How much internet speed do you need?
Take our free quiz to see how much internet speed is right for you:
What is a good internet speed?
Internet speed | How fast is this? | What you can do |
---|---|---|
0–5 Mbps | Very slow | Send emails, search on Google, stream video in SD on one device |
5–40 Mbps | Slow to moderate | Stream video in HD on three or four devices, play online games |
40–100 Mbps | Moderate to fast | Stream easily on multiple devices in HD or 4K, download big files quickly, run several smart devices |
100–500 Mbps | Very fast | Stream in 4K on more than five devices simultaneously, download massive files quickly, host a livestream |
500–1,000+ Mbps | Extremely fast | Stream in 4K on 10+ devices, run 10+ smart-home devices at a time, do basically anything on lots of devices |
1,200–5,000 Mbps | Faster than you need | Operate a bitcoin-mining farm with two dozen computers, watch Frozen in 4K on 100 devices at the same time |
About our Viasat internet speed test
The Viasat internet speed measures three things:
Download speed: The speed at which your device pulls data from the internet. Usually measured in Mbps or Gbps.
Upload speed: The speed at which your device sends data to the internet. Usually measured in Mbps or Gbps.
Latency (Ping): The time (measured in milliseconds) it takes for a signal to travel from your device to an internet server and back. Lower latency means your connection has a better response time for activities like gaming and livestreams.
How does the Viasat internet speed test work?
Our speed test connects to the nearest test server and sends data files over your connection. By analyzing how long it takes for these files to go back and forth, the test can determine your connection speed and other important details. This will show you how fast your actual connection is.
To get an accurate measurement of your internet connection, plug your device directly into your router using an ethernet cable, rather than connecting over Wi-Fi.
Viasat internet speed FAQ
How fast are Viasat internet speeds?
Viasat speeds are slow compared to terrestrial internet communication, but it’s the fastest traditional satellite provider out there. If you live in a rural or underserved area that doesn’t have wired internet infrastructure, Viasat is one of the fastest options available.
How do I get faster internet?
You can get faster internet by upgrading your internet plan. If you can’t upgrade your current speeds and feel stuck with bad service, you can also switch to a new provider.
Run a search with your zip code below to see what kinds of speeds you can get in your area.
Is satellite better than fiber and DSL?
Satellite is slower and more expensive than most other types of internet connection, but has the advantage of being accessible anywhere, even in remote areas that don’t have cellular service. As a rule of thumb, satellite connections are the best option when they’re the only option.