The internet satellite industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with the emergence of companies like Starlink and Viasat offering satellite internet services. These companies have revolutionized the internet industry, providing high-speed internet services to people living in rural and remote areas where traditional internet services are unavailable. Understanding the differentiable is vital when choosing an internet for your home or office. However, what are the differences between Starlink and Viasat Internet?

Variances between Viasat and Starlink satellite internet services are in their characteristics and growth potential. Considering that Viasat uses geostationary satellites, which are farther away from Earth, and Starlink, on the other hand, uses low Earth orbit satellites, which are closer to the Earth. Starlink’s satellite constellation is growing, while Viasat’s network is already established. 

In this article, we will compare two of the most prominent companies in this industry, Starlink and Viasat.

What are the differences between Starlink and Viasat?

As the world becomes increasingly digitally dependent, reliable internet access is necessary for many. Satellite internet is a popular alternative for those living in rural areas, where other forms of internet connectivity may be limited or unavailable. Two of the biggest names in satellite internet are Starlink and Viasat, but how do they compare? Below is an exploration of the differences between Starlink and Viasat satellite internet in terms of characteristics.

1. Speed

Speed is crucial in internet connectivity, and satellite internet providers are no exception. Starlink has been making waves as a new entrant in the satellite internet market, and its speed is one of its biggest selling points. Starlink offers download speeds of up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 30 Mbps. This is significantly faster than what Viasat offers, which has download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps.

While both companies offer high-speed internet, Starlink’s offering is faster and more reliable, giving it an edge over Viasat.

2. Cost

The cost of satellite internet is one of the biggest factors influencing consumers’ decisions. While Starlink and Viasat offer similar speeds, there is a significant difference in the cost of their services. Starlink charges a flat fee of $99 per month for its internet service, while Viasat charges a subscription fee between $30 and $150 per month. Additionally, Viasat requires a 24-month contract, which can disadvantage some consumers.

While Starlink may seem more expensive at first glance, it is important to consider the overall value for money. Starlink’s faster speeds and lack of a long-term contract may make it a better option for some consumers.

3. Technological Differences

Regarding technology, Starlink and Viasat use different systems to provide internet connectivity. Starlink uses a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite network to provide internet connectivity, while Viasat relies on geostationary satellites. This difference is a significant advantage for Starlink, as LEO satellites are closer to the Earth’s surface and offer lower latency.

4. Data Caps

Satellite internet providers often impose data caps, limiting how much data a consumer can use monthly. Starlink and Viasat both have data caps, with Starlink’s currently set at 1TB per month, while Viasat’s caps vary between its different subscription tiers. Once consumers reach the data cap, their internet speeds are reduced for the remainder of the billing cycle.

While both companies have data caps, Starlink’s cap is significantly higher than Viasat’s, giving it an advantage for consumers who require larger amounts of data.

5. Latency

Latency measures the delay between a request made by a user and the response received. It is one of the most significant issues faced by satellite internet providers, and it can significantly impact the performance of online applications. Starlink’s use of LEO satellites gives it a significant advantage, as they offer much lower latency than geostationary satellites.

Starlink’s latency is around 20-40ms, while Viasat’s is around 600ms. This significant difference in latency makes Starlink a better option for online applications that require low latency, such as online gaming or video conferencing.

6. Pricing

Finally, pricing is a crucial factor when deciding between Starlink and Viasat. As mentioned, Starlink charges a flat fee of $99 per month, while Viasat’s subscription fees range between $30 and $150. Additionally, Viasat requires a 24-month contract, while Starlink does not.

While Viasat may seem cheaper at first glance, the additional costs associated with the contract and the lower speeds and higher latency may make Starlink a better option for consumers looking for reliable, high-speed internet.

Which Is Greater Of The Two?

Regarding satellite internet providers, Starlink and Viasat are two of the biggest names in the market. While both companies offer reliable internet connectivity, there are significant differences between the two. Starlink is, without a doubt, the better option between the two satellite internet providers.

Using a low-earth orbit (LEO), satellite network gives it a significant advantage over Viasat’s geostationary satellite system. LEO satellites are closer to the Earth’s surface and offer lower latency, resulting in faster and more reliable internet connectivity. Some cases where Starlink outshines the Viasat satellite internet include in:

• Speed – Starlink’s speeds are also significantly faster than Viasat’s, with download speeds of up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 30 Mbps. Conversely, Viasat offers download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps. This significant difference in speeds makes Starlink a better option for consumers who require high-speed internet connectivity.
• Lack of a long-term contract – Viasat requires a 24-month contract, which can disadvantage some consumers who may be uncertain about long-term commitments. Starlink, however, charges a flat fee of $99 per month and does not require a long-term contract.

However, there are some situations where Viasat may be a better option than Starlink. Viasat has a wider coverage area than Starlink, making it a better option for those living in remote areas. Additionally, Viasat’s lower subscription fees and data caps may be more suitable for consumers who do not require high-speed internet connectivity or large amounts of data.

While Viasat may have some advantages over Starlink in certain situations, Starlink is the better option overall. Its faster speeds, lower latency, and lack of a long-term contract make it a more attractive option for most consumers. As Starlink continues to expand its services and improve its technology, it is likely to become an even more dominant player in the satellite internet market.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, Starlink and Viasat are two of the biggest names in the satellite internet market, but there are significant differences. Starlink’s use of a network of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites gives it a significant advantage over Viasat’s geostationary satellite system. This advantage results in faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable internet connectivity, making it the better option for most consumers.

While Viasat may have a wider coverage area and lower subscription fees, it struggles to compete with Starlink’s superior technology and faster speeds. Additionally, Viasat’s reliance on geostationary satellites results in higher latency, making it unsuitable for online applications that require low latency, such as online gaming or video conferencing.

While Viasat may have some advantages in certain situations, Starlink is the better option overall. Its superior technology, faster speeds, lower latency, and lack of a long-term contract make it a more attractive option for most consumers. As Starlink continues to expand its coverage area and improve its services, it is likely to become an even more dominant player in the satellite internet market.