Test Your Starlink Internet Speed

About Starlink

How to Test Your Starlink Internet Speed

To test your Starlink connection, connect to your Starlink Wi-Fi network and visit pong.com. Click Run Speed Test and wait for the results. Because Starlink performance can vary minute to minute based on satellite position and weather conditions, consider running the test several times throughout the day to get a representative picture.

For the most accurate results, connect your computer to the Starlink router's Ethernet port (if available, or via a Starlink Ethernet adapter). Wi-Fi adds overhead and interference that can mask the true performance of the satellite link itself. Pong.com measures bufferbloat and jitter in addition to speed, which is especially valuable for satellite connections where latency behavior matters as much as throughput.

What Speeds Should You Expect from Starlink?

Starlink Standard (Residential) customers typically see download speeds between 25 and 220 Mbps, with upload speeds between 5 and 25 Mbps. Starlink advertises a typical range of 25 to 100 Mbps for download in most areas. Actual speeds depend heavily on your location, satellite coverage density, time of day, and weather.

Latency on Starlink is notably lower than traditional satellite internet. Expect ping times of 25 to 60 ms in most conditions, compared to 600+ ms on older geostationary satellite providers. However, Starlink latency can spike during handoffs between satellites or during periods of congestion. The Priority and Business tiers offer improved speed guarantees and lower contention ratios for users who need more consistent performance.

Common Starlink Speed Issues and How to Fix Them

Obstructions are the number one cause of Starlink performance problems. Trees, buildings, or other objects that block the dish's view of the sky cause brief dropouts as satellites pass behind them. Use the Starlink app's obstruction tool to find the best mounting location with a clear 100-degree field of view overhead.

Network congestion during peak evening hours can also reduce speeds significantly in densely subscribed areas. Heavy rain, snow, and ice on the dish can temporarily degrade or interrupt service. The Starlink dish has a built-in heater to melt snow, but heavy accumulation may still require manual clearing. If your speeds are consistently low, check for firmware updates through the Starlink app and make sure your dish has not shifted from its optimal position.

Understanding Your Starlink Speed Test Results

Starlink speed test results will look different from a traditional wired connection. Download speeds may vary widely between tests because satellite coverage shifts as the constellation orbits. Upload speeds are more limited, typically 5 to 25 Mbps. This is sufficient for video calls and general use but can feel restrictive for content creators or heavy uploaders.

Ping on Starlink typically ranges from 25 to 60 ms, which is usable for most online gaming and video calls. Jitter tends to be higher than wired connections, often 10 to 30 ms, due to the varying satellite paths. The bufferbloat grade is important to watch. If Starlink shows a poor bufferbloat score, your latency is spiking under load, which can cause lag even when your download speed looks fine.

Starlink vs Other Providers

Compared to traditional satellite providers like HughesNet and Viasat, Starlink offers dramatically lower latency and faster speeds. HughesNet and Viasat use geostationary satellites at 22,000 miles altitude, resulting in 600+ ms ping times. Starlink's low Earth orbit satellites at 340 miles deliver ping times that are 10 to 20 times lower.

Compared to cable and fiber providers, Starlink's speeds and latency cannot quite match a good wired connection. However, Starlink excels in areas where cable and fiber are not available. For rural customers who previously relied on DSL or geostationary satellite, Starlink is often a transformative upgrade. Fixed wireless options like T-Mobile Home Internet may offer more consistent speeds if 5G coverage is available at your address.

Tips to Improve Your Starlink Internet Speed

Mounting the dish as high as possible with a completely clear view of the sky is the single most impactful improvement you can make. Even small obstructions that block the sky for a few degrees can cause noticeable dropouts. Roof mounts or pole mounts are ideal.

Use the Ethernet adapter and connect your most important devices with cables rather than Wi-Fi. The Starlink router's Wi-Fi is decent but not exceptional, especially for multi-story homes. Consider adding a third-party mesh Wi-Fi system for better in-home coverage. Run Pong.com tests regularly to track your speeds over time and identify patterns. If you notice speeds dropping at the same time each evening, congestion in your cell may be the cause.