Starlink Mini vs. The New $69 Residential Plan: Which is Better for Your Off-Grid Setup?

For Australian adventurers, the dream of exploring the vast, rugged beauty of the Outback has always come with a significant trade-off: disconnection. Whether you’re navigating the red dust of the Kimberley or finding a secluded beach along the Eyre Peninsula, reliable internet was once a luxury reserved for those within reach of a patchy 4G tower.

However, the landscape changed dramatically with the arrival of Starlink. In late 2025, SpaceX further disrupted the market by introducing a new, budget-friendly $69 residential plan alongside the increasingly popular Starlink Mini. For the modern Australian traveller, this presents a new dilemma: should you opt for the ultra-portable Mini or the cost-effective new residential plan for your off-grid setup?

This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and real-world performance of both options to help you decide which is the ultimate companion for your next Aussie adventure.

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The New $69 Residential Plan: High Speed on a Budget?

In December 2025, Starlink introduced its most affordable plan yet in Australia—the $69 Residential Plan. On the surface, it looks like a game-changer for those looking to save on monthly overheads. But as with most "budget" options, there is a catch.

What You Get

The $69 plan is designed for fixed residential use but can be paired with the "Roam" feature for an additional fee, or used at a fixed off-grid base (like a remote station or a permanent bush block). The primary limitation is a speed cap of 100Mbps. While 100Mbps is still significantly faster than most regional NBN connections, it is a step down from the uncapped speeds of the standard residential or mobile priority plans.

The Catch for Travellers

The biggest hurdle for caravanners and 4WDers is that this plan is technically tied to a fixed address. To take it on the road, you typically need to convert it to a "Roam" plan, which often increases the price. However, for those who have a permanent off-grid cabin or a "home base" where they spend most of their time, the $69 plan offers incredible value.

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Starlink Mini: The King of Portability

The Starlink Mini remains the gold standard for those who value space, weight, and ease of setup. Since its launch, it has become the go-to choice for "weekend warriors" and digital nomads alike.

Why the Mini Wins on the Road

The Mini is roughly the size of a laptop and features an integrated Wi-Fi router. This eliminates the need for a separate router box and a tangle of cables inside your van or canopy. It’s designed to be "grab-and-go," fitting easily into a backpack for a hike or a small storage drawer in your 4WD.

The Mini Roam Plan

The Mini often comes with its own specific "Mini Roam" plans, which are designed for mobility. These plans are flexible, allowing you to pause and unpause service based on your travel schedule—a feature that is invaluable for Australians who might only head out for a few weeks at a time.

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Direct Comparison: Head-to-Head

1. Hardware and Initial Cost

The hardware for the new $69 plan is typically the Standard (V4) dish, which often retails around $599 (though sales are frequent). The Starlink Mini hardware is similarly priced but offers a much smaller footprint.

2. Performance: Speed vs. Latency

• The $69 Plan: Capped at 100Mbps download. Latency remains low (25-50ms), making it great for video calls and streaming.
• Starlink Mini: Typically delivers 50-150Mbps. While it isn't "capped" in the same way, its smaller antenna means it can be slightly more sensitive to heavy rain or minor obstructions compared to the larger Standard dish.

3. Power Consumption: The Off-Grid Dealbreaker

For off-grid setups, power is currency.

• Standard Dish ($69 Plan): Draws between 50-75W. Over a 24-hour period, this can put a significant dent in a standard 100Ah AGM battery.
• Starlink Mini: Draws a mere 20-40W. This efficiency is a massive advantage. You can run a Mini for twice as long as a Standard dish on the same battery capacity.

To make the most of this efficiency, we recommend using a dedicated Starlink Mini USB-C to DC Power Cable (3m). This allows you to bypass power-hungry inverters and run your Mini directly from a 12V power station or battery, saving even more energy.

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Mounting and Protecting Your Setup

Regardless of which plan or dish you choose, how you mount it determines your success in the field. Australia’s wind and terrain are unforgiving.

For the Starlink Mini

If you’ve chosen the Mini for its portability, you need a mount that matches.

• The Tripod Option: For quick setups at a campsite, the Outcamp Starlink Mini Tripod Mount provides a stable base on uneven ground.
• The Roof Rack Setup: For those who want to keep the dish off the ground (away from curious dingoes or tripping kids), the Starlink Mini Roof Rack Mount is a permanent, secure solution.
• The Magnetic Mount: If you want to stick it to the roof of your LandCruiser or the side of your van, the Starlink Mini Magnetic Mount offers incredible holding power without drilling holes.

For the Standard Dish (Residential Plan)

The larger dish requires more robust support. The Outcamp Starlink Pole Mount is ideal for attaching the dish to a caravan ladder or a dedicated pole, ensuring you get the height needed to clear nearby trees.

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Protecting Your Investment

Starlink gear isn't cheap, and the Australian environment is harsh. Dust, salt air, and vibrations on corrugated roads can take a toll.

We highly recommend storing your dish in a Starlink Satellite Carry Bag. These bags are padded and weather-resistant, ensuring that when you pull into camp after eight hours on the Oodnadatta Track, your dish is clean and ready to perform.

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Which One Should You Choose?

Scenario A: The Full-Time Nomad

If you live in your caravan 365 days a year and have a robust lithium battery setup (200Ah+), the $69 Residential Plan (with Roam added) might save you significant money over the long term. The larger dish handles adverse weather slightly better, which is important when the internet is your only link to the world.

Scenario B: The Weekend Warrior / 4WD Explorer

If space is at a premium and you’re running a simple dual-battery system, the Starlink Mini is the clear winner. Its low power draw and compact size make it far more practical for short trips and tight pack-outs.

Scenario C: The Remote Worker

If your job depends on 100% uptime and high-quality video calls, the Starlink Mini is often preferred because of its DC-native power options. Being able to run your "office" directly from a portable power station via a Dual DC to DC Power Cable means you don't have to worry about inverter failure or high idle draws.

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Conclusion

The introduction of the $69 residential plan is a win for the Australian consumer, providing a low-cost entry point into the world’s best satellite network. However, for the true off-grid adventurer, the Starlink Mini remains the superior choice due to its revolutionary power efficiency and "all-in-one" design.

At Outcamp, we’ve seen first-hand how the right accessories can transform a Starlink kit from a "fiddly gadget" into a seamless part of your travel kit. Whether you need a flat mount for your canopy or a suction mount for your sunroof, getting the mounting and power right is the key to staying connected in the Great Outdoors.

Ready to upgrade your off-grid setup? Explore our full range of Starlink Mini Accessories and ensure your next trip is your most connected one yet.

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Stay connected. Stay adventurous. Stay Outcamp.