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Starlink vs. Viasat Internet: Which Provider Is Right for You?

We evaluated speeds, pricing, network reliability, and real-world latency to declare a clear winner.

6 Plans Available
Starlink internet
price range
$55 - $175/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • Download speeds up to: 400 Mbps
  • Satellite
  • Unlimited Data
View Plans (844) 493-6918
4 Plans Available
Viasat internet
price range
$39.99 - $109.99/month
*Prices may vary depending on the plan.

PROVIDER DETAILS

  • Download speeds up to: 200 Mbps
  • Satellite
  • $15 a month equipment fees
  • Unlimited Data
View Plans (844) 912-2812

Learn more about Starlink and Viasat:

Starlink has 6 plans:
(844) 493-6918 View Plans
Viasat has 4 plans:
(844) 912-2812 View Plans

Learn more about Starlink and Viasat

BroadbandNow Verdict

Starlink Wins for Low-Latency Speeds and Unlimited Data

★ Preferred Provider: Starlink (4.2/5 vs. Viasat’s 3.2/5)

Why we prefer Starlink: Backed by SpaceX’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Starlink ($55 to $175/mo across Residential and Roam plans) delivers download speeds from 100 Mbps up to 400 Mbps, uploads up to 40 Mbps, and low latency (25 to 60 ms) that traditional geostationary satellite providers cannot match. While Viasat ($39.99 to $119.99/mo on our comparison cards, with current Essentials, Unleashed, and Unleashed Max promos from $39.99 to $109.99/mo) offers a lower entry price, free professional installation (a $335 value), and DISH TV bundles, Starlink wins four of our five evaluation categories and is the clear #1 satellite internet provider for rural homes.

  • Speeds & Plans (30%)4.4/5 vs. 3.1/5
    Up to 400 Mbps
    100 to 400 Mbps LEO downloads (up to 40 Mbps uploads) vs. Viasat’s 150 to 200 Mbps ceiling
  • Reliability & Ping (25%)4.3/5 vs. 2.6/5
    Low-Earth Orbit
    Satellites orbit ~340 miles up for lag-free video calls vs. 22,236 miles for Viasat
  • Setup & Terms (10%)4.3/5 vs. 3.4/5
    10-Min DIY Setup
    App-guided self-install, $0 upfront dish in select areas, and Roam portability
Choose Starlink if:
  • ✓You work from home, join Zoom meetings, play online games, or stream 4K video in a rural area.
  • ✓You want 100 Mbps to 400 Mbps residential speeds ($55 to $130/mo) with unlimited data and no contracts.
  • ✓You want portable satellite internet for an RV or camper using Starlink Roam ($55 to $175/mo).
Choose Viasat if:
  • ✓You want the lowest starting price ($39.99/mo for the first 12 months on Essentials) for light browsing.
  • ✓Starlink charges a high one-time congestion surcharge ($100 to $1,500) in your oversubscribed area.
  • ✓You want free professional standard installation (a $335 value) or want to bundle with DISH TV.

Comparing Starlink and Viasat comes down to a generational leap in satellite engineering: thousands of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites versus high-altitude geostationary (GEO) satellites. Starlink is our clear overall winner (4.2/5 vs. 3.2/5), winning four of our five evaluation categories (representing 75% of our total score weight) because it delivers cable-like download speeds up to 400 Mbps, upload speeds up to 40 Mbps, and low latency that supports real-time video calls and online gaming.

Still, Viasat remains a viable rural fallback that edges out Starlink in our pricing and bundle value category (25% weight). With Viasat Unleashed and Unleashed Max plans eliminating annual contracts and hard data limits, a $39.99 per month Essentials entry tier, free professional standard installation (a $335 value), and DISH TV bundling, Viasat appeals to light rural internet users and households in oversubscribed Starlink zones facing congestion surcharges.

Head-to-Head Category Scorecard

Comparison category Starlink score Viasat score Category winner Why they win
Speeds and plan variety 30% weight 4.4 / 5 3.1 / 5 Starlink 100 to 400 Mbps downloads, up to 40 Mbps uploads, and portable Roam plans
Reliability and latency 25% weight 4.3 / 5 2.6 / 5 Starlink Low-Earth orbit constellation cuts satellite ping down to 25 to 60 ms
Pricing and bundle value 25% weight 3.8 / 5 3.9 / 5 Viasat $39.99/mo starting rate ($30 to $70/mo 1st-year savings), free $335 install, and DISH TV bundles
Customer satisfaction 10% weight 4.3 / 5 3.1 / 5 Starlink Top-rated rural user sentiment vs. Viasat’s 3.1/5 score across 2,855 reviews
Setup, contracts, and fees 10% weight 4.3 / 5 3.4 / 5 Starlink Zero contracts, $0 upfront dish or $10/mo rental, and 10-minute app-guided setup
Overall weighted score 100% total 4.2 / 5 3.2 / 5 ★ Starlink Wins Starlink wins 4 of 5 categories, taking 75% of total evaluation weight

Compare Best Deals: Starlink vs. Viasat Internet

Deal Verdict: Starlink wins on hardware savings and ongoing rate simplicity, waiving the $349 upfront equipment cost on new residential sign-ups in select areas (just $20 shipping, or a $10/mo rental option) and offering a $55/mo 100 Mbps unlimited residential plan that does not spike in year two. Viasat wins on first-year promotional discounts and free professional installation, knocking $30 to $70/mo off for your first 12 months (starting at $39.99/mo) and waiving its $335 professional standard installation fee.

Starlink Internet Deals

Best Equipment & Speed Value

  • ✓$0 Upfront Equipment Option (Save $349): Qualifying new residential subscribers can get the Starlink Standard kit for $0 upfront (plus $20 flat-rate shipping) or rent for $10/mo.
  • ✓$55/mo Residential 100 Mbps Plan: Includes download speeds up to 100 Mbps, uploads up to 40 Mbps, and unlimited deprioritized data with no annual contract.
  • ✓Flexible Roam Pause & Reactivate ($55 to $175/mo): Travelers can choose Roam 100 GB ($55/mo), 300 GB ($80/mo), or Unlimited ($175/mo) and pause billing during off-seasons.

Viasat Internet Deals

Best First-Year Promo & Free Install

  • ✓$30 to $70/mo Off for 12 Months: Save $30/mo on Essentials ($39.99/mo promo, $69.99/mo after) and Unleashed ($69.99/mo promo, $99.99/mo after), or $70/mo on Unleashed Max ($109.99/mo promo, $179.99/mo after).
  • ✓Free Professional Standard Installation ($335 Value): Certified Viasat technicians mount and align your satellite dish at no upfront installation cost.
  • ✓Free EasyCare on Unleashed Max & DISH TV Bundles: Unleashed Max includes free EasyCare support (a $9.99/mo value), plus optional DISH TV and Viasat Voice bundles.

Pros and Cons: Direct Head-to-Head Comparison

Starlink Internet

Pros (Why It Beats Viasat)
  • ✓Low-Earth orbit download speeds up to 400 Mbps (and 40 Mbps uploads) outpace Viasat’s 150 to 200 Mbps ceiling and 3 Mbps uploads.
  • ✓Low 25 to 60 ms ping supports live Zoom calls, remote work, and online gaming without satellite delay.
  • ✓Every residential plan includes unlimited data and zero annual contracts with $0 upfront hardware in select areas.
  • ✓Portable Roam plans and the compact Starlink Mini dish ($199) let travelers connect anywhere with an open sky.
Cons (Where It Trails)
  • ✕Oversubscribed areas may face a one-time network congestion surcharge ranging from $100 to $1,500.
  • ✕Requires a wide, unobstructed view of the sky free of dense tree canopies, plus DIY dish mounting.
  • ✕Starting price of $55/mo (and $85 to $130/mo for 200 to 400 Mbps) is higher than Viasat’s $39.99/mo promo rate.

Viasat Internet

Pros (Where It Pushes Back)
  • ✓Lower $39.99/mo introductory rate for 12 months on Essentials undercuts Starlink’s $55/mo starting price.
  • ✓Viasat Unleashed ($69.99/mo) and Unleashed Max ($109.99/mo) have no annual contracts, no hard data caps, and burst speeds up to 200 Mbps.
  • ✓Free professional standard installation (a $335 value) gets your home connected within 3 to 5 days without climbing on a roof.
  • ✓Includes Wi-Fi 6 equipment and optional DISH TV and Viasat Voice home phone bundles.
Cons (Why It Ranks Second)
  • ✕High geostationary satellite latency (500 to 800 ms) causes lag on video calls and real-time online games.
  • ✕Upload speeds top out at 3 Mbps, and Essentials caps high-speed data at 150 GB before slowing to standard speeds.
  • ✕Monthly rates jump by $30 to $70/mo after the first 12 months ($69.99 to $179.99/mo ongoing).

In-Depth Provider Reviews: How They Stack Up

Starlink Internet Review: Why It Takes the Crown

Editor Score: 4.2 / 5

Speeds (30%): 4.4/5Reliability (25%): 4.3/5Pricing (25%): 3.8/5Satisfaction (10%): 4.3/5Setup & terms (10%): 4.3/5

Starlink earns our top recommendation and a 4.2 out of 5 weighted score because SpaceX’s low-Earth orbit satellite network solves the speed and latency bottlenecks that plagued rural satellite internet for decades. Residential plans scale across three simple unlimited tiers: $55 per month for up to 100 Mbps (unlimited deprioritized data), $85 per month for up to 200 Mbps, and $130 per month for up to 400 Mbps (with upload speeds up to 40 Mbps). Travelers can also choose Starlink Roam at $55 per month (100 GB), $80 per month (300 GB), or $175 per month (Unlimited) with speeds up to 300 Mbps.

Starlink has also lowered the barrier to entry by waiving the $349 Standard dish hardware cost for new residential sign-ups in many areas (leaving just a $20 shipping fee or a $10 per month rental option in select regions). Just keep in mind that oversubscribed rural areas may still see a one-time congestion surcharge ($100 to $1,500) at checkout.

Viasat Internet Review: When the Runner-Up Wins

Editor Score: 3.2 / 5

Pricing (25%): 3.9/5Setup & terms (10%): 3.4/5Speeds (30%): 3.1/5Satisfaction (10%): 3.1/5Reliability (25%): 2.6/5

Viasat earns a 3.2 out of 5 weighted score and serves as an established rural fallback with nationwide availability. Current 12-month promotional plans include Viasat Essentials at $39.99 per month ($69.99/mo thereafter, with 150 GB of high-speed data), Viasat Unleashed at $69.99 per month ($99.99/mo thereafter, with unlimited high-speed data and no contract), and Viasat Unleashed Max at $109.99 per month ($179.99/mo thereafter, with 80 Mbps baseline speeds, burst speeds up to 200 Mbps, and free EasyCare support). Regional plans on our comparison cards range from $39.99 to $119.99 per month for 12 Mbps to 150 Mbps downloads and 3 Mbps uploads, and Viasat includes free professional standard installation (a $335 value).

Across 2,855 BroadbandNow reader reviews, Viasat holds a 3.1 out of 5 customer satisfaction score. Because Viasat beams signals to geostationary satellites 22,236 miles above the equator, high latency (500 to 800 ms), 3 Mbps upload speeds, and second-year price increases ($30 to $70/mo higher after month 12) make it best suited for light rural web browsing and streaming rather than remote work or gaming.

Making the Right Connection for Your Household

Choosing between Starlink and Viasat comes down to how heavily your household uses the internet. Go with Starlink if you want fast 100 Mbps to 400 Mbps download speeds, low latency for Zoom calls and gaming, and unlimited data with zero annual contracts. Go with Viasat only if you want a $39.99 per month introductory rate for light everyday browsing, prefer free professional technician installation (a $335 value) and DISH TV bundling, or live in an oversubscribed region where Starlink charges a steep congestion fee.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Starlink and Viasat

  • Is Starlink or Viasat better for rural internet?

    Starlink is the better satellite internet provider overall, earning a 4.2/5 weighted editor score compared to Viasat’s 3.2/5. Starlink wins four of our five evaluation categories (representing 75% of our total score weight) because its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites deliver download speeds from 100 Mbps up to 400 Mbps, upload speeds up to 40 Mbps, and low latency (25 to 60 ms) that handles remote work, video calls, and online gaming. However, Viasat is a viable budget alternative if you only need light web browsing starting at $39.99 per month or want free professional dish installation and DISH TV bundling.

  • Is Starlink or Viasat cheaper?

    Viasat has the lower introductory starting price at $39.99 per month for the first 12 months ($69.99 per month thereafter) on its Viasat Essentials plan, while Viasat Unleashed starts at $69.99 per month ($99.99 per month after 12 months) and Unleashed Max starts at $109.99 per month ($179.99 per month after 12 months). Starlink’s residential plans do not use first-year promotional rate hikes, starting at $55 per month for up to 100 Mbps, $85 per month for up to 200 Mbps, and $130 per month for up to 400 Mbps (while portable Roam plans run $55 to $175 per month). Starlink waives the $349 upfront equipment cost on new residential plans in many regions (leaving a $20 shipping fee or a $10 per month rental option), while Viasat includes free professional standard installation (a $335 value).

  • Which has faster speeds, Starlink or Viasat?

    Starlink is much faster for both downloads and uploads. Starlink Residential plans advertise download speeds from 100 Mbps up to 400 Mbps and upload speeds up to 40 Mbps (with Roam plans delivering typical speeds between 65 Mbps and 300 Mbps). Viasat plans offer download speeds between 12 Mbps and 150 Mbps on standard regional tiers (with Unleashed Max delivering 80 Mbps baseline speeds and burst speeds up to 200 Mbps in select areas) and upload speeds of 3 Mbps.

  • Why is Starlink latency so much lower than Viasat?

    Starlink satellites operate in low-Earth orbit (LEO) roughly 340 miles above the planet, allowing signals to travel back and forth in 25 to 60 ms. Viasat uses traditional geostationary (GEO) satellites parked 22,236 miles above the equator; because the wireless signal has to travel more than 44,000 miles round-trip, Viasat latency typically ranges between 500 ms and 800 ms, which can cause noticeable delays on live video calls and multiplayer games.

  • Do Starlink and Viasat have unlimited data?

    Yes, both providers offer unlimited data, though their network management policies differ. All Starlink Residential plans include unlimited monthly data with no hard data caps (the $55 per month 100 Mbps tier uses unlimited deprioritized data, while the $85 and $130 per month tiers include unlimited standard priority data; Starlink Roam offers 100 GB, 300 GB, and Unlimited tiers). Viasat Unleashed and Unleashed Max plans include unlimited high-speed data with no hard data caps (customers trending above typical usage of 70% of network peers may experience reduced priority during congestion), while the $39.99 per month Viasat Essentials plan includes 150 GB of high-speed data followed by unlimited standard data.

  • Do Starlink and Viasat require contracts or professional installation?

    Starlink never requires an annual contract and uses a 10-minute app-guided self-installation kit that comes with the dish, Wi-Fi router, and cables. Viasat Unleashed and Unleashed Max plans are also contract-free (while select Viasat plans carry a 24-month minimum service term), and Viasat includes free professional standard installation (a $335 value) by certified technicians within 3 to 5 days of ordering.