Starlink Introduces Smaller, More Efficient V5 Home Dish

Key Takeaways

SpaceX has launched the Starlink V5 residential dish, designed to be smaller and more power-efficient.
The new model measures 384mm x 306mm x 34mm, weighs 1.1kg, and consumes up to 50W of power.
While not offering a speed upgrade, the V5 aims to make installation easier and reduce electricity usage.

SpaceX has quietly rolled out an updated version of its Starlink residential dish, known as the V5 model. This new iteration is designed to be more compact, lighter, and power-efficient compared to its predecessor, the V4.

The V5 dish measures 384mm x 306mm x 34mm, significantly smaller than the previous version which was 594mm x 383mm x 39.7mm. It also weighs just 1.1kg (2.4 pounds), compared to the V4’s 2.9kg (6.4 pounds). These changes are expected to make installation easier, particularly for rooftop setups.

According to Starlink, the new dish consumes an average of 35W to 50W of power, down from the V4's range of 75W to 100W. This reduction in power usage could lead to lower electricity bills and make the device more practical for areas with limited power availability.

Despite these improvements, Starlink has not announced any significant speed upgrades. The V5 still lists peak download speeds at 375+ Mbps, similar to the V4's 400+ Mbps. Actual speeds can vary based on service plans and network conditions.

The new dish is currently available in select regions of the United States, with one early example seen in Drummond, Montana. The V5 is bundled with Starlink’s Router Mini and a pipe adapter for rooftop installation, but it is not suitable for in-motion use.

Elon Musk has highlighted that SpaceX plans to produce the V5 dish in much higher volumes than current terminals. In a recent video post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated, 'SpaceX’s capability to manufacture, launch, and operate AI satellites at scale.'

Starlink is also working on other hardware and network upgrades, including a next-generation mobile network for mid-2027 and a higher-end Performance dish designed for gigabit speeds. The V5 appears to be part of Starlink's strategy to make the standard home kit easier to install and cheaper to run.

For now, availability may depend on location and the service plan being offered. Customers interested in upgrading their Starlink setup can expect to see more regions receiving the V5 dish over time as production increases.