Starlink V4 vs V5: Which Home Kit Should You Choose?
Equipment & Accessories
Starlink's V4 and V5 are both home-internet kits. The important differences are size, average power use and intended use—not a guaranteed speed increase. Starlink says V5 is available only in selected areas, so check the kit and service plan offered for your address before deciding. This guide reflects Starlink's published specifications checked on 1 October 2026; an address-specific order page is the final source for availability and price.
The practical differences
V4: Starlink lists a 594 × 383 × 39.7 mm terminal weighing 2.9 kg. Its published average power consumption is 75–100 W, and its peak hardware download capability is listed as 400+ Mbps.
V5: Starlink lists a 384 × 306 × 34 mm terminal weighing 1.1 kg. Its published average power consumption is 35–50 W, and its peak hardware download capability is listed as 375+ Mbps. The kit includes a pipe adapter mount.
Those speed figures describe hardware capability, not a promised household speed. Starlink says actual results vary with plan and availability. A clearer sky view and the service offered at your address can matter more than the version printed on the kit. The V5 is smaller and lighter, but its published peak figure is slightly lower. Do not buy it solely on the assumption that a newer number means faster service. Source: Starlink's V4 and V5 comparison.
What the power figures mean
Starlink's average figures suggest that V5 could use less electricity for an always-on home connection. At the published ranges, 24 hours would be approximately 0.84–1.20 kWh for V5 or 1.8–2.4 kWh for V4. That is a calculation from Starlink's wattage ranges, not a measured bill or a guarantee. Your actual system use can change with conditions and the equipment attached to it. If you run on a battery or solar power, measure the complete setup at the wall or battery before sizing it. Our power-budget guide explains the calculation.
Check the kit in the box
Starlink's V5 setup guide lists a V5 terminal, kickstand, pipe adapter, Router Mini with stand, 15 m Starlink cable, 1.5 m AC cable and 2 m Ethernet cable. This matters if you have planned a longer cable run or expected a different router. Compare the contents shown at checkout with your intended mount and indoor router position before ordering accessories. Source: Starlink's V5 setup guide.
Starlink says the V5 works with Router 2, Router 3 and Router Mini. That compatibility does not mean every existing cable or mount can be reused: check the exact accessory and your kit model in the Starlink Shop or support documentation. If you already own Starlink hardware, use our guide to identifying your dish and router before buying a replacement.
Plan for a clear sky view and a safe mount
Use the Starlink app's obstruction check at the proposed location before fixing a mount. Trial the supplied kickstand in a safe, unobstructed place where possible, then choose a suitable permanent mount and cable route. Keep the power supply where Starlink's instructions allow, and seek a competent installer for roof work or a difficult cable entry. Our cable-routing checklist covers the questions to settle before drilling.
Starlink expressly says V5 is not intended for in-motion use. Its smaller size should not be taken as a reason to put it on a moving vehicle or boat. If travel is the main purpose, compare the hardware and plan specifically offered for that use rather than assuming a home V5 kit will suit it. Source: Starlink's V4 and V5 comparison.
Which should you choose?
- New home order: Check your address on Starlink. Compare the kit offered, plan, total checkout cost, likely mounting location and power needs. V5's lower published average power draw may be useful, while V4 remains a capable home kit.
- Existing V4 owner: A working connection does not automatically justify buying V5. Test whether your real problem is obstruction, indoor Wi-Fi or plan performance first. See our hardware-upgrade decision guide.
- Battery or solar user: Build the power budget from your own measurements. The published average ranges are useful for a first estimate, not battery sizing on their own.
- Travel user: Check your use case and in-motion rules separately; Starlink does not intend V5 for in-motion use.
Disclosure: Starlink Tips may receive a referral reward if you order through its link. Check the current kit, price, plan and referral offer displayed by Starlink for your address before placing an order.