Quick summary: SpaceX has revealed the Starlink Mini 2, the next generation of its small, portable satellite internet dish. The biggest upgrade is a swappable battery that runs the dish for up to 4.5 hours without a power cable. Early invite-only preorders cost $999, but that price includes a full year of service. Here is everything we know so far and whether you should wait for it.
What is the Starlink Mini 2?
The original Starlink Mini launched in 2024 as a laptop-sized dish with a built-in Wi-Fi router. It became popular with campers, van-lifers, boat owners, field workers and people in remote villages. The Mini 2 keeps the same basic idea, a compact dish you can carry in a backpack, but removes its biggest weakness: the need for an external power source.
Starlink Mini 2 key specs
| Feature | Starlink Mini 2 | Starlink Mini (1st gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Removable 71 Wh battery, up to 4.5 hours | No battery (needs external power) |
| Charging | USB-C, around 60 W | DC power cable or USB-C PD |
| Weight | About 1.6 kg with battery | About 1.16 kg |
| Field of view | 110 degrees | 110 degrees |
| Weather rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Wi-Fi | Built-in router | Built-in router |
| Price | $999 preorder incl. 1 year Roam Unlimited | Now as low as $149 |
The big upgrade: a quick-swap battery
With the first Mini, you needed a power bank, car socket or wall plug at all times. The Mini 2 has a clip-on battery that slides off in seconds. According to Interesting Engineering, the battery is rated at 71 Wh and weighs a little over 1 pound. You can carry a second battery to double your runtime, or simply plug the dish into a USB-C charger when power is available.
This makes the Mini 2 much more practical for hiking, emergency kits, outdoor events, construction sites and disaster response, where power outlets are rare.
Starlink Mini 2 price: why $999?
The $999 figure surprised many people, since the original Mini now sells for just $149. But the price is not only for hardware. Early buyers get a year of Roam Unlimited service, which SatelliteInternet.com values at about $2,100. In other words, if you were going to pay for a full year of roaming service anyway, the deal is actually reasonable.
There may also be a cheaper option later. Code spotted on Starlink's website referred to a $249 "Mini 2 Beta Kit" and a $50 spare battery. That suggests a lower hardware-only price could arrive once the invite-only phase ends, though SpaceX has not confirmed it.
Release date
Right now preorders are invite-only. The first units are expected to ship in mid-December 2026. A wider public launch, and possibly a lower price, will likely follow in 2027. SpaceX has not yet published official speed numbers for the Mini 2, so real-world tests will be important.
Should you buy the Starlink Mini 2 or the original Mini?
- Buy the original Mini ($149) if you mostly use internet in a car, RV, boat or at home where power is always available. It is the best value today.
- Wait for the Mini 2 if you need internet while walking, camping without a car, or in places with no electricity at all. The built-in battery is a real game-changer for those users.
- Check service availability first. Starlink is not licensed in every country. In Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and several other markets, availability and roaming rules are different, so check Starlink's official map before ordering.
FAQ
How long does the Starlink Mini 2 battery last?
Up to about 4.5 hours on a single charge, depending on usage and weather.
Can I charge it from a power bank?
Yes. It charges over USB-C, so a high-wattage power bank or car charger will work.
Does it work while moving?
Yes. Like the original Mini, it is designed for in-motion use with the right service plan.