Internet options in rural areas are limited. Most internet service providers (ISPs) do not provide internet connection in the country’s remote locations due to infrastructural limitations.
However, access to the Internet is essential in both urban and rural regions. Starlink and Nomad deliver internet through satellites and 5G connections to eliminate dead zones in rural areas.
Nomad and Starlink deliver internet in 50 states of the US through wireless connectivity. The speeds offered by these internet providers are not as high as fiber or cable internet, but they allow users to stream HD videos, play online games, and share heavy files.
Let’s uncover significant distinctions between Nomad and Starlink to help you choose the best option for your home internet needs.
Nomad Internet
Nomad Internet opened its doors in 2017 to provide reliable internet connectivity in remote areas and holiday homes.
Nomad decided to expand its services to all 50 states in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic as internet connectivity became a necessity.
Nomad Internet offers three internet plans with a speed range of 20 – 200 Mbps at a starting price of $79.95/mo. The plans are non-contractual and include unlimited data. However, it does apply a data cap of 300 GB on its entry-level Nomad 300GB Rural Plan.
It also offers several modem choices, such as a portable modem, with its internet plans.
Nomad Internet uses Verizon’s cellular service, which offers reliable and consistent speeds without the issues commonly associated with satellite internet, like signal interruption due to weather or obstructed view.
Pros
- No contracts
- Unlimited data with most plans
- Nationwide coverage
Cons
- Higher monthly prices
- Internet speeds vary by locations
Starlink
Starlink is a satellite internet network operated by an American aerospace company called SpaceX. It provides satellite internet services worldwide in almost 99 countries while serving 3 million customers globally.
Starlink provides only one residential internet package that costs $120 per month and has a maximum speed of 220 Mbps. Additionally, Starlink provides two additional internet packages for travelers and RVers. Starlink is also a non-contractual internet service provider offering unlimited internet plans.
As a satellite internet, Starlink does not depend on wired connections. It delivers internet through a constellation of low-orbit satellites to provide internet coverage in underserved areas.
Pros
- Lower latency rate
- Unlimited data
- Non-contractual service
Cons
- Expensive hardware
- Fewer perks
Nomad Internet vs Starlink – Key Differences
| Features | Nomad Internet | Starlink Internet |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Internet | 4G LTE/ 5G | Satellite |
| Price Range | $79.95 – $149.95/mo. | $120.00/mo. |
| Speed Range | 20 – 200 Mbps | 20 -100 Mbps |
| Contracts | No | No |
| Data Caps | Some plans | No |
| Installation Fee | $0.00 | $199.00 |
| Equipment Fee | $99.95 – $299.95 | $499.00 |
| Availability | 50 states | 50 states |
| Guarantee | 14 days money back guarantee | 30-day trial |
Plans & Pricing Details – Nomad Internet vs Starlink
Nomad and Starlink offer few home internet plans to their users. Starlink has only one standard plan with a fixed price of $120 per month for up to 220 Mbps of download speeds. However, most residential users get up to 100 Mbps download speeds without contracts and data limits.
Starlink also offers a business internet plan for $140 to $500 per month with a download speed range of 40–220 Mbps.
In contrast, Nomad Internet plans have a few more options than Starlink. It offers three internet plans starting at $79.95/month and speeds up to 200 Mbps. Although Nomad Internet’s high-speed internet plans include unlimited data, its lower-speed Rural internet package is subject to a data cap of 300 GB.
Both Starlink and Nomad offer a variety of internet options to travelers and digital nomads, as shown below.
Nomad Internet Plans
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomad 300 GB Rural Plan | $79.95/mo.* | 20 Mbps | 4G LTE/5G |
| Nomad Unlimited Plan | $99.95/mo. | 100 Mbps | 4G LTE/5G |
| Nomad Unlimited Ultra Plan | $149.95/mo. | 200 Mbps | 4G LTE/5G |
Starlink Internet Plans
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink Standard | $120.00/mo.* | U to 100 Mbps | Satellite |
Installation Options/Costs – Starlink vs Nomad Internet
Nomad Internet does not charge for installation. However, there is a membership or service activation fee that must be paid during the first billing period.
Starlink provides its users with alternatives for professional and self-installation on roofs. For professional assistance with permanent mounting on roofs or walls, cable routing, and other tasks, Starlink charges $199.
Starlink also offers a self-installation kit with a user terminal (dish), a mount, and a power supply. It is designed to make self-installation easier and includes everything you need to connect to the internet in minutes.
Perks – Starlink vs Nomad Internet
Both Starlink and Nomad Internet offer exciting perks to their customers.
Starlink provides a free self-installation kit, bringing your installation price down to $0. In addition to offering distinct internet plans for RVers, Starlink also offers plans for individuals living or cruising on boats and yachts.
However, its best perk to date is its 30-day free trial, allowing users to test the service and get a full refund in case of dissatisfaction.
In comparison, for a limited time, Nomad Internet is offering a free Nomad Raptor modem to home internet users. It is up to $99.95 in value, but new customers get it for free, and it allows multi-device wireless connectivity for up to 15 devices. Customers also get a 14-day money-back guarantee with every Nomad Internet plan.
Better Option for RVers – Nomad Internet or Starlink?
Nomad and Starlink are great options for those who like being on the road and have proudly embraced the RV life. Their plans keep these new-age nomads connected to the digital world while on the go.
However, there is a difference between Nomad Internet and Starlink’s RV-specific internet plans, prices, and hardware.
Starlink offers a range of hardware to its Roam customers, and the internet plans start at $50 per month. You can get up to 50 GB of data for performing online activities in motion or while stationed in an RV park. The other plan offered by Starlink costs $150 per month and has unlimited data for regional use.
Nomad Internet offers the same internet plans with a different internet router (Nomad Air). In addition to having a built-in WiFi router, DC power input, and a maximum download speed of 100 Mbps, it is compact and lightweight, fitting neatly into a backpack.
Better Option for Gaming – Nomad or Starlink?
Satellite internet is the worst option for online gaming. Traditional satellite internet providers, like Viasat and Hughesnet, have a latency rate of 600 milliseconds (ms). That’s how long it takes for a signal to travel from a satellite in geostationary orbit to users’ devices.
However, Starlink’s latency averages between 25 and 60 ms due to the low-orbit placements of its satellites.
On the other hand, Nomad provides a dedicated modem (Nomad Raptor) for gaming, and the latency ranges between 15 and 30 ms for different games.
Wider Coverage Area – Nomad or Starlink?
Starlink’s availability is far more extensive and widespread than Nomad’s availability.
Starlink offers internet internationally, while Nomad’s coverage is limited to the USA. Nomad is a cellular internet provider that utilizes Verizon’s network. Verizon’s 4G LTE network covers almost 99% of the U.S. population. Verizon has received numerous awards for its 5G network reliability and quality. However, its 5G coverage is spottier than 4G.
Starlink is also available in all 50 states, which makes both providers ideal for internet connectivity in rural and remote locations.
Better Customer Service – Nomad or Starlink?
There are mixed reviews about Nomad and Starlink. Users say that internet access in rural areas is little to no. Starlink is the best option they could have in terms of speed and connection.
However, customers have given the provider a 1-star rating for its customer support. Users complained that Starlink does not offer on-call customer support, and you can only reach the provider by generating a ticket on its website, resulting in delayed assistance.
Nomad Internet’s customer support also lacks responsiveness. Not only does the company not return calls, but when it does, it delays the process. The customers were not satisfied with their internet service because they were paying a high monthly fee for poor connection.
Hence, both Starlink and Nomad were rated “F” by the Better Business Bureau for their customer service.
Nomad vs Starlink Internet – Winner?
The choice between Starlink and Nomad Internet depends on users’ specific internet needs.
Nomad Internet offers three internet plans (with a 300 GB data cap on its slowest plan). While the wireless 4G LTE and 5G internet service are good for nationwide in-motion connectivity, factors like poor customer service, higher latencies, spotty 5G coverage, and data caps can affect Monad Internet’s favorability.
In comparison, Starlink offers one standard plan, which is cheaper than Nomad Internet’s plan and has a faster download speed with unlimited data.
So, even though Starlink has failed in offering customer service excellence, it is the winner in our opinion. Its satellite home internet plan is faster, more affordable, and includes unlimited data for reliable digital connectivity in the country’s underserved areas.
