Starlink Business vs. Residential: 9 Must-Know Facts
- Starlink operates small satellites that orbit the planet and use the radio signal from the vacuum of space to deliver high-speed and low-latency Internet.
- It offers four Internet service plans: Residential, Business, RV, and Maritime.
- Residential and Business Internet plans differ in terms of speeds, prices, and antenna design.
- The antenna of the Starlink business plan is larger.
- Residential Starlink has a download speed of 50-200 Mbps; on the other hand, Starlink Business has a download speed of 100-350 Mbps.
- Residential Starlink has an upload speed of 10-20 Mbps, while Starlink Business has an upload speed of 20-40Mbps.
- Starlink Business delivers a more consistent, stable, higher-speed Internet and 24/7 service.
- Starlink Business is more expensive than Starlink Residential. The one-time satellite hardware dish costs $2500, and the monthly service fee costs $500.
- Residential Starlink has a one-time cost of $599 and a monthly fee of $110.
In today’s digital world, getting the right Internet service provider is more important than ever. The internet has no borders or limitations, and it is a very powerful tool that helps you stay connected with the rest of the world. This is why we’ve prepared this Starlink Business vs. Residential comparison.
Elon Musk, the owner of SpaceX and the developer of many innovative projects, came up with a satellite Internet service different from the existing ones. Namely, Starlink satellites deliver high-speed and low-latency Internet by traveling on a low Earth orbit.
Starlink offers four internet services: Residential, Business, RV, and Maritime. However, Starlink Business and Residential are the two most popular satellite Internet plans. So, if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re interested in finding out more about these two plans. Let’s dive in.
Starlink Business vs. Residential: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Starlink Business | Starlink Residential | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Starlink Business is a satellite Internet service provider ideal for businesses. It delivers higher speeds, throughput, and 24/7 support. | Starlink Residential is a satellite Internet service provider ideal for homes. It delivers high-speed and stable Internet. |
| Main Use | Internet access in a business | Internet access in-house |
| Owner | Elon Musk, SpaceX | Elon Musk, SpaceX |
| Year of establishment | February 2022 | October 2020 |
| Cost | $2500 Starlink satellite hardware, $500 Internet service cost | $599 Starlink satellite hardware, $110 Internet service cost |
| Latency | 20-40 ms | 20-40 ms |
| Download Speed | 100-350 Mbps | 50-200 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 20-40 Mbps | 10-20 Mbps |
| Installation Fee | Free (Self-Installation) | Free (Self-Installation) |
Starlink Business vs. Residential: What’s the Difference?
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Starlink’s Internet service works on a satellite system that uses radio signals from the vacuum of space to transmit Internet data. In comparison, some Internet providers use fiber optics to deliver high-speed Internet.
This satellite system consists of thousands of small satellites that orbit the planet at about 550 km, or 341 miles, and cover the globe. The satellites are in a low orbit. As a result, the latency is low. So, yes, gaming is not a problem anymore for satellite users.
Starlink offers four Internet services in total:
- Residential: Ideal for home use.
- Business: Provides faster internet speeds for the entire business team.
- RV: Stable and high-speed Internet wherever you travel.
- Maritime: An Internet plan to use while at sea.
Below, we will take a look at the Residential and Business plans. What’s the difference, and which should you choose based on your needs?
1. Design
The Residential Starlink kit and Starlink Business Kit come with a Starlink dish, a dish mount, a Wi-Fi router base unit, a power cable, and a connecting cable. However, the Starlink Business has a larger antenna, which means a better router, cables, power supply, base, and Internet delivery. It also can endure rough weather conditions better.
2. Speeds
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One of the significant differences between these two plans is the Internet speed. The Residential Starlink has a download speed of 50-200 Mbps and an upload speed of 10-20 Mbps. This Internet plan is typically created for family use only.
Starlink Business has a more consistent service and speed. It has a double download speed of 100-350 Mbps and an upload speed of 20-40 Mbps. The Business plan manages the speed reduction during peak hour usage better. That’s why Starlink Business is a good deal for all businesses.
Starlink Business and Residential have a latency of 20-40 ms and no data caps. Since you don’t have a data limit, you can play and do whatever you want.
3. Cost
Starlink Residential costs less than Starlink Business. To get the former, you should make a one-time payment for satellite hardware, which costs $599. The Internet service has a monthly fee of $110.
On the other hand, if you want to get the Starlink Business plan, you should pay $2500 for the satellite hardware and a monthly fee of $500. In terms of costs, the Residential Starlink is more affordable than the Business one.
Starlink Business vs. Residential: Pros And Cons
| Pros of Starlink Residential | Cons of Starlink Residential |
|---|---|
| Unlimited Internet data and fast speed | Expensive satellite Internet hardware |
| No need for a contract and no cancellation fees | Low earth orbit technology can affect the Internet service |
| Low monthly cost of Internet service | Limited Availability |
| Easy self-installation | |
| Lower Latency |
| Pros of Starlink Business | Cons of Starlink Business |
|---|---|
| Unlimited Internet data and fast download and upload speed | Very expensive satellite Internet hardware |
| No need for a contract and no cancellation fees | Low earth orbit technology can affect the Internet service |
| Perfect for business and government offices due to consistent speeds and service | Limited Availability |
| Easy self-installation | |
| Affordable monthly cost of Internet service | |
| Lower Latency | |
| Unlimited users at the same time |
Starlink Business vs. Residential: Which One Is Best?
From cost to speed and everything in between, we’ve covered a lot of ground. So, what’s our verdict on Starlink Business vs. Residential? It depends on your needs!
Starlink Residential is the way to go if you just need a simple Internet connection without fuss or fanfare. With no installation or equipment required, it’s the easiest way to get online without any problem.
On the other hand, Starlink Business would likely suit you if you have an IT department at work. It has additional features like network security and unlimited device connectivity that might be precisely what you need for your Business. In either case, both offerings from SpaceX are solid choices for businesses and residential users alike.
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