Best for: Intensive online usage
Starting price
$55/mo.*
- Max speeds of up to 400 Mbps
- Plug-and-play setup at $0 (in select areas)
- Works on-the-go
- Unlimited data
- LEO satellites
- Typical latency of 25 ms to 75 ms
Best for: Everyday reliability
Starting price
$39.99/mo. (for 12 months‡)
- Max speeds of up to 100 Mbps1
- Equipment fee: $14.99/mo.
- Up to 200 GB Priority data
- Unlimited standard data2
- GEO satellites
- Typical latency of 650 ms
‡$39.99 per month represents a $10 per month savings for 12 months on the Lite plan and reflects the applied $5 savings for ACH enrollment. $5 savings apply as long as ACH enrollment is maintained. Monthly Lease Fee may be additional. Certain geographic areas are not eligible to receive offer. New residential subscribers only. Limited-time offer. Other terms may apply.
1. Each Hughesnet service plan is designed to deliver the download/upload speeds assigned to that specific plan, however, speeds and uninterrupted use are not guaranteed and may vary based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to the number of concurrent network users. Your Hughesnet experience will vary based on your proximity to the Wi-Fi source.
2. Standard Data may be slower than other traffic during high-traffic periods
Starlink offers faster speeds, lower latency, and internet that supports all types of intensive online activities at home, or on the go.
Hughesnet on the other hand, delivers reliable connectivity for basic household needs at affordable starting prices for the first year.
The right choice of provider ultimately comes down to your specific requirements, family size, and number of users. So, let’s dive deeper and find out which among Starlink and Hughesnet is best for your home!
Here’s what you’ll learn about both providers in this comparison guide:
- Starlink vs. Hughesnet - the Technology Difference
- Starlink vs. Hughesnet – Which is Faster?
- Pricing Breakdown
- Data Limits Explained
- Contracts and Flexibility
- Coverage and Availability
- Installation and Setup
- Customer Service
- Who Should Choose Starlink?
- Who Should Choose Hughesnet?
Starlink vs. Hughesnet – How Satellite Technology Impacts Performance
Starlink and Hughesnet are both satellite internet providers with one key factor that differentiates their performance: satellite technology. Starlink uses an LEO satellite, while Hughesnet employs GEO satellites. Let’s understand the difference:
LEO, or low-Earth orbit satellites, are closer to Earth, meaning the distance between the satellites and a receiver on Earth is less, resulting in lower latency. LEO satellites orbit the Earth at less than 2000 kilometers, and compared to GEO (geostationary Earth orbit) satellites that orbit at 36,000 kilometers, this leaves quite a big difference in the distance between your connection on Earth and its source up in space. This distance dictates the time it takes for signals to reach and from the satellite, resulting in higher or lower latency.
So, Starlink is therefore faster, as the network is capable of delivering a much lower latency of around 25 ms to 75 ms, while Hughesnet’s GEO satellites deliver a latency of around 650 ms, resulting in compromised performance for intensive activities like live streaming, multiplayer gaming, and video conferencing.
Our Verdict: Starlink takes the lead due to its LEO satellite technology, which enables the provider to offer a much lower latency, faster speeds, and better network performance!
Starlink vs. Hughesnet – Which is Faster?
Starlink offers faster internet speeds of up to 400 Mbps as compared to Hughesnet’s maximum speeds of up to 100 Mbps. The differences in their speeds are mostly because of the satellite technology they have in place, which means Starlink’s LEO technology helps bring in the faster speeds!
| Max. Download Speeds | Typical Upload Speeds | Latency | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink | Up to 400 Mbps | 15 – 40 Mbps | 25 ms to 75 ms |
| Hughesnet | Up to 100 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 650 ms |
*Speeds are subject to availability and vary by location
Download and Upload Speed Comparison
Starlink upload and download speeds are better suited to large families with multiple users who need the internet for activities such as remote work, online gaming, HD streaming, and content creation. Starlink’s upload speed range of 15-45 Mbps delivers smooth performance for all these activities.
Hughesnet, on the other hand, offers speeds that are a better fit for basic online activities, smaller families who need the internet for basic browsing, surfing, social media usage, and email correspondence. Although Hughesnet’s network does support video calls and file uploads, the performance may not be as smooth as Starlink.
Latency Comparison
As discussed, Starlink and Hughesnet have different satellite technologies that differentiate their performance, mostly in terms of latency. Starlink’s closer-to-earth satellites have a much higher response rate and lower latency compared to Hughesnet’s GEO satellites, which are much farther and have high latency.
Our Verdict: Starlink takes the lead by delivering faster upload and download speeds and considerably lower latency compared to Hughesnet, making it more suitable for heavy online usage!
Hughesnet vs. Starlink – Pricing Breakdown
Starlink plans start from $55/mo. for 100 Mbps and go up to $130/mo. for 400 Mbps, while Hughesnet’s starting price is $39.99/mo. for 25 Mbps, and up to $94.99/mo. for 100 Mbps.
Starlink’s basic tier plan has a slightly higher price but delivers speeds of up to 100 Mbps, which is Hughesnet’s maximum speed. Also, keep in mind that Hughesnet gives you a $25 discount on internet prices if you take the 24-month contract, and prices increase after the first 12 months. So, the Hughesnet prices mentioned are discounted, which means you will be charged an early termination fee if you choose to cancel service within the contract period.
However, if you have basic internet requirement, need a long-term plan at an affordable price, Hughesnet does offer all that!
Here are both providers’ internet plans at a glance:
Starlink Internet Plans and Pricing
| Residential 100 Mbps | Residential 200 Mbps | Residential Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 100 Mbps | Up to 200 Mbps | Up to 400 Mbps |
| Price | $55/mo. | $85/mo. | $130/mo. |
Users on Residential 100 Mbps and Residential 200 Mbps will be limited to download speeds of 100 Mbps and 200 Mbps respectively. Residential 100 Mbps and Residential 200 Mbps plans are only available in select areas. Residential Max users will experience maximum available speeds and top Residential network priority.
Hughesnet Internet Plans and pricing
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lite | Up to 25 Mbps | $39.99/mo.* |
| Select | Up to 50 Mbps | $49.99/mo.* |
| Elite | Up to 100 Mbps | $64.99/mo.* |
| Fusion | Up to 100 Mbps | $94.99/mo.* |
*Promo rate for the first year, then regular rate thereafter. Minimum term required and early service termination fees apply. Monthly fee reflects the applied $5 savings for ACH enrollment. Offer may vary by geographic area. Taxes & fees extra and subj. to change. Restrictions apply.
Equipment Cost
Starlink equipment cost varies from $199 to $349 depending on the type of residential kit and whether you choose a residential or roaming plan. However, in some areas, you can get their plug-and-play equipment at no added cost if you commit to a 12-month contract. You will, however, need to pay a $10/mo. hardware rental if you’re not buying the equipment upfront.
Hughesnet allows you to either purchase equipment upfront for $299 or lease the equipment at $14.99/mo. and get installation for free!
Hidden Costs
Hughesnet gives you the option to lease equipment for $14.99/mo. and waives installation charges, but what is often not communicated is the $99 one-time lease setup fee. On the contrary, if you purchase the equipment for $299, you also have to pay $199.99 for professional installation, which skyrockets the first internet bill!
Moreover, Hughesnet also charges an early termination fee of up to $400 and up to $300 for unreturned equipment in case of a lease.
Starlink charges a one-time shipping and handling fee of $20 fee, however they do not have any hidden charges such as an early-termination fee or administrative costs. However, their taxes and equipment charges vary by location.
Our Verdict: Hughesnet offers a cheaper entry-level plan, but their price increases after 12 months, and the contracts keep you bound. Starlink, on the other hand, offers a more flexible contract and consistent pricing.
Starlink vs. Hughesnet Data Limits Explained
While both Starlink and Hughesnet advertise unlimited data, you might experience temporary throttling if you exceed your priority data. Let’s break down both providers’ data limits and policies:
Starlink Unlimited Data Explained
Starlink offers an unlimited amount of deprioritized data, which means you will not be charged any fee for exceeding the priority data; rather, during peak hours and network congestion, data-intensive activities like HD streaming, live gaming, and video calling may be affected by slower speeds. The limited priority data helps the provider to fairly distribute bandwidth among all users as per the fair usage policy.
Hughesnet Data Caps Explained
Hughesnet, similar to Starlink, has a set priority data of up to 200 GB. Upon exceeding this limit, you will get an average speed of 1 – 3 Mbps until the next billing cycle. However, you will not be charged any extra fee for going beyond your data cap.
Our Verdict: Both Starlink and Hughesnet have soft data caps, limited priority data, but no data overage fees, which means you can use unlimited data; however, you may experience slow speeds during peak hours.
Starlink vs. Hughesnet – Contracts & Flexibility
Starlink offers both month-to-month contract-free plans and a 12-to-24-month contract plan with which you receive the starter kit for free. You can either choose a no-contract plan and pay more for upfront equipment, or get the equipment waived for a longer commitment.
On the other hand, all Hughesnet internet plans come with a 24-month service agreement with a heavy early-termination fee. The bright side is, you get a discounted price for internet for the first 12 months!
Our Verdict: Starlink has a flexible contract compared to Hughesnet and is more suitable for users who move frequently or who do not want to be bound in a longer-term agreement.
Coverage and Availability Comparison
Both Hughesnet and Starlink have satellite internet available across the country in all 50 states. However, the availability of different speeds, plans, and promotions may vary based on your location. You can enter your ZIP code in the search tool below to check which Hughesnet and Starlink plans are available at your address.
Installation and Setup
Starlink offers free installation
roof installation, Starlink will hook you up with a third-party professional, and the fee will vary based on your location.
Hughesnet offers a free standard professional installation with ongoing promotions; however, it costs $99 - $199 depending on the type of work required. Hughesnet technicians arrive at the set appointment, set up the outdoor and indoor equipment, and test your service as part of the installation process.
Customer Service
Starlink and Hughesnet both offer round-the-clock customer support via call or through their online portal. You can get in touch with support staff to help you resolve any network-related issue with convenience. Here are the customer support details for both providers:
| Number | Portal | |
|---|---|---|
| Starlink | 888-467-8275 | Online Help Center |
| Hughesnet | 866-482-1777 | Online Help Center |
Who Should Choose Starlink?
Starlink is the ideal internet provider for users in remote or rural areas who need fast speeds and low latency for heavy usage, multiple users, and smart home systems. With Starlink’s roaming plans, you can stay connected on the go, making it the perfect connection for frequent travelers, Vloggers, remote workers, and campers.
Who Should Not Choose Starlink?
Users who have access to a fiber or cable provider should prioritize those connections over Starlink’s satellite network, as they are more reliable. Moreover, if your family is budget-conscious, Starlink’s upfront equipment cost may not be suitable for you.
Who Should Choose Hughesnet?
Hughesnet is a reliable rural internet option for single users or small families with basic internet usage and permanent homes. The long-term commitment unlocks them a year-long savings, keeps bills predictable, and fulfils their minimal internet usage requirements.
Let’s look at some use-case scenarios to understand which provider is better based on popular internet activities:
Which provider is better for online gaming?
Starlink is the better choice for live action or multiplayer gaming due to its low latency. However, if you’re playing turn-based or casual gaming, Hughesnet would work well too.
Which provider is better for remote work?
For remote work that requires uploading large files, frequent video calls, or using online tools, Starlink would be the ideal choice. However, Hughesnet can easily support basic email correspondence, messages, and team communication efficiently too.
Which provider is better for streaming?
While Hughesnet can support video streaming, you may experience buffering, lag, or compromised video quality due to its higher latency. For smooth and seamless HD streaming, Starlink is surely the better choice.
FAQs
Is Starlink better than Hughesnet?
Yes, Starlink is better than Hughesnet because it offers faster upload and download speeds, lower latency, consistent pricing, and better network performance, perfect for high-speed users in rural or remote areas.
Can you game with Hughesnet?
Yes, you can play turn-based games, mobile games, or single-player games with Hughesnet satellite internet; however, multiplayer online gaming may not be supported efficiently.
What happens when you cancel Hughesnet early?
If you cancel a Hughesnet plan that comes with a 24-month commitment, you will have to pay an early termination fee depending on which month of the contract you cancel in. If you cancel the service within the first 90 days, you will have to pay $400, and if you cancel after 90 days, you will pay $15 for every remaining month.
How much faster is Starlink than Hughesnet?
Starlink offers speeds of up to 400 Mbps while Hughesnet has a maximum speed of 100 Mbps, making Starlink 3 times faster than Hughesnet.