Head-to-Head Comparison
Starlink vs HughesNet
Side-by-side comparison of speeds, latency, pricing, coverage, and hardware - updated 2026-03-28.
Data sourced from FCC filings, official specs, and independent speed tests.
The Verdict
Starlink wins for most users with faster speeds (100-400 Mbps vs 25-100 Mbps) and lower latency (20-60ms vs 600-650ms). HughesNet counters with more affordable pricing (from $40-$95/mo).
Winner for most users
Starlink
High-speed, low-latency broadband from LEO
Max Speed
400 Mbps
Latency
20-60ms
From
$50-$250/mo
Satellites
10,139
Affordable satellite internet for rural America
Max Speed
100 Mbps
Latency
600-650ms
From
$40-$95/mo
Satellites
3
Starlink vs HughesNet - Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | Starlink | HughesNet |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed | 100-400 Mbps Winner | 25-100 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 10-40 Mbps Winner | 3-5 Mbps |
| Latency Lower is better | 20-60ms Winner | 600-650ms |
| Starting Price Lower is better | $50-$250/mo | $40-$95/mo Winner |
| Data Caps | Unlimited Winner | Some plans capped |
| Equipment Cost Lower is better | $349 Winner | TBD |
| Installation | Self-install Winner | Professional required |
| Portable | Yes Winner | No |
| Orbit Type | LEO | GEO |
| Constellation | 10,139 in orbit / 19,400 planned Winner | 3 in orbit / 3 planned |
| Countries Available | 150+ countries Winner | 1 country |
| Status | Available now | Available now |
Speed Comparison - Starlink vs HughesNet
Starlink offers faster download speeds at 100-400 Mbps compared to HughesNet's 25-100 Mbps. That is up to 4x faster at the high end.
Upload speeds: Starlink 10-40 Mbps vs HughesNet 3-5 Mbps. Speeds are advertised ranges and vary by location, time of day, and congestion.
Latency Comparison - Starlink vs HughesNet
Starlink has significantly lower latency at 20-60ms vs HughesNet's 600-650ms - roughly 15.6x lower. This is primarily due to LEO vs GEO orbit differences. HughesNet's high latency makes real-time activities like gaming and video calls noticeably laggy.
Lower latency is better. Under 80ms is good for gaming. Under 300ms works for video calls. GEO satellites (35,786 km) have 600ms+ latency due to signal travel time. LEO satellites (550 km) achieve 20-60ms.
Pricing Comparison - Starlink vs HughesNet
HughesNet is more affordable, starting at $40/mo vs Starlink's $50/mo - a $10/mo difference. Over a year, that is $120 in savings.
Starlink Plans
One-time cost for standard dish ($349); Starlink Mini $249
HughesNet Plans
Lease $14.99-$19.99/mo or purchase $100-$450; 2-year contract required
Coverage & Availability - Starlink vs HughesNet
Starlink has broader availability with service in 150+ countries vs HughesNet's 1. Available in 150+ countries across 6 continents. ~10,139 satellites in orbit. Direct-to-cell service with T-Mobile commercially live since July 2025. Deutsche Telekom partnership covers 10 EU countries (140M subscribers), service targeting 2028.
Showing featured countries on our site. Starlink operates in 150+ countries total.
Both available (1)
Starlink only (24)
Hardware & Installation - Starlink vs HughesNet
Starlink offers self-installation while HughesNet requires a professional installer.
Starlink
- Equipment
- $349
- Dish Type
- Phased-array flat antenna
- Installation
- Self-install
- Portable
- Yes
One-time cost for standard dish ($349); Starlink Mini $249
HughesNet
- Equipment
- TBD
- Dish Type
- Parabolic dish antenna
- Installation
- Professional
- Portable
- No
Lease $14.99-$19.99/mo or purchase $100-$450; 2-year contract required
Pros & Cons
Starlink
Advantages
- + Lowest latency of any satellite provider (median 25-50ms)
- + No data caps on residential plans
- + Self-install portable dish - no technician needed
- + Largest constellation: 10,000+ active satellites
- + Available in 150+ countries
Limitations
- - Speeds vary by local congestion (100-400 Mbps typical)
- - Upfront equipment cost ($349 standard, $249 Mini)
- - Requires clear sky view - trees and obstructions degrade signal
- - Performance degrades during peak evening hours
HughesNet
Advantages
- + Lowest starting price ($40/mo Lite plan)
- + 99% US coverage - serves extremely remote areas
- + Fusion plan has no hard data cap
- + Long operational track record (since 2012)
Limitations
- - High latency (600ms+) - unsuitable for gaming or real-time video calls
- - Data caps on Lite, Select, and Elite plans
- - 2-year contract with early termination fee; equipment lease fees on top
- - US-only - no international availability
- - Professional installation required
Which Should You Choose? Starlink vs HughesNet
Gaming
StarlinkStarlink's 20-60ms latency supports gaming. HughesNet's 600-650ms is too high for real-time games.
Streaming
StarlinkStarlink's higher max speeds (100-400 Mbps) support more simultaneous streams, though HughesNet (25-100 Mbps) also handles 4K fine.
Budget
HughesNetHughesNet starts at $40/mo vs Starlink's $50/mo - 20% less per month.
Rural / Remote
HughesNetHughesNet covers 99% of the US vs Starlink's 98%. Professional installation may be harder in remote areas.
Business
StarlinkStarlink offers dedicated business plans. HughesNet does not have specific business tiers.
Mobile / RV
StarlinkStarlink supports portable use - great for RVs, boats, and travel. HughesNet requires a fixed installation.