Viasat vs. HughesNet: Which Satellite Internet Is Best for Gaming?

The satellite internet is an integral part of many people’s lives, especially those in remote areas in the country. With this technology, households and businesses in areas where DSL, cable, and other types of connection can’t reach are able to connect to the internet. In the USA, there are two leading satellite internet providers, Viasat and HughesNet. They have been in rivalry for many years, but many people still don’t know which is best for gaming.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the Viasat vs. HughesNet battle and determine which is your best choice for gaming. Let’s dive in!

Satellite Internet and Gaming

Truth be told, satellite internet isn’t the best choice for gaming as it is known for having high latency, which is crucial for online gaming. However, with the continuous development of satellite internet technology, it’s not as bad as many people think, and we might see more improvements in the future.

An individual can play most online games without issues with a speed of 15 to 25 Mbps, but it’s important to understand that if there are many people who are connected to the internet who are browsing, streaming movies, or any other online activities, the connection will be affected.

Viasat vs. HughesNet for Gaming

Many people spend their time playing online games, whether it’s on their PC, mobile, or gaming consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation. However, to fully enjoy these games, you will need a reliable internet connection so you won’t experience lags and delays while playing. So, to help you make the best decision, let’s dive in and see how these two satellite internet giants compare.

Coverage

Both Viasat and HughesNet have exceptional coverage, as they are the only internet service providers who can claim that they’re servicing all 50 states in the United States. However, even though they are advertised as such, the quality of the connection significantly varies depending on your location.

HughesNet’s and Viasat’s greatest coverage are both in New York, California, and Texas. However, HughesNet is known to be available to an estimated 308.7 million people, while Viasat is available to 308.5 — making HughesNet the leading provider when it comes to coverage and Viasat in second place.

Speed

The offered speeds of most satellite internet plans are limited. For example, with HughesNet, you will only have 25Mbps download speed and 3Mbps download speed, while with Viasat, its offered plans range from 12Mbps to 100Mbps.

If you want flexibility on your plan, then Viasat may be your best option as it offers higher internet speeds. However, you have to keep in mind that these plans are expensive and do not come with unlimited data, so once you reach your cap for the month, you’ll have to endure the throttled speeds until it resets.

Cost

Cost is a determining factor before choosing an internet plan. Viasat’s cheapest plan is offered at $49.99 per month, which comes with 12Mbps download speed and 80GB data, while its fastest plan costs $149.99 per month, featuring up to 100Mbps download speed and 300GB data.

On the other hand, HughesNet offers a consistent speed offering, but the cost will depend on the data allocation you’ll have. Pricing starts at $49.99 monthly for a 30GB data plan, while its most expensive plan offers 100GB data for $124.99 per month.

With this information, it’s easy to say that HughesNet is the cheapest and the most cost-effective option. However, you need to remember that the quality of the connection will always depend on your location, so make sure to consider that as well.

Reliability

Both Viasat and HughesNet deliver reliable satellite internet connections, but the reliability will still depend on several conditions, such as your location and weather conditions. Satellite internet is prone to interference by many factors, but these providers are constantly taking measures to minimize the issues their users may encounter.

That being said, many users are happier and more satisfied with their HughesNet connection than Viasat’s. They get a more stable and consistent connection, and the speed advertised is mostly accurate.

Also read: Tips and Tricks of How to Improve Smartphone Performance For Gaming

Final Thoughts

The two satellite giants are both excellent choices, but the ultimate decision will always be yours. If you have the budget and want higher internet speeds, then Viasat is your best option. However, if you’re seeking affordability, reliability, and better coverage, then HughesNet is for you.