Anything Elon Musk does generates a lot of hype – 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: $120-$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 June 2023 FCC data, its coverage can reach 99.6% of households in the United States – the highest percentage of any internet provider in the nation.
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 – or constellation – 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.
| Features | Standard | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $120/month | $140-$500/month |
| Download Speed | 40-220 Mbps | 40-220 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 8-25 Mbps | 8-25 Mbps |
| Data | Unlimited | Unlimited + Priority Data |
| Standard Equipment | $599 (one-time) | $599 (one-time) |
| Flat High Performance | $2,500 (one-time) | $2,500 (one-time) |
Standard – $120/month
The standard plan is the best option for most households. It includes low latency, high-speed internet, and unlimited data. Internet speeds range between 40-220 Mbps (download speeds, with 8-25 Mbps upload speeds). Starlink claims most users will experience speeds around 100 Mbps, but this greatly varies.
Priority – $140-$500 per month
In addition to high-speed internet and unlimited standard data, the Priority plan gives you the choice of 40GB, 1TB, or 2TB of “priority” data each month. Once you use up your priority allotment, your service automatically switches over to standard unlimited data.
There are 3 different price tiers of the Priority plan:
- 40GB – $140/month
- 1TB – $250/month
- 2TB – $500/month
This plan is recommended for high-demand users. If you use a lot of data each month or rely on your internet connection for remote work, paying extra for network priority might be worth it to you.
More Starlink Satellite Internet Plans
Along with its residential offering, Starlink has mobile plans designed for travelers.
| Features | Mobile | Mobile Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150-$200/month | $250-$5,000/month |
| Download Speed | 40-220 Mbps | 40-220 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 8-25 Mbps | 8-25 Mbps |
| Data | Unlimited | Unlimited + Priority Data |
| Standard Equipment | $599 (one-time) | $599 (one-time) |
| Flat High Performance | $2,500 (one-time) | $2,500 (one-time) |
Mobile – $150-200/month
The Mobile plan is best for RVs and Campers. It includes unlimited data in-land, in-motion use, and the ability to pause/unpause service at any time. Mobile Regional costs $150 per month and is suited for traveling within one continent. If you will be traveling internationally, then Mobile Global costs $200 per month.
Mobile Priority – $250-$5,000/month
Mobile Priority gives you all the features of the Mobile Global plan, plus in-motion use on the Ocean and network priority for 50GB, 1TB, or 5TB of data each month. There are 3 plan tiers, priced as follows:
- 50GB – $250/month
- 1TB – $1,000/month
- 5TB – $5,000/month
Mobile Priority is designed with boats in mind. But it’s also good for mobile businesses and emergency response teams.
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.
Equipment
Alongside your monthly fee for Starlink satellite internet service, there is a one-time upfront charge for equipment. After you purchase Starlink, you will be sent a kit, which includes the Starlink itself, a kickstand, a Gen 3 Router, Starlink cable, AC cable, and power supply. You can also buy a pipe adapter mount, wall mount, or pivot mount from the website’s shop.
Starlink has two options for equipment: Standard and High Performance.
Standard – $599
The Standard Starlink is recommended for the Standard or Mobile plan. It is suitable for most users and the default for residential home internet.
The standard Starlink dish is weather-resistant, self-orienting with built-in motors, and has a field view of 100 degrees. It’s smaller, lighter, and more portable than Flat High Performance, so it is also well-suited for camping and traveling.
Flat High Performance – $2,500
Flat High Performance is recommended for Priority and Mobile Priority plans. It is designed for power users, professionals, and businesses, but users living in harsh climates can also benefit from upgrading. The Flat High Performance dish has a larger antenna and higher wattage power supply, which help it operate better in rain and snow.
It has a field of view of 135 degrees, so it can better deal with obstructions and get a clearer view of the sky. If you live somewhere with lots of trees, you might want to consider upgrading for this reason.
Another reason upgrading to Flat High Performance might be worth it is if you want to use your own router or advanced networking setup. The kit includes an Ethernet cable and LAN port, so you can configure your own equipment straight out of the box. With the Standard kit, you will need to purchase an adapter to use your own router or networking equipment.
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 – 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.
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.
