Starlink on a Yacht: Equipment, Installation and Monthly Cost (2026)
How much does Starlink cost on a yacht? Hardware, mounting and monthly plan prices for 2026, what to expect at sea and how to choose between plans.
Fast satellite internet has changed life on board, and Starlink is now a common choice for yachts of all sizes. The cost has three parts: the hardware, the installation and the monthly plan. This guide summarizes the prices reported in 2026, explains the differences between plans and shows what a first-year budget can look like. Starlink changes its plans and prices often, so check its official site before you buy.
Quick answer
A third-party 2026 marine guide reports hardware from $249 for the Starlink Mini and $349 for the standard dish, up to $2,500 for the Flat High Performance antenna used on larger yachts. Monthly plans are reported at $55 for Roam 100GB, $165 for Roam Unlimited and $250 to $500 or more for Mobile Priority plans with guaranteed data. Installation adds roughly $30 to $800 or more depending on the mount. First-year totals in the guide's scenarios range from about $1,100 for a coastal cruiser to about $4,000 for an offshore-ready setup.
Hardware options
| Antenna | Reported price | Power draw (active) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink Mini | $249 | 40 to 75 W | Small boats, portable and low-power setups |
| Standard dish | $349 | 75 to 100 W | Cruising yachts and sailboats |
| Flat High Performance | $2,500 | 110 to 150 W | Commercial and large yachts |
Prices reported by a third-party guide in 2026. Prices, taxes and availability differ by country.
Monthly plans
| Plan | Reported price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Roam 100GB | $55 per month | Full speed for the first 100 GB, then de-prioritized rather than cut off. Reported as rising from $50 in May 2026. |
| Roam Unlimited | $165 per month | No 100 GB threshold, but traffic is de-prioritized behind higher-priority users. |
| Mobile Priority | $250 to $500 or more per month | Guaranteed data allocations, for example 50 GB at $250 and 200 GB at $500, with larger tiers available. Aimed at charter and commercial vessels. |
Both Roam plans are reported to cover the same regions, including international waters, so the choice depends on how much data you use. Charter and commercial operators should check whether the terms of the plan allow their use.
Installation
- Portable cockpit setup: roughly $0 to $30.
- Bimini or dodger clamp: roughly $50 to $150.
- Radar arch mount: roughly $100 to $300.
- Mast mount: roughly $150 to $400.
- Marine-grade mounts: generally $200 to $800 or more.
- Cable routing and connectors: about $30 to $50.
Professional installation on a larger yacht adds labor and may involve running power and data cables through the structure, so ask for a quote. Place the dish where the sky view is clear, and avoid shadows from the mast, radar and arch.
Worked example: first-year cost
| Setup | Hardware | 12 months of service | Year-one total (hardware and plan only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini with Roam 100GB | $249 | $660 | $909 |
| Standard dish with Roam Unlimited | $349 | $1,980 | $2,329 |
YachtMetric calculation from the prices above, excluding mounts, cables and taxes. The guide's own scenarios, which include installation, put a coastal cruiser at about $1,099, a liveaboard sailor at about $2,699 and an offshore-ready setup at about $4,039.
What to expect at sea
Starlink says Roam plans can be used in motion, but real-world results vary. The guide reports that, at speeds above about 8 knots in moderate seas, its tests averaged about 22 Mbps with frequent drops, and it treats Starlink as a service best used when anchored or in port. Antenna placement, sea state, power supply and obstructions all matter, so test before relying on it for navigation, safety or remote work.
Starlink should not replace safety communications. Keep your VHF radio, AIS and any emergency position-indicating equipment on board and working.
Is it worth it?
For most cruising owners, a Roam plan with a standard dish costs less than older marine satellite services and is faster. For charter and commercial yachts, guests expect fast connectivity, and a guaranteed-data plan is worth considering. Add the cost to your yearly running costs. See yacht maintenance cost, the annual cost calculator and how to calculate annual yacht ownership costs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Starlink cost on a boat?
Reported hardware prices run from $249 to $2,500, and monthly plans from $55 to $500 or more. Installation, taxes and shipping are extra.
Does Starlink work in the middle of the ocean?
The Roam plans are reported to cover international waters, but performance depends on your position, antenna placement and sea state. Check Starlink's current coverage map.
Can I use a standard Roam plan on a charter yacht?
Check Starlink's current terms. The Mobile Priority plans are aimed at charter and commercial vessels.
Sources
- EarthSIMs: Starlink for boats and yachts 2026, marine guide (hardware, plan prices and installation estimates)
