The Best Satellite Internet Providers of 2024

We help you decide which satellite internet provider is best for you.
HughesNet
Hughesnet | Overall rating
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
  • Icon Yes  Dark
    Lower latency with Fusion plan
  • Icon Yes  Dark
    Improved bandwidth
  • Icon Yes  Dark
    Best budget pick
Starlink
Starlink | Overall rating
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.8
  • Icon Yes  Dark
    Lowest latency for streaming and gaming
  • Icon Yes  Dark
    No contract
  • Icon Yes  Dark
    Fastest option
Viasat
Viasat | Overall rating
3.7 out of 5 stars
3.7
  • Icon Yes  Dark
    Lowest startup costs
  • Icon Yes  Dark
    No contract
  • Icon Yes  Dark
    Offers the most data
Andreas Rivera
Mar 22, 2024
Icon Time To Read15 min read

How we rate satellite internet providers

We base our analyses on thorough research, including customer interviews, first-hand testing, results from our speed test tool, and proprietary internet provider data.

Hughesnet, Starlink, and Viasat are the best options for getting reliable satellite internet, with each having its own strengths and weaknesses. We’ll break down each service to help you decide which is the best satellite internet provider for you. Starlink tends to be fast but expensive, Hughesnet has good budget plans and upgraded technology, and Viasat has an exciting new offering that promises unlimited data and no contracts.  

Satellite internet is often slower and more expensive than traditional internet services like fiber or cable, but if you need to get connected at a remote location, these satellite providers are available virtually anywhere in the U.S. At SatelliteInternet.com we specialize in helping people with unique internet challenges. We’ve spent years testing satellite internet providers, talking to satellite customers, and studying the intricacies of rural internet. Read on to compare satellite providers and find the best option for your life.

Enter your zip code to find the best internet providers available in your area.

The top satellite internet providers

Starting rate
$49.99
/mo
$120
/mo
$99.99
/mo
Download speed50-100 Mbps40-220 Mbps12-100 Mbps
Priority data cap100—200GB40GB-2TBUnlimited
Equipment$14.99—$19.99/mo$599-$2500 one-time$15.00/mo
InstallationFree w/ equipment leaseSelf-installUp to $300 depending on soft credit check
Recommended planElite—$89.99/moStarlink Standard—$120/moViasat Unleashed—$99.99/mo
Data as of 04/05/2023. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

How we rate satellite internet providers

We break down our reviews of satellite internet providers into four categories.

Speed

Takes into account the provider’s download/upload speeds and average latency.

Reliability

Rates the consistency of service and access to customer support.

Data

Rates the plan's allotment of high-speed data, taking into account priority data and options for purchasing more data.

Value

Looks at the pricing (w/ fees) of services for what you’re getting and compared to competitors.

At SatelliteInternet.com, we base our analyses on thorough research, including customer interviews, first-hand testing, results from our speed test tool, and proprietary internet provider data on speeds and pricing.

Hughesnet internet: best for affordability

Hughesnet | Overall rating
3.5
(
out of 5
)
Icon Tooltip  Dark
  • Icon Check  Dark
    Speed Rating
    2.5
  • Icon Check  Dark
    Reliability Rating
    4.5
  • Icon Check  Dark
    Data Rating
    2.6
  • Icon Check  Dark
    Value Rating
    4.4

Hughesnet offers the most affordable satellite internet plans with decent speeds and reliability. Available nationwide, Hughesnet prices are competitive with Viasat and Starlink for similar speeds and data. And with Hughesnet, the lower price tag doesn’t mean inferior service or technology. Hughesnet recently launched a new satellite into high orbit that opens up better speeds and more consistent service for customers. The Fusion plan is a particularly intriguing offering for those who can get it, with lower latency and a more reliable connection.

Hughesnet plans and pricing

Data plan
Price
Speed
Select$49.99/mo.Up to 50 Mbps
Elite$64.99/mo.Up to 100 Mbps
Fusion$79.99/mo.Up to 100 Mbps

Data as of 01/2/2024 Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Offer for 12 months. Service plans require a 24-month commitment. Equipment Lease or Purchase fees extra. Service plans require a 24-month commitment. Equipment Lease or Purchase fees extra.

Speed rating for Hughesnet

2.5

out of 5.0

Hughesnet has just three main plans with broadband speeds in the 50Mbps to 100Mbps range. That puts it on even footing with its competitors, at least in the advertised range. That’s enough speed to enjoy browsing, social media, emailing, and even a bit of streaming. However, since Hughesnet operates with geostationary satellites, high latency becomes an issue with the cheaper Select and Elite plans, making the service seem slower than it should be. Hughesnet Fusion, on the other hand, uses innovative technology to provide a reliable, low-latency connection that can compete with Starlink—but has limited availability.

Reliability rating for Hughesnet

4.5

out of 5.0

Hughesnet is nothing if not consistent. We looked at average speeds for all three of the major satellite providers, and Hughesnet is, by far, the most consistent from state to state. The service itself is also about as reliable as a satellite provider can be. Satellite internet is still susceptible to weather interference, but in general, Hughesnet offers a solid connection with far better customer support than Starlink.

Hughesnet customer service offers the usual bevy of support options: live chat, telephone support (24/7), and email support. There’s also a decent support site with articles that can help guide you through resolving common issues. Hughesnet also offers community support forums, which is a nice touch—sometimes hearing it from other customers is best, and can be faster, too. If fast and responsive customer support is a priority to you, Hughesnet also offers an express support subscription.

Data rating for Hughesnet

2.6

out of 5.0

Hughesnet technically offers unlimited data. The emphasis here is on “technically”—the provider takes the increasingly common approach of offering a limited amount of priority high-speed data each month. Once that’s gone, you can continue to use your service as much as you want, but at a reduced speed, especially during peak hours. This could potentially slow your bandwidth down to 1 to 3Mbps.

Hughesnet’s plans feature two choices for data, either 100GB or 200GB per month. These are pretty low when compared to Starlink’s high-priority data plans and Viasat’s unlimited plan. For perspective, you can stream about an hour of standard definition video per 1GB. Streaming HD content will burn through your data much faster. If you run out of priority data, you can buy more that carries over to the next month if you don’t use it all.

Value rating for Hughesnet

4.4

out of 5.0

Hughesnet is definitely the most budget-friendly of these three providers. With prices starting at $74.99 per month, it’s the most affordable satellite internet provider for decent speed and data.

In some areas, customers can also take advantage of Hughesnet’s Fusion plans, which combine satellite internet with wireless internet to help reduce latency. It’s not available everywhere, but we recommend it for the better latency. With better download speeds and the promise of a more reliable signal, at $109.99 per month, it’s a great package for people planning on using a lot more internet. Just be aware that there’s a monthly equipment lease that’s tacked onto your bill, unless you decide to outright purchase the equipment for at least a couple hundred dollars. 

You also get a $25 to $30 discount for the first 12 months of service, but it’s important to keep in mind that Hughesnet requires a 24-month commitment that you won’t be able to get out of without an early termination fee. 

Read our full Hughesnet review.

Starlink internet: best for speed and convenience

Starlink | Overall rating
3.8
(
out of 5
)
Icon Tooltip  Dark
  • Icon Check  Dark
    Speed Rating
    4.7
  • Icon Check  Dark
    Reliability Rating
    3.0
  • Icon Check  Dark
    Data Rating
    4.5
  • Icon Check  Dark
    Value Rating
    2.6

When it comes to speed and convenience, SpaceX’s Starlink has been winning over people all over the world. Its unique technology and internet packages set it apart from Hughesnet and Viasat, making it the fastest and most versatile satellite internet service. The plans aren’t cheap, however, the upfront equipment fees are especially expensive, and Starlink's customer service leaves a lot to be desired.

Starlink

Starlink plans and pricing

Plan
Price*
Speed
Latency
Equipment fee
Starlink Standard$120/mo.*20-100 Mbps25–50ms$599.00
Starlink Priority$140.00–$500.00/mo.40–220Mbps25–50ms$2,500.00
Starlink Mobile$150.00–$200.00/mo.5–50Mbps25–50ms$599.00–$2,500.00
Starlink Mobile Priority$250.00–$5,000.00/mo.40—220Mbps25–50ms$2,500.00
* Plus hardware, shipping & handling fees, and tax. Fully refundable. Depending on location, some orders may take 2 weeks or more to fulfill.

Speed rating for Starlink

4.7

out of 5.0

Starlink’s download speed will depend entirely on your location, but typical speeds throughout the U.S. range between 100Mbps to 200Mbps. More importantly, what separates Starlink from Hughesnet and Viasat is the use of its constellation of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites. These satellites fly closer to the Earth’s surface and provide stronger and faster connections with lower latency compared to Viasat or Hughesnet’s geostationary satellites. 

Around the U.S., Starlink latency runs between 30 and 50 milliseconds (ms), compared to Hughesnet and Viasat which clock in latency as high as 800ms. This makes Starlink ideal for buffer-free streaming and online gaming, activities that are frustrating or non-existent for Hughesnet and Viasat customers.

Reliability rating for Starlink

3.0

out of 5.0

Starlink’s speeds vary a lot from state to state, far more than either Hughesnet or Viasat. For example, Starlink’s own speed map shows that customers in Nevada enjoy up to 179Mbps, while Virginia customers have to settle with up to 102Mbps. Speeds and reliability are likely to be in flux as more customers sign up and SpaceX continues to build out its constellation of satellites, launching more every year. Since launching in 2019, the service has grown more reliable and accessible. It’s now widely available, so you no longer need to get on a waitlist to try it. 

Starlink takes another unorthodox approach, with no professional installation necessary or offered. Starlink sends you a nice kit with your equipment, and you install and align the dish using the Starlink app. It’s a surprisingly easy process, although if you need to mount the dish for a better vantage point then you’re kind of on your own. You’ll need to order additional parts, roll up your handyman sleeves and do it yourself. All other customer support is done through submitting tickets through their website—not ideal. Starlink is great when it works as intended, but it uses new, unproven technology and the Elon Musk-led company is prone to chaos and unpredictability. As a scrappy new upstart, Starlink doesn’t seem particularly interested in providing customer support, particularly to those who are less tech-savvy.

Data rating for Starlink

4.5

out of 5.0

Starlink’s standard plan doesn’t have a priority data cap, promising unlimited high-speed data. However, you can get a Priority plan that features allotted priority data, ensuring that your connection to the network takes precedence over standard users’ bandwidth. If you live in an area with lots of other Starlink users and you’re a heavy data user who can’t afford to have slowdowns, a Priority plan could be better.

Value rating for Starlink

4.7

out of 5.0

Starlink has the most unique set of plans, with pricing that’s radically different from what the competition offers. Unlike the other two, Starlink does not have a contract so you’re free to cancel at any time—the trade-off being the upfront cost for equipment of $599 for a standard kit or $2,500 for the high-performance kit. Comparably, you’ll end up paying much less after 24 months of leasing equipment from Hughesnet or Viasat. 

Starlink has several plans for different use cases including for mobile, business, and even boats. The typical plan recommended for home use is the standard plan for $120 per month. That’s more expensive than Hughesnet’s most expensive plan but with the promise of drastically better speeds. For plans with high-priority data or mobile capabilities, be prepared to pay much more.

Read our full Starlink review.

Viasat internet: best for unlimited data

Viasat | Overall rating
3.7
(
out of 5
)
Icon Tooltip  Dark
  • Icon Check  Dark
    Speed Rating
    3.0
  • Icon Check  Dark
    Reliability Rating
    2.7
  • Icon Check  Dark
    Data Rating
    4.8
  • Icon Check  Dark
    Value Rating
    4.4

Viasat is a direct competitor to Hughesnet, featuring similar technology and internet packages. However, in early 2024, Viasat launched a new plan called Unleashed. It features unlimited high-speed data and comes with no contract, allowing you to cancel at any time. With unlimited data at a competitive price, it lends itself to being a solution for people who are heavy data users. The main downside is that Viasat’s speeds and final pricing depend entirely on your location, so the service’s ideal package may not be available to you.

Viasat

Viasat plans and pricing

Plan
Price
Data Cap
Speed
Viasat Unleashed
$99.99
/mo
UnlimitedUp to 150Mbps

Data as of 3/01/24. Prices and availability vary by location. Installation fees, monthly equipment lease fees, and taxes may apply. After 850 GB of High-Speed Data usage, you still have unlimited access to Standard Data, which may result in slower speed.

Speed rating for Viasat

3.0

out of 5.0

In early 2024 Viasat launched a new, simplified plan called Unleashed, which offers satellite internet speeds up to 150Mbps—that’s faster than Hughesnet and on par with Starlink. The actual speeds you receive will vary by your exact location, however.

Much like Hughesnet, Viasat has broadband download speeds, but high latency which prevents it from really being considered high-speed. Viasat uses geostationary satellites that orbit far from the planet’s surface, which means data has much farther to go when compared to a wired connection or even the close-orbiting Starlink fleet.

Reliability rating for Viasat

3.0

out of 5.0

Outside of issues around weather interference, we think most people will have a pretty good experience using Viasat for light internet use. While you’ll likely experience slowdowns during peak hours, Viasat will never cut you off from connection outright. 

Viasat is not as consistent as Hughesnet from location to location. This has to do with the fleet of Viasat's satellites, which they had planned to expand with an additional satellite, but a launch malfunction in 2023 severely delayed those plans. Viasat restricts the exact details of its speeds across that coverage net.

Viasat customer service offers telephone support along with a knowledge base that contains helpful articles. 

Data rating for Viasat

4.5

out of 5.0

Viasat no longer has data caps that limit how much you can download. It’s virtually unlimited high-speed data, although heavy data users that go over 850GB in a month may be throttled. Even with that ceiling, it’s miles above the limit of Hughesnet’s top plan that offers up to 200GB.

Value rating for Viasat

2.6

out of 5.0

Viasat simplifies its pricing with a rate as low as $99.99 per month for the highest speed available in your area. Like the download speeds offered, your final pricing will depend on where you live, and you may need to pay up to $119.99. There is also a $15 monthly lease fee for the equipment or a $250 lifetime lease fee. Your installation fee is another thing that will vary, likely based on your credit score and where you live, with fees of up to $300. 

Where Viasat has the clear advantage over Hughesnet is the elimination of its two-year contract—meaning if you’re leaving Viasat for whatever reason, you won’t have to pay an expensive early termination fee. Hughesnet still requires a two-year commitment when signing on with them and Starlink charges at least $599 upfront for equipment. No contract and cheaper upfront costs make Viasat the most flexible, least risky choice among satellite internet providers.

Read our full Viasat review.

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What to know about satellite internet

Satellite internet is a completely different animal compared to traditional broadband internet like cable or fiber. There are several realities and concessions users should know about before selecting a satellite internet provider, especially when Hughesnet requires a 24-month contract. Starlink has no contract but does require a large upfront charge for equipment. Viasat’s latest Unleashed plan also has no contract and the most affordable start-up costs (especially if you have good credit).

Why is satellite internet so expensive?

When comparing satellite internet to traditional broadband for the first time, you may be baffled by how much a satellite package costs for its advertised speed and data. You’ll pay just as much or more for satellite than fiber which is ten times as fast and has unlimited data. 

It seems unfair to pay so much for what seems like such a slow connection, but this is due to the high costs of launching and maintaining a constellation of satellites to deliver internet service nearly anywhere in the world. When satellites malfunction or get damaged, there’s no repairing them and it’s a huge investment to replace them.

Satellite speed: The difference between download speed and latency

So why is satellite internet so slow compared to the latest fiber and 5G services? The key isn’t just in download speeds, which satellite providers often advertise as comparable to broadband. Latency is the primary reason that satellite speeds hardly compare to a wired connection or even fixed-wireless. Download and upload speeds best describe how much information you’re sending and receiving at once, but latency represents how fast that information can travel between your computer and the internet. Another term for latency you may have heard before is ping. 

This has everything to do with the distance between your dish, the satellites in orbit, and gateways on the Earth that connect to the rest of the web. A simple act like clicking a link to visit a new website takes longer because the request needs to travel that long distance. This is also impacted by factors such as bad signal because of a misaligned dish or weather interference. Meanwhile, using fiber feels almost instantaneous. 

Latency is measured in milliseconds (ms). While cable and fiber will have 11—35ms, satellite reaches more than 500ms on average. Starlink is the exception thanks to its low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation which has significantly lower latency.

This is why online gaming is not recommended on satellite. When playing games with friends online that require quick reactions and button presses, those actions aren’t registered in-game until your signal reaches the server you’re playing on. When your latency or ping is especially high, it’ll appear like your character is moving in slow motion to your friends. The same goes for voice chat. Whether it’s in a game or even a VoIP service, there will be a noticeable delay in conversations.

Why does satellite internet have data caps?

Satellite providers typically market their plans with unlimited data, and while this is technically true, this isn’t the priority data with the high speeds advertised beside them. Your monthly allotted priority data is the amount you can download through the service’s full capability. 

Like any internet provider that imposes a data cap, this is done to regulate bandwidth over their network. With thousands of customers connected to the internet through just a handful of satellites, providers can’t guarantee enough bandwidth to go around for everyone. So priority data is given the VIP treatment over the network, while customers that aren’t using it are put on the slow lane. 

So while you do have unlimited “standard” data, it moves significantly slower. Customers who stream movies or download large files will run into their limit quickly if they’re not careful, so be sure to monitor it frequently. If you run out of your monthly data, you can purchase more data to fill up the tank, but it’s important to know if your provider allows you to roll over purchased data to your next billing period or resets it all.

So why choose satellite internet?

Even in our modern world, there are still plenty of populated areas, including in the U.S., that are out of reach of high-speed internet. Wired internet through fiber, cable, and DSL takes big investments in infrastructure from both private and public entities, making it slower to reach rural areas where few people live. Wireless internet through 5G and fixed-wireless extends the reach, but still can’t reach everyone. 

Satellite internet, while currently not as powerful as traditional services, is still the most capable of connecting you to the internet no matter where you are, giving you the same access to communication, information, education, entertainment, and economic opportunities as everyone else.

Nationwide availability of internet technology types

Data according to the FCC National Broadband Map. Data is on providers that offer at least 25Mbps download speed.

The future of satellite internet

What’s most exciting about satellite internet is that it’s a rapidly growing industry that’s continually developing newer and better technology. Starlink was a huge leap forward in making satellite internet more accessible and efficient. Both Hughesnet and Viasat are continuing to improve their fleets of satellites to stay competitive, and more enterprises are throwing their hat in the ring. In late 2023, Amazon successfully tested the first satellites of Project Kuiper, its planned constellation of low-earth orbit satellites to compete with Starlink. It’s planning to begin a beta program in the latter half of 2024, with residential service hopefully beginning sometime in 2025.

The best internet providers for rural areas

T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T all offer 5G home internet options in select areas. These are great internet options for rural areas because they offer unlimited internet, no contracts, and no equipment fees for average speeds of around 100Mbps. Also, if you already use one of these carriers for your phone, you’re likely to save money. Even though these services aren’t available to everyone, they’re worth it to check out.

Fixed-wireless internet is another type of service that usually caters to rural internet users. Companies like Rise Broadband operate in specific regions but offer affordable internet plans to anyone within range of their network.

Finally, if you have a landline for your phone, then it’s possible you may have access to DSL internet depending on where you live and what carriers service your area. It’s significantly slower than fiber and cable, but the latency will be much better than satellite. Read more about our recommended alternatives to satellite here.

Provider
Price
Tech Type
Download speed
Get it
$60/mo.Fixed Wireless72-245 Mbps
$35-$70Fixed Wireless300-1000 Mbps
$55/mo.^Wireless225 Mbps
$50-$75°DSL/Fiber100-940 Mbps
$39.95-$65Fixed Wireless25-250 Mbps
Data as of 04/05/2023. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
w/ Auto Pay. Regulatory fees included in monthly price for qualified accounts. See full terms.
w/ Auto Pay. Available in select areas.
^ AutoPay and paperless billing required. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. . Service subj. to Internet Terms of Service at att.com/internet-terms. Offers may be modified, or discontinued, at any time without notice. Other conditions may apply to all offers.
° Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing or prepay required. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply.

How else can you use satellite internet?

Travel

Satellite internet is on the move, thanks to Starlink. The service offers portable versions called Mobile and Mobile Priority (formerly called Starlink Roam). They're a bit more expensive than Starlink’s standard plans, but allow you to take your Starlink on the road and even out to sea. 

Starlink Mobile requires you to be stationary, making it great for camping. The much more expensive Mobile Priority lets you actually be mobile when using the internet, so you can enjoy the web while your RV is in motion or even on your boat. 

Currently, Starlink is the only satellite internet provider that has a mobile option, but there are also plenty of other solutions. Read more about mobile internet options here. 

Business

All three major satellite internet providers offer plans tailored to business. The plans are more expensive but are optimized with more priority data and even unlimited priority data plans as well as priority customer support when its essential to always stay connected. Read more about satellite internet for business here.

Satellite internet service national averages

The average download speed of satellite internet is 75.5 Mbps
The average monthly cost of satellite internet is $121 nationwide
HughesNet
Hughesnet | National Averages
83.5 Mbps
$89.99
average speed
average monthly cost
Starlink
Starlink | National Averages
63.5 Mbps
$165.00
average speed
average monthly cost
Viasat
Viasat | National Averages
100 Mbps
$109.99
average speed
average monthly cost

Best satellite internet providers FAQ

Home 5G internet as well as fixed wireless internet are better options than satellite for remote locations. They’re faster and more reliable, but not nearly as available as satellites for people in rural areas.

$119.44 is the average cost of satellite internet per month, with an annual average cost of $1,433.28.

Satellite internet has a 99.9 percent availability to the U.S. and territories.

We recommend the three major satellite internet providers based on different use cases and needs. We recommend Hughesnet for affordability, Viasat for no data cap and no contract, and Starlink for speed and convenience.

The average download speed of satellite internet is 75.56Mbps.

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