 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 satellite speeds are generally slower than other internet types.

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. If you’re looking for cheap satellite internet, this might be difficult as plans start at around $50.00/mo. 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 2025.

*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. Updated as of 04/21/25.

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. Updated as of 04/21/25.

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. Updated as of 04/21/25.

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 $80/mo., and $349 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. Updated as of 04/21/25.

Satellite internet availability

If you have options for your internet service, cable and fiber are faster alternatives to satellite. Cable is widely available but has slower upload speeds than cable.

5G home internet is a relatively new player in the internet game. It’s fixed wireless internet and uses 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.

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.

Satellite internet data caps

Since access to data is shared by potentially thousands of consumers, some satellite internet service providers (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.

For Starlink’s Priority customers, a 1 Mbps speed cap is imposed if they exceed their plan’s monthly data allotment.

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

Satellite internet installation

Installing satellite internet is a bit different than other technologies since it requires a technician to come to your home to install a satellite dish. You should prepare for an expensive one-time cost before signing up.

Other tech types — like cable, fiber and 5G — generally allow for self-installation, which is often free.

The top three satellite providers include Viasat, Hughesnet and Starlink. Installation costs may vary, but depending on your situation, you could expect up to a $300 professional installation charge. While this is a one-time cost, it’s wise to consider it before signing up, especially since satellite comes with a slew of other fees, such as a hefty equipment fee that can set you back a couple of hundred dollars as well.

Satellite internet FAQs

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