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Satellite tv for pc web is not the primary alternative of most individuals. However should you’re caught someplace that does not have entry to the common varieties of web connections, you may not have one other alternative. Rural households nonetheless have some choices, however distant areas typically solely have entry to satellite tv for pc web. You get a dish and a modem, level it on the sky, and your web bounces off satellites as a substitute of coming via cables within the floor. For anybody dwelling far sufficient out with out entry to wired companies similar to cable, DSL or fiber, it may be the one possible way to connect with the web.
Cable and fiber are higher after they’re accessible, however satellite tv for pc covers the spots these companies do not attain. Your essential picks are Starlink, Hughesnet and Viasat. What issues is discovering one that does not work at dial-up speeds or price you a fortune each month. A current CNET survey displaying that 63% of US adults noticed their web payments improve final 12 months. Which means discovering reasonably priced and dependable connectivity is extra vital than ever. We examined what’s on the market that will help you type via it.
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What’s the greatest satellite tv for pc web supplier?
Starlink boasts the best potential, Hughesnet options probably the most dependable speeds and reasonably priced costs, and Viasat’s limitless knowledge plan may entice prospects.
We have rigorously examined the accessible choices, contemplating speeds, pricing, customer support and total worth to assemble your high web choices. Here is a have a look at how one of the best satellite tv for pc web suppliers examine.
Learn extra: Might 5G Dwelling Web Be the Reply to Your Broadband Wants?
Satellite tv for pc web supplier comparability
Please notice that the plans beneath present every supplier’s least expensive accessible tier. The max pace is the highest marketed pace for that given plan, but it surely may not be accessible in your space. Total, one of the best choice for you — and probably the most cost-effective plan — may be a special tier that gives a sooner pace at a better worth however a greater worth. To higher perceive this value-based method, take a look at CNET’s information to inspecting the price per Mbps.
| Supplier | Pace vary | Beginning month-to-month price | Common month-to-month price | Contract | Month-to-month tools prices | Knowledge cap | CNET evaluate rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hughesnet Learn full evaluate | 25-100Mbps obtain, 5Mbps add | $50-$95 | $75-$120 | 2 years | $10-$20 a month or $300-$450 one-time buy | Limitless,100-200GB (delicate cap) | 6 |
| Starlink Learn full evaluate | 100-350Mbps obtain, 5-25Mbps add | $80-120 | $80-$120 | $349 (presently discounted to $89) one-time buy for Customary | Limitless | 6.5 | |
| Viasat Learn full evaluate | 25-150Mbps obtain, 3Mbps add | $70-$100 | $70-$100 | None | $15 or $250 one-time buy | Limitless, 850GB (delicate cap) | 6.1 |
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Supply: CNET evaluation of supplier knowledge.
Greatest satellite tv for pc web service suppliers
100 – 350 Mbps
$80 – $120 monthly
Our take – When billionaire Elon Musk is not garnering headlines for his tumultuous actions, he is making noteworthy progress together with his firm SpaceX’s Starlink satellite tv for pc web challenge.
100 – 350 Mbps
$80 – $120 monthly
Starlink web plans and costs
| Plan | Month-to-month worth | Max speeds | Charges and repair particulars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Lite | $80 | 25-100Mbps obtain, 5-20Mbps uploads | Customary limitless knowledge, $349 upfront tools price and no contracts |
| Residential | $120 | 40-220Mbps downloads, 8-25Mbps uploads | Customary limitless knowledge, $349 upfront tools price and no contracts |
| Native Precedence | $65 | 100-350Mbps downloads, 5-25Mbps uploads | Customary limitless knowledge (Precedence plans begin at 50GB), $1999 upfront tools price for Efficiency {hardware} ($349 for the usual Starlink) and no contracts |
| International Precedence | $250 | 100-350Mbps downloads, 8-25Mbps uploads | Customary limitless knowledge (Precedence plans begin at 50GB), $1999 upfront tools price for Efficiency {hardware} ($999 for the previous-generation Starlink Efficiency) and no contracts |
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Supply: CNET evaluation of supplier knowledge.
$50 – $80 monthly
Our take – Hughesnet’s plans rating robust factors for his or her obtain speeds and consistency. Prospects have seen speeds of as much as 100Mbps ever since Hughesnet launched its Jupiter 3 satellite tv for pc into orbit in 2023. On high of that, Hughesnet is offered to prospects in probably the most distant areas. Furthermore, a Federal Communications Fee report on broadband in 2018 (the final time Hughesnet participated within the FCC research) famous that Hughesnet fared greatest amongst all taking part suppliers for delivering precise median obtain pace at 150% or increased of the marketed pace.
$50 – $80 monthly
Hughesnet web plans and costs
| Plan | Month-to-month worth | Max speeds | Charges and repair particulars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lite Plan | $40 ($50 after 12 months) | 25Mbps obtain, 3Mbps add | Limitless knowledge (100GB delicate cap), $10 month-to-month tools or $300 upfront and a couple of year-contract |
| Choose Plan | $50 ($75 after 12 months) | 50Mbps obtain, 5Mbps add | Limitless knowledge (100GB delicate cap), $15 month-to-month tools or $300 upfront and a couple of year-contract |
| Elite Plan | $65 ($90 after 12 months) | 100Mbps obtain, 5Mbps add | Limitless knowledge (200GB delicate cap), $15 month-to-month tools or $300 upfront and 2-year contract |
| Fusion Plan | $95 ($120 after 12 months) | 100Mbps obtain, 5Mbps add | Limitless knowledge (200GB delicate cap), $20 month-to-month tools or $450 upfront and 2-year contract |
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Supply: CNET evaluation of supplier knowledge.
12 – 150 Mbps
$70 – $300 monthly
Our take – Viasat’s Unleashed all-in-one plan is altering how prospects expertise its companies. The plan is easy and simple and fairly a change from the supplier’s earlier method. The value will fluctuate relying in your location, however you may anticipate a hard and fast month-to-month price between $70 and $100 and it will probably ship speeds as much as 150Mbps. Viasat launched this plan early in March 2024, which does not require any annual time period agreements. Solely new Viasat prospects in sure places are eligible for the no-contract plan. Test your location for serviceability.
12 – 150 Mbps
$70 – $300 monthly
Viasat web plans and costs
| Plan | Month-to-month worth | Max speeds | Charges and repair particulars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viasat Necessities Learn full evaluate | $70 | 150Mbps, 3Mbps add | Limitless knowledge (150GB delicate cap), $15 month-to-month tools or $250 upfront, and no contracts |
| Viasat Unleashed Learn full evaluate | $100-$150 (varies by location) | 150Mbps, 3Mbps add | Limitless knowledge (850GB delicate cap), $15 month-to-month tools or $250 upfront, and no contracts |
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Supply: CNET evaluation of supplier knowledge.
How we take a look at satellite tv for pc web suppliers
Web service suppliers are quite a few and regional. Not like the most recent smartphone, laptop computer, router or kitchen instrument, it’s impractical to personally take a look at each ISP in a given metropolis. What’s our method? We begin by researching the pricing, availability and pace data, drawing on our personal historic ISP knowledge, the supplier websites and mapping data from the Federal Communications Fee at FCC.gov.
It does not finish there: We go to the FCC’s web site to test our knowledge and guarantee we think about each ISP that gives service in an space. We additionally enter native addresses on supplier web sites to search out particular choices for residents. We have a look at sources, together with the American Buyer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Energy, to guage how completely happy prospects are with an ISP’s service. As ISP plans and costs are topic to frequent adjustments, all data supplied is correct as of publication.
As soon as now we have this localized data, we ask three essential questions:
- Does the supplier supply entry to fairly quick web speeds?
- Do prospects get first rate worth for what they’re paying?
- Are prospects proud of their service?
The reply to these questions is usually layered and complicated, however the suppliers who come closest to “sure” on all three are those we suggest.
To discover our course of in additional depth, go to our how we take a look at ISPs web page.
How to decide on a satellite tv for pc web supplier
Discovering the proper ISP to your family will not be straightforward. That is very true should you stay in an underserved portion of the US. We suggest rigorously contemplating your family’s actions so you may higher decide the obtain and add speeds obligatory to fulfill your wants. With that data, you may higher deal with plan pricing that may suit your finances and broadband calls for.
Discovering the proper web plan to your family does not should be difficult; take a look at CNET’s 10 suggestions that will help you get probably the most out of your web service.
What’s subsequent for satellite tv for pc web suppliers?
Keep tuned for the newest developments with Starlink because it continues to exceed expectations for satellite tv for pc web and outpaces the likes of Hughesnet and Viasat. In 2024, SpaceX rolled out the Starlink Mini, a satellite tv for pc dish greatest suited to prospects on the go. This product is an all-in-one mini satellite tv for pc dish and router. Musk carried out a pace take a look at that confirmed obtain speeds of as much as 100Mbps and 11.5Mbps in uploads for the Starlink Mini, which is fairly quick for a cell satellite tv for pc web connection. Lowering latency for patrons nationwide has additionally been an enormous focus for Starlink, permitting for higher videoconferencing, gaming and stay streaming — duties beforehand tough with slower speeds from competing satellite tv for pc web suppliers.
In accordance with Ookla’s H1 2025 pace take a look at report, Starlink’s median obtain pace within the US hit 104.71Mbps, almost double from 53.95Mbps in Q3 2022. Median add speeds additionally elevated to 14.84 Mbps, and latency improved to 45 ms. Whereas solely 17.4% of Starlink customers nationwide hit the FCC’s minimal broadband customary of 100/20Mbps (primarily resulting from decrease add speeds), this nonetheless performs higher different satellite tv for pc suppliers mixed, which ship these speeds to only 15.75% of customers. Ookla’s report exhibits that Starlink’s efficiency enhancements are making it an more and more sensible broadband possibility. (Ookla is owned by the identical mum or dad firm as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
It also needs to be talked about that additional satellite tv for pc web competitors will quickly come from one other multibillionaire, Jeff Bezos, as Amazon’s Venture Kuiper plans to enter the sphere. Whereas nowhere close to Starlink but, Venture Kuiper’s first rocket launch passed off in late April, and the service is predicted to be accessible for residential use within the latter half of 2025.
Improvements from low-Earth-orbit satellites can be only one piece of the puzzle of higher delivering the web to the tens of millions of households nonetheless unable to discover a dependable broadband supply. We’ll hold this put up up to date as your choices (hopefully) enhance.
Are there any various connection sorts apart from satellite tv for pc web?
Sure. Many broadband connection choices might supply sooner (and probably cheaper) service than satellite tv for pc web.
Cable
Cable web offers connection via the identical cables (typically a hybrid fiber and copper line) that suppliers use to supply TV companies. It is extra dependable than satellite tv for pc web and gives sooner obtain speeds. More often than not, cable web is bundled with TV to lure shoppers into shopping for higher-priced packages. Corporations like Cox, Spectrum and Xfinity supply cable web.
DSL
DSL, or digital subscriber line, makes use of phone strains to attach customers. Corporations like AT&T, CenturyLink and Frontier supply DSL Web. The excellent news is these copper strains are prevalent throughout the nation. The not-so-good information is that obtain speeds usually fall in need of what cable web gives and normally fall in need of FCC broadband requirements. In some instances, your speeds may even be slower than satellite tv for pc web.
Fastened wi-fi/5G house web
5G house web and stuck wi-fi go hand-in-hand: 5G house web companies are mounted wi-fi web companies. Not all mounted wi-fi companies are 5G house web choices. Are you confused but? Fastened wi-fi service means the connection between your supplier and your property will not be wired. That mounted wi-fi connection can come by way of mobile networks (together with 3G, 4G, 4G LTE and 5G) and by satellite tv for pc. Fastened wi-fi networks are typically slower and extra laggy than wired connections. The promise of 5G house web — from Starry, T-Cellular 5G Dwelling Web and Verizon 5G Dwelling Web — is speeds that examine favorably to cable connections.
Fiber
Fiber web is the gold customary of the broadband world. Sometimes called “future proof,” fiber web gives a few of the quickest plans accessible and options symmetrical obtain and add speeds. It is extra dependable than cable and is much less susceptible to being affected by peak utilization occasions or congestion. The one downside is the expense and problem of making a fiber community: rural prospects should not prone to get fiber put in of their houses, as most fiber web suppliers focus their efforts round main cities. Corporations like AT&T, Google Fiber and Verizon Fios supply fiber-optic web. To seek out out extra about this connection, learn our fiber connectivity explainer.
Cellular hotspots
Cellular hotspots additionally use mobile networks, just like mounted wi-fi web, however they don’t seem to be “mounted.” You should utilize a hotspot at a number of places they usually aren’t depending on your property handle.
Regardless of the wide selection of choices accessible, every connection sort varies when it comes to availability, pricing and speeds. Ensure to analysis and examine the completely different choices to make sure you select the one which greatest meets your wants and finances.
Satellite tv for pc web FAQs
Satellite tv for pc web is a fairly dependable web connection possibility for rural or much less urbanized areas. It might include slower speeds than cable and fiber web suppliers, but it surely doesn’t depend on underground wiring like different connection sorts, which makes it accessible to extra places. On the flip facet, dangerous climate could cause outages or spotty connections to a better diploma than different modes of broadband.
When you stay in a distant or rural location, satellite tv for pc web could also be your greatest (and probably solely) possibility for connection. It’s the one sort of broadband accessible to individuals within the rural areas of all 50 states, making it a stable possibility when different varieties of connectivity are unavailable.
The value of satellite tv for pc web can fluctuate primarily based in your location. When you’re in an space the place suppliers are nonetheless creating, the worth may be increased for connectivity. For Hughesnet, Viasat and Starlink, costs vary from $50 to $2,150. In some instances, like Starlink, the month-to-month worth may also fluctuate primarily based on whether or not you are in a high-demand or low-demand space. We suggest inputting your handle on numerous suppliers’ web sites to find out which is able to give you one of the best worth at your location.
It depends upon your web supplier and your plan. Starlink boasts the quickest speeds out of Hughesnet and Viasat. Nonetheless, even with speeds topping out at 350Mbps, it is nonetheless no match to what cable or fiber gives. Fiber ISPs like Ziply Fiber and AT&T supply multi-gig plans that attain as much as 10 and 5 gigabits, respectively. Most cable suppliers like Spectrum and Xfinity supply gigabit plans. At current, satellite tv for pc connections do not match these speeds. As well as, cable and fiber are much more dependable than satellite tv for pc.
Probably, sure. When you’re a present consumer of Starlink web service, you are experiencing a broadband reference to increased most obtain and add speeds than Viasat (350Mbps/25Mbps in contrast with 150Mbps/3Mbps). Starlink additionally has decrease latency than Viasat (25 to 60ms versus 450 to 700ms), making gaming and different on-line actions that require quick response occasions far more possible on Starlink than Viasat. Latency is predicted to be decrease within the close to future as the corporate goals to scale back latency to a steady 20ms.
Starlink additionally eliminated its waitlist all through the nation, as proven in its protection map. Potential prospects can now entry their merchandise with out ready a number of months to obtain their orders.
Pricing will rely in your chosen plan and handle, however Viasat is cheaper than Starlink. Viasat prospects can anticipate to pay wherever between $100 to $150 month-to-month versus $140 to $1,500 (Precedence) and $150 to $5,000 (Cellular) at Starlink. Suppose you are in a rural or underserved space with few choices for web connectivity. In that case, Viasat can get you related and could also be a less expensive various, whereas Starlink could possibly be an possibility down the highway.
Technically, Hughesnet and Viasat don’t. Every claims to supply “limitless knowledge” as a result of neither expenses overage charges, however every has a set knowledge restrict for its plans. When you hit that knowledge restrict earlier than your month-to-month billing cycle ends, there will not be financial penalties, however you’ll expertise a lot slower, throttled speeds for the rest of that month. Your knowledge might not be capped, however I’d name that apply a limitation.
Starlink gives really limitless knowledge to its customary customers. That vital benefit over its opponents modified for some prospects in April 2023 when Starlink launched its personal knowledge cap for precedence customers. The restrict is a large 2 terabytes of knowledge monthly (nicely above the info limits of Hughesnet and Viasat), but it surely’s nonetheless a big change from limitless knowledge. You’ll be able to entry extra knowledge should you improve to the Cellular Precedence plan, however that is going to price you wherever between $250 and $5,000 a month.
Sure. Starlink prospects can anticipate obtain speeds from 100Mbps to 350Mbps. CNET’s John Kim examined the service and skilled common obtain speeds of round 78Mbps; Ookla clocked its median obtain pace in early 2023 at 65Mbps. (Ookla is owned by the identical mum or dad firm as CNET, Ziff Davis)
Hughesnet, which depends on satellites in a a lot increased orbit than Starlink makes use of — which suggests knowledge takes somewhat longer to journey forwards and backwards — gives plans with most obtain speeds of 100Mbps. That is not as quick as Viasat’s unleashed plan with speeds of as much as 150Mbps, however each aren’t any match for Starlink.
Though each are satellite tv for pc web service suppliers, Telesat is a Canadian-owned firm, and OneWeb is made for these within the UK. Telesat and OneWeb aren’t choices for US residents.
Since streaming movies requires extra bandwidth, one of the best satellite tv for pc web for streaming should have a excessive sufficient obtain pace to assist the motion. We suggest Starlink for streaming because the most obtain speeds are increased than Hughesnet and Viasat’s.
If you are going to take a look at out a streaming service with a free trial to see how your connection does, make certain to recollect to cancel if it does not work out. A current CNET survey exhibits that 48% of US adults had forgotten and ended up paying for a subscription, in some instances a number of occasions a 12 months.
With gaming, you may desire a supplier with decrease latency. Which means a shorter delay in your knowledge attending to the sport’s server and again — much less lag. Hughesnet and Viasat admit their companies should not nice for gaming, however Starlink boasts of decrease lag (as a result of decrease orbit of its satellites) and says avid gamers can efficiently use its service. CNET’s personal John Kim tried gaming utilizing Starlink’s service and was pleasantly shocked.
Common climate, like sunny, cloudy or wet skies, shouldn’t affect your web. Heavy thunderstorms or snow might trigger interference along with your sign and trigger slower speeds or a brief lack of connection. Even when the climate is ok at your location, it may not be the place the satellite tv for pc is situated. Your web service ought to return to regular as quickly because the climate passes. To be taught extra, learn our information on tips on how to weather-proof your web.
