Starlink Internet has two plans: Starlink RV (Now Starlink Roam) vs. Residential. Roam is suitable to be used by those on the road, while Residential is for home usage.
While these are popular satellite internet services, Starlink RV and Residential have different prices, features, availability, and performance.
This article will compare Starlink RV vs. Residential to help you choose the right service.
Starlink RV vs Residential: Difference
Performance
Usually, Starlink Residential users have bandwidth priority over the Starlink RV during heavy traffic.
Speed
Starlink Residential has faster speeds as compared to Starlink RV. Residential users always get 1 TB of priority access data every month. On the other hand, RV users who live in dense areas with high Starlink usage experience low speeds and can get speed drops of up to 5 Mbps.
Availability
The Residential and RV Starlink offer the same functionality but differ regarding availability, ordering, and traveling.
Waitlist
The Starlink Residential service is limited, but area capacities slowly expand as more satellites are launched. You might be stuck on the waitlist when you order a Residential Starlink.
Starlink RV does not have such waitlists. In many areas, the orders are shipped after you place your order.
Restrictions
Unlike Starlink Residential, Starlink RV allows users to go out of the continent as long as they upgrade to the Global Starlink RV. However, both plans require you to re-register in a country different from your shipping address if you stay there for over two months.
Features
Starlink RV and Residential differ in other ways as well:
Pausing Service
The Starlink RV allows users to pause or unpause their service. If you plan on using Starlink during the camping period, you can pause your subscription and save money when you are not using it.
For the Residential users, there is no pause or unpause feature, only a cancel feature. But, since the availability of Starlink Residential is limited, canceling the service could add you back to the waitlist.
Global Coverage
Starlink Residential subscribers cannot move with the service from their service address. But for Starlink RV, subscribers can use the service anywhere.
Starlink provides both Global and Regional Roam for RV users. The regional plan limits the users to within the continent of their shipping address.
Upgrading to the Global Roam provides more flexibility worldwide, and the users can use it without worrying about the waitlist.
Price
Equipment
On buying the Starlink equipment, you must make an upfront payment of 599.99 for either Residential or RV kits. The kit has a Starlink Dish, WiFi router, stand, and antenna.
The cost of shipping the kit through mail varies depending on your location. To find out your shipping cost, key in your address on the bar on the Starlink site, after which you’ll find the quote at the bottom of your invoice.
Monthly Service
The Starlink Residential costs $210 per month, while the Starlink RV costs you $150 a month for Regional Roam and $200 a month for the Global Roam. The Residential Starlink also has a portability service, which you can access for $25 monthly.
Starlink RV vs Residential: Similarities
Starlink kit
Hardware
The RV and residential kit have identical hardware; you get the same router, cable, base, and antenna.
For the Starlink accessories, the manufacturer does not provide any for the RV, except for the travel case. You must look for the aftermarket vendors if you want specific mounts or a DC power supply.
Data Caps
Starlink RV and Residential do not have data caps and users who use less than 250 GB per month experience unlimited speeds. However, users exceeding this data limit might experience slow speeds during heavy traffic.
Installation & Setup
Starlink RV and Residential have similar hardware kits and installation instructions. Here are the steps to follow for Starlink installation:
- Find an unobstructed and clear view of the sky
- Plug the dish cable into the antenna, then insert it into the mount
- Plug the router into a power source and turn it on
- When the device is up, install the Starlink App on your phone and log in
- Now search for the optimal location using the “Check for Obstruction” feature on the app
If you purchased the in-motion Starlink RV hardware, mount the equipment to your RV. The in-motion hardware is, however, only available in some areas. So, confirm if it is available where you travel or live.
Starlink RV vs Residential: Advantages and Disadvantages
Starlink RV
| Pros | Cons |
| Portable | Expensive hardware |
| Covers wide range | |
| Convenient to set up | |
| Easy installation process |
Starlink Residential
| Pros | Cons |
| Cheaper alternative compared to Starlink RV | No pausing option |
| Higher speeds | |
| Relatively easy to install | |
| Covers wider range |
Which Starlink Should I Order?
Ordering a Starlink product
Your requirements determine what type of Starlink you should go with. Here are a few cues to help you pick the right Starlink kit:
| Get the Starlink RV if you: | Get the Starlink Residential if you: |
| Do not want to wait on the Residential waitlist | Have no plans for traveling along with it |
| Wouldn’t care about inconsistency in performance | Will be using Starlink throughout the year |
| Want to be able to pause the monthly payments | Wanting maximum performance of Starlink Internet at home |
| The requirement is a portable or recreational internet | The requirement is largely for home internet services |
Conclusion
We hope you found this guide helpful in understanding Starlink RV vs. Residential. In general, both services are good options based on one’s needs.
Starlink RV would be great for those looking for portable high-speed internet service, and Starlink Residential would lean toward people who need dependable home internet.