Is Viasat Internet good for streaming and gaming?

In the digital age, streaming movies and shows, attending virtual meetings, and gaming online are part of everyday life. But how well does satellite internet, like Viasat, perform when it comes to bandwidth-hungry activities like streaming HD video or engaging in real-time multiplayer games?

Viasat is a popular satellite internet provider that delivers internet service in rural and remote areas where cable and fiber aren't available. It uses satellites in geostationary orbit to provide broadband access. While it fills a major connectivity gap, users often wonder if it can meet the demands of modern internet usage, particularly streaming and gaming. In this article, we take a deep dive into whether Viasat Internet is a good choice for these purposes.

How Viasat Internet Works

Viasat delivers internet by transmitting data between a satellite in space and a satellite dish installed at your home. A modem inside the home then connects to the dish, enabling internet access. This differs from cable or fiber internet, which uses physical infrastructure such as coaxial cables or fiber-optic lines.

Viasat offers download speeds up to 100 Mbps, which are competitive with many land-based ISPs. However, due to the nature of satellite technology, latency and data caps are important factors to consider—especially when gaming or streaming.

Viasat Internet for Streaming

Streaming Performance by Speed

Streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and Hulu require varying amounts of bandwidth depending on the video resolution. Here's a general guideline for video streaming speeds:

Viasat’s higher-tier plans, such as the Unlimited Gold 50 and Platinum 100, easily meet the speed requirements for HD and even 4K streaming—at least in terms of raw bandwidth. However, streaming performance isn’t only about speed. Other critical factors include:

• Data caps or thresholds: Viasat offers “unlimited” data, but throttling occurs after you exceed your plan’s high-speed data allowance.
• Network congestion: During peak evening hours, speeds may drop due to network prioritization.
• Latency: While it doesn’t significantly impact streaming, latency can cause initial buffering or lag in adaptive video quality.

Streaming Experience Summary

• SD and HD streaming are typically smooth on most Viasat plans.
• 4K streaming is possible but may consume data rapidly.
• Excessive streaming can trigger data deprioritization or slower speeds.

Viasat Internet for Online Gaming

Gaming is a different ballgame compared to streaming. Online games, especially competitive multiplayer titles like Call of Duty, Fortnite, or Apex Legends, require:

• Low latency (ping below 50ms is ideal, under 100ms acceptable)
• Stable connection
• Minimal packet loss

Latency with Viasat

Latency is Viasat's biggest drawback for gaming. Because the satellite signal travels ~44,000 miles round-trip, latency on Viasat connections usually ranges from 600 to 800 milliseconds (ms). This is much higher than cable (20–50 ms) or fiber (<20 ms).

This delay significantly affects:

• First-person shooters (FPS)
• Battle Royale games
• Real-time strategy (RTS)
• Voice chat and real-time voice commands

What Games Work on Viasat?

While high-latency games suffer, many titles work well on Viasat, including:

• Turn-based games like Civilization or XCOM
• Card games (Poker, Solitaire)
• Online board games
• Mobile games that don’t require real-time input

You can also download large game files with higher-tier Viasat plans, but watch your data usage. Game updates and downloads can be several GBs each.

Best Viasat Plans for Streaming and Gaming

How to Improve Streaming and Gaming on Viasat

• Use Ethernet over Wi-Fi: Wired connections reduce signal interference.
• Schedule downloads: Perform updates and downloads during off-peak hours.
• Lower stream resolution: Set Netflix or YouTube to SD to save data and reduce buffering.
• Prioritize traffic: Use router QoS settings to prioritize gaming or streaming devices.

Viasat vs. Other Internet Types

Is Viasat a Good Option for You?

Viasat is a solid option if you live in a rural or remote area with no access to cable or fiber. It allows you to enjoy SD/HD streaming and download games, although competitive gaming isn’t ideal. With proper data management and optimization, Viasat can support most streaming needs and casual gaming experiences.

Conclusion

So, is Viasat Internet good for streaming and gaming? The answer depends on your expectations and usage. For casual streamers and gamers, Viasat can get the job done—especially on the Gold or Platinum plans. But if you're a competitive gamer or stream 4K regularly, you may face challenges like data caps, latency, and throttling.

Viasat provides valuable internet access in underserved regions. While it's not the best fit for hardcore gaming, it does offer a reliable solution for moderate streaming and entertainment usage when other options aren’t available.