Is Starlink Worth It? 4 Reasons Why You Should Get Satellite Internet

When it comes to satellite internet, Starlink reviews are buzzing with excitement and curiosity. Starlink, developed by SpaceX, promises to revolutionize internet access, especially in remote and rural areas.

But is Starlink really worth the hype? Let’s explore what users are saying in their Starlink reviews.

This article will discuss the various aspects of Starlink, examining its performance, costs, benefits, and drawbacks to provide a comprehensive answer.

What Is Starlink?

Starlink is an internet service provider that uses satellites to deliver broadband internet. Since it uses satellites, it’s available in many areas not serviced by cable, DSL, fiber, or 5G internet providers.

It is also faster than traditional satellite internet. It offers lower latency because it uses thousands of small satellites that orbit at about 342 miles rather than a few large satellites that orbit at about 22,000 miles like other satellite internet providers.

It’s available throughout North America, much of South America, Europe, Australia, and Japan, with some coverage in Southeast Asia and Africa, and more expected.

Starlink subscribers are required to purchase and set up a satellite dish and modem and pay an ongoing monthly subscription fee. Starlink also offers mobile hardware that you can use with an RV or boat and a mobile subscription plan that costs more than the standard subscription.

Why You Should Get Starlink

Starlink provides high-speed internet access in areas without broadband internet from other providers. Based on reviews, consider signing up for Starlink if you:

• Don’t have local access to broadband internet
• Live in a rural area without 5G 
• Need high-speed, low-latency internet access 
• Work remotely and need reliable internet access
• Need mobile internet for your RV or boat

When You Shouldn’t Get Starlink

Starlink isn’t for everyone. Here are some reasons you might want to avoid Starlink as your internet service provider:

• You have reliable local access to broadband internet
• Require very low latency internet access 
• Can’t afford the expensive hardware 
• Have access to lower-cost 5G internet

Why You Should Sign Up For Starlink

Starlink is useful in several situations, including cases where it might be your only option for high-speed internet access. Here are some reasons you might consider signing up for Starlink.

1. You Don’t Have Local Access to Broadband Internet

If you don’t have access to cable, DSL, or fiber internet in your location, then you should consider signing up for Starlink. Since it’s satellite-based, it’s available in many areas not serviced by traditional wired broadband, including remote areas where even cellular service is spotty.

You can receive a high-speed internet connection as long as you’re within the Starlink service area, and you can set up your satellite dish with a clear view of the northern sky.

2. You Live in a Rural Area And Need Unlimited Data

If you live in a rural area and rely on your phone or a hotspot for your internet connection, you are probably very familiar with data caps and bandwidth throttling.

Cellular internet providers typically limit the amount of data you can download each month, adding up very quickly when you’re streaming movies and TV shows, browsing the web, working, and playing games via a cellular connection.

Starlink has no monthly data cap, so you don’t need to worry about that. It does use a priority system where some more expensive plans have higher priority for faster connection speeds, but your connection won’t ever slow down or stop due to surpassing a data cap.

3. You Need High-Speed Low Latency Internet Access 

The primary benefit of Starlink is that it offers faster speeds and lower latency in remote areas where satellite and cellular internet are the only options. If you live in a rural area or you’re a remote worker, Starlink might be your best option.

Unlike other satellite internet providers, you can use Starlink for gaming, streaming, video conferencing, and other activities that require a high-speed, low-latency connection.

Starlink latency is typically in the 60 ms range, while traditional satellite providers have much higher latencies of 900+ ms that won’t support gaming or live video calls.

4. You Need Mobile Internet for Your RV or Boat

If you have an RV or boat and need internet access for entertainment or remote work, Starlink is the best option available.

The mobile plan is more expensive than the standard plan, but it provides faster download speeds and the same low latency connections as the home- or business-based stationary version of the service.

Why You Shouldn’t Sign Up For Starlink

There are many reasons to use Starlink, but it isn’t the right service for everyone. Based on some reviews, here are some reasons you might want to avoid Starlink in favor of a different internet option.

1. You Have Reliable Local Access to Broadband Internet

If you already have reliable local access to broadband internet through cable, DSL, or even 5G, then you probably won’t benefit from Starlink. Other broadband options are less expensive and provide faster connections with lower latency.

Starlink provides a faster connection with less latency compared to 5G in many areas, but check with the providers in your area to see what’s available. If you have high-speed 5G internet access on your phone, a similar service is likely available for home internet access in the same location.

2. You Require Very Low Latency Internet Access 

Starlink provides lower latency than other satellite internet services but is still significantly higher than most cable and DSL broadband providers. It’s low enough for most situations, including videoconferencing, gaming, and streaming.

Still, competitive gamers may find the ping and packet loss too high compared to traditional broadband internet. 

3. It Isn’t Available in Your Location

Starlink is accessible throughout most of North America and other locations worldwide, but some places aren’t covered.

For example, it isn’t available in the National Radio Quiet Zone in West Virginia, along with a handful of remote locations where service is unavailable. Before you make a decision, use the Starlink coverage map to make sure it’s available in your location.

4. You Can’t Afford the Expensive Hardware 

Starlink is expensive, and it’s important to consider when deciding whether to sign up. There are probably cheaper options if you don’t live in a remote area.

In addition to a monthly subscription fee similar to the most expensive traditional cable and fiber internet services, you must purchase a satellite dish and router. If you need the RV or boat versions of the service, the monthly subscription fee and initial hardware purchase price are even higher.

Starlink vs. Satellite and 5G Internet

When living in remote areas without wired broadband, your main internet options typically include Starlink, traditional satellite internet, and 5G. Here’s how they stack up:

• Starlink vs. Traditional Satellite: Starlink reviews highlight that it clearly outperforms traditional satellite internet in terms of both speed and latency. While traditional satellite internet suffers from high latency due to satellites being geostationary at about 22,000 miles above Earth, Starlink’s satellites orbit much closer at around 342 miles, resulting in significantly lower latency and faster data transmission.
• Starlink vs. 5G: If you’re in an area with strong 5G coverage, 5G can offer superior download speeds, potentially surpassing what Starlink provides. Starlink typically offers speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 150+ Mbps, whereas 5G can exceed these speeds if you are close to a tower. However, 5G’s performance heavily depends on proximity to towers and the technology’s rollout in your area.
• Remote Area Considerations: In extremely remote areas, the likelihood of having access to 5G diminishes, and you might be limited to slower LTE speeds for cellular internet. In such scenarios, Starlink becomes a more reliable and faster alternative compared to the other available options.

Choosing between these services will depend on your specific location, the availability of each service, and your particular internet needs. For those in remote areas without access to robust 5G infrastructure, Starlink presents a compelling choice due to its broader coverage and consistent performance.

Do You Need Starlink to Access the Internet?

Based on reviews, for most people, especially those in urban areas, Starlink isn’t a necessity for internet access. According to the USDA, a vast majority—98.5% of urban residents and 77.7% of those in rural areas—have access to wired broadband, which typically offers faster speeds, lower costs, and more reliability than satellite-based options like Starlink.

However, for those living in areas without wired broadband—where the alternatives are traditional satellite services like HughesNet or cellular internet—Starlink often emerges as the superior choice. It generally provides faster speeds and more reliable service, making it particularly valuable for:

• Remote Work: If your job depends on a stable internet connection, Starlink’s low-latency network can be a significant advantage.
• Online Gaming: The lower latency is crucial for a better gaming experience, where every millisecond counts.
• General Online Activities: For streaming, browsing, and more, a consistent and quick internet connection is key.

In summary, while Starlink is not necessary for most, it stands out as a likely best option for those in remote locations without access to traditional wired internet, delivering a level of performance that other satellite and cellular options can’t match.

Conclusion

Starlink offers a compelling case for satellite internet. It distinguishes itself by providing reliable, high-speed internet with significantly lower latency compared to traditional satellite services.

However, this makes it ideal for a variety of online activities including remote work, streaming, and gaming. For those constantly on the move in RVs or boats, Starlink’s mobile service ensures you stay connected in places where other services falter.

FAQs on Starlink Reviews