Choosing between Starlink Gen 1 vs Gen 2 requires a thorough understanding of both Starlink subscription plans.
The comparison guide will give you valuable insights about Starlink Gen 1 and Starlink Gen 2.
As you read on, you’ll understand their similarities, unique differences, and the best scenario to use each subscription plan.
Without a nuanced understanding and the differences between Starlink Gen 1 and Gen 2, you may inadvertently choose a service that doesn’t align with your needs.
Making the wrong choice may lead to suboptimal internet performance, potential connectivity issues, or unnecessary expenses.
You will find out the preferred subscription plan as you read on!
By the end of this article, you will have a crystal-clear understanding of which Starlink subscription package best suits your work engagements and personal needs.
What is Starlink Version 2?
Starlink Version 2 represents the next stride in SpaceX’s ambitious journey to redefine satellite internet connectivity.
Picture it as an ungraded, improved version of its predecessor, Version 1. It aims to address limitations that might have existed in the previous version and significantly improve your internet experience.
Starlink Version 2 incorporates advancements in hardware, such as shape, size, ethernet port, etc., to improve the efficiency of the dish.
The user terminal, which connects your home to the Starlink constellation, has also undergone design optimizations. These hardware improvements have contributed to its seamless and hassle-free installation process.
That means you should find the Starlink Version 2 much easier to install and use.
Starlink Gen 1 VS Gen 2
Although the two versions of Starlink share some similarities, there are slight differences between the two. Outlined below are the key differences between Starlink Gen 1 and Gen 2:
Shape And Size:
Starlink Gen 2 boasts of a significant improvement in design. It presents a sleeker and more compact dish compared to its predecessor.
The differences in its dish extend as far as the shape, width, height, diameter, and mast width. Below is a complete breakdown of these differences:
Starlink Gen 1
The Starlink gen 1 has a circular dish with a diameter of 22.3″ and a height of 25.4″. With a weight of 16lbs (7.3kg), it is also significantly heavier than the gen 2.
As for the mast diameter, there isn’t much difference between it and its successor. The Gen 1 has a mast diameter of just 1.4″.
Round Starlink dish
Starlink Gen 2
On the other hand, Starlink Gen 2 has a sleeker, more compact rectangular dish weighing about 9.2 lbs (4.2 kg). It also has a height of 24″ and a 19″ x 12″ diameter.
The main idea behind this lighter design was to make it more portable and easier to install/mount.
Router
Overall, the largest difference between the two versions seems to be the changes made to the router. There are two significant differences in the router of the two of them: the operating temperature and the MU-MIMO.
Starlink Gen 1
The router for the first version was a 2×2 MU-MIMO. That means that it can only handle two data streams at the same time.
Any more than that, and the additional users would experience a significant reduction in the performance of their internet connectivity.
Secondly, it performs under a temperature range of 0C to +30C (+32F to +86F).
Starlink Gen 2
Unlike the first version, the Gen 2 has a 3×3 MU-MIMO. That allows it to handle three data streams concurrently.
It can serve at least 3 people in your household simultaneously without a reduction in the quality of its bandwidth. Although this change might seem small, it’s a noteworthy improvement nonetheless.
As for its operating temperature, there’s been a substantial improvement for the Gen 2 router.
It can now withstand a difference of 30 degrees Celsius in the negative direction and a 20 degrees Celsius increase in the positive direction compared to the previous generation.
To put it in clearer terms, it has an operating temperature of -30C to +50C (-22F to +122F).
Rectangular Starlink dish
Weather Resistant
In terms of weather resistance, there weren’t any major improvements. The StarlinGenen 1 and the Gen 2 have an IP54 rating; they’re resistant to water, and engineers have optimized them for indoor use.
Ethernet Port
There’s a very important distinction between the two Starlink versions regarding the ethernet port. While the Starlink Gen 1 comes equipped with an ethernet port, the Gen 2 lacks this direct connectivity feature.
The absence of this port implies that there are limitations to the number of applications you can employ seamlessly.
If you’re the kind of user who prefers a wired connection for gaming, you might find this very restricting. However, there is a workaround for it.
You can easily purchase an ethernet adapter from the Starlink online store to use in place of the absent ethernet port of the Starlink Gen 2.
Power Consumption
Diving into power consumption, its efficiency is a nice upgrade in the Gen 2.
Starlink Gen 1
The Starlink version 1 consumes about 65W to 100W of power. This is significantly more than the Gen 2 does.
Starlink Gen 1
As for the Starlink Gen 2, it merely consumes 50W to 75W when in use. This improvement contributes to a more sustainable operation and translates into potential cost savings for you.
Production
In terms of production, the Gen 2 stands out. The SpaceX designing and engineering teams require much less time to produce the Starlink Gen 2 dishes. That is due to their streamlined shapes and smaller size.
Consequently, the profitability of the Gen 2 dishes is also much higher than that of the Gen 1. The Gen 2 also has a lower production cost due to fewer raw materials.
With these improvements, the cost of production has gone down from a whooping$3000 per dish to about#1300 per dish.
Cost
The cost of any of the dishes depends completely on the size, shape, and technology. Nevertheless, due to the smaller size of the starlink gen 2, it’s typically cheaper than the starlink gen 1.
And since it’s smaller, the shipping cost is also significantly reduced. Going for the Starlink V2 can reduce the amount you spend, both in the initial purchase and shipping costs.
Cabling
The design divergence of the cables of the versions is also crucial.
Starlink Gen 1
The Gen 1 has a cable of fixed length attached to its dish. That makes it more susceptible to damage, and if it’s faulty, you would most likely have to get a new dish.
Starlink Gen 2
In contrast, the Gen 2 simplifies the handling by adding a much longer, thicker, and detachable cable.
The added flexibility of its cable makes it more user-friendly than its predecessor.
If you have any problems with this cable, you simply have to replace it, not the entire dish itself.
Mount
Starlink Gen 2
It has a four-legged mount provides much more stable and robust support for the dish. Its smaller size also makes it easier for you to mount it anywhere.
Starlink Gen 1
Unlike the Gen 2, it rests on a three-legged tripod stand that is much less stable than a four-legged one.
Its round shape also doesn’t help matters as it might be challenging to place it properly on the stand.
Conclusion
Although most of the features of Starlink Gen 1 and Gen 2 remain largely the same, they still have significant differences.
The Gen 2 is meant to be an upgrade to the Gen 1 and, as such, has new features that can be regarded as improvements.
By reading this article, you will have a clearer view of the features of the Gen 2 and how it compares to those of its predecessors.
That would also help you make an informed decision on which to choose.