Starlink RV vs Residential: Which One is Right for You?

Have you ever wondered what Starlink tier you need between Starlink RV vs. Residential? Well, you probably need both if you can afford them. However, you may want to know what to prioritize regarding speed, …

Have you ever wondered what Starlink tier you need between Starlink RV vs Residential? Well, you probably need both if you can afford them.

Have you ever wondered what Starlink tier you need between Starlink RV vs. Residential?

Well, you probably need both if you can afford them.

However, you may want to know what to prioritize regarding speed, cost, data cap, and installation, among other considerations.

Here is a summary of what you may expect from our comprehensive Starlink RV and Residential comparison. 

Table of Contents

 Starlink RVStarlink Residential
speedDownload speed:5-50mbpsUpload speed: 2-10 MbpsFast downloads: 20-100 MbpsUpload speed: 5 – 15 Mbps
costHardware cost $599Hardware costs $599
Monthly subscription$110 per month$135 per month
portabilityYou can use it anywhere around the continentIt’s portable to use anywhere
waitlistNo wait listThere is a waitlist in some states
Data capNo cap1TBpriorityaccess data
InstallationEasy to install with the given guidelinesNeeds a professional

Starlink satellites may offer different speeds, costs, installation requirements, and data caps, depending on the type of Starlink you choose.

Here are some of the differences between Starlink RV and Residential. 

Satellite dish on the roof of a residential building

Satellite dish on the roof of a residential building

Hardware

Starlink RV and Residential internet plans get kits from the satellite internet company with the same content.

You will find a cable, satellite dish, router, and a mount or base in the box.

However, Starlink doesn’t manufacture mounts or bases for RV owners, which are requirements during RV Starlink installation.

That said, you must shop around for stands and mounts if you go for Starlink RV.

Performance

Starlink internet performance depends on your location and network, regardless of your chosen tier.

Starlink Residential is stationed in that connection, and you will only access it where the company has made it available.

For Starlink RV, you’ll be moving around, and therefore, you will likely lose or get into a congested network.

Some places can’t accommodate several Starlink users, and you may lose the network. 

In terms of speed, Starlink Residential is better, offering a speed of between 20 to 100 Mbps depending on your location.

However, you will notice that Starlink RV may be faster than Residential in some areas as it can top out at 50mbps. 

Besides, the priority data access of 1TB for Starlink Residential users enhances connectivity speed.

You may experience slow connectivity when using primary data if there is internet traffic.

Starlink RV users can also experience inconsistency in connectivity, low speed, and high latency during peak hours.

Satellite Train around the Earth

Satellite Train around the Earth

Cost

Whether you need Starlink RV or Residential, there is an upfront of $ 599.9.

This is the cost of the Starlink kit that holds a Starlink dish and Wi-Fi router.

The main difference is the monthly subscription for each internet plan.

For Starlink RV, you must pay monthly fees of $ 110 and $135 for Residential.

Again the Starlink kit doesn’t have mounts or a stand for RV users, so you will have to spend more to get the unavailable accessories for Starlink RV.

There are also charges when installing this Wi-Fi in your car.

That said, you may incur charges in Starlink RV that are not applicable in residential.

This makes Residential Starlink cheaper. 

Availability

Starlink RV has a wider coverage compared to Residential Starlink. However, it will only function in areas you have registered in.

For example, if you got an RV while in the US, it won’t function if you move to another country. 

The good news, you get Starlink RV from the official Starlink website through a simple process, and you don’t have to worry about a waitlist.

Once you register, you can access it immediately if you are in an area where you can connect. 

Contrary to Starlink RV, Residential counterparts may warrant that you join the waitlist until their services are available in your location.

You can check the RV availability map to determine areas where residential Sarlink is available for immediate access or soon. 

Feature

Pausing Service: With Starlink RV Internet, you can pause the service.

For instance, if you plan to use the internet for a specific period, you can pause to save some amount. 

On the other hand, pausing service when using Starlink residential is impossible.

The only option is to cancel and install it from scratch.

There is a possibility of waiting to order another Starlink kit, as you may be stuck on the waitlist.

Transfer Service: Residential Starlink is the best for an internet network you can transfer to another person.

You can sell it to another person if you no longer need it.

Also, you can opt for a used dish if you are on a budget and need internet in your home.

On the contrary, it is hard to transfer Starlink RV service.

You will let it stay unused when not traveling because it won’t run your home network.  

Global satellite Internet service

Global satellite Internet service

FAQ

It is impossible to transfer RV Starlink details, so you can’t switch from RV to Residential Starlink.

If you already have an RV Starlink and need to install one in your home, buy a new Starlink kit for residential use. 

Depending on your location, Stralink’s speed can range between 20mbps and 100mbps.

It is generally faster than Starlink RV in most cases. 

There is no limit when it comes to connecting to Starlink RV.

If you are in a place with limited subscribers, the speed is always on point. 

Residential and RV Starlink are both good. It all depends on where you want to install a Starlink satellite.

They serve different purposes. You can have both of them at the same time.

You can have Starlink RV if you need traveling internet and Residential RV for your home network.