HughesNet Internet Review: HughesNet Plans, Prices, and Bundles

Looking to stay connected no matter where you are? Look no further than HughesNet satellite internet. With unbeatable prices and access practically everywhere, a HughesNet plan could be the perfect fit for your digital lifestyle!
HughesNet Internet overview
HughesNet
4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1
  • Price:$64.99–$149.99/mo.
  • Speed: 25 Mbps
  • Data: 15–100 GB
  • Internet types: Satellite and wireless

*Data effective 2/15/22. Service plans require a 24-month commitment.


Cara Haynes
Managing Editor
Read More
March 06, 2023

Is HughesNet internet good?

Overall, we’d recommend HughesNet Internet if you need an affordable satellite internet plan for browsing, email checking, and even limited TV streaming. 

HughesNet satellite internet plans offer up to 100 GB of data per month and download speeds up to 25 Mbps. That's slower than Viasat and Starlink speeds, but HughesNet’s prices and sweet promotional deals keep it competitive.

So is HughesNet good internet? Yes, HughesNet is one of the best satellite internet providers if you’re looking for affordable rural internet that gets the job done, whether for residential or business satellite internet.

Best HughesNet deals

HughesNet 30 GB
Between now and 1/31/23, get $25/mo. off HughesNet Internet’s 30 GB plan for the first 6 mos.

Unlike other satellite internet providers, HughesNet Internet runs a lot of sweet discounts, promotions, and deals to help you get the satellite service you need.

We recommend snapping up the 30 GB deal right now, which will get you HughesNet's 30 GB plan for $25 a month off for the first six months, saving you a total of $150 over the discount's term.

But for all the latest deals, check out our HughesNet deals and discounts page.

More HughesNet promotions

HughesNet has a few long-standing deals, so be sure to take advantage of these opportunities to save money with HughesNet service in the long run:

  • Get $5 off your equipment leasing fee for the first six months.
  • Get $100 off if you purchase your equipment outright. 

*$300 Prepaid Card via rebate applies to new HughesNet residential subscribers. HughesNet equipment and  service much be purchased before 9/28/22 and must remain active for a minimum of 31 days to qualify. Offer is not valid on the 15 GB, NYSB 20, NYSB 100 and NYSB 500 plans. Visit HughesNetRebates.com for details. Rebate submissions must be received by 12/1/22. Card expires 6 months from date issued. Restrictions may apply. Offer void where prohibited. Offer ends 9/28/22.

HughesNet

HughesNet plans and pricing

Data plan
Price
Speed
Satellite-only 15 GB$64.99/mo.25 Mbps
Satellite-only 30 GB$49.99/mo.*25 Mbps
Fusion 50 GB$74.99/mo.*25 Mbps
Fusion 100 GB$124.99/mo.*25 Mbps

Data as of 12/16/2022 Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
†Service plans require a 24-month commitment. Pricing not available in all areas.
*Pricing for the first 6 months.

Not sure about HughesNet? Find all your internet provider options with one search.

HughesNet news

HughesNet, just like Viasat, is planning to launch a new satellite in 2023. The JUPITER 3, planned to launch in the first half of 2023 (but still without a specific date), will have almost triple the amount of capacity as the previous. What's that mean for you? Higher data caps could be coming to HughesNet in 2023. 

Is HughesNet expensive?

HughesNet is the cheapest and most affordable satellite internet provider, but keep in mind, all satellite internet providers are more expensive than cable options.

HughesNet's 15 GB and 30 GB plans are much more accessible than Viasat or Starlink plans. But if you want bigger data caps, HughesNet starts getting more expensive (though still not as expensive as Viasat).

Our favorite HughesNet satellite internet plan

If price isn’t an issue for you, the best HughesNet Internet plan is the 100 GB plan for $149.99 a month. It's a pretty noticeable price tag, but not as expensive as Viasat, and you'll pay only $99.99 for the first six months (a total savings of $300).

We signed up for the 100 GB plan ourselves. Data goes fast with satellite internet—especially if you like streaming—so it’s nice to have as much as you can get. But if you don’t want to pay $149.99 a month, the HughesNet 30 GB plan is more affordable. Plus, you can make those 30 GB last longer by downloading movies and shows during the Bonus Zone (2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.).

If you’ve explored HughesNet satellite internet plans before, you might notice their data caps just got bigger! Way more data for just a little bit more money? Yes, please. Plus, like we mentioned earlier, HughesNet's offering its plans for $20 to $50 cheaper for the first six months of new service, so that balances out in your favor. 

HughesNet Fusion internet plans

What is HughesNet Fusion?

HughesNet Fusion is Hughes Network Systems' newest internet service offering that combines satellite internet with wireless technology to produce the first low-latency satellite internet hybrid solution available to the continental USA. HughesNet Fusion isn't available in South America, Puerto Rico, or Hawaii like HughesNet Internet plans (the satellite-only internet options above) are, but for those of you in the Lower 48, low latency life awaits.

How fast is HughesNet Fusion?

  HughesNet Fusion offers 25 Mbps speeds and only 25 Mbps speeds, just like its cousin service, HughesNet satellite internet. But HughesNet Fusion's lower latency does mean that some activities might feel faster while you're using it.
HughesNet Fusion plans
Price*
Speeds
Data (GB)
Get it
Fusion 50 GB
Starts at
$74.99
/mo
25 Mbps50
Fusion 100 GB
Starts at
$124.99
/mo
25 Mbps100

HughesNet Fusion has only two plans right now, and they offer the same speed: 25 Mbps Like HughesNet internet (the satellite-only one), HughesNet Fusion divides its plans up by data amount.

We recommend the HughesNet Fusion 100 GB data plan for most people, especially if you like to stream TV.

HughesNet Internet speeds

Although HughesNet Gen5 data caps got bigger, HughesNet download speeds stayed the same: a humble 25 Mbps. An internet speed of 25 Mbps is plenty functional for internet basics like email and paying online bills, but it’s a little behind the times when satellite providers like Starlink offer satellite internet speeds up to 500 Mbps.

While we tested HughesNet, we noticed that 25 Mbps made video streaming choppier, and it sometimes led to slow load times for things like Zoom and YouTube. You also need to keep an eye on your data limit with HughesNet more than with other satellite internet service providers, though fortunately there are no longer hard data limits (your speeds just slow after you've reached your data cap).

If you're looking for a really high-speed experience from your internet service provider, Viasat or Starlink might be better satellite alternatives for you.

But you might consider our Best 4G LTE Home Internet Providers guide if you're in an area that has cell service without land-based internet providers. Fixed wireless internet could be for you. 

As part of our HughesNet review, we've tested the service ourselves for about six months so we could give you a peek into the behind-the-scenes process.

The prices on our order summary are a bit different than current prices and promotions, but take a look at the HughesNet fees and equipment setup prices for the 75 GB service plan on our order summary below.

If you're interested in more details about how HughesNet handles its customers and fees—or if you want to talk to a HughesNet customer service representative about your own—check out our HughesNet Customer Service advice page.

HughesNet Business

If residential satellite internet isn't what you're looking for, never fear. HughesNet also offers satellite business internet plans, if you're looking to support your small business. Rural areas and digital nomads rejoice!

But HughesNet internet alone might not be enough for your and your business. Fortunately, HughesNet has TV and phone bundles just for the likes of you.

HughesNet TV and internet bundle deals

Best satellite TV plans
Price
Channels
Get it
DISH America's Top 120
Starts at
$69.99
/mo
190+
DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT All-Included*
Starts at
$64.99
/mo
160+

for 24. months. Everyday Price $104.99/mo. New customers only. All offers require 2-year commitment with early termination fee and eAutopay. Price includes Hopper Duo for qualifying customers.

*w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. is extra and applies. Prices subject to change at any time. 

You can’t bundle your HughesNet Internet with TV to get discounts. But you can get DISH or DIRECTV as your HughesNet Internet TV option—you’ll just have to purchase it separately. They’re both available everywhere, just like HughesNet. You’ll just have two satellite dishes on top of your house.

Both satellite TV providers require a 2-year contract that comes with hefty early termination fees. Make sure you’re committed to your DISH or DIRECTV plan for the long haul before you sign the dotted line.

Info
Get more HughesNet streaming data.

You can use the Bonus Zone to squeeze an extra 50 GB out of your HughesNet satellite internet plan every month. Just download or stream your TV content between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Our tip? Plan ahead by waking up early or staying up late to prep all your streaming content for the month. You can also schedule software updates to happen during that time.

If you don’t want to stress about budgeting your streaming time, go with a satellite TV plan. You can watch as much TV as you want with DISH or DIRECTV, no data caps attached. So, go ahead—have your HughesNet and your TV too.

HughesNet Voice and internet bundles

Base plan
Minutes
Price
Home VoiceUnlimited calls to US and Canada
$29.95
mo.
Add-on plans
Minutes
Price
International 200200 minutes to 60 countries
$9.95
mo.
International UnlimitedUnlimited calls to 60 countries
$22.95
mo.

HughesNet Voice offers satellite-based home phone service via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Although it uses your HughesNet satellite internet connection to make calls, HughesNet Voice won’t count toward your monthly data cap, which sets HughesNet Voice apart from other VoIP phone options that will happily devour your data. Even if you hit your HughesNet Internet data cap, you can still make VoIP calls.

You can easily add HughesNet Voice to your existing HughesNet Internet plan for an additional $29.95 per month. With that plan, you’ll get unlimited calls to the US and Canada. If you need to make international calls, HughesNet Voice offers the International 200 add-on plan for $9.95 per month or the International Unlimited add-on plan for $22.95 per month. It’s easy to bundle HughesNet Voice with your internet service when you buy HughesNet online.

Every HughesNet Voice plan allows you to keep your same phone number or get a new one. The plan also comes with free features such as call waiting, caller ID, call forwarding, voicemail, and more.​

HughesNet Internet vs. the competition

Provider
Price
Monthly data
Installation
Speed
Details
$64.99–$149.99/mo.*15–100 GBFree25 Mbps
$64.99–$169.99/mo.†45–300 GBFree12–100 Mbps
$99.00–$500.00/mo.‡Unlimited$499.00–$2,500.00100–500 Mbps

Data effective 1/25/22.* Service plans require a 24-month commitment.†Promotional price is for the first 3 months. Regular internet rate applies after 3 months ($50–$200/mo.). ‡Service plans require a 24-month commitment.

HughesNet Internet vs. Viasat

HughesNet Gen5 seems equally priced with Viasat internet initially, but that’s no longer the case after three months. Viasat raises prices from 30% to 50% after the three-month intro period.

You might grab a deal that discounts HughesNet prices for the first six months, but after returning to the normal price they will stay the same. And since both HughesNet and Viasat require a 2-year contract, you’ll be stuck with the Viasat price hike for the majority of your service.

That said, Viasat does offer higher internet speeds and data caps than HughesNet. All that extra money you’ll be paying with Viasat isn’t for nothing. But if you want a satellite internet plan that starts out with an affordable price and stays that way, go with HughesNet by Hughes Network Systems.

HughesNet Internet vs. Starlink

Starlink offers more data and faster internet speeds than HughesNet, but HughesNet is much more widely available and reliable—at least for now. Starlink’s network is still in the early stages and could surpass HughesNet in availability and consistency over the next few years, although that’s still up for debate.1 Even though getting Starlink is still a longshot, it’s hard to not be tempted by Starlink’s incredibly fast satellite internet download speeds (speeds go up to 500 Mbps with Starlink Premium) and unlimited data.2 Those are two hot commodities in the rural internet market.

But before you jump on the Starlink bandwagon, know that Starlink availability is still highly limited. Many customers are spending months on the waitlist.3 The installation fees are also much higher than Viasat and HughesNet ($2,500 for Starlink Premium!). With Starlink, you have to buy your equipment outright and then install it yourself—there’s no leasing option.

HughesNet also offers the Bonus Zone with all its satellite internet plans. It allows you to use an additional 50 GB of full-speed data between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Sure, it’s not the best time of day to plop on the couch and stream. But it can come in handy if you plan ahead. For example, you can download shows and movies in advance during that time.

HughesNet Internet vs. its main internet competitors

HughesNet internet is one of the top three residential satellite internet providers overall, but if you want more details against how it stacks up against Viasat, Starlink, and other upcoming satellite providers like Project Kuiper, check out our comparison guides below to find out which works best for you. 

Things we like about HughesNet Internet

HughesNet pros
pro 50% more data with new HughesNet plans
pro No price hikes (Viasat raises prices after 3 months)
pro Free installation
HughesNet cons
con Slower max internet speeds than Viasat and Starlink
con Lower max data caps than Viasat and Starlink

Pro: Bonus Zone

HughesNet satellite internet plans offer the Bonus Zone, which is unlike anything offered by other satellite internet providers. You can get an extra 50 GB of data per month just by using the internet in the hours between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. This makes HughesNet’s already affordable plans an even better bargain.

Pro: 50% more data

HughesNet plans now offer 50% more data than its previous satellite internet plans. This makes them more competitive with Viasat’s larger data caps while still remaining the more affordable option overall.

Pro: No hefty installation fees

HughesNet allows you to lease equipment rather than forcing you to buy it outright for a hefty price ($499 and up) like Starlink does. HughesNet also doesn’t raise its prices after 3 months like Viasat does.

Pro: Frequent deals and promotions.

Unlike Starlink and even Viasat, HughesNet often offers deals on its plans or promotions to help sweeten the pot. These aren't reasons to get HughesNet on their own, but if you're pretty sure the plans are a good fit for you, it helps you save on your internet service. 

Things we don’t like about HughesNet Internet

Con: Slow download speeds

The fastest download speed HughesNet satellite internet offers is 25 Mbps. That’s slow even for satellite internet. While it’s certainly better than some of the 12 Mbps plans Viasat offers, Viasat also offers plans up to 100 Mbps. And when you compare 25 Mbps to Starlink’s potential for 500 Mbps with its Starlink Premium plans, it’s really hard to feel excited about HughesNet speeds.

Con: Lower data caps

HughesNet data caps are generally lower than what you’ll get with Viasat and Starlink. Satellite internet plans with more data from Viasat and Starlink are a lot more expensive overall, but it’s still nice for satellite providers to at least offer the option.

HughesNet Internet availability

One of the best things about HughesNet is that it’s available practically everywhere. As long as you have a clear view of the southern sky, you can get HughesNet Internet service. HughesNet can offer such widespread availability because it’s based on a satellite internet network run by Hughes Network Systems.

Other internet providers rely on landlines that are expensive and time-intensive to install, which is why they often don’t reach rural cities. But with a giant satellite orbiting Earth, you can rain down that sweet satellite internet service to a much wider area. 

That said, if you have internet options available where you live other than satellite internet, we recommend going with one of those instead. HughesNet is a great solution when you don’t have any other options. But it’s low data caps and slower speeds can be a hassle if you have DSL internet, cable, or a 5G/4G LTE home internet service available that you could go with instead.

Find all the internet providers available where you live.

HughesNet Internet fees

Fee
Cost
Data tokens$9.00/3 GB (see chart below for more pricing)
Installation FeeFree if you lease ($99.00 if you purchase your equipment outright)
Monthly lease fee$14.99/mo.
Equipment purchase$499.98
Early termination feeStarts at $400.00

HughesNet often runs promotions that either reduce or eliminate its fees. For example, you can usually get a free HughesNet installation if you sign up for an equipment lease.

A good way to anticipate unexpected HughesNet fees is to do a dry run through their checkout process. Or better yet, you can checkout ours below. The available deals will likely be different depending on the time of year, but this will give you an idea of HughesNet's order process and fees.

HughesNet email order confirmation and HughesNet plan details

Here's what your confirmation email will look like once you order HughesNet. We ordered the biggest plan they had to offer to test—and we also got to take advantage of some current HughesNet deals that were automatically applied to our account.

HughesNet requires 2-year contracts. If you cancel your HughesNet Gen5 plan before then, you’ll be charged $400 if it happens within the first 90 days. Your fee will go down by $15 per every month you had service after the first 90 days. (Do you feel like a lawyer yet?)

Before you place your order, HughesNet will ask if you have a clear view of the southern sky and if you read the terms and conditions. Do yourself a favor and actually read the fine print (or at least skim it). It’s nice to know what to expect if you need to cancel your HughesNet satellite internet service early.

Pro tip: Buy HughesNet online
Pricetag

When you purchase your HughesNet plan online, it’ll automatically apply any discounts you’re eligible for in your area.

How much do HughesNet data tokens cost?

Data token
Price
3 GB
$9.00
5 GB
$15.00
10 GB
$30.00
25 GB
$75.00

HughesNet data tokens cost $9 for the first 3 GB and go up from there. Similar to what Viasat offers, HughesNet sells data tokens so you can add more full-speed data to HughesNet Gen5 plans once you hit your data cap.

This is a good option if you’ve exhausted all your 50 GB of Bonus Zone data and don’t want to deal with extremely slow speeds (1–3 Mbps) for the rest of the month. But if you find yourself buying data tokens every month, just upgrade to a bigger plan. It’ll be a better use of your money.

HughesNet Internet contracts

HughesNet requires a 2-year contract for internet service as well as for HughesNet Voice.

That's a big reason why HughesNet isn't a good option  if you know you’ll be moving soon or if you’re in a temporary housing situation. Installing  HughesNet equipment is a bit of an ordeal, so it’s not really the kind of thing you pick up and go with. Plus, you’ll have to pay an early termination fee if you cancel service before your contract ends.

Cancelling HughesNet

If you want to cancel HughesNet, you'll definitely first want to take a look at the early termination fee policies and see if it's really worth it. If you're frustrated with low speeds, try checking out our HughesNet Troubleshooting page and see if that solves your HughesNet problems.

If you're sure you're ready to cancel HughesNet, check out our HughesNet customer service page for more on how--and check out Viasat for a faster alternative satellite internet.

HughesNet Internet data caps

HughesNet plans have data caps from 15–100 GB per month. HughesNet Internet is technically unlimited, but your speeds will experience reduced speeds once you hit your data cap. If you need more full-speed data, you can use the 50 GB Bonus Zone from 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Or you can buy data tokens.

Satellite internet data caps are much lower than what you’d get from a cable or fiber internet provider. And reduced speeds are incredibly slow. That’s why we recommend going with a landline internet option like DSL internet instead if it’s available. With how much we’re all online these days, dealing with a restrictive data cap is not something you want to face unless you have to.

See if you have internet providers without data caps in your area.

HughesNet installation and satellite internet equipment

HughesNet by Hughes Network Systems requires a professional installation and typically charges a $99 installation fee for it. But you can often get free HughesNet installation if you lease your equipment. If you’re buying HughesNet online, you’ll see any installation deals reflected in your cart.

Once you place your HughesNet Gen5 order, HughesNet will connect you with a local installer. The installer will call or email you within the next couple of days to schedule a time.

What to expect at HughesNet installation?

HughesNet customers generally have experienced mixed results, but we were happy with our tech when we had HughesNet come and install service. Our installer was professional and got the job done in less than an hour, though we recommend you plan for two just in case.

HughesNet internet satellite dish installed on our roof

HughesNet's certified installers will check to make sure your location has a clear view of the southern sky and then move forward installing your new HughesNet satellite dish on something that's at least four feet off the ground and not higher than one story (if you're going to need it installed on something higher than that, you might end up paying more for the non-standard install conditions).

Your HughesNet cord needs a place to enter your home so it can connect your modem/router to the signal coming from the satellite dish. Be prepared for a small hole and some extra cords on the outside of your house.

HughesNet internet installation requires drilling a small hole in the exterior of your house for the cord.

It will take one to three hours for the HughesNet installer to setup your exterior coaxial cables and run them from the satellite, through your house, to the room where your HughesNet system will be (that's your modem/router and so on).

After all the wires are connected to your modem/router and satellite dish, and all cables are secured, your installer should check your system and ensure you're getting a solid satellite internet signal. Then, you should be on your way to internet connectivity. Stream some Netflix for us, would you? Just make sure your devices are all connected to your modem/router first.

Does HughesNet use a modem or router?

HughesNet satellite internet requires a special satellite modem that you can buy or rent from the company directly. Of course, you can't get Wi-Fi without a router, so HughesNet makes things easy by offering a modem/router combo. Having both options built together keeps things simple, and if you rent it from HughesNet, they handle all the inconvenient things like updates themselves.

HughesNet Router

The HughesNet router has to be close to wherever your HughesNet tech drills a hole in your wall for the cord to come in from the outside. For us, that ended up being in the kitchen, which is not ideal, but it's what worked best.

We recommend talking out the modem/router location with your installer upon arrival so you can start planning its location while they're getting your dish ready.

HughesNet Affordable Connectivity Program

HughesNet internet is one of the more affordable satellite internet providers, and to make matters better, it also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program.

That means you could get $30 off your preferred HughesNet Internet, if you qualify for the ACP of course. Check out our Low Income Internet guide to see if you're eligible. 

The latest in HughesNet internet news

Besides the release of HughesNet Fusion at the end of 2022, HughesNet's latest interesting updates come from its parent company, EchoStar.

On February 1, 2023, EchoStar put out a press release revealing that it's partnered with Astro Digital to set up a S-band mobile satellite service (MSS). Astro Digital will start building the satellite constellation in 2024, and once it's complete, EchoStar Global (the Australian subsidiary of EchoStar) will run it. EchoStar's CEO says the company is looking to build out "global non-terrestrial 5G network"4 to keep people connected.

It'll be interesting to see how more 5G connectivity in EchoStar may affect HughesNet internet, especially in its HughesNet Fusion plans. Are faster speeds on the horizon? We'll have to see. 

Is HughesNet Internet right for you?

HughesNet satellite internet is a good choice if satellite internet is your best option and you want internet that’s affordable. HughesNet Internet is reliable and available everywhere, and you can pair it with HughesNet Voice. HughesNet’s download speeds and max data caps may pale in comparison to Viasat and Starlink. But HughesNet offers extra data features and no price hikes, which make it a strong contender in the satellite internet race.

FAQ about HughesNet Internet

How much is HughesNet Internet a month?

HughesNet Internet typically costs $64.99 per month for the cheapest plan and goes up to $149.99 per month for the best plan. But HughesNet is running a deal right now where you could get anywhere from $20 to $50 off a plan a month for the first six months.

The HughesNet monthly lease fee will cost you $14.99 per month. Unlike Viasat, HughesNet has no price hikes, so your monthly bill will stay the same throughout your 2-year contract. When you order HughesNet online, check for any promotions that might reduce your monthly HughesNet cost.

Is HughesNet fast enough for streaming?

Yes, HughesNet’s 25 Mbps download speeds are fast enough for streaming. You need at least 5 Mbps to stream most streaming services, like Netflix, in SD. So HughesNet Gen5 is more than fast enough for streaming.

Just keep an eye on your data cap—streaming Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other platforms can eat through internet data quickly, especially if you like to stream in HD or 4K.

Is HughesNet Internet unlimited?

HughesNet Internet is technically unlimited, but HughesNet Internet plans have only a limited amount of full-speed (25 Mbps) data.

Once you reach your data cap on your individual plan (15–100 GB per month), your internet speeds will be slowed. But you’ll have unlimited access to data at slower speeds (1–3 Mbps). If you want more full-speed data, you can either purchase a data token or use data from 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Is HughesNet owned by DISH?

DISH (previously called Dish Network) doesn't own HughesNet, but HughesNet and DISH are both owned by EchoStar.

How fast is HughesNet Internet?

HughesNet Internet offers 25 Mbps download speeds and 3 Mbps upload speeds on all its plans. Once you hit your data cap, your download speeds will be slowed to 1–3 Mbps until the next month—unless you purchase more data tokens.

What are the pros and cons of HughesNet?

The pros of HughesNet are that it’s the most affordable satellite internet provider and it has no price hikes. The cons of HughesNet are that its download speeds max out at 25 Mbps and its data caps are lower than what you can get from Viasat and Starlink.

Is Viasat better than HughesNet?

Viasat is better than HughesNet if you need faster speeds and more data from your satellite internet connection. But HughesNet is the better choice if you’d rather save money and not deal with Viasat’s price hikes.

What’s the best plan from HughesNet?

HughesNet’s best plan is the 100 GB plan, which gives you the most monthly data for $149.99 per month. In addition to 75 GB of full-speed data that you can use anytime, you also get 50 GB of Bonus Zone data that you can use from 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. That’s a combined total of 125 GB of full-speed data each month.

Is HughesNet available in Puerto Rico?

HughesNet is available in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska, and the continental United States. All you need is a view of the southern sky, and you're set to have satellite internet access on your island home.

How does the HughesNet Bonus Zone work?

The HughesNet Bonus Zone works by offering you an additional 50 GB of full-speed data to use during the hours of 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. It's a good way to make your HughesNet data cap last longer by downloading files or streaming materials ahead of time and then watching them later.

Is HughesNet good for Netflix?

But what about streaming TV with HughesNet? It’s possible to stream on satellite internet, but streaming in HD requires about 3 GB of data per hour. That means you’ll get about 25 hours of HD streaming per month on HughesNet’s biggest plan (75 GB). That’s less than an hour of streaming per day. And let’s be honest, that’s not nearly enough TV—especially for weekend binge-watch sessions.

For more specific information on how good HughesNet is for Netflix (and how much data it uses), check out our How Much Data Does Netflix Use? guide.

Methodology

Our SatelliteInternet.com editorial team bases our analyses on hands-on testing, research, results from our speed test tool, and proprietary internet provider data on speeds and pricing. We dig deep to get hard-to-find information on internet plans, fees, and upcoming brand developments. We make this information easy for you to find in one place via our in-depth reviews, and we use our satellite internet industry expertise to analyze the options to help you make the most informed decision for your household.

Sources

  1. Farrar, Tim, Fierce Wireless, “Starlink’s Reach Won’t Be Enough to Solve Rural Broadband Dilemma,” January 2022. Accessed February 2022.
  2. Dent, Steve, Engadget, “SpaceX Reveals $500 Monthly 'Premium' Starlink Service with Speeds up to 500 Mbps,” February 2022. Accessed February 2022.
  3. Kan, Michael, PC Mag, “SpaceX Pushes Wait Times for Starlink to 'Late 2022, Early 2023' for More Areas,” October 2021. Accessed February 2022.
  4. EchoStar Corporation, PRNewswire, "EchoStar Begins Construction of Global S-band Network," February 2023. Accessed February 2023. 
Cara Haynes
Written by
Cara Haynes
Cara Haynes is the managing editor for SatelliteInternet.com. She cares deeply about helping people choose rural internet solutions that are right for them. She graduated with a BA in English and a minor in editing from Brigham Young University, and she has over 5 years of experience researching and writing about hundreds of rural and residential internet providers. She often daydreams about living and working from a cabin in Montana, close to Glacier National Park. Although still firmly anchored to suburbia, she’s committed to researching the best ways for rural Americans to get online—no matter where they live or play.