SpaceX has quietly launched a new generation of Starlink hardware with the V5 Home Dish, a smaller, lighter and more energy-efficient satellite internet terminal designed for home users.

While download speeds remain largely unchanged from the V4, the latest dish focuses on reducing power consumption, simplifying installation and improving durability.

The V5 dish is around 30% smaller and substantially lighter than its predecessor, making installation easier, particularly on roofs, poles and wall mounts. Perhaps more importantly, average power consumption has been cut dramatically to around 35–50 watts, compared with the V4 system’s 75–100 watts.

The redesigned hardware also features improved weather resistance, with a significantly higher wind tolerance than previous residential models, while maintaining the IP67 weatherproof rating required for outdoor installations.

Despite the redesign, customers shouldn’t expect dramatically faster internet speeds. Starlink continues to advertise download performance of more than 375Mbps, though actual speeds will continue to depend on network congestion, location and subscription plan.

The V5 kit ships with a new compact Wi-Fi router and continues Starlink’s move towards more streamlined consumer hardware as SpaceX expands its global satellite broadband network.

For Australian consumers, the lower power draw could prove to be one of the biggest selling points. Many Starlink users operate in rural and remote areas where electricity costs are higher or systems rely on batteries and solar panels, making reduced energy consumption a practical improvement.

Australia has become one of Starlink’s strongest markets, particularly among households beyond the reach of fibre broadband, with the service increasingly being sold through major retailers.

Initial rollout of the V5 Home Dish is in selected markets, with more availability expected as production ramps up.