How Starlink works
Starlink is satellite internet from SpaceX. Instead of a few big satellites far from Earth, it uses thousands of small satellites in low-Earth orbit. As of early October 2026, more than 11,000 Starlink satellites were estimated to be in orbit, and the service has passed 10 million subscribers worldwide.
Because the satellites are much closer to Earth, Starlink has far less lag (latency) than older satellite services. Independent tests have measured average latency of around 30 milliseconds. That makes video calls, streaming and most online gaming work well, which was not true of traditional satellite internet.
At home, you get a Starlink kit: a dish and a Wi‑Fi router. The dish needs a clear view of the sky and connects to whichever satellites are overhead.
Starlink residential plans in 2026
Starlink sells three U.S. residential plans, all with unlimited data:
| Plan | What Starlink says |
|---|---|
| Residential 100 Mbps | Download speeds limited to 100 Mbps. Available only in select areas. |
| Residential 200 Mbps | Download speeds limited to 200 Mbps. Available only in select areas. Includes free professional installation. |
| Residential Max | Maximum available speeds (up to 400+ Mbps) and top residential network priority. Includes free professional installation and the option of a discounted Starlink Mini for travel. |
Source: Starlink’s U.S. residential and service plan pages, October 2026. Starlink says speeds are not guaranteed and will be slower during times of congestion. Plans, availability and pricing vary by area, so we confirm what’s offered at your address.
Starlink also offers a 30-day trial: if you’re not satisfied, you can return it for a full refund within that window. For RVs, camping and travel, Starlink sells separate Roam plans.
Who Starlink is best for
- Rural homes, farms and cabins where cable and fiber don’t reach and DSL is slow.
- Homes on slow DSL or old satellite that want lower lag and faster downloads.
- People who need a backup connection that doesn’t depend on local cables, for example in storm-prone areas.
- RV owners and frequent travelers (with a Roam plan and a portable Starlink Mini).
If you live in a city or suburb with fiber or cable, those are usually faster, more consistent and less expensive per Mbps. Starlink’s upload speeds are also much lower than its download speeds, which matters if you send large files or livestream.
Starlink vs fiber, cable and 5G home internet
| Option | Strengths | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Starlink (satellite) | Works almost anywhere with a clear sky view; unlimited data; low lag for satellite | Slower in busy areas; trees and roofs can block the signal; lower upload speeds |
| Fiber | Fastest and most consistent; fast uploads; lowest lag | Not available on many rural streets |
| Cable | Widely available in towns and suburbs; fast downloads | Slower uploads than fiber |
| 5G home internet | Quick setup, no dish; good where the cell signal is strong | Speeds depend on signal and how busy the tower is |
| DSL | Uses existing phone lines | Usually much slower than the options above |
Read more in our fiber vs cable guide and how much speed do I need.
Setup and placement tips
- Check for obstructions first. The Starlink app can scan your sky with your phone’s camera. Trees, chimneys and nearby buildings can cause short dropouts.
- Pick the mounting spot. Many people start with the included kickstand on the ground, then move the dish to a roof or pole mount for a clearer view. Professional installation is included with some plans.
- Plan the cable route. The kit includes a long cable from the dish to the router. Measure the distance before drilling.
- Place the router centrally. Like any Wi‑Fi router, it works best up high and in the middle of the home. Large homes may need a mesh system.
Weather: Starlink says its dishes are designed to melt snow and withstand heavy rain and wind. Very heavy rain or snow can still slow the connection briefly.
Before you order
- Check whether fiber, cable or 5G home internet reaches your address. If they do, compare them first.
- Ask which Starlink plans are available at your address. The 100 Mbps and 200 Mbps plans are offered only in select areas.
- Look at the total cost: monthly service, equipment, installation and any area-specific charges.
- Use the 30-day trial window to test speeds where you actually work and stream.
Many states are also using federal BEAD funding to bring new fiber, fixed wireless and satellite service to rural homes over the next few years, so check your address again from time to time. Or let us do it: share your address, and a specialist will compare Starlink with every other provider that serves it, for free.
Compare Starlink with other providers
In many rural and suburban areas, Starlink competes with fiber, DSL, 5G home internet and cable. Tap a provider to learn more, or check your address and we’ll compare every option.
