Best satellite internet providers of 2024
Our choice for the best satellite internet provider is Viasat. It’s one of only two satellite internet providers that offers service nearly everywhere in the US. It's a fantastic satellite internet choice because Viasat offers plans with high speeds and lots of high-speed data. If you're looking for more providers that serve remote areas, check out our best internet providers for rural areas.
The best satellite internet providers of 2024
- Plans starting at $30.00 - $349.99
- Download speeds up to 100 Mbps
- Upload speeds up to 3 Mbps
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply.
- Plans starting at $49.99 - $174.99
- Download speeds up to 25 Mbps
- Upload speeds up to 3 Mbps
The HughesNet Gen5 service plans are designed to deliver download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps, but individual customers may experience different speeds at different times of the day. Speeds and uninterrupted use are not guaranteed and may vary based on a variety of factors including: the configuration of your computer, the number of concurrent users, network or Internet congestion, the capabilities and content of the websites you are accessing, network management practices as deemed necessary, and other factors. When you connect to the HughesNet service using Wi-Fi, your experience will vary based on your proximity to the Wi-Fi source and the strength of the signal.
- Plans starting at $120.00 - $250.00
- Download speeds up to 100 Mbps
- Upload speeds up to 10 Mbps
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply.
Methodology for evaluating satellite internet providers
For most people, satellite internet providers don't offer the best option for home internet service. But if you have to choose satellite internet, we’ve done the work to rank the top providers for you.
When evaluating and ranking satellite internet providers, our main considerations were availability, performance, equipment, and cost, which is a little different from the methodology we use for star rankings. Availability was the primary factor because most people considering satellite internet over other connection types do so because they have limited options. However, only two of the three satellite internet providers in the US are widely available for now.
Performance was an especially important consideration for satellite internet because its speeds are so limited. We looked at both Mbps and data caps (measured in MB, GB, and TB). Cost was also a main factor since satellite internet can be expensive for what you get with it. And since you can't get anywhere without additional equipment inside your home, we took a look at both upfront and monthly leasing costs.
The rankings here differ from our star ratings. While Starlink has superior performance and the most stars among satellite providers, it has very limited availability, so it is at the bottom of our list. For more information, see our full methodology and list of best internet providers of 2024.
#1: Viasat
- Fast speeds for satellite
- Variety of plans
- Wide availability
- High prices
- Caps on high-speed data
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply.
Viasat offers reliable satellite internet in many areas
Viasat is our top choice among satellite internet providers because of its reliability and availability. Viasat is available to 99.9% of the US population, making it an excellent choice for rural areas. All you need to be eligible for Viasat satellite internet is a clear view of the southern sky.
Viasat offers high satellite internet download speeds up to 150 Mbps. There's no annual contract required, and you get built-in Wi-Fi and professional installation. Installation fees can vary, starting at $0 and building from there. Plus, you get unlimited data with no data caps, which is a big deal.
Viasat requires you to lease its internet gateway for $15 per month or you may be eligible for a lifetime lease for a one-time fee of 250. Viasat usually offers promotional pricing, and monthly prices can jump in the range of $20–$100 after three months. Best of all, there's no early termination fee and you can go month-to-month with no contract.
#2: HughesNet
- Affordable satellite internet
- Wide availability
- Unlimited data available
- Price may increase
- Two-year contract
The HughesNet Gen5 service plans are designed to deliver download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps, but individual customers may experience different speeds at different times of the day. Speeds and uninterrupted use are not guaranteed and may vary based on a variety of factors including: the configuration of your computer, the number of concurrent users, network or Internet congestion, the capabilities and content of the websites you are accessing, network management practices as deemed necessary, and other factors. When you connect to the HughesNet service using Wi-Fi, your experience will vary based on your proximity to the Wi-Fi source and the strength of the signal.
Hughesnet offers speedy, inexpensive broadband satellite internet
HughesNet offers fast speeds up to 100 Mbps, and it is widely available. In some areas, you can get 50 GB or 100 GB Fusion plans, which reduce latency by tapping into mobile networks for some online activities. All plans come with unlimited data.
HughesNet internet plans start at around $49.99 a month for 12 months for up to 50 Mbps. You can get speeds up to 100 Mbps for about $64.99 a month. For the best-performing internet, you can get Fusion with speeds up to 100 Mbps and less lag and latency than the other internet plans from HughesNet. Pricing for Fusion plans generally starts at about $94.99 a month for 12 months.
With Fusion from HughesNet, you can enjoy whole-home Wi-Fi. You should be able to connect many devices and enjoy excellent responsiveness. It's the fastest, most reliable, and most responsive internet from HughesNet.
#3: Starlink
- Low latency
- Expanding coverage
- Options for mobile satellite connectivity
- High upfront equipment cost
- Slower speeds than originally advertised
- Poor reputation for customer service
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply.
Starlink is the shiny new provider you'll have to wait in line for
Starlink is a relatively new satellite internet provider. It uses low-earth orbit technology so can offer much better latency than you can get with HughesNet and Viasat. The company used to offer plans with much faster speeds, too, but has since pulled back on that promise.
Starlink internet offers multiple plans, with options for home users, mobile users, and businesses. For most home users, the standard plan is the best option because it comes with unlimited high-speed data and speeds up to 100 Mbps. Monthly pricing depends on whether you live in a high-demand area.
If you intend to take your internet on the road, you can pay for a mobile plan for an additional $30 per month, but traffic from home and business users will get priority. For an additional $100 per month, you can get 50 GB of priority data. For $5,000 per month, you can get 5 TB of mobile priority data—it's an extraordinarily high price, but might be worth it if you need to quickly donwload a lot of data on, say, the Pacific Ocean.
Overall, Starlink seems poised to solve some of what makes the experience of satellite internet frustrating for customers. But it does have unique downsides. You have to buy your equipment upfront for at least $600, and you have to install the dish yourself. If you want the premium dish, which will work in very low temperatures and those gale wind conditions on the high seas, you'll have to cough up $2,500 upfront.
What to consider when choosing a satellite provider
We’ve evaluated all three satellite internet providers based on their availability, performance, and cost.
Availability
If you’re considering satellite internet providers, there’s a good chance it’s because your options for home internet service are limited. Nearly everyone in the US has access to broadband speeds with satellite internet, even in rural and remote areas. Since availability is a primary concern for satellite internet customers, Viasat and HughesNet are at the top of our ranking for availability. Starlink still has limited availability, so it is at the bottom of the ranking.
Performance
Satellite internet’s performance just can’t compete with faster, more reliable connection types like cable or fiber, so it’s important to set expectations accordingly. Because of slow speeds, lag, and data caps, satellite internet doesn’t offer a good experience for most families. Working from home, streaming, video calls, and gaming are difficult or nearly impossible. But with the right plan, you can tackle emails, pay bills, do your online shopping, or handle other light tasks fairly comfortably. That’s why performance is a key factor in this ranking. High speeds and high data caps (or unlimited data) are important for getting things done with satellite internet.
Equipment
Getting internet access to your devices requires more than just a receiver dish on the roof. You also need a modem and router (or combined gateway, like those offered by Viasat and HughesNet). Starlink includes a router in its starter kit, meaning you buy it outright at the beginning of your service term.
Of the three, the Starlink router is the best (but just by a little bit). It can reach up to 2,000 square feet and support up to 12 mesh nodes. The Viasat gateway has two ethernet ports plus a way to connect your home phone, while the HughesNet version lets you create a private network for yourself and a second network for guests.
Whether you buy upfront or lease month to month, the Viasat gateway is less expensive than what you get from HughesNet.
Cost
Cost is always a factor to consider when choosing an internet provider. Compared to other types of internet connections, you don’t get much speed or data for your money with satellite internet, and plans are expensive. You also have to look out for above-average equipment costs and long contracts.
If you can't stomach the costs, check out our resources on finding free and reduced-cost internet access near you.
Rebecca Palmer has been writing about tech and consumer finance since 2010. Her work has been featured in the Deseret News, Idaho Business Review, TopTenReviews.com, and more. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, and lives in Salt Lake City with her exceptionally delightful pup, Nymeria.
Brittany is a Contributing Writer for Switchful with over five years of experience writing about technology in the US and Europe. Her primary focus is on mobile and internet topics. She is passionate about helping people choose the right tech for their needs at the right price.
Bri Field has a background in academia, research writing, and brand marketing. She has edited scientific publications, conference papers, digital content, and technical communications. As Assigning Editor, she enjoys ensuring all content is accurate, clear, and helpful. In her free time, you can find her in the kitchen trying a new recipe, out on a hike, or working through her massive TBR list.