Best Satellite Internet Providers

Best
Overall

4.5 out of 5 overall

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• From $49.99/month
• 25Mbps download speeds

Best value
performance

4 out of 5 overall

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• From $99.99/month
• Up to 150Mbps download speeds

Fastest
speeds

4 out of 5 overall

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• From $110/month
• Up to 250Mbps download speeds

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The best satellite internet providers in the U.S. are Hughesnet, Viasat, and Starlink. Although satellite doesn't get you superfast speeds to rival fiber optic connections, it’s available throughout most of the US. So you can enjoy an internet connection beamed straight to your house, no matter where you are. Satellite internet is a great choice for folks in rural areas or RVs.

But you want the right internet service provider (ISP) for your needs and budget. Let's dive in and explore the best satellite internet providers.

Best Satellite Internet Providers

Check out the top satellite internet providers—Hughesnet, Viasat, and Starlink—to see which ISP best fits your needs.

4.5 out of 5 overall

Hughesnet | $50–$175/mo.—Best overall satellite internet provider

Hughesnet delivers 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload speeds starting at just $50 a month. You can get a 15GB–100GB monthly data allocation, depending on your plan. Its top speeds trail behind the competition, but Hughesnet offers the same 25Mbps download speed to each of its customers. In our experience, Hughesnet's wide availability, reasonably priced installation fees, and data allotments all work in its favor.

Unfortunately, you don’t get a choice in download speeds: shelling out for pricier plans just gives you more monthly data. Although data caps are low, Hughesnet doesn't cut you off or charge overage fees. Instead, once you hit your monthly data allowance, your data gets deprioritized to around 1–3Mbps (that's not even enough for high-definition streaming). Ultimately, Hughesnet is a reliable, wallet-friendly satellite internet service for rural areas.

• Pros: Wide footprint, affordable plans, cheap installation fees
• Cons: Fixed 25Mbps download speed, average data caps

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4 out of 5 overall

Viasat | $99.99-$119.99/mo.—Best satellite internet for streaming and gaming

Boasting download speeds up to 150Mbps, Viasat is the best satellite internet provider for streaming, gaming, or working from home. While all upload speeds are limited to 3Mbps, its choice of 25Mpbs–150Mbps download speed plans offers flexibility based on your specific needs. In our testing, we appreciated not only the speeds Viasat offers but also the company’s large coverage area.

We don’t like the expense of Viasat’s plans and equipment, but overall, Viasat is a great option for fast internet in hard-to-reach areas where cable and fiber aren't available.

• Pros: Up to 150Mbps download speeds, solid nationwide availability
• Cons: Pricey 

4 out of 5 overall

Starlink | $50–$120/month—Fastest satellite internet provider

Starlink is the best satellite internet provider for speed. Where its competitors top out at 125Mbps download and 3Mbps upload speeds, Starlink boasts up to 400Mbps down and 30Mbps up. Furthermore, you get unlimited data, no contract, and monthly pricing from $50-$120. With its low latency signals of just 20–40ms, Starlink trounces the competition, making it a great choice for gaming and 4K video streaming.

On paper, Starlink looks like an outstanding option—and it is. But its high equipment costs and extremely limited availability mean you're most likely better off with a different provider. However, if you purchase either the Residential 200 Mbps or Residential MAX plans you'll get a complimentary router significantly lowering your hardware costs. Of course, if you need the best possible satellite internet, its costly hardware is a good investment—assuming you can get off the waitlist. But if fiber or even cable internet is available, that's a much better choice.

• Pros: Blazing-fast satellite internet, low latency signals
• Cons: Expensive hardware, limited availability

Check out our comparison of 5G internet vs. satellite internet to see which mobile broadband option is right for you. 

How to Choose a Satellite Internet Provider

Here's what to consider when choosing a satellite internet provider, including price, contract terms, internet speeds, and data allowances.

Monthly cost

Satellite internet plans range from $50 to $400 per month. Paying for higher tiers typically gets you faster download speeds and more monthly data. Equipment fees may be bundled into your monthly bill or a one-time upfront cost, so consider additional charges.

Coverage area

Not all satellite ISPs operate in the same regions, and their signal strength varies. Viasat and Hughesnet feature great nationwide footprints, while Starlink has limited availability.

Monthly data allowance

Satellite internet providers have limited bandwidth, so they typically impose data allocations, unlike most cable or fiber ISPs. Exceeding your data pool might mean throttled data speeds or overage charges. Luckily, there's often an off-peak time that doesn't count toward your data usage, such as Hughesnet's Bonus Zone, which lasts from 2–8 in the morning.

Data speeds

Although satellite generally has slower speeds than fixed wireless, cable, or fiber internet connections, it's fast enough for basic web browsing, streaming Netflix, and even some online gaming. Speeds range anywhere from 25Mbps to 250Mbps download and 3Mbps–30Mbps upload.

For basic tasks like checking emails, 25Mbps works. A single high-definition (HD) video requires a 5Mbps connection, while 4K Ultra HD (UHD) demands 25Mbps per stream. The more simultaneous internet apps and services you use—and the more folks sharing the Wi-Fi—the faster data speeds you'll need.

Best Satellite Internet Provider: FAQs

What is satellite internet?

Satellite broadband provides internet access by beaming signals straight to your house. While HughesNet and Viasat use geostationary satellites, Starlink utilizes devices in low earth orbit (LEO). It's a great option for internet connectivity where traditional ISPs aren't available.

What is the best satellite internet provider?

The best satellite internet providers are HughesNet, Viasat, and Starlink.

Is Starlink better than Viasat internet?

On paper, Starlink is better than Viasat. Its high 400Mbps potential download speeds and lower latency are tempting. However, Viasat is more readily available, so it's a better choice for most people.

Will Starlink be better than HughesNet?

Yes, Starlink satellite will be—and arguably already is—better than HughesNet. Starlink boasts faster download speeds and lower latency internet connections. But HughesNet is more affordable and easier to access, making it a better pick at the moment.

Is there any satellite internet with unlimited data?

Yes, Starlink is the only truly unlimited satellite internet service.

Is there portable satellite internet?

Yes, there is portable satellite internet. You can buy satellite dishes for RVs compatible with providers like HughesNet and Starlink.

Moe Long

Senior Writer

Moe is a Senior Staff Writer with a passion for all things tech. As a writer and editor for over a decade, he specializes in researching and testing smartphones, gaming devices, and connected smart home systems. He’s been featured in publications including MakeUseOf, SmartHomeBeginner, TechBeacon, and more.

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