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Is Starlink Worth the Cost for Cruisers in 2025? A Full Guide

  • Writer: Editor
    Editor
  • Sep 3
  • 3 min read

When Starlink first arrived, it felt like science fiction: a dish on your boat that could beam down internet fast enough for video calls, streaming, and work—all while you’re anchored in a remote bay. For cruisers, it promised freedom without losing connection. But with monthly plans, roaming fees, and power demands, many sailors still ask: “Is it really worth it?”. You can explore further in these deeply linked posts: Where Starlink Is Not Allowed — And Why It Matters for Cruisers, plus a full comparison guide—Starlink vs Iridium, OneWeb & Mobile Boosters.


Let’s break down the real costs, compare them with other options, and talk honestly about whether Starlink belongs on your boat in 2025.


Woman onboard sailboat using smartphone with Starlink connection

The Hardware Investment


Every Starlink setup starts with the dish. In 2025, the standard Starlink kit for Roam costs around €450–€600 in Europe (similar in USD). The maritime hardware—designed for yachts and ships—costs significantly more, running into the thousands.


For most cruisers, the regular Roam dish is more than enough. It’s portable, can be mounted temporarily on deck, and works at anchor. The “fancy” gear is often overkill for private boats unless you’re running a superyacht or expedition vessel.


Monthly Plans — Roam vs. Maritime


This is where costs start to diverge.


  • Starlink Roam (Regional): about $165/month. Works across a continent or region, but can cut out if you cross into restricted waters.

  • Starlink Roam (Global): around $250/month. Lets you connect almost anywhere roaming is permitted, though speeds can vary.

  • Starlink Maritime: starts at $250/month for 50 GB, scaling up to $1,000+ for higher data packages. Designed for vessels that need consistent service offshore.


For context, a traditional Iridium unlimited data plan can cost $500–$700/month for slow speeds. Even Starlink’s higher-end packages often come out cheaper per megabyte.


Power Draw — The Hidden Cost


Starlink doesn’t just cost money—it costs energy. The standard dish can draw 60–100W continuously. On a long passage, that means you’ll need serious solar, lithium batteries, or a generator running regularly.


Cruisers with small solar arrays or older battery banks may find the energy demand more painful than the monthly bill. If your fridge and autopilot already push your limits, Starlink may tip the balance.


Man at full sail holding phone, checking internet connection at sea

How It Compares to Alternatives


Let’s put the costs into perspective:


  • Mobile boosters: Much cheaper (€200–€500 upfront, then local SIM cards), but limited to 10–15 miles offshore.

  • Iridium: Amazing coverage—literally pole to pole—but painfully slow and pricey for data. Better for emergency comms.

  • OneWeb: Growing as an enterprise option, but not yet widely available or affordable for individual cruisers.


For most coastal cruisers, a mobile booster plus local SIM cards is still the cheapest way to stay online. For bluewater sailors, Starlink is unmatched in terms of bandwidth for the price.


So, Is It Worth It?


It depends on your style of cruising:


  • Marina-hoppers in the Med? Probably not—you’ll find cheap SIM cards and Wi-Fi.

  • Weekend sailors? Not worth the cost or hassle.

  • Full-time liveaboards or digital nomads? Absolutely—it changes everything, from safety to comfort.

  • Ocean crossers? Starlink can feel like a lifeline, but always keep Iridium or another backup for safety.


The real question isn’t just money. It’s whether being connected adds to—or takes away from—your time at sea. Some sailors love streaming and working from anchor. Others see it as a distraction. You can also travel back in time through the eyes of sailors before Starlink came aboard—check out Starlink at Sea: How Satellite Internet Is Changing Life Aboard.


FAQs: Starlink for Cruisers in 2025


How much does Starlink really cost per month for a boat?Most cruisers use the Roam plan at $165/month. Maritime plans start at $250 but climb quickly with data.


Does Starlink work offshore?Yes, in many regions—but service depends on Starlink allowing it. In international waters, many cruisers report success with Roam, but expect cutoffs near restricted coasts.


How much power does Starlink need daily?At 60–100W continuous draw, expect about 1.5–2.5 kWh per day. That’s a lot for a modest cruising setup.


Is Starlink cheaper than Iridium?Yes, for data-heavy use. Iridium is still better for emergency coverage everywhere, but too slow and expensive for daily internet.


Can I pause Starlink service?Yes—you can suspend billing when you’re not cruising and restart later. Handy if you only sail seasonally.



For many cruisers, Starlink is no longer a luxury—it’s part of the toolkit, alongside charts, radios, and solar panels. But whether it’s worth it depends on your budget, your power system, and how much you truly want to be online when you’re out at sea.


⚓ What about you? Would you pay $165 a month to stay connected offshore, or do you prefer to switch off once the lines are cast?


📩 For more real-world tech guides and cruiser insights, subscribe to Sailoscope and sail smarter.





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