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Compare speeds, pricing, coverage, and features to find the best provider for your needs.
HughesNet and Windstream are two of the most searched internet providers in the United States. Below, we compare their plans, pricing, speeds, coverage, and customer satisfaction to help you choose the best option for your home internet needs.
Quick Answer
HughesNet and Windstream both offer internet service, but they differ in coverage, speeds, and pricing. HughesNet serves 29,198 areas while Windstream covers 3,156 areas. Compare plans below to find the best fit for your location.
HughesNet is a geostationary satellite internet provider available across all 50 U.S. states, offering speeds up to 100 Mbps for rural and remote areas. Windstream (Kinetic) is a regional fiber and DSL internet provider serving 18 states, offering speeds up to 2 Gbps with no data caps.
| Feature | HughesNet | Windstream |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 100 Mbps | 2 Gbps |
| Starting Price | $50/mo | $40/mo |
| Technology | Geostationary Satellite | Fiber (Kinetic), DSL |
| Contracts | Yes | No |
| Feature | HughesNet | Windstream | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 100 Mbps | Varies | HughesNet Wins |
| Starting Price | $50/mo | Contact for pricing | HughesNet Wins |
| Coverage (ZIP Codes) |
Choose HughesNet if raw speed is your priority (up to 100 Mbps). Choose HughesNet for a more budget-friendly option (starting at $50/mo). Ultimately, the best provider depends on availability at your address, your speed requirements, and whether you prefer contract or no-contract plans.
Source: FCC Broadband Data Collection, December 2024
Enter your ZIP code to see if HughesNet or Windstream is available
| Data Caps |
| Yes |
| No |
| 29,198 |
| 3,156 |
| HughesNet Wins |
| Primary Technology | Satellite | Various | Depends on needs |
| Contract Required | Yes | No | Windstream Wins |
| Data Cap | 100 GB | Varies | Tie |