Forbes Magazine says Starlink is one of the best satellite internet service providers. The company is developed by SpaceX.
Moreover, the internet service provider is known for providing high-speed internet. And even in rural areas under their service zones. The roam and residential are two of the most popular Starlink plans.
The first one is an internet package suitable for people who are on the move. Or, those who often have to travel and need a high-speed internet connection. So, users will have more flexibility going with the plan. But they have to pay a bit for this compared to the residential.
Most importantly, the ‘pay as you go’ feature enables Roam users to pause and unpause their packages when required. And the services’ customization options are also always there.
It is mentionable that, for people always on roam, Starlink has recently introduced Starlink Mini, which is a game changer.
The Starlink Residential plan is for homeowners. Moreover, people need a super fast and unlimited internet connection. They won’t need to worry about how remote they are.
However, the location should be under the service areas of the satellite internet service provider. The self-installation process makes it easier for users to set up the satellite plan.
Besides, the 30-day free trial is available for both the Starlink Roam and Residential. And you will have a refund if the services are not satisfying. But over 2 million subscribers worldwide justify the quality of internet services. They won’t mind bearing high equipment fees due to that.
Starlink Packages:
Starlink Roam vs. Residential: A Comparison Chart
| Comparison Points | Roam | Residential |
| Best for | In motion/RV | Fixed location/Home |
| Data Limitation | Limited | Unlimited |
| Speed | 5- 50Mbps | 25-220 Mbps |
| Latency | 99ms+ | 25–60 ms |
| Flexibility | More flexible | Less Flexible |
| Pricing | $150-$200 Per Month | $120 Per Month |
| Equipment Fee | $599 | $599 |
| Free Trial | Available | Available |
| Pay As You Go System | Available | Unavailable |
| Hardware Box Contents | Starlink, Base, Router, Starlink Cable, AC Cable | Starlink, Base, Router, Starlink Cable, AC Cable |
| Installation Process | Easy | Easy |
Starlink Packages:
What Are Starlink Roam and Residential Best For?
As the name suggests, the Starlink Roam plan is for people who need a stable internet connection in motion. For example, if someone is a traveler and often travels to different places and requires an internet connection, they will find Roam super helpful. The satellite internet service provider company ensures you can have internet almost anywhere across the world.
Starlink Roam plans to offer the portability that travelers need with their RV. No matter what destination someone moves to, if it is under the service area of Starlink, it won’t take long to get in touch with the internet. All it requires is to set up the Starlink properly.
On the other hand, the Starlink Residential plan is suitable for fixed locations, no matter how remote. So if you don’t move too often, have a permanent workplace, and need a high-speed internet connection, the Residential plan is for you. This happens due to SpaceX’s highly advanced satellite operating system.
Moreover, you can have unlimited access to data with the Residential package, which you can’t have with the Roam plan.
What plan brings more download speed? Roam or residential?
Subscribers can have more download speed with the Starlink Residential plan compared to the Starlink Roam plan. It is possible to achieve 25-220 Mbps of download speed with the Residential, but with Roam, the speed range drops to 5-50 Mbps. No matter what satellite internet service provider you choose, the Residential plan is supposed to bring more speed than the portable plan.
Related: How Fast Is Starlink Internet?
What About Flexibility of Use Between Starlink Roam and Residential?
Starlink Roam offers more flexibility of use compared to the Starlink Residential plan, and this makes sense as a portable internet connection needs more flexibility.
For example, you will get the pay feature as you go with the Roam plan. But the plan is absent from the Residential plan.
Moreover, you can pause and unpause your subscription anytime with the Roam plan. Besides, you can also have the luxury of customizing your subscription with the plan. The Mobile Priority service plan should come in when choosing the Starlink Roam.
Starlink Residential, on the other hand, brings you high-speed internet in certain locations, but you can’t enjoy the pay-as-you-go feature. The Starlink Roam beat the residential plan again and proved more flexible than the global reach option.
What Costs You More Between Starlink Raom and Residential?
The Starlink Roam will cost users more than the residential. Every month, you need to pay $150–$200 based on the speed of the Roam plan. But to enjoy the Residential plan, the cost is only $120. Both plans offer a free trial, and you are supposed to have complete satisfaction with the services during this time.
What About Roam and Residential Equipment Fee?
Compared to other satellite internet service providers, the equipment fee for Starlink’s Roam and Residential plan is higher. Both plans come with the same equipment fee of $599 due to the list of equipment required to set up the connection. Now, let’s have a look at the hardware box content of the plans;
- Starlink.
- Base.
- Router.
- Starlink Cable.
- AC Cable.
Installation Process
The installation process for the Starlink Roam and Residential plan is relatively simple. All you should do is perform two simple steps: plug it in and point at the sky. The service provider recommends downloading the Starlink App to determine the installation location.
But then again, you should make sure there is a clear view of the sky, free from obstacles. Once you download the Starlink app, this is supposed to help you determine the possible distractions like heels, trees, and buildings. This very basic goes for both the temporary and permanent installation process.
Click here if you want to learn more about Starlink App, and here if you want to know how to download it.
So What’s the Bottom Line?
Starlink Residential can be great if you need a super-fast internet connection for a fixed location. But the Starlink Roam is for the traveler who needs an internet connection with global options, the ‘pay as you go’ feature, and last but not least, the ultimate portability.
