Starlink Launches A New Low-Powered Dish – How Will It Work?

Starlink has introduced a new version of its residential satellite internet dish. The biggest updates are about the hardware and not so much about faster download speeds.

The new Starlink V5 dish is smaller, much lighter and uses less electricity than the previous V4 model. Starlink says the hardware is designed for easy installation and reliable home internet for streaming, video calls and working from home.

This launch follows the V4 model, which first became available a couple of years ago, in 2023.

What Has Changed With The New Dish?

Starlink has reduced almost every physical measurement on the V5 dish.

Starlink says the V5 measures 384 mm by 306 mm and is 34 mm thick. The V4 measures 594 mm by 383 mm and is 39.7 mm thick. Weight has fallen from 2.9 kg to 1.1 kg, making the new model much easier to carry and install.

Apparently, electricity use has also gone down as Starlink mentioned that the V5 uses an average of 35 to 50 watts, whereas the V4 uses 75 to 100 watts. Lower power use could help customers use less electricity over time.

Starlink said, “Starlink V5 has a smaller form factor, new lightweight design, greater power efficiency than the Starlink V4.” The company also says the dish comes with a pipe adapter mount, making rooftop installation easier.

Will Customers Start To Notice Faster Internet?

The answer is no; Starlink lists peak download speeds of more than 375 Mbps for the V5. The older V4 is rated at more than 400 Mbps. The company says these are peak hardware speeds and actual performance depends on the customer’s service plan and network availability.

Engadget reported that many people would expect a newer dish to deliver faster internet. Starlink instead concentrated on making the hardware easier to install and far more efficient when using electricity.

The V5 therefore places greater emphasis on convenience than maximum speed. A lighter dish is easier to lift onto a roof and lower power use could appeal to customers who want lower electricity consumption.

What Is In The Box?

Starlink has kept the installation process easy for customers with the Starlink Kit containing the dish, a kickstand, Router Mini with its stand, a pipe adapter, a 15 metre Starlink cable, a 1.5 metre AC cable and a two metre Ethernet cable. Starlink says customers have everything needed to get online within minutes.

The company also says the V5 works with Router 2, Router 3 and Router Mini. Existing customers therefore have compatibility with current networking equipment.

One restriction applies to the new hardware. Starlink says the V5 is not designed for internet use inside moving vehicles. Customers wanting internet on the move need different Starlink hardware designed for that purpose.

Where Is The V5 Available?

The V5 is currently available only in selected locations and SpaceX confirmed in a post on X that the product would first become available in some areas in the States before reaching more locations later.

Engadget also reported that Drummond, Montana, is one of the first locations receiving the V5. Customers there can buy the dish with Starlink’s $55 a month Residential 100 Mbps plan. The more expensive Residential and Residential Max plans continue using the V4 dish with the Router 3.

Elon Musk recently showed the new hardware in a video posted on X and said, “The new dish will be made in much higher volume than the current terminals.”

Starlink has also announced its next generation Starlink Mobile network, which is meant to come out mid-2027. The company says the service is expected to deliver speeds of up to 150 Mbps.

But, for now, customers choosing the V5 today receive hardware that is smaller, lighter and much more efficient when using electricity.