Is it possible to find affordable broadband in an area that only has access to satellite internet? While satellite technology is indeed expensive compared to traditional broadband connections, the answer is “yes”.
Let’s be real: a residential internet plan in the U.S. costs about $75 a month on average, which isn’t exactly cheap. Considering that figure, the cheapest satellite internet plans costing under or close to $50 a month are a steal.
Now the question is, where do you find a satellite internet plan that truly falls in that price range? The plans and pricing marketed by internet service providers (ISPs) can be misleading, as the mentioned monthly rates are often exclusive of miscellaneous charges.
We have dug deep into the latest satellite internet pricing models of leading providers to establish transparency and give you the exact breakdown of total costs.
Cheapest Satellite Internet Plans Ranked by Price
| ISP | Cheapest Plan Price | Download Speed | Contract Term | Data Restrictions | How to Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $39.99/mo.1 | Up to 25 Mbps | Yes (24 months) | 100 GB Priority Data cap | Check Availability |
 | $39.99/mo.2 | Up to 50 Mbps | No | 150 GB High-Speed Data Cap | Check Availability |
 | $55.00/mo. | Up to 100 Mbps | No | None (Unlimited Data) | Check Availability |
Disclaimer: Prices verified June 2026. Subject to change by the provider.
1. 1. For 12 months‡
Minimum term required. Early service termination fees apply. Monthly Fee reflects the applied $5 savings for ACH enrollment. Offer may vary by geographic area.
2. Select areas only. Price varies by location.
Total Cost Breakdown (The Number No One Tells You)
Most consumers only focus on the monthly price of an internet plan, which isn’t all-inclusive. Itis common to overlook equipment charges and potential price hikes after a promo period, which are usually mentioned in the fine print.
The total cost of ownership (TCO) for the first year can offer better insights to understand inconsistencies in your internet bills.
| ISP | Average Monthly Cost of Plan | Equipment Charges | Installation & Activation Fee | Estimated TOC for the first 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39.99/mo. (For 12 months) | $14.99/mo. or $349.98 (one-time purchase) | $99–$199.99 | $759 - $1028 |
| $39.99/mo. >(for first 3 months) $69.99/mo. (for the remaining 9 months) | $15.00/mo. | $0 - $300 | $930 - $1230 |
| $55/mo. | $349 (one-time purchase) | Self-Install (no charges) | $1009 |
Disclaimer: Prices verified June 2026. Subject to change by the provider. TOCs do not include taxes and other regulatory fees, which vary by location.
Hughesnet - Cheapest Monthly Rate
If low cost is your priority, Hughesnet’s entry-level plan is the best option for you. Rural residents who essentially need internet for basic connectivity or light internet usage (general browsing, occasional streaming, emails, etc.) can definitely work with this one.
Pricing
The starting price for Hughesnet residential internet is only $39.99 per month, which is comparable to a conventional cable internet plan. The total monthly cost may add up to $55 a month (plus taxes) if you choose to lease equipment rather than purchase it in advance.
Buying your internet equipment by paying the full price initially is more economical in the long run; your monthly cost goes below $50. Also, the first bill will include one-time installation and service activation charges.
What You Get
It’s no secret that the cheapest plans offered by ISPs usually come with limitations. First off, the maximum achievable speed (25 Mbps) is minimal by modern standards, and secondly, the 100 GB priority data cap is far from generous.
If you consume the 100 GB before the end of the billing cycle, you’ll be stuck with significantly slower speeds for the rest of the month. While this may not sound ideal, it doesn’t really concern users who have limited internet usage at home.
The 24-Month Catch
Hughesnet’s satellite internet service binds customers in a 24-month term contract. This means you can only benefit from the low pricing if you’re willing to use the service for the next two years at minimum. This isn’t a bad deal if you’re permanently settled in a rural/remote area, but it can be a problem for temporary residents.
In case you wish to terminate the contract within the first few months or before the term ends, you will be hit by an early termination fee (ETF). Depending on the remaining duration of your contract, you might have to pay as much as $400 to simply cancel the service.
Viasat - Low Entry Price
Viasat is second in line with an identical entry price to Hughesnet, and may offer more in terms of performance and overall value. Viasat’s entry-level plan is yet another budget-friendly option on the surface, but it’s not all black and white.
Pricing
Viasat is known for its artful promo offers, and that’s exactly the case with the low starting price. While the $39.99/mo. price tag seems pretty good for up to 50 Mbps download speed and a 150 GB high-speed data allowance; it’s only applicable for three months. Not to mention, equipment rental adds another $15 to your monthly bill.
What Happens After Month 3
After three months, the promotional price ($39.99/mo.) is no longer valid, so you should expect a significant price hike in the next bill. The standard price of $69.99/mo. will be applicable from the fourth month, which is $30 extra (nearly a 75% price increase).
If you add the standard price, equipment rental fee, and area-based taxes, your monthly internet expense may exceed $85 per month. Households on a tight budget may not find this agreeable or economical in the long run.
Starlink - No Longer the Budget Option, But Worth It?
Starlink is the top-rated satellite internet provider in the U.S. right now, given its wide footprint and unmatched performance. It operates on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites rather than traditional Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, which enables higher speeds and lower latency.
Starlink’s entry-level plan is clearly the pricier option on the list, so now the question is whether it’s worth the extra bucks?
Current Pricing
Starlink Residential starts at $55 per month, which is reasonable considering the average monthly cost of home internet across the U.S. However, one thing to keep in mind is that customers are supposed to purchase equipment, which means a substantial investment at the time of signing up ($349).
On the bright side, there are no contracts or data caps, which offer a lot more flexibility compared to the other options. While the upfront cost may seem like a caveat, it is beneficial in the long run as you won’t be paying rental charges each month.
What Happened to the $40 Plan?
Starlink launched its entry-level plan for $40 per month in November 2025 (for select areas), but the offer didn’t last long. It was discontinued in December 2025, which is linked to Starlink’s rapidly growing popularity.
The low-cost plan was introduced in areas that had high demand for the service, but was retracted once the network reached full capacity.
What Does "Cheap Satellite Internet" Actually Get You?
In view of the entry-level plans from leading satellite internet providers like Hughesnet, Viasat, and Starlink, it’s apparent that the cheapest options are subject to certain limitations. Most of the time, sticking to a tight budget means settling for slower speeds and stricter data limits.
Here’s what you can expect from a cheap satellite internet plan:
- Download speeds between 10 – 50 Mbps on average; upload speeds are much lower
- High-speed data caps between 100 – 200 GB; speeds get significantly slower after exhausting the limit
- High latency (600ms+); not ideal for real-time applications like online gaming and video calling
- Low to moderate reliability; satellite internet signals are susceptible to interference from weather and physical objects
Starlink’s entry-level plan is an exception, given that it offers low-latency internet (20 – 60ms) with download speeds up to 100 Mbps; additionally, it doesn’t impose any harsh data caps either. Despite being the slightly pricier option, it offers much more flexibility and value.
How to Get the Best Deal on Satellite Internet
When satellite internet is the only choice of broadband in your neighborhood, the money-saving options are equally limited. However, you can score the best deal for yourself with the following strategies:
1. Compare Deals from All Providers in Your Area
Satellite internet providers have extensive coverage, if not nationwide. Therefore, it’s likely that your area is served by multiple providers. You must compare standalone plans, bundle deals, and promos from all available options to determine who offers the greatest value.
2. Purchase Your Equipment
Satellite internet technology is expensive, which is why the equipment doesn’t come cheap. Many users choose to rent/lease equipment, so they can pay a small amount each month instead of bearing the full cost at once. Unfortunately, renting is more expensive in the long run, which is why a one-time purchase is recommended.
P.S. Some ISPs like Starlink allow users to sale/buy used equipment; purchasing a second-hand satellite dish from an ex-customer might help you secure a handsome discount.
3. Go For No-Contract Plans
Some satellite internet providers require customers to complete a contract term (1-2 years) to avail a good price. Contracts are usually risky unless you’re a permanent resident at your current address and you don’t mind committing to a service. No-contract plans give you the freedom to cancel or terminate service at your convenience; ETFs don’t apply.
4. Ask for a Retention Discount
In case you’re already subscribed to a satellite internet service but you’re troubled by a recent price hike, negotiating with your current provider could be worth a try. Contact your provider to ask them about any ongoing promotions or options to lower your internet bill. ISPs are often willing to offer some leverage to retain customers.
5. Check Low-Income Plans
Many ISPs offer exclusive low-cost plans for low-income households. If you were previously eligible for ACP benefits, you are likely to qualify for a low-income plan. Enrollment in a federal assistance program like Lifeline can get you a discount of up to $34.25.
FAQs
Which is the cheapest satellite internet service?
Hughesnet offers the cheapest entry-level satellite internet plan at $39.99 per month; this price is valid up to 12 months. Viasat’s entry-level plan can be obtained at the same price as part of a promo deal, but it increases to $69.99 per month after three months.
Does satellite internet have any hidden fees?
Similar to other broadband services, the advertised price of a satellite internet plan is often exclusive of equipment fees, taxes, and other regulatory charges that vary by location.
Does Hughesnet or Viasat offer any discount for low-income users?
Hughesnet or Viasat does not have any plan exclusive to low-income users, but you can get a discount by qualifying for Lifeline benefits.
How to get free or cheap internet from Starlink?
Users who have a Starlink satellite dish can get Starlink Standby Mode internet for as low as $5 per month. However, the speed on this plan is around 0.5 Mbps, which is comparable to the speeds of obsolete dial-up internet.