Viasat vs Hughesnet Internet Plans Compared

Angelo Ilumba Senior Writer

Updated 15 January 2026

While we still provide info on Hughesnet, most users will find better performance and no long-term contracts with Starlink.

In this Guide

Internet Speeds
Cost, Data and Value for Money
Availability
Customer Reviews
Bundle Packages
Winner: Viasat vs Hughesnet

Article Summary

In this battle of internet providers, we compare Viasat and Hughesnet to see who the big winner is in satellite internet.

Satellite internet is not the most popular of internet connections, and for good reason. The inherent latency makes it difficult to accomplish many of the tasks modern-day internet users demand. However, in several rural areas of the country, satellite internet may be the only viable option for consumers. Here we tale a close look at the two big satellite internet providers Hughesnet and Viasat to find which stands supreme.

Viasat vs Hughesnet

Provider	Speed	Cost	Coverage	Reviews	Bundles
Viasat	3	2	5	1.5	3	Go
Hughesnet	2	2	5	2	N/A	Go

Viasat vs Hughesnet: Internet Speeds

Winner: Viasat

Viasat leads the way when it comes to internet speeds compared to HughesNet's satellite internet plans. It'll cost you, but Viasat offers speeds that can reach up to 150Mbps depending on your location. This is in contrast to HughesNet whose fastest offering tops out at 50Mbps.

One thing you have to remember when it comes to speeds is that satellite internet is notorious for being consistently inconsistent. That is, customers tend to find that their speeds tend to be quite slower than the high speeds they thought they were signing up for. To be fair to both satellite internet companies, this is due in large part to latency rather than actual download/upload speeds. This inconsistency–added to the fact that the max of 150Mbps isn't very impressive in comparison to speeds you can get with some wired connections–means that while Viasat is the winner in this comparison, it's not exactly a winner in the big picture that is internet speeds. Still, satellite internet is slowly getting more reliable as more satellites are launched and dish technology improves.

Cost, Data and Value for Money

Winner: Viasat

Monthly Cost

Neither Viasat nor Hughesnet are going to win awards for their costs. Hughesnet starts at $39.99/month (occasionally priced at a lower and temporary introductory rate). Viasat's pricing ranges from $99.99/month to $119.99/month depending on your location. With Viasat, though, you get higher speeds for the price.

Installation and Other Fees

Another drawback for satellite internet is the installation. Remember, you're going to need a satellite antenna to receive those signals. Installation fees can be pricey and range anywhere from being free to $300 (Viasat tends to be on the lower end while Hughesnet tends to be on the higher end). However, deals offered by both Hughesnet and Viasat can save you half to all of the installation fees. These deals are typically only extended to new customers and are usually only available for a limited time.

Data Allowance

Technically speaking, both Hughesnet and Viasat offer unlimited data, but there's a catch. Both providers can limit your high-speed data. You might only get a designated amount of high-speed data during peak hours (i.e., normal daytime hours) and the rest of your high-speed data is allotted for off-peak hours. The minute you go over either of these allowances, your speeds will drop.

Viasat's Unleashed plan includes unlimited full-speed data unless you consistently use more than 850GB in a month. Then your speeds may be reduced during peak times.

Deals

Both Hughesnet and Viasat consistently offer deals on installation for new customers. This is good news as installation fees tend to be quite expensive. As per the norm with internet providers, both also aren't strangers to offering introductory rates. Viasat tends to offer these introductory rates more often than Hughesnet.

Availability: Viasat vs Hughesnet

Winner: Tie

Viasat and Hughesnet are essentially available everywhere. However, your location may limit you on what services you can get from either satellite internet provider. Remember, unlike Starlink, the Viasat and Hughesnet equipment must be installed by a professional. It's a good idea to do a ZIP code check with either provider to see what exact services are available to you.

Customer Reviews: Viasat vs Hughesnet

Winner: Hughesnet

It's a very close race when it comes to customer reviews and satisfaction for Hughesnet and Viasat. Satellite internet is notorious for its inconsistent speeds and the premium price tag customers have to pay for said inconsistency leaves a very bitter taste in the mouth. Hughesnet gets a slight edge, however this win isn't exactly one the company should be ready to celebrate.

Bundle Packages: Viasat vs Hughesnet

Winner: Viasat

Viasat wins by default in this category simply because they offer bundles through partnership with DIRECTV whereas HughesNet offers no bundles. If you are in an area where satellite internet is your only option for internet, there's a good chance satellite is your only option for TV. Bundling these two services could save you a good chunk of money.

Winner: Viasat vs Hughesnet

Viasat

Although the options are pricey, having a wide range of options is ultimately what makes Viasat the big winner in this satellite internet showdown. Faster speeds and the potential for truly unlimited data puts Viasat in a category that Hughesnet currently just can't reach. Not to mention, while they have the more expensive package, Viasat's base plan is cheaper than Hughesnet's base plan while also offering a slightly higher data cap – giving their customers more bang for the buck.

Viasat Internet Plans

#1	Viasat	Viasat Viasat Essentials Satellite 50/5 Mbps Unlimited Data Contract (12 mths) Deal: New customers get a $300 Mastercard Reward Card $71.22/mo for 12 months. Contract required. for 12 months. Contract required. View Plan	$71.22/mo for 12 months. Contract required. for 12 months. Contract required.	View Plan
#2	Viasat	Viasat Viasat Unleashed Satellite 50/10 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: New customers get a $300 Mastercard Reward Card $101.22/mo Available in select locations Available in select locations View Plan	$101.22/mo Available in select locations Available in select locations	View Plan

Hughesnet Internet Plans

#1	Hughesnet	Hughesnet Lite Satellite 25/3 Mbps 100GB Data Contract (12 mths) $49.98/mo ($39.99 plan + $9.99 modem) for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement. + $99 Upfront for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement. View Plan	$49.98/mo ($39.99 plan + $9.99 modem) for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement. + $99 Upfront for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement.	View Plan
#2	Hughesnet	Hughesnet Select Satellite 50/5 Mbps 100GB Data Contract (24 mths) $64.98/mo ($49.99 plan + $14.99 modem) for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement. + $99 Upfront for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement. View Plan	$64.98/mo ($49.99 plan + $14.99 modem) for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement. + $99 Upfront for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement.	View Plan
#3	Hughesnet	Hughesnet Elite Satellite 100/5 Mbps 200GB Data Contract (24 mths) $79.98/mo ($64.99 plan + $14.99 modem) for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement. + $99 Upfront for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement. View Plan	$79.98/mo ($64.99 plan + $14.99 modem) for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement. + $99 Upfront for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement.	View Plan
#4	Hughesnet	Hughesnet Fusion Satellite 100/5 Mbps 200GB Data Contract (24 mths) $114.98/mo ($94.99 plan + $19.99 modem) for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement. + $99 Upfront for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement. View Plan	$114.98/mo ($94.99 plan + $19.99 modem) for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement. + $99 Upfront for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement.	View Plan

Angelo Ilumba

Senior Writer

Angelo is a highly experienced writer for WhistleOut, specializing in unraveling the complexities of the mobile and tech world so that readers can easily understand what is relevant to them. Angelo has been featured on several publications such as MoneyTalksNews, Yahoo Finance, NPR and more.

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