Starlink Pricing – The digital divide remains a challenge, but for those in areas with limited broadband and cellular access, Starlink offers a high-speed satellite-based internet solution.
Starlink: Global Coverage, Premium Price
With over 6,900 satellites in orbit, Starlink delivers internet access almost anywhere on Earth—provided users have a receiver dish. However, this convenience comes at a cost.
Starlink offers two main plans for personal use:
- Residential – Designed for users at a fixed location.
- Roam – Ideal for nomads on land and at sea (up to 12 nautical miles offshore in covered regions).
For businesses and emergency responders, Starlink Maritime provides specialized service. Pricing for unlimited inland data with 50GB offshore starts at $250 per month and can reach $5,000 per month for premium plans. Additionally, Maritime users must purchase equipment, which costs $2,500.
If you’re simply looking to stream music by the coast, the Roam plan may be a more affordable choice.
Starlink Pricing Breakdown
Each Starlink plan varies in price based on data needs and location. Additionally, hardware costs vary, requiring an upfront investment in a receiver dish.
To simplify things, we’ve compiled a Starlink pricing breakdown below, including the cost per Mbps to compare it against traditional ISPs.
| Service Tier/Type | Monthly Subscription Cost | Equipment Cost | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Cost/Mbps (Highest Download Speed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | $120 | $249-$349 | 30-100 Mbps | 5-25 Mbps | $1.20 |
| Roam 50GB | $50 | $349-$599 | 30-100 Mbps | 5-25 Mbps | $0.50 |
| Roam Unlimited | $165 | $349-$599 | 30-100 Mbps | 5-25 Mbps | $1.65 |
| Maritime 50GB | $250 | $2,500 | 40-220 Mbps | 8-25 Mbps | $1.13 |
| Maritime 1TB | $1,000 | $2,500 | 40-220 Mbps | 8-25 Mbps | $4.54 |
| Maritime 5TB | $5,000 | $2,500 | 40-220 Mbps | 8-25 Mbps | $22.72 |
Is Starlink Worth the Cost?
Whether Starlink is a good investment depends on where you live and your internet options.
When Starlink Might Not Be Worth It
If you have access to fiber, cable, or fixed wireless providers, those terrestrial internet services are often faster, cheaper, and more reliable. Additionally, traditional ISPs generally offer better customer support.
As noted in our Best Internet Providers review:
“Starlink’s high cost and inconsistent speeds make it an ISP of last resort where other options exist.”
When Starlink Is a Game-Changer
For rural and remote users, Starlink is often the best and only high-speed option. Its global satellite network provides connectivity in areas where broadband and even cellular service are unavailable or unreliable.
If you’re struggling with slow DSL, satellite lag, or unreliable mobile hotspots, Starlink could be your best bet for a stable internet connection.
