The Quick Answer: Is HughesNet or Starlink Better?
Starlink is quickly changing the game for satellite internet by offering download speeds ranging from 100 to 200 Mbps and latency similar to DSL and cable internet. The only downside is its limited availability. Starlink expects to be available to most U.S. households in late 2022 or early 2023.
HughesNet is a better option if you need to stick to a budget and you mainly use the internet for paying bills, shopping, or occasional streaming. HughesNet data caps make it difficult to binge your favorite show every night.
HughesNet vs. Starlink: Price and Contracts
Provider | HughesNet | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
Price | Starting at $49.99 per month | $99 per month |
Contract | 24 months | No contract |
| More info |
HughesNet appears to be the cheaper provider until you realize what exactly you get with HughesNet compared to Starlink. HughesNet’s prices start at half of Starlink’s — $49.99 per month — but include low data caps, equipment fees, and a long contract. The starting price for HughesNet is closer to $60 per month when you add the equipment fee, but you’ll have a 10 GB data cap at that price.
Starlink’s monthly rate is easier to digest when you realize it is the first true no-contract satellite internet plan, and it includes unlimited data.
Starlink has extremely high one-time fees though. Its equipment alone costs $499, plus $50 for shipping. There isn’t an option to rent Starlink’s hardware, but we expect this to change once the service is officially launched and more widely available.
Our pick for price: Starlink
HughesNet vs. Starlink: Speeds
Provider | HughesNet | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
Speeds | Up to 25 Mbps | Up to 200 Mbps |
| More info |
There is no question which provider is faster. Starlink uses low-Earth-orbit satellites, which allows it to deliver faster speeds with lower latency. Starlink expects most users to see average download speeds between 100 and 200 Mbps and latency as low as 25 milliseconds.
HughesNet offers download speeds of up to 25 Mbps. If you live alone or with one other person and mainly use the internet to stream, pay bills, or connect with family, 25 Mbps will suffice. Most households, however, need speeds closer to 100 Mbps — making Starlink the better choice.
Our pick for speed:Starlink
HughesNet vs. Starlink: Data Allowance
Provider | HughesNet | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
Data | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Speeds throttled after | Plan’s data limit | N/A |
| More info |
Each HughesNet plan comes with a soft data cap. If you exceed your cap, HughesNet reduces your download speeds to 1 to 3 Mbps. Fortunately, HughesNet offers a Bonus Zone, which allows an extra 50 GB of data per month between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m.
There’s no need to worry about data caps or staying up late for extra data with Starlink since it offers unlimited data with no strings attached.
Our pick for data: Starlink
HughesNet vs. Starlink: Equipment and Installation
Provider | HughesNet | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
Equipment | Monthly lease: $9.99 Purchase: $349.98 | $499 |
Installation | Free standard installation for new subscribers | Free self-installation |
| More info |
As trailblazing as Starlink’s service is, the equipment price is the highest we’ve seen for any residential internet service. Starlink has yet to say whether there will be a payment option to help break up the big price tag. As of now, you’ll pay a $99 deposit up front and the remainder in full on your first month’s bill.
HughesNet gives you the option to lease or purchase its hardware, making it manageable if you’re on a tight budget. Even if you decide to purchase HughesNet’s equipment, you’d still save at least $150 compared to Starlink’s equipment price.
Installation is free with both providers, but only HughesNet offers free professional installation. Starlink’s installation is free because it’s intended for consumers to do it themselves. Once you receive your equipment, you’ll set it up using the installation guide in the Starlink customer portal. Download the Starlink app (available for iPhone and Android), which can help you determine the best location to install your receiver.
Our pick for equipment and installation: HughesNet
The Verdict: HughesNet or Starlink?
It’s still in the beta testing phase, but we recommend signing up for Starlink over HughesNet. Most satellite internet customers pay close to $100 per month — if not more — for speeds a fraction of what Starlink offers.
The only holdup is that Starlink fills orders on a first come, first served basis, and some orders take six months or more to fulfill. Still, the wait is worth it if you need high-speed internet in areas it’s not normally available. Starlink is the only satellite internet provider that offers speeds up to 200 Mbps without requiring a contract or enforcing data caps.