The cost of residential satellite internet plans falls between $40 - $150 a month in 2026; roaming and business plans may cost more. The exact price depends upon your chosen plan, provider, and how you choose to pay for equipment.
Satellite internet pricing isn’t as complicated as it seems. Similar to other internet connections, the total cost is a sum of service charges, equipment fees, and applicable taxes in your area. Initially, you may have to pay an installation and service activation fee as well.
The main difference between satellite internet and traditional broadband options is the cost of equipment. Since satellite technology is relatively expensive, it is standard to pay a hefty amount upfront to purchase equipment; however, renting/leasing options are often available.
Now let’s do a complete breakdown of the cost, so you don’t encounter any hidden fees on your internet bill.
Satellite Internet Cost at a Glance
We have compared the top satellite internet providers across the U.S. to get clarity about plans and pricing. Here’s an overview of satellite internet services from Hughesnet, Viasat, and Starlink:
| ISPs | Starting Price | Download Speeds | Contract Requirement | How to Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $39.99/mo.1 | Up to 100 Mbps2 | Yes (24 months) | Check Availability |
 | $39.99/mo.3 | Up to 150 Mbps4 | No | Check Availability |
 | $55.00/mo. | Up to 320 Mbps5 | No | Check Availability |
Disclaimer: Prices verified June 2026. Subject to change by the provider.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prices increase by $30.00/mo. in month four. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Updated as of 05/18/26.
- Speeds are "up to," are not guaranteed and will vary by plan and location.
- Speeds vary by plan and location.
Satellite Internet Monthly Cost by Provider
Whether you choose Hughesnet, Viasat, or Starlink, your monthly cost of satellite internet primarily depends on the chosen plan. Entry-level plans from all providers are the cheapest, but they are subject to certain limitations, such as lower speed thresholds and tighter data caps.
Higher-tier or premium plans are pricier, but they offer better speeds and generous data allowances. It all comes down to your speed and data needs, as well as your budget.
It’s important to note that plans, pricing, and promo offers from satellite internet providers may differ by location; moreover, taxes and regulatory fees also vary from area to area.
Hughesnet
Hughesnet’s starter plan costs $39.99 per month, and leasing equipment adds another $14.99 to the monthly bill. If you choose to purchase the equipment for about $350 initially, you won’t have to pay rental fees each month.
Therefore, the monthly cost of Hughesnet’s entry-level internet plan is approximately $40 - $55 per month, excluding taxes and regulatory fees. If you choose the highest-tier satellite internet plan, the monthly cost may reach approximately $100 per month.
The price you get with Hughesnet at the time of signing up lasts for 12 months; after this period, the monthly rate of your plan may increase by $10 or more.
Viasat
Viasat’s pricing is a little trickier; while the starting price is listed as $39.99, it is in fact a promotional price for the first three months only. From the fourth month, the monthly price of the entry-level plan goes up to $69.99, which is a whopping $30 increase.
Satellite internet equipment fees are $15 per month, so for the first three months you’ll be paying about $55 a month (exclusive of taxes and regulatory fees). Once the promotional price expires, the monthly bill adds up to nearly $85 per month (plus taxes and regulatory fees). Alternatively, you can pay $299 altogether for a lifetime lease to avoid paying a rental fee each month.
The provider’s premium plan, also known as “Viasat Unleashed,” costs around $99.99 per month (without equipment and taxes) after the promotional period is over; hence, your internet bill will exceed $100 a month.
Starlink
Starlink offers the most straightforward pricing among its competitors, even though the starting price of $55 per month may seem relatively steep. However, it’s worth mentioning that the slightly higher cost does offer a lot more value in terms of performance.
Customers are required to purchase the equipment upfront, which costs nearly $350. However, an equipment rental option for $10 per month is available in select areas. The benefit of buying equipment at the beginning is that you don’t have to pay any rental fees each month.
Therefore, if you subscribe to the entry-level plan, you’ll end up paying between $55 - $65 per month (exclusive of taxes and regulatory fees). The highest-tier residential internet plan is priced at $130 per month (excluding equipment fees and taxes), bringing your internet bill closer to $150.
Comparison of Installation, Equipment, and Other Hidden Costs
The internet bill usually turns out to be significantly higher than the advertised cost of an internet plan. This happens because the price of your internet plan is usually exclusive of many initial and ongoing costs, which are referred to as additional or hidden fees.
Here’s an overview of miscellaneous costs associated with Hughesnet, Viasat, and Starlink residential internet plans:
| ISPs | Equipment Charges | Installation & Activation Fee | Early Termination Fees (ETFs) | Data Overage Fees/Throttling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14.99/mo. or $349.98 (one-time purchase) | $99–$199.99 | $400 for cancelling service within the first 90 days; $15/month till the end of the contract term after 90 days. | No overage fees; speeds are reduced to 1-3 Mbps after you consume “Priority Data” |
| $15.00/mo. or $299 (lifetime lease) | $0 - $300 | $15 for every month remaining on the contract | No overage fees; slower speeds after exceeding high-speed data limit |
| $349 (one-time purchase) or $10/mo. | Self-install (no charges) | Not applicable (month-to-month plans) | No overage fees; slower speeds during peak hours |
Key Takeaways
- No matter which internet provider you pick, equipment charges apply; you can either purchase the equipment upfront or pay a rental/leasing fee every month.
- Both Viasat and Hughesnet charge a professional installation/setup fee, but in the case of Viasat, the charges might be waived off as part of a promotion.
- Starlink offers portable equipment that customers can set up on their own, so you don’t have to pay professional installation charges.
- Hughesnet requires customers to complete a 24-month term; early termination fees apply if you cancel before the end of the contract.
- Viasat’s contract term varies by the chosen plan; Viasat Unleashed offers a month-to-month service term, so an ETF doesn’t apply.
- None of the satellite internet providers mentioned above impose ETFs, but users subscribed to entry-level plans are likely to encounter throttling (an invisible cost of consuming your data limit before the end of the billing cycle).
- Speeds are reduced after depletion of the prioritized/high-speed data limit, especially during times of network congestion.
Total Annual Cost of Satellite Internet (12-Month Comparison)
The average monthly cost of an internet plan can be ambiguous when you’re considering the total cost of ownership (TOC) for a satellite internet service. The breakdown of internet bills in the first year (12 months) gives you the bigger picture:
| ISPs | Average Monthly Price of a Plan | Equipment Charges | Installation & Activation Fee | Estimated TOC for the first 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39.99 - $64.99 (For 12 months) | $14.99/mo. or $349.98 (one-time purchase) | $99–$199.99 | $759 - $1159 |
| $39.99 – 69.99/mo. (for first 3 months); $69.99 – 99.99/mo. (for the remaining 9 months) | $15.00/mo. or $299 (lifetime lease) | $0 - $300 | $930 - $1709 |
| $55 - $130/mo. | $349 (one-time purchase) or $10/mo. | Self-install (no charges) | $780 - $1909 |
Disclaimer: Prices verified June 2026. Subject to change by the provider. TOCs do not include taxes and other regulatory fees, which vary by location.
Why Does Satellite Internet Cost More Than Cable or Fiber?
How to Reduce the Cost of Satellite Internet
Satellite internet is pricier compared to traditional broadband services, which is why it is usually approached as a last resort. However, if satellite-based service is the only internet option in your area, these tips can help you lower the cost to a certain extent:
- If you intend to use satellite internet service for a long time (a few years or more), consider purchasing the equipment instead of leasing/renting; buying entails a one-time investment, which is cheaper in the long run.
- In case you want to use satellite internet service temporarily, stick to contract-less plans; you can pay month-to-month and avoid potential ETFs.
- Choose an entry-level plan and manage data usage accordingly; reserve high-speed data for priority applications, disable background data consumption, lower streaming quality, etc.
- Take advantage of promo offers to reduce the monthly cost of a plan for a while or obtain other perks like free professional installation.
- Get financial assistance from a government subsidy like Lifeline, which will partially cover your internet bill each month.
Is Satellite Internet Worth the Cost?
Satellite internet is worth the cost if you live in a rural or remote area that lacks access to other broadband options. It keeps you connected where others don’t, so you’re not disconnected from the rest of the world indefinitely.
Satellite internet can offer decent speeds to easily carry out most online activities. It is a useful resource for rural families and individuals who want to work remotely from a secluded area.
FAQs
What is the average cost of satellite internet per month?
The average cost of satellite internet is around $95 per month in 2026.
Is satellite internet expensive?
How much does Starlink cost per month?
Starlink residential internet plans price range is between $55 - $130 per month in 2026.
Is Hughesnet cheaper than Viasat?
Although the starting price of both services is similar, Hughesnet is cheaper in the long run. Viasat prices increase significantly after a three-month promo period.
Does satellite internet have a monthly fee?
Yes, all satellite internet plans are subject to a monthly fee, as with other broadband subscriptions.
What is the cheapest satellite internet option?
Hughesnet is the cheapest satellite internet option in 2026.
