Starlink Mini 2 Revealed. Invite-Only Preorders Start at $999

The Starlink Mini 2 is officially here, but only to a few select individuals for now. The first wave of the next-generation device is said to start shipping in mid-December for the initial release price of $999, plus tax. 

What makes the Mini 2 so special? It's a version of the portable satellite internet dish that has its own battery, which Starlink claims provides up to 4.5 hours of connectivity. It's a swappable battery, meaning that users can likely purchase multiple batteries to extend that time. It can also be powered and charged via a USB power cable. In our Starlink Mini review, we were impressed with the device's lightweight design and performance, but noted that the need for an external power source was an obstacle to portability.

There's no mention of any differences in performance between the Mini 2 and the original, so we can only guess it achieves similar internet speeds we've experienced, around 260 Mbps. 

The device is also slightly thinner than the current Mini, going from 1.45 inches to 0.9 inches, but the battery makes it slightly heavier, from 2.5 lbs to 3 lbs. Starlink claims the device is built with more robust materials and has an IP67 environmental rating, protecting it from dust and temporary water immersion. 

Finally, the Mini 2 has an improved onboard Wi-Fi 6 router that extends to 1,800 sq ft; however, it now seems to lack an Ethernet port for a wired connection to third-party routers or Starlink mesh devices.

While $999 for the Mini 2's initial release is a huge increase from the $149 the current Mini costs on Starlink's website, the price includes a year of Roam Unlimited service, valued at $2,100.

The Mini 2 has been rumored for months, with data miners finding clues in the Starlink API pointing to a battery-powered device.

Preorders are invitation-only in the U.S., but Starlink claims it will soon be available to more customers and countries, and interested people can sign up for notifications. There's no information on when it will become widely available or what it will cost.