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Viasat vs. WOW: Which Internet Provider Is Better?

Compare internet speeds, pricing, reliability, customer reviews, and fees so you can choose the best internet provider for your home.

100% unbiased. Provider information updated regularly.
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Viasat Vs WOW

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3.9/5 CompareInternet Staff Rating
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4.0/5 CompareInternet Staff Rating
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3.9

Plans starting at: $39.99

Popular Package: Unleashed

Download speeds up to: 200 Mbps

Connection Types: Satellite

Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3544
4.0

Plans starting at: $30

Popular Package: Internet 1 Gig

Download speeds up to: 5 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber & Cable

Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

Viasat Provider Information

Viasat is a major satellite internet provider headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Unlike terrestrial options that rely on wires buried in the ground, Viasat beams data directly from space to a dish installed at your home. This technology makes it a top choice for people living in rural or remote areas where cable or fiber infrastructure doesn't exist. In September 2026, Viasat's ViaSat-3 F2 satellite entered service over the Americas, completing the company's next-generation ViaSat-3 network, which Viasat says has tripled bandwidth across its fleet. That added capacity powers a refreshed lineup of three home internet plans: Essentials, Unleashed, and Unleashed Max. Viasat now handles streaming, web browsing, and everyday work tasks well, and every plan includes unlimited data. Essentials includes 150 GB of High-Speed Data, while Unleashed and Unleashed Max include unlimited High-Speed Data with no long-term contract. You will still notice higher latency than hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) or fiber connections, so Viasat isn't ideal for competitive online gaming or lag-sensitive video calls. Plans start at $39.99 for 150 Mbps, while the most advanced options reach $109.99 for 200 Mbps. Availability is nationwide, covering all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and Viasat estimates that 99% of U.S. households can get its service. Viasat's biggest advantage is its reach, as it is often the only high-speed option for rural residents. However, the trade-offs are real. Your home needs a clear view of the southern sky for the dish, though standard professional installation is now free. Heavy rain or severe weather can also interrupt your connection, and the Essentials plan requires a 24-month contract. If you have access to a wired connection like fiber or HFC, it will almost always offer better performance and lower latency. For rural households without those options, Viasat is a stronger choice than ever.

WOW Provider Information

WOW, formerly known as WideOpenWest, is a mid-sized cable internet provider that has spent years refining its footprint across the Midwest and Southeast. While the company has undergone various ownership shifts and strategic divestitures to focus on core markets, it remains a reliable player for those living within its specific service areas. WOW primarily delivers internet through a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network, which balances the widespread availability of traditional cable with the performance necessary for modern households. Because it relies on HFC technology, you can expect solid download speeds and consistent reliability, though upload speeds will generally be lower than what you would see from a dedicated fiber-to-the-home connection.

The provider offers a straightforward range of plans to suit different household needs. Pricing starts at $30 for 300 Mbps, scaling up to $185 for 5000 Mbps. WOW is a strong choice for budget-conscious families who want a reliable connection without the complexity of bundled services or long-term contracts. The company does well in terms of customer service transparency and simple billing, but it falls short in areas where it lacks a fiber-to-the-home presence, as it cannot compete with the symmetrical speeds offered by newer fiber providers. If you live in a neighborhood where WOW is available and you prioritize a stable, no-nonsense connection over ultra-fast upload speeds, it is a sensible option that avoids the aggressive upselling tactics found at larger national competitors.

PROS

Wide coverage means 99% of U.S. households can get satellite internet Unlimited data on every plan Burst speeds up to 200 Mbps on Unleashed Max Free standard installation

Cons

Slower than fiber or hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) internet Higher latency or “ping” Can experience temporary “rain fade” during heavy rain or snow Essentials plan requires a 24-month contract

PROS

Best prices for cable service Good customer satisfaction Gigabit download speeds

Cons

Limited area of coverage Slower upload speeds

Viasat Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
$30 off for 12 months
UnleashedSatellite InternetUp to 180 Mbps Only $69.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$30 off for 12 months
EssentialsSatellite InternetUp to 150 Mbps Only $39.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$70 off for 12 months
Unleashed MaxSatellite InternetUp to 200 Mbps Only $109.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3544

WOW Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
Fiber 5 GigFiber InternetUp to 5,000 Mbps Only $185
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Visa $200 Rewards Card
Fiber 3 GigFiber InternetUp to 3,000 Mbps Only $75
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Visa $150 Rewards Card
Internet 1 GigCable InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $50
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Internet 600Cable InternetUp to 600 Mbps Only $35
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Internet 300Cable InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $30
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

Viasat FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit ViasatDeals.com.
Viasat internet uses a modem and dish system to transmit user requests to satellites, which then connect to a gateway station on the ground network.
Viasat internet covers all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The company estimates that 99% of the U.S. population can get its service.
Viasat internet frequently offers faster speeds compared to DSL or LTE, with burst speeds up to 200 Mbps on Unleashed Max.
Yes, Viasat’s data plans and speed will allow you to stream HD videos.
Every Viasat plan has unlimited data, so you never lose your connection. Unleashed and Unleashed Max include unlimited High-Speed Data, while Essentials includes 150 GB of High-Speed Data followed by unlimited Standard Data that may slow down during congestion.
You can game on Viasat internet, but performance depends on the game. Turn-based and single-player games work well, but fast-paced multiplayer games struggle because satellite latency typically runs at 600 milliseconds or higher.
Both plans include unlimited High-Speed Data and no long-term contract. Unleashed Max adds burst speeds up to 200 Mbps (versus 180 Mbps on Unleashed), priority network access during busy hours, and EasyCare protection at no extra charge.
Viasat Unleashed and Unleashed Max are month-to-month plans with no long-term contract. Viasat Essentials requires a 24-month service agreement.
Call today & find the best Viasat internet deals
1-833-440-3544

WOW FAQ's

WOW! does not provide a static IP address for your home internet account. But WOW! does offer home business accounts that can provide you with a static IP address.
WOW! offers security on a network level, which means you don’t have to manage it yourself. Network Security helps guard your internet connection against phishing, viruses and malware.
WOW! Internet and WOW! Whole-Home Wi-Fi can be self-installed.
Yes, you can. As long as a technician has completed the outside installation or there is an existing WOW! connection, you will be able to install and activate service using your own modem.
Take our internet speed test to find your actual upload and download speed.
The eero devices that support your Whole-Home Wi-Fi provide up to 1500 square feet of coverage per device.
Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259