Starlink Standard vs Starlink Mini

Starlink Mini vs. Standard

Tips for choosing the right Starlink system for you

Choosing between Starlink Standard and Starlink Mini isn't just about the specs - it’s about how you live and what you need from your internet. Not sure where to start? we have made a table comparing the specs, scroll further down and we’ve outlined a few common user scenarios to help you see which system suits your lifestyle best.

The Specs

See a comparison between the features and specs of the starlink mini systems and standard systems below to copare the two directly.

Its all about how you use it!

Retired Couple Traveling NZ in a Caravan

John and Margaret are newly retired and exploring New Zealand in their caravan. They love the freedom of life on the road, but they still need basic internet for video calls with family, emails, online banking, and the occasional Netflix night.

Best Choice: Starlink Mini

Why?

Portability: The Mini is small and lightweight, so it easily fits inside their caravan without taking up too much space.
Lower Power Consumption: Since they rely on a solar setup for power, the 20-40W usage of the Mini is ideal compared to Standard’s higher draw.
Easy Setup: No need for complex installations—just set it outside and connect in minutes.

Why Not Standard?

Starlink Standard is bulkier and better suited for fixed installations, not constant travel.
The higher power draw wouldn’t work well with their limited energy setup.

📌 Verdict: Starlink Mini is perfect for this couple because it gives them the basic connectivity they need without excess power or equipment.

Remote Rural Family with No Fibre or Wireless Options

Mike and Sarah live on a small lifestyle block in rural NZ. There’s no fibre or wireless broadband available, and they’ve been struggling to find options for years. They need fast, always-on internet for work, school, streaming, and gaming for their two kids.

Best Choice: Starlink Standard

Why?

Better Performance: Starlink Standard provides stronger Wi-Fi coverage, so everyone in the household can connect without dropouts.Larger
Coverage Area: The Gen 3 Router covers up to 297 m², perfect for a rural home.
Handles Multiple Devices: With support for 235 devices, it can handle their smart TVs, work laptops, kids’ tablets, and gaming consoles.
Reliable in All Weather: The snow-melting feature and wind resistance mean it works year-round, even in bad conditions.

Why Not Mini?

The Mini’s smaller Wi-Fi range (112 m²) wouldn’t reach all areas of their house. Mini is designed for mobility, not full-home coverage.

📌Verdict: Starlink Standard is the only real choice for a family in a rural home that needs a strong, reliable internet connection for multiple users.

Forestry Worker Needing a Portable Connection

Dan is a forestry contractor working in remote locations around New Zealand. He spends long hours in areas with no mobile signal, and he needs a reliable way to send reports, check weather conditions, and stay in touch with his team and family.

Best Choice: Starlink Mini

Why?

Portable & Vehicle-Friendly: Mini can be mounted on his ute’s roof rack or set up at a worksite in minutes.
Works Off-Grid: Starlink Mini can run off a 12V car adapter or a portable power station.
Low Power Use: Since he's running off vehicle power, the 20-40W draw is manageable.
Better Than Mobile Hotspots: Cell coverage is unreliable in deep forestry sites—Starlink Mini works anywhere with a clear view of the sky.

🔎 Why Not Standard?

The larger size makes it harder to transport in a ute.
The higher power consumption would drain his vehicle battery faster.

📌 Verdict: Starlink Mini is the only realistic option for forestry workers needing portable, off-grid internet access in remote areas.

Young Digital Nomad Couple Tiki-Touring NZ

Liam and Blake are a tech-savvy couple traveling around New Zealand in their self-contained van. They work remotely in web design and marketing, so a stable, high-speed internet connection is essential. They often work from different locations every few days, from remote beaches to national parks.

Best Choice: Starlink Mini

Why?

Ultra-Portable: At just 1.1kg, the Mini is easy to pack and set up anywhere.
Reliable Off-Grid: They often work from places where cell service is spotty, so Starlink Mini keeps them connected.
Efficient Power Use: The low power draw (20-40W) makes it ideal for their solar and battery-powered van setup.
Quick to Deploy: No tools or mounts needed—just set it on the roof or a table, power it up, and get online.

🔎Why Not Standard?

Too big and bulky for a compact van life setup.
The higher power consumption (75-100W) would drain their battery too fast.

📌 Verdict: Starlink Mini is the perfect match for a digital nomad couple—it’s lightweight, low-power, and provides reliable connectivity on the go.

Looking for installation? get in touch!