Among the growing number of satellite internet providers, Starlink, a division of SpaceX, has emerged as a leader. Their commitment to delivering high-speed internet with low latency makes it an attractive choice for those residing in rural areas, where other internet providers might have limited reach.
Using an array of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink internet has speeds similar to ground-based internet, but with the availability of traditional satellite internet. Internet speeds may increase as Starlink continues to develop its constellation.
Easy self-installation – The Starlink Kit comes with everything you need to get going: receiver, WiFi router, and cables.
Perfect for rural areas – Starlink is an excellent broadband internet service, especially where choice is limited.
Unlimited Data – Unlimited high-speed data is available for Starlink’s residential service.
Low latency – Starlink plans provide low internet latency between 20 – 40 ms, which reduces buffering and idling.
30-Day Trial – Starlink offers full refunds on hardware within 30 days if you are not satisfied with the service.
On the expensive side – Upfront equipment costs and monthly service charges can be expensive.
Needs clear views of the sky – For the best signal and fastest speeds, your receiver needs a clear view of the sky.
Availability – Access to Starlink is subject to your location, and hardware and service availability. Orders may be delayed.
Not ideal in all areas – While ideal for rural customers, satellite internet is not the best solution for urban and suburban areas. Enter your zip code here to find internet near you.
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download |
|---|---|---|
| Starlink | $110/mo.* | 200 Mbps |
| EarthLink | $49.95/mo. – $59.95/mo. | 100 Mbps – 5 Gbps |
| Viasat | $64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo. | 25 Mbps – 150 Mbps |
| Xfinity | $19.99/mo. – $299.95/mo. | 50 Mbps – 3000 Mbps |
| Frontier | $49.99/mo. w/Auto Pay & Paperless Bill | 5000 Mbps – Call for details |
| AT&T | $55/mo. – $80/mo. | 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps |
| Provider | Starlink |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $110/mo.* |
| Max Download | 200 Mbps |
| Provider | EarthLink |
| Starting Price | $49.95/mo. – $59.95/mo. |
| Max Download | 100 Mbps – 5 Gbps |
| Provider | Viasat |
| Starting Price | $64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo. |
| Max Download | 25 Mbps – 150 Mbps |
| Provider | Xfinity |
| Starting Price | $19.99/mo. – $299.95/mo. |
| Max Download | 50 Mbps – 3000 Mbps |
| Provider | Frontier |
| Starting Price | $49.99/mo. w/Auto Pay & Paperless Bill |
| Max Download | 5000 Mbps – Call for details |
| Provider | AT&T |
| Starting Price | $55/mo. – $80/mo. |
| Max Download | 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps |
Starlink satellite internet service provides connectivity to remote and underserved areas around the world. It continues to expand its coverage gradually and is widely available in the United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe. Starlink is very much a work in progress that continually evolves and improves and may soon be available to you if it’s not already. The best way to check availability at your address is to view the interactive Starlink coverage map.
Starlink has generated a lot of excitement and anticipation…and with good reason. It offers high-speed satellite internet with lower latency compared to other providers. However, there may be a better solution for you or it may not be available where you are. Viasat and HughesNet are each excellent satellite internet providers that provide service in 99% of the U.S. and are worth considering for home internet.
Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency satellite internet service in areas across the nation with download speeds averaging 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps.
Depending on where you live, Starlink may be the best choice for home internet that is available in your area. It offers high-speed, reliable internet that surpasses the services of other traditional rural internet providers.
It far exceeds the minimum requirements to be considered broadband internet, which is 25 Mbps download speed, and 3 Mbps upload speed. Due to the low earth orbit (LEO) satellite array Starlink is assembling, it has greatly reduced internet latency compared to other satellite internet providers.
Starlink is designed to be reliable and consistent, even in inclement weather, again, due to the design of its LEO satellites. It also offers unlimited data so you can stream videos, game online, and work from home without running up overage fees. And you can get internet for your RV with Starlink Roam, which allows you to take its high-speed service wherever you travel.
Starlink offers unlimited data for it’s residential satellite internet service. Data limits vary for Starlink Roam (internet for RVs), Mobility, and Maritime services.
Starlink is designed and tested to handle a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions including snow, hail, sleet, heavy rain, and extreme heat. Starlink is not designed to handle hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, meteors, dinosaurs, or other extreme forces of nature.
The base that comes with your Starlink is designed to support a ground-level installation or a quick setup to test your internet connection. Consider a permanent installation in an elevated location, like a roof, pole, or wall if you cannot avoid obstructions or find a clear field of view from the ground level. Many customers find that a permanent mount provides the best support and service.
Your Starlink needs a clear view of the sky so it can stay connected with satellites as they move overhead. Objects that obstruct the connection between your Starlink and the satellite, such as a tree branch, pole, or roof, will cause service interruptions. Use the Starlink App to check for obstructions and find the install location that will deliver the best service. Ensure Starlink is installed as close to vertical as possible. Additional mounts and cable routing accessories are available for purchase on the Starlink Shop once your Starlink Kit is ready to ship.
Satellite internet is an ideal solution if you live in the country or other rural areas. However, if you live in an urban or suburban area where other internet providers and types of internet connections are available. you’ll likely have access to faster and less expensive internet.
While tree branches often cause intermittent service by disrupting the connection between Starlink and satellites, many Starlink customers live in an area with a lot of trees. Prior to ordering, we recommend downloading the Starlink App and using the “Check for Obstructions” tool to assess your field of view. If your setup location has obstructions, consider an elevated install as the height improves the chances of clearing nearby obstructions.
Yes, you are welcome to connect your own equipment to Starlink; however, you may need to purchase an adapter from Starlink to connect third party hardware. We cannot guarantee Starlink performance or compatibility with 3rd party routers or mesh systems. Additionally, the Starlink App may not work as expected when using 3rd party routers. Most consumer WiFi routers are compatible with Starlink service with the adapter from Starlink.
The Starlink router supports WPA2 and WPA3 security. Older security standards will not function with the Starlink Router.
Starlink plans vary by service type and location and start around $100. The hardware for any plan is a one-time cost starting at $500. Starlink has equipment rental options in limited markets.
