Satellite internet?
You probably never heard about this internet option until you move from the city to a really remote area.
In fact, many people in rural areas don’t have access to any high-speed internet from a cable, DSL, or fiber optic internet service provider.
While satellite internet can reach just about anywhere, it had a bit of a bad reputation when first came out, but with constantly improving technology and speeds, it is still a reliable option.
Especially if it’s your only option.
So, is satellite internet a good option?
Satellite internet can’t be compared to cable internet or fiber optic, but it works. You are able to browse the web, stream videos on Youtube, or watch movies on Netflix. With a good provider, you can get download speeds ranging from 1Mbps to 30Mbps.
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Although satellite internet providers include a modem or modem/router combo in their plans, unless you are using only a few devices in your home or you are just living in a small apartment, you will also need a router. A device that will distribute Wi-Fi throughout your entire home.
We also know, how frustrating it can be a purchase a new router, especially when you are a non-tech person. That’s why we’ve prepared a list of the best routers for satellite internet of 2024 and we also have a simple and easy-to-understand guide for you.
Best Routers For Satellite Internet (2024)
When you’re looking for the best router for satellite internet, there are a few important factors to consider.
The first is the number of access points. If you want to surf the web or watch Netflix while your kids are watching YouTube videos, then a router with multiple access points will allow you to do both simultaneously without any buffering or lag time.
The second is signal strength. If you live in an area where cell phones are less likely to work, a signal booster might be necessary for your home or office. In this part, we have reviewed the best routers for your home.
Best Overall: Netgear Orbi RBK50
- Ultra-performance Mesh WiFi network blankets every inch of your home in super fast and seamless WiFi connectivity - room to room, wall to wall, floor to floor
- Eliminates WiFi dead zones and buffering - 5,000 square feet of consistent coverage - with speeds up to 3Gbps
- The most award-winning Mesh WiFi system on the planet: PC Mag, CNET, Wirecutter, Forbes, SmallNetBuilder
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Netgear Orbi RBK50 Specs: Frequency: Tri-band 2.4GHz (400 Mbps) + 5GHz (866 Mbps) + 5GHz (1733 Mbps) – AC3000 | Wireless standards: 802.11ac | Connectivity: 4x LAN | Features: NETGEAR Armor™, Circle with Disney, Works with Alexa and Google Assistant, MU-MIMO and Beamforming
While a little bit pricey, Netgear Orbi is the best solution for a large house. The Orbi RBK50 is a mesh Wi-Fi system that consists of the main router and one or more satellites (nodes) that work together in order to cover your house in Wi-Fi.
Mesh Wi-Fi systems are the future of home networking. You get full-strength, reliable, and fast internet speed up to a 6,500 square feet house and they offer a very simple way to expand the coverage area with a purchase of an additional satellite unit.
A cool part about Netgear Orbi is how easy is to set it up. The router and its satellites come pre-paired, so you just need to connect a router to your modem (you get it from your ISP) and then position these satellites in different rooms and power them on. Each satellite has colored LEDs, so you can simply see the strength of your Wi-Fi – blue (good), amber (fair), and pulsing magenta (no connection).
The most popular version is Netgear Orbi RBK50 which is a kit consisting of one tri-band AC3000 router and one satellite. These two units are communicating through a 5GHz network and can cover an area of up to 5,000 sq. feet. With
Orbi RBK50 has a combined Wi-Fi speed of 3,0Gbps, comes with an Orbi app, Netgear Armor for better security, Alexa and Google Assistant integration, and very important features such as MU-MIMO and Beamforming.
Best Budget Router: Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 (R6700)
- Recommended for up to 25 devices: Reliably stream videos, play games, surf the internet, and connect smart home devices
- Wired Ethernet ports: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 1 gigabit Ethernet ports
- Loaded with advanced technology: Designed with a 1GHz dual core processor, 3 amplified antennas, Beamforming plus, Dynamic QoS, Smart Connect, and more
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Netgear Nighthawk AC1750 (R6700) Specs: Frequency: Dual-band 2.4GHz (450 Mbps) + 5GHz (1300 Mbps) – AC1750 | Wireless standards: 802.11ac | Connectivity: 4x LAN, 1x WAN, 1x USB 3.0 | Features: Beamforming, Circle with Disney, NETGEAR Armor™, Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Nighthawk AC1750 is a cheap Wi-Fi router ideal for standard daily use at home. This dual-band router offers a combined speed of 1,75Gbps (2.4GHz – 450 Mbps + 5GHz – 1300 Mbps) and is powerful enough to provide smooth video streaming, web surfing, online gaming, or watching Netflix at the same time.
Nighthawk R6700 comes with many useful features such as Beamforming, Netgear Armor, or Circle by Disney – a great app that helps parents to control and manage the online time of their kids.
Overall, Nighthawk AC1750 (R6700) is one of Netgear´s best-selling models, and for the price under $100, we know why.
Best for Streaming: TP-Link Archer C2300
- Extreme Dual band Wi-Fi speeds: 1733 Mbps on 5 GHz, 800 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, high speed Wireless Internet Router
- Ultimate range: 3 external antennas and 1 internal antenna for wireless networks amplified, Beamforming for signal focused to connected devices
- Higher overall throughput: MU-MIMO + Smart Connect + Airtime Fairness for maximum throughput
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TP-Link Archer C2300 Specs: Frequency: Dual Band 2.4GHz (600 Mbps) + 5GHz (1625 Mbps) – AC2300 | Wireless standards: 802.11ac | Connectivity: 4x LAN, 1x WAN, 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 | Features: HomeCare (parental controls, QoS, antivirus), MU-MIMO, 3 external antennas, Link Aggregation for doubled wired speeds
Firstly, TP-Link Archer C2300 is an awesome router, not only for streaming. With a strong focus on both speed and security, this router is a beast. In a tiny and lightweight body, this device is hiding enough power for a typical home with many smart devices that need to be connected to Wi-Fi.
Packed with MU-MIMO technology, Beamforming, HomeCare service with antivirus, Link Aggregation, and QoS, this is a router full of high-end features for a great price.
Best for Larger Homes: Google WiFi
- Google Wifi is a scalable flexible mesh Wifi system that blankets your home in reliable coverage and keeps buffering at bay; 1 Google Wifi point replaces your router and additional points expand your network to keep the connection fast in every room[1]
- Google Wifi gives you whole home coverage; 1 Pack covers up to 1500 square feet and 3 Pack covers up to 4500 square feet; points work together to create a mesh network for more coverage
- Intelligently works behind the scenes to make sure your Wifi remains fast so you can stream with speed[2]
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Google WiFi Specs: Frequency: Dual Band 2.4GHz + 5GHz – AC1200 | Wireless standards: 802.11ac | Connectivity: 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports per Wifi point (1 WAN and 1 LAN port each) | Features: Beamforming, Bluetooth Smart ready
Another mesh Wi-Fi system is on our list, but Google WiFi is more affordable compared to Netgear Orbi, yet still, offers all advantages of a mesh home network.
For a lower price, you get a kit of the main router and two satellites that will cover up to 4,500 square feet of your home.
Although Google WiFi comes only with a dual-band router with a combined speed of 1.2Gbps, it is enough for almost any household.
This mesh system is designed to handle the heavy load from multiple devices and does it without any issues. With Google WiFi, you get a ton of performance, and more individual satellites with 1,500 area coverage for each one, which makes expanding your networking range so simple.
Best for Gaming: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300
- Tri-band (dual 5 GHz, single 2.4 GHz) AC5300 wireless router with the latest 802.11ac 4x4 MU-MIMO technology for maximum throughput (5334 Mbps) and coverage (up to 5,000 sq. ft.)
- 1.8GHz 64bit Quad-Core processor maximizes data throughput from 8-ports and dual USB 3.0 for optimizing network traffic and connectivity speeds 3. VPN Fusion enables you to run a VPN and ordinary internet connection simultaneously, effectively maximizing your connection speed to gaming servers (available via firmware update)
- VPN Fusion enables you to run a VPN and ordinary internet connection simultaneously, effectively maximizing your connection speed to gaming servers (available via firmware update). WAN Connection Type-Internet connection type- Automatic IP, Static IP, PPPoE(MPPE supported), PPTP, L2TP
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ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 Specs: Frequency: Tri-band 2.4 GHz (1.0Gbps) + 2x 5GHz (2167Mbps) | Wireless standards: 802.11ac | Connectivity: 8 x LAN, 1 x WAN, 2 x USB 3.0 | Features: MU-MIMO technology, Beamforming, VPN Fusion, Game IPS, ASUS AiMesh, AiProtection, Parental control
Even with satellite internet, you can play online games, and with the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300, you can experience lag-free gameplay. Both hardware and software are optimized for gamers. Rapture GT-AC5300 is for everyone who values speed, security, and total control of their home Wi-Fi network.
The router is even equipped with radar which is able to choose the fastest servers near you. There are also numerous customizable settings with eight LAN ports and a user-friendly game dashboard.
The ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AC5300 is a monster among gaming routers, but also very expensive, and if you don´t need such performance for your online gaming, there are other really good options.
Another For Large Homes: Google Nest Wifi
- This product includes 2 router units..Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Ion
- Nest Wifi is a scalable and flexible Wi-Fi system. These Nest Wifi devices work together to blanket your whole home in fast, reliable Wi-Fi and eliminate buffering in every room – with coverage up to 4400 square feet.[1]
- 1 Wi-Fi router plugs into your internet provider’s modem to create your Wi-Fi network. The other extends the wireless network and keeps your connection fast to devices in every room. For more coverage, add Nest Wifi routers or points to your system.
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Google Nest Wifi is a new type of router that covers your entire home with Wi-Fi. It works by using multiple routers placed throughout your home to create one large network. This system offers the best internet coverage for homes with multiple floors and large areas.
The Google Nest Wifi system has been designed to work seamlessly with other smart devices, such as the Nest Thermostat and the Google Home speaker. It also offers an intuitive app that makes it easy for users to set up the system and monitor their Wi-Fi usage and network activity.
Some people who have tried Google Nest Wifi have reported that it can be used to cover up to 4400 square feet of their homes. This is perfect for people who live in apartment buildings or large homes. With this device, they can still get internet coverage even if they are far away from their router.
Budget Mesh Wifi – Meshforce M1 Mesh WiFi System
- 【Upgraded WiFi Performance】
- 【Powerful Mesh Technology】
- 【Easy Install in Minutes】
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Mesh networks are the next step in wireless connectivity, and as we move away from traditional routers and towards mesh systems, we’re moving towards a more reliable connection with better coverage.
Meshforce M1 Mesh WiFi System is an innovative and disruptive technology that has been created to solve the problems of traditional WiFi routers.
It is a whole home WiFi system that can be used to provide better wireless coverage, parental controls, and more. It has been built with the latest Wi-Fi technology and offers superior performance for both data and video streaming.
This system can cover up to 5,000 square feet with a Wi-Fi signal while providing security for all devices on the network.
Router For Satellite Internet Buying Guide and FAQs
Since satellite internet is not the fastest internet you can get, in some remote areas, it is the only option. In this section of our article, we want to answer a few important questions and give you some tips that may come in handy if you want to buy a new router for satellite internet.
Is satellite internet a good option?
In some locations, it is the only option you get. While the internet from a satellite provider isn’t faster than cable internet or fiber optic, you can still get download speed from 1Mbps to 30Mbps and what is more important – a stable connection.
Best Satellite Internet Providers (in the USA)
As with any internet connection, the speed of your connection depends on what is available in your area, the service plan you have signed up for, and how many people are connected at once. Here is a list of the best satellite internet providers in the U.S.
How Much Does Satellite Internet Cost?
The basic satellite internet plans start at $50 and increase when you want faster download speeds or more bandwidth. You should also expect to pay additional fees for renting hardware, one-time activation, and installation.
How Fast Is Satellite Internet?
The speed of your internet will depend on the package you choose to sign up for, but most satellite internet providers offer an average speed of 25Mbps which is optimal for TV streaming services, online gaming, and connecting multiple devices at a time.
Compared to cable internet services where you can get connection speeds up to 2 Gbps, internet via satellite is slower when only one provider offers a package with 30 Mbps – the highest speed.
Can You Stream Netflix With Satellite Internet?
As you already know, most satellite internet providers offer packages with an average 25Mbps speed. This internet speed is still optimal for TV streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video.
What Equipment Do You Need For Satellite Internet?
To make sure you are getting a stable satellite signal, you need the following equipment:
- Satellite internet dish (satellite receiver)
- Satellite modem
- Router
Do You Need A Modem For Satellite Internet?
Yes, you will need a modem for satellite internet. A modem is your gateway to the internet, but the provider of your satellite internet will lease it to you as a part of your contract.
Which Features Should Satellite Internet Router Have?
It doesn’t matter if you are buying a router for HughesNet, ViaSat, or EarthLink, because these providers get you a modem that can be connected to almost any wireless router.
There are more important things on your router than just maximal combined speeds. The features we explain below are critical if you want a smooth and stable connection on every device connected to your home Wi-Fi network.
Quality of Service (QoS) – A tool allowing your router to set priorities for certain devices or types of traffic. In other words, your TV streaming or online gaming will not freeze and stutter because somebody is downloading files, watching Netflix on another laptop, or is web browsing in your home at the same time.
MU-MIMO (Multiple-In, Multiple-Out) – This technology allows a WiFi router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously which has a noticeable impact on everyday Wi-Fi. It makes networks much more efficient.
Beamforming – In short, beamforming is all about focusing a Wi-Fi signal in a specific direction. It provides a faster, stronger Wi-Fi signal with a longer range for each device. With this feature, each device you connect to your home network will get a better Wi-Fi signal and reception.
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Main photo by Kamazhay Tulkibayeva
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