📰 News — 2026
Starlink unveiled its next-generation residential dish, the V5. Smaller, nearly half the weight, half the power draw, and far more wind-resistant than the V4 it replaces. For Canada — winter winds, off-grid cabins, solar setups — it’s a well-timed upgrade. Here are the specs, how it compares to the V4 and Mini, and whether you should wait before ordering.
A nice step up — but no reason to wait to get connected
The V5 rolls out gradually by zone. If it’s offered at your address, great. If not, the current dish is still excellent and contract-free — you can look at a swap later. What matters is being connected now.
What changes with the V5
- Almost half the surface area of the V4, and lighter (2.4 lb) than the Starlink Mini itself.
- 50% less power: 35-50 W average, versus 75-100 W for the V4. Excellent for solar, 12V and off-grid installs.
- Far more wind-resistant: rated to 165 mph operational, versus 60 mph for the V4. Reassuring for exposed roofs and high winds.
- Speeds up to 375+ Mbps, plenty for 4K streaming, remote work and online gaming.
- Built for the coming gigabit era: the new hardware is positioned to handle the capacity of upcoming V3 satellites.
V5 vs V4 vs Mini
| Spec | V5 (new) | V4 | Mini |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 384 × 306 mm | 594 × 383 mm | 298.5 × 259 mm |
| Weight | 2.4 lb | 6.4 lb | 2.43 lb |
| Power (avg) | 35-50 W | 75-100 W | 20-40 W |
| Wind rating | 165 mph | 60 mph | — |
| Field of view | 110° | 110° | 110° |
| Weather rating | IP67 Type 4 | IP67 Type 4 | IP67 Type 4 |
| Snow melt | 40 mm/h | 40 mm/h | 40 mm/h |
| Operating temp | -30 °C to 50 °C | -30 °C to 50 °C | -30 °C to 50 °C |
Three gains speak directly to Canadian reality: the wind rating (165 mph) for storms and exposed roofs, the low power draw (35-50 W) ideal for a solar cabin or a 12V setup, and the retained automatic snow melt (40 mm/h) for winter. The V5 keeps the -30 °C to 50 °C range, tested for our cold.
Should you wait for the V5?
No. The V5 rolls out first in select launch zones, then expands as production scales. Since Starlink has no contract, you can sign up today with the dish offered at your address and consider a swap once the V5 is widely available. Nothing to gain by staying offline.
Learn more
- Starlink dish models compared (Standard, Mini, Performance)
- Pricing, plans and hardware costs 2026
- Starlink winter performance in Canada
Specs per Starlink’s July 2026 announcement. Rolling out gradually by zone. Last updated: August 2026.
*1 free month of Starlink service (equal to your plan) automatically credited 30 days after activation of your service, when you order through our official referral link RC-DF-7650727-61403-46. Official SpaceX program. No extra cost to you: same price as starlink.com. FastSat.ca receives a referral reward ($140 in cash or credit) for each referral, which funds the site.