Is Starlink profitable?
Starlink is a subsidiary of the privately held SpaceX. Neither entity needs to disclose its financial results publicly. However, according to a Reuters report in early 2026, SpaceX generated between $15 billion and $16 billion in revenue in 2025 and about $8 billion in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA).
Starlink is currently SpaceX's main source of revenue, accounting for 50% to 80% of total revenue. As a result, it's SpaceX's main profit driver.
Alternatives to Starlink
Since Starlink isn't a publicly traded company, you can't buy shares of the satellite internet service provider. And because it's a unit of SpaceX, investors can't buy pre-IPO Starlink shares on secondary markets that trade start-ups shares.
However, investors who really want to gain early access to Starlink could consider buying SpaceX shares on a secondary market, such as Rainmaker Securities or Schwab's (SCHW -0.17%) Forge Global. These platforms enable accredited investors (i.e., high-net-worth individuals and those with high incomes) to buy shares of pre-IPO companies when they're available.
Alternatively, anyone can consider investing in the Fundrise Innovation Fund (VCX -15.38%). The public venture capital fund holds shares of SpaceX.
While non-accredited investors must wait for SpaceX's IPO to buy shares in the Starlink owner, they have other alternatives, including investing in a publicly traded space stock. Here are three Starlink alternatives to consider.
Boeing
Boeing (BA +4.52%) is a leading global aerospace company. It develops, manufactures, and services commercial aircraft, defense products, and space systems.
Boeing produces many space products, including satellites, which it builds for government and commercial operators. Its satellites enable companies to deliver digital communications, mobile communications, broadband internet connectivity, streaming entertainment, and direct-to-home entertainment worldwide.
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin (LMT -2.00%) is a leading aerospace and defense contractor. The company operates four business segments: aeronautics, missile and fire control, rotary and mission systems, and space. Its space division produces space transportation systems, defense systems, and satellites, including those for early-warning weather and climate observation and GPS.
Iridium Communications
Iridium Communications (IRDM -3.84%) is a global satellite communications company. It provides voice and data service anywhere in the world through its 66 low-earth-orbit satellites. Iridium's satellites serve the maritime, aviation, government, land-based handset, and Internet of Things (IoT) markets.
How to buy stocks similar to Starlink
Here's a step-by-step guide to investing in stocks like Starlink.
- Open your brokerage account: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments. If you don't have one yet, take a look at our favorite brokers and trading platforms to find the right one for you.
- Search for the stock: Enter the ticker or company name into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
- Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
- Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
- Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
- Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.
