Viasat Overall Rating Breakdown

Viasat scores 5.5 overall, slightly above HughesNet due to higher maximum speeds and more generous data allowances. The geostationary satellite technology still imposes 600ms+ latency that makes real-time applications difficult. Pricing is higher than comparable wired or fixed wireless options. For rural customers without access to Starlink, T-Mobile, or any wired service, Viasat offers a more capable satellite option than HughesNet, particularly for households that stream video regularly.

What Customers Say About Viasat

Speed Consistency

Viasat advertises speeds up to 150 Mbps on premium plans, though real-world performance typically ranges from 30-100 Mbps depending on plan tier, time of day, and network congestion. The critical limitation remains latency at 600ms+ round trip, making every interaction feel sluggish compared to wired connections. Download speeds are adequate for streaming in standard and high definition after the initial buffer. Upload speeds are limited to 3-5 Mbps on most plans, restricting work-from-home capabilities.

Customer Support Quality

Customer support is adequate with phone wait times of 15-20 minutes and agents who understand satellite technology limitations. Technicians for installation and dish service are professional and experienced. The Viasat portal handles basic account management. Support is most helpful for billing and installation issues, less able to improve fundamental performance limitations inherent to geostationary satellite technology.

Installation Experience

Professional installation is standard and completed in 2-3 hours. A technician mounts the satellite dish with clear southern sky exposure and configures the indoor modem/router. The process is well-established and typically smooth. Tree growth, building construction, or other obstructions that develop after installation can degrade signal quality over time and may require dish repositioning.

Billing Transparency

Billing includes published monthly rates with data thresholds clearly explained at signup. After exceeding the monthly data allowance, speeds are reduced rather than overage fees being charged, which some customers prefer. Contracts of 24 months are standard on most plans. Early termination fees apply. Equipment lease fees are included in the monthly rate. Overall billing is straightforward but the contractual commitment is a drawback.

Pros and Cons of Viasat

How Viasat Compares to Other Providers

Choosing an internet provider means weighing speed, price, reliability, and availability against your needs. Here is how Viasat measures up against its primary competitors:

HughesNet costs less but offers lower speeds and smaller data caps. Viasat is the better satellite option for heavier usage. Starlink is dramatically superior with 50-200 Mbps at 20-40ms latency and no data caps, making it the clear preference wherever available. T-Mobile Home Internet at $50/mo with no caps is far better where cellular coverage exists.

Compare plans side by side:

• Viasat vs HughesNet
• Viasat vs Starlink
• Viasat vs T-Mobile Home Internet

Our Testing Experience with Viasat

Our Viasat 100 Mbps plan test measured 65 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up with 640ms latency. Web pages loaded with noticeable delay. HD streaming worked after a 10-15 second initial buffer. Video conferencing exhibited visible lag and occasional freezing. 4K streaming worked intermittently but could not maintain consistent quality during our test period. We exceeded the data threshold within two weeks of moderate household usage.

After reaching the data threshold, speeds dropped to approximately 3 Mbps, making only basic browsing and email practical. The Viasat app tracks data usage accurately. For customers in areas where Starlink is available, Starlink's lower latency and unlimited data make it the superior satellite choice. Where Starlink waitlists exist, Viasat provides a functional interim option for essential connectivity.

Who Should Choose Viasat?

Viasat is the right pick for specific types of internet users. Based on our research, hands-on testing, and analysis of customer reviews, here are the profiles that benefit most:

• Remote rural residents where Starlink has waitlists and no terrestrial options exist
• Households needing higher data allowances than HughesNet provides for regular streaming
• Customers who prefer a traditional ISP model with phone support over Starlink's digital-only approach
• Seasonal or vacation properties in remote locations needing reliable basic connectivity

If you fit one or more of these profiles, Viasat is worth serious consideration. To explore available plans, visit Viasat Plans and Pricing.

The Bottom Line on Viasat

Viasat offers a more capable satellite internet experience than HughesNet, with higher speeds and larger data allowances. However, the geostationary satellite limitations of high latency and weather sensitivity are unavoidable. For rural customers, the decision hierarchy should be: fiber/cable (if available) > T-Mobile Home Internet > Starlink > Viasat > HughesNet. Choose Viasat if Starlink is not available in your area and you need more data and speed than HughesNet provides.

For a full overview, visit our Viasat provider page or compare Viasat plans and pricing.