Breaking free from the limitations of wired internet connections and wireless cellular towers, satellite internet transports you to outer space. Beaming signals from 22,236 miles away, the nation’s top 3 satellite internet providers have become a transformational force behind the digital revolution.
So, let us take you on space exploration, as we demystify the tech, prices, features, availability, and more of the 3 best satellite internet providers of 2024.
Top 3 Satellite Internet Providers in 2024
Despite its reduced reliance, satellite internet remains the most preferred and reliable option for broadband connectivity in inaccessible areas of the country. We spent hours looking up the top 3 satellite internet providers in the USA. Based on their prices, speed, and coverage, we have ranked them as follows.
| 3 Best Satellite Internet Providers in 2024 | ||||
| Provider | Starting Price | Maximum Speed | Best For | Contact |
| HughesNet | $49.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | Affordability | Call Now |
| Viasat | $49.99/mo. | 150 Mbps | Speed | Call Now |
| Starlink | $90.00/mo. | 220 Mbps | Coverage | Call Now |
**The availability of maximum speeds may vary based on your location within the country.
***Call our service agents for more details.
HughesNet – Most Affordable Satellite Internet Provider
HughesNet is the pioneer of high-speed satellite internet in the United States. Since 1996, the company has delivered satellite internet plans to residential and business customers at market-competitive rates to fill the connectivity gap in rural and remote areas. From the launch of its first Ka-band satellite to using a hybrid model for internet transmission, HughesNet has made it evident that innovation and development of advanced tech are achievable at low costs.
HughesNet satellite and Fusion (wireless and satellite) internet customers can enjoy download speeds of up to 100 Mbps, and get up to 200 GB of priority data for a starting price of $49.99 per month (for 12 months). Even after the 2-year price hikes, the most expensive HughesNet internet plan, Fusion, costs $109.99 per month, which is $90 cheaper than the regular rates of the Viasat 100 Mbps plan, offering similar speeds and priority data.
Here are the pros and cons of HughesNet, giving you a glimpse of its satellite internet service.
Pros
- Satellite internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps
- Combined satellite + wireless network on Fusion plan
- 50-state-wide coverage
- Bundle options are available
- Standard data is uncapped
Cons
- Price hikes after 12 months
- A 2-year contract is compulsory
- High latency of up to 650 ms on satellite internet plans
- Upload speeds max out at 5 Mbps
HughesNet Plans and Pricing
In late 2023, HughesNet decided to take a different approach to business. It streamlined its month-to-month offerings to include just 3 value-packed internet plans starting at $49.99 per month. The first 2 HughesNet plans, Select and Elite, transmit internet data using the Jupiter 1, 2, and 3 geostationary satellites positioned 22,300 miles above the equator.
Whereas, the most expensive plan, HughesNet Fusion, also labeled the ‘Recommended Plan’ uses both – satellites and cellular wireless technologies to increase network reliability and decrease latency on the connection.
All the HughesNet internet plans include unlimited standard data, a free expert installation, a Wi-Fi 6 capable internet modem, up to 12 months of price guarantee, and a $100 Prepaid Card.
| HughesNet Satellite Internet Plans | ||||
| Plan | Price | Speed | Priority Data | Contact |
| Select | $49.99/mo. | 50 Mbps | 100 GB | Call Now |
| Elite | $64.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | 200 GB | Call Now |
| Fusion | $79.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | 200 GB | Call Now |
**The quoted monthly fee includes a $5 discount for ACH enrollment.
***A 2-year contract is mandatory.
****All the plans include unlimited standard data.
*****You may experience speed reductions during peak hours after exceeding your priority data limit.
HughesNet Bundles
HughesNet offers its customers holistic connectivity at the helm of frugality. By enrolling in the HughesNet Internet and Voice bundles customers can save up to $50 each month for the first 3 months.
Moreover, HughesNet Internet + Voice Bundle customers receive free equipment for the Voice service, which is up to $75 in value. The only downside of subscribing to this mega-saver bundle deal is that you are required to sign a 24-month commitment. But why would you want to call it quits when you can enjoy unlimited calling in the US and Canada, avail of exciting features (call waiting, call blocking, call forwarding, etc. ), and keep using your current phone number for just $9.95 a month?
| Overview of HughesNet Internet and Voice Bundles | ||||
| Starting Price | HughesNet Internet | HughesNet Voice | Total Savings | |
| $59.94/mo. | 50 Mbps/ 100 GB | Unlimited calls in the USA and Canada | $45.00/mo. For 3 months | |
| $74.94/mo. | 100 Mbps/ 200 GB | Unlimited calls in the USA and Canada | $45.00/mo. For 3 months | |
| $89.94/mo. | 100 Mbps/ 200 GB | Unlimited calls in the USA and Canada | $50.00/mo. For 3 months | |
**The promotional prices of HughesNet Internet plans are valid for the first 12 months.
***The monthly savings of $20 on HughesNet Voice service last for the first 3 months.
HughesNet Availability
For more than 50 years, Hughes has been serving its customers in the 50 states of America. HughesNet’s satellite broadband service is accessible in the mainland USA, and most parts of Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. Beyond the United States, HughesNet offers service in six countries of Latin America, namely; Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru.
Viasat – Fastest Satellite Internet Provider
Viasat enjoyed market dominance as the fastest satellite internet provider in the USA. In comparison to its rival at the time, HughesNet, Viasat offered download speeds of up to 150 Mbps, with unlimited standard data for as low as $49.99 per month.
Being the second satellite company to join the home internet market in 2009, Viasat adhered to the industry trend and launched its geostationary satellites in High Earth Orbit (HEO). Even though Viasat’s speed capabilities were faster than HughesNet, its significant distance from Earth (22,236 miles) increased the latency to 638 ms, impeding activities like online gaming and high-definition streaming.
Today, Viasat’s satellite internet and accompanying telecommunications services are available to residential and business customers, as well as enterprises at varying speeds and monthly rates. Browse Viasat’s pros and cons to see how it fares against competition.
Pros
- Download speeds of up to 150 Mbps
- You get unlimited standard data
- Service is available in the 50 states of the USA
- High-speed data of up to 500 GB
- Cost-saving bundles
- Free professional installation
Cons
- Promotional prices are valid for up to 3 months
- A 2-year contract is required
- Availability of plans may vary based on your location
- High latency
Viasat Plans and Pricing
Viasat internet plans are available at promotional rates for the first 3 months. Implementation of this offer allows customers to save up to $100 each month within the first 90 days of service. Customers can get download speeds between 25 Mbps and 150 Mbps with high-speed data of up to 500 GB.
However, the availability of plans varies by location. For example, in Pflugerville, Texas, Viasat customers can receive download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. But in Woburn, Massachusetts, customers pay the same price for slower download speeds, which max out at 50 Mbps.
All Viasat satellite internet plans include unlimited standard data, free professional installation, and a satellite internet modem with Wi-Fi capabilities (an additional equipment lease fee of $15 per month is applicable).
| Viasat Satellite Internet Plans | ||||
| Plan | Starting Price | Maximum Speed | High-Speed Data | Contact |
| Internet 25 | $49.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | 60 GB | Call Now |
| Internet 50 | $69.99/mo. | 50 Mbps | 100 GB | Call Now |
| Internet 75 | $99.99/mo. | 75 Mbps | 150 GB | Call Now |
| Internet 100 | $149.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | 300 GB | Call Now |
| Internet 150 | $199.99/mo. | 150 Mbps | 500 GB | Call Now |
**The promotional prices mentioned in the table above are subject to increase after the first 3 months.
***A service term commitment of 24 months is required.
****All the plans include unlimited standard data.
*****You will likely experience slower speeds during traffic congestion after exceeding your monthly high-speed data limit.
Viasat Bundles
Viasat satellite internet plans can be bundled with DISH TV packages and Viasat Voice for a $110 discount each month. Let us explain.
The standalone price of Viasat Voice service is $29.99 per month. But when customers combine their Viasat Internet plan and Voice service under one bill, they get a monthly discount of $10 for the first 6 months. Now we know that new customers of Viasat Internet already enjoy savings of up to $100 per month for 3 months, so that brings the total savings on Viasat Internet + Voice Bundles to $110 per month.
| Viasat Internet and Voice Bundles | ||||
| Starting Price | Viasat Internet | Viasat Voice | Total Savings | |
| $69.98/mo. | 25 Mbps/ 60 GB | Unlimited calls in 50 states + Canada | $30.00/mo. For 3 months | |
| $89.98/mo. | 50 Mbps/ 100 GB | Unlimited calls in 50 states + Canada | $40.00/mo. For 3 months | |
| $119.98/mo. | 75 Mbps/ 150 GB | Unlimited calls in 50 states + Canada | $60.00/mo. For 3 months | |
| $169.98/mo. | 100 Mbps/ 300 GB | Unlimited calls in 50 states + Canada | $60.00/mo. For 3 months | |
| $219.98 | 150 Mbps/ 500 GB | Unlimited calls in 50 states + Canada | $110.00/mo. For 3 months | |
**A 24-month term agreement is required for Viasat Internet.
***A 6-month service term is required for Viasat Voice.
****Savings of $10 per month on Viasat Voice are valid for the first 6 months.
Visat Internet and DISH TV bundles start at $129.98 per month and include a 2-year price guarantee, free expert installation, and a $300 Prepaid Gift Card.
Viasat Availability
Viasat’s satellite internet service extends to 50 states of the USA and its territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands. Viasat internet service also covers most of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
According to Viasat’s official website, 99 percent of the US population can connect to its satellite internet service, including those residing in the most underserved and remote areas.
To cut a long story short, anyone on US soil and with a clear view of the southern sky can get Viasat satellite internet service.
Starlink – Most Widely Available Satellite Internet Provider
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation that uses thousands of artificial satellites, positioned in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to transmit high-speed internet across the globe. Founded by Elon Musk and owned by his private aerospace company, SpaceX, Starlink promises download speeds of up to 220 Mbps and latencies of around 25 ms.
Currently, Starlink’s satellite internet service is available in over 60 countries and almost all 50 states of the USA, including Alaska and Hawaii. However, coverage in a handful of states like New Mexico, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Michigan may be spotty.
The home internet service for Starlink’s residential customers starts at $90 per month, but in a select few areas, the monthly fee can be $120 due to limited capacity. The service charges include a 30-day free trial, unlimited high-speed data, and contract-free service. Subscribers are required to cover a one-time hardware fee, shipping charges, and taxes.
Starlink offers a range of plans and hardware to its broad customer base. From fixed residential units to RVs, and boats to airplanes, everyone can enjoy Starlink’s stellar satellite internet service at affordable rates. Let’s look at the pros and cons of Starlink satellite internet.
Pros
- High-speed satellite internet
- Ultra-low latency
- No annual contracts
- Standard data is unlimited
- Easy, DIY setup
Cons
- Hardware costs can go up to $2,500
- High power consumption
- Below-average customer service
Starlink Plans and Pricing
Starlink has something in store for all its customers. Its month-to-month satellite internet plans and hardware are designed to cater to the unique needs of its customers, broadly classified into two groups- residential and business. Starlink offers satellite internet plans for personal use to people with site-built homes, mobile homes (e.g., RVs and trailers), and boat houses or yachts.
Similarly, its business internet plans are available to offices, mobile businesses (e.g., paramedics, troopers, mobile clinics, trucks, trains, and portable on-site offices), maritime services (e.g., fishing boats, merchant vessels, researchers, and off-shore oil rigs), and the aviation sector.
The monthly internet fee of Starlink satellite internet is as diverse as its customer pool. For example, the cheapest Starlink internet plan is Standard (Fixed), which costs $90 per month in most areas of the USA. However, in areas with limited capacity, the service fee will be $120 per month. In contrast, the most expensive plan by Starlink is reserved for the aviation industry and costs $25,000 per month.
In the table below, we have mentioned the price range, internet speeds, and latencies for the four most popular Starlink service plans. Please note that the quoted monthly fees are without the hardware charges, taxes, and shipping fees.
| Starlink Satellite Internet Plans | ||||
| Plan | Service Fee | Upload Speed | Download Speed | Latency |
| Standard (Fixed) | $90/mo. – $120/mo. | 5-10 Mbps | 25-100 Mbps | 25-60 ms |
| Priority (Fixed) | $140/mo. – $250/mo. | 8-25 Mbps | 40-220 Mbps | 25-60 ms |
| Mobile (Mobility) | $150/mo. – $200/mo. | 2-10 Mbps | 5-50 Mbps | Less than 99 ms |
| Mobile Priority (Mobility) | $250/mo. – $5,000/mo. | 8-25 Mbps | 40-220 Mbps | Less than 99 ms |
**The latency rate might be higher for customers using Starlink at remote locations.
Cost of Starlink Hardware
When it comes to satellite internet providers and their extraterrestrial reach, Starlink’s cutting-edge hardware steals the show. Unlike its counterparts’ bulky dish antennas, Starlink sends its subscribers a sleek-looking next-generation dish with kickstands or mounts, to improve the field of view, reduce weather interference, and deliver top performance.
However, this advanced equipment comes at a high cost. Customers must pay between $599 and $2,500 upfront to secure their Starlink hardware. And the hardware cost for airplanes can be as high as $150,000.
| Starlink Satellite Internet Hardware – Rate Card | |||
| Hardware | Price | Available To | Best For |
| Standard | $599 | Residential, Roam Business | Everyday Internet applications. |
| Standard Actuated | $599 | Residential, Roam | Everyday internet use on off-grid locations. |
| High-Performance | $1,500 | Boats | Power users, businesses, and enterprises. |
| Flat High-Performance | $2,500 | Roam, Boats, Business | Mobility in challenging environments. |
Starlink Availability
Starlink’s satellite internet service is available across the world. More than 60 countries on 7 continents have given the provider regulatory approval to launch its satellite internet service within their territory. Naturally, the United States of America is one of them. All 50 states of the USA are eligible for Starlink Internet plans, but there might be some pockets (like Alamo Springs, NM, Snowshoe, WV, Laurel, MD, and North Liberty, IA) where Starlink is yet to land its rocket ship.
At the moment, close to 1.3 million Americans are subscribed to Starlink Internet and many more are expected to jump ship after the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) approves its petition for $885.5 million in funding.
Even though Starlink’s service area includes 50 states of the USA, access to uninterrupted broadband connectivity, especially in rural areas, remains a myth. According to the FCC filing, Starlink cannot meet the target of delivering 100 Mbps of download speed and 20 Mbps of upload speed. It has until 2025 to deliver FCC-approved broadband speeds in at least 35 states.
Bottom Line – Best Satellite Internet Provider of 2024
Your choice of the best satellite internet provider in 2024 will depend on what you value the most. If you are a budget-conscious internet consumer and love to keep your bills on a leash then HughesNet is the one for you. Starting at just $49.99 per month, HughesNet’s high-speed satellite internet plans offer monthly savings of up to $30 for 12 months, free professional installation, unlimited standard data, a $100 Prepaid Card, and discounts on bundled Voice service.
However, if fast download speeds are your top priority then consider embarking on the Viasat rocketship. With prices as low as $49.99 per month (for 3 months), you can get up to 150 Mbps of download speeds and priority data up to 500 GB.
For the young and carefree, Starlink stands out as the most preferred option. Its compact equipment is purpose-built to support mobility. You will not be disappointed while road-tripping across the country because Starlink offers nationwide coverage.
FAQ’s
