Which is faster, Fiber or Satellite internet?

Fiber has a maximum speed of 10 Gbps while Satellite offers up to 500 Mbps. Typical speeds are 300 Mbps - 2 Gbps for Fiber and 25-150 Mbps for Satellite.

Which is more reliable, Fiber or Satellite?

Fiber reliability is rated Excellent while Satellite is rated Fair (weather affected). Fiber has latency of 1-10 ms compared to Satellite's 20-600 ms.

Is Fiber or Satellite internet cheaper?

Fiber internet typically costs $50-$180/mo per month, while Satellite ranges from $50-$200/mo. Availability and promotional pricing vary by location.

Should I get Fiber or Satellite internet?

Fiber is dramatically faster with virtually no latency, but satellite is available everywhere. Fiber is available to about Growing 40% of US of the US, while Satellite reaches Everywhere 100%.

Technology Comparison

Fiber vs Satellite Internet

Fiber is dramatically faster with virtually no latency, but satellite is available everywhere.

Last updated:

Quick Answer

Fiber is dramatically faster with virtually no latency, but satellite is available everywhere. Fiber offers speeds up to 10 Gbps with 1-10 ms latency, while Satellite reaches 500 Mbps with 20-600 ms latency.

⚡

Fiber Optic Internet

Max Speed: 10 Gbps

🛰️

Satellite Internet

Max Speed: 500 Mbps

Performance Comparison

Max Speed10 Gbps vs 500 Mbps

Fiber

Satellite

Latency (Lower is Better)1-10 ms vs 20-600 ms

Fiber

Satellite

ReliabilityExcellent vs Fair (weather affected)

Fiber

Satellite

Specification

Fiber

Satellite

Max Speed

10 Gbps

500 Mbps

Typical Speed

300 Mbps - 2 Gbps

25-150 Mbps

Latency

1-10 ms

20-600 ms

Reliability

Excellent

Fair (weather affected)

Availability

Growing (40% of US)

Everywhere (100%)

Installation

Professional required

Price Range

$50-$180/mo

$50-$200/mo

⚡ Fiber

Fiber optic internet uses thin glass or plastic fibers to transmit data as pulses of light. It's the fastest and most reliable type of internet connection available.

Best For:

✓ Gaming
✓ Streaming 4K/8K
✓ Remote work
✓ Large households
✓ Content creators
✓ Smart homes

Limitations:

• Limited availability
• May require new installation
• Higher upfront cost in some areas

Top Providers:

AT&T FiberVerizon FiosGoogle FiberFrontier FiberCenturyLink/Quantum

🛰️ Satellite

Satellite internet beams data from orbiting satellites to a dish at your home. It's available virtually everywhere, making it ideal for rural and remote areas.