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HughesNet

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3.5

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: February 14th, 2024

HughesNet is an internet service provider committed to making its customers' internet experiences the best for more than 40 years. This long history of service has made HughesNet the largest satellite internet network in the country.

HughesNet internet offers download speeds up to 25 Mbps from a satellite network. It focuses on residential internet services.

HughesNet has a great reputation for customer service and has a high rate of customer retention. This reputation helps HughesNet stand out among their competition within the industry.

As a satellite internet provider, HughesNet is often contrasted with its competitor, Viasat (formerly known as Exede Internet).

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The Good

  • Satellite Network
  • Plan Options and Pricing
  • Nationwide Availability
  • Bonus Data

Satellite Network

The technology delivering high-speed internet plans is constantly improving. Consumers can choose several options from their internet providers, such as dial-up service, DSL, cable internet, and fiber-optic broadband.

HughesNet internet has introduced a new type of network using satellite technology. The HughesNet satellite is more than 22,000 miles in space and will receive a signal from the customer's computer.

However, some customers complain that satellite internet service has room for improvement, and they struggle to get a signal. Being at the forefront of internet evolution comes with the risk of service issues, so make sure that satellite internet is the best option for you.

Plan Options and Pricing

HughesNet has one consistent speed across all of its plans: 25 Mbps. The actual speed experienced may vary depending on other external factors. The rates vary based on how much monthly data is included and your area:

  • 10 GB – $49.99
  • 20 GB – $59.99
  • 30 GB – $89.99
  • 50 GB – $139.99

However, these rates don't include equipment, which customers pay a monthly fee to lease.

Nationwide Availability

Most broadband ISPs are smaller companies that offer their networks to a focalized region. They generally operate in a few states or in metropolitan areas. Few companies offer widespread service.

HughesNet's satellite service spans the entire country. No matter where you live, you can always access the network. This is a benefit for customers who may move often because they can be confident that their internet will travel with them.

Bonus Data

HughesNet has restrictive data caps, but the good news is customers have access to a bonus 50 GB of data per month when accessed between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. If you plan on surfing late in the evening or early in the morning, this could be beneficial.

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The Bad

  • Limited Internet Packages
  • Long Contract
  • Slower Speeds
  • Data Allowance
  • Equipment Purchase or Lease

Limited Internet Packages

Most ISPs offer their customers a large selection of internet plans. These packages have a variety of data speeds and features.

This is not the case for any HughesNet plan. They offer limited service plans depending on your area. Pricing also varies depending on your zip code and the data allowance you choose.

If you want to cancel your service contract with HughesNet after installation, expect a termination fee. You will have to return the equipment by mail.

Long Contract

HughesNet's internet service requires a two-year contract, as do some of its competitors in the satellite internet industry. If you want to test how it compares to other broadband internet providers, you'll be locked into a contract for years unless you would like to pay an early termination fee.

However, HughesNet guarantees its price for 12 months, which could be appealing for those who are wary of the notorious price hikes with many service plans.

If you're seeking a month-to-month contract, HughesNet isn't for you.

Slower Speeds

HughesNet's broadband speed is very slow in the industry. Some companies have higher speeds closer to 1 Gbps, but more commonly, the competitive speeds are lower: 75-300 Mbps. HughesNet only offers its customers 25 Mbps. This may be a deterrent if you need a higher download speed.

The upload speeds with HughesNet are not easy to find on their website. This is one of the most frequent customer complaints, and many say they switched from HughesNet to a high-speed internet plan.

The high latency of satellite internet has many users complaining that they struggle to get a signal to their devices. Others say that when they run a speed test they receive a slow speed much lower than their advertised plan. Your devices communicate with the satellite service with a brief half-second delay that makes real-time online gaming impossible.

If you are looking for faster speeds, you may need to look elsewhere.

Data Allowance

HughesNet's data cap could be another downside for potential customers. Other internet service providers also set a data limit for their customers in order to better control their network speeds, but these companies normally don't have limits that are set so low. Some companies provide their customers with unlimited data.

HughesNet's data caps are between 10-50 GB, which limits their customers significantly. However, once you use your data allowance, you can still stay connected at a slower speed free of additional charge. HughesNet only slows down data until the next billing cycle.

HughesNet also has data saver technology that moderates the amount of data used when streaming videos so that your data lasts for a longer period of time.

Equipment Purchase or Lease

If you choose one of HughesNet's internet plans, you can pay upfront to purchase the HughesNet gateway modem, which comes with built in Wi-Fi. Otherwise, you'll have to lease the modem for a monthly fee. The modem is required for HughesNet service. Customers living in rural areas might decide the modem is worth the upfront money.

When initially starting an internet service contract with HughesNet, customers will schedule a technician to install the equipment. Some deals include free installation. Others may charge an installation fee.

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The Bottom Line

HughesNet uses broadband satellite to bring its customers a connection. Its satellite network creates a pathway between the customer's computer and the HughesNet servers through a satellite that is thousands of miles up in space.

The speeds currently available through this network are very slow at only 25 Mbps. While this is low compared to high-speed internet, it is much faster than dial-up and may be your best option in a rural area.

Consumers interested in high speed may want to consider other internet options if available in their area, like cable or fiber-optic internet.

HughesNet service options also have little variety. HughesNet would be a good option for customers who live in remote locations, want a reliable connection, and don't mind slower internet speeds.

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Star Rating

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462 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

3%

4 grade

2%

3 grade

3%

2 grade

4%

1 grade

88%

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Lion Heart

Well mabe is not better than land lines internet but solved wene no other internet can. true real time gaming is not posible and apps like zoom work halfway due to distance info travel just over the air to reach the sat but some jobs can be done from home as long is not operator or meetings .i m able to strem 4 tv at same time obvious wene data cap reach 1 or 2 tv is not as bad as people say here i belive this is a hate campain i saw comercial on tv the never say best internet they say best satellite internet so they specific betwin sats competitor they know sat conectios are no better than land conection but that is about to change in next 5 years or less

2 years ago

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LaRita Bearden

If you stream, you will very quickly use up your 25mb at which time you can then purchase more to achieve your normal, slow speed. Their phone service will not allow faxing. When there is bad weather, all of your systems fail, including your phone. Should you decide to cancel beyond the 30 days, hughesnet will immediately pull their funds from your bank account. I found the service to be substandard. Glad to no longer be associated with this company.

2 years ago Edited June 1, 2022

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Sheila Stone Niota, TN

When I returned to Georgia I lived in an area that only offered internet thru satellite. Apparently HughesNet and Dish are business partners. I told them I didn't want TV service but the CSR insisted that it was cheaper that way. I told her again that I did not want it UNLESS it was cheaper than internet alone. I ended up with 2 seperate bills with high disconnect fees and it was not cheaper than internet alone. I had problems getting the signal to come in strong from the beginning. I will give HughesNet their props trying to resolve the signal issues. They will work with you on billing when their is an issue.

1 year ago

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Sam Gray Raleigh, NC

Hughnet pricing is extremely high compared to cable. Folks that can't get internet service through cable is definitely getting taken advantage of. 2 terra bite of data through cable $70 a month 10 GB through Hughsnet $59.99 I get more on my phone.should be ashamed of yourself.

4 years ago

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Bill Luce

High price, slow speed, slow speed, high price. Was told I could play video game, run WiFi in phone and tablet all the same time, couldn't even view you tube video that it buffered all the time

3 years ago

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Deward & Alyson Miller

We have had them for 10 years and we paid on time every month when we needed them the most during the corvid19 virus to to see about going ahead with Gen5 we could not get through or speak to anyone. I was very frustrated.

3 years ago

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justin polk Eight Mile, AL

they have data limits, which i hate. feel like i have to monitor my viewing habits to make sure i don't exceed. They don't charge more , they slow down my MPS. the speed is not consistent.

4 years ago

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Ron Stout McAlester, OK

Service provided as advertised. Very few negatives, and nothing to complain about. However, after reviewing ratings and reviews not all customer have the same opinion as I do

5 years ago

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Madison Kneiss Long Beach, MS

this service is made for big companies that have money. the residential is way to expensive in comparison to others. and all the equipment with the satellite and boxes. i would never do that to myself again

4 years ago

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Kathy Trevarton Marshall, AR

I don't have many choices when it comes to internet providers so I have had to accept what is available. No dsl in my area. Would like a better deal on streaming ...Just too costly.

5 years ago

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Stacy Carter Red Cliff, CO

I had satellite internet with Hughes net as it was the only option where I lived. It was pretty awful. Expensive and I would run out of internet often.

1 year ago

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Mindy Kingston, MO

We had Hughesnet for several years. Our Internet service was not very good. It was way too expensive.

4 years ago

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Richard

Slower than advertised speed is 9MHZ per sec and they advertise 25

5 years ago

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Frankie

Expensive and data goes fast

4 years ago

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Sara Bennett Sturgis, MI

Its satellite theyre "ok", it runs out fast.

6 years ago

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You Dallas, TX

Priced higher than should be.i can get the same amount of hotspot for cheaper.

1 year ago