Starlink
available in 
- Nationwide availability
- 20–220Mbps speeds
- Low latency
◊ Provider star ratings are based on user reviews and our independent customer satisfaction survey.
Data effective 10/29/2024. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Plus hardware, shipping & handling fees, and tax. Fully refundable. Depending on location, some orders may take 2 or more weeks to fulfill.
Our Starlink review
Oct 29, 2024 | Share
Elon Musks’s satellite internet service is a game changer for satellite internet, and it could change internet access as we know. Unlike traditional satellite internet, which operates using satellites in geostationary orbit, Starlink uses thousands of satellites in low-Earth orbit.
By placing its satellites much closer to Earth compared to traditional providers HughesNet and Viasat, Starlink dramatically reduces the journey your data has to travel. That means much lower latency, and it means you can use the service for real-time applications such as video chat and online gaming. On older satellite connections, that wasn’t possible.
That said, Starlink is still a newcomer to the satellite internet market. There’s a lot of potential, but also a lot of uncertainty Starlink could completely reshape satellite internet and internet in rural America by providing greater access, faster speeds, and lower prices than many of its competitors. It’s also the first network of its kind, so it faces new challenges from maintaining its rigorous launch schedule to ensuring its supply chain can keep pace with overwhelming customer demand.
Pros
- Rural availability
- Download speeds up to 220Mbps
- Lower latency than other satellite providers
Cons
- Higher latency than wired connections
- No easy way to reach customer service
- Expensive equipment costs upfront
Starlink availability
Starlink is available throughout the US, making it a good choice for rural areas. Although it has nearly complete nationwide coverage, Starlink sometimes struggles to keep up with nationwide demand and isn’t always transparent about new offerings like the Roam 50GB.
However, its easier than ever to get your hands on the latest V4 standard dish. In addition to ordering online from Starlink itself (which we recommend), you can pick up your kit from retailers such as Best Buy, The Home Depot, Target, or Bass Pro Shops.
Starlink Internet plans
| Package | Price* | Speed | View on Starlink site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink Residential | $120.00/mo. | 20–150Mbps | Shop Plans |
| Starlink Roam Unlimited | $150.00/mo. | 30–100Mbps | Shop Plans |
| Starlink Roam 50GB | $50.00/mo. | 30–100Mbps | Shop Plans |
| Starlink Mobile Priority — 50GB | $250.00/mo. | 40–220Mbps | Shop Plans |
| Starlink Mobile Priority — 1TB | $1,000.00/mo. | 40–220Mbps | Shop Plans |
| Starlink Mobile Priority — 5TB | $5,000.00/mo. | 40–220Mbps | Shop Plans |
Data effective 10/29/24. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Plus hardware, shipping & handling fees, and tax. Fully refundable. Depending on location, some orders may take 2 weeks or more to fulfill.
Find out if Starlink is available in your area.
Starlink fees and charges
One of the most attractive features of Starlink’s internet service is the promise of a fast, affordable internet connection in rural areas.
The current cost for Starlink is $120 per month for residential internet service, plus an upfront fee of $599 for the equipment. Starlink also offers a Roam plan for RV travelers, but it comes at a premium monthly price. For even more money (a lot more money) you can get priority data on the go. These plans are great for things like emergency services, mobile businesses, and yachts. But for most folks we talk to, the Residential or Roam plans are sufficient.
Is Starlink portable?
Yes, the Starlink dish is portable but you have to sign up for a Roam plan if you want to use it at more than one address.
Existing customers may also be eligible for a Starlink Roam 50GB, which became available June 24 of 2024. The initial cost is $599, plus a monthly charge of $30 per month. That’s on top of the regular monthly pricing. The new dishes fit in a backpack, use about half the electricity of a standard dish, and don’t require a separate router. The data limit is just 50GB, though, which is about what you get from many mobile hotspot plans.
The price for the Starlink Roam 50GB may drop by half in the future, according to a post on X from Musk, but official pricing isn’t yet posted on the site.
Another option for Starlink on the go is Flat High Performance equipment plus a priority data plan. If you go that route, you can use your Starlink connection while you’re driving or while you’re out on the high seas, and your data is first in line in case of network congestion. This option is far too expensive for most people to consider, but it’s nice if you need internet from literally anywhere (and have thousands of extra dollars in your internet budget).
Learn more about Starlink and satellite internet
| The Best Satellite Internet Providers | The Fastest Internet Providers | About Satellite Internet |
|---|---|---|
| Get the pros and cons of the other major players in the satellite internet market: Viasat and Hughesnet. | Find out how Starlink speeds compare to other types of internet service. | Why is Starlink such a big deal? Learn more about how Starlink addresses current satellite internet limitations. |
| Read More | Read More | Read More |
Our verdict
Starlink has changed the game when it comes to internet access for rural folks and travelers. It means reliable access from literally anywhere, all around the world.
Starlink could also help bridge the digital divide in the United States, but doesn’t qualify for federal funding and doesn’t offer any plans for low-income folks.
Starlink’s high equipment cost, in particular, poses a problem for these dreams of universal broadband. While this fee could change if Starlink improves its production process, the large upfront cost makes it much less viable for the same lower income households that could benefit the most from Starlink’s widespread availability.
Starlink’s fast download speeds and low latency don’t just make it a great option in rural internet markets. In many urban areas that only have access to DSL, Starlink’s satellite internet might actually offer better speeds than wired connections. While communication technologies like fiber are still the best way to connect to the internet, Starlink could become a practical alternative to many aging internet technologies.