Starlink's current pricing and what's included

Starlink charges a monthly subscription fee that varies by the service tier you choose. As of now, Starlink offers several tiers: Starlink Standard (the base option), Starlink Plus, and Starlink Pro. Standard typically costs less per month than Plus or Pro, but all three come with the same satellite internet hardware — a dish, router, and cables — which you pay for upfront when you first order.

The monthly fee covers your internet connection only. It does not include the hardware cost, which is a separate one-time charge you pay before service begins. The hardware price and monthly subscription both vary depending on where you live, your service tier, and current promotions Starlink is running.

Your monthly bill includes unlimited data on all tiers — there are no caps or overage charges. The main differences between tiers are read speed, upload speed, and priority during network congestion. Standard is designed for typical household use. Plus offers faster speeds and higher priority. Pro is the fastest tier and is meant for businesses or heavy users.

Key Takeaways

  • Starlink Standard is the lowest-cost monthly option, but you pay a separate upfront fee for the dish and router hardware before service starts.
  • Plus and Pro tiers cost more per month and offer faster speeds and higher network priority, but use the same physical equipment.
  • All tiers include unlimited data with no monthly caps or overage charges.
  • Monthly subscription prices vary by location and change periodically, so the amount you see when you check your address may differ from what someone else pays.
  • You can pause your subscription for up to three months at a time if you need to stop service temporarily without cancelling.

Hardware costs you pay upfront

When you order Starlink, you must buy the equipment before your service turns on. This is a one-time cost separate from your monthly subscription. The standard equipment package includes a satellite dish, a Wi-Fi router, power cables, and a mounting pole or stand. Starlink also sells optional equipment like a larger dish for areas with obstructed sky view, or a second router if you need Wi-Fi coverage in a distant part of your property.

The hardware cost is not refundable if you cancel service, though Starlink does allow you to pause your account instead of cancelling if you think you might return later. If you pause for three months and then resume, you keep your equipment and restart service without buying new hardware.

How location affects what you pay

Starlink's pricing is not uniform across the country. Your monthly subscription cost depends on your specific address because Starlink divides service areas into regions and adjusts pricing based on network capacity, demand, and local competition. Two people in the same state can pay different monthly amounts.

When you enter your address on Starlink's website, the system shows you the exact monthly price and hardware cost for that location. You cannot see pricing for other addresses without entering them separately. If you are considering Starlink for a second home or are thinking about moving, check the price at each address individually.

What happens if you pause or cancel

Starlink allows you to pause your subscription for up to three months without cancelling. During a pause, you are not charged a monthly fee, but you keep your equipment and your service address reserved. This is useful if you know you will not need internet for a few months but plan to return to Starlink later.

If you cancel instead of pausing, you lose your service address and must go through the ordering process again if you want to restart. Cancellation is permanent — you cannot resume the same account. The hardware you own is yours to keep, but Starlink does not buy it back or offer refunds.

Taxes and fees added to your bill

Your monthly bill includes taxes and any local fees that explore to internet service in your area. These vary by state and sometimes by county or city. Starlink shows you the total amount due, including taxes and fees, before you confirm your order, so you know the exact monthly charge.

Some states tax internet service as a utility; others do not. Some municipalities add local telecom fees. The amount you see at checkout is what you will pay each month, assuming your address and service tier do not change.

Comparing Starlink to other internet options

Starlink's monthly cost is one factor in deciding whether it makes sense for your situation. Cable and fiber internet often have lower monthly fees in areas where they are available, but they require installation by a technician and may have data caps or equipment rental fees. Starlink has no data caps and no technician visit, but the upfront hardware cost is higher than most cable or fiber setups.

If you live in a rural area where cable or fiber is not available, your main alternatives are usually DSL (which is slower) or fixed wireless from a local provider. Starlink's speeds are typically faster than DSL and comparable to or faster than fixed wireless, but the monthly cost may be higher. The trade-off is that Starlink works almost anywhere you have a clear view of the southern sky, while other options depend on what infrastructure exists near your address.

How to check your exact price

Starlink's website has a tool where you enter your address and it shows you the current monthly subscription cost, hardware cost, and estimated installation date for that location. You do not need to create an account or provide payment information to see the price — it is public information based on your zip code and street address.

Prices can change, so if you checked months ago, check again before ordering. Starlink also occasionally runs promotions that reduce the hardware cost or offer a discount on the first month of service. These promotions are shown on the website when you enter your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch between Standard, Plus, and Pro after I order?

Yes. You can change your service tier at any time through your Starlink account. The monthly fee adjusts when ready, and you do not need new equipment. The change takes effect on your next billing cycle.

Do I have to sign a contract?

No. Starlink month-to-month service has no contract. You can cancel or pause at any time. There are no early termination fees or penalties for leaving.

What if my address is not available yet?

If Starlink does not yet serve your address, the website will show that and may give you an estimated date when service is expected to arrive. You can enter your email to receive a notification when your area becomes available for orders.

Is the hardware cost the same everywhere?

No. Hardware costs vary by location, just like monthly subscription fees do. Some areas have lower hardware costs as part of a promotion or to encourage adoption in a new service region.

What if I move to a different address?

You can transfer your service to a new address through your account. Starlink checks whether service is available at the new location and may charge a service transfer fee. You keep your existing equipment and do not need to buy new hardware.