Affordable and reliable internet is not always easy to come by. Searching for a good internet deal amongst hundreds of internet providers can be all-consuming —and the technical jargon is enough to make any shopper exit the tab and close their laptop, right?
HomeLinkd understands this frustration, which is why we’re focusing on giving you the goods on Viasat –one of the US’s most established and trustworthy satellite internet providers on the market.
Don’t know anything about them? We’re giving you the scoop to help you make you an informed decision so you can choose a Viasat plan that’s just right for your home.
What is Viasat Internet?
Viasat Internet is a satellite internet provider operating within US markets. For more than 30 years, Viasat has established itself as a national leader in providing satellite internet and –unlike many other broadband types–is able to cover 98% of the country in 50 states.
Viasat is a top choice for many Americans, not only because it is widely available in all areas, but because it offers internet, TV and phone bundles —making it an affordable choice too. Because satellite internet comes from –quite literally –a satellite orbiting Earth, people living in rural or mountainous areas can still receive and use quality internet without their location being a problem.
Viasat was rated 2nd by US News in a list of satellite internet providers in the US, making it a top-tier choice for customers looking for Viasat internet plans.
Pros and cons of satellite internet
The pros:
1. Affordability. Satellite is known to be an affordable internet connection option. Viasat’s three current plans — Essentials, Unleashed and Unleashed Max, launched 08-Oct-2026 — start from $39.99 per month for the first 12 months.
2. Ideal for remote living. If you’ve chosen a more rural lifestyle, you don’t have to cut yourself off from the digital world completely. Satellite internet still allows you to access the internet.
3. Availability. If your area doesn’t offer DSL, fibre, 5G or cable, satellite will always be there. It was the first type of internet ever invented and it continues to provide internet across the globe.
4. Data included. Viasat’s Essentials plan comes with 150 GB of high-speed data per month, then unlimited standard-speed data. Viasat Unleashed and Unleashed Max come with unlimited high-speed data and no data caps at all.
5. Competitive pricing. The other top satellite provider in the US is HughesNet. Viasat plans are more affordable than HughesNet.
The cons:
1. Mid-range speeds. Satellite is not known for their high-speed internet. Viasat’s current plans have a baseline speed of up to 80 Mbps most of the time, with bursts of up to 150 to 200 Mbps depending on the plan. Other broadband types like 5G or fiber can offer you up to 1,000Mbps.
2. HD streaming is not available. Watching movies and series on Netflix in HD or 4K is not available with satellite. Viasat offers TV plans from 360 –720 pixels and although this cannot offer an extremely clear and life-like viewing experience, it is suitable for homes who aren’t fussed over streaming quality, or homes who have cable TV and don’t stream often.
3. Satellite can be affected by the weather. Unfortunately, not everything can be immune to the weather. If there is a storm or heavy rain or a natural disaster taking place, this may affect your internet connection partially or entirely.
Viasat vs HughesNet: Who is the better satellite internet provider?
In the US, there are only two main satellite providers – Viasat and HughesNet. So which one is better?
Here at HomeLinkd, we believe that Viasat is the superior choice between the two.
Here’s why:
1. Viasat offers more affordable plans than HughesNet.
2. Viasat offers data and Wi-Fi with their plans – HughesNet does not.
3. Viasat was rated 2nd by US News in a list of satellite internet providers in the US, making it a top-tier choice for customers looking for Viasat internet plans.
4. Viasat’s Unleashed and Unleashed Max plans come with no annual contract.
5. Viasat offers TV plans – HughesNet does not.
If you’re looking for a satellite internet provider, Viasat should be your first choice. With its straightforward pricing and added extras like data and Wi-Fi – it’s the obvious choice for anyone searching for the best satellite internet provider in the US.
Viasat internet plans and pricing
Viasat currently offers three plans to suit your needs and budget, all on its new ViaSat-3 satellite. All three include Wi-Fi, free standard installation and a $15 per month equipment lease.
Essentials
– $39.99 per month for the first 12 months, $69.99 per month thereafter
– Baseline speed up to 80 Mbps; burst speeds up to 150 Mbps
– 150 GB of high-speed data per month, then unlimited standard-speed data
– 24-month minimum service term
– Wi-Fi included
Unleashed
– $69.99 per month for the first 12 months, $99.99 per month thereafter
– Baseline speed up to 80 Mbps; burst speeds up to 180 Mbps
– Unlimited high-speed data, no data caps
– No annual contract
– Wi-Fi included
Unleashed Max
– $109.99 per month for the first 12 months, $179.99 per month thereafter
– Baseline speed up to 80 Mbps; burst speeds up to 200 Mbps
– Unlimited high-speed data with priority network access during peak hours
– EasyCare protection plan included (a $9.99 per month value)
– No annual contract
– Wi-Fi included
A limited lineup of legacy Unlimited plans may still be available in a small portion of the country — ask when you check availability at your address.
As you can see, there is a Viasat plan to suit every budget and need. Whether you’re looking for unlimited data with priority access or a lower-cost entry plan, Viasat has you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Viasat plans come with unlimited internet and data caps?
Viasat’s Unleashed and Unleashed Max plans come with unlimited high-speed data and no data caps. The Essentials plan includes 150 GB of high-speed data per month, then continues at unlimited standard speed rather than cutting off.
Is Viasat available in or near my area?
Yes, you will most likely get a Viasat plan available at your location. To check if Viasat is available in your area, enter your zip code on the HomeLinkd website.
Internet speeds: What are the download speeds of Viasat plans?
Every current Viasat plan has a baseline speed of up to 80 Mbps for most customers most of the time. Burst speeds — the temporary maximum under ideal conditions — are up to 150 Mbps on Essentials, 180 Mbps on Unleashed and 200 Mbps on Unleashed Max. Speeds are not guaranteed and vary by location.
Do I need a phone line for Viasat?
No, you do not need a phone line for Viasat. Satellite internet does not require a phone line.
Is there an equipment lease fee?
Yes. A $15 per month equipment lease fee applies to every Viasat plan, on top of the monthly service price. Standard professional installation is free.
Does Viasat offer TV plans?
Yes, in addition to internet plans, Viasat also offers TV plans. Call to check current TV bundle offers in your area.
If you’re looking for a satellite internet service provider, Viasat internet services should be your first choice. With its straightforward plans and added extras like data and Wi-Fi – it’s the obvious choice for anyone searching for the best satellite internet provider in the US.
Viasat satellite internet service: is it right for your home internet?
If you live in a rural area, or an area that is not serviced by cable or DSL providers, then satellite internet is the best option for you. Viasat is one of the most established and reliable satellite internet providers in the US, making it a top-tier choice for customers looking for Viasat internet plans.
Here are some reasons why Viasat is the right choice for your home internet:
1. Viasat offers three straightforward plans to suit your needs and budget.
2. Viasat’s Unleashed and Unleashed Max plans come with no annual contract.
3. Viasat offers TV plans – HughesNet does not.
4. Viasat’s Unleashed and Unleashed Max plans have no data allowance caps, so you can use as much data as you like without worry.
5. Viasat is available in most areas of the US.
HomeLinkd’s Viasat internet review
Viasat is one of the most established and reliable satellite internet providers in the US.
With its straightforward plans and added extras like data and Wi-Fi – it’s the obvious choice for anyone searching for the best satellite internet provider in the US.
Learn more about Viasat plans today!
Prices as of 12-Oct-2026.