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Satellite internet is the only internet connection form with almost 100 % presence across the US. It can be a crucial backbone for broadband connection in rural areas. Why is it so accessible? The main idea behind satellite internet is how it operates: it’s a fixed wireless network that connects a telescope in place. All you need is your satellite dish and a clear horizon perspective. It’s a good choice for those who lack wired exposure, such as DSL, cable, or grain online.
While satellite online doesn’t match the speed functions of fiber or connector computer, it plays a vital part in internet exposure. Your choices for satellite internet typically come over to one of three: Spacecraft, Hughesnet, or Viasat. Therefore, which is best?
What is the top satellite internet service provider total?
Spacecraft boasts the greatest possible, Hughesnet features the most trusted speeds and cheap prices, and Viasat’s unlimited data plan could be very attractive to buyers. We’ve carefully considered the available options, taking into account speeds, sales, customer support, and general value, to put together your top web options to ensure you’re getting the best possible experience with the best broadband. Here’s a quick search at how the best satellite internet companies compare.
Is 5G Home Internet the Best Option for Broadband Access?
Satellite internet services compared
Please take note that the ideas below display the lowest plan price that is currently offered by each provider. The maximum speed is the leading promoted speed for that given plan, but it might not be obtainable in your area. Ultimately, the best option for you and the most cost-effective program may be a different level that offers a faster rate for a higher price but a better price. To better understand this value-based method, check out CNET’s link to examining the price per Mbps.
| Provider | range of frequency | Starting monthly expense | regular expense average | Contract | Regular technology costs | Data seal | CNET assessment report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hughesnet Read full review |
50-100Mbps access, 5Mbps upload | $50-$95 | $75-$120 | 2 times | $ 15-$ 20 a month or$ 300-$ 450 one-time purchase | Unlimited, with a gentle cover of 100 to 200GB. | 6 |
| Starlink Read full review |
Get speeds of 25 to 220 Mbps, and upload speeds of 5 to 25 Mbps | $ 120,$ 65-$ 540 ( Priority ),$ 50-$ 2, 150 ( Mobile ) | $ 120,$ 65-$ 540 ( Priority ),$ 50-$ 2, 150 ( Mobile ) | None | Standard is a one-time purchase for$ 349 ($ 599-$ 4), and Priority is a one-time purchase. | Unlimited, 50GB-2TB | 6.5 |
| Viasat Read full review |
25-150Mbps access, 3Mbps upload | $ 100 to$ 150 ( depends on location ) | $ 100 to$ 150 ( depends on location ) | None | $ 15 or$ 250 one-time purchase | 850GB ( soft cap ), unlimited. | 6.1 |
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Origin: CNET evaluation of company data.
Best telescope internet service providers
Satellite
20- 250 Mb
$ 90 to$ 120 per month
Satellite
20- 250 Mb
$ 90 to$ 120 per month
Programs and costs for Starlink internet
| Plan | Regular price | Maximum velocity | Fees and company information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $120 | 25 to 100 Mbps for downloads and 20 Mbps for posts | Standard unlimited info,$ 349 forthright equipment cost and no contracts |
| Priority | $65-$540 | Download speeds of 40 to 220 Mbps, and upload speeds of 8 to 25 Mbps | 40GB-2TB data caps ( standard unlimited data thereafter ),$ 599-$ 1, 499 upfront equipment fee and no contracts |
| Mobile | $50-$165 | 5-25Mbps posts, 5-50Mbps files, | Standard unlimited data,$ 349 upfront equipment fee or ($ 499 for the Starlink Mini ) and no contracts |
| Mobile Priority | $250-$2,150 | Download speeds of 40 to 220 Mbps, and upload speeds of 8 to 25 Mbps | 50GB-5TB data caps ( standard unlimited data thereafter ),$ 1, 499 upfront equipment fee and no contracts |
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Origin: CNET evaluation of company data.
Satellite
50 to 100 Mb
Between$ 50 and$ 80 per month
Satellite
50 to 100 Mb
Between$ 50 and$ 80 per month
Sort pricing and intentions
| Plan | Regular price | Maximum velocity | Fees and company information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select Plan | $ 50 ( after 12 months ) | 50Mbps access, 5Mbps upload | Unlimited data ( 100GB soft cap ),$ 15 per month equipment ( or$ 300 upfront ), and a two-year contract | |
| Elite Plan | $ 65 ($ 90 after 12 months ) | 100Mbps access, 5Mbps upload | Unlimited data ( 200GB soft cap ),$ 15 per month for equipment, or$ 300 upfront, and a two-year contract | |
| Fusion Plan | $ 120 after 12 weeks, or$ 95. | 100Mbps access, 5Mbps upload | Unlimited data ( 200GB soft cap ),$ 20 monthly equipment or$ 450 upfront and 2-year contract |
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Origin: CNET evaluation of company data.
Satellite
12- 150 Kbps
$ 70-$ 300 per quarter
Satellite
12- 150 Kbps
$ 70-$ 300 per quarter
Viasat computer programs and costs
| Plan | Regular price | Maximum velocity | Fees and company information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $ 100 to$ 150 ( depends on location ) | 150Mbps, 3Mbps upload | No contracts,$ 15 per month for equipment or$ 250 upfront, and unlimited data ( 850GB soft cap ). |
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Origin: CNET evaluation of company data.
Taking our survey
How we analyze dish internet companies
There are numerous and local Internet service providers. Unlike the latest smartphone, computer, network or home tool, it’s impossible to individually examine every ISP in a given city. What is our strategy? We start by researching the prices, availability and frequency information, drawing on our own historic ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC. gov.
It doesn’t stop it: We go to the FCC’s site to check our information and confirm we regard every ISP that provides services in an area. For more personalized choices for residents, we even enter native addresses into provider websites. We look at options, including the American Consumer Satisfaction Index and J. D. Power, to assess how happy clients are with an ISP’s services. All data provided is true as of publication because ISP plans and rates are subject to frequent adjustments.
Once we have this localized details, we ask three primary concerns:
- Does the company provide access to relatively quick internet speeds?
- Do clients getting good value for what they’re paying?
- Are clients satisfied with their goods or services?
The solution to those issues is usually split and complicated, but the companies who come closest to “yes” on all three are the people we recommend.
Browse our how we test Companies site to learn more about our process.
How to choose a telescope web service
It’s challenging to find the ideal ISP for your family. This is especially true if you live in an underrepresented portion of the US. We suggest taking into account all of your household’s actions to find the best download and upload speeds that will best meet your requirements. With that information, you can better address program costs that will suit your budget and broadband demands.  ,
Finding the right internet plan for your household doesn’t have to be complicated, check out CNET’s 10 tips to help you get the most out of your internet service.
What will satellite internet providers do next?
Stay tuned for the latest developments with Starlink as it continues to exceed expectations for satellite internet and outpaces the likes of Hughesnet and Viasat. The Starlink Mini, a satellite dish best suited for travelers, was introduced by SpaceX in 2024. This product is an all-in-one mini satellite dish and router. For a mobile satellite internet connection, Musk ran a speed test that revealed download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and 11 Mbps for uploads to the Starlink Mini, which is pretty fast. Reducing latency for customers nationwide has also been a big focus for Starlink, allowing for better videoconferencing,  , gaming and live streaming— tasks previously difficult with slower speeds from competing satellite internet providers.
The most recent speed test report from Ookla’s Q1 2024 speed test revealed that Starlink’s median download speed in the US was 64.54Mbps, which is an 13Mbps increase over the previous report. Viasat was in distant second place with 34.72Mbps download speeds and Hughesnet was in the rear at 15.87Mbps. According to Ookla’s report, Starlink users are pleased with the service’s internet connection and highly recommend it. It’s safe to say that expectations of how satellite internet can perform are beginning to change. ( Ookla is held by the same parent company as Ziff Davis, CNET. )
It should also be mentioned that further competition in satellite internet will soon come from another multibillionaire, Jeff Bezos, as Amazon’s Project Kuiper plans to enter the field. The first rocket launch for Project Kuiper was conducted in late April, despite not quite reaching the heights of Starlink’s previous achievements. Residential use is anticipated to begin in the latter half of 2025.
Innovations from low-Earth-orbit satellites will be just one piece of the puzzle of better delivering the internet to the millions of households still unable to find a reliable broadband source. We’ll update this post as your choices ( hopefully ) change.
Are there any alternative connection types besides satellite internet?
Yes. Many broadband connection options may offer faster ( and possibly cheaper ) service than satellite internet.
Cable
Cable internet connects to the same cables that service providers use to stream TV services ( often a hybrid fiber and copper line ). It’s more reliable than satellite internet and offers faster download speeds. Cable internet is typically included with TV to entice customers to purchase more expensive packages. Companies like Cox, Spectrum and Xfinity offer cable internet.
DSL
DSL, or digital subscriber line, connects users using telephone lines. Companies like AT&, T, CenturyLink and Frontier offer DSL Internet. The good news is that copper lines are common throughout the nation. The not-so-good news is that download speeds typically fall short of what cable internet offers and usually fall short of FCC broadband standards. Your internet speed may be even lower than that of satellite internet in some circumstances.
Fixed wireless/5G home internet
Fixed wireless internet services are what 5G home internet services are known for. Not all fixed wireless services are 5G home internet offerings. Do you still have questions? Fixed wireless service means the connection between your provider and your home is not wired. This fixed wireless connection can be made via satellite, cellular networks, and 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, and 5G. Fixed wireless networks tend to be slower and more laggy than wired connections. Speeds that compare favorably to cable connections are what 5G home internet from Starry, T-Mobile, and Verizon promises.
Fiber
Fiber internet is the gold standard of the broadband world. Fiber internet has some of the fastest plans and symmetrical download and upload speeds, which is frequently referred to as “future proof.” It’s more reliable than cable and is less prone to being affected by peak usage times or congestion. The only drawback is the cost and difficulty of building a fiber network: rural customers are unlikely to have fiber installed in their homes because the majority of fiber internet providers concentrate their efforts in major cities. Companies like AT&, T, Google Fiber and Verizon Fios offer fiber-optic internet. Read our fiber connectivity explainer to learn more about this connection.
Mobile hotspots
Similar to fixed wireless internet, mobile hotspots also use cellular networks, but they are not “fixed.” You can use a hotspot at multiple locations and they aren’t dependent on your home address.
Despite the wide range of choices, each connection type varies in terms of speed, cost, and availability. Make sure to research and compare the different options to ensure you choose the one that best meets your needs and budget.
FAQs for satellite internet
Is satellite internet reliable?
For rural or less urbanized areas, satellite internet offers a respectable level of reliability. It may come with slower speeds than cable and fiber internet providers, but it doesn’t rely on underground wiring like other connection types, which makes it accessible to more locations. On the flip side, bad weather can lead to more severe outages or shaky connections than other types of broadband.
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Who is the best user of satellite internet?
If you live in a remote or rural location, satellite internet may be your best ( and possibly only ) option for connection. It is the only form of broadband that is accessible to residents of all 50 states, making it a solid choice when other forms of connectivity are inaccessible.
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How much does satellite internet cost?
The cost of satellite internet may change depending on where you are located. If you’re in an area where providers are still developing, the price might be higher for connectivity. Prices range from$ 50 to$ 2,150 for Hughesnet, Viasat, and Starlink. In some cases, like Starlink, the monthly price can also vary based on whether you’re in a high-demand or low-demand area. To find out which provider will offer you the best value at your location, we suggest entering your address on the websites of various companies.
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How fast is satellite internet?
Is Starlink better than Viasat?
As shown in its coverage map, Starlink also removed its nationwide waitlist. Potential customers can now access their products without waiting several months to receive their orders.
Viasat is less expensive than Starlink, but pricing will depend on your chosen plan and address. Viasat customers can expect to pay anywhere between$ 100 to$ 150 monthly versus$ 140 to$ 1, 500 ( Priority ) and$ 150 to$ 5, 000 ( Mobile ) at Starlink. Imagine you live in a rural or underserved area with few options for internet access. In that case, Viasat can get you connected and may be a cheaper alternative, whereas Starlink could be an option down the road.
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Do all satellite internet providers have data caps?
Technically speaking, Viasat and Hughesnet do not. Each claims to offer “unlimited data” because neither charges overage fees, but each has a set data limit for its plans. There won’t be any monetary penalties if you exceed the data cap before your monthly billing cycle ends, but you will experience much slower, throttled speeds for the rest of the month. Your data may not be capped, but I would call that practice a limitation.  ,
Starlink offers truly unlimited data to its standard users. That significant advantage over its competitors changed for some customers in April 2023 when Starlink introduced its own data cap for priority users. The limit is a sizable 2 terabytes of data per month (well above the data limits of Hughesnet and Viasat), but it’s still a significant change from unlimited data. You can access more data if you upgrade to the Mobile Priorityplan, but that’s going to cost you anywhere between $250 and $5,000 a month.
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Is Starlink faster than Hughesnet?
Plans with maximum download speeds of 100Mbps are offered by Hughesnet, which relies on satellites in much higher orbit than Starlink does, which means that data travels back and forth. That’s not as fast as Viasat’s unleashed plan with speeds of up to 150Mbps, but both are no match for Starlink.
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Are Telesat and OneWeb worthwhile options?
What is the best satellite internet for streaming?
The best satellite internet for streaming must have a high enough download speed to support the action because streaming videos requires more bandwidth. We recommend Starlink for streaming since the maximum download speeds are higher than Hughesnet and Viasat’s.
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What is the best gaming satellite internet?
Is satellite internet affected by weather?
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