Starlink V5 Residential Kit Ships With Half the Power Draw of V4

SpaceX has released the Starlink V5 residential kit, a new satellite internet terminal that prioritizes portability and energy efficiency over raw speed. This shift matters to buyers who need a reliable connection in remote locations but want to avoid the heavy power draw and bulk of previous generations. The V5 targets users who need a lighter setup for installations where weight and power are constraints, even if peak throughput is slightly lower than the standard model.

New satellite terminal weighs 2.4 lbs and consumes 35 to 50 watts

The new hardware features a compact electronic phased array antenna that weighs just 2.4 lbs (1.1kg). This is a significant reduction from the 6.4 lbs (2.9kg) Standard 4 dish, making the V5 much easier to mount on rooftops or poles. The unit measures 110 degrees in field of view and uses an LED indicator on the top face to show power status.

Starlink V5 Specifications

• Download Speed: Up to 375+ Mbps
• Antenna Type: Electronic Phased Array
• Field of View: 110 degrees
• Dish Weight: 2.4 lbs. (1.1kg)
• Environmental Rating: IP67 Type 4

SpaceX rates the V5 dish to withstand mounted wind speeds of up to 165 mph (265 kph). This is a major improvement over the Standard 4, which is rated for only 60 mph. The terminal also includes a snow melt capability of up to 1.6 inches per hour and operates in temperatures ranging from -22 F to 122 F. It carries an IP67 Type 4 environmental rating for weather resistance.

The V5 consumes between 35 and 50 watts on average, which is nearly half the power of the Standard 4. SpaceX stated that the terminal supports streaming, video calling, and gaming with download speeds up to 375+ Mbps. This speed is slower than the Standard 4's 400+ Mbps but faster than the Mini's 300+ Mbps. The kit requires a separate router, unlike the Mini which has built-in Wi-Fi.

Starlink currently lists the V5 as available in select areas only. The company announced the release on X, highlighting the smaller terminal design and its ability to handle high winds and snow. The V5 represents a trade-off where users gain significant weight and power savings in exchange for a modest reduction in maximum download speed.