Quick Answer: DISH Network vs. Viasat
For the majority of households, DISH Network comes out ahead thanks to a stronger combination of speed, value, and customer satisfaction. That said, Viasat has genuine advantages for customers who value the specific strengths that Viasat brings, such as available nearly everywhere most.
DISH Network offers N/A (TV service) starting at $80-$110/mo (TV), while Viasat provides up to 150 Mbps starting at $50-$170/mo. Your choice may depend on channel preferences, sports needs, and whether you prefer streaming or satellite delivery.
DISH Network vs. Viasat: Which Is Better in 2026?
Are you torn between DISH Network and Viasat? Understanding the real differences between these two popular services requires looking beyond the marketing. In this guide, we break down everything from plan structures and actual speeds to hidden fees and customer satisfaction scores.
In this comprehensive comparison, we evaluate DISH Network and Viasat across every category that matters: speed, pricing, reliability, customer satisfaction, and overall value. Whether you are a first-time internet buyer or looking to switch providers, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Channel Lineup & Content Comparison
When comparing DISH Network and Viasat, the channel lineup and content library are among the most important factors. Here is how they stack up in terms of what you actually get to watch.
DISH Network
- Technology: Satellite TV
- Starting Price: $80-$110/mo (TV)
- Contract: 2-year contract
- Best For: Cost-conscious tv watchers who want a price-locked deal
Viasat
- Technology: Satellite
- Starting Price: $50-$170/mo
- Contract: 2-year contract
- Best For: Rural users who need higher satellite speeds and can commit to a 2-year contract
Both services provide extensive entertainment options, but the specific channel packages, DVR capabilities, and streaming features differ in ways that can significantly impact your viewing experience. DISH Network provides solid value with its included DVR. Meanwhile, Viasat brings its own unique strengths to the table.
Pricing Comparison
Monthly cost is a major consideration, but the advertised price rarely tells the full story. Equipment fees, taxes, promotional expirations, and installation charges all factor into your true cost of service.
DISH Network Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| America's Top 120 | 190 channels | $80/mo |
| America's Top 200 | 240+ channels | $100/mo |
| America's Top 250 | 290+ channels | $110/mo |
Check DISH Network Availability | Call (855) 389-1498
Viasat Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unleashed 40 | 40 Mbps | $50/mo |
| Unleashed 100 | 100 Mbps | $100/mo |
| Unleashed 150 | 150 Mbps | $170/mo |
Check Viasat Availability | Call (855) 463-9333
DISH Network prices range from $80-$110/mo (TV), while Viasat ranges from $50-$170/mo. TV packages often increase in price annually as networks negotiate higher carriage fees. When calculating your true monthly cost, add approximately $10-15 for equipment rental unless you provide your own compatible hardware.
Contracts, Data Caps & Fine Print
The details in the fine print can significantly impact your long-term costs and flexibility. Here is what you need to know about contracts and data limitations for both providers.
| Feature | DISH Network | Viasat |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | 2-year contract | 2-year contract |
| Data Cap | N/A | Varies by plan (40-300 GB priority data) |
| Customer Rating | 3.1/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Best For | Cost-conscious tv watchers who want a price-locked deal | Rural users who need higher satellite speeds and can commit to a 2-year contract |
Contract requirements differ: DISH Network has 2-year contract, while Viasat has 2-year contract. If flexibility is important, favor the no-contract option. Data caps can be a hidden cost if your household streams heavily, games online, or has multiple connected devices.
Coverage & Availability
Even the best internet plan is useless if it is not available at your address. DISH Network and Viasat have different coverage footprints that could determine your choice.
DISH Network is available virtually anywhere in the US via satellite, while Viasat reaches customers across the continental US through its satellite network. We recommend checking availability at your specific address before making a decision, as coverage can vary block by block in many areas.
Customer Service & Reliability
Customer service quality can make or break your experience with an internet provider. Based on industry surveys, customer reviews, and satisfaction data, here is how DISH Network and Viasat compare.
DISH Network carries a customer satisfaction score of 3.1/5, while Viasat scores 2.6/5. Both services offer support through phone and online channels, with in-home technician visits available for equipment issues. Network reliability is equally important: DISH Network has invested in network upgrades to improve reliability, and Viasat continues to invest in network improvements across its service area.
When evaluating customer service, consider that experiences vary significantly by region. We recommend checking recent reviews from customers in your specific area. The FCC's broadband consumer complaint database is also a useful resource for identifying systemic issues with any provider.
DISH Network: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free Hopper 3 DVR included
- 2-year price guarantee
- Voice remote included
- Wide channel selection
Cons
- 2-year contract required
- Fewer premium sports options than DIRECTV
- Weather can disrupt satellite signal
- Requires professional installation
Viasat: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Available nearly everywhere
- Higher speed tiers than HughesNet
- Unlimited data (with priority thresholds)
- Good for basic streaming
Cons
- 2-year contract required
- High latency
- Speeds slow after priority data used
- Expensive higher-tier plans
Our Recommendation
For the majority of households, DISH Network comes out ahead thanks to a stronger combination of speed, value, and customer satisfaction. That said, Viasat has genuine advantages for customers who value the specific strengths that Viasat brings, such as available nearly everywhere most.
Ultimately, the best provider for you depends on what is available at your address and what you value most. We encourage you to check availability for both DISH Network and Viasat at your specific location before making a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, DISH Network or Viasat?
DISH Network offers speeds of N/A (TV service), while Viasat offers up to 150 Mbps. As TV services, speed comparisons focus on channel count and streaming quality rather than internet speeds.
Which is cheaper, DISH Network or Viasat?
DISH Network starts at $80-$110/mo (TV), while Viasat starts at $50-$170/mo. Remember to factor in equipment rental fees ($10-15/mo), taxes, and any promotional pricing expirations when comparing the true cost of each service.
Does DISH Network or Viasat have data caps?
DISH Network has the following data cap policy: N/A. Viasat's policy is: Varies by plan (40-300 GB priority data). Households that stream in 4K, have multiple gamers, or work from home may consume 1 TB or more per month, making unlimited data an important consideration.
Do DISH Network or Viasat require contracts?
DISH Network has the following contract policy: 2-year contract. Viasat's policy: 2-year contract. No-contract options give you the flexibility to switch providers if your needs change or a better deal becomes available.
Can I bundle DISH Network and Viasat with other services?
Yes, both DISH Network and Viasat offer bundling options. DISH Network can be paired with internet service for a combined discount, and Viasat similarly offers bundle deals. Bundling typically saves $10-30/mo compared to purchasing services separately.
Is DISH Network or Viasat better for working from home?
For remote work, you need reliable speeds of at least 25 Mbps for video conferencing, plus low latency. DISH Network (satellite tv) and Viasat (satellite) both support remote work, but a stable wired connection with either provider should meet remote work needs.
How do I check if DISH Network or Viasat is available at my address?
You can check availability by visiting each provider's website and entering your address, or by calling DISH Network at (855) 389-1498 and Viasat at (855) 463-9333. You can also use our availability checker tool to compare all providers at your address at once.
Disclosure: InternetProviders.ai may earn a commission when you sign up for a plan through our links. This does not influence our rankings or recommendations. Our editorial team independently evaluates each provider based on speed, price, reliability, and customer satisfaction. All prices shown reflect current rates at the time of publication and are subject to change. Call the provider directly to confirm current pricing and availability at your address.