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HughesNet vs. Viasat

A Side-by-Side Comparison of HughesNet and Viasat Internet Service in 2020

Both HughesNet and Visasat are the two largest satellite providers in the U.S., supplying a satellite network to rural regions across the country. Each internet provider offers reliable satellite services in all 50 states to more than 300 million people, with the greatest coverage in California, Texas, and New York. Both have similar pricing, and each require two-year contracts. While HughesNet and Visasat are comparable in many ways there are some key differences noted below that can assist customers in selecting the best provider and plan for them.

HughesNet Info

(844) 902-3107

$59.99-149.99/mo.

Viasat Info

(844) 912-2812

$50-150/mo.

HughesNet vs. Viasat Comparison HughesNet Viasat Internet (formerly Exede)
Provider HughesNet Viasat
Speed 25-25 Mbps 12-100 Mbps
Pricing $59.99-149.99/mo. $50-150/mo.
Service Type Satellite Satellite
HughesNet vs. Viasat Feature Comparison HughesNet Viasat Internet (formerly Exede)
Provider HughesNet Viasat
High-Speed Plans No Yes
Unlimited Data No Select Plans
Contract-Free Plans No No
TV Service No No
Phone Service Yes Yes

HughesNet Internet Deals †

Last updated on 7/31/2020
  • $59.99 for 25 Mbps Satellite
    • 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds will be reduced and will typically be in the range of 1 to 3 Mbps once monthly plan data is used, w/ a 10 GB/mo data cap
    • Contract Term: 2 years with up to $400 ETF
    • 50 GB/mo of additional data to use during off-peak hours (2am–8am).
    • Setup: $99.00 (Includes lease setup fee. Standard installation is free.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $14.99/mo
    • Call (844) 625-6445 to setup service.
  • $69.99 for 25 Mbps Satellite
    • 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds will be reduced and will typically be in the range of 1 to 3 Mbps once monthly plan data is used, w/ a 20 GB/mo data cap
    • Contract Term: 2 years with up to $400 ETF
    • 50 GB/mo of additional data to use during off-peak hours (2am–8am).
    • Setup: $99.00 (Includes lease setup fee. Standard installation is free.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $14.99/mo
    • Call (844) 625-6445 to setup service.
  • $99.99 for 25 Mbps Satellite
    • 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds will be reduced and will typically be in the range of 1 to 3 Mbps once monthly plan data is used, w/ a 30 GB/mo data cap
    • Contract Term: 2 years with up to $400 ETF
    • 50 GB/mo of additional data to use during off-peak hours (2am–8am).
    • Setup: $99.00 (Includes lease setup fee. Standard installation is free.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $14.99/mo
    • Call (844) 625-6445 to setup service.
  • $149.99 for 25 Mbps Satellite
    • 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds will be reduced and will typically be in the range of 1 to 3 Mbps once monthly plan data is used, w/ a 50 GB/mo data cap
    • Contract Term: 2 years with up to $400 ETF
    • 50 GB/mo of additional data to use during off-peak hours (2am–8am).
    • Setup: $99.00 (Includes lease setup fee. Standard installation is free.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $14.99/mo
    • Call (844) 625-6445 to setup service.
Show All Deals (4)

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with HughesNet.

Viasat Internet Deals †

Last updated on 7/28/2020
  • $50 for 12 Mbps Satellite
    • Priority Data with download speeds of up to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps w/ a 12 GB/mo data cap
    • Contract Term: 2 years
    • After Priority Data is used, Liberty Pass will allow you to connect at slower speeds, or you can choose to buy more Priority Data. From 3–6 a.m., data usage is not counted against your Priority Data.
    • Call (877) 438-5935 to setup service.
  • $75 for 12 Mbps Satellite
    • Priority Data with download speeds of up to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps w/ a 25 GB/mo data cap
    • Contract Term: 2 years
    • After Priority Data is used, Liberty Pass will allow you to connect at slower speeds, or you can choose to buy more Priority Data. From 3–6 a.m., data usage is not counted against your Priority Data.
    • Call (877) 438-5935 to setup service.
  • $100 for 12 Mbps Satellite
    • Priority Data with download speeds of up to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps w/ a 50 GB/mo data cap
    • Contract Term: 2 years
    • After Priority Data is used, Liberty Pass will allow you to connect at slower speeds, or you can choose to buy more Priority Data. From 3–6 a.m., data usage is not counted against your Priority Data.
    • Call (877) 438-5935 to setup service.
  • $150 for 25 Mbps Satellite
    • 25 Mbps ↓ and 3.0 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Contract Term: 2 years
    • After 100 GB of high-speed data is used, network speeds may slow down during times of congestion.
    • Call (877) 438-5935 to setup service.
Show All Deals (4)

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Viasat.

HughesNet vs. Viasat Performance Overview

HughesNet offers satellite coverage across the U.S. with a variety of internet plans that provide speeds up to 25 Mbps. Currently, HughesNet’s satellite services include internet and phone. The price of each internet plan is based on the amount of data offered in a month. Although HughesNet does not offer unlimited data, they offer bonus data during off hours, 2-8 am.

As the second largest U.S. provider of satellite, Viasat—formerly known as Exede—offers coverage across the country with internet plans featuring speeds up to 25 Mbps. For lower monthly rates, customers can bundle internet with phone service. Viasat currently does not offer their own TV service but can partner with DirecTV or Dish Network to offer customers a TV option.

HughesNet Installation

HughesNet’s installation fees vary depending on your decision between purchasing a satellite dish and modem or leasing the equipment for a monthly fee.

HughesNet’s satellite process requires mounting a satellite dish to an outside wall or the roof of your home and running a cable to a modem or router. Professional installation is free of charge when customers lease equipment, although there is a $99 set-up fee. Alternatively, customers can purchase the equipment for $349.98 with an installation fee of $199.99. Installation fees may be reduced or waived for new HughesNet customers or with select plans. Customers have the option of renting the equipment for $9.99/month for the first year, and $14.99/month after that.

Viasat Installation

Professional installation is free of charge when Viasat customers sign a contract.

Similar to HughesNet, a satellite dish will need to be installed on your roof, wall, or on a pole. A cable will then be attached to a modem inside your home and your devices will be connected via an ethernet. Equipment fees will apply.

HughesNet
Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

HughesNet requires a minimum contract commitment of 24 months.

If you cancel within the first 90 days of service, you will be charged an early termination fee of $400. This fee will be reduced by $15 for every month following. In regards to equipment fees, HughesNet customers have the option to either lease a satellite dish and modem for a monthly cost ranging from $9.99-14.99 or purchase the devices for a one-time charge of $349.98.

Viasat
Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

Most of Viasat’s plans require a 24-month long contract commitment.

If you opt out of your agreement early, Viasat charges an early termination fee of $15/month for the remaining months of your contract. Viasat customers in select areas can choose to forgo a contract for an extra fee of $300. Customers can choose to lease a Viasat dish for the duration of their service for $9.99/month or purchase a lifetime lease for $299, which is a great option for long-time Viasat users. Equipment must be returned upon cancellation of service or you will be responsible for an unreturned equipment fee.

HughesNet Data Caps

HughesNet caps its monthly data anywhere from 10-50 GB depending on the internet plan chosen. If you go over the allotted data amount, you will still have internet access but at significantly slower speeds. Customers can, however, access additional data during the hours of 2-8 am.

Viasat Data Caps

Viasat offers internet plans equipped with unlimited data as well as plans with monthly data caps from 12-50 GB. If you exceed the amount of data in your plan, your data may be prioritized behind other customers during network congestion, which could result in slower speeds.

I LOVE Hughesnet!!

5.00 Stars

on April 04, 2019

HughesNet

Got my wifi installed in 2 days from the date I ordered it. Fabulous customer service, very courteous & polite technician. Fast speed. I'm very satisfied with my HughesNet!

Featured Review IP Not Verified
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Poor Speed, difficult to get help

1.00 Stars

on May 05, 2020

HughesNet

Internet speed is not consistent. Most of the time the connection is minimal at best. Once in a while, the speed works as promised. This is all prior to when the high-speed data plan is exhausted. Once the data runs out, the connection is near impossible. I have spent way too much time trying to get through their customer service by phone and via text. The bills keep coming but not the service we are paying for. If you have another provider, check them out before going with HughesNet.

IP Not Verified Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Very Pleased

5.00 Stars

on September 23, 2019

Viasat Internet (formerly Exede)

We installed Viasat one month ago at our cabin in northern AZ. We are using about 6GB per 24 hour period, which gives us 10 days a month or 120 days a year, for about $1200 per year, which equates to $10 per 24 hour period of usage. Since cable is not an option, I am pleased. Obviously, if we lived there full-time, we would run out of good speeds after the 10th day of the month and would have to look at a more expensive plan ( and still come up a little short). But for part-time use, I am very pleased. Our use includes streaming, heavy surfing, emails, and phone calls. I completely understand why full-timers are not happy but the options in remote areas are very limited. For us, it has been far better than dial-up or hot spots.

Featured Review IP Not Verified Fountain Hills, Arizona
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Good first week

2.00 Stars

on May 16, 2020

Viasat Internet (formerly Exede)

Good download with their Silver plans for the first few days until you reach your plan's limit. After that, forget watching anything that requires a download. YouTube or Netflix is out of the question. Good for Facebook on your phone but that’s it.

IP Verified Memphis, Tennessee
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HughesNet vs. Viasat Coverage Availability

HughesNet Coverage & Availability

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Viasat Coverage & Availability

Viasat Internet (formerly Exede) Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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Frequently Asked Questions about HughesNet & Viasat Internet Services

  • Is HughesNet cheaper than Viasat?

    HughesNet and Visasat offer plans with a similar pricing range. Overall, HughesNet is more affordable with its internet-only plans ranging from $39.99-149.99/month compared to Visasat’s at $50-150/month.

  • Who has faster speeds? HughesNet or Viasat?

    Both satellite providers offer internet plans with speeds up to 25 Mbps.

  • Do HughesNet and Viasat have unlimited data?

    Viasat offers unlimited data with select internet plans, whereas HughesNet has data caps on all plans. Although HughesNet and Visasat have data caps on most plans, neither will stop service if you go over. However, customers will have to endure slower speeds.

  • Do HughesNet and Viasat require a contract?

    Both providers require a 2-year contract agreement. However, Viasat offers an option to go contract-free for an additional fee of $300.

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Last updated on 8/3/2020.