If you’ve been looking into satellite internet, you’ve surely encountered the two satellite giants in the US, Viasat and HughesNet.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Viasat vs. HughesNet battle and discover which satellite internet provider is your best option this 2023.
- Speed
Speed is one of the primary considerations people have when choosing an internet service provider. Viasat offers faster internet speeds compared to HughesNet, that only offers one speed for all internet plans. Viasat’s download speeds range from 12Mbps to 100Mbps, while HughesNet’s is at 25Mbps all throughout its plans.
When it comes to speed, Viasat wins because it offers higher and more comprehensive speeds. But unfortunately, it also comes with a hefty price tag so you need to carefully evaluate your internet needs.
- Price
Satellite internet plans can be expensive, so price should be one of your primary considerations. For Viasat and HughesNet, Viasat falls on the pricier side. Its cheapest plan starts at $30 per month, which is a promotional price that ends after the first three months. After that, you need to pay $50 per month for the cheapest plan that comes with a 12 Mbps speed and a 12GB data limit.
With HughesNet, its cheapest plan starts at $64.99 per month, which comes with speeds up to 25Mbps and a data capacity of 15GB. However, HughesNet offers a two-year price guarantee, meaning the price you pay will remain the same throughout the contract period. In contrast, Viasat’s plans require a two-year contract, and the prices may change after the promotional period ends.
- Data Caps
Data caps are commonly imposed by an internet provider, and it’s one of the biggest issues satellite internet users face when the household is a heavy-internet user. For Viasat, data caps range from 12GB to 300GB, depending on your chosen internet plan. Once you reach your data limit, your speed will be reduced to 1-5 Mbps until the next billing cycle starts.
On the other hand, HughesNet offers data caps that range from 10GB to 50GB, depending on the plan you choose. However, they offer unlimited data with reduced speeds after you reach your data cap.
- Coverage
Both Viasat and HughesNet have excellent coverage throughout the US. However, the quality of service will depend on your specific location. Both Viasat and HughesNet’s best coverage area is in Florida, Texas, and California, but HughesNet wins as the biggest internet provider by coverage area.
Before you subscribe to a broadband internet plan, you should check which provider has the best coverage in your location. In most cases, one provider is better in one location than the other.
- Customer Service
When you're selecting an internet provider, it's crucial to factor in the quality of customer service they offer. Although both Viasat and HughesNet have received mixed reviews from customers, it's important to keep in mind that each customer's experience can be different and may depend on their specific location.
It's always a good idea to check out reviews from other customers and even ask around for recommendations from friends or family members who have used either Viasat or HughesNet.
Which Is the Best Satellite Internet This 2023?
When it comes to picking between Viasat and HughesNet for satellite internet, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. It really depends on what you're looking for! If you're after faster speeds and don't mind paying a bit extra, Viasat is definitely worth considering. But, if you're looking for an affordable plan with a price guarantee for two years and you don't need super-fast speeds, HughesNet is probably the better choice for you. Make sure to also think about data caps, coverage in your area, and customer service before you make your final decision.
