Pros
- All plans include speeds of up to 25 Mbps no matter what your data limit is.
- HughesNet has no hard data limits so you can keep browsing after your data allowance.
- Your WiFi router is built into your HughesNet modem for less clutter.
Cons
- Equipment must be either bought up front or leased with monthly payments.
- Service can be affected by your location, weather and satellite dish position.
- Bonus Zone data (50 GB/mo.) can only be used from 2 am to 8 am.
| HughesNet Gen 5 Satellite Internet | |
|---|---|
| 1st Year Pricing | $49.99 – $99.99/mo. |
| 2nd Year Pricing | $49.99 – $99.99/mo. |
| Price Guarantee | 2 years |
| Download Speed | 25 Mbps |
| Data Allowance | Up to 50+ GB |
| Good for Gaming | No |
| Installation | Free |
| Equipment | HT2000W Router |
| Equipment Lease | $14.99/mo. |
What You Need to Know
HughesNet’s newest offering, Gen5, delivers download speeds up to 25 Mbps, an appealing offer for families dependent on satellite internet. Plans with up to 50 GB per month are available, with no hard data limits and 50 GB of Bonus Zone data for nighttime use. HughesNet now offers a 2 year price guarantee on its Gen5 plans as well!
Our Review
Gen5 satellite internet from HughesNet is a big step by the company. This upgrade allows for nationwide coverage at the same higher speeds and gives rural customers a much more user-friendly internet experience. HughesNet claims download speeds of up to 25 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps. HughesNet was ranked #1 by the FCC in delivering advertised speeds for the last 2 years, so it’s likely these higher speeds are here to stay!
There are four satellite internet plans to choose from, with the only difference between them being data limits. Gen5 includes packages with 10 GB, 20 GB, 30 GB and 50 GB of anytime data. Each plan also offers 50 GB of Bonus Zone data, meaning that every month you have 50 GB to use during the hours of 2 am to 8 am. When you reach your data limit, your speeds will be slowed down, but you won’t be charged more or lose your connection entirely. HughesNet also offers the option of purchasing a Data Token to continue using the internet at full speed after using your data allowance.
With Gen5, HughesNet has introduced a few new features designed to help customers conserve their data. SmartTechnologies compresses the websites you visit, while Video Data Saver helps you use less data while streaming movies and TV.
Satellite internet is still not your best option for gaming. Turn based games, strategy games and Facebook games all work well with HughesNet, especially with faster speeds available with Gen5. Real time games, like first person shooters and racing, require faster speeds than satellite internet is able to offer.
HughesNet includes installation, but your modem and satellite dish require either a monthly fee to lease your equipment or an upfront down payment to buy your equipment. These are costly, but any internet provider will have similar charges for whatever equipment they suggest.
Our Recommendation
Overall, HughesNet’s Gen5 is a great upgrade to older satellite internet plans. No matter where you live, Gen5 provides consistent upload and download speeds and offers a 2 year price lock. The more data your family needs, the costlier HughesNet gets (as with other satellite internet providers), but you gain no other advantage from upgrading your plan.
If you rely on satellite internet to stay connected, the new HughesNet Gen5 is the way to go! Otherwise, choose a cable or DSL option.
