Starlink and T-Mobile Home Internet are two popular options for home internet in rural areas without cable or fiber internet access. While Starlink has greater availability and roaming capabilities, T-Mobile Home Internet is potentially faster and cheaper. Both providers offer unlimited data and no contract requirements, but equipment fees vary. CNET scores T-Mobile Home Internet higher at 7.4 compared to Starlink’s 6.5. T-Mobile would be the better choice if available, but Starlink is preferred over other satellite providers.
In terms of pricing and plans, T-Mobile Home Internet is half the cost of Starlink’s cheapest plan, starting at $60 per month with no equipment fees. The speed range of T-Mobile Home Internet is also higher, ranging from 72 to 245Mbps. Starlink offers multiple service tiers with varying speeds and data caps, with equipment costs ranging from $599 to $2,500 upfront. Both providers do not enforce data caps or require contracts, providing flexibility to users.
When it comes to speed and latency, Starlink and T-Mobile Home Internet offer comparable performance. T-Mobile’s speed range is higher, but actual speeds may vary based on location and network congestion. Starlink’s priority data plans offer faster and more consistent speeds during peak usage times. Latency for both providers is low enough to support online gaming, with Starlink having an edge in reducing latency through its low-orbiting satellite network.
Equipment and fees are where T-Mobile Home Internet excels, as it offers free equipment with no upfront or ongoing costs. In contrast, Starlink charges $600 for equipment purchase at the time of order. Availability is also a key factor in choosing a provider, with Starlink having a wider reach of 99.6% of US households compared to T-Mobile Home Internet’s 58%. Starlink also offers Mobility internet service for RVs and campers, providing flexibility in connectivity.
Both providers have shown positive customer satisfaction ratings, with T-Mobile Home Internet receiving a score of 73/100 from the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Starlink has demonstrated higher Net Promoter Scores despite slower speeds, indicating high customer recommendation rates. Ultimately, the choice between Starlink and T-Mobile Home Internet depends on availability, pricing, speed requirements, and customer preferences.
