Best satellite internet providers of 2023
Our choice for the best satellite internet provider is Viasat. It’s one of only two satellite internet providers that offers service nearly everywhere in the US. And it’s the better choice because it offers plans with higher speeds and more high-speed data. If you're looking for more providers that serve remote areas, check out our best internet providers for rural areas.
The best satellite internet providers of 2022
- Plans starting at $30.00 - $349.99
- Download speeds up to 100 Mbps
- Upload speeds up to 3 Mbps
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply.
- Plans starting at $49.99 - $174.99
- Download speeds up to 25 Mbps
- Upload speeds up to 3 Mbps
The HughesNet Gen5 service plans are designed to deliver download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps, but individual customers may experience different speeds at different times of the day. Speeds and uninterrupted use are not guaranteed and may vary based on a variety of factors including: the configuration of your computer, the number of concurrent users, network or Internet congestion, the capabilities and content of the websites you are accessing, network management practices as deemed necessary, and other factors. When you connect to the HughesNet service using Wi-Fi, your experience will vary based on your proximity to the Wi-Fi source and the strength of the signal.
- Plans starting at $120.00 - $250.00
- Download speeds up to 100 Mbps
- Upload speeds up to 10 Mbps
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply.
Methodology
For most people, satellite internet isn’t the best option for home internet service. But if you have to choose satellite internet, we’ve done the work to rank the top providers for you.
When evaluating and ranking these providers, our main considerations were availability, performance, equipment, and cost, which is a little different from the methodology we use for star rankings. Availability was the primary factor because most people considering satellite internet over other connection types do so because they have limited options. However, only two of the three satellite internet providers in the US are widely available for now.
Performance was an especially important consideration for satellite internet because its speeds are so limited. We looked at both Mbps and data caps (measured in MB, GB, and TB). Cost was also a main factor since satellite internet can be expensive for what you get with it. And since you can't get anywhere without additional equipment inside your home, we took a look at both upfront and monthly leasing costs.
The rankings here differ from our star ratings. While Starlink has superior performance and the most stars among satellite providers, it has very limited availability, so it is at the bottom of our list. For more information, see our full methodology and list of best internet providers of 2023.
#1: Viasat
- Fast speeds for satellite
- Variety of plans
- Wide availability
- High prices
- Caps on high-speed data
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply.
Viasat is the top satellite internet you can actually get
Viasat is our top choice among satellite internet providers—it offers the best performance you can actually get. The company has plans with faster download speeds and more high-speed data than close competitor Hugheslink, and its the biggest satellite provider out there. While satellite internet isn’t good for streaming, gaming, or video calls, you’ll still be able to manage the basics like browsing, email, and online shopping.
Viasat offers faster speeds and more data than HughesNet, which means you’ll be able to do more. Viasat’s top speed is 150 Mbps, and you can get a high-speed data allowance of either 150 GB or 300 GB with plans at that speed. Viasat also offers Liberty plans for households that don't use much data, but we don't generally recommend them because of the data caps and slower speeds.
HughesNet, on the other hand, gives you only one speed option (25 Mbps), and its highest plan tier comes with only 100 GB of data. Both have similar upload speeds, unlimited (unusably slow) standard data, and 24-month contracts. If you cancel early, you'll be charged $15 per month remaining on your contract.
Viasat requires you to lease its internet gateway for $13 per month, which is a bit cheaper than HughesNet and much easier on the wallet than Starlink’s $600 upfront equipment cost. However, you could choose to pay $350 for the gear upfront. Viasat usually offers promotional pricing, and monthly prices can jump in the range of $20–$100 after three months.
#2: HughesNet
- Affordable plans for satellite
- Wide availability
- Bonus data during off-peak hours
- Slow speed
- Price hike after six months
- Two-year contract required
The HughesNet Gen5 service plans are designed to deliver download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps, but individual customers may experience different speeds at different times of the day. Speeds and uninterrupted use are not guaranteed and may vary based on a variety of factors including: the configuration of your computer, the number of concurrent users, network or Internet congestion, the capabilities and content of the websites you are accessing, network management practices as deemed necessary, and other factors. When you connect to the HughesNet service using Wi-Fi, your experience will vary based on your proximity to the Wi-Fi source and the strength of the signal.
Hughesnet is available and affordable, but be prepared for slower speeds
HughesNet has slower download speeds than Viasat and Starlink, but it is widely available and has some affordable plans. HughesNet’s plans all have the same speed, 25 Mbps, and they differ on how much high-speed data you get. In some areas, you can get 50 GB or 100 GB Fusion plans, which reduce latency by tapping into mobile networks for some online activities. You'll still be getting just 25 Mbps of speed, but it may feel faster.
Compared to a Viasat plan with the same speed, HughesNet is $35 per month cheaper, but you get 45 GB less data. HughesNet also throws in an extra 50 GB of data for use during off-peak hours (2 am to 8 am). You can lease an integrated Wi-Fi modem for $20 per month or purchase one for around $350–$450.
With promotional pricing, you can often save $20–$50 per month for the first six months. You won’t be able to do much with HughesNet because of its low speeds and data limits, so it is best for light internet users who need to do only minimal browsing.
If you don't usually need a lot of data but run into caps in a given month, you can purchase high-speed data tokens starting at $9 for 3 GB. That's about 30 hours of streaming music or three hours of streaming Netflix in standard definition. Lucky for you, those tokens never expire!
#3: Starlink
- Low latency
- Expanding coverage
- Options for mobile satellite connectivity
- High upfront equipment cost
- Slower speeds than originally advertised
- Poor reputation for customer service
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply.
Starlink is the shiny new provider you'll have to wait in line for
Starlink is a relatively new satellite internet provider. It uses low-earth orbit technology so can offer much better latency than you can get with HughesNet and Viasat. The company used to offer plans with much faster speeds, too, but has since pulled back on that promise.
Starlink internet offers multiple plans, with options for home users, mobile users, and businesses. For most home users, the standard plan is the best option because it comes with unlimited high-speed data and speeds up to 100 Mbps. Monthly pricing depends on whether you live in a high-demand area.
If you intend to take your internet on the road, you can pay for a mobile plan for an additional $30 per month, but traffic from home and business users will get priority. For an additional $100 per month, you can get 50 GB of priority data. For $5,000 per month, you can get 5 TB of mobile priority data—it's an extraordinarily high price, but might be worth it if you need to quickly donwload a lot of data on, say, the Pacific Ocean.
Overall, Starlink seems poised to solve some of what makes the experience of satellite internet frustrating for customers. But it does have unique downsides. You have to buy your equipment upfront for at least $600, and you have to install the dish yourself. If you want the premium dish, which will work in very low temperatures and those gale wind conditions on the high seas, you'll have to cough up $2,500 upfront.
What to consider when choosing a satellite provider
We’ve evaluated all three satellite internet providers based on their availability, performance, and cost.
Availability
If you’re considering satellite internet providers, there’s a good chance it’s because your options for home internet service are limited. Nearly everyone in the US has access to broadband speeds with satellite internet, even in rural and remote areas. Since availability is a primary concern for satellite internet customers, Viasat and HughesNet are at the top of our ranking for availability. Starlink still has limited availability, so it is at the bottom of the ranking.
Performance
Satellite internet’s performance just can’t compete with faster, more reliable connection types like cable or fiber, so it’s important to set expectations accordingly. Because of slow speeds, lag, and data caps, satellite internet doesn’t offer a good experience for most families. Working from home, streaming, video calls, and gaming are difficult or nearly impossible. But with the right plan, you can tackle emails, pay bills, do your online shopping, or handle other light tasks fairly comfortably. That’s why performance is a key factor in this ranking. High speeds and high data caps (or unlimited data) are important for getting things done with satellite internet.
Equipment
Getting internet access to your devices requires more than just a receiver dish on the roof. You also need a modem and router (or combined gateway, like those offered by Viasat and HughesNet). Starlink includes a router in its starter kit, meaning you buy it outright at the beginning of your service term.
Of the three, the Starlink router is the best (but just by a little bit). It can reach up to 2,000 square feet and support up to 12 mesh nodes. The Viasat gateway has two ethernet ports plus a way to connect your home phone, while the HughesNet version lets you create a private network for yourself and a second network for guests.
Whether you buy upfront or lease month to month, the Viasat gateway is less expensive than what you get from HughesNet.
Cost
Cost is always a factor to consider when choosing an internet provider. Compared to other types of internet connections, you don’t get much speed or data for your money with satellite internet, and plans are expensive. You also have to look out for above-average equipment costs and long contracts.
If you can't stomach the costs, check out our resources on finding free and reduced-cost internet access near you.
Rebecca Palmer has been writing about tech and consumer finance since 2010. Her work has been featured in the Deseret News, Idaho Business Review, TopTenReviews.com, and more. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, and lives in Salt Lake City with her exceptionally delightful pup, Nymeria.
Brittany is a Contributing Writer for Switchful with over five years of experience writing about technology in the US and Europe. Her primary focus is on mobile and internet topics. She is passionate about helping people choose the right tech for their needs at the right price.
Bri Field has a background in academia, research writing, and brand marketing. She has edited scientific publications, conference papers, digital content, and technical communications. As Assigning Editor, she enjoys ensuring all content is accurate, clear, and helpful. In her free time, you can find her in the kitchen trying a new recipe, out on a hike, or working through her massive TBR list.