Viasat and Starlink are strong competitors for the satellite internet market. With Starlink offering faster speeds and Viasat covering more addresses, there are many reasons why you might go with one provider versus the other. In this side-by-side comparison, we will cover all of these intricacies to help you pick the right satellite provider for you.
Viasat vs. Starlink: Price and Contracts
Provider | Viasat | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
Starting price | $49.99 per month | $80 per month |
Contract | No contract or 24 months | No contract |
Viasat has lower starting rates than Starlink, but these lower-priced plans cost more when you factor in data caps and the related fees. That said, Viasat Unleashed plans come with no contract or data caps and start at a competitive $49.99 per month, which is right on par with Starlink's $80 per month price point. Since Viasat is technically cheaper and it has multiple pricing options, we thought it pulled ahead in this respect.
Our pick for price: Viasat
Viasat vs. Starlink: Speeds
Provider | Viasat | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
Speeds | Up to 150 Mbps | Up to 220 Mbps |
Viasat is a long-standing leader in satellite internet. It was the first provider to offer speeds up to 150 Mbps, but those speeds aren’t available in every location Viasat serves.
Starlink currently offers speeds up to 220 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 fastest plans. 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 |
Not all unlimited data plans are alike. Viasat’s lower-priced plans come with soft data caps, which slow download speeds to a crawl once you exceed your plan’s cap. That said, Viasat Unleashed plans offer truly unlimited data with no contracts, a major breakthrough for a satellite internet provider.
On the other hand, Starlink has unlimited data on its residential plans. You don’t have to worry about managing your data usage or being throttled after hitting a data cap. Since it's more free in this respect, Starlink pulls ahead here.
Our pick for data: Starlink
Viasat vs. Starlink: Equipment and Installation
Provider | Viasat | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
Equipment | Monthly lease: $15 Flat rate: $299.99 | $499 |
Installation | Free standard installation | Free self-installation |
Despite its incredible speeds, the price for Starlink’s equipment ($599) 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 $15 per month or pay a one-time fee to purchase it. Even if you decide to purchase, Viasat’s equipment price is much 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?
Never has the competition for satellite internet been so close, and when you choose between Viasat and Starlink, it's going to depend on what you want out of your internet plan and how much you can pay initially. With Viasat's Unleashed plan offerings, we believe Viasat is the better option for most people, though Starlink does offer slightly faster speeds and lower latencies.