When the internet comes from the sky, but still doesn't beat cable in the ground. The comparison you need to know before you decide on your connectivity future. Starlink vs. fiber - which is better - we investigate for you.
Starlink It is a savior for the countryside, but in the city it remains only an exotic choice. Optical internet, though boring classic, still reigns supreme in terms of speed, stability and price. If you live in the middle of the meadows – read on. But if you live in a block of flats with an elevator, you will quickly click “order optics". So Starlink vs. optics – which is better.
Who covers more: satellite or cable?
Starlink uses a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), which allows almost global coverage – even in the most remote European villages, where optics are still just a promise on election leaflets. According to data from 2023, EU reaches 70 % fiber optic coverage (FTTH/B), whereby rural areas are still lagging behind. This means that Starlink is currently filling a void – literally and symbolically. At the same time, it is also shocking in the last round with its pricing policy, as the price of Starlink is only 50 euros / month. Starlink vs. optics – here Starlink clearly wins.
Speed: Who holds the internet crown?
Starlink offers speeds from 50 to 220 Mbps, which is amazing for satellite internet. Their “Priority” plan can reach 220 Mbps, while typical household speeds are between 100-200 Mbps. But when you turn on the fiber? Speeds reach 1 Gbps, in some cases even up to 8,000 Mbps. In other words: optics is hypersonic, Starlink is a jet droneStarlink vs. optics – optics clearly wins here.
Latency: Seconds matter, but milliseconds are crucial
This is where Starlink loses a few stars. Its latency is 15–40ms, which is much better than the classic one satellite internet, which has a latency of over 500 ms. A optics achieve latency below 10 ms, which means better video calls, faster game responses, and more stable connections. Even compared to mobile networks (5G NSA and LTE), Starlink is worse – especially in stability and response timeStarlink vs. optics – optics clearly wins here.
Reliability: When the weather decides your Zoom call
If the sun is shining – Starlink works flawlessly. But when it rains, snows or is overcast? You can expect signal loss and increased latency. Studies show that latency doubles during moderate rain. Meanwhile, the optics act as if there is no weather outside – entrenched and unwavering.
Cost: initial investment or long-term benefit?
Starlink: 0€ for equipment, and then monthly from €50 and binding for 12 months. Or purchase equipment for €349 and then €50 monthly (May 2025) Optics? €50–100 per month, often without an initial investment. (although the operator lends us the optical router) In many cases, providers also offer promotional prices, which means that optics wins in the long run – both for your pocket and your headAlthough these optical providers also sell a lot of other things you don't want. For example, access to classic television.
Why would anyone choose Starlink?
When there's no optics and you absolutely have to watch Netflix
For users in rural areas, v motorhome, v mountain huts or on weekend in Istria is Starlink the only sensible choice. For those who need mobile solution or are in a region without cable infrastructure, Starlink revolution. But for urban users? No. Here is the optics queen of connectivity.
Comparison chart: Starlink vs. Optics
| Aspect | Starlink | Optics |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Global, ideal for rural areas | 70 % EU (2023), urban areas |
| Speed | 50–300 Mbps | Up to 8,000 Mbps, often >1 Gbps |
| Latency | 15–40ms | <10 ms, ideal for real-time |
| Reliability | Weather sensitive | High, independent of weather |
| Costs | 0€ equipment, 50 €/month | €40–100/month, rented equipment |
| Suitability | Rural areas, mobility | Urban areas, demanding applications |
Conclusion: The sky is the limit, so is cable – Starlink vs. fiber optics
Starlink is an amazing solution for those who have no choice – and therefore deserves applause. But for the majority of EU citizens living in or near cities, it is optic unrivaled. Higher speeds, lower latency, greater stability and lower costs mean that optical connection still the queen of the digital ageBy 2030, the EU aims to ensure 100 % Gigabit Coverage, meaning Starlink will remain the wind at the back for the countryside, but not the main engine of the digital future. If latency is not important to you, if you want more privacy from the operator, and you no longer watch TV - it seems that in 2025 - Starlink is the more affordable choice - as it costs only 50 euros in a package.
