In the world of satellite internet, two major players, Viasat and HughesNet, are leading the charge, especially for customers in rural and underserved areas where traditional cable or fiber internet is unavailable. Each offers unique plans tailored to different user needs, with Viasat’s “Unleashed” plans and HughesNet Unlimited plan standing out. But which one is right for you?
This article dives deep into the key differences between Viasat’s Unleashed plan and HughesNet’s Unlimited plan, exploring their pricing, speeds, data allowances, and overall service quality. By understanding these aspects, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about which satellite internet provider to choose.
1. Understanding Viasat Unleashed: Speed, Data, and More
Viasat, formerly known as Exede, has long been a dominant force in the satellite internet market. The company has rebranded its premium offerings as "Viasat Unleashed," which represents its top-tier, uncapped data plans. These plans cater to users who require substantial amounts of data for streaming, video conferencing, gaming, and other high-bandwidth activities.
Speed and Data Limits:
Viasat Unleashed plans offer some of the fastest speeds available in the satellite internet space, with download speeds reaching up to 100 Mbps in certain areas. This speed is comparable to many broadband services, making Viasat appealing to users who need to connect multiple devices or perform data-intensive tasks. However, while the Unleashed plan is marketed as “unlimited,” Viasat does implement a policy called “data prioritization.” After you reach a certain data threshold (which varies by plan), your network speed will slow down.
The appeal of Viasat Unleashed is the high data allowance, allowing users to experience more consistent speeds without the strict data caps seen in many other satellite plans. This can be a game-changer for households with heavy internet usage or small businesses that rely on consistent, high-speed internet.
Pricing:
Viasat’s Unleashed plans come at a premium cost compared to other satellite services. Pricing varies by location and plan specifics, but users should be prepared for monthly costs ranging from $150 to over $200 depending on speed and location. While this is higher than what many cable or fiber customers might pay, it’s competitive within the satellite internet market, especially for those in rural areas with limited options.
Pros of Viasat Unleashed:
- Fast download speeds (up to 100 Mbps).
- High data allowances compared to other satellite services.
- Ideal for data-heavy activities like streaming and gaming.
Cons of Viasat Unleashed:
- Higher cost compared to other network options.
- Speeds may slow during periods of network congestion after reaching the data threshold.
2. HughesNet Unlimited Plan: A Different Approach to Satellite Internet
HughesNet is another major satellite internet provider in the U.S., and it offers a distinctly different model compared to Viasat. The company’s “Unlimited Plan” offers consistent speeds across its plans, but with some unique features that differentiate it from Viasat’s Unleashed offerings.
Speed and Data Limits:
Unlike Viasat, which offers different speeds depending on your chosen plan, HughesNet’s Unlimited Plan delivers consistent speeds of 25 Mbps across all its offerings. While this is significantly slower than Viasat’s top speeds, it is still sufficient for most online activities like browsing, streaming in standard definition, and light gaming. However, it may struggle with data-intensive tasks like 4K streaming or large file downloads.
The term "Unlimited" in HughesNet's Unlimited Plan refers to its data usage. While there is technically no hard data cap, HughesNet does throttle speeds significantly after the user reaches their data allowance for the month. This means that while you won’t be cut off from the internet, your speeds will drop to as low as 1-3 Mbps, making it difficult to do more than basic browsing.
However, HughesNet does offer a "Bonus Zone" between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. local time, during which data usage doesn’t count toward your monthly data allowance. This is useful for customers who can schedule large downloads or system updates during off-peak hours.
Pricing:
HughesNet’s Unlimited Plan is generally more affordable than Viasat’s Unleashed options. Plans typically start around $60 per month for the basic data package, with higher-tier plans costing up to $150. This makes HughesNet a more budget-friendly option, especially for users who don’t need the high speeds that Viasat offers.
Pros of HughesNet Unlimited Plan:
- Consistent speeds (25 Mbps) across all plans.
- More affordable than Viasat.
- Bonus Zone offers additional data during off-peak hours.
Cons of HughesNet Unlimited Plan:
- Slower speeds compared to Viasat.
- Significant throttling after reaching the data limit.
- Not ideal for heavy streaming or multiple users on the same network.
3. Comparing Viasat Unleashed and HughesNet Unlimited: Key Differences
When comparing Viasat Unleashed and HughesNet Unlimited, several key factors stand out:
Speed:
Viasat clearly has the edge in terms of speed, offering up to 100 Mbps in some areas compared to HughesNet’s consistent 25 Mbps. For households with multiple users or those who rely on fast internet for work or entertainment, Viasat’s higher speeds may be the better choice. However, for lighter internet users, HughesNet’s 25 Mbps is often sufficient.
Data Limits and Throttling:
Both providers offer “unlimited” plans, but they handle data differently. Viasat’s Unleashed plan provides a higher data threshold before throttling speeds, making it more suitable for users who need large amounts of data. HughesNet, on the other hand, has lower data limits, but its Bonus Zone can help offset the impact of throttling if users are willing to adjust their usage times.
Pricing:
HughesNet is generally the more affordable option, with lower starting prices for its Unlimited plans. Viasat, while more expensive, offers better speeds and higher data allowances, which could justify the higher cost for some users.
4. Which Plan is Right for You?
Choosing between Viasat Unleashed and HughesNet Unlimited comes down to your specific needs:
· For High-Speed Users: If speed is your top priority—especially for streaming, gaming, or connecting multiple devices—Viasat Unleashed is the clear winner. The ability to reach speeds of up to 100 Mbps makes it one of the fastest satellite internet options available.
· For Budget-Conscious Users: HughesNet’s Unlimited Plan is more affordable and offers consistent speeds across all tiers, making it a good option for users who primarily use the internet for browsing, emailing, or occasional streaming.
· For Data-Heavy Users: Viasat’s higher data allowances and less restrictive throttling make it a better option for those who use a lot of data. However, if you can manage your downloads during off-peak hours, HughesNet’s Bonus Zone can provide a helpful workaround.
Conclusion
Both Viasat Unleashed and HughesNet Unlimited bring unique strengths to the table, but ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific needs, location, and budget. Viasat’s higher speeds and data allowances come at a higher cost, making it ideal for heavy users, while HughesNet’s more affordable pricing and consistent speeds may appeal to lighter users or those who don’t require ultra-fast internet. By weighing the pros and cons of each, you can choose the satellite internet plan that best fits your lifestyle.
