What Is Starlink Mini? Here’s Everything You Need To Know About SpaceX’s Portable Internet Revolution

Starlink Mini is a new, compact satellite dish from SpaceX’s Starlink service, designed for portable and mobile use.

It addresses two main concerns with previous Starlink dishes: size and power consumption.

Starlink Mini Key Features

1. Size and Weight: Slightly larger than a piece of paper (12″ x 10.25″) and weighs just over 3 pounds with kickstand and cable.
2. Price: $599 for the dish, with two service plans available:
   • Mobile Regional: $150/month for unlimited data
   • Mini Rome: $50/month with a 50GB data cap
3. Power Consumption: Idle power draw of 20-30 watts, lower than previous models.
4. Connectivity: Integrated Wi-Fi 5 access point and an Ethernet port.
5. Weather Resistance: IP67 rated when the Ethernet port is not in use.
6. Setup: Simple plug-and-play setup using a smartphone app.
7. Performance: Capable of speeds up to 138 Mbps down and 16.4 Mbps up in testing.

Starlink Mini Review:

Starlink Mini Pros:

1. Compact and lightweight design, ideal for portable use
2. Significantly reduced power consumption compared to full-size models
3. Easy setup process
4. Impressive speeds for a portable satellite internet solution
5. Built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet port for versatile connectivity options
6. Weather-resistant design
7. Flexible service plans with pause option

Starlink Mini Cons:

1. Lower maximum speeds compared to full-size residential dishes
2. Higher upfront cost compared to some promotions for standard dishes
3. Potential data cap with the cheaper plan
4. Loses weather resistance when Ethernet port is in use

Starlink Mini Overall Assessment:

The Starlink Mini appears to be an excellent solution for users needing portable, high-speed internet access in remote locations. Its compact size, lower power consumption, and impressive performance make it ideal for RV owners, campers, and those requiring temporary internet setups in off-grid locations.

While it may not match the full-size residential dish in terms of maximum speed, the Mini offers a compelling balance of portability and performance. The flexible service plans cater to different usage patterns, though the data cap on the cheaper plan may be restrictive for heavy users.

The ease of setup and integrated features like Wi-Fi make it user-friendly, while the Ethernet port allows for more advanced networking setups if needed. The weather-resistant design is a plus, though users should be aware of the limitations when using the Ethernet port.

The Starlink Mini represents a significant step forward in portable satellite internet technology. It’s particularly well-suited for those who prioritize mobility and ease of use, making high-speed internet accessible in locations where it was previously challenging or impossible to obtain.