Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (2024)

Two years after initially getting Starlink internet for my home in rural Idaho, I jumped at the chance to upgrade to the newest equipment, the Dish V4 and Gen 3 Wi-Fi router ($499.99). And why wouldn't I? In addition to being PCMag's Starlink tester/guinea pig, I've also been a very happy customer of the service. I was eager to see how the improved dish design and Wi-Fi 6 router enhanced an already-great experience.

My first impressions were very good. And now, after several weeks of use and testing, I can confidently say that Starlink is, once again, better than ever. The new residential equipment pairs with updated satellite hardware and a growing number of terrestrial gateways to make Starlink bigger, better, and faster. We don't typically test Wi-Fi routers that only work with one ISP, but the Dish V4/Router Gen 3 combo is innovative enough to warrant a close look and easily deserving of an Editors' Choice award.

Our Experts Have Tested 23 Products in the Networking Category in the Past Year

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions.See how we test.

What Is Starlink?

Starlink is the satellite internet service from Elon Musk's company SpaceX. It offers broadband internet service almost anywhere that has a clear view of the sky, making fast, reliable access available in remote areas that may never get access to traditional services like cable or fiber. By using a satellite link and a specially designed, fairly portable dish to give users a wireless connection to the larger web, it allows speedy internet for things like streaming, gaming, and video calling.

How does Starlink extend speedy internet access to remote locations? Instead of running physical cables that connect your home or RV to the greater internet, Starlink uses a series of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that communicate between your home dish and a base station somewhere else on Earth that connects to the greater internet.

Similar Products

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (1)

4.0

Excellent

TP-Link Archer AXE75

$154.42 at Amazon$199.99Save $45.57See It

Read Our TP-Link Archer AXE75 Review

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (2)

4.0

Excellent

Synology WRX560

$219.99 at AmazonSee It

Read Our Synology WRX560 Review

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (3)

4.0

Excellent

Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro

$786.78 at AmazonSee It

Read Our Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro Review

$54.95 at Amazon$79.99Save $25.04See It

Read Our TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi 6 Router Review

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (5)

4.0

Excellent

TP-Link Archer AXE95 AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router

$260.00 at AmazonSee It

Read Our TP-Link Archer AXE95 AXE7800 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router Review

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (6)

4.0

Excellent

eero 6+

$139.99 at AmazonSee It

Read Our eero 6+ Review

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (7)

4.5

Outstanding

Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Mesh System

$425.99 at Amazon$479.99Save $54.00See It

Read Our Asus ROG Rapture GT6 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Mesh System Review

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (8)

4.0

Excellent

Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro

$135.00 at Amazon$179.98Save $44.98See It

Read Our Wyze Wi-Fi 6E Mesh Router Pro Review

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (9)

4.0

Excellent

eero Max 7

$1,149.99 at AmazonSee It

Read Our eero Max 7 Review

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (10)

4.0

Excellent

TP-Link Deco X4300 Pro

$349.99 at Best BuySee It

Read Our TP-Link Deco X4300 Pro Review

By removing the need for cable or fiber-optic connectivity in that last mile, Starlink is able to serve up decent internet speeds to anyone with a dish and a Starlink subscription, whether they're on a farm, on a mountain, or simply on the road too often to warrant a traditional stationary internet connection. As of this writing, SpaceX has 6,146 active Starlink satellites in orbit. The sheer number of satellites allows Starlink to serve more than three million customers worldwide.

The Latest Starlink Gear: Dish V4 and Router Gen 3

Obviously, that process requires a lot of equipment behind the scenes besides the satellites themselves, but for residential users, it's surprisingly simple. All you need is a Starlink dish, a router, and the electricity to power them. (That last part may sound obvious, but enough potential Starlink users want to go off the grid or use it for their van or camper that it's worth pointing out.)

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (11)

(Credit: Brian Westover)

Getting that equipment used to be a hassle, requiring ordering directly from Starlink and potentially getting put on a waitlist if you were in the wrong part of the country. But these days, it's super easy, with Starlink gear for sale at Best Buy, Home Depot, Target, and other retailers. (Check out our guide on the best places to buy Starlink.)

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (12)

(Credit: Brian Westover)

Starlink has used a couple of different dishes and routers in the past. In January, the company introduced the newest standard versions: Dish V4 and Router Gen 3, which boast better specs and better durability. In conjunction with upgraded satellites overhead, they also promise better performance. This new equipment can be purchased together in the Starlink Standard Installation Kit, with cable and power supply included, for $500. That's a big up-front cost, but it's not much more than what you'd spend on a midrange Wi-Fi router and a cable modem, which each cost around $200. It's also a full $100 less than the previous installation kit sold for. In some areas of the US where Starlink has extra capacity, the company also offers significant discounts.

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (13)

The older Starlink Dish V2 (left) alongside the larger Dish V4 (Credit: Brian Westover)

The new dish has a larger antenna surface but a slimmer, more compact design that's more durable and more wind-resistant. Here's how the old and new dishes stack up in terms of physical specs and technology:

The router is also improved, with a new look, additional ports, and the addition of Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. The result is faster speeds, better coverage in your home, and even easier integration with existing network hardware, whether it's a mesh network or a wired connection for a printer or network-attached storage (NAS) device.

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (14)

(Credit: Brian Westover)

The biggest improvement to the new router is the move to Wi-Fi 6, which is faster and farther-reaching than the previous Wi-Fi 5 router that came with the older dish. But it's hardly the only improvement. The router also upgrades from dual-band to tri-band support, with an improved 4x4 MU-MIMO setup that can handle up to 235 simultaneous devices on the network. The maximum Wi-Fi range has grown from 2,000 square feet to 3,200 square feet, and if that extended range and better connectivity aren't enough, it also supports adding up to three mesh nodes for whole-house coverage.

The full glory of Wi-Fi 6's 11Gbps theoretical maximum speed may not be readily apparent, given that Starlink promises only 200Mbps download speeds. Still, you will get better speeds between devices on the network, whether you're casting video to your smart TV or grabbing files from a home NAS device.

The re-introduction of two Ethernet ports on the router further enhances connectivity. If you look closely, you'll see some interesting hidden messages in your router port sockets, with etched text and images saying "To Mars and beyond," "Made on Earth by humans," and a stylized image of a SpaceX rocket launch. Say what you will about Elon Musk and his goal to colonize Mars using SpaceX tech, but you can't deny that the Starlink division of the company has made for a surprisingly great internet service for us Earth-bound customers.

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (15)

(Credit: Brian Westover)

The new router is also more compact, thanks to a redesigned external power supply, which used to be integrated into the router itself. Here's the full breakdown of the spec improvements:

You can also check out our first tests of the Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 for a different look at the improved designs and enhanced specs.

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (16)

(Credit: Brian Westover)

Starlink also has several new accessories to accompany the redesigned dish, like the pole mount I used to attach my dish to an old mast that was left over from the previous homeowner's satellite TV dish.

Installation is easier, too, especially for those in RVs and vans, who will appreciate the dish's integrated kickstand. Starlink's instructions are direct and to the point: Plug in the dish and point it at the sky, so most users will assume they can handle the installation themselves. In most cases, there will be a couple more steps, though, like climbing on a roof or running cable through an exterior wall. If that sounds prohibitive, Starlink contracts with installers nationwide, who will install your dish and router for a nominal fee ($199). Self-installation is still free.

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (17)

Rooftop view of Starlink dish, mid-installation (Credit: Brian Westover)

One thing that hasn't changed much since our first review of the service is the Starlink app, which serves as your main interface to check your connection status, adjust settings, and access your Starlink account. It's essential when setting up your dish, as well as for monitoring network performance in day-to-day use. (Check out our guide to how to use the Starlink app).

Starlink's 2024 Service Plans

Aside from the one-time purchase of the dish and installation equipment, Starlink does require a service plan, which costs $120 per month for the standard residential service. For that monthly fee, you'll get speedy internet that easily outperforms local DSL and other satellite ISP competitors, providing internet speeds that are fast enough for streaming media, playing online games, and joining in on video calls—all the niceties of modern life that high-speed internet provides. And it comes with no data cap.

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (18)

(Credit: SpaceX)

If you're in need of something more robust, such as providing internet for a whole business, using the dish on the go, or even using it for internet connectivity on a boat in the ocean, the company offers specific plans tailored to those use cases, which have a higher per-month cost and sometimes require pricier hardware. For the vast majority of residential users, however, the standard residential plan is perfect.

Testing the Dish V4 and Router Gen 3: Boosted Performance

For previous Starlink testing, I've gathered data across a 14-day period. Two weeks of speed and latency data have proved more than enough to evaluate the overall performance of Starlink, which we tested in 2022, 2023, and earlier this year. But this time around, I collected more, stretching the test period to 20 days.

The reason for this is pretty simple. Starlink changed my default gateway from Denver to Salt Lake City. Was this a result of my complaints about wonky geolocation? Possibly. Or is it just the consequence of SpaceX's ongoing efforts to service more customers and reduce latency across the Starlink system? That sounds a lot more likely.

In any event, this gateway shuffle did have a noticeable and positive impact on download and upload speeds, as well as latency, giving the test location an additional boost in performance.

Mean download speeds sit right around a healthy 150Mbps. That's significantly faster than we saw with the older Starlink V2 hardware earlier this year, which averaged 113Mbps and resulted in better performance for a wide range of uses. For daily work, including Zoom calls, it was smoother than ever, and it even offered better streaming and gaming performance during my off hours.

The top download speed climbed to 325Mbps, though the average top speed was closer to 255Mbps. Given that the top speed we'd seen in prior testing was 265Mbps, that's a massive improvement, especially in day-to-day performance.

Low speeds also improved, averaging 47Mbps. But what was most notable was a change on day 10 of testing, when Starlink changed my default gateway from Denver to Salt Lake City. The average coming out of Denver was 29.43Mbps, but out of Salt Lake, the lows averaged 66Mbps.

Measuring download and upload speeds is just part of the evaluation process. Why? Because those peak and average speeds only matter if they're the speeds you're actually experiencing, and if that performance is stable. Nobody cares how fast your internet registers in tests if your video feed keeps freezing up during work meetings.

To gauge consistency, we map out how many of our hundreds of test results fell within a 10Mbps range, letting us see how regularly the performance delivers those speeds. In download and upload speed testing, we measure by Mbps, and we map out the result in 10Mbps increments. For latency (aka ping response times), we measure in milliseconds (ms), again in intervals of 10. Higher numbers are better for uploads and downloads, while lower numbers are better for latency.

Where download speeds had previously clustered around the 70Mbps-to-110Mbps range earlier this year, we now see a grouping in the much higher 150Mbps-to-180Mbps range, indicating performance that's not just occasionally faster but consistently faster.

Upload speeds similarly clustered in the 10Mbps-to-20Mbps and 20Mbps-to-30Mbps ranges, notably faster than previous tests using the older Dish V2.

In latency and ping testing, where we run thousands of tests rather than merely hundreds, we saw more results in the 20ms-to-30ms range than any other by an order of magnitude. That's actually slightly slower than what we saw last spring, but we also have a larger data set, and the average latency still dropped from 38ms to 29ms using the new hardware.

Breaking out the ping results by server—we test using both Cloudflare and Google— we saw an interesting result:

On Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1, the latency stayed under 30ms most of the time, with a fairly predictable sloping curve for results at higher latency. But the results from Google's 8.8.8.8 server were different. We had a cluster of results in the 0-to-30ms range and another cluster in the slower 60-to-90ms range. This may have been caused by the gateway switch or some other factor we aren't aware of. In any case, the average latency was still very low most of the time.

Finally, when comparing raw averages across our annual Starlink tests, we saw that the latest Starlink V4 tests were consistently better than years past and even better than our 2024 tests, which were conducted in January on the older V2 dish and Gen 2 Router.

Download speeds jumped to their highest yet, averaging 148.39Mbps across all the testing with the V4 hardware.

Upload speeds were also the highest we've seen from the service, at 23.21Mbps. Upload speeds are always a fraction of download speeds (with the exception of some fiber-based ISPs), but we've seen upload speeds more than double since we started testing in 2022.

Finally, latency was the lowest we've ever seen, down to 28.99ms on average. Given that Starlink requires blasting your internet activity to space and back, the latency has always been impressively low, but this is dramatically better than what we've seen before. It appears that SpaceX's investment in improving every link in the Starlink chain, from ground stations to the satellites in space, has paid off.

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (19)

(Credit: Brian Westover)

The above tests factor in the performance of the Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 together. We aren't able to isolate the router's performance in order to compare it with other routers using our standard test criteria since we don't have Starlink service at the New York location we use for router testing. If you're happy with the performance of your existing router or mesh system or are interested in buying a third-party one, it's easy enough to use your own router with Starlink.

Verdict: The Best Satellite Internet Hardware

Even as Starlink has gained a huge number of customers, the satellite internet company has done more than ever to increase its availability, improve performance across the board, and drive down latency across the network of terrestrial base stations and LEO satellites. From improved system infrastructure like next-gen satellites and a growing number of terrestrial gateways, to the sleeker, faster, and more durable dishes and routers, it's a big win, both for Starlink, and for Starlink customers.

I've made no secret that I'm a fan of Starlink internet as both a reviewer and a customer, and the test numbers show why: It keeps improving. For a system that's bringing high-speed connectivity to underserved people around the globe, it would be easy for a company to say that good enough is good enough, but SpaceX has continued to invest in Starlink's development, making it better now than it's ever been.

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3

4.5

Editors' Choice

See It$299.99 at Best Buy

MSRP $499.99

Pros

  • Better download and upload speeds

  • Reduced latency

  • Better durability

  • User-friendly setup and app

  • Wide availability

ViewMore

Cons

  • Significant up-front cost compared with cable or fiber modems

  • Performance varies with location and gateway assignment

The Bottom Line

Thanks in part to the latest Dish V4 and Router Gen 3, Starlink is faster and more reliable, making it the best option for high-speed internet connectivity in remote and rural areas.

Like What You're Reading?

Sign up for Lab Report to get the latest reviews and top product advice delivered right to your inbox.

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.


Thanks for signing up!

Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!

Sign up for other newsletters

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review (2024)

FAQs

Is the Starlink Gen 3 router faster? ›

The biggest improvement to the new router is the move to Wi-Fi 6, which is faster and farther-reaching than the previous Wi-Fi 5 router that came with the older dish. But it's hardly the only improvement.

Should I upgrade to Starlink V4? ›

The V4 has the latest hardware inside – that means it will support the next generation of satellites and the speeds and lower latencies they can provide. The connectors on it are now standard - RJ45 ethernet - which will make integration into new places and custom enclosures easier.”

How good is the router that comes with Starlink? ›

The standard router provided with Starlink, much like those offered by typical ISPs, delivers basic functionality. However, for users seeking to get the latest WiFi technology, improved security, performance, and WiFi range to maximize their Starlink experience, an average Starlink router simply won't suffice.

Should I upgrade to Starlink Gen 3? ›

While upgrading to the Gen 3 router won't necessarily increase your internet connection speed, it will improve Wi-Fi network performance, allowing for faster speeds and better coverage throughout your home.

What is the speed of Starlink V4? ›

PERFORMANCE. Starlink users typically experience download speeds between 25 and 220 Mbps, with a majority of users experiencing speeds over 100 Mbps.

Is Starlink Gen 2 or Gen 3 better? ›

Gen 3's advanced technology might appeal to those who prioritize faster speeds and greater device connectivity. However, Gen 2's lower power consumption and sufficient capabilities might be more suitable for those with simpler internet needs or power constraints.

What is the downside of Starlink? ›

Network Congestion: Similar to terrestrial networks, the more users online, the more congested the network can become, potentially leading to slower internet speeds during peak hours. Satellite Handovers: As you move data between satellites, temporary drops or changes in speed might occur during the handover process.

Where is the best place to put a Starlink router? ›

Placement: Move your router to a central, unobstructed location in your home or office. Test: You can use the range feature in the Starlink App to ensure desired coverage. Starlink Mesh: Consider adding a Starlink Mesh Router to your network to extend the range of your WiFi signal.

How many devices can a Starlink router handle? ›

The Starlink WiFi router stands out by offering dual bandwidth (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), allowing it to support 128 devices simultaneously. This dual-band capability ensures a faster and more reliable connection for a wide range of devices.

What are the benefits of Starlink Gen 3? ›

It offers faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced reliability, making it a reliable option for users around the world. By enabling seamless internet access, Starlink and its Gen 3 router have the potential to empower individuals, businesses, and entire communities.

Can I use my own router with Starlink Gen 3? ›

Using an Ethernet cable, you can connect the Starlink Gen 3 Router to the router or mesh networking hardware of your choice. Whether that's a mesh system or a gaming router, the process is the same.

Does the Starlink Gen 3 router have an Ethernet port? ›

The Gen 3 Standard Kit is optimised for the third-generation Starlink router, which brings Wi-Fi 6 capabilities and Ethernet-out ports for improved connectivity.

How can I increase my Starlink router speed? ›

You can address Starlink's slow internet issue through a series of simple steps:
  1. Check your router. ...
  2. Update your router's software to the latest version. ...
  3. Clear your router cache to help it work faster.
  4. Relocate your router closer to your main devices.
Apr 19, 2023

What is the coverage of Starlink Gen 3 WiFi? ›

Designed to extend your WiFi network throughout your home, this router delivers faster speeds and a more reliable connection, ensuring seamless online experiences for all your devices. With coverage up to 297 m² (3,200 ft²), the Starlink Gen 3 Mesh Router is perfect for large homes or offices.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 5802

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Birthday: 2001-08-13

Address: 96487 Kris Cliff, Teresiafurt, WI 95201

Phone: +9418513585781

Job: Senior Designer

Hobby: Calligraphy, Rowing, Vacation, Geocaching, Web surfing, Electronics, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.