When I first signed up for Starlink, there was no choice in hardware as only one type of dish was available. However, things have changed a lot in recent years. If you’re considering Starlink, especially for travel or camping, you now have multiple hardware options.
Since 2021, I’ve been closely following Starlink, purchasing and testing every Starlink dish. I use it for home internet and also take it along when camping or traveling. With this experience, I can deeply analyze the features of each dish for different scenarios.
This guide focuses on two of Starlink’s latest dishes: the Mini and the Standard. I’ll detail their features, clarify the differences, and recommend the most suitable hardware for various situations. First, let’s briefly look at their main features.
Mini Overview
The Starlink Mini Dish
The Mini is a new creation from Starlink. As the name implies, it’s much smaller than the regular Starlink dish. Its compact size makes it perfect for travel. Starlink’s website shows it strapped to a backpack, clearly indicating its portability and purpose.
One distinct difference between the Mini and other Starlink models is the integrated Wi – Fi router. For other products, the antenna is installed outdoors, the Wi – Fi router indoors, and a cable is used for power and data transmission. The Mini, however, has the router built – in. Only a power cord is needed, with most components integrated within the dish.
The Mini is designed for travel and camping. Its design has several features for these scenarios. Besides being portable, it can be powered directly by batteries, such as via a USB – C port or a vehicle’s 12V outlet. Also, it consumes less power than other models.
Standard Overview
The Starlink Standard Kit
Starlink has reached its third major hardware generation. The Standard model is different from previous designs as it removes the actuators. Older dishes had motors to automatically adjust the angle, which was crucial for good performance in the early days. But when the Standard was introduced, enough satellites were deployed, making fine – tuning via software and motors unnecessary.
The Standard and Mini are in the same V4 hardware generation. They have a similar design, with the Mini being a smaller version.
The Standard comes with a separate Wi – Fi router and power supply. The dish is installed outdoors, connected to the indoor router and power supply by a cable. Compared to the previous V3 Standard Actuated model, the V4 Standard has improvements in the router and power supply. The router offers faster Wi – Fi speeds and wider coverage, and the power supply performs better and is more reliable in bad weather.
Key Differences between the Mini and Standard
(Standard on the left, Mini on the right)
After learning the basic information, let’s analyze the differences in detail:
- Price
- Mini: $599
- Standard: $499
The Mini was launched at $599, which was the previous price of the Standard. Around the Mini’s launch, Starlink reduced the Standard’s price to $499. And the equipment cost isn’t the only expense, which I’ll explain later.
The Standard is sometimes on sale. When I wrote this, it was as low as $299. If you can get it at this discount, the choice becomes easier.
- Size and Weight
- Mini: 11.75×10.2×1.45 inches (298.5×259×38.5 mm), 2.56 lbs (1.16 kg) without the power cord
- Standard: 23.4×15.07×1.5 inches (594×383×39.7 mm), 7 lbs (3.2 kg) without the router, power supply, and cable
The Mini is much smaller and lighter, highly portable and can fit in a backpack. Although the Standard is smaller and lighter than previous generations, it can’t match the Mini. The Mini’s integrated router makes it more compact than the Standard’s external router and power supply.
- Power
- Mini: 20 – 40 watts. The AC adapter is 100 – 240V, ~1.6A, 50 – 60 Hz. DC input is 12 – 48V, 60W.
- Standard: 75 – 100 watts. The power supply is 100 – 240V, ~2.5A, 50 – 60 Hz.
The Mini has more power input options. It comes with a 50 – foot DC power cable and an AC adapter, but can also be powered by DC. It accepts 12 – 48V and can be powered via USB – C.
The Standard needs to be plugged into a household outlet. The power supply connects to the indoor router, and a 50 – foot cable links the router to the outdoor dish.
The Mini’s average power consumption is about half of the Standard’s, making it suitable for off – grid and solar setups. Powering it directly from DC can optimize consumption, reducing AC – to – DC conversion losses.
- Performance
In terms of speed and stability, the Standard excels. Starlink doesn’t provide specific speed ratings as they vary with factors like service plan, location, and time. But I’ve tested both:
- The Standard has a more powerful antenna, larger surface area, and stronger power supply, improving throughput and increasing download and upload speeds.
- The Mini is less stable in bad weather. Its weaker power supply makes it harder to transmit signals in rain, snow, or ice compared to the Standard.
- The Standard has a better Wi – Fi router, with faster Wi – Fi speeds and wider coverage. It uses Wi – Fi 6, while the Mini uses Wi – Fi 5. Starlink claims the Standard router covers 3,200 square feet, and the Mini’s only 1,200 square feet.
In my tests, the Standard had over 300 Mbps download and over 30 Mbps upload. The Mini was about half as fast, with a best of 191 Mbps download and 15 Mbps upload. The average latency is similar, but the Standard is more stable with fewer spikes.
- Service Plans
There are big differences in service plans. The Mini has the exclusive “Mini Roam” plan. Only the Mini can use this plan, which costs $50 per month with 50GB data, and extra data is $1 per GB. Besides, you can choose “Mobile – Regional” ($150/month), “Mobile – Global” ($400/month), or “Mobile Priority” ($250 + /month), but not residential or business plans.
The Standard can choose all plans except “Mini Roam”. For the residential plan ($120/month), only the Standard is compatible as the Mini isn’t.
The “Mini Roam” plan is suitable for portable use. Although the Standard can also use the roam service, “Mini Roam” is cheaper at $50/month. With 50GB data per month, buying 100GB extra data still costs the same as the Standard’s roam service. Also, “Mini Roam” includes in – motion use, while the Standard’s roam service needs an extra $2 per GB to enable this.
- Accessories
Starlink offers accessories for both. There are roof and vehicle mounts for both models. Longer cables are available, and extra mesh Wi – Fi routers can improve coverage.
The Mini has an advantage in power accessories as it can use DC power. There are various adapter cables for USB – C or 12V outlets, which the Standard doesn’t have.
Choosing between the Two Hardware Options
Overall, the Mini is suitable for travel and portable use due to its compact design, low power consumption, and affordable service plans. The Standard is better for home internet and high – demand travel scenarios with faster speeds, a better antenna, and more service plans.
Choose the Mini if you:
- Need a small, light dish for travel.
- Don’t need a large Wi – Fi coverage area.
- Only need basic internet and use less data monthly.
- Don’t prioritize reliability.
Choose the Standard if you:
- Need fixed home internet.
- Don’t mind a larger, more power – consuming dish.
- Want the best speeds and reliability.
- Need to cover a larger area with Wi – Fi.
Final Thoughts
Both the Mini and the Standard are great for various scenarios. The Mini can’t use the residential plan, so the Standard is for home installations. The Standard can’t use the “Mini Roam” plan, which is good for occasional travelers with low data usage.
After using both for camping, I think the Mini is better for travel, being ultra – portable and low – power. The “Mini Roam” plan also makes it more cost – effective for occasional trips. If you don’t mind the Standard’s size and power consumption, it can be a good travel option too, with faster speeds, better coverage, and more reliability in bad weather.
Which dish did you choose and why? Share your thoughts in the comments.