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Starlink Mini, Standard, and Performance Dishes Compared

Compare Starlink's three primary dish types and learn why Mini fits travel, Standard fits most homes, and Performance serves demanding business and mobility installations.

StarTether Field Guides2 min readUpdated September 10, 2026
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IN THIS GUIDE

Compare Starlink's three primary dish types and learn why Mini fits travel, Standard fits most homes, and Performance serves demanding business and mobility installations.

01

Identify the exact kit first

The terminal, router and service plan are separate choices. A familiar generation nickname is not enough to order a cable or mount. Read the terminal label and compare the equipment in the account with the hardware reference.

Kit Main reason to consider it Practical tradeoff
Mini Compact travel setup with integrated Wi-Fi Power accessories and outdoor Ethernet sealing are Mini-specific
Standard 4 / 4X Fixed-home setup with a separate router Plan a terminal cable route and indoor network coverage
Current Performance Exposure, installation or operating needs beyond a basic home setup Budget for the complete power, mounting and networking arrangement
Existing legacy kit Keeping a working installation in service Identify its actual replacement parts; age alone is not a fault

Current official sheets list typical average consumption of 25–40 W for Mini and 75–100 W for Standard 4X and the current Performance terminal. These are planning references, not guaranteed battery draw. Measure the whole setup for off-grid planning.

02

Compare the whole installation

Mini includes Wi-Fi within the terminal; Standard 4X lists Router 3 in its kit; the current Performance packing list has an Ethernet handoff and does not list a Wi-Fi router. Regional bundles can differ, so compare the order contents before paying.

For a home, prioritize sky view, an appropriate permanent mount and Wi-Fi where people work. For travel, compare packed size, setup time, usable power and the plan's destination rules. For a business, consider the cost of an outage and a separate backup connection rather than assuming premium hardware prevents interruptions.

03

What the name does not tell you

A mount's compatibility does not establish in-motion service eligibility. A more expensive terminal does not remove nearby trees or improve a badly positioned indoor router. The older “Standard 5” label in this reference is not a verified match for the official Standard 4X name; use the label and official parts listing.

Sources: Mini specifications, Standard 4X specifications, Performance specifications. Reviewed September 2026.

04

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Use the instructions for your exact kit.

Check the official Starlink app and hardware instructions before changing installation, equipment or service settings.

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