Best satellite internet providers of 2024
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Select
Prices from
$49.99
per month
Speeds up to
50
Mbps
Elite
Prices from
$64.99
per month
Speeds up to
100
Mbps
Fusion
Prices from
$94.99
per month
Speeds up to
100
Mbps
The top satellite internet service providers (ISPs) in the U.S. are Hughesnet, Viasat and Starlink. Satellite internet prices start at $49.99/mo. and offer speeds up to 200 Mbps available. Read on to learn more about satellite Wi-Fi and find the best satellite internet plans near you by entering your address on this page.
Best satellite internet options
- Cheapest satellite internet: Hughesnet
- Best for high-speed satellite internet: Starlink
- Longest-established satellite provider: Viasat
- Most availability: Hughesnet and Viasat
- Best no-contract satellite internet: Starlink
Why trust our internet experts
Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.
Compare the top satellite internet providers
Compare the speed, price and data of the three satellite internet providers that are available nationwide in the following table. While even the best satellite internet has some limitations compared to other internet providers, it is still an ideal Wi-Fi solution for rural or hard-to-reach areas.
None of these satellite broadband providers have hard data caps, meaning your internet use is technically unlimited. However, each provider will throttle your speed, causing it to slow down significantly, after a certain amount of data consumption. Hughesnet and Viasat specify this limit, as shown in the table, but Starlink does not.
| Provider | Speed range | Starting cost* | Monthly data amount | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50–100 Mbps | $49.99–$94.99 | 100–200 GB | |
 | 25–220 Mbps | $120/mo. | Unlimited | Call to order: (877) 701-6907 |
 | 25–150 Mbps | $99.99–$119.99/mo. | 850 GB | Call to order: (866) 820-1922 |
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary. As of 1/18/24.
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
Cheapest satellite plans
Of Hughesnet’s three internet plans, the cheapest package starts at $49.99/mo. for the first 12 months when you enroll in autopay. In month 13, the monthly Hughesnet price increases by $25/mo. — still cheaper than rival satellite internet providers Viasat and Starlink, which range from $100 to $120/mo.
All of these prices do not include equipment costs, which adds an additional $14.99–$19.99/mo. for Hughesnet or Viasat, or a flat fee of $299–$499 for Starlink.
Hughesnet’s cheap satellite internet plan also has the strictest data limitation, so weigh the pros and cons carefully. If you value data flexibility and have more wiggle room in your budget, a pricier plan could be a better fit.
High-speed satellite internet
If you need faster internet speeds, Starlink is the best option among high-speed satellite internet providers. Starlink provides the fastest satellite internet plans, reaching up to 220 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload speed, depending on your area. To compare, Hughesnet and Viasat provide up to 150 Mbps download and 5–10 upload speeds.
Latency, a crucial factor in determining internet buffering and lag time, is also much better with Starlink. Measured in milliseconds (ms), with a lower number being better, Starlink provides a latency between 30–40 ms, while Hughesnet has 100–650 ms and Viasat’s typical latency is 605 ms.
Starlink’s plentiful low-orbit satellites enable the internet signal to travel a shorter distance, which is why it can provide better download and upload speeds and less latency than Hughesnet and Viasat.
Hughesnet internet plans
Overall score: 2.3 out of 5.
Read the full Hughesnet review.
Hughesnet has two types of internet connections: standard satellite and a satellite/wireless hybrid technology called Fusion. Fusion plans feature a higher data allowance, faster speeds and less latency for a higher price.
Hughesnet’s standard plans feature up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speeds, with varying monthly prices depending on the data amount. Although your Hughesnet internet service will not be shut off if you exceed your monthly data plan, your service will be throttled and normal speeds will not resume until the next month.
While Hughesnet offers more than one cheap satellite internet plan, remember that all Hughesnet internet packages have a 24-month agreement, with an increase in price after 12 months and a prorated early termination fee (ETF) that starts at $400. The equipment, including the satellite dish, modem and router, can be rented for $14.99/mo. or purchased for $449.99 ($19.99/mo. and $549.99 for Fusion).
| Plan | Starting price* | Standard price | Download speeds | Data Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select | $49.99/mo. | $74.99/mo. | Up to 50 Mbps | 100 GB |
| Elite | $64.99/mo. | $89.99/mo. | Up to 100 Mbps | 200 GB |
| Fusion | $94.99/mo. | $119.99/mo. | Up to 100 Mbps | 200 GB |
Starlink internet plans
Overall score: 3.2 out of 5.
Starlink is a relative newcomer to satellite internet — the ISP started offering service in late 2019 and is still expanding its coverage area. The company offers faster download speeds (up to 200 Mbps) and upload speeds (5–25 Mbps) than many other satellite internet providers. Unlike Hughesnet and Viasat, Starlink plans have no contracts, installation fees or data limits.
The main residential option is the Standard plan for $120/mo., and speeds will vary depending on your location. You can find the relative speeds for your area on this Starlink map. Starlink also offers two mobile satellite internet plans to provide satellite internet prices fitting for RVs or boats.
Starlink’s equipment fees are more expensive than Hughesnet or Viasat with no monthly rental option. Starlink sends you the equipment for self-installation, but you may need to hire a local technician to set up the internet and install the equipment.
| Plan | Price* | Download speed (up to) | Data amount | Equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $120/mo. | 25–200 Mbps | Unlimited standard | $599 |
| Priority | $140–$500/mo. | 500 Mbps | 40 GB–2 TB | $2,500 |
| Mobile | $150–$200/mo. | Varies by location | Unlimited mobile data inland | $599 |
| Mobile Priority | $250–$5,000/mo. | Varies by location | 50 GB–5 TB | 50 GB–5 TB $2,500 |
Viasat internet plans
Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.
Viasat has nearly 100% coverage across the U.S. and offers one no-contract internet option. Satellite internet prices for the Viasat Unleashed plan start at $99.99/mo. and can reach 150 Mbps, yet your actual speed is determined by your specific location.
Viasat internet service also has a $15/mo. modem rental fee. Professional installation is free for qualified customers, but may cost $99.95 or more in certain instances.
| Plan | Starting price* | Standard price* | Download speeds (up to) | Data amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viasat Unleashed | $99.99–$119.99/mo. | $99.99–$119.99/mo. | 150 Mbps | 850 GB |
Who should purchase satellite internet?
Satellite broadband internet is a good option if your home lacks fiber or cable internet coverage. This type of internet connection is not a good option for multi-dwelling units like apartments or condos since a satellite must be installed on a roof to provide service.
Consider your internet activities when shopping for satellite internet. For general web browsing, you can rely on cheaper internet plans like the $49.99 standard option from Hughesnet. Viasat Unleashed internet, with a higher data allowance and faster speeds, will work for you if you connect several devices in your home at once. Your home will be better supported by satellite internet with unlimited data plan from Starlink if you are streaming. If you need satellite internet for an RV or boat, mobile satellite internet from Starlink is your best option.
Satellite internet pros and cons
Pros
Provide service for rural areas.
The internet signal is available everywhere.
High latency makes gaming impractical.
Cons
Installation can be expensive.
Data limitations on most plans.
Contracts with ETFs on some packages.
Satellite internet availability
Satellite broadband has one thing that other types of internet connections do not: 100% availability. Most internet providers rely on either cable, fiber-optic or copper lines to deliver the internet signal to your home. The benefit of satellite internet is that it can be broadcast to any location with a clear view of the southern sky. Rural internet from satellites covers many homes in difficult terrain, such as mountainous regions.
Satellite internet vs. other technology types
Satellite has long been the solitary option for Wi-Fi in outlying residential communities, but in recent years, fixed wireless and 5G have become increasingly available in rural areas. These connections do not require hard-wired lines but instead rely on radio tower infrastructure in the surrounding area to transmit the internet signal.
Since fixed wireless networks are relatively quick to construct, their availability now reaches 78% of the country. Fixed wireless often has faster speeds than even high-speed satellite internet providers, generally reaching up to 300 Mbps. Some 5G providers, such as Verizon, reach up to 1 GB (1,000 Mbps) in some areas.
Like satellite providers, fixed wireless speeds at your home depend on your location, proximity to the nearest tower and how many other people are using the wireless signal from that tower. Data with fixed wireless is typically unlimited. While fixed wireless providers may throttle internet speeds during periods of high network congestion, specific data cap limitations are far less common than you find with satellite internet plans.
When available, fiber, cable or 5G internet are typically better options for home Wi-Fi because they offer faster speeds, more reliable connections and usually provide unlimited data. Still, the widespread availability of satellite internet makes it the perfect choice for millions of people who need broadband internet in hard-to-reach locations.
Satellite internet FAQs
Can you bundle satellite internet with TV?
Yes. You can bundle DirecTV with Viasat Internet or DISH TV with Hughesnet internet. Bundling internet and TV will combine both services into one monthly bill. Combine DISH TV and Hughesnet for $10/mo. discount for the first six months.
Does satellite internet have data caps?
Satellite internet has no hard data limits, so your internet will not be cut off for data use. However, your speed may be throttled after a certain amount of data usage as specified in your internet plan. If this happens, your download speed will be significantly slower and could make it difficult to carry out online activities such as streaming.
Can you stream on satellite internet?
Yes. You can stream on satellite internet, but you will use up your high-speed data quicker. Streaming in standard definition (SD) or downloading streaming content during off-peak hours (midnight to 5:00 a.m. for Viasat; 2:00–8:00 a.m. for Hughesnet) can help extend your monthly data. Starlink’s standard internet plan can support unlimited streaming.
Does satellite internet get affected by the weather?
Weather can affect satellite internet signals by creating a barrier between your home and the primary satellite. Light clouds or rain won’t affect the signal as much as storms and snow. Inclement weather may cause you to temporarily lose the satellite signal completely.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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