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Starlink vs. Viasat Internet

Comparing Starlink and Viasat internet service in 2024

5 Plans Available
Starlink internet
price range
$120 - $5000/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 50 Mbps - 220 Mbps
  • Unlimited Data
3 Plans Available
Viasat internet
price range
$69.99 - $119.99/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • 12 Mbps - 150 Mbps
  • Satellite
  • $15 a month equipment fees
  • Unlimited Data

Learn more about Starlink and Viasat:

Starlink has 5 plans:

Learn more about Starlink and Viasat

It doesn’t get much more futuristic than Starlink. Backed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Starlink uses satellites orbiting the planet to connect its customers down on Earth with the internet — no wires, cables, or telephone lines required. Starlink, however, isn’t the only company offering that kind of cutting-edge solution. Musk’s fast-growing company has a few rivals in the satellite internet space, including Viasat. Viasat has been doing it for longer than Starlink: It launched its satellite broadband option in 2012. They’re two of the top satellite internet options on the market, so you’ll want to carefully weigh the pros and cons of Viasat vs. Starlink before you make your choice.

Starlink and Viasat both operate under the same basic principle: They use satellites to beam information to and from their customers, which allows them to maintain an internet connection without using traditional internet infrastructure like cables or phone lines. That makes the providers particularly appealing to customers looking for internet service in rural areas, because the best kinds of internet infrastructure — such as fiber-optic cables — aren’t always available in less-populated regions.

Of the two, Starlink offers faster speeds. It advertises download speeds of 220 Mbps, while Viasat’s fastest advertised speed is 150 Mbps. Viasat’s cheapest plans are more affordable, but the savings will cost you some speed. If you want faster internet from Viasat, you’ll need to be willing to shell out.

Starlink vs Viasat: Best Deals

Internet Deals

Starlink tends to focus on its simple, no-contract offers. (When the company does offer discounts, you can find them in our guide to Starlink internet deals.) Viasat can get a bit more creative with its discounts. Its offers include bundling options in partnership with pay-TV provider Dish and long-term contract options.

Pros and Cons By Provider

Pros and Cons By Provider

Starlink Pros

  • Rural availability
  •  No contracts
  • Unlimited data
  • Relatively fast speeds for satellite

Starlink Cons

  • Satellite obstructions can disrupt service
  • High equipment costs

Viasat Pros

  • Rural availability
  • Multiple plans and bundle options
  • Affordable satellite internet prices
  • No-contract or data cap plans available

Viasat Cons

  • Satellite obstructions can disrupt service
  • Speeds are slower than some competitors

Viasat Offers Slightly Better Packages

When it comes to packages, Starlink keeps things simple. The company offers internet residential plans with no real add-on options. Viasat, on the other hand, offers phone service as an add-on to your satellite internet, and you can add DISH as well. Customers looking for other add-ons outside of just satellite internet will want to go with Viasat.

Viasat’s Fees Are Lower Than Starlink’s

Starlink’s plans don’t require a contract. The company does, however, require a one-time setup fee of $599. Viasat offers installation for $99, and it commonly waives this fee for most customers. While some plans still require a lease for the satellite equipment, Viasat’s new Unleashed plans come with no contracts or data caps, making it much cheaper overall without early termination fees.

Starlink and Viasat Both Offer No Data Caps

While some Viasat plans still feature a “soft” data cap, which means your internet will slow down after you consume a certain amount of data, Viasat Unleashed plans come with no data caps or contracts, making it really competitive with Starlink. Starlink has no data cap as well, making the competition more about speed than data caps.

Starlink Has Better Reviews, but Viasat Is More Established

Starlink is still a relatively new player in the satellite internet space, but the response from consumers so far has been positive. Viasat’s customer reviews are more mixed, with some users complaining about the slow speeds and data caps.

Starlink vs. Viasat Internet Review

As of March 2024, BroadBandNow’s editorial team has not been able to survey enough Starlink customers to provide a comprehensive understanding of how this service is meeting customers’ needs or expectations.

We asked BroadbandNow users to review Viasat based on four core attributes: Customer Service, Reliability, Speed, and Value.

BroadbandNow readers submitted 2843 for Viasat. Viasat earned an average score of 3.10 out of 5.

Frequently Asked Questions About Starlink and Viasat

  • Is Starlink or Viasat cheaper?

    Viasat is cheaper than Starlink, with plans starting at $69.99 per month.

  • Which has faster speeds, Starlink or Viasat?

    Starlink advertises download speeds up to 220 Mbps, while Viasat plans top out at 150 Mbps.

  • Do Starlink and Viasat have unlimited data?

    Starlink offers unlimited data. Viasat has a soft data cap on some plans, while Viasat Unleashed plans come with unlimited data.

  • Do Starlink and Viasat require contracts?

    Starlink plans don’t require a contract. Viasat offers plans with a contract and Viasat Unleashed plans without contracts.