Hughesnet Internet Review: Fast Satellite Internet

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With over 1.3 million subscribers, Hughesnet is the largest satellite internet provider in the United States. Although fiber and cable remain the most common internet connections in the country, wireline service isn't available everywhere.

Hughesnet is a spectacular fiber, cable, and DSL alternative with its modest selection of plans and internet speeds up to 100Mbps. You'll enjoy internet virtually anywhere with its satellite-provided connectivity. But is Hughesnet good internet for gaming, streaming video, and everyday web browsing? Read on to find out what we like (and don’t) in our comprehensive Hughesnet internet review.

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Hughesnet Plans

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Hughesnet has several plans to accommodate a range of budgets and internet habits. Its best plan gets you a whopping 250GB data cap at 100Mbps for $79.98/month. Since satellite internet data burns pretty quickly, particularly for high definition and 4K video streaming or intense online gaming, it's worth having as much data as possible.

If you want a simpler plan, Hughesnet Lite offers speeds up to 25Mbps and a 100GB high-speed cap for $39.99/month.

Notably, you'll find Hughesnet Fusion in certain areas, which is a combo of satellite and wireless internet technology that's better for applications like gaming. Although you won't find faster speeds than the Hughesnet Elite 100Mbps download, 3Mbps upload, its lower latency signals coupled with higher data caps make it a great choice for power users.

What we like: Hughesnet is widely available

Satellite internet's main advantage over fiber, cable, and DSL is its availability. Whether you're in a city or rural area, Hughesnet beams internet straight to you wire-free. Its convenience is nearly unrivaled despite varying internet speeds and how it compares to traditional wired internet service providers (ISPs).

What we like: Hughesnet Bonus Zone

Like most satellite internet providers, Hughesnet plans feature data caps. However, its Bonus Zone feature gives you an additional 50GB of data to enjoy with streams and downloads between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. We suggest scheduling downloads and planning watch parties accordingly, even if that means staying up late or getting up a bit early.

What we like: Hughesnet has affordable installation

Hughesnet generally doesn't require costly installation. Instead, the ISP lets you lease equipment like a modem and router. What's more, Hughesnet eschews hefty price hikes after a few months to a year like competing satellite internet providers.

What could be improved: Limited download speeds with Hughesnet

While satellite internet is traditionally slower than fiber, cable, or DSL, Hughesnet limits its download speeds to 100Mbps. Compare that to Viasat's maximum 150Mbps downloads and Starlink's 500Mbps, and you'll see that Hughesnet falls a bit behind. Still, it is fast enough for streaming or basic web activities. As a point of reference, Netflix recommends an internet connection speed of 15Mbps or greater for a single 4K stream. Additionally, there's high latency so Hughesnet isn't great for gaming. 

What could be improved: Middling data caps on Hughesnet

All satellite internet providers feature monthly data limits, but Hughesnet thresholds are decidedly low. Hughesnet offers anywhere from 150–250GB/month, but remember that includes your off-peak usage.

Hughesnet Coverage

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The main advantage of satellite internet is its enormous coverage area. Because Hughesnet internet service gets beamed straight to your house rather than relying on a wired connection, its coverage area is anywhere there's a clear view of the sky.

Hughesnet vs. Competitors

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Let's see how Hughesnet by Hughes Network Systems stacks up against the competition.

Hughesnet vs. other satellite providers

Provider	Downloads	Monthly data limit	Monthly price	Installation cost	Details
Hughesnet	25-100Mbps	15-–250GB	$64.99–$94.98	Free	View plans
Viasat	Up to 150Mbps	850GB high-speed internet (rolling 30-day average)	$99.99-$119.99 (depending on location)	Free-$300 (depending on credit score)	View plans
Starlink	100–500Mbps	Unlimited	$50-$120	$500–$2,500	View plans

Hughesnet vs. Viasat

Hughesnet's main competitor, Viasat, has download speeds up to 150Mbps, and a monthly data cap of 850GB on its Unleashed plan. Going with Viasat gets you higher internet speeds and a more generous monthly data cap, though it is more expensive. Pricing ranges from $99.99/month to $119.99/month depending on your location. Plus, Viasat may also charge you a one-time installation fee of up to $300.

Overall, it's a tradeoff: we recommend Hughesnet for budget-conscious buyers and Viasat for multimedia enthusiasts seeking faster speeds and higher data caps.

Hughesnet vs. Starlink

On the surface, Starlink is a far more attractive satellite internet provider than Hughesnet. You'll enjoy significantly faster internet upload and download speeds (500Mbps with Starlink), plus unlimited data usage.

But there's a catch: Starlink costs significantly more than Hughesnet, with retail prices landing at $50-$120/month. Moreover, installation can set you back several hundred dollars. The reason? You have to pay outright for the dish and install it yourself. If you absolutely need satellite internet and best-in-class internet speed, choose Starlink. However, Hughesnet's combination of affordability and wide availability make it a better choice for most people.

Hughesnet Plan Bundles

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Unlike most cable companies, Hughesnet doesn't offer phone or television services directly. Instead, you'll need to sign up for DISH or DirecTV separately. Similar to Hughesnet, satellite TV is available nearly everywhere. Alternatively, streaming services such as Hulu with Live TV or Sling TV let you enjoy live television streaming.

Getting Started with Hughesnet

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Satellite internet beams an internet connection directly to your home from space. Generally, you’ll use a satellite dish for reception and a modem for internet service. While you can supply your own equipment, Hughesnet lets you lease a satellite dish and Wi-Fi gateway. Because a satellite dish is a permanent fixture, we recommend checking your rental agreement or your homeowner’s association rules before setting one up.

How to speed up your Hughesnet internet

Although Hughesnet features a maximum download speed of 25Mbps, you’ll want to maintain the best possible connection. You can speed up your Hughesnet internet by ensuring your dish and cables are in working order, eliminating impediments such as sticks and leaves accumulating on your dish, or repositioning your satellite dish.

Recap: Is Hughesnet Right for You?

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There's a lot to like about Hughesnet satellite internet. It's affordable, doesn't require expensive equipment or installation, and offers a Bonus Zone for monthly data conservation. Here's what you get by choosing Hughesnet:

• Low monthly prices
• Free installation
• No high equipment costs
• Bonus Zone for reducing your monthly data consumption

That said, both Viasat and Starlink offer faster internet speeds plus higher monthly data caps. Hughesnet is undoubtedly the most limited in terms of plan options and speeds. However, Starlink and Viasat are significantly pricier. Overall, Hughesnet gives you a great bang for your buck. For a fixed wireless alternative, consider Rise Broadband which operates in many rural and suburban regions offering low-latency internet.

Hughesnet Internet Review: FAQs

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Can you use Hughesnet on an RV or boat?

Does Hughesnet use a dish?

Do you need a phone line for Hughesnet?

Does Hughesnet have cable?

Does Hughesnet have good customer service?

Does Hughesnet work in bad weather?