Viasat vs. HughesNet: Comparing Costs and Speeds

Looking for fast internet in rural areas can be a real struggle, but satellite internet is often the best solution. In the US, Viasat and HughesNet are among the most well-known satellite internet providers. However, with numerous plans and choices available, it can be challenging to pinpoint the perfect match for your demands.

In this blog post, you’ll see the battle between Viasat vs HughesNet as we compare the costs and speeds of each provider for you to make an informed decision about which provider to pick. So, buckle up and get ready to learn about the features of these two satellite internet providers.

Viasat

Viasat offers satellite internet services to customers across the United States. There are numerous plans available from the provider, with speeds ranging from 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps. The monthly data allotments for the plans range from 12 GB to 300 GB.

The Unlimited Bronze 12 plan, which costs $50 a month, offers a 35 GB data cap and a top speed of 12 Mbps. Viasat’s highest-priced plan is called the Unlimited Platinum 100 plan, and it costs $150 monthly. This plan delivers speeds of up to 100 Mbps, and subscribers are given a data cap of 300 GB each month.

It’s important to remember that the priority data allowance included in Viasat’s plans implies that once you’ve consumed your monthly allotment, your speeds could be slowed down during periods of high usage. However, you can still use the internet at limited speeds.

HughesNet

HughesNet is another satellite internet provider that offers services to customers across the United States. The company offers four different plans with varying data allowances. Although HughesNet’s maximum speed is currently 25 Mbps, their data caps are subject to change based on the plan you choose.

The pricing of HughesNet plans generally depends on the data cap or allowance offered by the plan. The most affordable package is the 15 GB Data Plan which costs $64.99 monthly and provides maximum download speeds of 25 Mbps. However, the most expensive plan is the 100 GB Data Plan, which delivers download rates of up to 25 Mbps and costs $124.99 monthly.

It’s essential to mention that HughesNet’s plans provide a Bonus Zone allowance, which lets users consume additional data during off-peak hours, specifically from 2 am to 8 am. This feature can be advantageous for those who need to download large files or updates during those times.

Comparing Costs and Speeds

When comparing the costs and speeds of Viasat and HughesNet, it’s important to keep in mind a few key factors. First, Viasat provides faster speeds than HughesNet, with a range from 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps. Conversely, HughesNet’s speeds range from 25 Mbps to 50 Mbps.

However, it’s important to note that Viasat’s plans are generally more expensive than HughesNet’s plans. Viasat’s most affordable plan, the Unlimited Bronze 12 plan, has a monthly cost of $50 and provides speeds of up to 12 Mbps, with a data cap of 35 GB per month. In comparison, HughesNet’s cheapest available package is the 10 GB Data Plan, which costs $59.99 a month and includes data allowances of 10 GB and speeds up to 25 Mbps.

If you need more data, Viasat may be the better choice. They provide plans with data allowances of up to 300 GB per month, whereas HughesNet’s plan comes with a consistent 25 Mbps data speed, and the price is determined by the amount of data usage included in the plan. Additionally, it’s important to take into account the priority data allowance that Viasat offers. After utilizing your monthly allowance, Viasat may reduce your speed during peak usage times.

When it comes to HughesNet, there isn’t a priority data allowance included in their plans, but they do provide a Bonus Zone allowance instead. This implies that subscribers have the option to use additional data during off-peak hours.

Conclusion

Viasat and HughesNet are both popular satellite internet providers with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. While Viasat delivers faster speeds and higher data allowances, HughesNet’s plans come with a Bonus Zone allowance and are often more affordable. Additionally, HughesNet’s plans may be a better fit for users with lower data needs or those who want to take advantage of the Bonus Zone allowance.

Ultimately, it is necessary to carefully consider your individual internet consumption needs when choosing between these two providers, taking into account factors such as speed, data allowance, and cost.