Home / Technology / VPNs Work on Starlink: Latency Tested
VPNs Work on Starlink: Latency Tested
10 Oct
Summary
- Starlink collects personal data like traditional ISPs.
- Testing confirms VPNs function with Starlink internet.
- VPN use on Starlink showed minimal impact on speeds.
Starlink, like conventional internet service providers, logs personal user data. This includes information such as names, addresses, and payment details, which SpaceX may utilize for analytics, marketing, and AI training. The company also shares this data with affiliate service providers and government agencies. Despite these data practices, which are common across the ISP industry, using a VPN with Starlink is feasible and recommended for enhanced privacy.
Recent tests involving five top-tier VPN providers—ExpressVPN, Hide.me, NordVPN, Proton, and Surfshark—on a live Starlink setup showed successful integration. The VPNs performed as expected, with latency remaining low and download/upload speeds falling within reasonable parameters compared to baseline tests. This indicates that Starlink's unique network conditions, such as variable latency, do not significantly hinder VPN performance. Users can implement standard online hygiene practices, including using a VPN, password manager, and antivirus software, to secure their connection.
