Starlink's current pricing and what's included

Starlink is a satellite internet service run by SpaceX. The monthly cost depends on which plan you choose and where you live, but as of now, the standard residential plan costs around $120 per month in most of the United States. You also pay a one-time equipment fee of roughly $600 for the dish, router, and mounting hardware that arrives at your home.

The standard plan gives you read speeds typically between 50 and 200 megabits per second (Mbps), though actual speeds vary based on weather, your location, and how many people are using the network in your area. Upload speeds are usually between 5 and 20 Mbps. There is no data cap — you can use as much data as you want each month without throttling or overage charges.

Starlink also offers a higher-tier plan called Starlink Pro, which costs around $500 per month and is designed for people who need more consistent speeds and lower latency for gaming or video conferencing. The equipment cost is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Starlink residential service costs about $120 per month plus a $600 one-time equipment fee in most U.S. locations.
  • You get typical read speeds between 50 and 200 Mbps with no monthly data limits, though speeds vary by weather and network congestion.
  • A premium Starlink Pro plan exists for around $500 per month if you need more consistent performance for work or gaming.
  • Installation is usually a DIY job — you mount the dish yourself and plug it in, though professional installation is available for an additional cost in some areas.

How Starlink compares to cable and fiber internet

Starlink is typically more expensive than cable internet in areas where cable is available. A standard cable plan from providers like Comcast or Charter usually costs $60 to $100 per month for similar speeds. However, Starlink reaches rural areas where cable and fiber do not exist, making it the only option for many people outside cities and suburbs.

Fiber internet, where available, often costs less than Starlink and delivers faster speeds — sometimes 500 Mbps or higher. But fiber is only available in certain neighborhoods and cities, and the infrastructure takes years to build. Starlink works anywhere you have a clear view of the sky, which is why rural homeowners and people in remote areas often choose it despite the higher price.

One real difference: Starlink has higher latency (the delay between sending and receiving data) than cable or fiber, usually 20 to 40 milliseconds compared to 5 to 10 milliseconds for ground-based internet. For most web browsing and streaming, you will not notice this. For online gaming or video calls where split-second timing matters, it can be noticeable.

Installation, equipment, and ongoing costs

You order Starlink online, and the equipment ships to your address. Installation is straightforward: you mount the dish on your roof or pole, run a cable indoors to the router, and plug it in. The whole process usually takes an hour or two. Starlink provides a mounting kit and detailed instructions, and most people do this themselves.

If you do not want to install it yourself, Starlink offers professional installation in some areas for a fee — typically $100 to $500 depending on how complicated the job is. You can request this during checkout when you order.

The $600 equipment fee is a one-time charge. If your dish breaks or stops working after the warranty period (which is 12 months), you can buy a replacement for around $300 to $600. Monthly service is the only ongoing cost — there are no hidden fees, no installation charges after the initial setup, and no data overage charges.

Starlink for businesses and mobile use

Starlink offers a business plan for around $500 per month, which is different from the Starlink Pro residential plan. Business service includes a static IP address, priority network access, and a service level agreement that guarantees uptime. This is aimed at small offices and shops that need reliable internet.

Starlink also sells a mobile plan called Starlink Mini, which includes a smaller, portable dish and costs around $150 per month. This is designed for RVs, boats, and people who travel and need internet on the move. The equipment for the Mini is cheaper — around $300 — but speeds are lower and the service is meant for occasional use rather than full-time work.

Promotions and price changes

Starlink occasionally runs promotions that waive or reduce the equipment fee, especially in areas where it is newly available. These deals come and go, so the actual cost you pay might be lower than the standard prices listed here if you sign up during a promotion.

Starlink has raised prices several times since launch. The company has stated that prices may change in the future based on network demand and operating costs. If you are considering Starlink, check the current pricing on their website for your specific address, since costs can vary slightly by region.

What affects your actual monthly bill

Your bill is straightforward: the monthly plan cost plus any taxes your state or county charges. There are no add-ons, no premium channels, and no optional services that increase the price. If you choose professional installation, that is a separate one-time charge, not part of the monthly bill.

Some people bundle Starlink with other services — for example, if you also use Starlink for mobile service or add a second dish for a different building — but the core residential plan is just the monthly fee. Taxes vary by location, so your final bill might be $120 to $140 per month depending on where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a contract or cancellation fee?

No. Starlink is month-to-month with no long-term contract. You can cancel anytime without a penalty. However, the $600 equipment fee is non-refundable, so you lose that money if you cancel.

Do I need to pay for installation?

Installation is free if you do it yourself, which most people do. Professional installation is available in some areas for $100 to $500 depending on the complexity of your roof or location. You choose this option during checkout.

What happens if my speeds are slower than advertised?

Starlink publishes typical speed ranges, not guarantees. Weather, obstructions, and network congestion all affect real-world speeds. If your speeds are consistently far below what Starlink lists for your area, you can contact support, but there is no automatic refund or credit for slow speeds.

Can I use Starlink if I move?

Yes. You can pause your service for up to three months if you are moving, then resume it at your new address. If your new address is in a different service area, you may need to update your plan or equipment, but you keep the same account.

Does Starlink work in bad weather?

Heavy rain and snow can temporarily slow your connection or cause brief outages because the signal travels through the atmosphere. Most people experience occasional slowdowns during storms but not complete loss of service. The dish has a heating element to melt snow buildup.