Starlink, the satellite internet service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, promoted itself as a game-changer for rural broadband, and in many rural areas it is still one of the few high-speed options available. It is not perfect: users report occasional slowdowns at busy times and brief dropouts when obstructions such as trees block the dish’s view of the sky.
The network has grown quickly: satellite trackers reported more than 10,000 working Starlink satellites in low-Earth orbit in 2026, several times the number when Starlink first launched its consumer service. More satellites generally mean more capacity, but your own experience still depends on your location and how many people nearby share the service.
Updated October 2026. This review is based on Starlink’s published information, independent coverage and the cited sources, not on our own hands-on testing. Starlink changes its plans and prices often and they vary by address, so always check the current offer on starlink.com before you order.
Starlink price
When we first reviewed Starlink in December 2023, the standard kit cost $599 and the standard residential plan cost $120 per month with unlimited data. Since then SpaceX has restructured its plans and changed its hardware prices, and in some areas it runs hardware promotions or rental options. Because prices now depend on where you live and on current promotions, the only reliable way to see your price is to enter your address on Starlink’s website, which shows the plans, monthly cost and hardware cost available to you.
Starlink also publishes the expected download speeds, upload speeds and latency for each plan on its website. Treat these as typical ranges rather than guarantees: actual performance varies with your location, the time of day and how clear the dish’s view of the sky is.
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Problems with Starlink
The dish has to be installed outside with a clear view of the sky, and the cable has to reach the router inside. People who aren’t comfortable with DIY may need an installer to mount the dish and route the cable through a wall.
Another problem with Starlink is the upfront hardware cost, although Starlink now runs regular promotions, and in some countries you can rent the hardware instead of buying it. Check the current terms for your address, including any minimum commitment and what happens to the hardware if you cancel.
The router in Starlink’s current standard kit (Gen 3) has two Ethernet (LAN) ports, so wired devices can connect directly; the older Gen 2 router had no Ethernet port and needed a separate adapter. Starlink has also offered a 30-day trial period in many markets; check the current terms before you order.
What’s included?
The standard kit includes the rectangular Starlink antenna (the “dish”) with a kickstand, a cable to connect it, the Starlink Wi-Fi router and a power cable. Setup is done with the free Starlink app, which also helps you find a spot with a clear view of the sky.
The antenna points itself automatically, and Starlink says it can melt snow that falls on it. For a permanent installation, Starlink sells mounts for roofs, walls and poles.
Cable length can still be a limitation: the current standard kit comes with a 15-metre (about 49 ft) cable, according to retailer specifications for the kit. If your router needs to be further from the dish, check the longer cables Starlink sells before you install.
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Starlink Review:
Many users still have the same questions: is Starlink good, and is it worth it? For homes that can’t get cable or fibre, many users find Starlink a big improvement over older satellite services and slow DSL, and it can be more practical than relying on mobile broadband. Where cable or fibre is available, it usually offers faster speeds, lower latency and lower prices.
Renting the hardware, where available, removes the need to buy the dish, mount and router upfront. You may still need extra accessories, such as a mount or a longer cable, and professional help to install the dish permanently.
Conclusion
Starlink is worth considering if you live somewhere with slow or no wired broadband: it is quick to set up, widely available and has improved as the network has grown. Compare its price for your address with any cable, fibre or fixed-wireless options first, check the trial and cancellation terms, and make sure you have a clear view of the sky where you plan to install the dish.
