Starlink Internet: Complete Guide to Plans, Prices and Setup (2026)

Last updated: October 21, 2026. This Tesla North guide covers Starlink satellite internet in Canada and the United States, including Residential and Roam plans, monthly prices, equipment, installation, speeds, camping, RVs, gaming and using Starlink with a Tesla. Prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD) and U.S. dollars (USD), unless otherwise specified.

SpaceX’s Starlink has changed how people get internet in rural and remote areas. Instead of relying on cable, fibre or nearby cellphone towers, Starlink connects customers to satellites orbiting Earth, making high-speed internet available in places where traditional broadband can be difficult to get.

Operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Starlink is available throughout much of Canada and the United States. It’s especially useful for rural homeowners, cottage owners, campers and people who regularly travel in RVs.

But how much does Starlink cost? What’s the difference between Residential and Roam? Is Starlink Mini worth buying, and can you use the service while driving?

Here’s everything you need to know about Starlink in 2026, including a comparison of Canadian and U.S. prices.

Referral disclosure: Tesla North may receive a referral reward if you sign up through our Starlink link and meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Eligible new subscribers may also receive a reward. Referral benefits depend on country, account eligibility and Starlink’s terms. The referral program is separate from Tesla vehicle referrals.

What Is Starlink Internet?

Starlink is a satellite broadband service operated by SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk.

It provides internet access using a network of low Earth orbit satellites rather than conventional underground cables or cellphone towers.

Customers install a Starlink antenna, commonly called a dish, outside their home or at another location with a clear view of the sky.

The antenna communicates with satellites overhead, connecting to the internet and delivering service to devices through a Wi-Fi network.

Starlink is particularly useful in rural Canada and the United States, where fibre internet may not be available and traditional satellite connections can be slow or unreliable.

It can also be used while travelling, provided customers have compatible equipment, an eligible subscription and service in an authorized location.

How Does Starlink Work?

Traditional satellite internet typically relies on satellites positioned about 35,786 kilometres, or 22,236 miles, above Earth.

Starlink uses satellites in low Earth orbit, much closer to the surface.

This shorter distance reduces the time it takes for information to travel between the user and the satellite network.

That makes Starlink more suitable for everyday internet activities such as video calls, streaming and online gaming compared with older geostationary satellite systems.

Starlink satellites constantly move across the sky. The antenna uses electronic beam steering to communicate with them without needing to physically rotate to track each satellite.

However, the system still requires a sufficiently clear view of the sky.

Tall trees, buildings, mountains and other obstructions can interrupt connectivity as satellites move overhead.

Starlink Pricing in Canada vs. the United States

Starlink offers several consumer internet plans in Canada and the United States.

Residential plans are designed for fixed locations, while Roam plans are intended for portable use, including camping and RV travel.

Starlink currently advertises Residential service starting at $75 CAD per month in Canada and $55 USD per month in the United States.

Roam service starts at the same respective prices.

Prices are advertised starting rates and exclude applicable taxes. Availability, hardware charges and promotional offers depend on the customer’s service address.

Canadian and U.S. prices are listed in their respective local currencies, so the figures are not directly comparable without considering exchange rates.

Check Starlink plans and pricing using Tesla North’s referral link →

Starlink Residential Plans Explained

Residential service is designed for customers who need internet at a fixed address.

It’s suitable for rural homes, cabins, cottages and other properties without reliable cable or fibre connections.

Starlink’s current Residential plans all include unlimited data, although maximum speeds and network priority differ.

Residential 100 Mbps

Canada: $75 CAD/month

United States: $55 USD/month

This is Starlink’s least expensive advertised Residential plan.

It provides unlimited internet with download speeds capped at 100 Mbps.

That’s enough for many common activities, including browsing, video calls, streaming and working from home.

It may be a good fit for smaller households that don’t need extremely high download speeds.

Residential 200 Mbps

Canada: $115 CAD/month

United States: $85 USD/month

This plan increases the download speed limit to 200 Mbps while retaining unlimited data.

It is better suited to households with multiple users who regularly stream video, download games or work online.

Actual speeds may be lower during network congestion.

Residential Max

Canada: $150 CAD/month

United States: $130 USD/month

Residential Max is Starlink’s highest-tier consumer home internet service.

It provides the maximum available Residential speeds, advertised at up to 400+ Mbps, along with higher network priority.

Starlink also advertises professional home installation and eligibility for an additional optional Starlink Mini kit for portable internet.

Exact benefits and equipment offers can vary by country and address.

For customers who regularly download large files, have numerous connected devices or want Starlink’s highest residential performance, Max may be worth considering.

Starlink Roam Plans Explained

Starlink Roam is designed for customers who want portable internet rather than service at one permanent address.

It’s intended for RV owners, campers, travellers, remote workers and people who regularly move between locations.

Roam can be used with compatible Starlink equipment, including the portable Starlink Mini.

Roam 100GB

Canada: $75 CAD/month

United States: $55 USD/month

Roam 100GB provides 100GB of high-speed internet each month.

After that allowance is used, customers receive unlimited lower-speed data rather than losing internet access entirely.

It’s suited to occasional camping trips, weekend getaways and travellers who mainly need connectivity for messaging, browsing and light streaming.

Roam 300GB

Canada: $110 CAD/month

United States: $80 USD/month

Roam 300GB offers a larger high-speed data allowance.

It makes sense for travellers who spend several weeks away from home or regularly work remotely.

Once the high-speed allowance is exhausted, unlimited reduced-speed service remains available.

Roam Unlimited

Canada: $200 CAD/month

United States: $175 USD/month

Roam Unlimited includes unlimited high-speed data for supported uses.

It is designed for frequent travellers, full-time RV users and customers who depend on portable internet every day.

The plan also supports international travel in more than 160 countries and territories, subject to Starlink’s roaming rules and local restrictions.

Does Starlink Roam Work While Moving?

Yes. Starlink supports in-motion use with compatible equipment and eligible Roam subscriptions in authorized areas.

This makes it possible to maintain an internet connection while travelling in an RV or other vehicle with properly mounted equipment.

In-motion service depends on the hardware, plan, mounting method and applicable laws.

Can You Use Starlink Roam in Canada and the U.S.?

Yes. Starlink offers Roam service in both countries, including options intended for cross-border travel.

Before travelling, confirm that your plan allows service in the destination country and check any international usage limits.

Explore Starlink through our referral link →

Starlink Standard vs. Starlink Mini

Starlink offers several equipment options, but most consumer buyers will be choosing between a Standard kit and Starlink Mini.

The main differences are size, portability, power requirements and Wi-Fi hardware.

Starlink Standard

Starlink Standard is designed primarily for fixed internet installations.

It is generally the better option for a home where multiple people regularly use the internet.

The Standard system offers flexible mounting options and is designed to remain outdoors.

Starlink has also introduced its newer V5 hardware in select areas, with a smaller design and improved power efficiency compared with the earlier V4 Standard kit.

Starlink Mini

Starlink Mini is designed for portability.

It combines the satellite antenna and Wi-Fi hardware into a compact unit that can be carried in a bag or stored in an RV.

Its lower power requirements also make it a practical option for battery-powered setups.

For camping, travel and temporary internet installations, Mini may be the more convenient choice.

Which Starlink Should You Buy?

For permanent home internet, the Standard system is usually the better choice.

For travel, camping and portable use, Starlink Mini is easier to transport and requires less equipment.

If you need both home internet and travel connectivity, Residential Max may also be worth investigating because Starlink advertises optional Mini hardware benefits for qualifying customers.

How Much Does Starlink Equipment Cost?

Starlink equipment prices change frequently and may depend on the customer’s service address.

In some parts of Canada and the United States, Starlink advertises no upfront hardware cost for qualifying Residential orders.

In other areas, customers may need to purchase equipment or accept specific promotional conditions.

Installation accessories such as roof mounts, longer cables and poles can also add to the total cost.

Because promotions vary, the most accurate way to check is to enter your address on Starlink’s website.

Check current Starlink hardware offers →

Does Starlink Have a Referral Program?

Yes. Starlink operates a referral program for eligible new customers.

Customers who sign up using an eligible referral link may receive a reward, while the person making the referral can also earn a benefit.

Rewards may be offered as service credits or other available payment options, depending on the country and program terms.

Starlink says eligible customers generally need to activate their equipment and maintain qualifying service for at least two months before referral rewards are issued.

The program covers eligible Residential and Roam plans.

There are some important restrictions. The new customer generally must not have previously subscribed to Starlink, must order directly through Starlink and must activate service in the same country as the person making the referral.

That means referral eligibility may differ for Canadian and American readers. Starlink determines whether a purchase qualifies and what reward is available.

How to Install and Set Up Starlink

Starlink is designed to be relatively easy to install without a technician.

The basic setup process is similar in Canada and the United States.

Step 1: Download the Starlink App

Download the official Starlink app on your iPhone or Android device.

The app helps determine whether your chosen location has a clear view of the sky.

Step 2: Find a Suitable Location

Use the app’s obstruction tool to check the area where you plan to install the antenna.

Starlink works best when the antenna has a wide, unobstructed view.

Tall trees, nearby buildings and roof structures can cause interruptions.

Step 3: Position the Antenna

Place the antenna on its supplied base or a compatible permanent mount.

Follow the positioning and alignment instructions in the Starlink app.

For permanent installations, consider proper cable routing, weather exposure and mounting security.

Step 4: Connect Power and Equipment

Connect the cables and power equipment according to the instructions supplied with your Starlink kit.

Standard systems typically use a separate Wi-Fi router, while Starlink Mini includes integrated Wi-Fi.

Step 5: Connect Your Devices

Open the Wi-Fi settings on your phone, laptop or other device.

Choose the Starlink network and follow the app’s instructions to configure your Wi-Fi name and password.

Step 6: Check Your Internet Connection

Once connected, use the Starlink app to check internet status and test the connection.

The system may download updates during initial setup.

If you experience frequent interruptions, check the obstruction report before changing other settings.

How Fast Is Starlink Internet?

Starlink internet speeds depend on your subscription, network congestion, equipment and location.

Residential 100 Mbps and 200 Mbps plans have corresponding maximum download speed limits.

Residential Max offers the highest available Residential speeds, advertised at up to 400+ Mbps.

Roam service advertises speeds of up to 300+ Mbps under suitable conditions.

These are maximum advertised figures, not guaranteed speeds.

Upload performance is typically lower than download performance, so customers who regularly transfer large files should consider that before switching providers.

What Is Starlink Latency?

Latency measures how long it takes for information to travel between your device and the internet.

Lower latency helps make video calls, gaming and other interactive services feel more responsive.

Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites generally provide much lower latency than traditional geostationary satellite systems.

However, latency can still fluctuate because of network congestion, changing satellite connections and local conditions.

Is Starlink Good for Gaming and Streaming?

Starlink is capable of supporting many common broadband activities, including video streaming, online gaming and video conferencing.

Netflix, YouTube and 4K Streaming

Starlink Residential generally provides enough bandwidth for HD video streaming and, under suitable conditions, 4K content.

Multiple streams may also be possible depending on the subscription and connection performance.

Online Gaming

Starlink can support multiplayer games on consoles and computers.

However, online gaming is sensitive to latency and brief network interruptions.

Competitive games may be more affected by fluctuations than ordinary streaming or browsing.

If reliable fibre internet is available, it will generally remain the stronger choice for low-latency gaming.

Working From Home

Starlink can support remote meetings, cloud applications, email and video calls.

For people working in rural areas without good wired internet, this can make remote work considerably more practical.

Customers who depend on constant connectivity may still want a backup connection, particularly in locations with trees or frequent severe weather.

Using Starlink for Camping, RVs and Road Trips

Portable internet is one of Starlink’s biggest attractions.

With a compatible Roam subscription and equipment, customers can bring Starlink to supported campsites, remote properties and other travel destinations.

Starlink Mini is particularly suited to this because of its compact size and integrated Wi-Fi.

Can You Use Starlink in an RV?

Yes. Many travellers use Starlink with recreational vehicles for internet access when travelling or staying at campsites.

Equipment should be securely mounted and powered using compatible hardware.

For regular travel, Roam is more appropriate than a fixed-address Residential subscription.

Does Starlink Work While Driving?

Starlink supports in-motion operation on eligible equipment and service plans in authorized regions.

However, installation requirements and local regulations still apply.

The antenna must be securely mounted, and drivers should never operate or adjust the equipment while driving.

Can You Use Starlink Across the Canada-U.S. Border?

Starlink Roam is designed to support travel across approved service regions.

Canadian and American customers should verify the international usage rules for their particular subscription before crossing the border.

Extended international travel and permanent relocation may be subject to additional conditions.

Can You Use Starlink Internet With a Tesla?

Starlink and Tesla are separate companies, although both are associated with Elon Musk.

Tesla vehicles currently rely primarily on cellular connectivity for their built-in internet features.

They do not include a built-in Starlink satellite antenna for regular vehicle connectivity.

However, you can connect a Tesla to a nearby Starlink Wi-Fi network just as you would connect it to home Wi-Fi.

How to Connect Your Tesla to Starlink

• Set up your Starlink internet connection.
• Open your Tesla’s Wi-Fi settings.
• Find the Starlink Wi-Fi network.
• Enter the Wi-Fi password.
• Confirm that the vehicle is connected.

This can be useful when parked at a remote location where regular Wi-Fi is unavailable.

It can also provide connectivity for downloading compatible Tesla software updates.

However, Starlink does not automatically replace Tesla Premium Connectivity or change the vehicle’s built-in cellular modem.

Can a Tesla Power Starlink Mini?

Starlink Mini can be powered using compatible DC or portable power equipment.

Whether a Tesla can supply enough power depends on the vehicle’s available outlets, power limits and the equipment being used.

Owners should verify the electrical requirements before connecting Starlink equipment to a vehicle outlet or inverter.

For longer camping trips, a compatible portable power station may be a practical option.

Does Starlink Work in Rain and Snow?

Starlink is designed for outdoor use in a variety of weather conditions, including rain, snow and cold temperatures.

Supported equipment includes features intended to reduce snow accumulation.

However, severe weather can still affect the connection.

Heavy rain, snowstorms, ice and blocked antennas may cause temporary interruptions.

For permanent installations in Canada and the northern United States, secure mounting and proper cable routing are particularly important.

Does Starlink Work During a Power Outage?

Starlink equipment requires electrical power.

If your home loses power, the system will normally stop working unless you have suitable backup power.

A compatible uninterruptible power supply, portable power station or generator may allow Starlink to continue operating during an outage.

Service also depends on the availability of Starlink’s wider network.

Can You Pause or Cancel Starlink?

Starlink offers monthly consumer service plans.

Roam customers can use Standby Mode when they do not need full-speed internet.

Standby Mode carries a smaller recurring fee and provides limited connectivity for supported uses, including emergency messaging and easier reactivation.

It is not a free subscription pause.

Customers can also cancel service through their Starlink account, subject to any applicable hardware or promotional terms.

Unplugging the equipment does not automatically cancel billing.

Before signing up, review any discounted equipment offer to understand whether it comes with additional conditions.

Starlink Troubleshooting: Common Problems

Starlink Is Offline

Check that the antenna, cables, router and power supply are connected correctly.

Use the Starlink app to see whether the system reports an outage or hardware problem.

If necessary, restart the equipment using the recommended procedure for your kit.

Starlink Speeds Are Slow

Check for obstructions and test your connection through the Starlink app.

Slow speeds can result from congestion, Wi-Fi interference or your plan’s speed limit.

If possible, test with a wired connection to help determine whether Wi-Fi is the problem.

Starlink Keeps Disconnecting

Frequent interruptions may be caused by trees, buildings or other obstacles blocking the antenna’s view of the sky.

Run the obstruction check in the app and consider moving the antenna to a clearer location.

Starlink Wi-Fi Has Poor Coverage

Large homes may need additional Wi-Fi equipment.

Depending on the kit, customers can use compatible mesh equipment or a separate router.

Position the router centrally where practical and avoid placing it behind large metal objects or thick walls.

Is Starlink Worth It in Canada and the U.S.?

Starlink can be an excellent option for people who live in rural areas or regularly travel outside major population centres.

In Canada, the service is especially appealing in remote communities, at cottages and in areas where fibre or cable internet isn’t available.

In the United States, Starlink can also provide an alternative in rural regions where traditional broadband service is limited.

The biggest advantages are availability, relatively straightforward installation and the ability to use portable equipment while travelling.

However, Starlink isn’t necessarily the best internet service for everyone.

If your home already has reliable fibre internet at a competitive price, that connection will generally provide better consistency and upload performance.

Starlink also requires a clear view of the sky and suitable electrical power.

For rural homeowners, campers and frequent travellers, those trade-offs may be worthwhile.

Check Starlink availability and offers with Tesla North’s referral link →

Frequently Asked Questions About Starlink

Final Thoughts

Starlink has made high-speed internet available to many people in Canada and the United States who previously had limited broadband options.

Residential service starts at $75 CAD or $55 USD per month, while Roam offers portable connectivity at the same starting prices.

For permanent installations, Starlink Standard is generally the better choice. For camping, RV travel and temporary locations, Starlink Mini offers a smaller and more convenient option.

Before ordering, check service availability, equipment pricing and whether your planned installation location has a clear view of the sky.

About this guide: Tesla North maintains this resource using official Starlink plan information, equipment documentation and support materials. Prices are listed in Canadian and U.S. dollars as advertised on October 21, 2026. Plans, speeds, promotional offers and equipment availability may change.