Head-to-Head Comparison
Starlink vs AST SpaceMobile
Side-by-side comparison of speeds, latency, pricing, coverage, and hardware - updated 2026-03-28.
Data sourced from FCC filings, official specs, and independent speed tests. Upcoming provider specs are based on announced projections.
The Verdict
Starlink is available now with proven real-world performance (100-400 Mbps download, 20-60ms latency), while AST SpaceMobile has not yet launched consumer service. Starlink is the clear choice today if you need satellite internet now. AST SpaceMobile promises up to 120 Mbps but will need time to build out its constellation and prove reliability.
Winner for most users
Starlink
High-speed, low-latency broadband from LEO
Max Speed
400 Mbps
Latency
20-60ms
From
$50-$250/mo
Satellites
10,139
Satellite broadband direct to your phone
Max Speed
120 Mbps
Latency
20-40ms
From
TBD
Satellites
6
Starlink vs AST SpaceMobile - Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | Starlink | AST SpaceMobile |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed | 100-400 Mbps Winner | 10-120 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 10-40 Mbps Winner | 2-10 Mbps |
| Latency Lower is better | 20-60ms | 20-40ms Winner |
| Starting Price Lower is better | $50-$250/mo Winner | TBD |
| Data Caps | Unlimited | TBD |
| Equipment Cost Lower is better | $349 | Free Winner |
| Installation | Self-install | Self-install |
| Portable | Yes | Yes |
| Orbit Type | LEO | LEO |
| Constellation | 10,139 in orbit / 19,400 planned Winner | 6 in orbit / 243 planned |
| Countries Available | 150+ countries Winner | Not yet available |
| Status | Available now Winner | Upcoming |
Speed Comparison - Starlink vs AST SpaceMobile
Starlink offers faster download speeds at 100-400 Mbps compared to AST SpaceMobile's 10-120 Mbps. That is up to 3.3x faster at the high end.
Upload speeds: Starlink 10-40 Mbps vs AST SpaceMobile 2-10 Mbps. Speeds are advertised ranges and vary by location, time of day, and congestion.
Latency Comparison - Starlink vs AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile has significantly lower latency at 20-40ms vs Starlink's 20-60ms - roughly 1.3x lower. This is primarily due to LEO vs LEO orbit differences.
Lower latency is better. Under 80ms is good for gaming. Under 300ms works for video calls. GEO satellites (35,786 km) have 600ms+ latency due to signal travel time. LEO satellites (550 km) achieve 20-60ms.
Pricing Comparison - Starlink vs AST SpaceMobile
Starlink starts at $50/mo. AST SpaceMobile has not announced consumer pricing - it may be enterprise-only or is still in development.
Starlink Plans
One-time cost for standard dish ($349); Starlink Mini $249
AST SpaceMobile Plans
No consumer plans announced
No equipment - uses existing smartphones
Coverage & Availability - Starlink vs AST SpaceMobile
Starlink is available in 150+ countries. AST SpaceMobile is not yet available for consumers. Available in 150+ countries across 6 continents. ~10,139 satellites in orbit. Direct-to-cell service with T-Mobile commercially live since July 2025. Deutsche Telekom partnership covers 10 EU countries (140M subscribers), service targeting 2028.
Showing featured countries on our site. Starlink operates in 150+ countries total.
Starlink only (25)
Hardware & Installation - Starlink vs AST SpaceMobile
Both providers offer self-installation - no technician visit needed. AST SpaceMobile requires no equipment purchase while Starlink costs $349 upfront.
Starlink
- Equipment
- $349
- Dish Type
- Phased-array flat antenna
- Installation
- Self-install
- Portable
- Yes
One-time cost for standard dish ($349); Starlink Mini $249
AST SpaceMobile
- Equipment
- Free
- Installation
- Self-install
- Portable
- Yes
No equipment - uses existing smartphones
Pros & Cons
Starlink
Advantages
- + Lowest latency of any satellite provider (median 25-50ms)
- + No data caps on residential plans
- + Self-install portable dish - no technician needed
- + Largest constellation: 10,000+ active satellites
- + Available in 150+ countries
Limitations
- - Speeds vary by local congestion (100-400 Mbps typical)
- - Upfront equipment cost ($349 standard, $249 Mini)
- - Requires clear sky view - trees and obstructions degrade signal
- - Performance degrades during peak evening hours
AST SpaceMobile
Advantages
- + No dish or special equipment - works with existing phones
- + Partnerships with AT&T, Vodafone, Rakuten
- + Next-gen BlueBirds support up to 120 Mbps per cell
- + Game-changer for dead zones and emergency connectivity
Limitations
- - Beta service not yet publicly available
- - Only 6 satellites in orbit - coverage is intermittent until 45-60 sats deployed
- - Lower speeds than dish-based services
- - Depends entirely on carrier partnerships for consumer access
Which Should You Choose? Starlink vs AST SpaceMobile
Gaming
AST SpaceMobileAST SpaceMobile's 20-40ms latency beats Starlink's 20-60ms for competitive gaming.
Streaming
StarlinkStarlink's 100-400 Mbps easily handles 4K streaming. AST SpaceMobile's lower range (10-120 Mbps) may struggle with multiple streams.
Budget
StarlinkStarlink starts at $50/mo. AST SpaceMobile has not announced pricing.
Rural / Remote
StarlinkStarlink is available now in 150+ countries. AST SpaceMobile has not launched yet.
Business
StarlinkStarlink offers dedicated business plans. AST SpaceMobile does not have specific business tiers.
Mobile / RV
StarlinkStarlink has a dedicated roaming plan (Roam at $165/mo). Both are portable, but Starlink is better optimized for mobile use.