Viasat vs. HughesNet: Which Is the Superior Satellite Internet?

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The satellite internet is constantly improving, with more and more companies getting more and more interested in this revolutionary technology. However, even with the emergence of various satellite internet providers in the US, HughesNet and Viasat remain to be the two top satellite giants in the country.

While these two satellite internet service providers (ISP) are often compared to one another, they offer different services and features, which can make one a better choice than the other, depending on your unique needs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Viasat vs. HughesNet battle to understand who’s really superior when it comes to satellite internet. Let’s begin!

Comparing Viasat vs HughesNet

For rural internet customers, these two may have been their leading choice to stay connected online. Viasat and HughesNet are both reliable satellite internet providers that deliver decent speeds that can help you get your work done, watch your favorite movies, and browse the web. Let’s dive deeper into their unique offerings.

Plans and Pricing

There’s a massive difference between the plans and pricing of both providers. HughesNet offers simple internet plans, while Viasat provides a more comprehensive list of plans. If affordability is what you’re looking for, HughesNet is your best option. However, if you need higher satellite internet speeds, Viasat should be your choice. Here’s a quick overview of their plans and pricing.

HughesNet Plans and Pricing

Data Plan Speed Price per Month
15 GB 25 Mbps $54.99
30 GB 25 Mbps $64.99
45 GB 25 Mbps $99.99
75 GB 25 Mbps $149.99

 

Viasat Plans and Pricing

Internet Plan Speed Data Cap Price per Month
Basic 12 12 Mbps 15 GB $40
Liberty 12 12 Mbps 12 GB $30
Liberty 25 12 Mbps 25 GB $50
Liberty 50 12 Mbps 50 GB $75
Unlimited Silver 12 Mbps 45 GB00 $99.99
Unlimited Gold 12 Mbps 65 GB $149.99
CHOICE 25 Mbps/40 GB 25 Mbps 40 GB $69.99
CHOICE 50 Mbps/60 GB 50 Mbps 60 GB $99.99
CHOICE 75 Mbps/100 GB 75 Mbps 100 GB $149.99
CHOICE 100 Mbps/150 GB 100 Mbps 150 GB $199.99
CHOICE 100 Mbps/300 GB 100 Mbps 300 GB $299.00

 

Data Allowance

When it comes to larger data caps, Viasat surely wins. However, as your data increases, so is your monthly fee. Keep in mind that Viasat is already more costly than HughesNet, even with its base plan. So, if your budget is an issue, this provider might not be your best choice.

Both providers offer a special data-free zone during specific times of the day. HughesNet has its “Bonus Zone,” which allows you to use your internet between 2 am to 8 am without crediting the data you’ll consume against our monthly data allocation. However, there’s a limit of 50GB of data for this window.

On the other hand, Viasat offered a “Free Zone” that works similarly to HughesNet’s Bonus Zone. However, it was only available for older Viasat plans (Exede). The “Free Zone” isn’t available for newer Viasat plans.

Availability

Both providers are available in the entire United States as long as the location has a clear view of the sky. However, the plans available in the area may vary depending on your area and how the angle of the orbiting satellite will hit your location. The rule of thumb is, the more direct beam it can deliver, the better your connection will be.

Reliability

Just like availability, reliability will also depend on your location. There are certain areas where HughesNet has better coverage than Viasat and vice versa. So, it’s important to determine which provider has a better connection in your area. However, many people have reported that they are more satisfied with the consistency and stability of HughesNet’s connection than Viasat.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to satellite internet, you can never go wrong with either Viasat or HughesNet. However, depending on your needs, one of them may be better. If you want an affordable connection, then HughesNet is your best choice. However, if you have a larger budget and want more speed and data, then Viasat is your best option.

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