Starlink vs Amazon Leo: Who Will Win the LEO Satellite Internet War?

Introduction

The battle for the sky has officially intensified. In November 2025, Amazon retired the "Project Kuiper" codename and officially launched Amazon Leo. While SpaceX’s Starlink has a massive head start with millions of users, Amazon is now moving from experiments to a full commercial product. For tech-savvy users and businesses, the question isn't just about who is first, but who is better.

1. The Rebrand: From Project Kuiper to Amazon Leo

On November 14, 2025, Amazon announced that its satellite initiative is now Amazon Leo.

• Why the change? It’s a "nod" to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) technology and signals that the service is ready for its commercial debut.

• Current Status: As of late December 2025, Amazon has approximately 180 production satellites in orbit, with the latest batch of 27 launched on December 16 via a ULA Atlas V rocket.

2. Hardware Comparison: The "Terminal War"

Amazon has unveiled three distinct terminals to compete directly with Starlink’s ecosystem.

3. Speed and Latency: Reality vs. Potential

• Starlink (The Veteran): Currently delivers a global median of 100 Mbps, with newer V3 satellites pushing toward 1 Gbps. Latency stays consistently between 25–50 ms.

• Amazon Leo (The Challenger): Early enterprise previews launched in late 2024 and early 2025 have demonstrated gigabit speeds on the Ultra terminal. Amazon aims for 20–40 ms latency, leveraging advanced optical inter-satellite links (lasers) from day one.

4. The "Secret Weapon": AWS Integration

While Starlink focuses on pure connectivity, Amazon Leo’s biggest edge is its deep integration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

• Direct to AWS (D2A): Enterprises can move data from remote sites directly to the cloud without ever touching the public internet.

• Bundling: There are strong rumors that Amazon might bundle "Leo" data plans with Amazon Prime or AWS business packages in 2026.

5. Availability: When Can You Get It?

• Starlink: Available now in over 125 countries. It is the only choice for immediate global roaming (Starlink Roam).

• Amazon Leo: Currently in "Enterprise Preview" for select partners like JetBlue and United Launch Alliance. A broader commercial rollout is slated for late 2026.

Conclusion

If you need high-speed internet in a remote area today, Starlink remains the undisputed king. However, if you are a business already tied into the Amazon ecosystem, or if you want a more discreet, smaller antenna (like the Leo Nano), Amazon Leo is the competitor worth waiting for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I buy Amazon Leo today?

  No, it is currently in private testing for enterprises. Public availability is expected in 2026.

• Is Amazon Leo faster than Starlink?

  On paper, Amazon's Ultra terminal (1 Gbps) is faster than Starlink's standard residential service, but Starlink is also upgrading its speeds.

• Will Amazon Leo be cheaper?

  Amazon aims to produce its standard dish for under $400, suggesting they may undercut Starlink’s hardware price.