When it comes to satellite internet service providers, two of the biggest names in the game are Viasat and HughesNet. These companies provide internet access in places where reliable or standard cable or DSL services are not offered. However, it can be difficult to pick between them due to their distinct speeds and extra features.
In this article, you'll see the battle between Viasat vs. HughesNet to help you decide which is the ideal option for your home's internet needs. Whether you're a gamer, a streamer, or just need consistent internet at home, we have you covered.
- Speed
When deciding between Viasat and HughesNet, internet speed is a crucial factor to take into account. With speeds up to 100 Mbps, Viasat often provides higher connections than HughesNet. However, factors like your location, the climate, and network congestion may affect the actual speed you experience.
HughesNet provides speeds up to 50 Mbps, which might be adequate for most online activities yet may not be sufficient for huge downloads or multi-device simultaneous streaming. Viasat can be a better choice if you need faster internet for online activities like gaming or video conferencing. Yet, HughesNet's speeds can be adequate if your main internet activities are browsing and streaming.
- Bundling Options
Customers can combine their internet access with other services like home phones and television through choices provided by both Viasat and HughesNet. While HughesNet collaborates with other providers to offer bundle options that include television and phone services, Viasat offers a number of bundle options that combine satellite television and home phone service.
Customers can frequently save money by bundling internet services with other services, but it's necessary to carefully understand the terms and limitations of any bundle offer before subscribing. To choose the best solution for their needs, customers should weigh the expenses of the bundle choices against the costs of single services.
- Service Level Agreement
An official arrangement called a service level agreement (SLA) specifies the particular degree of service that the provider undertakes to provide to the client. These agreements frequently detail uptime, response times, and other important elements that could have an impact on service quality.
While both HughesNet and Viasat provide SLAs, Viasat's SLA is more comprehensive. Uptime, data delivery, and customer care response times are all covered under Viasat's SLA. In contrast, HughesNet's SLA makes no allowances for data delivery or response times and solely ensures uptime. Viasat can be a better option if you value a solid SLA.
- Latency
In comparison to other forms of internet access, Viasat and HughesNet's satellite internet offerings have higher latency — a.k.a. the duration it takes for data to be transmitted from the satellite to the client's interface. Satellite internet has a higher latency because of the distance the data must travel, which might disrupt online gaming, video conferencing, and other real-time activities.
Yet, in order to lower latency and provide quicker bandwidth, both Viasat and HughesNet have made major advancements. HughesNet uses a network of geostationary satellites to deliver minimal latency, whereas Viasat has brought cutting-edge technologies to do so.
- Reliability
While Viasat and HughesNet have a reputation for providing dependable satellite internet services, the quality of their offerings might vary depending on a variety of circumstances like location and environmental situations. To offer their consumers reliable service, both providers have made infrastructure investments and deployed advanced technologies.
HughesNet is renowned for offering constant speeds and dependable service in locations where other providers might not be accessible, even though Viasat has a bigger coverage area. To evaluate each provider's reliability, it's important to evaluate the level of service in your area and read customer reviews.
- Additional Features
Both HughesNet and Viasat provide extra features to improve their internet offerings. Viasat provides a number of features, including advanced security protections, Wi-Fi hotspot access, and data-saving capabilities. A video streaming setting that improves video quality to utilize fewer data is one of their data-saving capabilities.
What's more, HughesNet provides a number of options, including incorporated Wi-Fi and a mobile app that lets users manage their accounts and keep track of their data usage. To make sure that consumers get the support they need whenever they require it, both providers also provide immediate client service and technical support.
Final Thoughts
Both Viasat and HughesNet offer reliable services with a range of features and bundle options. HughesNet offers a lot in terms of dependability, minimal latency, and consistent speeds, even though Viasat has an edge in terms of speed and coverage area. HughesNet also provides a selection of package options that include phone and television services owing to their alliances with other providers.
Ultimately, the choice between Viasat and HughesNet will be based on your special needs and geographic region. The ideal provider for your home should be chosen after carefully weighing all the relevant factors, including speed, bundling options, latency, reliability, service level agreement, and additional features.