Best Internet Options for Boats and Yachts 2025
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Looking for reliable internet on your boat or yacht, whether you’re near shore or out to sea? This guide covers the best marine internet solutions, including satellite internet, mobile, and 5G options.
Key Takeaways: Finding Internet Options for Your Boat
- Mobile hotspots are affordable and convenient for internet access near shore, but may struggle with signal strength farther out.
- Satellite internet provides the most reliable coverage offshore, including international waters, but comes with high equipment and service costs.
- 5G internet offers fast speeds and better range than 4G/LTE, but is limited by infrastructure gaps and signal interference on open water.
- Broadband Global Area Networks (BGANs) deliver global connectivity and voice services, but are expensive and slower than other options.
- Backup communication devices, like handheld satellite communicators, are essential for safety and emergency use, even if they don’t provide full internet access.
- Product options like Starlink Maritime, Iridium Go!, and Glomex weBBoat systems offer varying levels of coverage, speed, and price points for boaters with different needs and budgets.
Mobile Hotspot Internet for Boats
A hotspot is a device that uses cellular data from your mobile phone provider to create a WiFi network. Other devices can connect to the hotspot to access the internet. This is a simple and convenient way for boaters to access the internet, but coverage depends on your cellular provider. It might work well if you’re on a lake, cruising along a river, or just offshore. But it won’t work out in the middle of the ocean.
Pros and Cons of Using Mobile Hotspot Internet on Your Boat
Pros
Portability: Take your device anywhere, including your boat.
Convenience: Easy to set up and use with just power and cellular service.
Affordability: Can be cheaper than satellite internet.
Cons
Data Limits: Most plans have limited data, and extra data can be costly.
Signal Issues: Weak or unreliable signal in some areas due to distance from shore or obstacles like hills or mountains.
If you think a mobile hotspot is a good solution to get internet access while on your boat, here are some helpful questions to ask your provider:
- How far from shore does coverage extend?
- Is it battery-operated, or does it require constant power?
- What is the battery life?
- How many devices can connect at once?
- What are the data limits and overage charges? Is there an unlimited plan available?
Satellite Internet Options for Boats
Satellite Internet uses signals from satellites orbiting Earth to provide high-speed broadband connections. It’s an ideal choice for those who live in rural areas where cable internet or DSL internet is not available. While satellite internet seems like a good option for boats, many services are tied to a physical address.
So, can you get satellite internet on your boat? Yes, with the right equipment and service plan.
Starlink currently offers a maritime satellite internet service. It features global coverage with download speeds reaching 350 Mbps. By comparison to satellite internet providers such as HughesNet and Viasat, that’s very fast. The catch? Monthly plans start at $250 for 50 GB of data. You’ll additionally have a one-time equipment purchase of $1,999.
- Satellite internet
- 2-year fixed pricing
- No hard data caps
- Fast satellite internet
- Ideal for rural areas
- Up to 3x faster than DSL*
- High-speed satellite internet
- Low-latency connection
- No annual contracts
Pros and Cons of Using Satellite Internet on Your Boat
Pros
Remote Coverage: Provides internet access in even the most remote locations where wired connections can’t reach.
Lower Installation Costs: No cables required, which typically reduces installation expenses.
Higher Speeds: Offers faster speeds compared to many wireless technologies, including WiFi hotspots and cellular networks, making activities like streaming possible while at sea.
Cons
High Cost: Satellite internet can be expensive, particularly for marine installations.
Limited Providers: Only a few marine satellite internet providers are available.
Weather Sensitivity: Bad weather can affect signal strength, leading to slower speeds or dropped connections.
Data Caps: While many providers offer unlimited data, high-speed data often comes with a cap.
When choosing a satellite internet provider for your boat, verify that it will work on boats, that the equipment is rated for marine use, and what areas the provider covers. Ask about any additional fees for maritime service and what data limits exist for the internet service. Also, make sure that your boat meets the minimum power requirements to operate the equipment.
5G Internet Options for Boats
5G internet is the latest generation of cellular technology, replacing 4G and LTE networks. It offers faster, more reliable connections with lower latency and improved range, making it an increasingly popular option for boaters.
Pros and Cons of Using 5G on Your Boat or Yacht
Pros
Speed: Offers fast internet speeds, ideal for streaming, browsing, and other high-bandwidth activities.
Portability: Easy to use without additional equipment or installation, making it simple to use on the go, including onboard your boat.
Better Range: Improved signal range compared to previous generations, allowing you to sail farther from shore while staying connected.
Cons
Interference: Signals from other vessels may cause connectivity issues.
Limited Coverage: Coverage is still limited in some areas, especially where 5G infrastructure is not available on open water.
Global Connectivity Issues: Lack of connectivity when far from shore, and potential international roaming charges when entering foreign ports.
Portable Internet Options for Boats
If mobile hotspots or satellites aren’t for you, a Broadband Global Area Network is another option for connecting on the high seas. BGANs are portable systems that operate much like a mobile hotspot, but provide internet access and voice communications. The device, which looks similar to a notebook or laptop, connects to satellites to provide internet access.
Pros and Cons of Using a Broadband Global Area Network on Your Boat or Yacht
Pros
Global Coverage: BGANs provide reliable connectivity around the world through a satellite network.
Simultaneous Usage: Allows web browsing and making calls at the same time.
Portability: Compact, lightweight, and easy to store and set up.
Versatile: Ideal for industries like media, research, and emergency services.
Cons
High Startup Costs: Terminal devices can be expensive, typically costing several thousand dollars.
Slow Speeds: Speeds start at a few kilobits per second, which may not be sufficient for heavy internet use.
Expensive Data Plans: Plans start at $70 per month with limited data (around 20 MB), making it costly for frequent use.
Signal Issues. Like satellite dishes, BGANs will require an unobstructed view of the sky for optimal performance.
Internet Options for Boats: Comparison Chart
| Feature | Mobile Hotspot | Satellite Internet | 5G Internet | BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) |
| Coverage | Nearshore (lake, river, coast) | Global (including offshore) | Nearshore (urban/coastal areas) | Global (requires sky view) |
| Internet Speed | Moderate | High (up to 350 Mbps with Starlink) | High (if near tower) | Very Low (few kbps) |
| Portability | High | Moderate (requires install) | High | High |
| Installation | Plug-and-play | Requires specialized equipment | No installation needed | Plug-and-play |
| Data Cost | Low to Moderate | High (e.g., $250+/month) | Moderate to High | Very High (limited data, ~$70+/month) |
| Startup Cost | Low ($100–$300) | Very High ($1,999+ equipment) | Low to Moderate ($300–$800) | High ($1,000–$3,000) |
| Use Case | Nearshore cruising, casual use | Long-distance cruising, offshore work | Streaming & work near shore | Emergency backup, field communication |
| Simultaneous Connections | Yes (limited by device plan) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weather Sensitivity | Moderate | High | Moderate | High |
| Voice Capabilities | No | Yes (via VoIP or plan add-ons) | Yes (via apps) | Yes (native support) |
| Emergency Use | Limited | Strong (especially with Starlink) | Moderate | Strong |
| Feature | Coverage |
| Mobile Hotspot | Nearshore (lake, river, coast) |
| Satellite Internet | Global (including offshore) |
| 5G Internet | Nearshore (urban/coastal areas) |
| BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) | Global (requires sky view) |
| Feature | Internet Speed |
| Mobile Hotspot | Moderate |
| Satellite Internet | High (up to 350 Mbps with Starlink) |
| 5G Internet | High (if near tower) |
| BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) | Very Low (few kbps) |
| Feature | Portability |
| Mobile Hotspot | High |
| Satellite Internet | Moderate (requires install) |
| 5G Internet | High |
| BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) | High |
| Feature | Installation |
| Mobile Hotspot | Plug-and-play |
| Satellite Internet | Requires specialized equipment |
| 5G Internet | No installation needed |
| BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) | Plug-and-play |
| Feature | Data Cost |
| Mobile Hotspot | Low to Moderate |
| Satellite Internet | High (e.g., $250+/month) |
| 5G Internet | Moderate to High |
| BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) | Very High (limited data, ~$70+/month) |
| Feature | Startup Cost |
| Mobile Hotspot | Low ($100â$300) |
| Satellite Internet | Very High ($1,999+ equipment) |
| 5G Internet | Low to Moderate ($300â$800) |
| BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) | High ($1,000â$3,000) |
| Feature | Use Case |
| Mobile Hotspot | Nearshore cruising, casual use |
| Satellite Internet | Long-distance cruising, offshore work |
| 5G Internet | Streaming & work near shore |
| BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) | Emergency backup, field communication |
| Feature | Simultaneous Connections |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes (limited by device plan) |
| Satellite Internet | Yes |
| 5G Internet | Yes |
| BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) | Yes |
| Feature | Weather Sensitivity |
| Mobile Hotspot | Moderate |
| Satellite Internet | High |
| 5G Internet | Moderate |
| BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) | High |
| Feature | Voice Capabilities |
| Mobile Hotspot | No |
| Satellite Internet | Yes (via VoIP or plan add-ons) |
| 5G Internet | Yes (via apps) |
| BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) | Yes (native support) |
| Feature | Emergency Use |
| Mobile Hotspot | Limited |
| Satellite Internet | Strong (especially with Starlink) |
| 5G Internet | Moderate |
| BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) | Strong |
Notes:
- Mobile Hotspot and 5G work best near populated coastal areas.
- Satellite Internet is best for extended offshore or international voyages.
- BGAN is ideal for emergency use or mission-critical communication where other options fail.
Other Internet Options for Boats
New technologies and devices continue to expand internet access options for boaters each year. Some are pricey, while others seem quite affordable when you consider their usefulness.
Here are a few more products boaters may find beneficial for their vessel. They may not all provide internet service, but they provide communications, which is crucial during emergencies.
| Garmin inReach Satellite Communicator What it is: A handheld satellite communicator that provides global messaging, SOS alerts, and GPS navigation. Best for: Boaters who want a backup safety device for offshore emergencies. Key Features:
Price: $700+ Source: Amazon |  |
| Iridium Go! Satellite WiFi Hotspot What it is: A compact, marine-rated satellite hotspot that connects multiple devices for basic communication and internet use. Best for: Boaters who need basic satellite internet, voice calls, and GPS in remote areas. Key Features:
Price: $800+ Source: Amazon |  |
| Glomex webBoat Internet Systems What it is: A marine-grade 4G/5G antenna system that creates an onboard Wi-Fi network up to 30 miles offshore. Best for: Boaters who want to stay connected nearshore using cellular networks. Key Features:
Price: $400+ Source: Amazon |  |
| Garmin inReach Satellite Communicator What it is: A handheld satellite communicator that provides global messaging, SOS alerts, and GPS navigation. Best for: Boaters who want a backup safety device for offshore emergencies. Key Features:
Price: $700+ Source: Amazon | |
| |
| Iridium Go! Satellite WiFi Hotspot What it is: A compact, marine-rated satellite hotspot that connects multiple devices for basic communication and internet use. Best for: Boaters who need basic satellite internet, voice calls, and GPS in remote areas. Key Features:
Price: $800+ Source: Amazon | |
| |
| Glomex webBoat Internet Systems What it is: A marine-grade 4G/5G antenna system that creates an onboard Wi-Fi network up to 30 miles offshore. Best for: Boaters who want to stay connected nearshore using cellular networks. Key Features:
Price: $400+ Source: Amazon | |
|
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Internet for Your Boat or Yacht
Staying connected while on the water isn’t always easy, but today’s technology offers more reliable options than ever before. Whether you’re day cruising near shore or voyaging across international waters, there’s a solution to match your needs and budget.
If you plan to spend most of your time close to land, mobile hotspots and 5G can provide fast and affordable connectivity. For serious offshore adventurers, satellite internet—though more costly—is your best bet for consistent service. And for those in remote locations or on extended expeditions, a portable satellite communicator or BGAN terminal adds a vital layer of safety and connectivity.
No matter which option you choose, always consider a backup device for emergencies. Even a basic satellite communicator can be a lifeline when traditional internet fails. With the right setup, you can sail with confidence, connected, informed, and prepared.
Internet for Boats and Yachts FAQs
Yes, you can. Depending on your location and needs, options include mobile hotspots, satellite internet, 5G connections, and portable satellite terminals like BGANs. Each has different coverage areas, speeds, and costs.
Satellite internet is the most reliable choice for offshore and international boating. Services like Starlink Maritime offer global coverage with high speeds, although they can be expensive.
Yes—if you stay close to shore. Mobile hotspots rely on your cellular provider’s coverage and may not work far offshore. They’re ideal for lakes, rivers, or coastal cruising.
5G internet can work near shore where infrastructure is available, but it generally doesn’t extend far into open water. Coverage may be spotty or unavailable in remote marine areas.
Mobile hotspots are typically the most affordable and easiest to set up. They’re a great option for casual use near shore, but may not be reliable offshore.
A BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) is a portable satellite terminal that provides global internet and voice service. It’s great for critical communication but comes with high upfront and data costs, and speeds are limited.
Yes. Even if you have internet access, it’s wise to carry a handheld satellite communicator like the Garmin inReach. It allows for emergency SOS alerts and GPS messaging in case of equipment failure or lack of connectivity.
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