Satellite Internet Providers

2 providers available · Broadband anywhere in the country — even where cable and fiber will never reach.

Category Overview

About Satellite Internet Providers

Satellite internet delivers broadband through orbiting satellites, making it the only option for many rural, remote and off-grid homes. Modern low-Earth-orbit (LEO) constellations have dramatically improved speeds and latency compared with legacy geostationary systems, so satellite is no longer just a last resort — for some households it is genuinely competitive.

What to look for in a Satellite Internet provider

Six things to compare before you sign up.

  • Latency: LEO satellites (20–60 ms) feel far better than geostationary (500+ ms).
  • Data allowances and what happens when you exceed them.
  • Equipment cost — some providers charge $300+ upfront, others lease.
  • Contract length and early-termination fees.
  • Weather performance and whether you need a clear line of sight to the sky.
  • Portability options if you travel in an RV or live off-grid.
Top Picks

Top Satellite Internet Providers

Ranked by verified customer ratings and real-world performance. Compare speeds, pricing and reviews to find the right satellite internet provider for your home.

HughesNet
Fiber Satellite Wireless TV
3.9
★★★★☆
10 reviews
Viasat
Fiber Satellite Wireless TV
3.4
★★★☆☆
14 reviews

Satellite Internet — Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions we hear most from shoppers comparing satellite internet providers.

How does satellite internet work?
A dish at your home communicates with a satellite in orbit, which relays the signal to a ground station connected to the internet backbone. Latency depends on how high the satellite orbits — LEO satellites are much closer and therefore much faster to respond than geostationary ones.
Is satellite internet good for streaming and gaming?
Streaming works well on modern satellite plans — most handle HD and 4K on one or two screens. Gaming is possible on LEO services thanks to lower latency, but competitive online shooters may still feel a slight delay compared with fiber or cable.
What speeds can satellite internet deliver?
Legacy geostationary providers typically deliver 25–100 Mbps down. LEO providers such as Starlink commonly deliver 50–250 Mbps down with uploads of 10–25 Mbps, and speeds continue to improve as more satellites launch.
Is satellite internet available in rural areas?
Yes — satellite is available virtually anywhere in the continental US with a clear view of the sky. That makes it the go-to option for rural homes, cabins, farms and RVers where cable and fiber infrastructure does not exist.
Does bad weather affect satellite internet?
Heavy rain, snow or thick cloud cover can temporarily reduce speeds or cause brief outages — a phenomenon called "rain fade." LEO systems are generally more resilient than older geostationary dishes, and snow-melt mode on the dish helps in winter.

Can't decide on a Satellite Internet provider?

Use our side-by-side comparison tool to weigh speeds, pricing and verified customer ratings — or read real reviews from people in your area.

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