AndreyPopov/iStockphoto satellite internet is rapidly spreading. If you live in rural areas, you may consider it as a cable, optical fiber, DSL or other alternatives that are not suitable for your choice. Fortunately, several satellite Internet providers can provide you with reliable connections. Why do you trust us?
We evaluated 22 companies according to their planning functions, connection speed, usability, customer service reputation and data privacy services, so as to help you find the best Internet service provider. We weighed various factors in each category to create our fair star rating system. The company that offers the most choices, convenience and the best speed at the lowest price gets the highest score. Read our complete method below.
22 companies reviewed 2,134 data points analyzed 97 features we considered 49 primary data sources usedOur choice
EarthLink: the most affordable
HughesNet 2: most suitable for national use.
Viasat 4: Best for bundled services
EarthLink: Best for Affordable Satellite Internet
EarthLink star rating: 4.4 (out of 5)Price: .95 to .95
Speed: up to 100 Mbps
Upper limit of data: Yes
Why do we choose EarthLink?
EarthLink provides a fixed fee pricing structure, which makes it easy for you to budget for Internet services. Compared with the cost of more than 100 dollars per month of other satellite Internet companies, its cost is affordable. Serving 48 states, EarthLink is one of the most extensive satellite Internet providers, and prides itself on its network speed of up to 100 Mpbs in rural areas.
However, EarthLink's lower monthly fee is offset by its installation fee and 0 early contract termination fee. The company is not clear about the cost of installing satellite Internet service. Nevertheless, it does claim that "the price of EarthLink satellite Internet helps to balance these initial start-up costs."
Who should use EarthLink?
If you are looking for the best deal on the satellite Internet, EarthLink should be within your consideration. If you live in a country with limited Internet access, EarthLink satellite service may be the right service for you.
A favorable opinion
Easy to track your data usage on the EarthLink app Offers EarthLink Protect, a cybersecurity plan that can help you reduce the risk of viruses and other common online threats EarthLink Guardian makes parental controls easyfraud
Not offered in Alaska or Hawaii Works with other ISPs, so data outages are not in Earthlink’s control Expensive early termination fee of up to $200HughesNet: the most suitable for the whole country.
HughesNet star rating: 4.3 (out of 5)Price: .99 to 4.99
Speed: up to 100 Mbps
Upper data limit: No.
Why did we choose Hughes Nate?
HughesNet is famous for its wide coverage, providing satellite Internet in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. At least in the first year, its plan is relatively affordable. Most HughesNet satellite Internet plans start at only .99 per month, but the price will increase after the first year of the required 24-month contract.
HughesNet provides unlimited data and an incentive to access high-speed data at no extra cost. HughesNet Reward Zone is 50 GB of extra high-speed data provided by the company during off-peak hours (2 am to 8 am local time). We suggest that the download of updates, games, movies or any large files be arranged at the time of the bonus zone.
Who should use HughesNet
If you encounter difficulties in finding satellite Internet companies that provide services for your area, HughesNet's extensive service range is your best choice. Unlike other providers on our list, HughesNet provides satellite Internet services in Alaska and Hawaii.
Anyone who works remotely at night or plays games until the early hours of the morning may consider HughesNet because it provides 50 GB of extra high-speed data for free during off-peak hours.
A favorable opinion
Video Optimizer automatically adjusts data rates when you stream videos to ensure high quality. You get 50 GB of extra data for free between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. Very affordable for the first yearfraud
Requires a 24-month contract Additional cost for more than two devices Expensive termination fees of up to $240Viasat: Best for bundled services
Viasat star rating: 4 points (out of 5)Price: .99 to 9.99
Speed: up to 150 Mbps
Upper data limit: No.
Why do we choose Viasat?
If you live in one of the 12 states where Viasat services are available, you can benefit from its contract-free policy, unlimited high-speed Internet and speeds of up to 150 Mbps. With Viasat, you can customize your plan through various additional functions, such as Viasat Voice (home phone service), Viasat Shield (online security service), EasyCare (extra support), Office Hours (using popular business programs instead of your high-speed data) and DISH TV.
However, the pricing of Viasat is not completely transparent. Although it advertised a low-priced package of .99, the fine print showed that Viasat offered a discount for your Internet package in the first three months. After that, the monthly rate for the rest of your contract will increase-ranging from to 0.
Who should use Viasat?
If you are looking for services bundled with satellite Internet, such as telephone and TV, Viasat may be a reliable choice. This provider's network speed is also slightly faster than other providers, so it may be a good choice for remote workers or extended families.
A favorable opinion
Internet speeds up to 150 Mbps No data overage fees Available in all 50 statesfraud
High-speed data cap limits how much high-speed data you can use Price increase after three months No self-installation optionA list of our selections
Our rating (out of 5) Price Speed Company reputation EarthLink4.4
.95 - .95
Up to 25 Mbps
fair
HughesNet4.3
.99 - 4.99
Up to 100 Mbps
excellent
Viasat4.0
.99 - 9.99
Up to 150 Mbps
okay
What was not selected?
Although Starlink provides unlimited data, no contract and the fastest satellite Internet speed (up to 220 Mbps), it is not selected as the best satellite Internet provider. This is because the equipment costs from 9 to ,500, and the monthly price starts at 0, which is much more expensive than the suppliers on our list. With its roaming plan, you can work remotely from anywhere-domestic or international-for 0 to 0 a month. Starlink is very suitable for travelers, boatmen, truck drivers and travelers. However, if you want to buy affordable home Internet, there is a better choice.
What is satellite internet?
Satellite Internet is a wireless online connection powered by satellites orbiting the earth. Here's what you need to know:
Satellite connection: Your internet service provider (ISP) uses a satellite connection to transmit signals between your user dish, satellites orbiting in space and ground stations. Long-distance transmission: Signals cover vast distances between satellite and ground stations, causing higher latency than terrestrial connections. Rural connectivity: Satellite internet is primarily used in rural or remote areas lacking traditional internet infrastructure. Weather dependency: Weather conditions like heavy rain or snow can affect your connection quality, which interfere with the satellite signal. Data caps and limitations: Many plans impose data caps or bandwidth limits, restricting the amount of data you can consume within a specific period.How to choose a satellite Internet provider?
When you are looking for a satellite Internet company, please keep the following points in mind:
efficiency
Although many satellite internet companies have expanded their coverage in the past few years, it may be more difficult to find coverage if you live in rural areas with limited RV or infrastructure. The good news is that providers like HughesNet provide satellite Internet all over the United States.
Cost and promotion
Determine how much you want to spend on satellite internet every month. Remember that you may have to pay more for satellite Internet than other types of Internet, such as optical fiber or cable.
It's a good idea to look for promotional activities that can make this fee more affordable. EarthLink is the most favorable provider in our list, but even Internet service providers like Viasat and HughesNet can afford it in the first year.
Data distribution
Some satellite Internet companies (such as EarthLink) limit the amount of data you can use, which may be between 40 and 500 GB. If you exceed the data limit, you may incur excess charges or be forced to accept a slower speed until your next billing cycle. If you don't want to worry about the amount of data used, please choose a provider with unlimited data, such as HughesNet or Viasat.
speed
Speed is closely related to the number of devices you use at home. For example, if you only use one device, you may be satisfied with a slower speed than a family running ten devices at the same time. With satellite Internet, you can expect the speed from 25 to 150 Mbps, but the speed provided by ISPs such as Starlink is even faster, reaching 220 Mbps. Satellite Internet may be faster than DSL, but it does have higher delay, which may mean more delay for your connection.
Advantages and disadvantages of satellite internet
Like any type of Internet, satellite Internet has unique advantages and disadvantages. Users will need to weigh the widespread availability of satellite Internet, whether the fast speed in remote areas is worthwhile and the sensitivity to bad weather.
A favorable opinion
Offered in rural areas: Since satellite internet relies on signals that beam from anywhere on Earth, it may be a good option for you, even in rural areas. Fast speeds are available: While satellite internet might not be as fast as fiber internet, you can still enjoy fast speeds of up to 220 Mbps, depending on your chosen plan and provider. Can enjoy unlimited data: Some providers offer unlimited standard data so you can use the internet as much as you want without paying extra fees.fraud
Expensive: Satellite internet plans are usually pricier than cable, fiber or DSL internet plans. Prone to bad weather: Poor weather conditions can cause spotty connections and outages with satellite internet as they weaken satellite signals. Might not support all online activities: Satellite internet may be ineffective for activities like video calls and video games due to lower speeds and higher latency, which means delays in the time it takes to transfer across the network.How to optimize your satellite Internet connection?
Although satellite Internet can't provide perfect connection, you can do something to improve it.
Make sure your dish is as close to your house as possible. Check it regularly to ensure it’s free of damage from weather and other environmental conditions. Place your modem in a well-ventilated area and your router in a central location in your home. It’s also worthwhile to install ad blockers and data compressors on your browser to ensure a smoother, quicker connection. If possible, you should also avoid using your internet during peak times when slower speeds are inevitable.Satellite Internet Alternatives
If you think that satellite Internet is not suitable for your special situation, please consider the following alternatives:
DSL: DSL may come with your telephone line and offer a constant connection, but it isn’t available in remote areas where phone lines don’t reach you. Mobile hotspots: Mobile hotspots are a good option for those without access to a wired internet connection. This type of internet depends on cellular phone networks and can offer fast speeds as long as you live near a cell tower. Fixed wireless: Fixed wireless internet retrieves a signal from a local communication tower and may provide a reliable connection if there’s nothing in the way of your home and the tower. Fiber: Fiber, which may only be an option if you’re in a more urban area, uses fiber-optic cables to deliver lightning-fast speeds. However, its availability is extremely limited.The Future of Satellite Internet
According to a report by Grand View Research, by 2030, the global satellite Internet market is expected to reach .71 billion. For those individuals and enterprises in rural areas who have no other options such as DSL and cable TV, this is a promising choice.
The increase of government subsidies and incentives may increase the adoption of satellite Internet services. It is worth noting that although satellite Internet is developing, supply may increase demand, at least in the next few years.
Additional reporting by Alora Bopray
Methodology
In order to determine the ranking of Internet providers, CNN emphasized that the home editing team analyzed 22 companies, and the star rating of each company was determined by various indicators and subcategories, including:
Planned pricing (30%)
Companies that provide better services at lower prices score the highest. In addition to the monthly plan price, we also consider the hidden terms and expenses, such as the required contract period, professional installation fees, bundled plan options and unlimited data plan options. ISPs that provide customers with the greatest flexibility score higher than those with stricter terms.
Planning function (27%)
Each ISP is rated according to the plan it provides. Companies that provide higher minimum and maximum upload and download speeds and have no upper data limit, TV and streaming media additional services, bundled services and additional functions score the highest.
Customer support (11%)
Each ISP scores according to its customer support services. Internet service providers who positively evaluated applications, live chat and telephone agents, blogs, power outage maps and other customer resources scored the highest.
Technology (10%)
The type of internet connection is also weighed in our score. ISPs that provide more connection types get the highest score, and fiber and cable options get the highest weight. We also considered 5G, fixed wireless and satellite options.
Corporate reputation (9%)
We collated customer comments from Business Improvement Bureau, Trustpilot, Consumer Affairs Department and Google Maps to evaluate the reputation of each Internet service provider among customers. Companies with higher customer ratings scored the highest.
Availability (5%)
Availability is measured statewide. Internet service providers with the most coverage States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico scored the highest.
Data Privacy (5%)
Compared with those ISPs that make data privacy policies difficult to find or quit, those ISPs that make their data privacy policies easy to obtain and provide customers with the most choices score higher.
Editorial judgment (3%)
Our expert editors award extra points to those Internet service providers who have excellent customer service and comments, the most service options and no data limit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I use the satellite network to play online games?
If online games are your first choice, satellite Internet is not the best choice because of its high latency. This may cause frustrating delays for gamers. If there is an optical fiber Internet in your area, it is the best choice for games.
Is the satellite Internet affected by weather conditions?
Weather conditions such as rain and snow will hinder satellite Internet connection. Compared with other types of internet, satellite internet is more sensitive to weather conditions because it sends signals through satellites orbiting the earth (weather may block signals).
How fast can the satellite Internet be?
The speed of satellite Internet is usually between 25 Mbps and 220 Mbps.
Can I install the satellite internet system myself?
Depending on the provider, you may be able to install satellite Internet yourself. Installation usually includes setting up a satellite dish antenna, connecting a modem to the satellite dish antenna, activating a service to a provider, and configuring network settings.
What happens when I reach the upper limit of satellite Internet data?
Once you reach the upper limit of satellite Internet data, you may have to pay an overage fee. You may also have to accept a slower speed. What happens when you reach the data limit will depend on your unique ISP and plan.