Why Theo Would Wait Before Upgrading for Ultrafast

A short cost comparison leads Theo Browne to caution against upgrading to the $500 tier solely for Astra Ultrafast.

TBTheo BrowneSpeaker · Ping Labs
Channel
Theo - t3․gg
Published
Oct 12, 2026
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0:23
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1 min
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SUMMARY

In 30 seconds

Theo Browne compares the cost of a task using Astra Ultrafast with his estimate for Sol 6.1 at normal speed. He advises waiting before upgrading solely for Ultrafast, while noting that a future Sol 6.1 Ultrafast option could change the calculation.

  1. 1A large cost differenceTheo estimates Sol 6.1 at normal speed could do the same work for $1.10; he spent more than 40 times as much on Astra Ultrafast.
  2. 2Wait before upgradingHe advises against upgrading to the $500 tier solely for this feature, while leaving room to reassess when Sol 6.1 Ultrafast arrives.
  3. 3The calculation may changeTheo says a future Sol 6.1 Ultrafast option might make the upgrade more worthwhile.

Takeaways

  1. Theo estimates the task would cost $1.10 with Sol 6.1 at normal speed, versus over 40 times as much with Astra Ultrafast.
  2. He does not recommend upgrading to the $500 tier just for Ultrafast yet.
  3. A future Sol 6.1 Ultrafast option could change his assessment.
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01

The cost of extra speed

Theo compares a normal-speed Sol 6.1 estimate with his Astra Ultrafast spend. He describes using Ultrafast when his account is about to reset.

If I had used Sol 6.1 at normal speed, this task would have cost about $1.10, and it is absolutely capable of the same work. Instead, I spent more than 40 times that amount using Astra Ultrafast. I use Ultrafast when my account is about to reset anyway, but I do not know when else you should use it.

02

Hold off on upgrading

Theo says the $500 tier is not worth upgrading to just for Ultrafast yet. A future Sol 6.1 Ultrafast option might change that assessment.

Do not upgrade to the $500 tier just for this yet: I do not think it is worth it. Sol 6.1 Ultrafast is coming soon, and that might change the value proposition. I will keep you updated.

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