Viasat vs. HughesNet Internet: Compare Plans & Fees 2026

If cable, fiber, and 5G home internet don’t reach your address, satellite internet is often the next-best way to get online. For most of the U.S., that means Viasat vs. HughesNet. Both are ideal internet solutions for rural areas, but they have differences. Choosing the best options depends on your speed options at your address, how each plan handles heavy data use, and what you’ll actually pay after fees and promos. 

This guide breaks down Viasat vs HughesNet so you can compare plans, pricing, and tradeoffs and choose the satellite internet provider that fits your home. 

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

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

Internet Plans

Our Picks
Staring Price	$39.99/mo.	$39.99/mo.
Max Download	150 Mbps	100 Mbps
Data Caps	No	No
Equipment Fee	Up to $15/mo.	Up to $19.99/mo.
	Check Availability	Check Availability

Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Prices may reflect promotions and enrollment in paperless billing and autopay. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 1/26/2026.

Viasat Internet Plans

Depending on your location, Viasat has satellite internet plans with download speeds up to 150 Mbps. This is enough bandwidth to browse the web, stream SD video, work from home. Leveraging its satellite network, Viasat internet is prevalent among the most underserved rural communities where fiber and cable aren’t accessible. 

HughesNet Gen5  Internet Plans

HughesNet, using its new Jupiter 3 satellite, offers download speeds up to 100 Mbps (where available) and optional whole-home Wi-Fi features. While download speeds aren’t as fast as Viasat, HughesNet internet competes with its low introductory pricing. And in most cases, your equipment will be installed within five days of placing your order. 

Internet Features

HughesNet and Viasat each offer comparable low introductory prices that are ideal for budget shoppers, but Viasat offers faster speeds in select areas. Check out how else these two satellite internet providers stack up on other features below. 

Professional Installation

Viasat will send a certified satellite installation technician who’s trained to find the best placement for your satellite dish. They typically schedule appointments anywhere from 3-5 business days after signing up. 

Professional Installation

A professional technician will install the HughesNet Wi-Fi modem and satellite dish, and also connect two devices, such as a desktop computer or smartphone for you. You can usually get a visit scheduled within five days of setting up your service. 

Internet Security

Viasat offers Viasat Shield that protects your home network and devices from various online security threats. Viasat Shield is included with all Viasat internet plans. 

Internet Security

HughesNet does not offer internet security at this time but does offer Norton 360 Deluxe as an optional add-on. You can protect yourself with affordable external services like a VPN (virtual private network). 

Data Caps

Viasat’s Unleashed plans include unlimited data, but if your usage is above typical usage, you may be deprioritized during network congestion, meaning slower speeds at peak times. 

Data Caps

HughesNet doesn’t have hard data caps that cut you off, but each plan comes with a monthly priority data allowance. Once you use it, you’ll still have unlimited standard data, though speeds may be throttled.

Contracts

Viasat term requirements vary by plan. Unleashed plans do not require a contract. 

Contracts

HughesNet residential plans typically require a 24-month contract. 

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Professional Installation

Viasat will send a certified satellite installation technician who’s trained to find the best placement for your satellite dish. They typically schedule appointments anywhere from 3-5 business days after signing up. 

Internet Security

Viasat offers Viasat Shield that protects your home network and devices from various online security threats. Viasat Shield is included with all Viasat internet plans. 

Data Caps

Viasat’s Unleashed plans include unlimited data, but if your usage is above typical usage, you may be deprioritized during network congestion, meaning slower speeds at peak times. 

Contracts

Viasat term requirements vary by plan. Unleashed plans do not require a contract. 

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Professional Installation

A professional technician will install the HughesNet Wi-Fi modem and satellite dish, and also connect two devices, such as a desktop computer or smartphone for you. You can usually get a visit scheduled within five days of setting up your service. 

Internet Security

HughesNet does not offer internet security at this time but does offer Norton 360 Deluxe as an optional add-on. You can protect yourself with affordable external services like a VPN (virtual private network). 

Data Caps

HughesNet doesn’t have hard data caps that cut you off, but each plan comes with a monthly priority data allowance. Once you use it, you’ll still have unlimited standard data, though speeds may be throttled.

Contracts

HughesNet residential plans typically require a 24-month contract. 

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Equipment Fees

Viasat charges $14.99 per month for equipment fees. 

Equipment Fees

For a monthly equipment lease, HughesNet charges $19.99 per month.

Installations

Viasat installation prices vary based on promotions, location, and the complexity of the installation. The fee can be waived, or cost as much as $300, but average installation costs are around $100.

Installations

HughesNet, like Viasat, often waives installation charges, especially for new customers. Otherwise, professional installation can be up to $199. 

Early Termination

Viasat’s early termination fee is $15 per month left on your contract. Depending on when during your contract you cancel, the fee can be substantial, so be sure you’re ready to commit before signing up. 

Early Termination

HughesNet’s early termination fee starts at $400 if you cancel within the first 90 days, then decreases by $15 per month for the remainder of your contract. 

Price Increases

Viasat offers a low introductory monthly price of about $40 per month for the first few months of service. Be aware of when the price increase will happen and what your monthly price will be for the remainder of the contract. 

Price Increases

Currently, HughesNet offers reduced monthly pricing for the first 12 months of service. As with Viasat, set a reminder for when the price goes up and how much it will be.

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Equipment Fees

Viasat charges $14.99 per month for equipment fees. 

Installations

Viasat installation prices vary based on promotions, location, and the complexity of the installation. The fee can be waived, or cost as much as $300, but average installation costs are around $100.

Early Termination

Viasat’s early termination fee is $15 per month left on your contract. Depending on when during your contract you cancel, the fee can be substantial, so be sure you’re ready to commit before signing up. 

Price Increases

Viasat offers a low introductory monthly price of about $40 per month for the first few months of service. Be aware of when the price increase will happen and what your monthly price will be for the remainder of the contract. 

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Equipment Fees

For a monthly equipment lease, HughesNet charges $19.99 per month.

Installations

HughesNet, like Viasat, often waives installation charges, especially for new customers. Otherwise, professional installation can be up to $199. 

Early Termination

HughesNet’s early termination fee starts at $400 if you cancel within the first 90 days, then decreases by $15 per month for the remainder of your contract. 

Price Increases

Currently, HughesNet offers reduced monthly pricing for the first 12 months of service. As with Viasat, set a reminder for when the price goes up and how much it will be.

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Comparison Summary of Viasat vs. HughesNet Internet Plans

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Picking a Provider

On the surface, you might think satellite internet companies are the same. But Viasat and HughesNet each offer unique perks that set them apart. Let’s recap on a few aspects that might sway you one way or the other. 

Viasat: High-Speed User

HughesNet might offer cheap internet plans at the get-go, but Viasat offers higher bandwidth in select areas. With download speeds up to 150 Mbps, you can enjoy an internet connection on more devices at once. 

HughesNet: Budget Shopper

HughesNet internet has improved performance with its deployment of Jupiter 3 satellite, it does lag that of Viasatith HughesNet, since it offers introductory pricing for the first 12 months, vs Viasat three month period. If you don’t need top performance and are a casual internet user, HughesNet is the way to go.

Frequently Asked Questions about Viasat vs. HughesNet 

Viasat vs HughesNet: Which satellite internet provider is better for my home? 

It depends on what you value most. Viasat can offer higher top-end speeds (in select areas) and unlimited data plans that are designed for heavy use, while HughesNet often competes with lower intro pricing and plan tiers that include a set amount of priority data before you fall back to standard data. 

What Viasat plans are available in my area, and how do I compare Viasat home internet plans? 

Viasat plan availability varies by address, but you can enter your ZIP code into our provider search tool to see if Viasat is available in your area. If it is, you can then compare prices and plans to find the right solution for your needs and budget. 

Which HughesNet plans are best for streaming, remote work, or basic browsing? 

In general, smaller households and basic usage, like browsing and emailing, are a better to fit for HughesNet’s lower speed plans. If your stream video, have a larger household with more users, or work from home, Viasat’s faster speeds and flexible data plans are better suited to your needs. If HughesNet is the only option in your area, keep its Fusion option in mind. It’ll be slightly more expensive, but it is a significant improvement in performance. 

How much does HughesNet internet cost per month, including equipment and installation fees? 

HughesNet plans start at $39.99/month for 12 months, but your real cost depends on your plan tier, discounts, and fees. Your monthly equipment fee will be about $20, and installation prices will vary. Sometimes it’s included as part of a promo for new customers, but may cost up to $200. 

Do Viasat home internet plans have data caps, or is Viasat really unlimited? 

Viasat’s Unleashed plan includes unlimited data, but if your usage is trending high (it currently uses 850 GB in 30 days as a reference point), your traffic may be deprioritized or throttled during congestion, which can slow speeds at busy times. 

Do HughesNet plans have data caps, and what happens after I use my Priority Data? 

HughesNet doesn’t have hard data caps that stop your service or incur costly overage fees, but many plans come with a monthly priority data amount. Once you use it, you’ll still have internet access, but your connection may be considerably slower. 

Is Viasat vs HughesNet better for gaming, video calls, and work-from-home? 

For real-time activities, the biggest limitation is high latency, not just download speed. HughesNet’s latency averages 750 ms on some plans, which can make some online gaming and some video calls feel laggy compared to cable internet or fiber. If you’re a gamer and only have access to satellite internet, check out our satellite gaming resource. 

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Written By

Paula Novo

Written By

Paula Novo

With over four years of telecom experience, Paula Novo is the Site Editor for HighSpeedOptions. She has helped develop the criteria by which HighSpeedOptions reviews and recommends internet service providers. Paula also leads HighSpeedOptions' coverage of the digital divide, broadband policy, and ISP reviews.