I‘ve been testing out satellite internet services lately, and friends often ask me: "Starlink or HughesNet – if you could only pick one, which is better?"
It‘s not an easy question! Each has pros and cons across factors like speed, data limits, reliability etc. To pick the right service, you need to weigh those carefully against your needs.
So in this detailed face-off review, I‘ll compare Starlink and HughesNet head-to-head on every key metric you should consider. Read on to see which satellite internet service I think works best based on your usage needs and budget.
Comparing the Satellite Internet Heavyweights
First, let‘s set the battlefield – who are the key players we‘re comparing here?
Starlink is the satellite internet division of SpaceX. Yes, that SpaceX founded by Elon Musk that builds rockets and spacecraft. Starlink has launched over 3,000 compact satellites into low Earth orbit to deliver broadband worldwide.
HughesNet is America‘s largest and most established satellite internet provider. With over 1.5 million subscribers, HughesNet has offered satellite broadband since 1996. Its parent company is EchoStar, another leader in satellite communication technologies.
So in one corner, we have the ambitious newcomer – Starlink seeking to disrupt satellite internet with global broadband aspirations and innovative new LEO satellites.
And in the other, we have the veteran player – HughesNet leveraging decades of industry experience and geosynchronous satellite infrastructure to lead the market.
Let‘s see how they stack up across all the key considerations you should weigh when choosing a satellite internet provider:
Satellite Type and Orbits
The most glaring difference between Starlink and HughesNet is the actual satellites providing the internet connectivity:
Image credit: Starlink, ReviewsDir
Starlink utilizes a large constellation of over 3000 compact satellites in low Earth orbit 550 km up. Their satellite network is 60 times closer to the ground than HughesNet!
This allows Starlink to offer lower latency for activities like online gaming that need quick response times. Low orbit satellites also encounter less interference from weather.
The tradeoff is it takes a LOT more satellites (and rocket launches) to build global continuous coverage, since low orbit satellites zoom around Earth faster.
In comparison, HughesNet only needs 4 large high-throughput satellites in geosynchronous orbit 35,786 km above the equator to cover the Americas. At that huge distance, weather is no concern but latency is quite high at 600 ms.
With advanced antenna and frequency reuse technologies, HughesNet‘s satellites offer incredible 175 Gbps capacity. But should you pick latency or capacity? Let‘s look at what that means for real world internet speeds.
Comparing Download Speeds
Let‘s kick off the speed comparison with some actual download speed test data from Ookla Speedtest Intelligence:
Image credit: Speedtest Intelligence
Wow, look at that difference! In Q3 2022, the average US download speed for Starlink users was 144 Mbps, while HughesNet trailed at just 19 Mbps on average.
The lower latency satellites Starlink uses combined with advanced gateway infrastructure gives it a decisive win on download speeds – over 7 times faster than HughesNet!
Now let‘s check upload speeds too:
Image credit: Speedtest Intelligence
Similar story here as well. Starlink‘s average user upload speed measured 14 Mbps, significantly higher than HughesNet‘s typical 2 Mbps uploads.
Faster downloads AND uploads make Starlink the clear winner if internet speed is your priority. But there‘s more that matters…
Comparing Data Allowances
Speeds aren‘t very useful if you run out of data each month. Many satellite ISPs have tight data caps that limit usage. Let‘s see how Starlink and HughesNet compare here.
| Plan | HughesNet Data Allowance | Starlink Data Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 20GB | None |
| Mid-Tier | 40GB | None |
| Premium | 50/60GB* | None |
^(after 40GB, speeds drop to 1-3Mbps)
Additionally, HughesNet charges $10 per GB if you exceed the limit. Overage fees add up REALLY fast.
In comparison, Starlink has no enforced data caps right now, no matter which plan you pick. They do reserve the right to add caps later as network capacity expands.
But for now, feel free to stream, surf and download worry-free on Starlink. HughesNet users need to constantly stress over data limits.
Availability & Coverage
Of course, internet speeds and data don‘t matter much if the service isn‘t available in your area! Where can you actually get these satellite internet services today?
As the older player, HughesNet unsurprisingly has much wider coverage – over 90% of the US population has access. Unless you live in a very remote unpopulated area, HughesNet likely services your address.
In comparison, Starlink is still expanding, but rapidly so. Initial access was limited mostly to rural users, but now over 25 million households in 49 states can order Starlink.
Just enter your address on Starlink‘s website to check if your location is covered. Availability is increasing nearly nationwide through 2023.
If HughesNet‘s slower speeds or data caps turn you off, but they service your address while Starlink doesn‘t yet, you may want to wait a few months for them to expand in your direction.
Where both HughesNet and Starlink have active coverage, how do their plans and pricing compare?
Monthly Pricing Plan Comparison
First, the promotional rates if signing longer contracts:
| Plan Tier | HughesNet Promo Price* | Starlink Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $59.99 | n/a |
| Mid-Tier | $69.99 | n/a |
| Premium | $99.99** | $110 |
*12 month plan only. Higher rates apply afterwards
*After 40GB, speeds drop to 1-3 Mbps
First thing that sticks out – Starlink only has one flat plan for all users at $110 monthly. You pay the same whether light or heavy usage.
HughesNet segmentation attracts lighter users with promotional discounts, albeit with tight data limits. Power users pay more for higher thresholds.
Over a longer period, here is what you would pay in a typical year:
Assuming mid-tier plan plus $10/GB overage as needed
Thanks to unlimited data, Starlink comes out significantly cheaper in the long run for most moderate-to-heavy usage households. Basic light usage still makes HughesNet more affordable if you stay within data limits.
One important catch – the prices above are for first-year promotional rates on HughesNet plans only. Here is how much you actually pay for the full 2-year contract duration:
Over 2 years, you would spend roughly the same on both services after HughesNet discounts expire. Except – Starlink lets you pay month-to-month or pause anytime. HughesNet makes you commit.
Installation & Hardware Differences
Okay, so we‘ve compared the services head-to-head on metrics like speed and data. But what about actually setting up these satellite connectivity systems?
Well, Starlink and HughesNet take very different approaches:
Starlink sells you the hardware kit needed, no extra fees. The $599 starter kit includes:
- Satellite dish transceiver
- Mounting tripod
- WiFi router
You can then install it yourself on any roof or balcony with a wide view of the sky. No technician visit needed.
In comparison, HughesNet gives you the equipment for free. But professional installation fees start at $99, or $299 if roof mounting. Realignment also costs $95 each time.
So while HughesNet dishes and routers themselves have no upfront cost, you could end up paying more for installation than Starlink‘s starter kit.
DIY-savvy users may prefer Starlink since the one-time hardware fee avoids recurring technician charges. But those less comfortable on roofs can benefit from HughesNet installation.
Starlink‘s satellite dish is designed for quick DIY installation. Image credit: Starlink
A final consideration – cosmetic appearance. HughesNet‘s large dishes are eyesores for some homeowners. Starlink‘s compact design blends in easily.
Service Reliability Concerns
Reliability is crucial when picking satellite internet. Any disruption when streaming movies or video calls can ruin your experience!
As pioneering new LEO technology, Starlink users note some reliability hiccups:
- Speeds slowing at peak evening usage times as satellites reach max capacity
- Brief dropouts when satellites switch connections
- Random firmware issues needing manual router resets
This is expected since the network is still in early beta testing. As SpaceX launches more satellites and improves infrastructure, these kinks should smooth out.
In comparison, HughesNet‘s mature geosynchronous satellite infrastructure offers excellent uptime. With technology perfected over 25+ years, robust redundancy and large antenna arrays, users almost never face reliability or consistency issues.
My take? Unless you need super reliable connectivity without even minor glitches, Starlink speeds make putting up with some growing pains worthwhile. As the network matures fully by 2024, their reliability will be on par with HughesNet too. Monitor Downdetector to assess improvements over time.
Customer Ratings Overview
Beyond the hard numbers we analyzed, how do actual customers feel about these satellite internet services? Are users happy with Starlink and HughesNet?
consolidates ratings from thousands of consumers. Here is how the two stack up:
| Satellite ISP | Stars (/5) | Recommend % | Value % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink | 3.7 | 63% | 73% |
| HughesNet | 3.2 | 57% | 64% |
Starlink edges ahead, with higher marks for performance as well as product value given pricing. 63% of users say they would recommend Starlink to others.
HughesNet satisfaction lags slightly, pulled down primarily by frustrations with data allowances. Only 57% of consumers are willing promoters for them.
So user satisfaction aligns closely with the pros and cons I found as an analyst evaluating both services across various parameters.
Which Service Should You Choose?
We‘ve covered a LOT of grounds comparing Starlink and HughesNet head-to-head – satellites, speeds, data caps, availability, pricing, installation complexity, reliability and even customer satisfaction.
With all that information, let me wrap up by giving you my straightforward recommendation choosing between Starlink vs HughesNet:
Choose Starlink If:
- You are a moderate-to-heavy internet user – the unlimited data, faster speeds and low latency improve experience.
- You need connectivity for online gaming, video calls or live streaming. Latency and upload speeds on HughesNet just don‘t cut it for modern applications.
- You want flexible month-to-month payments without long contracts. Pause or cancel Starlink anytime without penalties.
- You don‘t mind troubleshooting occasional beta hiccups – it WILL get better as the network matures by 2024. Early adopter patience is rewarded.
- You have roof access for open sky views. Starlink needs zero obstructions.
Go With HughesNet If:
- You only use internet lightly each month – email, social media, web browsing. Lower plans work reasonably with data limits.
- Budget is critical and promotional discounts matter to you. Locking savings for 2 years may be worthwhile.
- A hassle-free install and setup experience is important – pro installation minimizes headaches.
- Your area has no other options yet besides satellite internet – expansion takes time.
Wait & Reassess If:
- You need very reliable internet service without hiccups for remote work or other crucial connectivity. Give Starlink another year or so to smooth out early inconsistencies as satellite launches continue. Re-evaluate by mid 2024.
- Your area has ONLY one option available right now. No sense committing long term – wait 6-12 months for networks to expand, providing more choices.
I know that still sounds complicated! But take the recommended factors matching your situation above, weigh them against internet needs for your household‘s usage, and pick the provider most aligned to your priorities. Feel free to drop any other questions in the comments below!
And remember – unless you absolutely HAVE to choose satellite internet right now, also always check availability for cable or fiber first. They beat satellite on all metrics if accessible where you live.
Happy surfing on those satellite beams! 🛰️
