Starlink sells two main kits, and they're designed for different lives. The Standard dish is the home-internet workhorse; the Mini is a smaller, self-contained unit for travel. Both connect to the same satellite network, and both work with either the Residential or the Roam plan — so the choice is really about form factor, not compatibility.
The Standard kit (V4)
This is the dish most people think of when they picture Starlink.
- What's in the box: the dish, a kickstand, the Router 3, a 15 m (49.2 ft) Starlink cable, plus the AC cable and power supply.
- Purpose: a fixed, permanent installation at one address. It's meant to stay put.
- Best for: residential use — streaming, video calls, and online gaming at home.
- Router: a separate Router 3 unit, so you get a full home Wi-Fi network.
The Standard kit is the right default for anyone setting up home internet that replaces a cable or DSL line.
The Mini kit
Starlink Mini is the travel version — smaller, lighter, and self-contained.
- What's in the box: a compact dish with the Wi-Fi router built in, designed to fit in a backpack.
- Purpose: portable internet you can set up anywhere and pack away in minutes.
- Best for: RV travel, van life, camping, and anyone who needs connectivity on the move.
- No separate router: the router is integrated, so there's one less box to carry.
If you travel frequently or live in a vehicle, the Mini is the more practical choice. The trade-off is a smaller, more portable package versus the Standard dish's home-focused setup.
Installation is genuinely simple
Both kits are built for self-installation. The general idea is the same for each: place the dish somewhere with a clear view of the sky, plug it in, and let it align itself. Starlink's phrasing is literally "plug it in, point at sky." There's no technician required, and the dish finds the satellites automatically.
The Standard kit can also ship with free professional installation on the higher Residential tiers, if you'd rather have someone else handle the mount. The Mini needs no permanent mount at all.
What the hardware costs
Starlink currently offers no upfront hardware cost in select areas. Where that promotion doesn't apply, you pay a one-time kit fee — in the UK, hardware starts at £179 for Roam. Because the same hardware works across plans, you can buy once and switch between Residential and Roam later without buying a second dish.
Every kit ships with a 30-day trial: if you're not satisfied, return it for a full refund.