The standard base that comes with every Starlink kit is not going to be a permanent solution for most people. If you plan to install the Starlink dish on your roof, it’s best to get a mount designed for that purpose. Ultimately, how you end up mounting your dish will depend on many factors, including obstructions, roof type/angle, and budget.
In this guide, I will walk you through various Starlink mounting options. I will cover all types of mounts, including official Starlink products. I will also recommend some aftermarket mounting accessories. By the end, you should have a good idea of what type of Starlink mount will work best for your application.
Table of Contents
Pick a good mounting location
The very first thing to consider is whether you have obstructions at your desired mounting location. Obstructions can be anything that block the view of the sky. In most cases, it will be trees that cause issues. Utility poles and other buildings could also obstruct Starlink’s view of the sky.
Best places to mount Starlink
The best place to mount a Starlink dish is at the peak of your roof. You want it mounted as high as possible so that the signal won’t be impacted by trees and other obstructions. You can attach mounts directly to the roof surface, to the facia/eave, on the ridge, or even to a chimney.
Sometimes, the peak of your roof isn’t the best location if you have tall trees nearby. You can also mount Starlink in a clearing using a pole mount, or on a tower if you have very tall trees. Depending on where the obstructions are on your property, mounting on a garage or outbuilding might be the best solution.
How to check for obstructions
The Starlink app allows you to view details about obstructions in two ways. First, you can use your phone camera to search for potential obstructions at your desired mounting location. Stand in the area where you want to mount Starlink, open the app, and use the obstruction finder to see if Starlink has a clear view of the sky. This will give you a general idea about obstructions in that location.
The second method, if feasible, is to temporarily set up your Starlink dish in the location you want to mount it, using the included mounting base. Power it up, and allow the Starlink app to collect data for at least 12 hours. After waiting, check the obstruction map in the app to see if the location is suitable for a permanent mount.
Once you’ve found a suitable location for your Starlink dish, that is free of obstructions according to the Starlink app, you can proceed to picking a mount for a permanent installation. I will cover various types of Starlink mounts in the following sections.
Note: This article may contain affiliate links for the products mentioned
Which Starlink dish do you have?
Before selecting a mounting product for your dish, you need to make sure it’s compatible with your Starlink model. Starlink hardware spans three generations. I’ve split this guide up into sections, based on each model of Starlink dish. To use this guide, select your Starlink model from the list below to jump to compatible mounting options.
Standard (Gen 3)
The newest Starlink model, the Gen 3 “Standard” dish, is much different from previous generations. It doesn’t have a built in mast or motors like the previous actuated models. The Standard hardware kit includes a foldable kickstand mount, which is great for portable applications like camping. The kickstand, with its two screw holes, can also be used to permanently mount the dish to a flat surface, like an RV roof.
If you need to mount your Standard dish to a roof, wall, pole, or tower, Starlink offers additional mounting accessories that replace the kickstand. They also sell an adapter that allows you to use aftermarket mounts, which is perfect if you have an existing mount you want to use.
Starlink Standard Wall Mount
One of the best mounting options for the Gen 3 Standard dish is Starlink’s Standard Wall Mount. The Standard Wall Mount is designed to attach to an exterior wall or fascia. The kit includes a mounting plate, mast, wall mount, and installation hardware.
This type of mount is great because you can avoid drilling holes in your roof. Instead, you drive lag screws into a wall or fascia board. Cable management is easy thanks to the included cable clips.
If you want to learn more about the Gen 3 Standard Wall Mount, I wrote a full review and installation tutorial. You can purchase it for $55 from the Starlink shop.
Starlink Standard Pivot Mount
Another official mounting product for the Standard dish is Starlink’s Standard Pivot Mount. The Standard Pivot Mount is designed to attach directly to your roof, using a couple of lag screws. The angle of the mast is adjustable, meaning you can use it on just about any roof pitch.
The kit includes the pivoting mount, a mounting adapter plate that replaces the kickstand, a mast pipe, and installation hardware.
The Standard Pivot Mount costs $60, and you can buy it directly from Starlink in their online shop.
Starlink Standard Pipe Adapter
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The Starlink Standard Pipe Adapter is what you need if you would like to adapt the Gen 3 Standard dish to aftermarket mounts. The Standard Pipe Adapter is designed to replace the kickstand, and has an opening that accepts pipes from 1.25″ to 2.5″ in diameter. With a single set screw, the mount secures to virtually any pipe.
This adapter unlocks tons of mounting options. My favorite type of mount is a J-mount. The Proxicast J-Max J-Mount, pictured above, is a great aftermarket alternative to the more expensive official Starlink mounts. It can be used as a roof mount, a wall mount, or anything in between.
Standard Actuated and High Performance (Gen 2)
Starlink Gen 2 includes several dish models. In this section, I will cover the mounting options for the Gen 2 Standard Actuated and High Performance dishes. The mounts are the same for both models.
Starlink Long and Short Wall Mounts
The most popular mounting options for the Gen 2 Standard Actuated and High Performance dishes are the official Short Wall Mount and Long Wall Mount from Starlink. Both of these wall mounts are designed to attach to an exterior wall or fascia board. By not installing the dish on the roof, you can avoid worrying about water leaks later on.
Either wall mount kit comes with a mount and installation hardware. The mast of the Gen 2 dish slides into the mount and locks in place. You’ll want the Long Wall Mount for larger roof overhangs. The Short Wall Mount is great for mounting to the fascia.
You can purchase the Long Wall Mount in the Starlink shop for $72. The Short Wall Mount is also available in the shop for $60. For more information on the Long Wall Mount, check out my installation guide and review.
Starlink Ridgeline Mount Kit
One of my favorite mounting accessories for Gen 2 Starlink dishes is the official Ridgeline Mount Kit. What if I told you that you can permanently mount your dish, without drilling holes or worrying about water leaks?
The Starlink Ridgeline Mount Kit is installed on your roof’s ridge line, with adjustable legs that adapt to any roof pitch. Four included ballasts weigh down the mount, so you don’t have to worry about wind moving it around.
You can purchase the Ridgeline Mount Kit in the Starlink shop for $250. If you want to know more, be sure to check out the full review and installation tutorial.
J-Mount
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One of the best mounting solutions for Starlink Gen 2 is the J-Mount. They are widely available, affordable, and extremely versatile. In fact, you might already have an existing J-Mount from another satellite service, like Dish Network. You’ll want a J-Mount that has a pipe diameter of around 1.5 inches to use with Starlink, such as the Proxicast Pro-Grade J-Max that is pictured above.
Depending on which J-Mount you have, there are several adapters on the market that allow you to connect your Starlink dish very easily. If you go with the Proxicast J-Mount above, you can get the Proxicast Starlink Antenna Adapter to make it plug and play with the Starlink dish. Another option is to purchase the Starlink Pipe Adapter to use with any J-Mount. With the Pipe Adapter, you can adapt your Starlink dish to any J-Mount up to 2.5″ in diameter.
Related: Guide To Using A J Mount With Starlink
Starlink Flashing Mount and Pivot Mount
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For a professional and worry-free roof installation, consider a flashing mount. A flashing mount installs under the top layer of shingles, and secures to your roof structure for a very strong and leak-free solution. Flashing mount installations will require not only the flashing mount itself, but also an aftermarket J-Mount or Starlink Pivot Mount.
Starlink sells their own official Flashing Mount if you plan to pair it with another official Starlink mount, such as the Pivot Mount. If you want to use an aftermarket J-Mount, you can purchase a 3rd party flashing mount, such as the CommDeck Flashing Mount.
Starlink Ground Pole Mount
Sometimes, mounting a Starlink dish to your roof isn’t an option. Maybe you have too many tall trees, or you just prefer to have the dish be more accessible.
That’s where the official Starlink Ground Pole Mount comes in! The Ground Pole Mount is designed to be installed directly in the ground, and the Gen 2 Standard Actuated or High Performance dishes snap directly on top.
With the Ground Pole Mount, which costs $75 in the Starlink shop, you can locate your dish in a clearing, or anywhere you like. You might need a longer Starlink cable.
Flat High Performance (Gen 2)
The Gen 2 Flat High Performance dish is pretty unique. It’s the same antenna as the Gen 2 High Performance dish, just without the mast or motors. It’s designed for in-motion applications, but can also be used for fixed locations. Starlink includes the Wedge Mount with every Flat High Performance kit. The Wedge Mount is perfect if you want to mount the dish to your RV, overlanding rig, or any other flat surface.
Beyond flat mounting to a vehicle or flat roof, Starlink offers a limited selection of mounting options for the Flat High Performance dish. Thankfully, the one mounting option they do offer allows you to use virtually any aftermarket mount with the dish.
Starlink Flat High Performance Pipe Adapter
The official Flat High Performance Pipe Adapter allows you to use almost any mount, pole, or pipe with the Flat High Performance dish. This adapter replaces the included Wedge Mount, allowing you to install the dish on top of any pipe up to 2.5″ in diameter.
Your options for aftermarket mounts are huge, but I think a J-mount is a great option. J-mounts are versatile, cheap, and come in a range of sizes. I personally recommend the Proxicast Pro-Grade J-Max.
You can purchase the Starlink Flat High Performance Pipe Adapter for $120 from the Starlink shop.
Other Starlink mounting options to consider
I’ve covered all the model specific mounting products, but there are many other ways to mount a Starlink dish. Here is a collection of ideas for you to consider, if the options above don’t work for your application.
Non-Penetrating Roof Mount
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For various reasons, some people will not want to drill holes in their roof to install Starlink. That’s where a non-penetrating roof mount comes in. Commonly known as a ridgeline mount, these mounts are held down with weights (sand bags, concrete blocks, etc) instead of being fastened to the roof directly. The combination shown above is a great alternative to the official Starlink Ridgeline Mount Kit, if that kit isn’t compatible with your Starlink model.
The EZ PNP Non-Penetrating Antenna Mast shown above can be installed on the ridge, and weighted down with sand bags, concrete blocks, or any other type of weight. This mount doesn’t come with any type of mast, so you’ll need a J-Mount or some other type of mount to attach to it. I recommend the Proxicast Pro-Grade J-Max, also shown above.
To make installation a breeze, purchase the Starlink Pipe Adapter that is compatible with your dish. Every model of Starlink has one, so just visit the Starlink shop, select your model, and search the accessories. The Starlink Pipe Adapter allows you to easily secure your dish to any aftermarket mount.
Tower Mount
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In some locations with tall trees, you might need a tower mount to clear obstructions. Towers are great because you can mount your Starlink dish higher than your roof, to clear the tallest trees. Tower mounts are definitely the most difficult to install, and the most expensive mounting option in this guide. But if you have lots of trees, and need fast internet, it might be the best solution for you.
There are several tower mounts available on the market. I recommend one of the Rohn towers, such as the Rohn 30' Basic Tower Kit, pictured above. They make several other versions with varying heights. The best way to attach your Starlink dish to a tower mount is using the Starlink Pipe Adapter that is compatible with your dish model.
Pole Mount
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If you don’t have a lot of trees or other obstructions around your house, you might be able to get away with mounting the Starlink dish on a pole or post in your yard. Pole mount’s are also a great option for mounting to RV’s, since they can be easily deployed and taken down.
Starlink sells an official Pole Mount accessory that is designed to be installed in the ground. If you have the Gen 3 Standard or another model, you could purchase an aftermarket pole mount kit, like the Jangker Starlink Pole Mount. The Jangker kit can be used for ground installations, or can be attached to an RV. Use the Starlink Pipe Adapter for your dish model, to make adapting the dish to the pole very easy.
Chimney Mount
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For installations where you might need more height than the roof peak offers, or for those without shingle roofs, a chimney mount might be a good solution. Chimney mount’s use your existing chimney to secure a pole for mounting the Starlink dish.
For the Chimney Mount Install Kit shown above, you will just need to supply a mast that is up to 2″ OD. It’s also a good idea to measure the diameter of your chimney to make sure the straps are long enough. To make installation a breeze, be sure to pick up the Starlink Pipe Adapter for your dish model, which will adapt any existing pole/mast up to 2.5″ OD to the Starlink dish.
Tripod Mount
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If you want to install your Starlink dish on a flat roof, or perhaps temporarily at your RV camp site, consider using something like this Heavy-Duty Tripod Base. A Tripod mount is useful for both temporary and permanent installations. You can stake the tripod directly into the earth for a stable temporary mount. Or perhaps you have a flat roof that you can permanently secure it to.
Most tripod mounts include a mast that will accept the Starlink dish mast with a bit of modification (using pole clamps or drilling holes for bolts). You can also supply your own mast of any length you require. To make adapting the Starlink dish super easy, purchase the Starlink Pipe Adapter and use it with your tripod.
RV Mounts
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If you are using Starlink with your RV, van, truck, etc., there are many ways to mount the dish. One popular option is the FlagPole Buddy Starlink RV Mounting Kit, that includes a pole, mounts, and Starlink adapter. The FlagPole Buddy system attaches to an existing ladder on your RV. For more info, check out their website at FlagPoleBuddy.com.
Maybe you have some other kind of existing pole or mast you want to use. In that case, all you would need is the Starlink Pipe Adapter, which can be used to mount the Starlink dish to any mast/pole up to 2.5″ in diameter. Just be sure to get the right Pipe Adapter for your dish model.
If you don’t have any existing mast or pole to use, consider the DishyMount V2 from Starvmount. DishyMount gives you a place to quickly deploy Starlink when you arrive at camp. It comes in several different color options, so you can match the mount to your rig. Use coupon code SLHARDWARE for 10% off your order!
Custom Pipe/Pole Mount
If none of the above options work for your situation, there are many different custom options available. With a Pipe Adapter or the right size piping, the Starlink dish can be attached to a variety of structures in a variety of ways. If you are a do-it-yourself type of person with extra materials laying around, it might be worth designing your own mounting solution using a variety of brackets and pipe that can be sourced from the hardware store.
See also: Reference guide to all the Starlink measurements/dimensions
Is is possible to mount the as supplied X mount onto a wall using the holes at the ends and connect the gen 2 to it. Ie instead of the legs being on the ground they are bolted to the wall.
Would the Starlink suffer from this orientation?
It wouldn’t work because the Starlink dish can only tilt so many degrees. It needs to be able to look up, and a horizontal orientation would cause an error message in the app, and it wouldn’t be able to aim to the optimal position. Also, it wouldn’t provide any heigh to see over the roof, so you would likely have a big obstruction anyway.
Hello – i bought the Gen 3 Starlink recently (Dec 2023). We bought the long wall mount, pipe adapter and masonry kit. Where can we find a pole mast that will insert down into the end of the long wall mount? There is a small notch inside the whole where the mast goes. So frustrating. Spent the money for Starlink and having to spend more money just to get it up on the roof. I don’t think the J mount will work unless the actual pole goes up into the pipe adapter on the back of the sat. In the meantime, it’s sitting in my front yard with the kickstand up. I submitted a ticket to Helpdesk a few days ago and nothing yet. thank you.
The Gen 3 hardware has its own mounts. The Long Wall Mount, and anything else ordered from the Gen 2 shop page, is not compatible with Gen 3. You will have to return those items and order the “Standard Wall Mount” for Gen 3. I just did a review on it here:
https://www.starlinkhardware.com/gen-3-standard-wall-mount-review-and-installation-tutorial/
I bought the Gen 3 Starlink and want to know if I can use the standard wall mount with a Ridgeline mount together
Gen 3 isn’t directly compatible with the Gen 2 Ridgeline Mount. However, there is enough pipe on the Ridgeline Mount that you can use the Gen 3 Pipe Adapter to work with it.