Viasat and HughesNet are two satellite internet giants that have been battling head-to-head as the best internet providers in the country. Satellite internet’s nature has always leaned to serving the rural market, even though it thrives just as well in urban areas. But since there are limited internet options in rural communities, satellite internet has become one of the people’s leading options in the area.
In the Viasat vs HughesNet battle, there’s only one question people have in mind: who’s the better option? We’ll answer that for you in this blog.
1. Pricing Range
The pricing range of Viasat is at $49.99–$149.99 while HughesNet ranges between $64.99 to $159.99. At a glance, Viasat is more affordable than HughesNet, which is one of the biggest considerations of many. However, HughesNet is only $10 more expensive than Viasat, and affordability doesn’t necessarily equate to reliability. These fees also cover the activation fee. For HughesNet, you get free professional installation while Viasat only offers a free standard installation.
2. Download and Upload Speed
Viasat only offers 12 Mbps download speed, while HughesNet offers 50–100 Mbps. That’s a big difference, especially if your household or your business demands higher download speeds due to specific online tasks that must be accomplished. Of course, if you need higher download speeds, the winner is HughesNet.
3. Data Caps
Data caps are common in satellite internet plans. So when you use up your data allocation for the month, you’ll usually get cut off and won’t be able to use the internet. HughesNet gives two types of data to their users: priority data and standard data. When you use up all your priority data, your connection gets switched to the standard data. It can be slower during peak times, but it doesn’t cut you off entirely from the internet. So for this, HughesNet wins.
4. Availability
HughesNet and Viasat are both widely available in the United States. However, HughesNet’s availability remains more widespread than Viasat, which means that even though you’re in the most remote area in the US, HughesNet will be there to keep you connected. It’s a tried-and-tested option that has minimized the digital divide across the US.
The Bottom Line
Both HughesNet and Viasat are two reliable satellite internet options. But considering these four factors, it’s evident that HughesNet is still far more superior than Viasat. However, choosing the best internet provider will depend on your specific needs and budget. Just make sure to consider all the factors in play so you don’t regret your decision. Good luck!
