Viasat Internet Review
If you live in a rural area and are shopping for an internet provider, you’ll likely come across Viasat’s satellite internet service. Viasat is one of the most popular internet provider choices for rural households that do not have access to cable or fiber internet. As of 2021, Viasat has amassed over 590K fixed broadband subscribers in the US.
In this article we’ve reviewed and compared Viasat plans, pricing, and speeds with other satellite internet service providers like HughesNet to help you choose the right internet connection and plan for your home.
- Who is Viasat internet for?
- Key considerations
- What others say about Viasat internet
- How does Viasat internet compare to other providers?
Who is Viasat internet for?
Viasat is more popular in rural areas where cable and fiber internet options are unreliable or completely unavailable. So, if you live in a rural area and want access to high speed internet or to replace a slower DSL connection, Viasat offers a wide range of speed options to meet your unique needs. Viasat internet is also one of the top choices for those living the van life.
When comparing satellite internet alternatives like HughesNet or Starlink, Viasat tops them all in terms of coverage and speed. However, satellite internet services do not currently provide the same speeds as that of cable or fiber internet solutions. So, Viasat may not be the right choice if you’re looking for a high-speed internet service for gaming, 4K video streaming, or accessing the internet on multiple devices simultaneously.
Key considerations
If you’re thinking about Viasat internet, you may want to consider the data cap limitation that comes with each plan. The starter internet plan from Viasat costs $69.99/month, offers download speeds of up to 12Mbps, and comes with a data cap of 40GB. Once you cross this data cap, you will still be able to access unlimited data at lower speeds, typically 1 to 5 Mbps.
Upload speed is another aspect you should consider when considering Viasat internet. Currently, Viasat caps the maximum upload speed at 3Mbps for all plans. Based on download and upload speeds, Viasat internet is suitable for basic internet usage like sending emails or browsing social media. With Viasat’s top-tier plan that offers download speeds of up to 30Mbps, you can also get a reliable video streaming experience. However, Viasat is not a recommended option for online multiplayer gaming due to high latency.
Note that Viasat internet plans also require a 24-month minimum contract. However, if you’re looking for a contract-free option, you can choose Viasat’s month-to-month service by paying $500 as an additional fee.*
What others say about Viasat internet
Overall, Viasat internet reviews are mostly positive. The top reviewers recommend Viasat if a customer is in a rural area with no access to wired services.
According to CNET, Viasat is a “decent broadband option” in areas where cable or fiber service is not available. It also offers higher speeds of up to 100Mbps in select locations and more monthly data than its competitor HughesNet.
According to U.S. News, Viasat is a “good satellite-based option” for those living in remote areas and looking for internet and voice connections. However, if DSL, cable, or fiber internet is available in your area, you may want to consider these options for faster speeds and reliable connectivity.
How does Viasat internet compare to other providers?
In the realm of satellite internet providers, Viasat only has two major competitors – HughesNet & Starlink.
Compared to HughesNet, Viasat offers much higher speeds at 100Mbps while HughesNet caps out at 25Mbps. In addition, Viasat plans also come with higher data allowances. For instance, with its top-tier plan, you get a data cap of 300GB, which is sufficient to meet the monthly internet needs of a small household.
When it comes to Starlink, Viasat wins in terms of coverage with availability across all 50 states. Starlink is currently available only to a limited number of households in select cities. Viasat also does not require a high initial fee like that of Starlink. However, Starlink offers faster speeds and very low latency thanks to its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Although the service provider is relatively new with limited customers, half a million subscribers are currently on Starlink’s waiting list to get their internet connection.
*Pricing varies by location and availability. Speeds may vary. All prices subject to change; for current pricing and availability visit our internet service page. Prices as of 2/7/22.
Disclosure | Updater articles are based on our own data and research, independent from partner relationships. We are not compensated by partners for information and opinions presented here. Our Editorial Terms of Service can be found here.
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