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WOW vs. HughesNet Internet Providers Compared

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WOW Vs HughesNet

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Rosslyn Elliott

Written by Rosslyn Elliott - Pub. Jul. 27, 2023 / Updated Dec. 5, 2025

You are currently comparing:

WOW Vs HughesNet

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Plans starting at: $25

Popular Package: Fiber 5 Gig

Download speeds up to: 5 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber & Cable

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

Plans starting at: $39.99

Popular Package: Fusion

Download speeds up to: 100 Mbps

Connection Types: Satellite

Call today & find the best HughesNet internet deals
1-844-534-0585

WOW Staff rating

4.0

WOW! delivers fast, reliable internet with attractive pricing

WOW! (WideOpenWest) serves customers in 6 states—Michigan, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida [1]—and is the smallest cable internet provider on our list [2]. WOW! serves over 2 million residential, business, and wholesale consumer subscribers, which is still a smaller base compared to industry cable internet giants like Xfinity and Spectrum [3]. Notably,  it serves 470,400 high-speed data subscribers as of December 31, 2024 (down from 490,100 in 2023). But WOW! provides a model of good internet performance, operational success, and general customer satisfaction. In August 2025, WOW! (WideOpenWest) agreed to be acquired by DigitalBridge Group and Crestview Partners in a $1.5 billion transaction valued at $5.20 per share [4]. WOW! uses a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network, like the biggest national cable providers. That technology allows WOW! to provide up to 1,200 Mbps download speed and 50 Mbps upload speed. WOW! also features very low introductory plan prices, far lower than most cable internet providers. Though prices will rise after the first year, you’ll still pay about $20 less for most WOW! plan speeds than you would with Spectrum or Xfinity.  And WOW! scores above average for customer satisfaction too.

PROS

Best prices for cable service Good customer satisfaction Gigabit download speeds

Cons

Limited area of coverage Data caps Slower upload speeds
Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

HughesNet Staff rating

3.4

Hughesnet delivers solid satellite internet, but performance lags behind the competition

Hughesnet is the largest of three major satellite internet providers in the United States [1]. The other two are Viasat and Starlink. Satellite internet service is known for its coast-to-coast coverage and wide availability. For decades, people have relied on satellite internet as a necessity in rural areas without wired internet. You can get Hughesnet in most households in the United States and in many locations in South America. All you need to get coverage is an unobstructed view of the southern sky. Satellite internet does offer slower speeds than most other internet technologies. You’ll also have to deal with a monthly data allowance that may restrict how much HD streaming or large file transfer you can do. And satellite internet service is more expensive than cable or fiber internet. Hughesnet initially seems to offer lower prices than its main rival, Viasat. But a closer look reveals that Viasat prices are better, based on the performance you’re getting per dollar. Hughesnet speeds only go to 100 Mbps download, while Viasat’s speeds go up to 150 Mbps. In addition, Viasat offers unlimited high-speed data, while Hughesnet has soft data caps. Hughesnet has also had issues with low customer satisfaction ratings in national surveys, so overall, we recommend Viasat instead for satellite internet. But let’s break it down and see why.

PROS

Satellite internet provides coverage in hard-to-reach areas Can be more resilient to disasters than wired internet HughesNet Fusion claims to offer lower latency with hybrid technology

Cons

Soft data caps may increase monthly pricing and affect performance Much slower speeds than cable or fiber Two-year contracts and higher prices than cable or fiber
Call today & find the best HughesNet internet deals
1-844-534-0585

WOW Pricing

4.0

WOW’s prices are so low they’ll WOW you

If there’s any way that WOW! can claim to have truly earned its name, it’s with low pricing. The first-tier plan will give you 300 Mbps download speed for only $25 a month. That's on the very low end of cable ISP pricing—less than $0.10 per Mbps. A lightning-fast, 1 gigabit speed from WOW! will run you $50. That’s considerably cheaper than several other major cable providers’ multi-gigabit speed plans. WOW!’s lower-speed plans do have a couple of drawbacks that may increase their otherwise excellent prices. Those drawbacks are data caps and a $14/month modem rental fee [5]. Fortunately, the equipment rental fee is optional, meaning that you can skip it if you provide your own modem/router instead. And the data caps are fairly high for the lowest-tier plans (1.5 TB/month) and very high for the 500 Mbps (2.5 TB) and 1 Gig (3 TB) plans [6]. The high caps for the faster plans make it very unlikely that you will exceed your data caps. So, just don’t go overboard and have 40 gamers playing at your house for a month. The vast majority of households will never get close the limits of a 2.5+ TB data cap.
Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

HughesNet Pricing

4.0

Hughesnet offers prices similar to Viasat, but often for slower speeds

Hughesnet offers its plans at rates that at first seem comparable to cable or fiber prices. The Hughesnet first-tier satellite internet plan starts at $49.99/month. But there are two catches. First, your initial rate is a promotional rate, and after the first six months, your prices will increase significantly for all plans. Second, you may only get an internet speed up to 50 Mbps download/5 Mbps upload, depending on your service area. This is not high-speed internet by the FCC’s definition [2]. And it is clearly not as fast as the 200-300 Mbps download speed you often get for $50-60/month from a cable or fiber internet plan.

Hughesnet uses soft data caps that may affect your internet speed

A drawback to Hughesnet plans is the use of soft data caps. When you order Hughesnet service, you don’t choose a speed level as you do with other internet types. Instead, you choose your data limit for the month, ranging from 100 GB to 200 GB. If you only surf the internet lightly and use email, you can stay within a 100 GB data limit pretty easily. But if you plan large file uploads, video streaming, or online gaming, the data usage can add up fast. Hughesnet does offer some solutions to help you work with their soft data caps. Their data tokens allow you to purchase extra data at the end of each month if you need more. Nonetheless, having soft data caps will affect how you use the internet. If you consistently need more data tokens, those extra charges may affect your monthly budget. Consider carefully whether you are likely to need more or less data than Hughesnet will allow you under each of their plans. Finally, Hughesnet requires a two-year contract. If you cancel your subscription early, you will pay an early termination fee prorated by the time still left in your contract.
Call today & find the best HughesNet internet deals
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WOW Reliability and Performance

4.0

WOW! cable delivers gigabit downloads but asymmetrical upload speeds; fiber offers symmetrical multi-gigabit service

WOW's hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) cable network delivers download speeds up to 1,200 Mbps across approximately 99% of its service footprint [7], matching the technical capabilities of national cable providers such as Spectrum and Xfinity. Upload speeds on cable plans are capped at 50 Mbps regardless of download tier. This asymmetrical speed structure is standard for cable internet technology and sufficient for typical household activities including streaming multiple 4K devices and online gaming.

WOW's cable plans provide adequate performance for households with average internet usage patterns. The 1,200 Mbps top speed on cable supports simultaneous streaming, video conferencing, and gaming across multiple devices. However, the 50 Mbps upload limitation presents constraints for specific use cases. Users who regularly upload large files (such as video content creators), operate cloud-based backup systems, or require symmetrical bandwidth for enterprise-grade applications will experience performance bottlenecks with cable service.

In select Greenfield expansion markets, WOW offers all-fiber service with symmetrical speeds up to 5,000 Mbps for both downloads and uploads. Fiber service is currently available within 5.7% of WOW's total coverage footprint [8], concentrated in newer markets including Central Florida, Hernando County (Florida), Greenville County (South Carolina), and select areas in Michigan and Alabama [9]. The symmetrical nature of fiber service eliminates the upload speed constraints present in cable plans, making fiber suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications, heavy content creation, and households with 10+ simultaneous high-bandwidth users.

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

HughesNet Reliability and Performance

3.0

A Hughesnet internet connection is slower than most other ISPs

The nature of satellite internet technology means that satellite internet has always been different from wired internet in three ways. 1) Slower speeds: Hughesnet’s maximum download speed right now (100 Mbps) is much slower than speeds for fiber and cable internet that can often reach Gigabit speeds (1000 Mbps and up). 2) Weather interference: Bad weather can sometimes cause temporary slowing or outage in a satellite signal. 3) Latency: The distance of a satellite from Earth causes latency, which is a slight delay in data transmission. Despite these drawbacks, satellite service can still give you a solid connection if you live in a rural or underserved area. In today’s digital world, high-speed internet may be your ticket to education, a job, and even medical care. Satellite internet can support high enough speeds to provide you with access to these opportunities. Hughesnet has attempted to address latency with their new Hughesnet Fusion plans, which launched in 2022. This hybrid technology uses a satellite connection but can also route signals through wireless towers when necessary. Hughesnet has not released data to prove lower latency yet. They claim that the latency is 100 ms on their FCC Broadband label. Customers online report higher latency for their Fusion service [3].
Call today & find the best HughesNet internet deals
1-844-534-0585

WOW Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.0

Equipment rental fees are optional, self-installation is free for WOW!

All WOW! plans come with a free self-installation kit. If for any reason you’re not comfortable with self-installation, you can get pro installation for $50. Though most plans will allow you to rent a modem/router from WOW! for about $14/month, you also have the option to supply your own equipment (which removes that fee). This choice may be better for your budget if you plan to have service for more than a year. Just make sure you check with WOW! to be sure your router has compatible specs.
Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

HughesNet Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

3.5

Hughesnet equipment requires initial investment or monthly rental fee

Buying satellite equipment can be expensive. The dish and gateway for Hughesnet Gen 5 plans costs around $350, while Hughesnet Fusion equipment is $450. If you don’t want to invest and would rather try out service first, you can rent the equipment for $15-20 a month. Buying the equipment outright will save you money if you end up using your service for more than 2 years. Hughesnet’s installation is often free, depending on your plan and current promotions. This is a nice bonus and ensures that a technician can get the best angle for your satellite dish. The technician will connect two of your devices in addition to setting up the antenna and modem/router.
Call today & find the best HughesNet internet deals
1-844-534-0585

WOW Experience & Support

4.0

WOW! maintains above-average customer satisfaction despite declining subscriber base

WOW scored 733 out of 1,000 in J.D. Power's North Central region study [10] and outperformed larger ISPs including Cox in the 2023 U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study [11]. This positions WOW above the cable industry average of 68 out of 100 on the ACSI scale [12], though below top fiber providers like AT&T Fiber (80) and Verizon Fios (77) [13].

Despite these satisfaction ratings, WOW's subscriber base declined 5% year-over-year from 490,100 to 470,400 as of December 2024, with revenue decreasing 8.1% to $630.9 million. These declines reflect competitive pressure from expanding fiber networks and 5G wireless alternatives rather than service quality issues.

WOW provides 24/7 telephone support and online chat daily from 7:00 AM to 11:45 PM EST [14], plus an online account management portal, and has been named a "Best & Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation" 12 times, including 8 consecutive years as of 2025.

Ultimately, WOW's regional focus enables more personalized service than national cable giants.

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

HughesNet Experience & Support

3.0

Hughesnet customer satisfaction below average

Hughesnet has sometimes received low customer satisfaction ratings both in national surveys and in online reviews. It’s hard to know how much of that response is related to unrealistic customer expectations about satellite internet performance. Certainly, when Hughesnet gets online comments from unsatisfied customers, they tend to focus on internet performance. Meanwhile, remember that while satellite internet service has limitations, it can still provide high-speed internet access when your only alternative is slower DSL or no internet at all.
Call today & find the best HughesNet internet deals
1-844-534-0585

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

HughesNet FAQ's

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1-844-534-0585

WOW Accolades

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HughesNet Accolades

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WOW Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
Visa $300 Rewards Card
Fiber 5 GigFiber InternetUp to 5,000 Mbps Only $185
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Visa $300 Rewards Card
Fiber 3 GigFiber InternetUp to 3,000 Mbps Only $100
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Internet 1 GigCable InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $50
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Internet 600Cable InternetUp to 600 Mbps Only $30
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Internet 300Cable InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $25
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

HughesNet Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
$100 Prepaid Card Via Rebate
FusionSatellite InternetUp to 100 Mbps Only $94.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$100 Prepaid Card Via Rebate
Elite 200GBSatellite InternetUp to 100 Mbps Only $64.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Save $10/mo. For 12 months. $100 Prepaid Card Via Rebate
Select 100GBSatellite InternetUp to 50 Mbps Only $39.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Call today & find the best HughesNet internet deals
1-844-534-0585

WOW Customers Review

4.0
Pricing
4.0
4.0
Reliability & Performance
4.0
4.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.0
4.0
Customer Experience & Support
4.0
4.0
Overall Rating
4.0
Ann Enghardt
4.0
from Warren, MI on August 2025
I pay $64 for internet per month. I would like the $30/month plan.
Vickie Eller
2.5
from Charlotte, MI on April 2025
Prices go up every month started at 50 then it went to 64.99 now it's at 83.99 I need different internet in my area
Jocelyn Peck
3.3
from Atlanta, GA on March 2022
Sonia Fry
2.8
from Warren, MI on January 2022
Tyler Martinez
4.8
from Evans, GA on November 2021
Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

HughesNet Customers Review

4.0
Pricing
4.0
3.0
Reliability & Performance
3.0
3.5
Equipment, Installation & Features
3.5
3.0
Customer Experience & Support
3.0
3.4
Overall Rating
3.4
Don Brady
1.0
from Stratford, OK on December 2025
Liars and Thieves We were told we would have UNLIMITED DATA with LiGHTNING SPEEDS What we got was LIMITED and THROTTLED with 19 days left in the billing cycle then they offered to sell us “ TOKENS “ so we could continue to use our service. We’re paying $135.00 a month ( the highest plan available ) and we cant even watch tv. Now it will cost us $400.00 to get out of the contract and we are only One month in. I have had internet providers in many different locations over the past 20 yrs and never have I paid so much and gotten so little. Liars and thieves. That is what you deal with when you deal with Hughes net. Would I reckomend Hughsnet ? ABSOLUTELY NOT !
Claudia Davis
3.0
from Midland City, AL on September 2025
I am new to satellite internet. I didn't know I was going to get emails already saying I had gone over my limit. I didn't like that I was bound by a 2 year contract I would prefer Fiber optic instead but I would have to pay $400 termination fee.
Stephanie Dene
4.5
from Saint Ansgar, IA on September 2025
The technician was very friendly and professional.
Janice M
1.5
from Kirkland, AZ on August 2025
This is the worst service I've had since the 90's and dial up. Only manages to work 50% of the time. Grossly overpriced.
Isidoro Jr. Sanchez
1.0
from Bayview, TX on August 2025
Bad reception and service, also over pricing and didn't keep there word on 69 dollars a month. They kept changing the price every month don't know why you call customer service and they come up with some weird story about the service.
Call today & find the best HughesNet internet deals
1-844-534-0585