Satellite internet has always had a reputation of being slow, unreliable, and expensive. However, with the recent advances in technology, satellite internet providers have been able to offer speeds that are on par with terrestrial providers. In this article, we will compare Viasat and HughesNet, two of the most popular satellite internet providers, and see which one is faster.
Viasat and HughesNet
The Viasat vs. HughesNet battle has been going on for so long. The two satellite giants have always been in a head-to-head battle for the “best satellite internet provider” title. While they have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, they are almost similar to each other. Here, we will differentiate them to determine which one is faster and better properly. Let’s begin.
Viasat Satellite Internet Plans and Pricing
As low as $30.00 per month gets you 12 Mbps of Viasat’s service, which is half the price of HughesNet’s cheapest plan at $64.99 (although HughesNet’s cheapest package does deliver 25 Mbps). This appears great at first glance. But once the three-month promotional is over, you will need to prepare yourself for a price increase of around $20 to $80 monthly. That’s over 33% of the promotional price. But still, it offers high-speed internet plans you might be looking for.
Also, Viasat plans come with a two-year contract agreement. Let’s take a look at Viasat’s internet plans and their costs.
| Plans | Promotional Price | Monthly fee after 3 months | Download Speeds | Data Cap | Equipment Fee | Contract Terms |
| Liberty 12 | $30/month | $50/month | 12Mbps | 12GB | $13/month or $299 one-time purchase | 24 months |
| Liberty 25 | $50/month | $75/month | 12Mbps | 25GB | $13/month or $299 one-time purchase | 24 months |
| Liberty 50 | $75/month | $100/month | 12Mbps | 50GB | $13/month or $299 one-time purchase | 24 months |
| Unlimited Bronze 12 | $49.99-$69.99/month | $70/month | 12Mbps | 35GB | $13/month or $299 one-time purchase | 24 months |
| Unlimited Silver 25 | $69.99-$99.99/month | $100/month | 25Mbps | 60GB | $13/month or $299 one-time purchase | 24 months |
| Unlimited Silver 12 | $99/month | $150/month | 12Mbps | 45GB | $13/month or $299 one-time purchase | 24 months |
| Unlimited Gold 30 | $119.99/month | $150/month | 30Mbps | 100GB | $13/month or $299 one-time purchase | 24 months |
| Unlimited Gold 50 | $99.99-$149.99/month | $150/month | 50Mbps | 100GB | $13/month or $299 one-time purchase | 24 months |
| Unlimited Gold 12 | $149.99/month | $200/month | 12Mbps | 65GB | $13/month or $299 one-time purchase | 24 months |
| Unlimited Platinum 100 | $149.99-$199.99/month | $200/month | 100Mbps | 150GB | $13/month or $299 one-time purchase | 24 months |
It’s worth noting that these internet plans and promotional prices vary between locations. So it’s best to get in touch with your internet provider to know the available plans in your area.
HughesNet Satellite Internet Plans and Pricing
HughesNet is much simpler than Viasat. All its offered internet plans come with the same download speeds, but it differs in the data you get monthly. The main difference between Viasat and HughesNet is that it is much cheaper and it offers a 24-month price lock, so you don’t have to worry about price increases for the next two years. Let’s take a look at HughesNet’s plans and pricing.
Data Plan | Monthly Price | Download Speeds | Contract Terms |
15GB | $54.99/month | 25Mbps | 24 months |
30GB | $64.99/month | 25Mbps | 24 months |
45GB | $99.99/month | 25Mbps | 24 months |
75GB | $149.99/month | 25Mbps | 24 months |
Comparing Speeds: Viasat vs. HughesNet
While Viasat offers more options when it comes to speed, the hefty price increase might not be reasonable for many. If you have a family with multiple people working from home or gaming online, Viasat is likely the better option, even though it’s significantly more expensive than HughesNet.
If you live alone or have moderate internet needs, HughesNet is a more affordable solution that still offers a fast, reliable connection. Both providers offer great discounts on their plans, so be sure to compare pricing before making your decision. Whichever provider you choose, make sure to do your research to avoid overage fees and other headaches down the road.
Conclusion
When it comes to speed, Viasat and HughesNet have their own strengths. It just really depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a reliable internet connection at an affordable price, it’s best to go with HughesNet. But if you’re seeking higher internet speeds, despite the expensive monthly cost, then Viasat might be your best option. Nevertheless, these are two excellent options when it comes to satellite internet.
