HughesNet
Geostationary satellite from EchoStar that reaches almost anywhere, with plans up to 100 Mbps, but a minimum term and high latency.
HughesNet plans at a glance
Our verdict
HughesNet is a last resort. It reaches almost any address, but a 24-month contract, a priority data allowance and 600 ms of delay make it hard to recommend when Starlink starts at $55/mo with no contract. Its parent filed for Chapter 11 in August 2026; service continues, but the long contract is a bigger risk than usual.
It's a geostationary satellite, so latency runs 600 ms and up, which makes video calls and gaming hard. Fusion, sold in select areas, pairs satellite with a wireless link to bring latency down.
The bigger issue is the competition. HughesNet still requires a minimum term with early termination fees, while Starlink now starts at $55/mo with no contract and far lower latency. Choose HughesNet only where Starlink and 5G home internet aren't options.
What it's like to use
The 600 ms or more of delay comes from the signal travelling to a satellite about 22,000 miles up and back. Browsing, email and streaming work once things load. Video calls lag and fast online games are hard to play. Once your priority data runs out, speeds can drop sharply at busy times until the next billing month. Fusion customers get much lower delay for calls and browsing because some traffic goes over a ground wireless link.
Already have HughesNet? Run our free speed test on a wired computer to see whether you get the speed you pay for, and see which speed test to use if results don't match.
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.
Frequently asked
How much does HughesNet cost?
Lite is $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99, including a $5 ACH AutoPay discount. Select, Elite and Fusion are $25/mo off for 12 months, then standard rates. A monthly lease fee may apply.
How fast is HughesNet?
Plans reach up to 100 Mbps on Elite and Fusion.
Why is satellite latency so high?
HughesNet's satellites orbit about 22,000 miles up, so each round trip takes 600 ms or more. Starlink's low-orbit satellites are much closer, which is why its latency is far lower.
Does HughesNet have a data cap?
Plans include a priority data allowance. After it runs out, you get unlimited standard data at lower priority.
Is there a contract?
Yes. HughesNet plans have a minimum term, and early termination fees apply if you cancel early.
Is HughesNet going out of business?
Not yet. Hughes Satellite Systems filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2026 and said it plans to keep serving customers. Chapter 11 is a reorganization, not a shutdown, but it adds risk to a 24-month contract. Why HughesNet is losing customers
How do I cancel HughesNet?
Call HughesNet. Cancelling before your term ends costs up to $400, falling each month. Return the leased equipment when asked or you can be charged up to $500. How to cancel HughesNet
Is HughesNet better than Starlink?
For most households, no. Starlink has far lower latency, no contract and no priority data limit on Residential. HughesNet vs. Starlink
About HughesNet
HughesNet is run by Hughes Network Systems, based in Germantown, Maryland, and owned by EchoStar since 2011. Its subscriber count has fallen from about 1.6 million in 2020 to about 622,000 in mid-2026 as customers moved to Starlink and 5G home internet. In August 2026 Hughes Satellite Systems filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and said it would keep serving customers while focusing on business and government work.
More guides on HughesNet
Sources
- Plan pages and Broadband Facts labels from Starlink Residential, Viasat, T-Mobile 5G Home, HughesNet, checked Oct 2026
- EchoStar quarterly filings (subscriber counts); Hughes Satellite Systems Chapter 11 filing, August 2026
- HughesNet Broadband Facts labels (terms, equipment and termination fees)
Prices and offers change often; confirm at your address before you order. How we research
out of 10