 |
| The Starlink V4 is the one shown on the left side in the image above and the V5 is the one shown on the right in the image. |
Starlink V5 is SpaceX's newest residential dish, succeeding the V4. Both Starlink V4 and Starlink V5 are designed for reliable home internet, but the V5 marks a significant redesign compared to its predecessor, offering a more compact, lighter build and improved energy efficiency over the V4.
The updated kit also comes with a pipe adapter mount included, simplifying installation. For now, availability is limited to select regions, though the company has indicated that coverage will expand as manufacturing scales up.
It's worth noting that the V5 isn't built for use while in motion, so RV or marine users needing connectivity on the go should look at Starlink's in-motion-rated equipment instead.
The differences between V4 and V5
Here are the differences between the Starlink V4 and Starlink V5:
- The V4 has a peak download speeds of 400+ Mbps while the V5 download speeds is 375+ Mbps.
- V5 measures 384 mm x 306 mm x 34 mm (15.12 in x 12.05 in x 1.34 in), a notable reduction from the V4's dimensions of 594 mm x 383 mm x 39.7 mm (23.4 in x 15.1 in x 1.5 in), making the newer model roughly half the width while retaining a similar overall profile.
- The V5 is relatively lightweight than the V4 with a 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs). The V4, on the other hand, has a 2.9 kg (6.4 lb).
- The V4 consumes average power of 75-100 W, while the V5 consumes less power—an average of 35-50 W.
- Router compatibility remains unchanged between generations—both the V4 and V5 are compatible with Router 2, Router 3, and Router Mini.
According to information on the Starlink official website, the speeds that are stated in the comparison are peak speeds based on hardware capability. Actual speeds may vary, are not guaranteed, and will depend on service plan selection and availability.
The comparison verdict
The Starlink V5 is the smarter buy for most home users. Its smaller footprint, lighter build, and much lower power draw make it easier to install and cheaper to run, while the included pipe adapter mount adds value that used to cost extra. The slight dip in peak speed (375+ Mbps vs 400+ Mbps) is unlikely to matter for typical households, since real-world speeds rarely hit either ceiling anyway.
That said, the V4 isn't obsolete. If you're in an area where the V5 hasn't rolled out yet, or you need in-motion capability the V5 doesn't offer, the V4 remains a solid, proven option. For everyone else, the V5's efficiency gains and easier setup make it the more future-ready pick—once it's available in your area.
Starlink V5 Kit
Here are what you will get when your purchase the Starlink Hardware that comes with a V5 dish:
- You will get the satellite dish itself, which sends and receives signal from Starlink's satellite network to deliver internet to your location.
- You will get the Kickstand, a removable stand that lets you set the dish on the ground or a table, useful for testing signal quality before committing to a permanent mount.
- You will also get the Router Mini (with Stand). This is the Wi-Fi router that distributes the internet connection to your devices.
- You will also get a pipe adapter that allows you to mount that clamps onto a metal pole and install the dish in a fixed, elevated position for better signal reception.
- You will get a 15m (49.2 ft) cable that you can use run the connection from the dish to the power supply. The cable is long enough to reach from a rooftop or pole mount into your home. However, this is different from the AC cable of 1.5m (4.92 ft), which is also included in the kit to connect the power supply unit to a wall outlet for the provision of electricity to the whole system.
- Lastly, you will get the Ethernet Cable 2 m (6.56 ft) that will be used to connect the Router Mini to other networking equipment, like a computer or additional router, for a wired connection.
In addition to that, you'll install the iOS or Android app of Starlink to setup the kit. You can also visit the dedicated V5 page to learn more about the product and the resources needed for the product.
