Starlink vs HughesNet vs Viasat (2026): Speed, Latency, Price and Contracts Compared
Short answer
Starlink is the fastest and lowest-latency of the three because its satellites orbit about 340 miles up, versus about 22,000 miles for HughesNet and Viasat. That makes video calls and gaming practical. HughesNet has the lowest starting price but a 24-month contract and data limits; Viasat sits in between. For short-term or portable use, only Starlink can be rented and moved easily.
Key takeaways
- Starlink: $55–$130/mo Residential, 100–400 Mbps, about 30–40 ms latency, no contract.
- Viasat: about $39.99–$109.99/mo, 25–150 Mbps, high latency, equipment $15/mo.
- HughesNet: $39.99–$94.99/mo, 25–100 Mbps, 100–200GB priority data, 24-month contract.
- Low-Earth-orbit (Starlink) means latency of tens of milliseconds; geostationary (HughesNet, Viasat) is typically 600 ms or more.
- For trips, events and job sites, rent Starlink rather than signing a satellite contract.
How do Starlink, HughesNet and Viasat compare?
Figures from SatelliteInternet.com’s September 2026 comparison:
| Starlink | Viasat | HughesNet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $55–$130 (Residential); Roam $55–$175 | $39.99–$109.99 (intro pricing) | $39.99–$94.99 (first 12 months) |
| Download speed | 100–400 Mbps | 25–150 Mbps | 25–100 Mbps |
| Data | Unlimited on Residential; Roam 100GB/300GB/unlimited | Mostly unlimited; may slow after 850GB | 100–200GB priority, then throttled |
| Contract | None | None (except Essentials: 24 months) | 24 months, early-termination fees |
| Equipment | $349 or free rental (Mini $149) | $15/month lease | $14.99–$19.99/month lease |
Why is Starlink’s latency so much lower?
Starlink satellites sit in low Earth orbit, around 550 km (340 miles) up, so signals make a short round trip: Starlink lists 30–40 ms for Residential service. HughesNet and Viasat use geostationary satellites about 35,786 km (22,236 miles) away, which typically adds 600 ms or more. That delay makes Zoom calls awkward and online gaming impractical.
Which is cheapest?
On the monthly bill, HughesNet and Viasat start lower, but intro prices rise after 3–12 months, and both charge for equipment leases. Starlink often costs more per month but has no contract, and its 2026 holiday promos cut Residential plans by 30–50% in select areas (see our Starlink Black Friday deals guide).
Our recommendation
Not sure Starlink works at your property? Rent a kit for a week and test it with your real workload, video calls included, before you commit to any satellite contract.
Reserve a Starlink kitAsk us a questionWhich is best for you?
Remote work, video calls, gaming or streaming: Starlink.
Lowest possible bill and light use: HughesNet or Viasat, if you accept the contract and latency.
Temporary or portable needs (events, job sites, cabins, RV trips): Starlink is the only one you can rent and carry. Star Surf rents Starlink kits from $20/day (2-day minimum, or $50 for a single day) or $150/week with unlimited data.
FAQs
Is Starlink better than HughesNet?
For most users, yes: it’s faster, has much lower latency and no contract. HughesNet can be cheaper but has data limits and a 24-month commitment.
Is Starlink better than Viasat?
Starlink is faster and far lower in latency. Viasat offers lower intro prices and mostly unlimited data, but higher latency.
Which satellite internet has no contract?
Starlink has no contract. Viasat has no contract on most plans; HughesNet requires 24 months.
Can you rent satellite internet short-term?
Yes, Starlink. Star Surf rents Starlink Mini and Standard kits from $20/day with unlimited data.
Need Starlink for a few days or a few weeks?
Rent from $20/day. Pick up in American Fork, UT, or have it shipped anywhere in the US in a protective hard case.
Check availabilityMulti-kit & event quotesAbout Star Surf
Star Surf is a Starlink rental company based in American Fork, Utah. We rent Starlink Mini and Standard kits from $20/day (2-day minimum) or $150/week with unlimited data, for pick-up in Utah or shipping anywhere in the US, and supply multi-kit setups for events, job sites and businesses. Check availability.
More guides
Sources
- SatelliteInternet.com: Starlink vs Hughesnet vs Viasat (Sep 2026)
- SatelliteInternet.com: Starlink 2026 holiday promos (Nov 5 2026)
- Star Surf: Starlink rental pricing
Prices, plans and speeds are as reported in our sources (checked November 2026) and change often; check starlink.com before you buy. Starlink® is a trademark of SpaceX. Star Surf is an independent rental company and is not affiliated with Starlink or SpaceX.