The Best Satellite Internet Providers for Gaming

Online gaming has grown into a huge industry, with millions of players competing against each other in a virtual world. In this digital realm to fully immerse you, a stable and high-speed internet connection is necessary. Due to its latency and bandwidth limitations satellite internet was once considered less than ideal for gaming. You can also compare and choose the most appropriate internet plans with one of the top internet providers i.e., Club HDTV.

For gamers in remote areas, recent advances in technology have made it a viable option where traditional broadband is unavailable. For gaming, we suggest Viasat and Starlink as the top satellite TV providers. HughesNet is worth a mention, but its 25Mbps plans and small data allotment let it down compared to the faster speeds and more generous data of Viasat Internet and Starlink Internet.

Which Video Games are Compatible With Satellite Internet?

Few games will run smoothly on satellite internet, while others may be incredibly frustrating. (Indeed, experiencing lag and being overwhelmed by an aggressive mob is incredibly frustrating).

Due to the extended data travel distance, offline games, turn-based games, and specific RPGs typically perform optimally. However, that doesn't mean you can't join in the action with your Norn Mesmer to take down world bosses in Guild Wars 2.

With that in mind, here are some games we suggest enjoying with satellite internet, along with a few you might want to steer clear of.

Top Games for Satellite Internet

• Civilization VI, PC, Xbox, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

• Stardew Valley, PC, Mac, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

• Candy Crush, mobile, PC

• Disintegration, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

• Star Trek Online, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

• World of Warcraft, PC

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Nintendo Switch, Wii U

• Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Nintendo Switch

• Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

• Words with Friends 2 and other turn-based games, PC, Mac, and mobile

• League of Legends, PC

The Least Suitable Games for Satellite Internet

• Apex Legends, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

• Fortnite, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, mobile

• Valorant, PC

• Overwatch, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One

• Call of Duty - Black Ops 4, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

• Counter-Strike - Global Offensive, PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

• PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, mobile

Gaming with Satellite Internet

Concerned about relocating to the countryside and fearing you might have to bid farewell to League of Legends for good? You might not have to.

Indeed, Viasat and HughesNet may not offer the most optimal gaming experience. It's undeniable that gaming with satellite internet presents challenges. However, when satellite internet remains your sole choice, rest assured that you can still enjoy gaming.

Is Gaming Possible with Satellite Internet?

If you reside in a rural area and lack access to fiber or cable internet, satellite internet may be your sole option for getting online, even though it may not provide the optimal online gaming experience. Let's be honest; some games simply don't perform well on satellite internet.

Fortunately, satellite internet has advanced to the point where it can offer speeds that compete with cable connections. Satellite connections can now reach speeds of 25 Mbps or even a brisk 100 Mbps. A download speed of 25 Mbps is typically sufficient to support various game types.

However, it's not just speed that matters. The key challenges you'll encounter while gaming on satellite internet are latency and packet loss. While these factors may not significantly impact your gameplay in most turn-based or RPGs (role-playing games), they can prove problematic in first-person shooters (FPS) like Overwatch, where low latency is essential for quicker reactions.

What’s Latency?

Latency refers to the amount of time it takes for the game server to acknowledge an action you've taken and respond accordingly.

Median Latency Based On the Type of Internet Provider

What is the Minimum Mbps Required for Gaming?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) suggests a minimum gaming speed of 4 Mbps, but as with most things, higher speeds are preferable.

Thankfully, both satellite internet providers in the United States offer faster speeds than this recommendation. HughesNet provides a 25 Mbps connection, regardless of your chosen plan. Viasat Internet (formerly known as Exede) offers speeds of up to 100 Mbps, a rate that competes with cable internet.

Final Words

Satellite internet has come a long way in addressing the needs of online gamers, especially those in rural or remote areas. While no satellite internet service can match the low latency and high speeds of fiber-optic or cable connections, options like SpaceX Starlink, HughesNet, Viasat, and OneWeb offer improved gaming experiences compared to traditional satellite internet.

Ultimately, the best internet satellite provider for gaming will depend on your specific location, gaming habits, and budget. It's advisable to research each provider's offerings, read user reviews, and, if possible, test the service in your area before making a decision. With the right choice, you can enjoy online gaming without the frustration of lag and connectivity issues, no matter where you are.