What Is Starlink Standard Actuated? How It Differs From Standard and Mini Kits
By RSINC editorial team | Updated
The Starlink Standard Actuated is the older rectangular Starlink dish with built-in motors. It tilts and turns itself to find the best view of the sky. The current Standard kit has no motors. You set its angle on a kickstand or mount and use the Starlink app to aim it. Both connect to the same network and plans, but the Actuated kit uses an older router, a different cable and its own power setup.
Compare the Starlink provider guide with our satellite internet comparison when weighing alternatives.
If you're looking at a used or clearance Starlink kit, knowing which one you're getting matters for setup, wired connections and replacement parts.
Standard Actuated vs. Standard vs. Mini
| Kit | Dish | Router | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Actuated | Motorized, aims itself | Older Wi-Fi 5 router that also powers the dish; Ethernet needs an adapter | Buyers getting a used kit at a low price |
| Standard (current) | No motors; aimed with the app | Newer Wi-Fi router with Ethernet ports | Most new home installs |
| Mini | Small and portable | Wi-Fi built into the dish | Travel, RVs and backup |
For a closer look at the two current kits, see Starlink Standard vs. Mini.
How to tell which kit you have
- An Actuated dish sits on a single mast and moves on its own after it powers up.
- Its router is a tall white unit with no Ethernet ports on the back.
- The current Standard dish has a kickstand and doesn't move by itself.
- The Starlink app shows your hardware version under Settings once the kit is connected.
Setup and wired connections
The Actuated dish is simple to set up, since it aims itself. Its router has no Ethernet ports, so you need Starlink's Ethernet adapter to plug in a computer, console or mesh system. The current Standard kit has ports on the router and a separate power supply. Our Starlink router comparison explains the differences.
What to check before buying a used Actuated kit
- Ask the seller to remove the dish from their Starlink account before you pay. You can't activate it until they do.
- Check that the full cable, router and base are included and undamaged. Cables are specific to this kit.
- Power it on and watch the dish move to its starting position.
- Check that Starlink sells the plan you want at your address. Some lower-priced plans are only offered in select areas.
- Compare the price against a new kit. Starlink sometimes offers new hardware at low or no upfront cost depending on your address.
If you live where cable and fiber don't reach, the three satellite internet options are Starlink, Viasat and Hughesnet. Viasat speeds vary by plan, address and network conditions; advertised speeds are not guaranteed. Our Hughesnet vs. Viasat vs. Starlink comparison covers the trade-offs.
For help comparing internet at your address, call RSINC at 1-877-697-2926 or compare local providers.
Reviewed October 29, 2026. Availability, prices and terms can change.