Want to know which internet provider is better, Nomad Internet vs Starlink? If yes, then you have stumbled upon the right article.
I’m searching for a reliable internet option for my home, which is far from city conveniences where traditional broadband services like cable or fiber aren’t available.
My choices have boiled down to two main contenders: Nomad Internet vs Starlink.
Nomad Internet caught my attention because it doesn’t require long-term contracts or data caps, so I can use it as much as I want without worrying about extra charges.
This is great for someone like me who enjoys streaming movies and working from home. However, it’s mainly focused on rural areas, which might be perfect given my location.
On the other hand, Starlink, powered by a network of satellites, offers coverage almost anywhere in the world.
This sounds promising as it promises faster speeds and lower latency, which is great for gaming and video calls.
The catch with Starlink is the initial cost of setting up the equipment and its monthly fees, which are quite high compared to traditional services.
After considering all the factors, like setup costs, monthly fees, and the specific needs of my remote location, I’m leaning toward choosing Nomad.
However, what worked for me might not work for you, so I have shared a complete comparison guide between Nomad Internet vs Starlink. I hope it helps.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Nomad Internet vs Starlink: A Quick Review
Nomad Internet is the largest and best wireless internet provider in San Antonio, Texas, and it is also headquartered there.
It provides wireless Internet using Verizon’s network to benefit people with internet connections in rural areas.
Starlink is another American internet service provider owned by Starlink Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX.
Starlink offers satellite internet services, helping people connect in remote areas.
Is Nomad Internet A Good Service?
Every internet provider has its features and offerings. Whether Nomad Internet is a good service depends entirely on availability, your needs, and your budget.
Nomad Internet offers wireless internet on Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G technology, providing reliable coverage nationwide and speeds up to 200 Mbps at affordable prices.
Nomad Internet seems a decent option, especially for those living in rural areas or who travel frequently with RVs or campervans.
Is Starlink A Good Service?
Similarly, whether Starlink is a good service depends on many factors, its availability being the most important.
Compared to other satellite internet, Starlink offers faster download and upload speeds, with lower latency.
This makes it suitable for activities like streaming, video calls, and online gaming (but there can be some potential buffering during peak hours).
It can be a good option for people in underserved areas who need a better alternative to traditional satellite internet and for rural areas with limited or no cable or fiber internet access.
However, the cost, limited availability, and potential for obstructions are important aspects to consider.
Nomad Internet vs Starlink: Plan And Pricing
Here are the plans for Nomad Internet vs Starlink.
Nomad Internet Plan and Pricing
Nomad offers data plans with different data allowances and speeds up to 200 Mbps. In addition to the data plan cost, you must pay a monthly base fee of $15-$25.
The total cost depends on the chosen data plan. The modem has a one-time hardware cost of around $400.
You can find more details on its plans at https://nomadinternet.com/pages/plans.
| Plans | Costs | Rental Equipment Cos |
One Time Equipment Cost |
Benefits |
| Nomad Unlimited Plan | $99.95 monthly | $25/mo. | $299.95 | Download speeds up to 100Mbps
Unlimited 4G LTE and 5G data 1080p HD video streaming Good gaming latency |
| Nomad Unlimited Ultra Plan | $149.95 monthly | $25/mo. | $299.95 | Download up to 200mbps
Unlimited 4G and 5G data 4K HD video streaming, Excellent gaming latency |
Starlink Plan And Pricing
Starlink’s standard plans cost $120 monthly for unlimited data. Depending on the location, you can purchase priority data packages that cost $140 to $500.
Starlink has higher equipment fees ranging from $599 to $2,500, depending on the plan.
You can find details of current pricing on its website https://www.starlink.com/.
| Plan | Price | Equipment fee | Download Speed | Latency |
| Starlink Standard | $120.00/mo. | $599.00 | 20–100Mbps | 25–60ms |
| Starlink Priority | $140.00–$500.00/mo. | $599.00–$2,500 | 40–220Mbps | 25–60ms |
| Starlink Mobile | $150.00–$250.00/mo. | $599.00 | 5–50Mbps | <90ms |
| Starlink Mobile Priority | $250.00–$5,000.00/mo. | $2,500.00 | 40–220Mbps | <90ms |
Nomad Internet vs Starlink: Coverage Map
As said, you cannot get a seamless connection if these internet service providers do not cover your area. So, how is the coverage for Nomad Internet and Starlink?
Nomad Internet Coverage Map
Nomad Internet offers a coverage map to help you see if its service is available in your area. You can check the map at
Nomad Coverage map uses your location to show the expected signal strength from cell towers, including 5G and 4G LTE. You need to enter your address in the provided space and verify its availability at your location.
Nomad uses Verizon, which has the largest national coverage even in rural areas, and Nomad is designed specifically to offer internet services in rural locations. So you can expect good coverage in most remote areas.
Suppose you are unsure about Nomad’s availability in your area, even after checking the coverage map. You can contact the service provider directly at the given contact number to learn about its service.
It is important to note that the map indicates expected coverage based on cell towers, but terrain and other geographical factors can affect actual signal strength and availability.
Starlink Coverage Map
Starlink also offers a coverage map that shows its service availability at your address.
Starlink has broad coverage in the United States, with nearly the entire country being serviceable. However, some regions, particularly rural West Virginia and New Mexico, still have coverage gaps.
These gaps are often due to regulatory constraints or limited network capacity. Starlink Low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites have a shorter direct visibility range than ground stations and stationary satellites.
Nomad Internet vs Starlink: Travelers and RV Users
Out of the two, Nomad Internet is a winner for travelers and RV users.
Nomad Internet has an easy setup and lower upfront cost. Their plans start at $99.95 monthly, whereas Starlink plans start at $120.00/mo.
Nomad also has lower equipment costs, starting at $299.95, whereas Starlink costs $599.00 for equipment.
There is no contract with Nomad; you pay month-to-month and can pause service when not needed; it is the best eSIM service provider for USA tourists. However, it has limited coverage outside the US.
Although speeds may vary depending on location and network congestion, you can expect good internet access with Nomad Internet whether you want it while RVing, off-trail hiking, or in rural locations.
Here is a summary of Nomad Internet vs Starlink for Travelers and RV Users.
| Features | Nomad Internet | Starlink |
| Portability | Excellent | Moderate |
| Set up | Easy | Requires set up |
| Coverage | Only the United States (mostly rural) | Global |
| Speed | Moderate | High |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| In-motion use | Limited | No |
Nomad Internet vs Starlink: Pros And Cons
Learning about the pros and cons of Nomad Internet vs Starlink will help you understand its features.
Nomad Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Rural availability: Nomad Internet caters to people who need internet access in rural locations, often inaccessible by cable or fiber optic providers. |
Cost: Nomad Internet plans can be expensive compared to traditional providers, with a one-time activation fee in addition to the monthly charges.
|
| Mobility: Nomad Internet has no contracts and no data caps, which allows you to stay connected on the go. This is ideal for digital nomads, RV travelers, or anyone who needs internet access in unserved locations. |
Unreliable speeds: Speeds can vary greatly depending on location and distance from the cell tower. Consistent high speeds for streaming or large downloads are not guaranteed.
|
| Wider coverage: Being on Verizon, Nomad Internet claims to have a wide coverage range, providing internet in areas with weak cellular service from major carriers. |
Service variability: Since the service relies on cellular signals, the quality and reliability can vary, potentially affecting connectivity.
|
| Simple setup: Nomad Internet is easy to install. You need its device, and you’re ready to go. |
Limited customer service: Due to the small scale of operations compared to larger providers, it may be challenging to get timely support.
|
| Free trial period: Nomad Internet offers a 7-day money-back guarantee on modem purchases. If you do not like the service, you can return it and get your money back. This can help test the service in your area. |
Dependence on the cellular network: Performance limitations during network congestion or in areas beyond the reach of the carrier’s robust network.
|
Starlink Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Wider availability: Being a satellite internet service, Starlink can provide internet access to remote and rural locations with fixed wireless, cable, or fiber optic lines unavailable. |
Cost: While beneficial for remote areas, Starlink’s upfront equipment cost and monthly subscription fees can be higher than
cable or fiber internet in urban areas. |
| Faster speed: Starlink offers faster download speeds compared to traditional satellite internet, ranging from 25 to 250 Mbps. This is suitable for streaming, video conferencing, and other bandwidth-intensive activities. |
Weather dependence: Despite improvements, Starlink can still experience signal disruptions during heavy rain or
snowfall. |
| Low latency: Thanks to its lower orbiting satellites, Starlink boasts lower latency, which is beneficial for real-time applications like online gaming and video calls. |
Obstructions: For the best performance, the Starlink dish needs a clear view of the sky, and obstructions can lead to connectivity issues.
|
| No data caps: Unlike many satellite providers, Starlink offers unlimited data usage, allowing you to stream and download without worrying about data limits. |
Not available in all areas: Though ideal for rural customers, Starlink is not always the best solution for urban and
suburban areas. |
| Quick recovery: Starlink’s network is less affected by outages caused by ground-based infrastructure failures, making it a reliable option in disaster situations. |
Limited global availability: While expanding, Starlink still lacks full global coverage, making it unavailable in some
regions where it could be highly beneficial. |
Nomad Internet vs Starlink: Customer Reviews
Some providers allow users to share their experience with their services. Customer reviews help you know about the quality of services these providers offer.
So, what do customers say about Nomad Internet vs Starlink?
Nomad Internet Customer Reviews
Nomad Internet is considered a good 4G LTE and 5G Internet for campers, RVers, and other adventure seekers.
While the provider claims to be the largest rural service operator, customers have mixed reviews of its services, with many reports on its limited availability or weak signals in some areas.
Starlink Customer Reviews
Similarly, Starlink has also received mixed customer reviews, with positive feedback from people in underserved areas and some frustration from others.
It has received a good response for offering excellent internet speeds and low latency compared to traditional satellite internet.
On the other hand, its customers have revealed dissatisfaction with higher upfront costs, including the dish and monthly subscription fee, which can be expensive compared to other internet providers.
There is also no option to pause service and avoid monthly charges.
Some users also report difficulty contacting Starlink’s customer support, which can be frustrating when troubleshooting issues.
Nomad Internet vs Starlink: Final Verdict
Ultimately, deciding between Nomad Internet vs Starlink depends on your priorities, needs, and budget.
Nomad Internet is the largest Wireless Internet service offering high-speed Internet for rural communities.
We suggest choosing Nomad Internet if you prioritize portability, frequent in-motion use, and a lower upfront cost. When a potential lower speed with limited coverage (US only) is not a much issue for you.
Otherwise, Starlink’s satellite internet is a good option if you need reliable internet access anywhere in the world, including the United States.
You prioritize speed and latency, do not mind the bulky setup with higher cost, and plan to stay in one location longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which internet provider is cheaper, Nomad Internet vs Starlink?
Nomad Internet has a lower upfront cost than Starlink. Nomad offers various data plans starting at $99.95 monthly fees, whereas Starlink costs $120/mo.
Starlink has an upfront cost for the dish and a monthly subscription fee. Also, there is no option to pause service and avoid monthly charges with Starlink.
Does Starlink offer a 30-day free trial?
Starlink does not offer a 30-day free trial, during which you get internet access for free. However, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on the equipment.
If unsatisfied, you can try Starlink for 30 days and return it for a full refund. You will need to pay the full shipping fee to return the Starlink dish, but you will be reimbursed for the cost of the dish and other hardware.
Does Nomad Internet have contracts?
No, Nomad Internet offers no contracts or credit checks for their service.
How do I know if I can use Nomad Internet?
Nomad Internet offers services using cellular networks so that coverage will vary depending on location. You can check its coverage map on its website to see if it works in your travel areas.
Which is easier to set up, Nomad Internet vs Starlink?
Nomad Internet requires minimal setup; you need to turn it on. Starlink requires finding a clear view of the sky and calibrating the dish for optimal performance.
Add Comment