Starlink provides its consumers with a good selection of hardware alternatives. At the moment, the satellite internet service provider organization works with four different kinds of hardware: flat high performance, high performance, standard, and standard activated.
The Standard and Actuated options are the most frequently selected by users among them.
The Starlink Standard came into light in 2023, which is Starlink’s Generation 3 hardware system. On the other hand, the Actuated is the second generation hardware system for Starlink, which was released in 2022.
So, compared to the Starlink Actuated, the Standard Standard is the upgraded hardware version with a larger field of view (FOV).
Starlink Standard vs. Actuated: A Comparison Chart
| Comparison Points | Starlink Standard | Starlink Actuated |
| Generation | Third | Second |
| Best for | Residential Users | Residential Users |
| Field of View | 110 Degree | 100 Degree |
| Mounting | Kickstand | Four legs base |
| Rotation | Manual | Automatic |
| Power Consumption | More | Less |
| Environmental Rating | IP67 Type 4 | IP54 |
| Weight | 2.9 kg (6.4 lb), 3.2 kg (7 lb) | 2.9 kg (6.4 lb) |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to 50°C (-22°F to 122°F) | -30°C to 50°C (-22°F to 122°F) |
| Price | $599 | $599 |
Starlink Standard vs. Actuated: What Is the Generation Cap?
Starlink is constantly trying to deliver the best value for its users as the day progresses. If we compare what Starlink provided a few years ago, there is always a significant difference.
Starlink introduced Actuated as the second-generation hardware option. The Standard is the third-generation hardware option for Starlink.
Now, with every new generation, the satellite internet service provider company brings something even more valuable. For example, the third-generation Starlink Standard has a broader field of view compared to the second one, and that’s the reason why the Starlink Standard is supposed to have more coverage.
With the Standard hardware option, software-assisted manual orientation is used. In the case of Starlink Actuated, Motorized Self-Orienting is used.
Starlink Standard vs. Actuated: What About Field of View (FOV)
Field of view should be considered when choosing Starlink internet hardware options.
The Starlink Standard has a broader field of view angle, as it is a bit wider. The FOV for Standard is 110 Degrees. On the other hand, the Starlink Actuated comes with a FOV of 100 Degrees.
Now, the question is, why does FOV matter?
Well, the field of view comes in when maintaining a connection between the router and the satellite. So, if the hardware has a wider field of view angle, it is supposed to cover a larger area, which also means a more mature connection. The Starlink Standard is also a bit bigger than the Starlink Actuated, which is another reason why the application has more field-of-view coverage.
Starlink Standard vs. Actuated: What Mounting Options Do They Come With?
There is a significant difference between the applications’ mounting systems. The Starlink Standard comes with a kickstand mounting option, but the Starlink Actuated has a four-leg base mounting.
So, you must choose the application based on what mounting type seems more convenient.
However, the Starlink Standard must be rotated manually as the system doesn’t have an automatic motor that can aim at the dish. However, in the case of Starlink Actuated, you can have this convenience.
Here, you can check the setup guide for Starlink Standard and Starlink Actuated.
Starlink Standard vs. Actuated: Which Application Consumes More Power?
The Starlink Standard is supposed to consume more power than the Starlink Actuated.
Moreover, the power consumption rate for Starlink Standard is 75 – 100 W on average. Now, in the case of Starlink Actuated, the range is between 50-70W. If higher power consumption is one of your concerns, the Starlink Actuated can be a decent choice.
Starlink Standard vs. Actuated: Which Option Is More Affordable?
No matter whether you choose Starlink Standard or Actuated, the installation cost remains the same: $599, and this is for the equipment you need.
Both applications come with a good amount of equipment when it comes to installation.
Now, let’s have a quick look at them.
- Starlink.
- Kickstand (for Standard).
- Base (for Actuated)
- Gen 3 router for Standard and Gen 2 router for Actuated.
- Starlink cable.
- AC cable.
- Power supply.
Starlink Standard vs. Actuated: Which One Should You Pick Then?
Starlink says both the Standard and Actuated programs have been designed for home use. The hardware choices allow users to play online games, make video calls, stream media, and do much more.
Furthermore, the pricing points are the same. Keeping up with the Starlink Actuated is usually okay if you’re using it currently. In case you’re new to this, and seeking a more sophisticated and improved connection, choosing the Starlink Standard option makes sense.
