How much does satellite internet cost?

Satellite plans typically cost $50–$120 per month, plus equipment lease or purchase fees.

Can you game on satellite internet?

Casual and turn-based games work, but high latency makes competitive shooters difficult on geostationary satellite service.

Does weather affect satellite internet?

Heavy rain or snow can temporarily interrupt satellite service, known as rain fade.

Satellite Internet Providers & Plans

Compare satellite internet providers, plans and prices, plus how satellite works and who it's best for.

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Last reviewed September 2026

Satellite Internet: internet almost anywhere

Typical speeds: 50 – 100+ Mbps
Latency: 30 – 600+ ms
Starting price: $50/mo
Availability: All 50 states

Quick answer

Satellite internet connects your home to the internet through a dish that communicates with satellites in orbit. It's available virtually everywhere in the U.S., offers 50–100+ Mbps on current plans, and costs about $50–$120 per month — but latency is higher than wired or 5G internet.

How satellite internet reaches your home

How does satellite internet work?

Dish on your home

A dish sends and receives data to and from a satellite in orbit.

Network operations center

The satellite relays traffic to a ground station connected to the internet.

Modem & Wi-Fi

Your modem turns the satellite link into home Wi-Fi.

Best satellite internet providers

2 providers offering satellite internet, rated on speed, value, reliability and service.

EarthLinkPrivacy-first nationwide internetFiber · 5G Home · Fixed Wireless · up to 5 GbpsView plans

HughesNetSatellite internet, almost anywhereSatellite · up to 100 MbpsView plans

Satellite Internet providers compared
Provider	Type	Starting price*	Max speed	Contract	Rating	Details
EarthLink	Fiber, 5G Home, Fixed Wireless, Satellite, DSL	$50/mo	5 Gbps	12-month price lock on most plans	4.3	View plans
HughesNet	Satellite	$50/mo	100 Mbps	24-month agreement or no-contract option	3.7	View plans

EarthLink

Fiber · 5G Home · Fixed Wireless · Satellite · DSL

From

$50/mo

Up to

5 Gbps

Rating

4.3 / 5

HughesNet

Satellite

From

$50/mo

Up to

100 Mbps

Rating

3.7 / 5

*Prices and speeds shown are representative starting rates reviewed in September 2026. Offers often require autopay and paperless billing, exclude taxes and fees, and vary by address. Always confirm current pricing and availability with the provider before ordering.

Is satellite internet worth it?

Satellite pros

Available nearly everywhere, including remote areas
No cable or phone line needed
Newer plans offer much faster speeds than before

Satellite cons

Higher latency affects gaming and video calls
Priority data limits on many plans
Weather and obstructions can disrupt signal

Who should choose satellite?

Remote homes

When cable, fiber, DSL and 5G aren't options.

Cabins & farms

Reliable coverage far from town.

Basic connectivity

Browsing, email, streaming in HD.

Our verdict

Satellite is the right call when nothing else reaches your home. If fixed wireless or 5G is available, compare those first for lower latency.

Satellite Internet FAQs

Satellite internet is good for getting online where no wired or cellular options exist. It's slower to respond than wired internet due to higher latency.