This article covers everything you need to know about Starlink—both the good and the bad. If you’re considering getting Starlink or already have it and aren’t satisfied with the service, this information will help you understand what to expect.
Consider upgrading to Starlink Priority if you require more speed than what a home Starlink Standard plan can provide. This plan can double your speed, but it’s much more expensive. For those who can afford the expenses and are in great demand, it can be worthwhile.
I installed my Starlink setup about seven months ago and have been using it alongside T-Mobile Home Internet. Since there are no cable providers in my area, I rely on a combination of these two services to ensure a stable internet connection. Surprisingly, using two providers here is more affordable than having a single provider back in Massachusetts.
Starlink Internet Speed: What to Expect
One of the most common questions about Starlink is the speed it offers. The actual speed depends on your location and satellite congestion.
- Download Speeds: I typically get between 200 to 400 Mbps, even during peak hours.
- Upload Speeds: Upload speeds range from 20 Mbps to 40 Mbps, which is still impressive.
While some users report slower speeds of around 80–100 Mbps, my experience has been significantly better.
Speed Tests: Are You Doing It Right?
Slow speeds are a common complaint among Starlink users, but frequently the cause is improper system configuration. People frequently make the error of evaluating the speed of their Wi-Fi or phone rather than the satellite connection itself.
Always use the Starlink app’s sophisticated speed test to obtain an accurate score. This test provides an accurate picture of your internet performance by measuring the speed between the satellites and the dish. Slow speeds could be caused by a problem with your home network, including bad Wi-Fi or improper configuration.
The same testbed PC that we utilised initially was employed for our six-month follow-up testing. Our testing program is installed on a modest desktop computer. Throughout the test periods, this testbed has been continuously running a test script that sends pings to particular servers every minute to assess latency and regularly checks Ookla’s Speedtest.com to record upload and download speeds. Over the course of two weeks, we collected thousands of data points by running this Starlink speed test twenty-four hours a day.
During our two weeks of testing, my Starlink connection provided a broad range of upload and download speeds. Although the speeds aren’t always lightning fast—they may reach highs of 261 Mbps and lows of less than 5 Mbps—they were, for the most part, exactly what Starlink claims.
How to Improve Starlink Performance: Use an Ethernet Adapter
I suggest utilising an Ethernet adapter rather than Wi-Fi for the fastest speeds. Although it works, the Starlink router’s performance and range are constrained.
- The Fix: Get an Ethernet adapter (about $25) and attach it to a top-notch router of your choosing.
- The Benefit: Compared to using Starlink’s built-in Wi-Fi, this configuration can double your internet speed and help you get rid of Wi-Fi problems.
Weather Performance: Does Starlink Work in Storms?
How Starlink functions in inclement weather is a frequent worry. In my experience, it functions consistently and without any discernible hiccups in hail, ice, rain, and snow.
But be careful to activate the Dish Heater function if you reside in a snowy region. Starlink dishes have built-in heating components to prevent ice buildup, which can otherwise impair performance, however many users are unaware of this. To make sure the dish is always ice-free, I prefer to choose Preheat Mode instead of Auto, which is the default setting.
Starlink Dish Movement: What to Know
One unforeseen problem I ran into was that one day my Starlink dish altered course without warning. Starlink dishes were originally intended to aim northeast, but mine abruptly shifted to the west.
As more satellites are launched, Starlink occasionally repositions its dishes to enhance reception, I discovered after speaking with support. Luckily, my dish’s new orientation didn’t cause any problems, however your signal might be affected if yours abruptly moves towards an obstruction (like trees).
Daily Usage: Streaming, Gaming, and Web Browsing
For daily use, Starlink is good for gaming, browsing, and streaming 4K movies. However, occasionally there are slight loading troubles with some websites, such as eBay and Facebook. Small connectivity disruptions, which occur for a fraction of a second and are typically undetectable, are probably to blame for this.
These disruptions can result in some websites loading erroneously, necessitating a refresh, although they have no effect on streaming or cached material.
Data Caps: What Has Changed?
When Starlink first launched, it had no data limits. However, the company has now introduced a 1TB monthly data cap.
- After 1TB Usage: Your speed may be throttled if there’s network congestion.
- Off-Peak Advantage: Any data used after 11 PM does not count toward your limit.
I was able to adjust my system settings to take advantage of this by scheduling my backups to run at midnight, significantly reducing my data usage during peak hours.
Is Starlink Right for You?
Many people misunderstand Starlink’s purpose. If you have access to a high-speed wired internet connection (fiber, cable, etc.), stick with it—you’ll likely get better speeds for less money.
Starlink is designed for people in rural or remote areas where traditional broadband isn’t available. If you live in such an area, Starlink is a game-changer.
Final Thoughts
I’ve had a good overall experience with Starlink. The connection is dependable, the speeds are excellent, and it functions properly even in inclement weather. However, you may greatly enhance your experience by understanding data usage and optimising your setup using an Ethernet adapter.
Tell me what you think if you’re using Starlink; have you seen any comparable problems? How has the experience been for you?
