When it comes to the best internet for RVing, reliable connectivity isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity.
Whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, playing online games, running a business on the road, or staying connected with family and friends, dependable internet is crucial for a seamless RV lifestyle.
As a full-time RVer traveling with my spouse and our 8-year-old son, I’ve tried many internet options. After plenty of trial and error, I can confidently say that Starlink is the best internet solution for RVers.
In this article, we’ll explore several internet options for RV life, including their pros and cons, and explain why Starlink stands out as the ultimate pick for internet on the go.
Table of Contents
1. Using Your Cell Phone as a Hotspot
Many RVers start with the simplest solution: using their cell phone as a hotspot. With this option, your phone shares its cellular data connection with other devices like laptops or tablets, creating a mini Wi-Fi network. It’s easy to set up through your phone’s settings and works anywhere you have a good cellular signal.
Pros:
- Convenient and straightforward.
- No additional equipment is needed.
- Affordable if included in your existing plan.
Cons:
- Limited data: Most cell plans cap hotspot data or throttle speeds after a certain limit.
- Reliability: Cell signal strength can be inconsistent, especially in remote locations.
- Performance: Struggles to support multiple devices streaming or gaming simultaneously.
This method is best for light internet users or those traveling in areas with excellent cellular coverage. However, for families like ours that need reliable, high-speed internet for multiple devices, this solution often falls short.
2. T-Mobile Hotspot
T-Mobile’s dedicated hotspot devices are specifically designed for portable internet use. These small gadgets connect to T-Mobile’s cellular network and create a Wi-Fi signal that multiple devices can connect to. Some devices even come with advanced features like extended battery life and better antennas for improved signal strength
Pros:
- Portable and easy to use.
- Plans can offer more data than traditional cell phone plans.
- Decent speeds in urban or suburban areas.
Cons:
- Coverage gaps: T-Mobile’s network isn’t as widespread as other providers, and coverage can be spotty in rural areas.
- Speed issues: Performance drops significantly in areas with weak signal strength.
- Data limits: Even “unlimited” plans often throttle speeds after hitting a cap.
While T-Mobile hotspots are an upgrade from using a cell phone hotspot, they still depend heavily on the quality of the cellular signal in your location, making them less reliable for remote travel.
3. HughesNet
HughesNet is a satellite internet provider that delivers connectivity through a dish installed on or near your RV. This option doesn’t rely on cell towers, making it accessible in locations where cell service is nonexistent. However, the technology behind HughesNet comes with limitations.
Pros:
- Available almost anywhere, as it relies on satellites instead of cell towers.
- Doesn’t depend on proximity to urban areas for connectivity.
Cons:
- High latency: Satellite connections can have significant delays, making gaming and video calls difficult.
- Data caps: Even plans advertised as “unlimited” throttle speeds after a data threshold.
- Expensive: Both equipment and monthly plans can be costly.
- Speed: Often slower compared to other options.
HughesNet’s wide coverage is its main advantage, but its slower speeds and latency issues make it a less attractive option for families who rely on fast, consistent internet.
4. TravlFi Travel Internet
TravlFi is a service marketed specifically for RVers and travelers, using cellular networks to provide internet. It typically involves a dedicated router or hotspot device that connects to one or more cellular networks to create a Wi-Fi signal for your RV.
Pros:
- Designed for travelers and RVers.
- Portable and simple to set up.
- Multiple plans available based on your needs.
Cons:
- Relies on cellular coverage, which can be inconsistent.
- Expensive compared to similar mobile hotspot plans.
- Data speeds can vary greatly depending on location.
HomeFi provides a tailored experience for RVers but shares the same limitations as other cellular-based options, such as reliance on coverage and potential throttling.
5. Why Starlink is the Best Internet Option for RVers
Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, has revolutionized RV internet. Unlike traditional satellite services like HughesNet, Starlink uses a network of low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet almost anywhere in the world.
The service includes a satellite dish and modem that you set up at your campsite, providing a stable and robust connection.
Pros:
- High speeds: Starlink consistently delivers fast download and upload speeds suitable for streaming, gaming, and working online.
- Low latency: Unlike traditional satellite internet, Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellites drastically reduce latency, making it ideal for gaming and video calls.
- Widespread availability: Starlink works in remote areas where cellular signals are nonexistent.
- Simultaneous usage: Supports multiple devices at high speeds, perfect for families.
- RV-specific plan: Starlink now offers a plan specifically designed for RVers, allowing you to pause and resume service as needed.
Cons:
- Initial cost: The equipment isn’t cheap, with upfront costs of around $599 or more.
- Requires clear view of the sky: Heavily wooded or obstructed areas may limit connectivity.
- Power usage: The system draws more power than a typical hotspot, which could be a consideration for boondockers relying on solar.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Starlink is the most reliable and robust option for RVers who need dependable internet.
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Final Thoughts
Choosing the best internet option for your RV lifestyle depends on your specific needs. If you’re a light user or spend most of your time in urban areas, a cell phone hotspot or a T-Mobile hotspot might suffice.
However, for heavy internet users or those traveling to remote locations, Starlink is unmatched in speed, reliability, and coverage.
As a seasoned RVer who depends on the internet for both work and play, I can’t recommend Starlink enough. It’s an investment, but one that pays off in peace of mind and the freedom to explore without sacrificing connectivity.
What’s your go-to internet solution for RVing? Share your experiences in the comments below – I’d love to hear how you stay connected on the road!
Here is a link to some of the accessories we use for our Starlink. Click Here
