✓ Updated October 6, 2026
No cable? No fiber? Your two real options are internet from space or internet from a cell tower. Here's how they compare.
| Starlink Standard | 5G Home Internet | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | From $55/mo | Typically around $50–60/mo |
| Equipment | $349 kit (sometimes $10/mo rental in select areas) | Usually $0 |
| Real-world speeds | 50–200 Mbps | Varies hugely with signal — great or unusable |
| Where it works | Anywhere with a view of the sky | Only where cell signal is strong |
| Contract | None — roaming plans can be paused | Usually none |
✅ Cable, fiber, and cell signal all let you down.
❌ Don't buy it if you have good cable, fiber, or strong 5G — it would be an expensive downgrade.
✅ Your phone shows strong 5G at home — test it in every room first.
❌ Don't buy it if your signal drops indoors — you'll hate it.
Prices are point-in-time USD observations from September 2026, not live quotes — always verify before buying. How we rate