Starlink's $55 Residential vs. Roam Plans Explained
SpaceX's Starlink offers two distinct entry-level personal plans starting at $55 per month, presenting a fundamental choice between download speeds and hard data caps.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Understanding Starlink's $55 Personal Tiers
SpaceX's Starlink has evolved significantly over the years, streamlining its offerings into clear personal categories. For subscribers who already own [a Starlink dish](https://www.engadget.com/2276417/every-starlink-dish-available-which-setup-right/) or plan to rent one through the company, choosing between the entry-level Residential and Roam options requires careful consideration of individual living situations and internet needs.
While both tiers cost $55 per month, they serve entirely different purposes and operate under distinct structural models. These personal plans cater specifically to individuals and families, separating themselves completely from the company's separate Business offerings.
The Residential Plan: Fixed Locations and Unlimited Data
As the name implies, the Residential plan is built for households and fixed locations where subscribers live long-term. Every tier under the Residential umbrella comes with unlimited data, meaning the primary differentiator between them is speed.
The basic $55 tier delivers 100 Mbps. Depending on how you calculate the math of download times, this translates roughly to 12.5 megabytes per second. This capacity is generally sufficient for a small household to handle everyday web browsing, stream movies, and play games online.
Subscribers seeking faster speeds can look to higher Residential tiers. These include a 200 Mbps option priced at $85 a month and a Max option providing up to 400 Mbps for $130 a month, with both higher tiers including free professional home installation.
The Roam Plan: Built for Travel and Hard Data Caps
Starlink describes the Roam plan as ideal for RVs, campers, nomads, and individuals working on the go, including international travelers. This option pairs particularly well with [a Starlink Mini dish](https://www.engadget.com/2235272/starlink-mini-residential-home-use-cost-more/), which can be easily packed into a bag.
Unlike the speed-focused model of the Residential plans, the basic $55 Roam tier utilizes a hard data cap. It provides 100GB per month with high-speed access up to 300 Mbps. Once the 100GB cap is reached, connection performance [significantly slows down](https://starlink.com/support/article/dd5b43b5-20e1-b29b-2d7d-a7ffd0541988) to a level that only supports basic browsing and emailing until the plan renews.
Additional Roam options include a 300GB tier for $80 per month and an Unlimited option that removes the data cap entirely for $175 per month.
Network Policies and Trial Terms
Subscribers to both Residential and Roam plans should note that advertised speeds are not guaranteed consistently at all times. According to Starlink's [fair use policy](https://starlink.com/legal/documents/DOC-1469-65206-75?srsltid=AU7gw4VJNdgNZELiydOWtv7gt0o6WxTeeNzKM0TdVK90eLFB0YAnlHtj), speeds may be temporarily reduced during periods of high network congestion or peak usage hours locally.
Before committing to a specific subscription, users can consult Starlink's coverage map to verify available download speeds in their region. Furthermore, both plan types include a 30-day trial period, enabling customers to request a full refund within the first month if the internet service fails to meet their expectations.
Sources
- EngadgetStarlink has two $55 plans that are wildly different — here's how
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