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SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet has made headlines in recent years, amassing over 1.5 million subscribers worldwide. But is this technology better and faster than the more ubiquitous 5G mobile internet?
Below, we’re discussing Starlink vs. 5G, the benefits of both options, and how the two compare when placed head-to-head.
What Is Starlink?
Starlink is a low-orbit satellite system that provides internet with the only requirement of clear access to the sky. It’s a popular option for those living in remote or rural areas without established internet infrastructure via cell towers or wired lines. SpaceX developed this technology, launched it in 2019, and it’s grown ever since.
Starlink stands out amongst its satellite internet predecessors. Its satellites orbit at a much closer range and in denser coverage, providing higher throughput and better speeds than options from the past.
With Starlink, individuals can access satellite internet and broadband connectivity from just about anywhere. This makes it ideal for drone surveillance and in underdeveloped areas.
Benefits of Starlink
Starlink’s primary benefits include wide coverage, high-speed broadband access, and low latency. Its satellite constellations are easily accessible if an individual has a clear view of the sky and an installed Starlink dish on their property. It also provides comparatively fast speeds supporting video conferencing, streaming, and gaming.
Because Starlink uses low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, it has quite low latency rates. Low latency refers to a fast data transmission speed between the satellite and the user’s devices, allowing for real-time applications and online activities that require instant responses.
As Starlink continues expanding, it will scale and accommodate the increasing demand for internet access worldwide, especially in remote locations. It has been a key driver in bridging the digital connectivity gap between individuals in urban and rural areas.
What Is 5G Home Internet?
5G home internet, on the other hand, utilizes the same technology smartphones use to access the internet. A nearby tower sends a signal to a wireless gateway and broadcasts it as a Wi-Fi network into the home. This technology evolved from 4G, which had much lower speeds and less availability. Home LTE internet was also an alternative to DSL or satellite. However, as 5G’s speed and bandwidth increased, it became the most affordable and realistic option for home internet.
The three largest cellular carriers (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) all offer 5G home internet to their customers, and significant discounts are available for those who bundle it with cellular plans. This makes it even more attractive at a highly competitive price.
5G best suits urban areas with dense populations and limited wired connections. It offers faster speeds and better coverage, efficiently supporting online gaming and video streaming. Its speeds and low latency also make it appropriate for VR, AR, and autonomous vehicles in urban locations.
Benefits of 5G
The biggest benefits include improved network capacity, lightning-fast speeds, and global deployment. Its low latency rates can reach single digits, which is extremely impressive. 5G-supported devices can watch videos, game, or enjoy immersive online experiences with few lags, buffering, disruptions, or delays.
Its capacity is also noteworthy, as this cellular network technology can handle many connected devices simultaneously without negatively impacting performance. As the presence of connected devices continues to grow quickly, this strength can’t be understated.
5G also supports mobility with access to coverage anywhere within the network. Even in remote areas where wired infrastructure is unavailable, 5G is still available.
Comparing Starlink vs 5G
Let’s put Starlink and 5G head-to-head and see how each performs in various areas.
Network Coverage
Starlink can easily bypass traditional internet infrastructure limitations, connecting to devices in underserved and remote locations. Network coverage only requires clear access to the sky and a Starlink base. Obstructed views would eliminate Starlink as an option.
5G offers better overall coverage than satellite options like Starlink, especially for densely populated and urban regions. However, modern cellular networks are still actively being set up globally, so rural areas do not yet have comprehensive coverage.
That said, 5G faces fewer geographic and topographic challenges than satellite internet as it expands.
Network Performance and Latency
Starlink’s download speeds fall between 50-250 Mbps, while 5G delivers speeds between 50 Mbps-2Gbps. Starlink’s LEO satellites have lower latency, but 5G still comes out on top for latency, with rates that can even reach single digits—especially if you’re near a tower.
Network Capacity
Starlink’s subscriber network is growing, and congestion issues may begin to surface and degrade performance. Comparatively, 5G’s network capacity is enormous (up to 1,000x that of 4G) with traffic-optimizing technologies like network slicing.
Security
Security is vital to protecting sensitive data during wireless data transfer. Starlink lacks a comprehensive security system to prevent potential breaches. It requires users to use a proxy server or secure VPN to avoid intrusion, which places the responsibility on the individual rather than the company. 5G has more integrated security protocols, such as end-to-end encryption.
Cost
5G internet plans are significantly cheaper than Starlink, with options as low as $50-70 per month. Starlink’s lowest monthly rate is $120, nearly double the cost of 5G plans. Starlink also charges for equipment, while 5G providers usually lease hardware to their customers for lower rates.
You could also help manage the cost of either 5G or Starlink by running your Wifi router using an alternative energy source beyond your home’s electrical outlets. For example, you could use EcoFlow Portable Power Stations.
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station is a small yet mighty option that can run your router and a few other essential devices. For more substantial wattage loads, you could use the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus or EcoFlow DELTA 3 Pro, which can run your router plus several other high-wattage appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starlink satellite internet offers download speeds ranging from 50 to 250 Mbps, while 5G networks offer more impressive average download speeds between 50 Mbps and 2Gbps. If 5G is available in your area, it is a much faster wireless internet option.
Starlink can replace 5G because you will likely be able to support the same online activities. However, as far as home internet goes, 5G is the better choice because it has lower costs, greater availability, and much faster internet speeds.
Yes, 5G is generally faster than satellite internet of any kind. 5G has higher speeds and lower latency. It even offers the potential for gigabit speeds in some areas. However, Starlink’s modern satellite system has faster speeds than previous satellite systems.
Final Thoughts
On almost every point, 5G is superior to Starlink satellite internet. It’s faster, cheaper, and more readily available. To reduce your home internet costs further, consider using an alternative power source, like EcoFlow Portable Power Stations, to keep your router and other equipment running.