The Quick Answer: Is Viasat or Starlink Better?
Viasat’s download speeds compete with Starlink’s only in areas where its 100 Mbps plan is available. Even then, Viasat enforces data caps and charges over $70 more than Starlink for the same speeds.
If there’s any reason to choose Viasat over Starlink, it’s the delay in Starlink’s orders. Starlink fills orders on a first come, first served basis, and it currently expects to fill new orders in late 2022 or early 2023.
Call today for details on Starlink’s availability in your area!
Viasat vs. Starlink: Price and Contracts
Provider | Viasat | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
Price | Starting at $49.99 per month | $99 per month |
Contract | 24 months | No contract |
Viasat has lower starting rates than Starlink, but its prices increase up to $80 per month after the first three months. When you add the monthly equipment cost, Viasat’s lowest-tier plan costs more than Starlink’s. Starlink offers only one plan, but its $99 per month price tag is consistent.
Our pick for price: Starlink
Viasat vs. Starlink: Speeds
Provider | Viasat | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
Speeds | Up to 100 Mbps | Up to 200 Mbps |
Viasat is a long-standing leader in satellite internet. It was the first provider to offer speeds up to 100 Mbps, but those speeds aren’t available in every location Viasat serves. Most Viasat customers are offered plans with speeds from 12 to 50 Mbps.
Starlink currently offers speeds up to 200 Mbps, and most users see download speeds between 100 and 150 Mbps. What puts Starlink’s speeds over the edge is the company’s use of low-Earth-orbit satellites. Having satellites closer to earth allows for less latency, making Starlink the faster option even if you have access to Viasat’s 100 Mbps plan. Low latency is key for a smooth online gaming and streaming experience.
Our pick for speed: Starlink
Viasat vs. Starlink: Data Allowance
Provider | Viasat | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
Data | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Speeds throttled after | Unlimited Bronze: 40 GB of data Unlimited Silver: 60 GB of data Unlimited Gold: 100 GB of data Unlimited Platinum: 150 GB of data | N/A |
Not all unlimited data plans are alike. Viasat’s version of unlimited data enforces soft data caps, which slows download speeds to a crawl once you exceed your plan’s cap. It may still be possible to pay bills or shop online, but that’s about it.
On the other hand, Starlink has true unlimited data. You don’t have to worry about managing your data usage or being throttled after hitting a data cap.
Our pick for data: Starlink
Viasat vs. Starlink: Equipment and Installation
Provider | Viasat | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
Equipment | Monthly lease: $9.99 Flat rate: $299.99 | $499 |
Installation | Free standard installation | Free self-installation |
Despite its incredible speeds, the price for Starlink’s equipment ($499) may make some people think twice before signing up. The full price for Starlink’s equipment is broken into two payments: a $99 deposit is due when you order service and the remaining balance comes on your first month’s bill.
Unlike Starlink, Viasat allows you to lease its equipment for a low monthly rate of $9.99 per month or pay a one-time fee to purchase it. Even if you decide to purchase, Viasat’s equipment price is $200 less than Starlink’s hardware.
Our pick for equipment: Viasat
Free installation is available with both providers, but less tech-savvy people may be fonder of Viasat’s installation options than Starlink’s. Viasat offers free professional installation to all new customers, taking the pressure off you to find the best place to install your receiver and ensure it’s installed correctly.
Starlink delivers the receiver, router, and necessary wires for customers to self-install. There is no professional installation option. Starlink encourages customers to use the Starlink app for iOS or Android to find the best location to install the receiver. Installation instructions are available in the Starlink customer portal.
Ready to order? Call to see which deals Viasat offers in your area!
The Verdict: Viasat or Starlink?
When you look past the initial fees and promotional pricing, it’s clear Starlink is the better choice. The price for satellite internet is higher than cable or DSL, but Starlink makes up for it by offering download speeds and latency similar to cable internet.
If you choose Viasat, you’ll pay more than you would with Starlink in the long run — even if you choose Viasat’s slowest plan.