The starlink rental cost at StarSurf starts at $20 per day, but the daily rate is only one part of the picture. Most renters also want to know about the deposit, the cancellation rules, what’s included in the price and what extra costs might come up on a trip. This guide breaks it all down in plain language, so you can budget with confidence before you reserve.
What the Daily Rate Covers
A rental isn’t just the dish. At StarSurf, the daily rate covers a complete kit:
- The Starlink dish
- A Wi-Fi router that connects phones, laptops, tablets and TVs
- A custom hard case for safe transport
- Unlimited data, already set up
You also don’t pay separately for a Starlink account or subscription. StarSurf manages the account and setup, and every kit is inspected, tested and sanitized before each rental. In other words, the daily rate is the cost of getting online, not just the cost of borrowing hardware.
How Whole-Day Billing Works
Rentals are charged in whole-day intervals. A partial day counts as a full day, so the number of days you pay for depends on when you pick up and when you return.
A simple example: collecting a kit on Friday evening and returning it Monday morning could be counted differently than you expect. Pick-up and drop-off times are flexible, so ask the team how your days will be counted when they confirm your booking. A small change in timing can sometimes save you a full day.
Sample Costs at the Starting Rate
Here is what common rental lengths look like at $20 per day:
- 1 day: about $20
- Weekend (3 days): about $60
- One week (7 days): about $140
- Two weeks (14 days): about $280
- One month (30 days): about $600
These figures are simple multiplications of the starting rate, not quotes. Your final total depends on your dates and availability, so check the booking portal for the exact price.
The $350 Refundable Deposit
Besides the rental fee, StarSurf requires a $350 damage deposit on all rentals. This is not a charge. It’s held while the equipment is with you and returned within 24 to 48 hours after you bring the kit back and it passes inspection.
Plan for it when you book. Make sure the amount is available on your card or account so your reservation goes through smoothly. If you return the kit clean and in working order, you get the deposit back.
The 5% Cancellation Fee
A 5% cancellation fee applies to all reservations. If you cancel within 48 hours of your scheduled pick-up time, no refund is available.
This is easy to avoid. Reserve once your dates are fairly certain, and if your plans might change, contact the team early rather than at the last minute.
Costs That Depend on Your Situation
Some costs aren’t part of the rental fee but are worth planning for:
Getting the kit. Local pick-up in American Fork, Utah is the simplest route if you live nearby, though you’ll spend time or fuel traveling there. If you live farther away, nationwide delivery is available. Ask the team what delivery adds to your total, since it depends on your location and dates.
Power. The dish draws only about 25 to 60 watts and needs a standard 110V AC source. With an outlet or an RV hookup, the cost is minimal. If you’re off the grid, you may need a generator or power station, so factor in fuel or charging. A small 100-watt solar panel can also run it in the right conditions.
Damage or loss. You’re responsible for the equipment while it’s with you. Damage beyond normal wear and tear is the renter’s cost, and equipment that isn’t returned is charged at full retail value. StarSurf doesn’t provide insurance on the equipment unless the law requires it, so handle the kit carefully and keep it in its hard case when you’re not using it.
Is the Cost Worth It?
That depends on how you’d use it. A rental makes sense when your need is temporary: a camping trip, a stay at a remote cabin, a work week away from the office, an outdoor event or a test run before buying.
You pay only for the days you use. There’s no contract to cancel, nothing to store and nothing to resell afterward. If you’d use Starlink most of the year at one address, owning may work out better over time, because the cost of renting adds up on long stretches. For occasional use, renting usually costs far less than ownership.
What Speeds Do You Get for the Price?
Typical speeds are around 75 to 200 Mbps for downloads and 10 to 25 Mbps for uploads. That’s enough for 4K streaming, video conferencing and online gaming. Real speeds depend on your location and how clear the dish’s view of the sky is, so avoid thick trees, tall buildings and cliffs.
Ways to Keep Your Total Down
- Count your days carefully. Whole-day billing means timing matters.
- Book once your dates are firm to avoid the cancellation fee.
- Return the kit on time, clean and in working order so your deposit comes back in full.
- Plan your power so you don’t pay for last-minute fuel or equipment.
- Handle the equipment with care and keep it in the hard case during travel.
Where Can You Use It?
StarSurf’s units are set up for North America, covering the United States, Canada and Mexico. International travel can be arranged with advance notice. Coverage can change, so check Starlink’s official coverage map for your destination.
Renter Responsibilities
Like any equipment rental, there’s an agreement to read when you book:
- Rent is paid in advance.
- Only the person who rented the kit should use it.
- Renters must be 18 or older and follow Starlink’s Acceptable Use Policy.
- The equipment should be returned clean and in the same working condition.
Final Thoughts
The starlink rental cost is simple once you see the pieces: a daily rate from $20, a refundable $350 deposit and a 5% cancellation fee, with everything you need included in the kit. Count your days, plan your power and return the equipment on time, and your total should hold no surprises. To get started, reserve your dates with StarSurf and pick up your kit in American Fork, Utah, or have it delivered.
