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Available virtually anywhere in the US, Viasat and HughesNet both offer satellite internet where other providers won’t go. There are a ton of satellite myths out there to discourage you from choosing satellite, so be sure to do your homework before swearing it off. If you live in a suburban or rural area, you have more options than you might think.
Here’s everything you need to know about Viasat and HughesNet to decide which provider is right for you.
- Fast satellite internet
- Ideal for rural areas
- Up to 3x faster than DSL*
- Satellite internet
- 2-year fixed pricing
- No hard data caps
Internet Plans
Our Picks | | |
|---|---|---|
Staring Price | $64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
Max Download | 25 Mbps – 150 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
Data Caps | No | No |
Equipment Fee | $12.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. |
| Check Availability | Check Availability |
Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 7/8/22.
Viasat Internet Plans
Depending on your location, Viasat has satellite internet plans that come with up to 100 Mbps download speed. You can enjoy fast speeds to browse the web and stay connected to loved ones easily. Leveraging its satellite network, Viasat internet is prevalent among the most underserved rural communities where fiber and cable aren’t accessible.
HughesNet Gen5 Internet Plans
HughesNet Gen5 brings you more of everything you love to do online: fast speeds, unlimited data with no hard data limits, and built-in WiFi for better home coverage. While download speeds aren’t as fast as Viasat, Hughesnet internet offers cheaper introductory pricing and professional installations within five days of ordering your service.
Internet Features
HughesNet offers lower introductory prices that are ideal for budget shoppers, while Viasat offers higher speeds in select areas. Check out how else these two satellite internet providers stack up on other features below.
Professional Installation
Viasat will send a certified satellite installation technician who’s trained to find the best placement for your satellite dish. They typically schedule appointments anywhere from 3-5 business days after signing up.
Professional Installation
A professional technician will install the HughesNet WiFi modem and satellite dish, and also connect two devices, such as a desktop computer or smartphone for you. You can usually get a visit scheduled within five days of setting up your service.
Internet Security
Viasat is the only one that currently offers internet security of the two providers. Viasat recently launched Viasat Shield Premium in partnership with Bitdefender that offers customers cybersecurity and antivirus protection for a user’s home network and devices. On its own, Viasat charges a small fee per month for the service but includes it for free with all internet plans.
Internet Security
HughesNet does not offer internet security at this time. However, you can protect yourself with affordable external services like a VPN.
Data Caps
Viasat allows you to browse as much as you want without having to worry about overage fees or hard data caps. Each of Viasat’s plans give you flexible options for managing your data and streaming video resolution.
Data Caps
HughesNet does not impose hard data caps. However, once you use a certain amount of data for the month, they may prioritize your data behind other customers during network congestion which will result in slower speed. In other words, you may experience internet throttling if you hit a data threshold.
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Professional Installation
Viasat will send a certified satellite installation technician who’s trained to find the best placement for your satellite dish. They typically schedule appointments anywhere from 3-5 business days after signing up.
Internet Security
Viasat is the only one that currently offers internet security of the two providers. Viasat recently launched Viasat Shield Premium in partnership with Bitdefender that offers customers cybersecurity and antivirus protection for a user’s home network and devices. On its own, Viasat charges a small fee per month for the service but includes it for free with all internet plans.
Data Caps
Viasat allows you to browse as much as you want without having to worry about overage fees or hard data caps. Each of Viasat’s plans give you flexible options for managing your data and streaming video resolution.
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Professional Installation
A professional technician will install the HughesNet WiFi modem and satellite dish, and also connect two devices, such as a desktop computer or smartphone for you. You can usually get a visit scheduled within five days of setting up your service.
Internet Security
HughesNet does not offer internet security at this time. However, you can protect yourself with affordable external services like a VPN.
Data Caps
HughesNet does not impose hard data caps. However, once you use a certain amount of data for the month, they may prioritize your data behind other customers during network congestion which will result in slower speed. In other words, you may experience internet throttling if you hit a data threshold.
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Internet Fees
There are additional costs associated with internet service you don’t want to overlook before signing up. We’ve outlined the most common internet fees you might see on your bill as a one-time charge or recurring payment.
Equipment Fees
Viasat charges a similar amount to HughesNet for equipment fees, coming in at $12.99 per month.
Equipment Fees
For a monthly equipment lease, HughesNet charges $14.99 per month.
Installations
Like HughesNet, Viasat also charges at one-time $99 installation fee. Keep an eye out for any promotions where this fee may be waived.
Installations
HughesNet charges a one-time fee of $99 for a professional home installation. Occasionally, you may find a deal where this fee is waived, so be sure to call in to speak with a representative.
Early Termination
Viasat’s early termination fee is the same as HughesNet, which is $15 per month left on your contract. This can add up quickly if you decide to switch early on, so be sure you’re ready to commit before signing up.
Early Termination
If you sign up for one HughesNet’s plans and cancel your service before your 2-year service agreement expires, you’ll likely face an early termination fee. You will receive a $15 charge for each remaining month left on your term.
Price Increases
First-time customers can enjoy a discounted rate for the first few months of service with either provider. However, Viasat increases its monthly internet price after the first three months.
Price Increases
HughesNet offers lower prices for the first six months of service. After your rate increases to the standard rate, the price will remain fixed for the duration of your service agreement.
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Equipment Fees
Viasat charges a similar amount to HughesNet for equipment fees, coming in at $12.99 per month.
Installations
Like HughesNet, Viasat also charges at one-time $99 installation fee. Keep an eye out for any promotions where this fee may be waived.
Early Termination
Viasat’s early termination fee is the same as HughesNet, which is $15 per month left on your contract. This can add up quickly if you decide to switch early on, so be sure you’re ready to commit before signing up.
Price Increases
First-time customers can enjoy a discounted rate for the first few months of service with either provider. However, Viasat increases its monthly internet price after the first three months.
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Equipment Fees
For a monthly equipment lease, HughesNet charges $14.99 per month.
Installations
HughesNet charges a one-time fee of $99 for a professional home installation. Occasionally, you may find a deal where this fee is waived, so be sure to call in to speak with a representative.
Early Termination
If you sign up for one HughesNet’s plans and cancel your service before your 2-year service agreement expires, you’ll likely face an early termination fee. You will receive a $15 charge for each remaining month left on your term.
Price Increases
HughesNet offers lower prices for the first six months of service. After your rate increases to the standard rate, the price will remain fixed for the duration of your service agreement.
SHOW MORE
Picking a Provider
On the surface, you might think satellite internet companies are one and the same. But Viasat and HughesNet each offer unique perks that set them apart. Let’s recap on a few aspects that might sway you one way or the other.
Viasat: High-Speed User
HughesNet might offer cheap internet plans at the get-go, but Viasat offers higher bandwidth in select areas. With download speeds up to 100 Mbps, you can enjoy an internet connection on more devices at once.
HughesNet: Budget Shopper
Of the two providers, HughesNet is more affordable on the whole. While its equipment lease is a few bucks short of Viasat, it offers a lower introductory rate for a longer period (three months vs six months). If you want to stretch your dollar further, HughesNet is the way to go.
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