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5G vs Starlink: Which Home Internet Should You Choose?

1/28/2026 · Home Internet · 6 min

5G vs Starlink: Which Home Internet Should You Choose?

TL;DR

  • 5G home internet is best where cellular coverage is strong and you want low to moderate latency with simple setup.
  • Starlink offers wider rural coverage in many regions, reliable speeds in low-density areas, and generally higher data allowances, but requires clear sky and a fixed dish.
  • Best picks by need:
  • Urban and suburban backup or primary: 5G home router with unlimited or generous data plan.
  • Remote rural primary connection: Starlink standard or Starlink Roam where available.
  • Low latency priority for gaming or video calls: 5G when a strong millimeter or midband signal is available.

How they work

  • 5G home internet: Uses local cellular towers to deliver broadband to a fixed router. Performance varies with tower proximity, spectrum band, and network load.
  • Starlink: Uses a constellation of low earth orbit satellites to provide internet directly to a dish at your property. Performance depends on clear view of the sky and constellation capacity in your area.

Speed and real world numbers

  • 5G home: 50 Mbps to 600+ Mbps typical on midband and mmWave in good areas. Peak results can exceed 1 Gbps in select locations.
  • Starlink: 50 Mbps to 250+ Mbps typical for standard service; Starlink Premium and Roam can be faster in some markets.
  • Expect variance: busy hours and network congestion affect both. 5G is more sensitive to local tower load; Starlink can slow when regional capacity is saturated.

Latency

  • 5G: Often 20 to 40 ms on midband, lower on mmWave in ideal conditions. Good for gaming and video calls when signal is strong.
  • Starlink: Typically 25 to 50 ms for standard service. Newer LEO constellations lower latency compared to traditional satellite, but still generally above the best fiber or strong 5G.

Coverage and reliability

  • 5G: Best in cities and suburbs. Rural coverage depends on carrier investment. Indoor reception varies with building materials.
  • Starlink: Reaches many rural and remote areas where wired and cellular options are limited. Needs unobstructed sky and is affected by weather.

Data policies and caps

  • 5G: Plans vary. Some carriers offer unlimited plans with deprioritization after a threshold. Check fair use and home router terms.
  • Starlink: Usually includes generous data but policies vary by plan and location. Roam and premium tiers may include higher priority and fewer limits.

Cost and installation

  • 5G: Lower upfront cost. A router or gateway plus monthly plan. Setup is plug and play in most cases.
  • Starlink: Higher one-time cost for dish and mounting, plus monthly subscription. Professional install may be needed for optimal placement.

Which should you choose?

  • Choose 5G if:
  • You live in an area with strong 5G coverage.
  • You need lower latency for gaming or real time apps.
  • You want low upfront cost and easy setup.
  • Choose Starlink if:
  • You are in a rural or remote area with poor wired and cellular options.
  • You need a reliable primary connection where fiber and cable are not available.
  • You can install a dish with a clear view of the sky.

Checklist before buying

  • Check real world coverage maps and local user reports.
  • Confirm indoor reception at your address if you plan to place the router indoors.
  • Compare monthly costs including any priority or premium tiers.
  • Ask about data deprioritization or caps and peak time performance.
  • Consider hybrid setups: 5G as primary and Starlink as backup or vice versa.

Bottom line

5G and Starlink both fill gaps in home internet. 5G is often the best choice in built up areas where carriers invest in capacity and you want lower latency. Starlink shines in rural and remote locations where terrestrial networks fall short. Choose based on coverage at your exact address, latency needs, and total monthly and upfront cost.

Found this helpful? Check our curated picks on the home page.