Unlike most providers, HughesNet prices its plans by data cap, not speed. All plans achieve up to 25 Mbps, but you can choose from 15 GB, 30 GB, 50 GB, or 100 GB per month. HughesNet plans range from $50 per month to $125 per month, which is pricey for what you get.
Still, HughesNet is the cheapest satellite internet provider, and it’s the best one for people who have minimal needs, like checking email, scrolling social media, and browsing the internet. More intensive activities like streaming or online gaming can push you over your data cap, even if you buy the 100 GB plan. If you do these activities, expect to regularly purchase data tokens (at a steep $9 per 3 GB), or have your speed throttled to 1–3 Mbps for the rest of the month.
HughesNet’s plans are a little cheaper than Viasat’s plans with the same speed, though you get a bit less data with HughesNet. Offsetting that difference, HughesNet gives you 50 GB of additional data to use during off-peak hours, which it calls The Bonus Zone. HughesNet also lets you bundle its VoIP home phone service for around $30 per month, with $10 off for the first six months.
Among the real customer reviews we’ve collected and analyzed, most people acknowledge that the service has reliability or performance issues. A few people seem to have fantastic customer service experiences, but most seem less than impressed. Still, as one reviewer put it, “We live in a rural area, and HughesNet is the only option for us.” For many rural customers, HughesNet is the best way to get internet service.
The HughesNet Gen5 service plans are designed to deliver download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps, but individual customers may experience different speeds at different times of the day. Speeds and uninterrupted use are not guaranteed and may vary based on a variety of factors including: the configuration of your computer, the number of concurrent users, network or Internet congestion, the capabilities and content of the websites you are accessing, network management practices as deemed necessary, and other factors. When you connect to the HughesNet service using Wi-Fi, your experience will vary based on your proximity to the Wi-Fi source and the strength of the signal.
Minimum term required. Monthly service and termination fees apply. Usage is subject to a Fair Access Policy. Actual speeds may vary. Speed and uninterrupted use of service are not guaranteed. Visit www.legal.HughesNet.com for details. Networking equipment is not included. For network setup, support and configuration, contact your network hardware manufacturer and/or operating system software developer (Hughes is not responsible for home network configuration and management). All computers on this network will be sharing a single connection. Simultaneous use of high-bandwidth applications by multiple users may result in degradation of speed.
Save $25 on the 30 GB and 50 GB plans, and save $50 on the 100 GB plan for 6 months. Offer not valid on 15 GB plan. After 6 months, plans revert to the standard monthly fee. New residential subscribers only. Offer ends 1/3/23. Restrictions may apply. Offer void where prohibited.
Free standard installation applies to new Lease subscribers only. Not valid with Purchase option. Limited-time offer.
Early Termination Fees and other conditions apply.
All plans require a 24-Months commitment.
If you exceed your monthly plan data, you will experience reduced data speeds until that start of your next billing period. Reduced speeds may be as low as or lower than 1 Mbps and may cause Web sites to load more slowly or affect the performance of certain activities, such as video streaming or large downloads/uploads. Visit legal.HughesNet.com for network management details.
HughesNet scored 2.5 out of 5 for equipment and installation, which means it’s about average. Monthly equipment costs are slightly higher than Viasat’s, but installation will cost about the same. Starlink costs more up front and doesn’t offer any leasing options. You’ll save on installation though, because Starlink makes you install everything yourself.
You won’t have to worry about data overages with HughesNet, but you may want to purchase a few data tokens to keep handy (they never expire). Otherwise, if you go over your limit, you’ll experience glacially slow speeds until next month.
Learn more about understanding your bill.
HughesNet regularly runs promotions that waive your $99 installation fee. Occasionally, it will also run promotions that give you a monthly discount, like $25 off for 6 months.
Right now, you can also get a $100 prepaid Mastercard. This offer is available on all plans, provided you're new to HughesNet and you purchase or start leasing your equipment before May 31, 2023.
Along with satellite internet, HughesNet also offers home phone service. However, it doesn’t advertise any bundling discounts if you buy both home phone and internet.
There are fees you need to be aware of before canceling HughesNet. Contracts are typically 24 months long, and there is an early cancellation fee up to $400. After the first 90 days of service have passed, this fee decreases by $15 for each month your service is active.
You’re responsible for returning any leased equipment to HughesNet within 45 days of the cancellation date. If you don’t return the equipment, you’ll be charged up to $300. The unreturned equipment fee for the radio transmitter is $200, and the modem and power supply together are $100.
HughesNet participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which helps lower the cost of internet for low-income households and other groups. The HughesNet program will apply the government’s subsidy to your internet plan (up to $30 for most, $75 for people living on Tribal lands). HughesNet will also waive your contract.
Learn more about getting free or low-cost internet.
Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply. For offer details, view disclaimers