Our picks
90001 Edit ZIP code
Or call to learn more: (855) 874-8909
Best satellite internet for reliable speeds
$50 – $80 per month
Or call to learn more: (833) 312-9572
Provider | Speed range | Starting monthly cost | Regular monthly cost | Contract | Monthly equipment costs | Data cap | CNET review score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hughesnet Read full review |
50-100Mbps download, 5Mbps upload | $50-$95 | $75-$120 | 2 years | $15-$20 a month or $300-$450 one-time purchase | Unlimited,100-200GB (soft cap) | 6 |
Starlink Read full review |
5-220Mbps download, 5-20Mbps upload | $120; $140-$500 (Priority); $50-$5,000 (Mobile) | $120; $140-$500 (Priority); $50-$5,000 (Mobile) | None | $349 one-time purchase for Standard ($349-$2,500 for Priority) | Unlimited, 40GB-5TB | 6.5 |
Viasat Read full review |
25-150Mbps download, 3Mbps upload | $100-$150 (varies by location) | $100-$150 (varies by location) | None | $15 or $250 one-time purchase | Unlimited, 850GB (soft cap) | 6.1 |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Satellite
50-100 Mbps
$50 – $80 per month
Plan | Monthly price | Max speeds | Fees and service details | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Select Plan | $50 ($75 after 12 months) | 50Mbps download, 5Mbps upload | Unlimited data (100GB soft cap), $15 monthly equipment or $300 upfront and 2 year-contract | |
Elite Plan | $65 ($90 after 12 months) | 100Mbps download, 5Mbps upload | Unlimited data (200GB soft cap), $15 monthly equipment or $300 upfront and 2-year contract | |
Fusion Plan | $95 ($120 after 12 months) | 100Mbps download, 5Mbps upload | Unlimited data (200GB soft cap), $20 monthly equipment or $450 upfront and 2-year contract |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
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Satellite internet is a fairly reliable internet connection option for rural or less urbanized areas. It may come with slower speeds than cable and fiber internet providers, but it doesn’t rely on underground wiring like other connection types, which makes it accessible to more locations. On the flip side, bad weather can cause outages or spotty connections to a greater degree than other modes of broadband.
If you live in a remote or rural location, satellite internet may be your best (and possibly only) option for connection. It is the one type of broadband available to people in the rural areas of all 50 states, making it a solid option when other types of connectivity are unavailable.
The price of satellite internet can fluctuate based on your location. If you’re in an area where providers are still developing, the price might be higher for connectivity. For Hughesnet, Viasat and Starlink, prices range from $50 to $5,000. In some cases, like Starlink, the monthly price can also vary based on whether you’re in a high-demand or low-demand area. We recommend inputting your address on various providers’ websites to determine which will offer you the best value at your location.
It depends on your internet provider and your plan. Starlink boasts the fastest speeds out of Hughesnet and Viasat. However, even with speeds topping out at 220Mbps, it’s still no match to what cable or fiber offers. Fiber ISPs like Ziply Fiber and AT&T offer multi-gig plans that reach up to 10 and 5 gigabits, respectively. Most cable providers like Spectrum and Xfinity offer gigabit plans. At present, satellite connections don’t match those speeds. In addition, cable and fiber are far more reliable than satellite.
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