Advertiser Disclosure While this page may contain offers from our partners, our opinions are our own. Here’s how we rate providers

Compare Viasat™ internet plans

Allconnect’s top choice for satellite internet.

  • 12 Mbps and 40GB starting at:

    $69.99/mo.

    *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 07/09/21.

    Call to order: (844) 451-2720

Viasat internet review

Ari Howard Last updated: August 26, 2021

At Allconnect, we work to present quality information with editorial integrity. While this page may contain offers from our partners, our opinions are our own. Here’s how we make money.

Viasat (formerly Exede) is a satellite internet provider, so if you live in a remote area and can’t get a good connection, Viasat is an especially good option for those looking for reliable internet service and perks that beat the competition. 

Viasat is Allconnect’s #1 choice for satellite internet due to its superior speeds options, compared to other satellite internet options. Speeds can reach up to 100 Mbps in select areas; however, in most areas Viasat offers plans of 12, 25 and 30 Mbps with data caps up to 150 GB. Viasat is a better option compared to HughesNet for households looking for faster speeds and bigger data caps, but if you just want the cheapest plan possible, you will likely want to go with HughesNet internet.

Viasat internet rating

Allconnect Rating

2.38 / out of 5 stars

This score is based off of the 7 plans Viasat has available

Rating breakdown

  • Affordability

    2.56 / 5

  • Performance

    1.81 / 5

  • Value

    3.75 / 5

  • Customer satisfaction

    1.18 / 5

How we calculated our rating

What we like

  • Widespread availability – Because they’re a satellite internet provider, Viasat is available anywhere in the U.S. If you’re living in an area that’s been deemed unserviceable by other providers, odds are that Viasat is your saving grace.

  • Three-month introductory pricing – New subscribers start off with three months of introductory pricing, so you’ll save money on your first few months with Viasat.

  • Fast speeds for rural areas – With speeds reaching up to 100 Mbps, Viasat offers some of the faster speeds available in rural areas.

Things to consider

  • Two-year contracts required with some plans – Plan offerings aren’t exactly enticing considering there is a two-year contract agreement required with lower-cost plans.

  • Data reprioritization after limit – Once you exceed your plan’s data threshold, Viasat will slow your internet speeds down until your next billing cycle begins. 

  • Price increase after three months – Viasat’s three month promotional period is shorter than what most providers offer. Potential subscribers should consider the price increase that will incur after the introductory period of service expires when choosing a plan.

Viasat internet speeds and pricing

Take a look at the four different plans that Viasat offers, ranging from speeds of 12 to 100 Mbps. Keep in mind, plan availability will differ by serviceable area, so a Viasat subscriber in one area may only be able to shop 12 Mbps plans while another may exclusively shop plans up to 100 Mbps.

Viasat internet plans and pricing

*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 07/09/21.

Which plan is best for you?

Each Viasat plan increases in price by $50/mo. so you will want to choose the cheapest plan you can get away with. If you plan to access the internet from more than four devices at a time or to use the internet to stream TV, you will likely need the most expensive plan. If you just need internet access to check your emails and social media, you can get away with the 12 Mbps plan. We would recommend the Unlimited Silver 25 plan for the average household since you will have access to high-speed internet and your bill will remain under $200/mo., even after the first three months of promotional pricing.  

Viasat Flex – An add-on technology for more reliable service   

What it is: Since 2019, Viasat began offering a new service called Viasat Flex. Viasat Flex is a type of channel-bonding technology that relies on satellite and DSL technology to give rural residents a more reliable and lower-latency internet connection. Viasat Flex is available as an add-on to the Viasat satellite plans listed above. Viasat has not stated how much the add-on will cost, only that there is a free introductory period for Viasat customers. 

How it works: By using two separate modems and special Viasat software, your internet connection will switch seamlessly between DSL and satellite service to reduce latency. Online activities such as streaming, large file downloads and gaming will be enhanced by an overall reduction in lag time.

Viasat Liberty – Additional internet plans, not available in most areas 

Apart from Viasat’s four standard packages, Viasat also offers three priority data packages, known as Viasat Liberty. Viasat Liberty, however, has extremely limited availability. What’s different about Liberty Plans is that you can maintain download speeds up to 5 Mbps during daytime hours, even if you exceed your data allowance. 

Viasat liberty 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 07/09/21.

Viasat

Shop Viasat plans

Viasat provides a variety of high-speed internet plans.

Call to order: (844) 451-2720

Viasat equipment, data caps and contract info

Term agreements – Contract and no-contract options

24-month contract plan: This plan costs less per month. However, if you need to end your service early, you may be charged an early termination fee (ETF). The ETF is $15/mo. for each month remaining on the contract. So, for example, if you had six months remaining on your service term, you could be charged $90.

Month-to-month plans: Viasat also offers month-to-month plans, but those come with a $300 upfront fee.

Expert tip: Go with the two-year plan

Unless you are planning to keep your internet plan for less than four months of a two-year agreement, it makes more sense money-wise to go ahead with the contract plan. Once you reach the four-month mark, you break even regardless of if you were in a contract or no-contract plan (i.e., 20 remaining months x $15/mo. = $300).

Viasat equipment fees – Professional installation and modem

Professional installation: $99.95.

Viasat WiFi modem: $9.99/mo.*

Equipment return: Note that if you end your Viasat service, you must return the modem, power supply and AC cord within 30 days or risk being charged up to $300 in unreturned equipment fees. Viasat sends you a convenient pre-paid box for item returns. 

Should you use Viasat’s equipment? 

Viasat offers a 2-in-1 gateway device that acts as both a modem and a router. This is a perfectly fine option but there are less expensive gateway devices available for purchase that are slightly higher in quality. Check out our list of the best Viasat-compatible modems and routers.

Viasat data caps – All plans have data thresholds 

While Viasat internet technically offers unlimited data, they do enforce a tiered system of “data thresholds.” Essentially, once you exceed your plan’s threshold, your internet speed will be throttled, i.e. slowed down significantly, until your next billing cycle begins. 

Viasat plans offer four levels of data — 40, 60, 100 and 150 GB.

How much online time will that net you? According to amaysim.com, it depends on your activities: 

  • To stream video in HD it takes 3 GB/hr.
  • To stream music on Spotify it takes 40-70 MB/hr. 
  • To host a video call it takes 8 MB/min.
  • To surf the web it takes 2.5 MB/min.
  • To browse social media it takes 120 MB/hr. 

Expert tip: Make sure you get your $100 gift card

Look out for special offers from Viasat that include installation rebates in the form of a $100 VisaⓇ gift card.

Why choose a Viasat internet plan?

  • Pick the perfect plan for you with Liberty Plans

    Aside from Viasat’s four standard internet plan options, Viasat offers three priority data packages, where available. What’s different about Liberty Plans? You can maintain download speeds up to 5 Mbps during daytime hours, even if you exceed your data allowance.

  • Faster online browsing with the Viasat browser

    The proprietary Viasat browser speeds up average page load times and saves on your monthly data amount by blocking unwanted ads. And it looks virtually identical to browsers you already know and love, like Google Chrome.

    Mother and daughter enjoying Suddenlink internet.

  • Superior security through Viasat Shield

    With the Viasat Shield app, monitoring your home network for security threats is as easy as set-it-and-forget-it. Just download the app to experience continuous security monitoring, or opt for the Viasat Shield premium for $5.99/mo. for even more device protection.

    enjoy Suddenlink internet on your laptop with wifi or cable connection

How does Viasat internet compare to other providers?

Viasat’s main internet competition is HughesNet, another nationwide satellite internet provider for customers in rural areas.

Overall, Viasat compares favorably to HughesNet, due to Viasat’s faster speeds and higher data caps. For instance, while Viasat speeds range from 12 to 100 Mbps, HughesNet only offers 25 Mbps. 

Compare satellite internet from HughesNet and Viasat

*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 07/09/21.

Overall Viasat review 

While satellite internet can be a less than ideal choice for internet service due to its high latency and steep pricing, Viasat still offers a more impressive speed range than other satellite or even DSL providers. Unfortunately, however, speeds up to 100 Mbps are not available everywhere, and in many locations, speeds only reach a maximum of 30 Mbps.

Although prices are fairly high with Viasat, you will not have to worry about many additional fees. There is an equipment fee and installation fee, but no overage fees, which will save you a lot of stress. Viasat is Allconnect’s choice for satellite internet, but if cable internet is available to you, that will always be a better choice.

Viasat internet FAQs

Is Viasat good for streaming Netflix?

Yes. Streaming Netflix on Viasat internet service is possible. Viasat offers speeds up to 100 Mbps and Netflix recommends a minimum of 3 Mbps speed to stream in SD quality. Keep in mind that the more simultaneous streams you have in your home could affect the quality of streaming services.

Like any satellite internet provider, Viasat can be affected by extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, wind or snow. However, Viasat outages are typically resolved within 20 minutes.

No. Viasat does not require a phone line. To get Viasat internet at your home, you need a satellite dish and a clear view of the sky. You can, however, bundle your Viasat internet services with Viasat home phone service. Viasat uses voice-over Internet Protocol, also known as VoIP service, to provide nationwide calling and phone service to Canada.

Viasat only provides satellite internet and voice service. If you are looking for TV services, you can use any TV provider available in your area. Good options for Viasat customers include DIRECTV, DISH or AT&T TV, as these TV providers are available virtually everywhere.

We value your feedback

Was this page helpful?

We value your feedback

We’re glad! Tell us what helped most on this page.

We value your feedback

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your insight helps, and we’ll do our best to improve your experience.

Taylor Gadsden

Written by:

Taylor Gadsden

Writer, Broadband & Wireless Content

Taylor is a veteran member of the Allconnect content team and has spearheaded a number of projects, including a data piece on the top fiber cities in the U.S. and a troubleshooting guide on how to connect your p… Read more

Robin Layton

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

Read bio

Related pages

What to read next

Read more

Latest