Best Satellite Internet
Based on In-Depth Reviews
- 200+Hours of research
- 12+Sources used
- 4Companies vetted
- 2Features reviewed
- 2Top
Picks
- The only satellite internet providers in the US are HughesNet and Viasat.
- Service agreements require 24-month contracts.
- Early cancellation fees cost an average of $15 dollars per each month.
- Download speed starts at 12Mbps and can reach up to 100Mbps.
How We Found the Best Satellite Internet Providers
Our Top Picks: Satellite Internet Reviews
Is the satellite internet industry dying off, you might ask? Not really. About 8.4 million households in the US still rely on satellite internet as their sole option for web access. However, the industry is going through a major overhaul as new technologies are being developed to improve network areas and reach much higher speeds.
Remote locations, aircraft internet, and many other business applications depend entirely on satellite internet. Currently, companies including Space X’s Starlink, OneWeb, Amazon, and even Facebook have new low-orbit satellites at different stages of development. Traditional communication satellites traverse close to 36,000 kilometers from Earth. Low-Earth orbit satellites, on the other hand, shorten that distance to around 2,000km, which will make for much faster communication that could easily rival fiber speeds. Some are already aiming at making partial networks available as soon as 2021.
Our satellite internet recommendations are based on the only two companies that currently provide nationwide satellite internet services in the US: HughesNet and Viasat. Both offer legitimate and reliable high-speed internet options with flexible data plans.
Viasat review
Viasat offers metered and unlimited broadband plans for both homes and businesses. Metered plans, called Liberty Plans, provide a set amount of data each month. Unlimited Plans have data caps after which speed is slowed down. A complete breakdown of their data thresholds is available below.
After the monthly plan data reaches its limit, additional high-speed data can be bought as needed for $10 per GB or at discounted rates on data packages of 5GB for $48.00, 7 GB for $67.00, and 10 GB for $95.00. Keep in mind that any additional data you buy during one billing cycle won’t roll over onto the next.
The service uses a satellite dish 30 inches wide in combination with a Viasat WiFi Router. The device operates in dual-band frequency on either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz connections and has 4 ethernet ports in case you prefer to connect your computers, laptops, or other devices directly.
The satellite device can be bought for $299 or it can be leased for $10/mo. Standard installation costs $99.95, but non-standard installations—like a non-penetrating roof mount— may incur additional costs. Bills are generated each month based on the date of the installation.
All internet plans include access to Viasat Shield, a downloadable app that protects your home internet and Wi-Fi network against online security threats. The software monitors and blocks suspicious activity, sending notifications and alerts in case of a breach. The app also allows users to view devices connected to the network as well as their bandwidth use.
Business Hotspots
Business plans can be used as a primary source for internet access or as backup services to ensure work continuity in the event of an emergency change (server is down). Business plans can also be shared as hotspots to extend access to customers.
Hotspot sharing plans start at $40/mo. Service can be added for multiple access points both indoor or outdoor and service plans have a minimum term of 24 months. Regular activation and installation fees will apply.
Phone Service
Home phone service can be bundled with Internet service for $29.99/mo. Service includes unlimited local and long-distance calls to all 50 states and Canada. The plan includes features such as voicemail, call waiting, and caller ID. In most cases, current numbers can be transferred. Phone service can also be bundled on business plans starting from $25/mo. Plans include cloud-based phone service with unlimited calls to all 50 states, Mexico, and Canada.
Easy Care
Technical support costs $95 per visit. With EasyCare, customers get all required service visits free of charge. For $8.99/mo, customers get prioritized assistance as well as a dedicated phone line to receive technical support. Customers also get the benefit of a reduced price for dish relocation at $95 (regularly $200). The service can be canceled anytime.
RESIDENTAL PLANS
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Data Cap | Speed | Device Cost | Installation Cost |
| Liberty 12 | $30/mo ($50/mo after first three months) | 12GB | 12Mbps | Equipment lease fee $10/mo. Viasat Gateway can also be bought for$299.99 |
$99 |
| Liberty 25 | $50/mo ($75/mo after first three months) | 25GB | 25Mbps | ||
| Liberty 75 | $75/mo ($100 after first three months) | 75GB | 75Mbps | ||
| Unlimited Bronze 12 | $50/mo ($70/mo after first three months) | 35GB | 12Mbps | ||
| Unlimited Silver 12 | $100/mo ($150/mo after first three months) | 45GB | 12Mbps | ||
| Unlimited Gold 12 | $150/mo ($200/mo after first three months) | 65GB | 12Mbps | ||
| Unlimited Silver 25 | $70Mbps ($100/mo after first three months) | 60GB | 25Mbps | ||
| Unlimited Gold 30 | $100/mo ($150/mo after first three months) | 100GB | 30Mbps | ||
| Unlimited Gold 50 | $100/mo ($150/mo after first three months) | 100GB | 50Mbps | ||
| Unlimited Platinum 100 | $150/mo ($200/mo after first three months) | 150GB | 100Mbps |
BUSINESS PLANS
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Data Cap | Speed | Device Cost | Installation Cost |
| Business Unlimited 35 | $175/mo. | 75 GB | Download speeds up to 35Mbps Upload Speeds up to 4.0 Mbps |
Equipment lease fee $10/mo. Viasat Gateway can also be bought for$299.99 WiFi Modem is available for $5/mo additional on any plan. |
$99 |
| Business Unlimited 60 | $300/mo. | 150 GB | |||
| Business Unlimited 100 | $500/mo. | 200 GB | |||
| Business Metered 1 GB | $50/mo. | 1 GB Additional High-Speed Data: $10/GB | |||
| Business Metered 10 GB | $80/mo. | 10 GB Additional High-Speed Data: $10/GB | |||
| Business Metered 20 GB | $100/mo. | 20 GB Additional High-Speed Data: $6/GB | |||
| Business Metered 50 GB | $150/mo. | 50 GB Additional High-Speed Data: $3/GB | |||
| Business Metered 200 GB | $400/mo Additional Usage: $2/GB |
200 GB Additional High-Speed Data: $2/GB |
HughesNet review
HughesNet offers residential and small business plans throughout the United States including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The network can produce download speeds of up to 25Mbps and 3Mbps for upload. HughesNet modems have built-in dual-band Wi-Fi and can support multiple devices at the time.
Though all plans include unlimited data, once you exceed your plan data, speed will be reduced to around 1-3 Mbps. Additional high-speed data packages are available at $9 for 3 GB, $15 for 5 GB, $30 for 10 GB, and $75 for 25 GB.
Late-night users can take advantage of HughesNet’s Bonus Zone, which provides 50 GB/mo. of additional data during off-peak hours (2 am-8 am). Additionally, their video data saver feature will automatically adjust data usage while streaming to minimize data consumption.
All internet and phone services require a 24-month agreement. Keep in mind that early cancellation will cost a hefty fee of $400, minus $15 for each month you’ve kept your service.
HughesNet Voice Plans
HughesNet Voice phone service can be bundled with any satellite internet plan for $29.99/mo. Additionally, consumers may opt for two international calling plans with access to over 60 countries: 1) the International 200, which costs $9.95/mo and includes 200 minutes, or 2) the International Unlimited which costs $22.95/mo.
Technical Assistance
Technical support by phone is available 24/7, however, if the problem requires a technician, know that it may take 7-10 business days for a technician to coordinate a visit. For those in a hurry, HughesNet offers Express Repair services that guarantee a technician will call you back by 12:00 pm the next day to schedule a visit on the next available business day. Basic service costs $8.99/mo.
An Express Repair Premium option is also available, which offers the same coverage but with next day technician visits for $12.99 per month. Both plans require a 1-year contract and will have a $24.99 copay for the visit.
RESIDENTAL PLANS
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Data Cap | Speed | Device Cost | Installation Cost |
| 10GB | $59.99 | 10GB | Download 25Mbps Upload 3Mbps |
Monthly Fee- $14.99 The equipment can be purchased for $449.98 The router has built-in Wi-Fi with dual-band 802.11ac, which operates at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. |
Lease Set-up Fee $99 Activation Fee $99 If you buy the equipment, both the installation and activation fees are waived. |
| 20GB | $69.99 | 20GB | |||
| 30GB | $99.99 | 30GB | |||
| 50GB | $150 | 50GB |
BUSINESS PLANS
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Data Cap | Speed | Device Cost | Installation Cost |
| Business 35 | $69.99 | 10GB Anytime Data + 25GB Daytime Data (8am-6pm) | Download 25Mbps Upload 3Mbps |
Monthly Fee- $19.99 The equipment can be purchased for $599.99 The router has built-in Wi-Fi with dual-band 802.11ac, which operates at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. |
Lease Set-up Fee $99 Activation Fee $99 If you buy the equipment, both the installation and activation fees are waived. |
| Business 50 | $89.99 | 25GB Anytime Data+ 25GB Daytime Data (8am-6pm) | |||
| Business 75 | $149.99 per month | 50GB Anytime Data + 25GB Daytime Data (8am-6pm) | |||
| Business 100 | $199.99 per month | 75GB Anytime Data+25GB Daytime Data (8am-6pm) |
Further Insight Into Our Methodology
Since there are only two satellite internet providers currently serving the US nationwide, our review has focused on providing consumers with as much information as possible on both companies' high-speed data plans, to help you make an informed decision and select the package that best fits your household’s needs.
Plans
We examined all available satellite internet plans for both homes and small businesses, as well as add-on packages that can be bundled together with your internet plan. We’ve prepared a side by side comparison of each company's plan, costs, speed, and data caps to help you choose. Both companies offer repair and service agreements at additional monthly costs. These plans are meant to cover for the cost of tech support visits partially or in full, as well as the cost of fixing or relocating the dish.
Price
We assessed monthly costs, billing & payment practices, satellite device installation costs, contract length, and cancellation fees. We include all plan prices, the cost of satellite devices, and their installation fees, as well as add-on features such as phone and repair packages. We also include the cost of additional high-speed data packages and early cancellation fees.
What To Watch Out For With Satellite Internet
What To Watch Out For With Satellite Internet
Contracts
Both companies require customers to agree to a 24-month contract. If you cancel the service before the contract is due you will have to pay a fee of $15 for each month pending on contract for up to $400.
Data cap
Both companies impose data thresholds after which browsing speeds are slowed down to 1-3Mbps. Although additional high-speed data can be bought, keep in mind that any unused data will be forfeit at the end of the month. Not only that, but costs for a few GB of data can be close to a full month of service. Before you decide on a particular plan, take time with this usage estimate tool to get a better idea of how much data you regularly use.
FAQs about Satellite Internet
How fast is satellite internet in rural areas?
If you live in a rural area, satellite internet signals can reach broadband speeds averaging 10-25+ Mbps – fast enough for most users who want to stream or game. Satellite internet performance varies depending on location, since the signal is often impaired due to external factors such as weather, trees, buildings, or mountains.
Can I use satellite internet for gaming?
Satellite internet service can be used for turn based games. However, fast-paced or multiplayer games, such as first person shooters, will experience issues or be outright unplayable. Although download speeds are comparable to some fixed internet options, satellite internet has higher latency, meaning that the response time between your command and the activity will be insufficient. Click here to learn more about gaming with satellite internet.
What is latency?
Latency means the delay in data transfer following a prompt, for example, the time it takes for the information to transfer from the moment you click on a link and the system’s response to your command.
Is satellite internet cheaper than wired broadband?
Broadband is cheaper than satellite internet. It will usually offer more data for a lower price.
How much speed do I need to stream?
Standard video streaming requires about 3-4Mbps, 5-8Mbps for HD and no less than 25Mbps for 4K. The FTC provides a useful guideline on download speeds thresholds for some of the most common web-based activities here.