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Best Satellite TV and Internet Providers 2023
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We’ve reviewed and ranked the best satellite TV and satellite internet providers, so if you’re in the market for satellite TV and internet service, you came to the right place.
- : Best satellite internet
- : Best satellite TV
- : Satellite internet runner-up
- : Satellite TV runner-up

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Viasat: Best satellite internet provider
Between Viasat and HughesNet satellite internet, Viasat is the clear winner when it comes to the fastest possible download speeds. Viasat internet plans come with download speeds between 35-150 Mbps, compared to HughesNet's blanket 25 Mbps speds. To top it off, Viasat's data caps blow HughesNet's out of the water.
Viasat's plans come with unlimited standard data but keep in mind your speeds slow down if you use up your high-speed data allotment.
Speeds are up to and not guaranteed and will vary.
DISH: Best satellite TV provider
DISH is known for consistent pricing with no hikes, plus excellent sports coverage. (Though you'll want to go with DIRECTV if you're after ESPN College Extra.)
DISH also beat out traditional cable companies like Xfinity and Verizon Fios—you can see our top TV provider picks here.
HughesNet: Satellite internet runner-up
HughesNet satellite internet can be a great pick if you don't plan on streaming, gaming, or working from home.
Its cheapest plans are the best value, but you'll need to watch your data usage like a hawk. (And 25 Mbps download speeds are barely enough to keep one person online.)
DIRECTV: Satellite TV runner-up
DIRECTV makes you sign a two-year contract just like DISH, but it's the only satellite TV provider that bumps your price up after one year. (DISH won't until after two years.)
DIRECTV is one of only two service providers that offer ESPN College Extra, though DISH has more total sports channels.
Recap: The best satellite TV and internet providers 2023
Whether you're in need of rural satellite internet or want to flip through hundreds of satellite TV channels, Viasat satellite internet and DISH TV are the best.
- Viasat: Best satellite internet. With download speeds up to 150 Mbps and unlimited data, Viasat outshines HughesNet.
- DISH: Best satellite TV. DIRECTV may have more channels, but DISH is the better deal. Plus, sports fans will love the selection.
- HughesNet: Satellite internet runner-up. If you just browse email and Facebook, HughesNet's 25 Mbps download speeds and low data caps might do the trick.
- DIRECTV: Satellite TV runner-up. Despite a mid-contract price hike, DIRECTV could be right for you if you're looking for the most channels—or ESPN College Extra.
Why get satellite internet service?
If you’re interested in satellite internet, it might be because there’s no other option for internet service in your area.
Thankfully, satellite internet has made strides to compete with the likes of cable internet and DSL. For example, if you’re looking for plans with download speeds of 5 to 25 Mbps, you’ll notice satellite internet pricing is comparable to some cable internet providers.
The biggest advantage to satellite internet is nationwide availability. If you live outside the suburbs or in a rural area, satellite internet is the best way (and maybe the only way) to get internet service.
Satellite internet isn’t as generous as cable internet when it comes to data allowance, but outside of multiplayer online gaming and working from home, satellite internet can cover most internet needs.
You might also find bundled internet + TV options which can save money on monthly bills, so make sure to ask if bundled options are available in your area.
Find out how Viasat, HughesNet, and Starlink all stack up in our satellite internet providers review.
Why get satellite TV?
A two-year contract for satellite TV might seem like a disadvantage, but many other TV providers require contracts for one or two years as well, such as Comcast Xfinity. Plus, those TV providers that don’t require a contract are typically more expensive than satellite TV.
DIRECTV used to offer a free season of NFL Sunday Ticket, (you can get it from YouTube TV starting this fall), but other professional sports channels, like NFL Network, NHL Network, ESPN, and MLB Network, are available on DISH and DIRECTV.
Because satellite TV is available nationwide, you can get TV in the most remote of places, including your cabin in the woods. And if you want mobile TV, both DISH and DIRECTV have service for RVs and boats, so you can get satellite TV on the road or on the lake.
If you’re wondering what makes satellite TV unique, check out our rankings for the Best satellite TV providers.
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