Starlink Uploads Jump 43% as Download Speeds Stall at 145-170Mbps in 2026 Tests
Updated
Updated · PCMag · Jun 5
Starlink Uploads Jump 43% as Download Speeds Stall at 145-170Mbps in 2026 Tests
1 articles · Updated · PCMag · Jun 5
Summary
PCMag’s 2026 Starlink tests found average download speeds stuck at 145Mbps to 170Mbps, below both the top-tier plan’s 400Mbps marketing and the 200Mbps level promised on cheaper residential tiers.
Upload and latency data improved instead: average uploads rose 43% year over year, latency averaged 21.5ms, and more than 67% of 18,000 measurements came in under 20ms.
The results point to a maturing network where congestion and plan prioritization matter more than raw peak speed, with the reviewer arguing Residential Max buyers are increasingly paying for steadier service during busy hours.
Starlink’s newer pricing structure now spans $55 Residential 100, $85 Residential 200, and $130 Residential Max, complicating the value equation as lower tiers may offer better bang for users who only need better-than-DSL performance.
The shift comes as Starlink approaches a June IPO and already generates more than 60% of SpaceX revenue, raising pressure to balance growth, profitability, and competition from Amazon’s LEO service.
With Starlink's top speeds stalling, are cheaper plans a better deal than paying extra for priority service?
As its network strains before a major IPO, can Starlink fend off looming competition from Amazon's Project Kuiper?
What is the hidden environmental cost of Starlink's thousands of satellites burning up in Earth's atmosphere?
Starlink in 2026: Performance, User Impact, and the Race to 10 Million Subscribers
Overview
By mid-2026, Starlink has greatly improved its network performance, building on progress made in late 2025. This leap is mainly due to a major expansion of its satellite constellation, which surpassed 10,000 satellites by February 2026. The rollout of new Generation 3 satellites, offering about ten times the downlink capacity of earlier models, has supported these gains. As a result, Starlink’s subscriber base more than doubled, reaching 10 million users. These advancements have led to faster speeds, better consistency, and lower latency, making Starlink a leading choice for reliable internet, especially in underserved areas.