Best Satellite Internet Providers

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Better Options and Add-Ons

Better Options and Add-Ons

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Best Satellite Speeds

Best Satellite Speeds

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Best Overall Reliability

Best Overall Reliability

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What is Satellite Internet?

Satellite internet is a service offered by internet providers that operates by transmitting data from the ground to satellites orbiting the earth and back down to receivers. Since it doesn’t rely on wireline transmission and only requires a clear view of the southern sky, satellite internet is available almost anywhere. It’s one of the few broadband internet choices for consumers in rural areas.

Is Satellite Internet right for me?

Satellite internet is a great option for those that live in rural areas. In some cases, it may be your only option. It offers connectivity where other types of internet connections simply can’t reach, keeping you online for working from home, gaming online, and streaming video. Satellite internet can also provide connectivity if you’re a frequent traveler or live a mobile lifestyle. Despite potential limitations like higher latency compared to terrestrial options, advancements in technology have significantly improved speeds and reliability. If you’re considering satellite internet, it’s a good idea to run an internet speed test to determine if your current connection is meeting your needs.

Pros

  • Available almost anywhere
  • Growing number of satellite providers
  • Ideal for rural residents

Cons

Compare Satellite Internet Plans

ProviderStarting PriceMax DownloadMax UploadData CapsFind Plan
EarthLink$49.95/mo. – $59.95/mo.5 Gbps5 GbpsNoCheck Availability
Viasat$64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo.25 Mbps – 150 Mbps3 MbpsNoCheck Availability
HughesNet$44.99/mo.25 Mbps3 MbpsNoCheck Availability
ProviderEarthLink
Starting Price$49.95/mo. – $59.95/mo.
Max Download5 Gbps
Max Upload5 Gbps
Data CapsNo
Check Availability
ProviderViasat
Starting Price$64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo.
Max Download25 Mbps – 150 Mbps
Max Upload3 Mbps
Data CapsNo
Check Availability
ProviderHughesNet
Starting Price$44.99/mo.
Max Download25 Mbps
Max Upload3 Mbps
Data CapsNo
Check Availability

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 08/17/2023.

Our Top Satellite Internet Picks

Viasat

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Best Satellite Speeds

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  • Fast satellite internet
  • Ideal for rural areas
  • Up to 3x faster than DSL*
  • Starting Price

    $64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo.

  • Max Download

    25 Mbps – 150 Mbps

  • Max Upload

    3 Mbps

  • Data Caps

    No

Viasat satellite internet offers high-speed internet to rural and remote areas across the United States. With speeds up to 100 Mbps, Viasat internet is a great option for customers who need reliable and affordable internet service in areas where fiber and cable internet are not available.

Things we like:
  • 3x faster than DSL
  • Unlimited standard data
  • No fees for overusing data
Things to consider:
  • Promotional prices increase after 3 months
  • 3 Mbps upload speed
  • Can be pricey

HughesNet

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Best Overall Reliability

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  • Satellite internet
  • 2-year fixed pricing
  • No hard data caps
  • Starting Price

    $44.99/mo.

  • Max Download

    25 Mbps

  • Max Upload

    3 Mbps

  • Data Caps

    No

HughesNet satellite internet offers reliable internet solutions for residential customers in all 50 states. With speeds up to 25 Mbps, built-in WiFi for greater home coverage, and no hard data caps, HughesNet internet is a great option for customers who need fast and affordable internet service.

Things we like:
  • 50 GB/mo. bonus data for off-peak hours (2 am-8 am)
  • Built-in WiFi for greater home coverage
  • No hard data caps
Things to consider:
  • Low upload speeds
  • Not ideal for online gaming
  • Promotional prices increase after 6 months
Glasses Looking

Our Thoughts on Satellite Internet

The availability of satellite internet makes it an ideal option for those that live in rural areas, travel frequently, or live the mobile lifestyle. It provides broadband speeds and a reliable connection where other types of internet cannot.

Satellite Internet Compared to Other Connection Types

Satellite internet differs from ground-based internet connection, such as cable and fiber internet. Since it doesn’t rely on wireline but rather satellites orbiting the earth, it is available anywhere with a clear view of the southern sky. This makes it ideal for rural residents, but where it excels in availability, it lacks in speed and low internet latency. It also can be disrupted by severe weather conditions. Due to the high operating costs of satellite internet, it is one of the most expensive types of internet.

Comparison of internet connection types

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.

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 2024.