Starlink Mini vs Standard vs Maritime — the hardware specs.
A spec-by-spec hardware comparison for boaters who want the numbers before they choose. For the decision framework, see our Mini vs. Standard vs. Maritime decision guide.
Three Starlink kits ship for marine use today: the portable Mini, the versatile Standard with the Flat High Performance antenna, and the offshore-grade Maritime. Each carries a different price, a different power draw, and a different sea-state envelope.
This article is the spec sheet — the numbers we use during a site survey to match the right kit to the right boat. If you are still weighing whether to install Starlink at all, our guide on whether Starlink is worth it for your boat covers that question first. Helm is an independent installer and is not affiliated with SpaceX.
Quick reference for marine use.
Best for. Mini — at-anchor and near-shore use on smaller boats under 30 feet. Standard — coastal cruising on mid-size boats from 30 to 60 feet. Maritime — offshore and global travel on large yachts.
Real-world download speeds. Mini 40 to 100 Mbps. Standard 100 to 200+ Mbps. Maritime matches Standard inshore and holds up under heavier load offshore.
In-motion use. Mini is best stationary. Standard supports in-motion use with a Mobile Priority plan. Maritime is engineered for high-speed open-ocean use.
Power draw. Mini roughly 50 to 75 watts. Standard roughly 75 to 110 watts at peak. Maritime 110 to 150 watts depending on antenna selection.
Hardware cost (Helm-sourced, all-in). Mini $699. Standard $949. Maritime $3,395.
Service plan. Mini and Standard run on Roam plans (from $50/month). Maritime requires Mobile Priority (from $250/month).
Pick the kit. Match the boat.
Starlink Mini — portable connectivity for smaller vessels.
The Starlink Mini is a compact, backpack-sized unit that prioritizes convenience and low power draw over raw performance. The router is integrated directly into the dish, creating a simple, all-in-one device suited to occasional use.
Performance and use case.
Mini is designed for stationary use — at the dock, at anchor in a quiet cove, or during calm, slow-speed travel near shore. Its smaller antenna has a narrower field of view, making it more susceptible to signal loss in rolling seas. It delivers strong speeds for its size but is not approved for use while in motion.
Mounting and power.
The Mini's greatest strength is its simplicity. It requires no permanent mounting and can be set up on deck using its built-in kickstand. Low power consumption (roughly 50 to 75W) makes it a fit for boats with smaller house battery banks, and it stows below deck when the day is done.
Recommended for.
Vessels under 30 feet, weekend cruisers, and Connecticut boaters who primarily need fast internet while stationary.
Starlink Standard — the versatile choice for coastal cruising.
The Standard kit, paired with the Flat High Performance antenna, is the workhorse of the Starlink lineup and the most common system we install on Connecticut recreational vessels. It balances performance, durability, and cost for coastal boaters.
Performance and use case.
Paired with a Mobile Priority data plan, Standard provides reliable connectivity underway. It supports video calls, remote work, and HD streaming while cruising on Long Island Sound. Real-world download speeds typically run 100 to 200+ Mbps. For service plan trade-offs, see our Starlink Maritime vs. Roam guide.
Mounting and power.
Unlike the Mini, the Standard kit requires permanent, professional installation. A secure, marine-grade mount on a radar arch, hardtop, or dedicated pole is necessary to ensure an unobstructed view of the sky. Its draw of roughly 75 to 110 watts at peak requires careful integration into the vessel's electrical system.
Recommended for.
Sailboats and powerboats in the 30 to 60 foot range. The default choice for boaters who cruise extensively and need consistent internet underway.
Starlink Maritime — the professional-grade offshore solution.
The Starlink Maritime kit is engineered for the most demanding marine environments. It is the definitive solution for large yachts, commercial vessels, and anyone planning serious offshore passages.
Performance and use case.
Maritime is built for reliability in open oceans. Its larger, more ruggedized antenna and enhanced GPS allow it to maintain a stable connection in extreme weather and heavy seas. It carries priority access to the satellite network and supports seamless 4K streaming, multi-user video conferencing, and real-time remote monitoring. For more, see our overview of the Starlink High-Performance Kit for yachts.
Mounting and power.
The Maritime hardware is larger, heavier, and built to endure constant exposure to saltwater and high winds. Its higher power draw (roughly 110 to 150 watts) demands a robust electrical system. Installation is a complex task requiring a professional marine technician for structural mounting and network integration.
Recommended for.
Yachts over 60 feet, superyachts, and any vessel planning trans-oceanic voyages where connectivity is mission-critical.
The kit changes. The standard of the install does not.
Why professional installation is essential.
A successful Starlink installation on a boat is more than plugging it in. A do-it-yourself approach frequently leads to avoidable problems — signal obstruction from a radar array or mast, water intrusion through poorly sealed cable runs, network conflicts with existing onboard Wi-Fi, and exposed wiring that compromises the boat's fit and finish.
Our process begins with a site survey to identify the optimal mounting location. We use marine-grade mounts and waterproof cable glands, route all wiring out of sight, and finish with a clean, factory-like result. Installation tiers are transparent: Mini $1,395, Standard $1,595, Maritime $2,795, Fleet custom. The full breakdown is in our Starlink marine installation cost guide.
Get the right Starlink setup for your vessel.
Choosing between Mini, Standard, and Maritime depends on your boat, your power budget, and how you cruise. We can help you select the right hardware and plan a flawless installation. From our base in Branford, we serve boaters across the full Connecticut coast — from Greenwich to Stonington and every Connecticut marina in between.