StarLink Mini: Specs Deep Dive

Key Points

• The Starlink Mini is a compact, portable satellite internet kit, ideal for travel and off-grid use.
• It seems likely that it offers similar internet speeds to larger V3 and V4 models, but with limited WiFi range due to its integrated router.
• Research suggests the Mini is more expensive and has fewer features, like WiFi 5 versus WiFi 6 in standard models.

Overview

The Starlink Mini is designed for users needing internet on the go, fitting easily into a backpack. It provides high-speed, low-latency internet, with a built-in WiFi router and flexible DC power options, making it suitable for remote locations. Compared to the larger V3 and V4 Starlink models, it sacrifices some features for portability, which we’ll explore below.

Technical Specifications

The Starlink Mini comes with detailed specs tailored for mobility:

• Dimensions: 298.5 mm x 259 mm x 38.5 mm (approx. 11.75 in x 10.2 in x 1.45 in)
• Weight: 1.10 kg (2.43 lb) without stand
• Power Input: 12-48 VDC, up to 60W, with a Barrel Jack; optional USB-C power via separate cable
• Connectivity: WiFi 5 (802.11ac, 3x3 MU-MIMO), 1 Gigabit Ethernet port
• Included Components: Dish with built-in router, kickstand, Mini Pipe Adapter, Flat Mount, 15 m DC power cable, and power supply
• Coverage Area: Up to 112 m² (1,200 ft²) for WiFi

Comparison with V3 and V4 Starlink

The V3 and V4 Starlink models are larger, standard versions, likely referring to previous and current iterations of the standard dish. Here’s how they compare:

Pros and Cons

• Pros of Starlink Mini: Highly portable, flexible DC power for off-grid use, lower power consumption.
• Cons of Starlink Mini: More expensive, limited WiFi range and standard, single Ethernet port.

For more details, visit the official Starlink specifications page.

Survey Note: Comprehensive Review of Starlink Mini and Comparison with V3 and V4 Models

This note provides an in-depth analysis of the Starlink Mini, including all relevant technical specifications and a detailed comparison with the larger V3 and V4 Starlink models, based on available information as of April 5, 2025. The review aims to cover all aspects for users considering this compact satellite internet solution, particularly for travel and remote use.

Introduction to Starlink Mini

The Starlink Mini is a compact, portable satellite internet kit designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity almost anywhere on Earth. It is marketed for users on the move, fitting easily into a backpack, and is ideal for camping, RV travel, and emergency backup internet. The kit includes a built-in WiFi router, lower power consumption, and DC power input, with maximum download speeds reportedly over 100 Mbps under ideal conditions.

Detailed Technical Specifications

The following specifications were gathered from official Starlink resources and user reviews, ensuring a comprehensive overview:

• Product Name: Starlink Mini Kit
• Dimensions: 298.5 mm x 259 mm x 38.5 mm (approx. 11.75 in x 10.2 in x 1.45 in) without stand
• Weight: 1.10 kg (2.43 lb) without stand; the weight with the included stand is not specified but is noted to be lightweight for portability
• Power Requirements:
• Input: 12-48 VDC, up to 60W
• Power Connector: Barrel Jack
• Optional USB-C power input via a separately sold USB-C to Barrel Jack cable, allowing use with standard power banks for at least an hour
• Connectivity:
• WiFi: IEEE 802.11ac (WiFi 5), 3x3 MU-MIMO, integrated into the dish
• Ethernet: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port with a rubber plug for weather resistance
• Included Components:
• Starlink Mini dish with built-in router
• Kickstand for quick deployment or storage
• Mini Pipe Adapter and Flat Mount, designed to attach to poles with a diameter between 31 mm (1.25 in) and 50 mm (2 in)
• DC Power Cable: 15 m (49.2 ft)
• Power Supply with Starlink Plug, AC cable length 1.5 m (4.92 ft)
• Operating Temperature: Not explicitly stated, but likely similar to standard Starlink models, rated for -30°C to 50°C, given its weather-resistant design
• IP Rating: Weather-resistant, though exact IP rating not specified, designed to endure elements like snow, rain, and wind
• Frequency Bands: Operates in the Ka band, typical for Starlink user terminals
• Satellite Tracking: Electronic phased array antenna, enabling automatic tracking without physical movement, requiring an unobstructed view of the sky
• Coverage Area: Up to 112 m² (1,200 ft²) for WiFi, limited by the integrated router’s range

Performance metrics from user reviews indicate:

• Maximum download speed: Up to 200 Mbps under ideal conditions (e.g., phone next to the dish)
• Maximum upload speed: Up to 30 Mbps under ideal conditions
• Latency: Approximately 30 ms under ideal conditions, increasing to ~40 ms at 50 ft distance
• Power Consumption: 20-30 watts post-boot, 40-50 watts during boot-up, making it energy-efficient for portable use

Comparison with V3 and V4 Starlink Models

The V3 and V4 Starlink models refer to previous and current iterations of the standard Starlink dish, which are larger and designed for stationary, high-demand use. Based on available data, the comparison focuses on the current standard model, likely V4, given its prominence in recent specifications:

• Starlink Standard (V4) Specifications:
• Dimensions: 594 mm x 383 mm x 39.7 mm
• Weight: 4.5 kg (9.92 lb) without stand
• Power Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, with a 1.5 m (4.92 ft) AC cable
• Router: Gen 3 Router, featuring WiFi 6 (802.11ax, 2x2 MU-MIMO), two Ethernet ports, LED indicator, and factory reset button
• Cable Length: 15 m (49.2 ft) Starlink cable, with longer options available
• Coverage Area: Up to 297 m² (3,200 ft²) for WiFi, supported by a separate router for better range
• Price: $499, as per the official US website

For clarity, the comparison is summarized in the following table:

Note: The V3 model, likely an earlier version of the standard dish, shares similar characteristics but may have older router technology (e.g., WiFi 5 instead of WiFi 6). Specific V3 specs were less detailed in available sources, but it is generally understood to be less advanced than V4.

Pros and Cons of Starlink Mini Compared to V3 and V4

Based on the specifications and user experiences, the following pros and cons highlight the trade-offs:

Pros of Starlink Mini:

1. Portability: Its compact size (fits in a backpack) and light weight (2.43 lb without stand) make it ideal for travel, RV camping, and in-motion use up to 100 mph (160 kmph), supported by Roam service plans.
2. Power Flexibility: DC power input (12-48 VDC) allows use with batteries, car chargers, or USB-C power banks, enhancing off-grid usability. It consumes 20-30 watts post-boot, lower than the standard model’s higher consumption.
3. Integrated Design: Built-in WiFi router reduces the number of components, simplifying setup and storage, with quick deployment via the included kickstand.

Cons of Starlink Mini:

1. Higher Cost: Priced at $599, it is more expensive than the standard model at $499, which may deter users unless portability is critical.
2. Limited WiFi Performance: The integrated WiFi 5 router has a smaller coverage area (1,200 ft² vs. 3,200 ft²), and performance degrades at distance (e.g., 30 Mbps down, 7 Mbps up at 50 ft), compared to the standard’s separate WiFi 6 router with better range.
3. Fewer Features: Only one Ethernet port versus two in the standard model, and WiFi 5 is less advanced than WiFi 6, potentially impacting performance in congested environments.
4. Coverage Area: Smaller WiFi coverage area may not suffice for larger homes or areas requiring extensive network reach.

Performance Insights

User reviews, such as from DISHYtech, indicate that the Starlink Mini performs well for its intended use cases, achieving up to 200 Mbps download speeds under ideal conditions. However, WiFi range is a notable limitation, with performance dropping significantly at distance due to the integrated router. In contrast, the standard model’s separate router offers better WiFi range, making it more suitable for stationary, residential use. Power consumption data shows the Mini at 20-30 watts post-boot, compared to the standard model’s higher usage, aligning with its energy-efficient design for portable applications.

Conclusion

The Starlink Mini is an excellent choice for users prioritizing portability and flexibility, particularly for travel and off-grid scenarios. While it offers similar internet speeds to the V3 and V4 models, its WiFi performance is limited by the integrated router, and it is more expensive. For stationary use or where robust WiFi coverage is needed, the standard Starlink model (V4) may be preferable despite its larger size and higher power requirements. Users should weigh these trade-offs based on their specific needs, with the official Starlink specifications page providing further details.

Key Citations

• Starlink Specifications Page with Hardware Details
• DISHYtech Starlink Mini Review After 6 Months
• Third Party Installer: ATA Australia