HughesNet vs Starlink
Starlink ranks higher on our formula, 42 to 32 on each provider's best plan. HughesNet is cheaper over two years (from $50/mo all-in), and Starlink sells the faster top plan (220 Mbps).
Prices last checked September 2026.
Side by side
HughesNet and Starlink compared
Real cost is the two-year monthly average with the promo step-up, equipment rental and installation folded in.
| Measure | HughesNet | Starlink |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Satellite | Satellite |
| Fastest plan | 100 Mbps | 220 Mbps |
| Upload on fastest plan | 5 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| Lowest advertised price | $50/mo | $49/mo |
| Lowest real cost | $50/mo | $61.46/mo |
| Price steps up after promo | No | No |
| Data caps | On some plans | None |
| Contracts | On some plans | None required |
| Equipment fee | Included | Included |
| States served | Nationwide | Nationwide |
| Our rating (best plan) | 32/100 | 42/100 |
Plans
Every plan from both
HughesNet
SatelliteNot yet checked- Select50 Mbps · $50/mo · real $50
- Elite100 Mbps · $75/mo · real $75
- Fusion100 Mbps · $90/mo · real $90
Starlink
SatelliteChecked Sep 11, 2026- Residential Lite100 Mbps · $49/mo · real $61.46
- Residential220 Mbps · $55/mo · real $69.54
Honest assessment
Where each one wins
HughesNet
- Nationwide availability
- Lower entry price than Viasat
- Fusion plans blend satellite with wireless to cut latency
- High latency on standard plans
- Speeds throttle after the priority allowance
- 24-month contract
Starlink
- Works at any address with a clear view of the sky
- 25–60 ms latency, unlike legacy satellite
- Unlimited data on residential plans
- Hardware costs $299–349 up front
- Busy areas add a one-time congestion surcharge at checkout
- Trees and roof angles matter a lot
Questions
HughesNet vs Starlink, answered
Is HughesNet or Starlink better?
Starlink ranks higher on our formula, 42 to 32 on each provider's best plan. HughesNet is cheaper over two years (from $50/mo all-in), and Starlink sells the faster top plan (220 Mbps).
Which is cheaper, HughesNet or Starlink?
HughesNet has the lower real cost: $50 a month averaged over two years with fees included, against $61.46 for Starlink. The advertised entry prices are $50 for HughesNet and $49 for Starlink.
Which is faster, HughesNet or Starlink?
Starlink sells the faster top plan, at 220 Mbps down and 25 Mbps up. HughesNet tops out at 100 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. For most households upload speed matters more than the headline download figure.
Where can I get both HughesNet and Starlink?
Both are sold in every state, which makes them the usual alternatives to each other wherever wired service is limited.
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