Rise Broadband
Internet service provider
Viasat
High-speed satellite internet
Rise Broadband vs Viasat
Quick Answer
Viasat is better than Rise Broadband for most users in 2026. Viasat reaches up to 150 Mbps from $70/mo, compared to Varies from Contact for pricing on Rise Broadband — significantly more headroom for streaming, gaming, and multi-device households.
Compare speeds, pricing, coverage, and features to find the best provider for your needs.
Rise Broadband and Viasat 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
Viasat wins the Rise Broadband vs Viasat comparison in 2026. Rise Broadband offers Various internet starting at Contact for pricing/mo with speeds up to Varies (no contract). Viasat offers Satellite internet starting at $70/mo/mo with speeds up to 150 Mbps (contract required). The price difference is $929/mo at entry level. The faster provider reaches 150 Mbps vs Varies.
Rise Broadband vs Viasat: Key Findings
- Viasat is faster with speeds up to 150 Mbps vs Varies
- Viasat is more affordable starting at $70/mo vs Contact for pricing
- Viasat has wider coverage: 26,093 vs 3,488 ZIP codes
- Technology: Rise Broadband uses Various, Viasat uses Satellite
- Data caps: Rise Broadband has a Varies cap; Viasat has a Varies by plan cap
- Overall winner: Viasat (3 of 5 categories)
How Rise Broadband and Viasat Compare
Rise Broadband and Viasat are both major internet service providers, but they take different approaches to delivering broadband. Rise Broadband primarily uses various technology, while Viasat relies on satellite. This fundamental difference affects speed consistency, latency, and upload performance.
On raw speed, Viasat leads with a maximum of 150 Mbps compared to Rise Broadband's Varies. However, the fastest plan isn't always the best value — consider whether you actually need speeds above 500 Mbps for your household. For most households of 2-4 people, a plan in the 200-500 Mbps range handles HD streaming, video calls, and general browsing with room to spare.
From a cost perspective, Viasat has the edge with plans starting at $70/mo versus Contact for pricing. Rise Broadband stands out here by not requiring a contract, while Viasat does require one. Both providers impose data caps (Varies for Rise Broadband, Varies by plan for Viasat), so heavy users should factor in potential overage charges.
Quick Verdict
Viasat
- Faster speeds (150 Mbps)
- Lower starting price ($70/mo)
- Wider coverage (26,093 ZIPs)
Rise Broadband
- No contract required
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Rise Broadband | Viasat | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | Varies | 150 Mbps | Viasat Wins |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $70/mo | Viasat Wins |
| Coverage (ZIP Codes) | 3,488 | 26,093 | Viasat Wins |
| Primary Technology | Various | Satellite | Depends on needs |
| Contract Required | No | Yes | Rise Broadband Wins |
| Data Cap | Varies | Varies by plan | Tie |
Pros & Cons
Rise Broadband
Pros
- No contract required
Cons
- Slower than Viasat
- More expensive starting price
- Less coverage than Viasat
- Has data cap (Varies)
Viasat
Pros
- Faster max speeds (150 Mbps)
- Lower starting price ($70/mo)
- Wider coverage (26,093 ZIP codes)
Cons
- Contract required
- Has data cap (Varies by plan)
Which Provider Should You Choose?
Choose Rise Broadband if:
- You don't want to commit to a contract
- Rise Broadband is available at your address
Choose Viasat if:
- You need the fastest speeds available
- You want the lowest starting price
- Viasat is available at your address
The Bottom Line
Choose Viasat if raw speed is your priority (up to 150 Mbps). Choose Viasat for a more budget-friendly option (starting at $70/mo). Ultimately, the best provider depends on availability at your address, your speed requirements, and whether you prefer no-contract or contract plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, Rise Broadband or Viasat?
Which is cheaper, Rise Broadband or Viasat?
Do Rise Broadband and Viasat have data caps?
Do Rise Broadband or Viasat require a contract?
Which has better coverage, Rise Broadband or Viasat?
Is Rise Broadband or Viasat faster?
Is Rise Broadband cheaper than Viasat?
Which is better, Rise Broadband or Viasat?
Can I get Rise Broadband and Viasat at the same address?
Should I choose Rise Broadband or Viasat?
Sources & Methodology
This Rise Broadband vs Viasat comparison uses pricing, speed, and coverage data from FCC Broadband Data Collection filings, provider-published broadband nutrition labels, and Ookla speed test measurements. Plans and pricing are verified against each provider's current public offerings. Pricing, speeds, and availability are verified against provider broadband nutrition labels and may vary by location. For a detailed explanation of our data collection and scoring process, see our methodology page.
Data Sources
Last verified: April 2026. InternetProviders.ai is an independent resource. We may earn commissions from partner links — this does not affect our editorial recommendations. See our methodology for details.
Source: FCC Broadband Data Collection, December 2024
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