Mobile Internet Options: Is Starlink The Best RV Internet

Introduction

RV owners, stop wasting your money on crappy internet service! 

Our comprehensive evaluation of mobile internet solutions will give you peace of mind in choosing the the best option for RV owners on the move. We walk through all the popular RV internet services available and share our opinions on each. As a family that enjoys RV Life when exploring National Parks, we have years of experience searching for the best RV internet. 

This article is geared toward digital nomads, travel-loving families, weekend warriors, and full-timers. Even full-time residents of stationary RVs in urban RV parks will benefit from our detailed research of internet options for RVers!

RV Internet Options by Our Campfire Unplugged

TL;DR: Let’s Get Straight to The Point

We are fellow RVers who spent years trying to find the best internet. Take the shortcut from our miserable experience and go with Starlink, which is hands down the BEST RV INTERNET!

If you want to jump into more details, we don’t blame you. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Internet Needs: Assess your usage. Learn the important considerations for finding your best mobile internet option.
• Common Options: From free WiFi to Satellite Starlink we explore all the options RVers have! We include the Pros and Cons of each!
• Detailed Analysis of the Top Providers: As data driven nerds, we like to get to the core of why option 1 is better than option 2. Our money is valuable and we want to maximize the value for the dollar!
• Specialized Services: Finally, we explore a unique idea of having your own IT support team for one low monthly rate which includes unlimited monthly internet!

Understanding Your Internet Needs

Remember the days of dial-up internet? You had to make sure your landline phone was not being used, then your computer dialed a number for AOL and took minutes to connect and finally you were “on-line”. 

Sara and I fondly remember the pre-internet days. We barely had internet in our home, much less in the palms of our hands!

In less than 25 years, our connectivity has gone from nice to have to a can’t live without it must have! Madeline and Jack have never known a world without highspeed internet connection EVERYWHERE!

Assess Your Usage:

Let’s break this down a little more.

If you need to access the Internet daily for work for video conferencing or calls, you will want a strong Internet option and a backup connection. Starlink and an excellent mobile hotspot may be your best options.

However, if streaming, browsing, and traveling to more urban areas or developed RV campgrounds, a strong mobile hotspot and cellular booster may be your best options.

If you need to get online infrequently, travel alone, stay in developed RV campgrounds, then Free Wifi or Campground WiFi may be your best option.

Common RV Internet Options

Let’s discover the most common RV internet options so you can stop rolling the dice on your internet connection! We reveal the value and drawbacks each option offers. These are the most common RV internet options:

• Free Wifi (Campground, Coffe Shops, Library) 
• Cellular Service (Smartphone or Mobile Hotspot)
• Satellite (Viastat, Starlink)
• 5g Cellular Home Internet
• Bonus – Full Outsourced IT Department in your RV

Free Internet – Campgrounds, Coffee Shops, WiFi

My frugal self loves this option! In fact, I sat on the steps of the public library in Newberry, Michigan, for about 5 hours “borrowing” their WiFi. 

On our 10-day journey around Lake Michigan, I was a finance executive for my company, which was navigating a business sale transaction! The bankers did not understand that the concept of vacation is to unplug. Needless to say, I had to knock out a few things.

Campground, Coffee Shop, Local Library WiFi

Campground WiFi could be better. In our experience, it’s mostly miss! At some campgrounds, the WiFi is “FREE,” included in the overnight price, while other campgrounds contract with a third party, and users pay a daily rate to access the internet. I paid for WiFi at a Thousand Trails “resort” in Cave City, KY, and was 100% underwhelmed. The internet was so slow!

Pros of Using Campground Public WiFi

• Free or low-cost
• Widely available at many RV campgrounds and public places

Cons of Using Campground Public WiFi

• Slow speeds
• Network congestion
• Away from your campsite
• Security concerns (use a high-quality VPN)

Did You Know: Public WiFi is NOT Secure. Keep your private data private with a virtual private network from Nord VPN.

Cellular Service – Personal Hotspots (Smartphone or Mobile Hotspot)

Accessing the internet through a cellular phone can be hit and miss by either a smartphone or mobile hotspot. Many variables impact the quality of the signal: 

• Location of the nearest cell phone tower
• Number of users accessing the cell phone tower
• Obstructions that weaken the signal (e.g., we found cell signals don’t travel very well through RV walls)

Every year, the major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) invest significant dollars in their networks and equipment. The push to 5g coverage has boosted cellular signals across the country.

Even with improved cellular signals, the carrier you use may not be strong in the area you’re camping. Or you might be using a discount carrier like Boost Mobile and lack access to the best signal. We recommend selecting a provider like Solis that connects to the strongest cell signal in the area!

Pros of Using Hotspots

• Simple setup
• No additional equipment need
• Great for less intense use (e.g., lower volume of streaming, no video calls or gaming)
• Great for internet connectivity while driving (for passengers!)

Cons of Using Hotspots

• Data limitations. Is unlimited REALLY unlimited?
• Variable speeds. Throttled speed after reaching data limits or significant usage of the cellular signal by other users
• 100% dependent on cellular signal. Cell boosters MUST have a signal to boost!

Pro Tip: Unlimited is not really unlimited. We reached a data threshold and had our speed throttled back to 3g!

RV Satellite Internet (e.g., Starlink)

There are several RV satellite internet options, but there is really only ONE true portable option designed for RV camping— STARLINK! 

Satellite Internet uses a network of orbiting satellites to send a signal to the satellite dish. Satellite dishes must have a clear view of the sky, and the direction depends on the company. For example, Starlink needs a northern sky view, and Hughes needs a southern sky view. 

Hughesnet Junpier 3 Satellite is “portable,” but it is large and heavy (53 pounds). Speeds are not particularly fast either (up to 25mbps down and 3mbps up).

According to Viasat’s website, mobile satellite options are not available at this time (Summer 2024).

With the two closest competitors who are not really competitors, that leaves STARLINK!

If you’re ready for reliable internet options that deliver on their promises, keep reading to solidify your decision to move to Starlink today!

Pros to Using Satellite Starlink Roam

• Fast internet 50+mbps down
• Unlimited data
• Lightweight and highly portable
• Pause data plan when not using
• Low latency (e.g., strong, steady connection)
• Works for streaming, internet surfing, gaming, email, massive spreadsheet analysis, etc.
• Sets-up under 5 minutes!

Cons to Using Satellite Starlink Roam

• High costs. Initial investment is $500 to $600+, plus monthly data plan is $150 per month.
• The data plan must be paused for 30 days to count as paused
• Needs a clear view of the northern sky
• Potential speed throttling if exceeds data usage OR high user volume in an area (we’ve not experienced this)
• Video calls can be spotty, depending on how clear the sky really is!

Outsource Your IT Needs to The RV IT Guy

Does setting up a private network sound terrifying? Maybe it’s something your kids will have to figure out. Well, you should consider outsourcing your IT needs, including WIFI, to the RV IT Guy. 

The RV IT Guy is a full-service IT firm that specializes in keeping RVers connected on the go. For a low monthly fee, they offer cellular-based Wifi and IT support for all your devices. They support all of these and more:

• Smartphones
• Tablets (iPad, Android)
• Laptop computers (Macbook & Windows)
• Cloud-based networks…never have an issue accessing your photos again!
• And more!!!

Pros of Using the RV IT Guy

• Instant IT support for all your devices
• Affordable monthly rates for secure WiFi
• Receive your equipment configured to meet your needs

Cons of Using the RV IT Guy

• Cellular-based network, unless you subscribe to Starlink separately
• Potential the call center is not available when your IT need occurs

Home Internet Services for RV Use

Home internet devices like AT&T Air, Verizon 5g Home, and T-Mobile 5g Home Internet are stronger and more powerful than their mobile hotspot counter parts. However, all three carriers explicitly state on their websites these devices are designed for use at a fixed location.

This eliminates using these devices while traveling. Reading forums, Facebook, and more, it’s clear RV users are pushing the boundaries on the terms and conditions. While remote usage may be available at present, there is no guarantee the device will work away from a specific address in the future. 

In other words, it is important to study the facts and make a decision. We’re conservative and would err on the side of using a mobile option or satellite Starlink.

Pros of Using Home Internet Devices

• Very high-speed cellular data delivered over a 5g network
• Large data caps. These are designed for everyday uses like streaming, gaming, work, etc., so users are allocated massive data caps!
• Easy to set up. Most systems are set up in less than 15 minutes!
• Low prices. The price alone may compel many RVers to try this solution. Monthly prices range from $35 (Verizon), $40 (T-Mobile), $47 (AT&T). Like all cellular plans the devil is in the details so read the fine print!

Cons of Using Home Internet Devices

• Location restrictions, potential enforcement of fixed-location use.

Detailed Analysis of Top Providers

We evaluated several RV internet options to determine the best internet for your RV travels. When it comes to internet providers via cellular networks, we recommend using a provider with technology that automatically selects the strongest and best cell signal for the area you are in! 

We also uncovered a hidden gem…a fully do-it-for-me service provided by RV IT Guy. If the thought of keeping your rig fully connected to the internet gives you nightmares, the RV IT Guy answers your problems!

Starlink

Starlink is the best option for fast internet in your RV. 

Pros of Starlink RV Internet

• Starlink connection is fast and reliable with low latency
• Secure internet connection anywhere you travel
• Easy set up and take down
• Fast connection to all your devices
• Does not rely on cellular network
• Starlink Roam internet can be paused (keeps the cost more affordable)
• Affordable internet for RV travel

Cons of Starlink

• Investment in the Starlink dish is significant appx $500+
• Works best with a clear view of the northern sky
• Starlink RV data may be throttled after exceeding thresholds
• Use while in motion requires special equipment and data plan

RV IT Guy

If the thought of connecting your devices to the internet, dealing with computer headaches, etc. sounds like a great way to ruin your RV trip, then The RV IT Guy is your solution! 

The DIYer in me likes to “fix” everything, but leaving things to the pros is almost always faster and better. 

If Do It For Me is your problem-solving solution keep reading for the Best RV IT support in the industry from the RV IT Guy.

Pros of The RV IT Guy

• Easy done for you solution. One stop support for ALL your technology (internet, computers, tablets, phones, cloud storage, TVs, Apple, Windows, Android, etc.)
• Low price for unlimited IT support from IT Professionals based in the USA!
• Works with your existing internet (Starlink) or access the internet with a hotspot from the RV IT Guy
• Secure Internet through Private networks. Save money and stay secure. With RV IT Guy, you don’t need to purchase a separate VPN.
• Unlimited monthly data AND IT support starting at $99

Cons of The RV IT Guy

• Uses cellular service. No cell signal = no coverage (unless you have Starlink and connect via their Beacon device)

RV IT Guy service is the best option for anyone who wants zero hassle internet! The is perfect for RV entrepreneurs operating their business from the road. Running a business is tough! Eliminate the stress of IT problems by signing up for full IT support with the RV IT Guy!

Solis

If you want cutting-edge technology that scans for the best cell coverage, then Solis Hotspots are your best choice! Solis offers global internet access (135 countries) with the proper equipment and a monthly service plan. Anywhere your travels take you, there is a Solis plan that will ensure coverage.

Pros of Solis

• Small, light-weight, rugged hotspots
• Automatic cellular signal change between the strongest carrier in your area
• Long battery life
• Up to 100 mbps speed
• Pay-as-you-go programs are available for infrequent usage. Buy Day passes or by the GB
• Share your internet connection with 16 devices
• Pay by the month or by the Gigabyte of data used

Cons of Solis

• Costs – Hotspot devices start around $160 and increase in price based on features like 5g and size. Get the latest prices here
• No signal = No internet
• Monthly subscriptions start as low as $6 for 1 Gig of data (billed monthly) and increase to nearly $100 per month for global data
• Cons: Limited high-speed data, expensive additional data.
• Costs: $140 startup, $49/month.

If you travel globally, then Solis may be a good option or want an affordable backup to your Starlink connection. The pay by the gigabyte is an attractive offer!

Nomad Internet

Our comments are based on reading and reviewing Nomad Internet’s website. 

Pros of Nomad Internet

• 3 Service Tiers
  • Unlimited Residential (stationary use) – unlimited data with speeds up to 100 mbps. Priced at $109 per month.
  • Unlimited Travel (use at home AND on the go) – unlimited data with speeds up to 100 mbps. Priced at $129 per month.
  • Unlimited Power Plan (for high demand users like business or gamers) – unlimited data with speeds up to 200 mbps. Priced at $149 per month.
• Runs on 4 and 5g networks
• Connect all your devices
• No credit check
• No data limit
• No contracts; cancel anytime
• Free 14 day trial

Cons of Nomad Internet

• Cost – $399 one time membership + Modem purchase
• Modem purchase – price ranges from Free (Special offer on the Nomad Rural One) to $600+ for the Nomad Raptor.
• Specific modems needed for higher speed or mobile internet plans
• Uses cellular signals which may not be available at your destination

Nodman Internet may be a good idea if you don’t want to commit to Starlink, but in our opinion Starlink remains the best solution because the cost (initial and monthly costs) are very comparable to Nomand Internet’s pricing.

Existing Smartphone Hotspot

Using your existing smartphone as a hotspot may be a good idea if your internet needs are minimal on your RV camping trips. Let’s face it, you probably enjoy RV Life because you can disconnect from the rest of world for a while. 

So, avoid overcomplicating your life by keeping things simple! Simply use your existing smartphone as a hotspot. 

Pros of Smartphone Hotspot

• Affordable – No additional hardware (modems, satellite dishes, etc.) to purchase. No additional monthly cost.
• Keep it simple – Simply navigate to your phone’s settings, select use as hotspot, and connect your device(s) to your smartphone (that’s the process for an iPhone).
• Strong networks from the Big 3 cellular providers. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all have excellent 4g LTE and 5g networks. 

Cons of Smartphone Hotspot

• Requires a cell signal
• Speeds may be reduced based on network usage
• Cellular signal may not be strong through your RV walls

Using your existing smartphone hotspot maybe a great option for urban RV parks or campgrounds close to a strong cell tower. In addition, you can probably add unlimited data to your existing cell phone plan for a great price or maybe no increased cost!

Tips for Getting Great Internet in Your RV

Plan Your Travels Around Signal or Service

Plan ahead. Planning ahead usually makes everything less stressful…including locating quality high-speed internet signals. 

Tools like cellular coverage maps, by carrier, help identify where you may find coverage or have gaps! Apps like Coverage or Open Signal or Cellmapper are great options to download before you travel!

Checkout campground reviews on RV Life Trip Wizard to learn about WiFi signal strength. Campground reviews in RV Life include internet speed ratings by carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Starlink, etc.).

If you absolutely must have internet and the internet is not readily available in your chosen destination, then choose another place! Yes, it sucks to delay a special trip, but if you need the internet you can figure out if it’s available before it’s too late.

Have More Than One Option

As RVers we know having a plan gives us options when things don’t go according to plan. There are several ways to create options to make sure you always have the best RV internet. 

Here’s how we create options:

• Option 1 – Starlink. We’re raving fans of Starlink.
• Option 2 – Mobile Hotspot. We use a Verizon In Hand modem with router (wireless and wired).
• Otpion 3 – Public WiFi with a VPN. In this case we use campground, coffehouse, library, or any other available WiFi. Since getting Starlink, this is a LAST resort otpion!

Here is another option some RVers use:

• Maintain data plans with more than one carrier. To keep this affordable, we recommend Travel Fi or Nomad Internet. These services use multiple carrier networks to supply the best signal

Tools to Improve Connectivity

We tried cellular antennas and boosters before jumping to Starlink. Admittedly, I purchase a middle of the road unit from Amazon and my results were awful. Our booster made the cellular signal weaker! 

Other RVers RAVE about high-end antennas and boosters from brands like weBoost and HiBoost. Cell boosters amplify the cell signal so it’s more usable. High end brands like weBoost and HiBoost get excellent reviews for their ability to amplify a cell signal pretty much anywhere. 

The weBoost equipment promises easy setup, installation videos to walk users through the easy process, US-based customer support, a one time fee…buy it and forget it, and a maintenance-free product. 

After trying a lesser-quality competitor, we did not have the patience for another cell booster and opted for Starlink. If you are space constrained, looking for a one-time purchase, and no monthly fees, weBoost or HiBoost may be your best option.

 Based on reviewing Amazon and YouTube reviews here are our top picks for cellular antennas, boosters, and Wi-Fi Extenders.

Conclusion: The Best RV Internet

Summary

There are several RV internet options depending on your needs and scenarios. 

• Personal hotspots are simple and great for light use, but they depend heavily on cellular signals. 
• Mobile hotspot devices and routers offer more dedicated data and faster connections but come with additional costs. 
• Home internet services provide high-speed options but are often restricted to fixed locations. 
• Public and campground Wi-Fi are cost-effective but unreliable and insecure. 
• RV satellite internet like Starlink offers fast speeds and unlimited data, making it ideal for those who need reliable internet in remote locations.

RV Internet Options by Our Campfire Unplugged

Final Recommendation

Understanding your personal needs and budget constraints is crucial in choosing the best internet setup for your RV lifestyle. If you’re a digital nomad, a family traveling frequently, or even a stationary RV resident, evaluating how often you use the internet, the number of users, types of activities, and your travel style will help you make an informed decision.

After a thorough evaluation, we recommend Starlink. It provides the best choice for reliable and high-speed internet connection, perfect for remote work, streaming, and staying connected no matter where your travels take you.

Choose the best option for your unique needs and enjoy hassle-free internet on the road!

Additional Resources

FAQs

1. What are the best RV internet options for frequent travelers?

Frequent travelers should consider Starlink for its reliability and high-speed internet access, even in remote areas. For those who travel primarily in urban areas, mobile hotspot devices and routers from major carriers like Verizon and AT&T offer good connectivity. Combining both can ensure you always have a reliable connection.

2. Is using a smartphone hotspot a viable option for RV internet?

Using a smartphone hotspot is a simple and cost-effective solution for light internet use. However, it has limitations such as data caps, variable speeds, and reliance on cellular signals. It’s a good option for occasional use but not ideal for heavy internet activities like streaming or remote work.

3. Can I use home internet services designed for fixed locations in my RV?

While home internet services like AT&T Air and Verizon 5G Home Internet offer high speeds, they are typically restricted to fixed locations. Some RVers use them successfully on the road, but there’s no guarantee they will work away from your home address, and carriers may enforce location restrictions.

4. How secure is public Wi-Fi and campground Wi-Fi for RV internet?

Public Wi-Fi and campground Wi-Fi are convenient and often low-cost options, but they come with security risks and typically slower speeds. To protect your data, always use a VPN when connecting to public networks. These options are best used as a backup rather than a primary internet source.

5. What is the difference between a Smartphone Hot Spot and a Mobile Hotspot?

Great question! Smartphones have a setting that allows users to broadcast a cellular signal. The network is generally password-protected and as secure as your cellular connection.

Mobile Hotspots are devices dedicated to receiving a cellular signal and transmitting that signal via an internal WIFI router. These networks are private and password-protected. The downside is the Mobile Hot spot is one more piece of equipment to purchase, transport, and pay a monthly bill on. 

Usually, users purchase Mobile Hotspots from their traditional carrier, and the bundling effect can make the monthly price affordable. Other times, users purchase a specific hotspot like Nomad Internet or Solis which are more robust cellular options.

6. Why is Starlink recommended as the best internet option for RVs?

Starlink is recommended due to its fast speeds, unlimited data, and ability to provide reliable internet access even in remote areas. It’s designed specifically for RV use, making it ideal for both frequent travelers and those in stationary RVs. Despite the higher initial and monthly costs, its performance and reliability make it the best choice for staying connected on the road.

7. What Are Other Hot Spot Considerations

Your existing mobile phone plan may include an option to use your smartphone as a hotspot. We use this option when en route and the kids want internet, which is 100% of the time!

Recently, the major cellular carriers (AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile) launched 5g home Internet service. Many RV campers have subscribed to this service and bring their home internet device on camping trips. 

We understand T-Mobile does not allow this and may be taking steps to prevent users from using their 5g home internet device away from home. We don’t recommend this approach because there is no guarantee the device will work away from your home address!

About Us

We are Mike and Sara, and our kids and dog are exploring the US while camping in our fifth wheel! Since the late 90s we have been exploring the great outdoors one hiking trail at a time. We introduced our kids to hiking while they were young and they love exploring new places. We call Kentucky home and we find ourselves exploring the state parks, national parks, and other wildlands in our area as often as we can!

Our RV camping journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Waking up close to the trails we love hiking was enough for us to get hooked on the camping lifestyle! Thanks for following our adventures!