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If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to try Starlink for home internet, this might be it. In select areas, Starlink is offering no upfront hardware cost and free professional installation for new Residential customers. Eligibility is based on your service address, so the first step is simple: enter your address on Starlink’s website to see what you qualify for in your location.
Why the offer varies by address
Starlink runs regional promotions that only appear after you provide a service address. In eligible locations you’ll see “$0 hardware” and “free professional setup” on the plan page. Pricing and terms can vary by region, so the on-screen offer for your address is the one that counts. Some regions also show a discounted first-year monthly rate or a 12-month commitment tied to the free kit. Always review the terms during checkout.
What you get
- $0 upfront hardware (in eligible areas): The standard Starlink kit includes the dish, power supply, Wi-Fi router, and cabling.
- Free professional installation (where available): A trained installer handles mounting, cable routing, alignment, and activation.
- Performance for modern homes: Starlink advertises speeds up to 400+ Mbps suitable for 4K streaming on multiple devices, work-from-home, frequent video calls, cloud backups, and more. Real-world speeds vary by location, network load, and installation quality.
- Term details: Some regions offer month-to-month service. Others may require a 12-month commitment to receive the free kit. Check what your address shows before ordering.
Plan types at a glance: Residential vs. Roam
Starlink offers different plan families tailored to where and how you’ll use the service. For most households deciding between fixed home internet and on-the-go connectivity, the choice usually comes down to Residential or Roam.
Residential (Home use at one address)
- Best for: Houses, cabins, rural properties, outbuildings, and small offices that need a primary, stationary internet connection.
- Where it works: Registered to a single service address. The kit is installed at that location with a clear view of the sky.
- Performance profile: Generally optimized for fixed locations. This is the plan most likely to be eligible for $0 hardware and free professional installation depending on your address.
- Flexibility: Typically month-to-month billing in many regions. In some promotional areas, a 12-month commitment may apply to receive the free kit. If you plan to relocate often, Residential is not designed to be moved from address to address.
- Who should pick Residential: Anyone who wants a stable, primary home internet connection with the simplicity of “set it and forget it.”
Roam (Mobile use across locations)
- Best for: RVers, digital nomads, frequent movers, seasonal travelers, and those who need connectivity in different places over the course of a year.
- Where it works: Designed to be portable across supported coverage areas. You can take the dish and router with you and use it at various locations that meet Starlink’s coverage and line-of-sight requirements.
- Performance profile: Prioritization and peak-hour performance can differ from Residential. Expect variability as you move between regions with different network loads.
- Flexibility: Roam typically supports pausing and resuming service as your travel schedule changes. This is a key advantage if you only need connectivity part of the year.
- Who should pick Roam: Anyone who wants internet in many places and values the ability to pause when not using it.
Tip: If you live in one place most of the year and only travel occasionally, consider a Residential plan for home and a mobile hotspot solution while traveling. If you’re a true road warrior or seasonal resident, Roam’s flexibility may save money because you can pause when you do not need service.
What does “Pause” do?
Pause is a feature (primarily associated with Roam) that lets you put your Starlink billing and service on hold for a period of time and then resume later when you need it again. Here’s how it generally works:
- Billing stops during pause: You are not charged the monthly service fee while paused.
- No connectivity while paused: Internet access is disabled until you resume service.
- Fast resume: You can typically resume in the Starlink app or account portal and be back online shortly after.
- Great for seasonal use: Roam users who travel for a few months a year can pause during off months to reduce costs.
Note: Residential plans are primarily designed for continuous service at one address. While you can usually cancel at any time (subject to your local terms), the pause feature is most relevant to Roam. Always review what your account offers in the app or checkout flow, as Starlink may update features or regional rules.
Installation: what to expect
If your address qualifies for free professional setup, your installer will confirm the best mount location (roof, wall, or pole), route the cable into your home, align the dish, and verify activation. If your address does not include free setup, you can still install it yourself using the Starlink app’s guided instructions, or purchase professional installation as an add-on in many markets.
Pro tip: Use the Starlink app’s obstruction tool ahead of time to scout a location with a clear sky view. Trees, chimneys, and roof peaks can cause intermittent drops or reduce speeds. A clean line of sight is the single biggest factor in getting consistent performance.
Residential vs. Roam: quick comparison
| Feature | Residential | Roam |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Fixed home internet at one address | Mobile/portable use across locations |
| Hardware/Install promos | Most likely tied to your service address | Less common, but check your address anyway |
| Pause service | Generally not the focus; consider cancel/resubscribe if needed | Core benefit of Roam for seasonal travelers |
| Performance | Optimized for one location | Varies by region and network load as you move |
| Best for | Homes, cabins, small offices | RVs, seasonal properties, nomads, frequent movers |
The fine print to check before you click “order”
- Commitment terms: Some free-kit offers require a 12-month service term. If you cancel early, fees may apply.
- Regional pricing: Monthly rates and install options depend on your address. The address checker is the source of truth.
- Availability window: Promotions are location-based and time-limited. If you don’t see the offer today, it may appear later or disappear when local capacity fills.
Quick recap
- Enter your address on Starlink’s site to see if you qualify for $0 upfront hardware and free professional installation.
- Choose Residential for a stationary, primary home connection. Choose Roam if you need internet in multiple locations and want the ability to pause when you are not using it.
- Expect performance capable of 4K streaming, WFH, and multi-device homes, with speeds that vary based on location, line of sight, and network load.
- Review the terms for your address. Some areas are month-to-month. Others may include a 12-month commitment to receive the free kit.
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