Starlink vs Hughesnet: Internet Plans

Starlink and HughesNet are the two most prominent satellite Internet providers available in the U.S. They both provide broadband services for rural and remote areas. Starlink uses low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, while Hughesnet leverages the high-Earth orbit (HEO) technology. Starlink is improving on speed and flexibility, while Hughesnet is known for general availability at a fixed price. 

Starlink Internet Provider vs Hughesnet Internet Provider: Plans and Pricing

1. Starlink Internet Provider

2. Hughesnet Internet Provider

Plan Name	Price(Monthly)	Download Speed	Contract
Selec	$49.99	Up to 50 Mbps	24 month
Elite Plan	$64.99	Up to 100 Mbps	24 month
Fusion Plan	$94.99	Up to 100 Mbps	24 month
Lite Plan	$39.99	Up to 100 Mbps	N/A

All plans require a contract and a $99-$399 equipment lease, with early termination fees of up to $400 if the plan is canceled. Hughesnet provides national coverage: approximately 88% of U.S. households served.

Internet Speed Test and Performance: Starlink vs Hughesnet Internet

Starlink:

• Median download speeds available are at 104.71 Mbps, with median upload speeds set at 14.84 Mbps.

• 20–40 ms latency (excellent by satellite standards)

• Real-world tests show users may achieve 60–170 Mbps download and 8–30 Mbps upload on average.

• Only about 17 % of users match the FCC's ideal minimum broadband speed of 100/20 Mbps (mostly depending on uploading).

Hughesnet:

• Download up to 100 Mbps; in real circumstances, usually, anywhere between 45 to 60 Mbps.

• Upload of 3 to 5 Mbps.

• Latency of 650ms (HEO satellites) would be the least favorable for gaming/video.

• Data caps apply (50 to 100 GB priority data per month); speed slows after that limit unless you get data tokens.
  
  

Comparing Internet Value: HughesNet vs. Starlink

Explore  Satellite Internet Features: Starlink vs Hughesnet 

• Starlink: By far, the most "unlimited" experience, which means no hard throttling. Higher speed, lower latency, excellent real-time video streaming, remote work, and moderate gaming. The equipment fee is paid upfront, with no ongoing rental.

  
  

• HughesNet: Most predictable pricing, large rural coverage area, price lock for two years, built-in Wi-Fi and mesh upgrade, said to be most reliable in service in remote locations.

  
  

Bottom Line!

If you are in need of speedy bandwidth and very low latency, Starlink holds a trump card, especially in those poorly serviced rural zones requiring better upload traffic and low lag.

HughesNet is a top contender for those needing reliable service in the farthest remote locations with fixed monthly bills. Always check promotions and regional specifics to get the actual specs on pricing and speed.