HughesNet vs. Viasat (2026)
Both use geostationary satellites, so latency is similar. The differences are data rules, equipment and what you pay after the first year.
They're closer than they look. HughesNet Lite is $39.99/mo for 12 months with free professional installation for lease customers. Viasat starts at $39.99/mo plus a monthly equipment lease, with more high-speed data on its larger plans. If Starlink serves your address, it beats both on latency.
Side by side
How the data rules differ
HughesNet sells plans by priority data. Once it's used, you keep an unlimited connection at standard speeds, which can be slow at busy times. Viasat sells plans as unlimited with high-speed thresholds: past the threshold, speeds slow, and on Unleashed they slow again past about 850 GB. A household that streams every evening usually gets more usable data from Viasat's larger plans; a light user who browses and emails can stay well inside HughesNet Lite.
Latency is the same problem on both
Both companies' satellites sit about 22,000 miles above the equator, so every request makes a long round trip. Expect a pause before pages load, a delay on video calls and online games that feel unresponsive. Neither suits remote work with constant video meetings.
Which to choose
- HughesNet for light use and the lowest first-year price, with installation included.
- Viasat for households that stream and need a larger high-speed allowance.
- Neither if Starlink, 5G home internet or fixed wireless reaches you: see the best rural internet.
Before you sign
- Ask for the price after the promo in writing.
- Check the agreement for an early termination fee.
- Confirm the dish has a clear view of the southern sky.
- Keep leased equipment boxes so you can return them if you cancel.
Reviews: HughesNet · Viasat · Starlink. See also Starlink vs. HughesNet vs. Viasat.
Who are HughesNet and Viasat?
Both are older satellite services that use a few large satellites about 22,000 miles up, which is why both have high delay. Both have lost most of their customers to Starlink since 2020.
Satellite internet from Hughes, a Maryland company owned by EchoStar. Its parent filed for Chapter 11 in August 2026 and says service continues.
A California satellite company selling home internet since 2009. Most of its business is now in-flight Wi-Fi and government work.
Equipment and installation
Both companies send a technician to mount and aim the dish, because a geostationary dish has to point precisely at one spot in the southern sky. HughesNet includes professional installation for lease customers. Viasat includes professional installation and built-in Wi-Fi with the service, but charges a monthly equipment lease and may add an installation fee. Ask each for the total of the lease over the agreement before you compare monthly prices.
Who each suits
If you're already a customer
- Check your account for your agreement end date before switching.
- Ask whether a larger plan is cheaper than paying for extra data.
- Test Starlink or 5G at your address first, then cancel once the new service works.
Questions
Is HughesNet or Viasat better?
Viasat's larger plans include more high-speed data, which suits streaming households. HughesNet Lite is cheaper in the first year for light use. Both have similar latency.
Do HughesNet and Viasat have data caps?
Neither cuts you off. HughesNet slows to standard speed after your priority data, and Viasat slows past its high-speed thresholds.
Is HughesNet or Viasat good for gaming?
Not for fast online games. Both use geostationary satellites with latency around 600 ms or more.
Can I switch from HughesNet to Viasat?
Yes, but check your HughesNet agreement for an early termination fee first, and return leased equipment to avoid charges.
Sources (1)
- Plan pages and Broadband Facts labels from HughesNet, Viasat, Starlink Residential, checked Oct 2026
- Company filings and announcements for customer counts (SpaceX June 2026, Viasat FY2026 annual report, EchoStar Q2 2026)
Prices and offers change often; confirm at your address before you order. How we research
Jean founded ShopHighSpeed after trying to find one straight answer about business internet in his own town. He has been a Comcast and Verizon Fios customer, and ranks providers on what they actually deliver, not on what they advertise.