Starlink Speed Test

This diagnostic utility validates the throughput of your Starlink connection. Unlike legacy geostationary providers (HughesNet/Viasat), Starlink utilizes a constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) (~550km altitude). This physics-based advantage allows for low-latency connectivity that rivals terrestrial DSL, though throughput is highly dynamic based on satellite density overhead and "Cell" congestion.

Understanding Your Speed Metrics

When analyzing your connection integrity, focus on these three performance vectors:

Download Throughput: On "Standard" (Residential) plans, speeds typically range from 50 Mbps to 250 Mbps. This variability is inherent to the technology; as satellites hand off your connection every few minutes, speed fluctuates. "Roam" (RV) plans are deprioritized and may see lower speeds during peak hours (6 PM - 10 PM).

Upload Throughput: Starlink upload speeds are modest, typically averaging 10 Mbps to 20 Mbps. This is limited by the transmission power of the user terminal ("Dishy"). If you are trying to stream 4K video to Twitch, you may experience dropped frames.

Latency (Ping): This is Starlink's "Killer Feature." Ping should range between 25ms and 50ms, making real-time gaming possible. If ping spikes >100ms, it usually indicates a physical obstruction or a "handover" failure between satellites.

What Results Should You Expect?

The "Ethernet Adapter" Requirement

Testing Starlink accurately depends on your hardware generation. Benchmarks include:

Download Speed: ~150 Mbps (Average clear sky condition).

Obstruction Rate: Should be 0%. Check the "Visibility" tab in the app. A "Checkty" obstruction map means frequent disconnects.

Rain Fade: Unlike TV satellites, Starlink is resilient, but heavy thunderstorms / "Cellular Rain" will degrade speeds to ~10-20 Mbps temporarily.

If you have the Gen 2 Router (white, glass front) and are testing via Wi-Fi, your results are capped by the router's 2x2 MIMO Wi-Fi chip. To see the true speed of the dish, you must purchase the Starlink Ethernet Adapter.

Why Is Your Starlink Connection Slow?

Before submitting a ticket, verify these common installation faults:

Obstructions: This is the #1 cause of issues. Use the Starlink App's camera tool to scan your roof. Even a power line or tree top in the "Red Zone" causes packet loss.

Cable Seating: The proprietary cable on Gen 2 dishes is notoriously finicky. Ensure the connector at the mast is fully inserted (no gap) and the connector at the router is flush. A loose connection causes the dish to run at "100 Mbps" link speed instead of Gigabit.

Alignment: While Gen 2 dishes self-align, the Gen 3 "Kickstand" dish requires manual alignment. If you moved it recently, use the app to realign it to the satellite belt.

Starlink Technical Configuration Data

How to Get an Accurate Test

Wireless testing is unreliable due to the basic nature of the included Starlink router.

To confirm the actual speed delivered by the constellation, you must use a wired connection.
• Gen 2 (Actuated): Connect a laptop to the optional Ethernet Adapter.
• Gen 3 (Standard): Connect a Cat6 Cable directly to the LAN port on the back of the router.
If the wired test is fast, bypass the Starlink router and use your own Mesh system for better coverage.

When to Contact Support

Escalate the issue via the App if you observe these specific failures:

"Disconnected": The app shows "Disconnected" or "Offline" despite the cable being plugged in (indicates cable failure).

Motor Stuck: On Gen 2 dishes, if the app warns "Motors Stuck," the dish cannot track satellites.

Hardware Mismatch: If your account shows a different Kit Number than the one you received.

Starlink does not have a support phone number. All diagnostics can be run through the Starlink App.