Starlink Mini vs Standard | Which one for Van Life?

Summary

In this video, Brendan from Gone Mobile Vans compares Starlink's Generation 3 and Mini satellite internet systems. He discusses their size, weight, portability, power requirements, and costs. The Generation 3 is larger, heavier, and requires a power supply to run off a vehicle's 12V battery, while the Mini is smaller, lighter, and natively operates on 12V. Both systems offer unlimited data plans at $150/month, but the Mini is easier to set up and more portable, making it the recommended choice for most users.

Takeaways

• 🚚 The video is a comparison between Starlink's Generation 3 and Mini satellite internet systems for mobile use, specifically for vans.
• 📡 The Generation 3 is larger, almost a foot and a half by 2 ft, and weighs over 30 lbs, making it less portable compared to the Mini.
• 💼 The Generation 3 comes with a Starmount quick release mount enclosure, which is machined polycarbonate with a metal quick release.
• 🔌 The Starlink Mini is smaller, lighter, and can be easily set up on a car dash or backpacked, making it more portable.
• 🔌 The Generation 3 requires a power supply to increase voltage from 12 volts to 48 volts, while the Mini only needs 12 volts and doesn't require a power supply.
• ⚡️ The Generation 3 has a higher power draw, fluctuating between 50 and 110 watts, whereas the Mini draws less power, around 20 to 25 watts.
• 💰 The initial cost for the Generation 3 hardware is $299, which is less than the Mini's $599, but additional costs are needed to run the Generation 3 off 12 volts natively.
• 🔩 The Mini can be set up with a simple cable from Amazon for around $12, whereas the Generation 3 requires third-party integrations which can cost several hundred dollars.
• 📈 Both systems offer a mobile plan, with the Generation 3 at $150 per month and the Mini offering both a 50 GB plan for $50 and a regional plan for $150.
• 🏕️ The video recommends the Starlink Mini for most users due to its lower upfront costs, smaller size, and easier setup, despite the Generation 3 potentially offering better speeds and coverage.

Q & A

What are the two Starlink options discussed in the video?

The two Starlink options discussed are the Generation 3 and the Starlink Mini.

What is the main difference in size between the Generation 3 and the Starlink Mini?

The Generation 3 is quite large, almost a foot and a half by 2 ft, while the Starlink Mini is much smaller, about the size of a laptop.

How does the weight of the Generation 3 compare to the Starlink Mini?

The Generation 3 is heavy, weighing well over 30 lbs, whereas the Starlink Mini is much lighter weight.

What is the main advantage of the Generation 3's size and weight?

The Generation 3's larger size and weight allow for a more permanent setup on a roof or van, providing stability.

How does the Starlink Mini's size and weight affect its portability?

The Starlink Mini's smaller size and lighter weight make it more portable, allowing it to be easily set up on a car dash or backpacked.

What is the power requirement for the Generation 3 Starlink?

The Generation 3 requires a power supply to increase the voltage from 12 volts to 48 volts.

Does the Starlink Mini need a power supply to operate?

No, the Starlink Mini only requires 12 volts natively to run and does not need a power supply to increase the voltage.

What is the approximate power draw of the Generation 3 Starlink?

The Generation 3 Starlink can draw between 50 and 110 watts, with some fluctuation depending on usage.

How does the power draw of the Starlink Mini compare to the Generation 3?

The Starlink Mini has a significantly lower power draw, only drawing around 20 to 25 watts.

What is the cost difference between the Generation 3 and Starlink Mini hardware?

The Generation 3 costs $299, while the Starlink Mini costs $599 for the hardware directly from Starlink.

What additional costs are associated with running the Generation 3 Starlink off a van battery?

Running the Generation 3 off a van battery requires additional hardware and a third-party 12V conversion, which can cost several hundred dollars.

What are the monthly plan costs for the Starlink Mini and Generation 3?

The Starlink Mini offers a $50 plan for 50GB or a $150 regional plan for unlimited data. The Generation 3 has a $150 monthly plan for unlimited data with a start and stop option.

Which Starlink option does the video recommend for most users and why?

The video recommends the Starlink Mini for most users due to its lower upfront cost, smaller footprint, lightweight design, and ease of use without needing third-party integrations.