Starlink vs Viasat: Complete Comparison Guide 2025

It was 7:03 PM when Sarah’s internet died.

The sun was setting behind the trees, painting the sky orange. Her house went quiet. Then the video call froze—her boss’s face stuck mid-sentence. Her kids started crying because their cartoons stopped loading. In seconds, her entire online world vanished.

That night changed everything. Sarah started researching satellite internet providers, trying to figure out which one would actually work when she needed it most.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the same situation. You’re tired of buffering, dropped calls, and promises that never delivered. You need internet that actually works, and you’re wondering whether to choose Starlink or Viasat.

This isn’t just another technical review. It’s a real-world guide based on actual user experiences, hard data, and honest comparisons. Let’s figure out which provider deserves your money.

Why This Decision Matters More Than Ever

The world has changed. We don’t just browse anymore—we depend on the internet for everything.

Remote work has become permanent for millions of people. Kids attend school online. Doctor appointments happen through video calls. Family connections happen through screens.

When your internet fails, it’s not just an inconvenience. It’s lost work opportunities, missed deadlines, frustrated kids, and constant stress. That’s why choosing the right satellite provider isn’t just a technical decision—it’s about your quality of life.

In 2025, the question isn’t whether you need internet. The real question is which provider will actually deliver when it matters most.

Understanding the Technology (The Simple Version)

Before we compare performance, pricing, and real-world results, you need to understand how these services actually work.

Starlink uses thousands of small satellites that orbit close to Earth—about 340 miles up. This is called a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation. Think of it like having a cell tower just above the clouds instead of hundreds of miles away in space.

For official coverage maps and current pricing, you can check Starlink’s website directly.

Viasat takes a different approach. They use traditional geostationary satellites positioned about 22,000 miles above Earth. These satellites stay fixed over one spot, providing stable coverage to large areas below.

You can explore Viasat’s plans and coverage on their official site.

That distance difference—340 miles versus 22,000 miles—explains almost everything about how these services perform. Signals traveling shorter distances arrive faster with less delay. It’s basic physics, but it makes a huge difference in your daily experience.

Speed Performance: Real Numbers from Real Tests

Let’s skip the marketing claims and look at actual performance data from independent testing in 2025.

Starlink Speed Results

• Download speeds: 50-250 Mbps (varies by location and time)
• Upload speeds: 10-20 Mbps
• Peak performance: Some users report speeds exceeding 300 Mbps

Viasat Speed Results

• Download speeds: 12-100 Mbps (plan dependent)
• Upload speeds: 3-5 Mbps
• Peak performance: Generally maxes out around plan limits

However, raw speed numbers don’t tell the complete story. What matters more is consistency. During peak evening hours (6-10 PM), many Viasat users report significant slowdowns. Starlink tends to maintain more consistent speeds throughout the day.

For streaming Netflix in HD, you need about 5 Mbps. For 4K streaming, you need 25 Mbps. Both services can technically handle this, but the experience feels different because of latency—which brings us to the next critical factor.

Latency: The Invisible Performance Killer

Latency is the delay between when you click something and when it responds. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms), and most people don’t think about it until it ruins their experience.

Here’s where the technology difference becomes painfully obvious:

Provider	Average Latency	Best Case	Impact
Starlink	20-40ms	15ms	Feels like cable internet
Viasat	500-700ms	400ms	Noticeable delays in everything

That 20ms versus 600ms difference changes everything. With Starlink, video calls feel natural. Websites respond instantly. Online gaming becomes possible. With Viasat’s higher latency, there’s always a slight delay that makes video calls awkward and gaming nearly impossible.

Emma, a remote worker from Montana, explained it perfectly: “With my old satellite internet, video calls always felt off. People would talk over each other because of the delay. With Starlink, conversations feel normal again. I didn’t realize how much stress that delay was causing until it disappeared.”

Coverage and Availability: Where Each Service Works

Both providers focus on rural and underserved areas, but their coverage approaches differ significantly.

Starlink Coverage continues expanding rapidly:

• Available across most of North America, Europe, and growing in other regions
• Works anywhere with a clear view of the sky—mountains, forests, remote islands
• Mobile options for RVs, boats, and temporary locations
• No infrastructure needed except the dish and clear sightline

Viasat Coverage takes a more traditional approach:

• Established coverage across the United States and select international markets
• Works best for fixed residential locations
• Requires professional installation and setup
• More limited options for mobile or temporary installations

The flexibility difference matters significantly if you travel, move frequently, or live in challenging terrain. Starlink’s portability gives you options that traditional satellite internet never offered.

Pricing Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Pay

Let’s talk money. Here’s what these services actually cost in 2025:

Starlink Pricing Structure

• Equipment cost: $599 one-time payment (includes dish, router, cables, mounting hardware)
• Monthly service: $120/month for residential
• RV/Mobile plan: $135/month (pause anytime)
• Business plans: Starting at $250/month with higher priority
• Contract terms: None—cancel anytime without penalty

Viasat Pricing Structure

• Equipment cost: $299-399 (sometimes waived with contract)
• Monthly service: $70-150/month depending on speed and data plan
• Installation fee: $100-200 (professional installation required)
• Contract terms: Typically 2-year commitment with early termination fees
• Data caps: Plans range from 40GB to 150GB priority data, then throttled speeds

The upfront cost difference is significant—Starlink requires more money initially. However, the no-contract flexibility and unlimited data change the long-term calculation. Moreover, Starlink’s performance improvements over time (through software updates and new satellite launches) mean your service actually gets better, not worse.

Viasat’s lower monthly cost looks attractive initially, but the data caps and 2-year contract commitment lock you in. If you exceed your priority data allowance, speeds drop significantly—sometimes below 1 Mbps during peak times.

Real User Experiences: What Actually Happens After Installation

Theory and specifications matter less than real-world performance. Here’s what actual users report after switching providers or living with each service for months.

The Starlink Experience

Jake, a software developer in rural Oregon, shared his experience: “Installation took me about 30 minutes. I mounted the dish on my roof, plugged everything in, and it connected automatically. The first speed test showed 180 Mbps down. I actually laughed because my old DSL was 3 Mbps on a good day.”

Common positive reports:

• Easy self-installation process
• Speeds consistently meeting or exceeding expectations
• Video calls and streaming work reliably
• Performance improves over time with updates

Common complaints:

• Brief outages during heavy storms
• Occasional “searching” periods while satellites switch
• Higher upfront cost barrier
• Requires clear sky view (trees or buildings can block signal)

The Viasat Experience

Maria, a teacher in rural Texas, chose Viasat for her home: “The installer came out and set everything up professionally. The speeds are decent most of the time—good enough for basic browsing and streaming. But once I hit my data cap, everything slows down dramatically. Video calls become impossible in the evenings.”

Common positive reports:

• Professional installation included
• Stable service with established infrastructure
• Lower monthly cost than competitors
• Reliable customer service network

Common complaints:

• Data caps limit heavy usage
• Noticeable latency affects video calls and gaming
• Speeds drop significantly after exceeding priority data
• Contract commitments feel restrictive

Streaming and Entertainment: The Daily Use Reality

Most people care about whether they can watch Netflix without buffering and whether Zoom calls work reliably. Here’s how each service handles real entertainment scenarios.

Netflix and Video Streaming:

Both services can handle HD streaming on single devices. However, households with multiple people streaming simultaneously will notice differences. Starlink maintains better performance with 3-4 concurrent streams. Viasat users often report buffering when multiple family members stream simultaneously, especially after hitting data cap thresholds.

Video Conferencing (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet):

This is where latency becomes critical. Starlink’s low latency (20-40ms) makes video calls feel natural and responsive. Viasat’s higher latency (500-700ms) creates noticeable delays that make conversations awkward. People often talk over each other because they don’t realize the other person has started speaking.

Online Gaming:

Competitive gaming requires low latency—ideally under 100ms. Starlink can handle most online games reasonably well. Viasat’s 500-700ms latency makes fast-paced gaming nearly impossible. Turn-based games work fine, but anything requiring quick reactions becomes frustrating.

For gamers specifically, Starlink’s gaming performance represents a breakthrough for rural players who previously couldn’t compete online.

Work From Home Performance: Professional Use Cases

Remote work requirements have gotten more demanding. Video calls, cloud software, large file uploads, and VPN connections all stress your internet connection differently.

Video Conferencing Requirements:

Professional video calls require consistent upload speeds and low latency. Starlink typically provides 10-20 Mbps upload speeds with minimal delay, which handles even group video calls reliably. Viasat’s 3-5 Mbps uploads can struggle with multiple video feeds, and the latency creates communication delays.

Cloud Software and Applications:

Modern work increasingly happens in the cloud—Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, design tools, and countless other applications. These platforms constantly sync data and require responsive connections. Low latency makes cloud applications feel snappy and responsive. High latency makes every click feel sluggish.

For small business owners and entrepreneurs working from rural areas, pairing reliable satellite internet with the right productivity tools makes all the difference. If you’re running a business remotely, you might find our comprehensive guide on AI tools for small businesses in the USA helpful for maximizing your efficiency once you’ve solved your connectivity challenges.

Large File Transfers:

Photographers, videographers, designers, and many other professionals regularly upload large files. Starlink’s higher upload speeds (10-20 Mbps) complete these transfers much faster than Viasat’s 3-5 Mbps. A 1GB file upload takes about 8 minutes on Starlink versus 30-45 minutes on Viasat.

Weather Impact: Storms, Rain, and Signal Reliability

All satellite internet faces weather challenges. Radio signals traveling through storms can weaken or scatter, causing temporary service disruptions.

In heavy rain or snow, both services may experience brief outages or reduced speeds. However, user reports suggest Starlink recovers faster after storms pass. The LEO constellation design means if one satellite’s signal is blocked, your dish can usually connect to another satellite quickly.

Viasat’s geostationary approach means you’re connected to one specific satellite. If weather blocks that signal path, you’re offline until conditions improve.

Neither service is perfect in severe weather, but both remain more reliable than cellular-based internet in rural areas during storms.

Installation and Setup: What to Actually Expect

Starlink Installation

The process is designed for self-installation:

1. Find a location with clear sky view (use the Starlink app to check obstructions)
2. Mount the dish on your roof, ground mount, or pole
3. Run the cable to your router location
4. Plug everything in and wait for the dish to orient itself
5. Connect devices to the WiFi network

Most users report 30-90 minutes for complete setup. No technical knowledge required—if you can assemble IKEA furniture, you can install Starlink.

Viasat Installation

Professional installation is required:

1. Schedule installation appointment (may take 1-2 weeks)
2. Technician arrives and surveys your property
3. Dish installed on roof or other mounting location
4. Cables run to indoor router location
5. System activated and tested

The process takes 2-4 hours typically. While you don’t do the work yourself, you’re dependent on technician scheduling and availability.

Customer Support: When Things Go Wrong

No service is perfect. Equipment fails, weather causes issues, and technical problems happen. How companies handle support matters significantly.

Starlink Support:

Primarily handles support through their app and online ticketing system. Phone support is limited. Response times vary from hours to days depending on issue complexity. The DIY nature means you’ll troubleshoot many issues yourself using online resources and community forums.

Viasat Support:

Offers phone support with established call centers. Professional technicians can be scheduled for physical repairs. More traditional support structure that some customers prefer, especially those less comfortable with technology.

Future-Proofing: Which Technology Will Improve?

Technology evolves. The service you buy today won’t be the same service you have in three years. Which direction is each company heading?

Starlink’s Trajectory:

SpaceX continues launching new satellites monthly. Each generation improves on the last—faster speeds, better coverage, lower latency. Software updates regularly add features and optimize performance. The technology is actively improving, meaning your service gets better over time without upgrading equipment.

Viasat’s Trajectory:

Viasat launched their ViaSat-3 satellite constellation to improve capacity and speeds. This represents significant investment in next-generation technology. However, the fundamental geostationary design means latency limitations remain. They’re improving their service within the constraints of their approach.

For more technical details on satellite internet technology evolution, SatelliteInternet.com offers comprehensive industry analysis.

Making Your Decision: Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Every situation is unique. Before choosing, honestly answer these questions:

1. What’s your primary internet use? Basic browsing and streaming? Professional video conferencing? Online gaming? Different needs favor different solutions.
2. How much can you invest upfront? Starlink requires $599 initially. Viasat spreads costs differently with lower upfront but longer commitment.
3. Do you have clear sky visibility? Starlink requires unobstructed view. Trees or buildings may block signals.
4. How important is flexibility? Do you value the ability to cancel anytime, or are you comfortable with a 2-year commitment?
5. What’s your household data usage? If you regularly exceed 150GB monthly, data caps will frustrate you.
6. Do you work from home? Video conferencing and cloud applications demand low latency and consistent speeds.

Comparison Summary: Quick Reference

Feature	Starlink	Viasat
Download Speed	50-250 Mbps	12-100 Mbps
Upload Speed	10-20 Mbps	3-5 Mbps
Latency	20-40ms	500-700ms
Equipment Cost	$599	$299-399
Monthly Cost	$120	$70-150
Data Caps	None	40-150GB priority data
Contract	None	2 years typical
Installation	DIY (30-90 min)	Professional (2-4 hours)
Best For	Remote work, streaming, gaming, flexibility	Basic browsing, streaming, fixed location

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Starlink better than Viasat for rural internet?

For most rural users, yes. Starlink delivers faster speeds (50-250 Mbps vs 12-100 Mbps), significantly lower latency (20-40ms vs 500-700ms), and unlimited data with no contracts. However, it requires higher upfront investment ($599 vs $299-399) and clear sky visibility.

Can you game with satellite internet in 2025?

Yes, but only with Starlink. Its 20-40ms latency makes most online gaming playable, though not as responsive as fiber or cable. Viasat’s 500-700ms latency makes fast-paced gaming nearly impossible. Turn-based and strategy games work fine on either service.

Does weather affect satellite internet service?

Yes, both services can experience brief outages during heavy rain or snow storms. Starlink typically recovers faster due to its multi-satellite design—if one satellite signal is blocked, your dish can connect to another. Viasat connects to a single satellite, so blocked signals mean complete service loss until weather clears.

What happens if you exceed Viasat’s data cap?

After exceeding your priority data allowance (40-150GB depending on plan), Viasat throttles your speeds significantly—often below 1 Mbps during peak hours (6-10 PM). You can still browse and check email, but streaming and video calls become difficult. Speeds return to normal after your monthly cycle resets.

Can you use Starlink while traveling in an RV?

Yes, Starlink offers a dedicated RV/mobile plan for $135/month that you can pause when not traveling. The service works while the vehicle is stationary (not while driving). You’ll need clear sky view at each location, but it provides internet access anywhere within Starlink’s coverage area.

Which satellite internet is better for video calls and remote work?

Starlink is significantly better for remote work. Its low latency (20-40ms) makes video calls feel natural without awkward delays. Higher upload speeds (10-20 Mbps vs 3-5 Mbps) handle screen sharing and file uploads efficiently. Viasat’s 500-700ms latency creates noticeable conversation delays that make professional video conferencing challenging.

Final Recommendation: Which Should You Choose?

After examining speeds, latency, pricing, real user experiences, and practical considerations, here’s the honest truth:

Choose Starlink if you:

• Work remotely and need reliable video conferencing
• Stream content regularly on multiple devices
• Want to game online or need low latency
• Value flexibility and no contract commitments
• Can afford the higher upfront cost
• Have clear sky view with minimal obstructions
• Travel or move frequently

Choose Viasat if you:

• Have limited upfront budget
• Use internet primarily for basic browsing and casual streaming
• Prefer professional installation and traditional support
• Don’t exceed 150GB monthly data usage
• Rarely participate in video calls or online gaming
• Want established, proven technology with known service levels

For most people in 2025—especially remote workers, families with multiple internet users, and anyone who needs reliable, responsive internet—Starlink represents the better long-term choice. The higher upfront cost pays off through better performance, unlimited data, and contract flexibility.

Viasat still serves an important role for budget-conscious users with basic needs who want professional installation and don’t mind data limitations.

What Happens Next?

Whatever you choose, order soon. Both services have wait times in certain areas. Starlink particularly faces supply constraints in high-demand regions.

Remember Sarah from the beginning of this article? She chose Starlink six months ago. Her internet doesn’t drop during video calls anymore. Her kids stream without constant buffering. She stopped worrying about data caps and contract penalties.

She told me last week: “I wish I had switched sooner. The difference isn’t just technical—it’s peace of mind. I finally have internet that works when I need it.”

You deserve the same peace of mind. Choose the service that fits your needs, order it, and stop living with internet that lets you down.

Your connection to work, education, entertainment, and family matters too much to settle for anything less than reliable.