Viasat plans come in three tiers: Essentials, Unleashed and Unleashed Max. New customers pay $39.99, $69.99 or $109.99 a month for the first year, then $69.99, $99.99 or $179.99, and every plan adds a $15 monthly equipment lease.[1] Only Essentials has a contract, a 24-month term.[2]
Broadband Trail is an independent comparison service, not Viasat or a Viasat retailer. Plans and prices vary by address, so use these figures to read your quote, then let Viasat confirm what your home can get.
Viasat plans at a glance
Prices and terms below were published by Viasat and read October 27, 2026.[1][2]
| Plan | First 12 months, then | Data and contract |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $39.99, then $69.99 | 150 GB High-Speed Data, then Standard Data; 24-month term |
| Unleashed | $69.99, then $99.99 | Unlimited High-Speed Data; no long-term contract |
| Unleashed Max | $109.99, then $179.99 | Unlimited High-Speed Data with network priority; no long-term contract |
The discounts are $30 a month on Essentials and Unleashed and $70 a month on Unleashed Max, for new residential customers only.[1] They apply to the service fee alone, not to the lease fee, add-ons or taxes.[1]
What else lands on the bill
- Equipment lease: $15 a month on every plan; the equipment goes back when service ends, or an unreturned equipment fee applies.[1][3]
- Activation: a one-time activation fee may be charged when you order.[1]
- Administrative fee: one Essentials broadband label we read lists a $3.49 monthly Administrative Cost Recovery Fee.[4]
- Installation: standard professional installation is free, and an adult must be present; non-standard jobs such as pole mounts can cost more.[1][5][2] The same label shows an installation fee range of $0 to $500.[4]
Ask for the broadband label for your address. It is the quickest way to see every fee for the exact plan you are offered.
Two-year cost by plan
This is the service plus lease total for 24 months, using Viasat's published prices.[1] Taxes, activation and any administrative fee are extra.
| Plan | Months 1–12 (with lease) | Months 13–24 (with lease) | 24-month total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $54.99 | $84.99 | $1,679.76 |
| Unleashed | $84.99 | $114.99 | $2,399.76 |
| Unleashed Max | $124.99 | $194.99 | $3,839.76 |
If the $3.49 administrative fee from the Essentials label applies to you, add $83.76 over two years.[4]
Data and priority
Essentials gives 150 GB of High-Speed Data each month. After that you keep unlimited Standard Data, which may slow when the network is busy.[1] Essentials customers can buy a Data Boost, and extra High-Speed Data lasts only until the next billing cycle.[2][5] There are no overage charges on the Essentials label we read.[4]
Unleashed and Unleashed Max have unlimited High-Speed Data. If your use trends above what 70% of customers on your plan use, you may get lower priority during congestion.[1] Unleashed Max is ranked ahead of the other plans at busy times and includes EasyCare, a support plan worth $9.99 a month that waives required service calls normally priced at $95.[2]
Speed
Viasat aims for a baseline of up to 80 Mbps on all three plans, with short bursts up to 150 Mbps on Essentials, 180 Mbps on Unleashed and 200 Mbps on Unleashed Max.[1] Your own label lists typical download and upload speeds and latency for your plan; the Essentials label we read showed 66 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up.[4]
Viasat says satellite latency is higher than cable or DSL, and that VPNs and fast multiplayer games may work poorly.[5] If those matter, read our Starlink vs Viasat comparison.
Contracts and cancelling
Essentials needs a 24-month term, and the Essentials label lists an early termination fee of $15 for each month left.[2][4] Unleashed and Unleashed Max are no-contract plans you can cancel without an early termination fee.[1] Either way, return the leased equipment.[3]
Simple rule: if you might leave within two years, the no-contract Unleashed plan removes the exit fee. For example, leaving Essentials with 10 months left would cost $150 under that label.[4]
Which plan fits
- Essentials: one or two light users who mostly browse, email and video-call, and who will stay put.
- Unleashed: a household that streams most evenings or wants no contract.
- Unleashed Max: many devices online at peak hours, where priority matters more than price.
Viasat residential service is fixed at your home and needs a clear view of the southern sky; it is not for RVs or boats.[3][5] To weigh Viasat against the other geostationary choice, see Hughesnet vs Viasat. Our FCC data lists Viasat in nearly every state, including Viasat in Hawaii.
Our comparison line helps with new service. For your existing Viasat account, contact Viasat.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Viasat a month?
From $39.99 for the first 12 months on Essentials, plus the $15 lease and taxes.[1]
Does Viasat raise the price after a year?
Yes. The promo ends after 12 months and the regular rate applies.[1]
Is Viasat unlimited?
All plans keep you online after heavy use, but only Unleashed plans have unlimited High-Speed Data.[1]
Sources
- Viasat: Unlimited Satellite Internet Plans. Viasat, Unlimited Satellite Internet Plans, accessed October 27, 2026. Prices, promotions, lease fee, speeds, data rules, installation and cancellation. ↩
- Viasat: New Viasat Internet plans (October 8, 2026). Viasat, New Viasat Internet plans, accessed October 27, 2026. Contract terms, priority, Data Boost and EasyCare. ↩
- Viasat: Legal disclaimers, residential and small business (July 14, 2026). Viasat, Legal disclaimers for residential service, accessed October 27, 2026. Terms, equipment return, sky view and promo pricing. ↩
- Viasat Essentials broadband consumer label (sample plan label). Viasat, Essentials broadband consumer label (one location), accessed October 27, 2026. Fees, early termination fee, installation range and typical speeds. ↩
- Viasat: Home Satellite Internet FAQ. Viasat, Home Satellite Internet FAQ, accessed October 27, 2026. Extra data, latency, activity limits, vehicles and installation. ↩
Written with AI assistance and checked against the sources listed; our data from FCC/Census as dated. FCC data as of December 30, 2025; Census ACS 5-year 2020-2024. Editorial policy