Starlink internet review: Pricing, speeds and more

Updated 9:13 am ET Mar 28

Editorial note: This post may contain links to internet offers and services from which Allconnect receives a commission. Broadband partners and the associated compensation do not influence our editorial decisions. Read more about our advertising policy.

What is Starlink?

Starlink offers unlimited satellite internet for hard-to-reach areas. Get Wi-Fi for your home, RV, campers or boat, or try Starlink Mini for hikers and travelers.

Starlink pricing: Residential $80–$120/mo.; Roam: $50–$165/mo.
Equipment: Starts at $349; installation not included.
Availability: 99.7% of the U.S.
Technology: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite.
Established: SpaceX launched in 2019.

Pros

No-contract plans.
Accessible for mobile vehicles.
Download speeds faster than other satellite providers.

Cons

Pricier plans.
Installation not included.
Expensive equipment costs.

Starlink internet plans, speeds and pricing

Plan	Price range*	Download speeds	Data limit	Equipment fee
Residential Lite	$80/mo.	25–220 Mbps	Unlimited deprioritized	$349
Residential	$120/mo.	25–220 Mbps	Unlimited	$349
Roam 50 GB	$50	30–100 Mbps	50 GB	$499
Roam Unlimited	$165/mo.	30–100 Mbps	Unlimited inland data	$349–$499

Disclaimer

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. $120 price point is sample of pricing in West Virginia. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 11/09/23.

Methodology

We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2025. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.

How we reviewed Starlink

Overall score: 3.2 out of 5.

Starlink earned a 3.2 out of 5 on our internet provider ranking scale, outperforming competitors Hughesnet and Viasat by a full point. Starlink’s benefits include its no-contract plans and unlimited data options, and Starlink plans include a 30-day trial that begins on the activation day.

Starlink pricing is generally stable and free from sudden rate increases. The monthly cost of Starlink internet plans are occasionally adjusted but overall remains fairly consistent, unlike other ISPs with steep post-promotional rate hikes.

Starlink cost and internet speeds are less favorable compared to cable and fiber internet. Still, Starlink internet is accessible to 99.68% of the U.S. and the surrounding oceans, far more than any cable or fiber provider.

Starlink vs. other internet providers

Rural coverage: Starlink Wi-Fi for home has extensive rural internet coverage compared to hard-wired cable and fiber ISPs (e.g., AT&T, Cox, Frontier).
Price differences: Cable, fiber and 5G internet (like Spectrum, Xfinity and T-Mobile) offer cheaper deals compared to Starlink plans, with average starting prices of $50/mo. in contrast to Starlink’s $80–$120 monthly rate.
Speed disparity: Cable, fiber and 5G frequently offer 1 gigabit speeds, and the availability of multi-gig speeds is on the rise, making these connections faster than Starlink satellite internet.
Versus other satellite providers: How fast is Starlink internet compared to rival satellite providers? Top Starlink speeds are up to twice as fast as Hughesnet or Viasat.

Provider	Speed range	Starting price*	Connection type	U.S. availability
Starlink	25–220 Mbps	$80/mo.	Satellite	99.7%
Hughesnet	25–50 Mbps	$49.99/mo.	Satellite	99.6%
Viasat	25–150 Mbps	$119.99/mo.	Satellite	97.9%
Spectrum Internet®^♱	100–1,000 Mbps	$30/mo.	Cable	29.1%
T-Mobile 5G Home	87–415 Mbps	$35/mo.**	5G	57.9%
Verizon Fios	300–940 Mbps	$34.99/mo.**	Fiber	8.9%
Xfinity	50–6,000 Mbps	$19.99–$35/mo.	Cable	34.5%

Disclaimers

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.

**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.

♱Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Capable modem required for all Gig speeds. For a list of capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.

Starlink plan breakdown

So, how much is Starlink internet, including equipment and fees? Get Starlink reviews and plan details here.

Residential Lite – Best for light internet use

Starlink cost per month: $80/mo. for unlimited deprioritized data.
Best for: Low internet use, fewer devices or smaller homes.
Typical speeds: 50–100 Mbps download; up to 10 Mbps upload; 25-60 ms latency.
Equipment cost: Starlink Standard Kit: $349
- $199 to add installation, where available.
- Optional accessories: Pivot Mount $74; Wall Mount $67; Pipe Adapter $38; Mesh Router $199.
- One-time $100 congestion charge and $20 shipping and handling fee may apply for certain locations.

Residential – Best for conventional homes

Starlink cost per month: $120/mo. for unlimited data.
Best for: Rural homes or fixed locations with average internet use.
Activities: Starlink home Wi-Fi supports browsing, streaming and more.
Expected speeds: Expected speeds with Starlink Standard service plans are 25–100 Mbps, though Starlink claims most users receive speeds above 100 Mbps.
Starlink speeds by area: This Starlink map shows average speed ranges by location. The western part of the U.S. generally has access to about 50% faster speeds than the southeastern states.
Starlink equipment: Hardware includes a dual-band Wi-Fi router and a phased array antenna, a 21.4” tall panel set at an angle to be mounted on your roof. The satellite can withstand inclement weather, including sleet, high winds and temperatures between -22 and 122°F.
Equipment cost: Same as Residential Lite.

Roam 50 GB & Roam Unlimited – Best for RVs, hikers or boats

Best for: The Roam plans are ideal for an on-the-go lifestyle because it allows you to pause service an unlimited number of times. Campers, RVs and other travel or mobile residences have ultimate billing flexibility with this Starlink RV service plan.
Starlink cost per month: $50/mo. for 50 GB; $165/mo. for unlimited inland data.
Equipment: Recommended equipment includes a smaller, more portable array that is better for travel.
Equipment cost: Starlink Mini Kit $499 (req’d for Roam 50 GB).
- Standard Kit: $349 (available w/ Roam Unltd.).
- Optional accessories: Car adapter $45.
Pausing Starlink service: To pause Starlink internet service, log into your Starlink account > Your Starlink > Manage > Pause Service.
Delay Starlink service: You can pause your plan before activation to delay your first bill. Your first bill will be issued when you unpause your service.

Starlink business internet

Best for: Business internet with priority network and priority support.
Network priority: When the Starlink network is busy, priority plans maintain faster speeds, while standard plans may experience speed throttling.
Price: $140 for 40 GB, $250 for 1 TB, $500 for 2 TB and $1,500 for 6 TB of priority data. Other monthly fees may apply.
Equipment: Choice of
- Standard Kit: $349.
- Enterprise: $599 (includes flexible installation options vs. Standard Kit).
- High-performance: $1,499 (includes array antenna with broader GPS to connect to more satellites).

Starlink installation fees

Starlink internet plans do not include installation — you can add it to your order for $199 in some areas, or hire a local contractor.

Unlike other satellite providers, the Starlink internet price doesn’t include an installation fee. But unless you are comfortable drilling a satellite to your roof yourself, you’ll need to hire a local installer to mount the satellite.

Starlink equipment fees

Purchasing Starlink equipment starts at $349, a monthly rental option is available in specific areas.

Starlink equipment packages cost $349–$1,499, optional mounting accessories are $38–$199 and shipping and handling starts at $20. Third-party retailers like Best Buy also sell Starlink equipment, often offering free in-store pickup or shipping.

If the rental option is available in your area, it will appear when you check for Starlink serviceability. An activation fee may apply.

Starlink internet review

Is Starlink worth the cost? Starlink is worth considering if you can cover the equipment and pricier monthly rates.

Value: Starting at $120/mo., Starlink internet plans are more expensive but offer faster speeds than other satellite ISPs.
Upfront cost: Switching to Starlink requires equipment fees of $349–$499 to get started.
Competitors: Hughesnet and Viasat have lower equipment costs ($299.99 and $250, respectively) with the option to rent.

Starlink availability and coverage map

Starlink satellite service covers areas that fiber and cable internet don’t — check the Starlink map to determine if the service is in your area.

Major cities with Starlink internet:

The future of Starlink

Growth: Starlink continues to expand to meet the global demand for broadband in rural areas. Some scientists are concerned with the rapid satellite launches interfering with astronomical photos and data collection, according to EarthSky.
Range: Starlink offers service on all seven continents, reaching over three million users in 99 countries.
Is Starlink available near me? If you’re interested in finding a Starlink satellite in your area, use the Starlink Tracker to search by your city or coordinates. The Starlink map also details the current location of satellites worldwide.

Starlink Internet FAQs

How do I contact Starlink customer service?

Log in to your Starlink account online or in the Starlink app to access Starlink email. Select “contact support” for Starlink cancellation inquiries on the Starlink support page.

How fast is Starlink internet?

Starlink internet ranges from 25–220 Mbps download and 5–20 Mbps upload. Your Starlink internet download and upload speed may vary based on location, but most users get over 100 Mbps download speeds, according to Starlink.

Is Starlink fast enough for streaming?

Starlink internet speed is fast enough for streaming. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ require 5–10 Mbps for high-definition (HD) streaming, and Starlink speeds are well within that range. Keep in mind that minimum streaming speeds are calculated for one connected device, so faster speeds may be necessary if you stream on multiple devices at once. Get an assessment of your current internet speed by using one of these best internet speed tests.

How many devices can you connect to Starlink?

The number of devices you can connect to Starlink satellite internet depends on the Starlink internet speed you receive at your home and your online activities.

Is Starlink unlimited data?

Yes, Starlink internet cost includes unlimited data; however, according to the Starlink Fair Use Policy, the provider reserves the right to manage their network according to user demand.

Can I pause Starlink internet?

Starlink Roam can be paused and resumed an indefinite number of times, but Starlink’s residential fixed service cannot be paused.

This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.

Lisa IscrupeAllconnect.com

Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.

Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com

Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.

More Provider Reviews