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Starlink for Vans UK Review
Starlink is Elon Musk's satellite internet service. It is a game-changer for remote van life — but only if you have the power to run it. Here is the honest UK review.
The Reality
Starlink is faster than 4G in most remote areas. It works on the NC500, in the Scottish Highlands, on Dartmoor — anywhere with a clear view of the sky. But it draws 40-75W continuously. That is 5-10x what a 4G router draws.
| Factor | Starlink | 4G/5G with external antenna |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 50-200Mbps | 10-100Mbps (depends on signal) |
| Latency | 20-40ms | 30-60ms |
| Coverage | Everywhere | Only where there is a mast |
| Power draw | 40-75W | 8-15W |
| Cost (hardware) | £350 | £100-200 |
| Cost (monthly) | £75 (Roam plan) | £18-25 (unlimited SIM) |
The Power Problem
This is the dealbreaker for many van lifers. Starlink draws:
- 75W during startup (2-3 minutes)
- 40-50W during normal use
- Peak 100W during snow melt mode (rare in UK) To run Starlink for 4 hours of work + 8 hours of standby (for the next morning):
- 4h × 50W = 200Wh
- 8h × 10W (standby) = 80Wh
- Total: 280Wh = 23Ah from a 12V battery A 100Ah lead-acid battery (usable 50Ah) runs Starlink for about 2 days without solar charging. A 100Ah lithium (usable 80Ah) runs it for 3-4 days. Practical minimum: 100Ah lithium + 200W solar. This handles Starlink in UK summer (6-8 hours of sun). In winter, you need EHU or a 200Ah+ battery.
Setup in a Van
You need the Starlink "Roam" plan (for mobile use). The standard dish comes with a stand that sits on the ground or roof. Roof-mount options: a magnetic roof mount (£30 from Etsy/Amazon) or a purpose-built van mount (£80). Cable routing: The cable is 15m — more than enough for any van. Route it through a roof gland (waterproof entry, £20) or through a side window (the cable is flat enough to close the window on).
Is It Worth It?
YES if:
- You work remotely and need reliable video calls
- You spend time in areas with poor 4G (NW Scotland, Lake District valleys, Welsh mountains)
- You have a lithium battery + solar setup already NO if:
- You only camp in areas with good 4G (most of England, central belt Scotland)
- You have a small battery (100Ah lead acid or less)
- You are on a tight budget (£350 hardware + £75/month is steep)
4G/5G vs Starlink Decision
| Scenario | Choose |
|---|---|
| "I work from the van in England" | 4G/5G router (£80 + £18/month) |
| "I work from the van in NW Scotland" | Starlink |
| "I am a digital nomad needing 100% uptime" | Starlink + 4G as backup |
| "I only use internet for browsing and email" | 4G/5G |
| "I have a 200Ah lithium and 400W solar" | Both, use Starlink for work |
Verdict
Starlink is the best internet for remote UK van life, but the power draw makes it a non-starter for vans with small batteries. If you have 100Ah lithium + 200W solar, and you work from the van, it is worth the £75/month. For everyone else, a 4G router + external antenna + unlimited SIM for £18/month is better value.
