Anything Elon Musk does generates a lot of hype â and Starlink, Musk's satellite internet company, is no exception. Like most of Musk's ventures, Starlink has ambitious plans. Its growing satellite network has the potential to bring high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to virtually anyone on the planet.
But how good is Starlink today? How does it measure up against the top fiber and cable internet providers?
Company Overview
Starlink was founded as a subsidiary of SpaceX in 2015 with the opening of its satellite development facility in Redmond, WA. After years of engineering, SpaceX launched the first Starlink satellites in May 2019. Beta internet service was released to the public in November 2020, and full commercial service became available in 2021.
Pros
- Relatively fast speeds for rural connectivity
- Extremely low latency
- Unlimited data
- Offers mobile plans for RVs/campers and boats
Cons
- Expensive equipment costs
- Slower speeds than fiber internet and most cable internet providers
- Bad weather can affect internet connection
Highlights
Available Speeds: 40-220 Mbps download speed, 8-25 Mbps upload speed
Price Range: $50-$5000 per month
Data Cap: Unlimited
Contract Required: No
BBB Rating: Not Accredited
Today, Starlink is the largest satellite internet constellation, with around 5,900 satellites in orbit. However, it is still far from finished. Starlink will need at least 10,000 operational satellites to be able to claim full, worldwide coverage. That said, SpaceX has indicated their end goal at somewhere around 42,000 total satellites.
Starlink satellite internet service is available in much of the world and has about 2.7 million customers globally. Per FCC data, its coverage can reach 99.6% of households in the United States â the highest percentage of any internet provider in the nation.
As a leading wireless internet provider, competitors of Starlink include:
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Verizon 5G Home Internet
- EarthLink
- Nomad Internet
- HughesNet
- Rise Broadband
How Starlink Internet Works
Like satellite TV, satellite internet works by using radio waves to transmit and receive data to and from satellites orbiting Earth in space. Unlike cable or fiber internet, satellite internet is wireless. It's capable of reaching remote areas where there is little to no internet infrastructure.
Satellite internet wasn't invented by Starlink or SpaceX. Other satellite internet providers, like Viasat and Hughesnet, have been offering broadband internet since around 2012. But, Starlink differs from other satellite internet services in a major way.
While most satellite internet providers rely on single geostationary satellites that orbit the planet at around 22,236 miles above Earth, Starlink uses a network â or constellation â of thousands of satellites spread across the entire globe and orbiting at about 342 miles. That's a whole lot closer to Earth.
Because Starlink's satellites are in a low orbit, this results in significantly lower latency. By comparison, Starlink's latency is around 25-60ms, whereas other satellite internet services have a latency of 600ms, or more. This makes Starlink the first satellite internet service capable of delivering broadband internet fast and reliable enough for everything you need it for, including streaming movies, online gaming, and video calling.
Who Is Starlink Home Internet Best For?
Starlink is available almost anywhere on planet Earth. Its advanced, low-orbiting satellites are capable of delivering solid internet connectivity even in areas where wires can't reach. However, its speeds don't match up to the lightning-fast speeds of fiber internet, and many cable internet providers offer speedier internet for cheaper prices.
This makes Starlink best-suited for rural homes, cabins, and off-grid locations where there are few internet options. It's also great to have for RVers, campers, and nomads. But, if you live in a metropolitan or suburban area, you should look into options for fiber or cable internet instead.
Starlink Home Internet
Starlink has two main plan options for residential users: Standard or Priority. All Starlink plans are contract-free, so you are free to cancel or change plans at any time. There is also a 30-day trial period, so if you aren't happy with your service after one month, you can get a full refund.
| Residential | Roam | Boat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $35-$120/month | $50â$165/month | $250â$1,000/month |
| Download Speed | 50â250 Mbps | 30â220+ Mbps | 40â220+ Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 5â25 Mbps | 5â25 Mbps | 5â25 Mbps |
| Data/Speed Caps | None | None | None |
| Data | Unlimited | 50 GBâUnlimited | 50 GBâ1 TB |
| Best For | Fixed home internet | Traveling or remote work | Maritime, emergencies, or remote work |
Residential – $35-$120/month
Residential plans from Starlink are the best option if youâre looking for home internet. Unlike Roam and Boat plans, Residential is designed to stay in a fixed location. It can be especially helpful if you live in an area that typically canât get anything other than standard satellite internet, as Starlinkâs plan offers unlimited data and higher speeds than other satellite services.
Starlink has two Residential plans, although its cheapest option is currently only available in select regions outside of the U.S.
Residential Lite – $35/month
Residential Lite costs $35 per month and offers download speeds between 50 and 100 Mbps. It is Starlink's more affordable option, though availability is currently limited to select regions outside of the U.S.
Residential – $120/month
The standard Residential plan costs $120 per month and delivers download speeds ranging from 150 to 250 Mbps. While pricier, it offers faster speeds and broader availability compared to Residential Lite.
The Residential plan from Starlink is the best option if youâre looking for home internet. Unlike Roam and Boat plans, Residential is designed to stay in a fixed location. It can be especially helpful if you live in a remote area that canât get cable or fiber internet.
Residential customers can enjoy 150â250 Mbps download speeds. Starlink claims that most users get download speeds of over 100 Mbps on any plan, but this can vary by location and be subject to interference such as bad weather.
Roam – $50â$165/month
Starlinkâs Roam plans are designed for travelers who need internet on the go. Roam 50 GB grants you 50 GB of data for $50/month and countrywide internet access in whatever country your account address is connected to. Roam internet is guaranteed to work at speeds of up to 100 Mph, making it ideal for car passengers to use. You can even use your internet up to 12 miles off the coast, but traveling further away from the coast will require a Boat plan.
Upgrade to Roam Unlimited for $165/month to get unlimited traveling data and the same perks as the standard Roam plan. If you work remotely or travel frequently for work, this may be the better option. Starlink allows you to pause your service from month to month, so you can keep your account active but skip paying for months youâre not traveling.
Boat – $250â$1,000/month
Boat plans from Starlink â also known as Mobile Priority plans â are for on-ocean use. They have no restrictions as to how far you can travel on water, but you can also use your internet in any part of your country when on land. These plans are available with 50 GB of data for $250/month and 1 TB of data for $1,000/month. In addition to more widespread coverage and higher data limit potential, Starlinkâs Mobile Priority plans get network priority and premium support.
Like Roam, Mobile Priority plans are billed monthly, and you can pause your plan at any time to avoid getting charged during non-travel months.
Equipment
Starlinkâs internet services require equipment in the form of a kit, many of which include the Starlink, cables, a kickstand, and a router. Depending on the kit you choose, your specific equipment may vary. However, everything you need to set up your Starlink internet is inside the kit, which is charged as a one-time fee.
Starlink offers five different equipment kits for Residential, Roam, and Boat customers.
| Kit | Price | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | $600 | Smallest Starlink, integrated WiFi, portable design fits in a backpack or suitcase. | Travelers, Roam users |
| Standard | $349 | Includes Starlink, cables, kickstand, router; supports streaming, gaming, and video calls. | Residential users, general internet usage |
| Standard Actuated | $600 | Motorized dish for optimized connections, enhanced reliability for work-from-home setups. | Residential users, small businesses |
| High Performance | $2,500 | Handles hot/cold weather, supports more satellite connections, mounts available separately. | Businesses, extreme weather conditions |
| Flat High Performance | $2,500 | Flat dish design, wider sky visibility, improved GPS, 135° field of view, ideal for maritime use. | Boat travel, harsh weather, dense trees |
Mini â $600
Starlink Mini is the kit youâll want if you travel a lot and need reliable internet, so it works best for Roam users. It includes the smallest Starlink version with integrated WiFi, so you donât need a juggle a separate router. Everything is designed to fit in a backpack or suitcase for ultimate portability.
Standard â $349
Starlink Standard is best for home internet users with a typical amount of internet usage, like streaming videos, playing games, or making video calls. However, the kit is available for Residential, Roam, Business, and Enterprise accounts.
If you want to mount the Starlink to your roof, you can purchase a mount from the Starlink Shop once you have an account set up.
Standard Actuated â $600
Starlink Standard Actuated is an upgraded version of Standard with built-in motors that help the dish find the most optimized internet connection for reliability. This could be a good option for residential users who work from home or small businesses that need consistent internet connections.
High Performance â $2,500
The High Performance kit offers better protection against extreme weather conditions, including hot or cold temperatures. It also allows for more satellite connections for internet optimization, making it ideal for businesses with fixed internet. Mounts are available in the Starlink Shop for account holders.
Flat High Performance â $2,500
The Flat High Performance kit includes a flat-lying Starlink dish that is capable of seeing as much as 35% more sky than other Starlink dishes plus better GPS to help optimize satellite connections. Flat High Performance is best for boat travel, as it can be mounted permanently to your boat while providing a consistent internet connection when traveling.
You might also prefer this kit if you live in an area with harsh weather or dense tree coverage, which can interrupt traditional satellite internet. It has a field of view of 135 degrees, so it can better deal with obstructions and get a clearer view of the sky.
Starlink Gen 3 Router
The Starlink Gen 3 Router is Starlinkâs newest WiFi router with an enhanced chipset and mesh performance that should help you find the best internet connection and stay connected, even through busy networks. It upgrades the dual-band frequency of the Gen 2 to a tri-band frequency with an extra 5 GHz band for faster speeds and optimal connectivity. The router runs on WiFi 6 and uses WPA2 security.
This router is included in the Standard kit but is also available to Standard Actuated and High Performance users for an additional cost of about $350. Itâs worth noting that the Starlink Gen 3 isnât yet available to all customers, but the company plans to extend coverage to more regions in the future.
Installation
Starlink was designed to be easy to self-install. Just set up your Starlink satellite dish by plugging it in and pointing it at the sky. The dish will receive signals from Starlink's satellites through space and wirelessly transmit the bandwidth to your router.
There are several options for mounting equipment that become available to purchase through Starlink's shop after you purchase the service. Starlink does not offer professional installation.
Starlink requires an unobstructed, clear view of the sky to work. To help find the best location and position for installation, you can download the Starlink app.
How To Sign Up for Starlink
To sign up for Starlink, visit the Starlink website and type in your address to confirm availability. Click on ‘Order Now,' then choose your plan. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the sign-up process, which includes creating an account and inputting your payment method.
When you sign up, you will need to purchase your equipment upfront. After signing up, your Starlink kit will be shipped to you.
How To Contact Starlink / Get Tech Support
Reaching Starlink customer service isn't as straightforward as with most other internet companies. There is no live chat option on the website or phone number you can call if you need assistance with your service. However, Starlink does have a few resources and ways to get help, should you need it.
First, there's the Support page, which is full of answers to frequently asked questions and solutions to common issues. If you can't find the answers you need, then you can contact Starlink customer support through the app. This is probably your best option if you need to talk to someone.
From the app, click on ‘Support,' then ‘Troubleshooting.' Select the issue you are having and follow the Troubleshooting steps. If this still does not solve your problem, then underneath the Troubleshooting steps, you will see the question “Did this answer your question?” with a thumbs-up and thumbs-down icon.
Click the thumbs-down icon, and a message field will pop up. Fill this out, and send the message. This will open a customer support ticket. A Starlink agent will respond, and you will be notified through the app or phone when they reply.
Starlink App
With the Starlink app, customers can set up their hardware, check for obstructions that could block signals, view connectivity statistics, get notifications for service issues, see which devices are connected to their network, verify their wifi connection, troubleshoot service issues, and contact customer support. The app also includes a feature that uses augmented reality to help customers find the best location and position to install their Starlink dish.
The Starlink app is available to download from the Apple Store and Google Play.
How To Cancel Starlink
Since there are no contracts, customers are free to cancel Starlink at any time, for any reason. To cancel, log in to the Starlink Customer Portal. Then, select ‘Manage' on the plan you wish to cancel and click ‘Cancel Service Line' from the drop-down menu. Complete the cancellation process by clicking “Yes” on the message that pops up.
Once you cancel Starlink, service will remain active until the end of your billing cycle at which point, it will stop working, and you will no longer be charged.
Is Starlink a Good Choice for Home Internet?
Starlink is an innovative company that delivers high-speed internet through space. Its network of low-orbiting satellites is capable of reaching even the remotest areas on planet Earth â but, it isn't for everyone.
Starlink's low latency, unlimited data, and lack of contracts make it an appealing choice for rural internet. However, Starlink is expensive, starting at $120/month with a $599 upfront equipment fee. This is pricier than even many fiber internet providers, which offer Gig internet speeds for lower monthly fees.
Starlink's internet speeds are relatively fast for rural or remote areas but still lag behind terrestrial connectivity options, like fiber internet and many cable internet services. Overall, the satellite internet company has a lot of value as a rural or mobile internet provider, but little else.
The Bottom Line
Starlink might be worth investing in if you live somewhere with few internet options. However, it's not the best choice for customers living in metropolitan or suburban areas where more affordable, faster internet services are available.
If you live in a location where fiber or cable internet is available, then we can help you find the perfect choice for your home. Check out our other reviews of the best internet providers, where we dive deep into the pros and cons of top fiber, cable, and wireless internet companies.
How much does Starlink cost?
For the vast majority of residential users, Starlink costs $120 per month for the Standard plan, plus a one-time charge of $599 for standard equipment. However, high-usage customers might want to upgrade to the Priority plan to get higher performance with network priority.
The Priority plan costs $140 per month for 40GB of priority data, $250 per month for 1TB of priority data, or $500 per month for 2TB of priority data. Flat High Performance equipment, priced at $2,500, is recommended with this plan.
Mobile plans designed for RVs or boats are also available for $150-$5,000 per month.
What internet speeds can I expect?
Starlink estimates customers will get download speeds between 40-220 Mbps and upload speeds between 8-25 Mbps, with most users experiencing reliable download speeds around 100 Mbps. However, this varies widely based on location and how many other Starlink customers are using the network.
Some customers report internet speeds of up to 265 Mbps, exceeding Starlink's estimate. Others report download speeds of only around 60 Mbps.
Does the weather affect connectivity?
Starlink was built to withstand the elements. However, heavy rain and wind can still lead to slower speeds or even a potential outage.
đŠī¸ Pro Tip: Use a home weather station to track storms that might disrupt your internet connection.
The Starlink dish is water-resistant and can melt snow, but snow build-up around the receiver and other weather-related blockages can also interfere with your internet connection. For this reason, the company recommends setting up your Starlink in an area that avoids snow build-up and other obstructions that might block its line of sight.
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