Best Satellite Internet Providers of 2023

Young man smiling at desktop computer with headphones on

Our Top Satellite Providers

After extensive research, we determined that Viasat and HughesNet® are the top two satellite internet providers of this year. Between their speeds and availability in rural areas, each has an impressive list of features that cater to anyone who leans toward satellite internet. Go with Viasat if speed is a priority for you. Choose HughesNet if you want a less expensive plan with the option for bonus data.

satellite
Our Picks
Download Speeds Up To
25 Mbps25 Mbps – 150 Mbps
Starting Price
$44.99/mo.$64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo.
Equipment Rental
$14.99/mo.$12.99/mo.
Contract Required
YesYes
call833-481-4458call855-339-3045
Our Picks
Download Speeds Up To
25 Mbps25 Mbps – 150 Mbps
Starting Price
$44.99/mo.$64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo.
Equipment Rental
$14.99/mo.$12.99/mo.
Contract Required
YesYes
call833-481-4458call855-339-3045
Our Picks
Download Speeds Up To
25 Mbps
Starting Price
$44.99/mo.
Equipment Rental
$14.99/mo.
Contract Required
Yes
Our Picks
Download Speeds Up To
25 Mbps – 150 Mbps
Starting Price
$64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo.
Equipment Rental
$12.99/mo.
Contract Required
Yes

*$49.99/mo. for first 3 months in select areas. Viasat Offer Details.  Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 12/15/21.

 

Reliability with HughesNet

HughesNet Gen5 is a top choice for satellite internet, available in all 50 states. Offering robust internet solutions for residential customers, HughesNet is a reliable option for anyone looking to connect. Learn more about HughesNet below.

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Things to consider:
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Our Thoughts on HughesNet

HughesNet offers a dedicated high-speed solution for households throughout the US. You can delve into the specifics of their satellite internet packages and additional features by referring to our comprehensive information about HughesNet internet.

Free standard installation applies to new Lease subscribers only. Not valid with Purchase option. Limited-time offer. 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. If you exceed your monthly plan data, you will experience reduced speeds, typically 1-3 Mbps, until the next billing cycle.

Faster Speeds with Viasat

Viasat is a satellite internet provider in the United States that offers internet to remote locations across the country. Leveraging its satellite network, Viasat internet is prevalent among the most underserved rural communities where fiber and cable aren’t accessible. Learn more about Viasat below.

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Things to consider:
Glasses Looking

Our Thoughts on Viasat

Viasat goes above and beyond when it comes to their satellite internet speeds. Learn more about Viasat’s satellite internet packages and additional features by referring to our comprehensive information about Viasat internet.

Depending on the specific unlimited data service plan available at your location, after you use the following amount of data, we may prioritize your data behind other customers during network congestion, which will result in slower speeds: Basic 12 (15 GB), Bronze 12 (35 GB, 40 GB or 80 GB, depending on your specific plan); Silver 12 (45 GB); Gold 12 (65 GB); Bronze 25 (35 GB); Silver 25 (60 GB, 100 GB or 120 GB depending on your specific plan); Gold 30 (100 GB or 200 GB depending on your specific plan); Gold 50 (100 GB or 200 GB depending on your specific plan); Platinum 30 (150 GB), Platinum 50 (150 GB) and Platinum 100 (150 GB or 300 GB depending on your specific plan). Streaming video quality is “up to,” will vary and is not guaranteed. See Unlimited Data Policy for details.

How We Evaluate

Between hidden fees and price hikes, finding the right internet plan can feel overwhelming. To help with your search, our team of internet experts evaluates ISPs on categories including performance, affordability, and customer satisfaction to provide you with the best options near you.

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How Satellite Internet Works

Satellite internet is a wireless connection through which an internet signal is transmitted between three different satellite dishes: one at an internet provider’s main hub, one on a residential property, and one on a satellite orbiting the Earth. Satellite internet is available virtually anywhere in the US, but it is subject to unreliability at times due to bad weather or equipment. Satellite providers can offer high-speed internet ranging from 25-100 Mbps, which is best suited for suburban and rural areas.

The Future of Satellite

It’s no secret that the pandemic has sped up the need for broader internet access nationwide. With the number of people working from home on the rise, low-earth-orbit internet satellite providers, such as Starlink, will become more prominent. The low-orbit satellites decrease latency for consumers, meaning the signal for video calls and remote work/learning will be much stronger in rural areas. Starlink is taking reservations now, but the equipment may not ship until 2023.

FAQ

Satellite Internet FAQs

DSL internet and satellite internet deliver comparable speeds. Both can offer speeds up to 100 Mbps, however, DSL is usually more reliable than satellite for its grounded wire technology. Satellite internet is susceptible to service interruptions due to bad weather or faulty equipment, while DSL runs along grounded telephone lines that are protected from the elements.

If you decide to go with satellite internet, you may be able to get speeds from 25 Mbps to 150 Mbps in speeds. These speeds can support low to moderate internet usage like web browsing and occasional streaming. However, everyone’s needs are unique. The internet speed you need will depend on your lifestyle.

If Viasat internet is available in your area, you can enjoy some of the fastest speeds on the market, with download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps. However, in some areas, Viasat only offers speeds up to 12 Mbps.

Starklink deploys satellite technology that uses low-Earth-orbit satellites to deliver faster internet speeds to residential customers than traditional satellite technology can.

Right now, customers are able to receive anywhere from 50-150 Mbps depending on how far they are from satellites in the sky. However, once fully deployed, Starlink internet is anticipated to offer equal download and upload speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. That’s unheard of for satellite internet like HughesNet and Viasat. Starlink is currently taking reservations, but the equipment may not ship until 2023.

Marla Milano
Written By
Marla Milano
Written By
Marla Milano
Marla is a Contributing Writer for HighSpeedOptions, assisting in HighSpeedOptions’ coverage of satellite internet, streaming, and TV content. She comes with five years of experience writing for lifestyle and tech brands across multiple industries and has a BA in Marketing and MA in Digital Communication and Media Arts from DePaul University. Marla is passionate about not only integrating a creative edge into her work but also pulling data-driven insights to enhance her thought process.