LEO vs GEO: why Starlink feels different
Traditional satellites orbit 22,000+ miles up — a round trip that bakes in ~600 ms of latency, which is why GEO satellite struggles with video calls and gaming. Starlink’s constellation orbits ~340 miles up, cutting latency to 25–60 ms — ordinary-internet territory. That single number is most of the story when comparing satellite options.
Compare the three providers
| Provider | Type | Price (2026) | Speed | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink | LEO | $50–$120/mo + kit $349 | 100–280 Mbps | 25–60 ms |
| Viasat | GEO | $39.99 promo, then ~$69.99+ | up to 150 Mbps | ~600 ms |
| HughesNet | GEO | $39.99–$94.99 | 25–100 Mbps | ~600 ms (Fusion lower) |
Satellite providers
Starlink
- Plans from $50/mo (checked July 2026)
- 31,409 ZIP codes · 51 states (FCC)
- Up to 280 Mbps · LEO Satellite
Viasat
- Plans from $39.99/mo (checked July 2026)
- 31,409 ZIP codes · 51 states (FCC)
- Up to 150 Mbps · Satellite Internet
HughesNet
- Plans from $39.99/mo (checked July 2026)
- 31,409 ZIP codes · 51 states (FCC)
- Up to 100 Mbps · Satellite Internet
See every satellite internet provider at your address:
Call (855) 643-8023Frequently asked questions
Who should get satellite internet?
Households beyond cable, fiber, and 5G home coverage — satellite is the universal fallback. Before ordering, run a ZIP search: FCC data shows 5G home internet now reaches 97% of ZIPs, and it usually beats GEO satellite on price, latency, and data terms.
Is Starlink worth the extra cost?
If you need satellite and use video calls or gaming, generally yes — 25–60 ms latency versus ~600 ms is the difference between usable and frustrating. For light browsing/email on a budget, HughesNet or Viasat promo pricing can be the cheaper first year.
Does weather affect satellite internet?
Heavy rain or snow can briefly degrade any satellite signal (GEO and LEO alike). Well-aimed dishes with clear sky view recover quickly; persistent obstructions like trees are the more common real-world problem.
Keep reading
Coverage statistics: FCC Broadband Data Collection, Dec 2024 vintage (residential filings; ZIP counts reflect at least one provider of this technology per ZIP) — broadbandmap.fcc.gov. Pricing referenced as of July 10, 2026; varies by address.