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The Best Wireless Travel Routers of 2024

Pocket routers for Wi-Fi networking on the road

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• The Ultimate Router Buying Guide

Frequent travelers battling poor cell service, dubious security, and excessive hotel and airport Wi-Fi fees can benefit from a good travel router when working away from home.

The best wireless travel routers avoid these hassles by letting you set up a private bubble of Wi-Fi anywhere you happen to land, whether in a conference center, hotel room, or airport lounge. 

Most people should buy the TP-Link TL-WR902AC  - it's small enough to chuck in a backpack and can even double as a Wi-Fi range extender. If you also want a cellular connection as backup, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 is for you, as it doubles as a mobile hotspot for your hotel room or car.

What to Look For in a Travel Router

Best overall, tp-link tl-wr902ac travel router.

 Amazon

Compact size is ideal for frequent travelers

Doubles as a Wi-Fi extender

Included cables are short

TP-Link's TL-WR902AC is one of the fastest travel routers we've seen, which is especially impressive at this size and price. Measuring 2.64 x 2.91 x 0.9 inches and weighing in at only 8 ounces, it's small enough to carry in a pocket, briefcase, or backpack, so you'll be ready to set up your own Wi-Fi bubble anywhere.

For such a small device, the TL-WR902AC offers impressive dual-band Wi-Fi performance. It's also really versatile since it can be not only be used as a router or access point to create a wireless network but also as a range extender, private Wi-Fi hotspot, or even as a bridge to connect a wired device to a Wi-Fi network by using its built-in Ethernet port in the opposite direction. 

A built-in USB port lets you share files and media from a removable USB storage device, and it can also provide up to 2A of passthrough power to charge your smartphone or tablet. The only real downside is that the port layout can be awkward since the USB and micro USB power ports are on the opposite side of the Ethernet port. 

Wireless Spec: 802.11ac | Security: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: AC750 | Bands: Dual-band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 1

Best Splurge

Netgear nighthawk m1.

Great choice for heavy internet users

Supports up to 20 Wi-Fi devices at once

Long battery life

Doubles as a mobile hotspot

Very expensive

Can occasionally overheat

While it's not the most affordable option on our list, it's well worth the splurge if you need to get several devices onto the internet anywhere at blazing-fast speeds.

With support for up to 20 simultaneous devices, Netgear's Nighthawk MR1100 can quickly handle your whole family or project team, and unlike most travel routers on this list, the one works as a 4G LTE mobile hotspot too. This means you'll be able to connect to its Wi-Fi network and get online even when there's no other Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. It's also the first mobile hotspot to support Gigabit LTE , with 4X4 MIMO and four-band Carrier Aggregation. Hence, it can provide internet speeds rivaling your home broadband connection.

It's not just about LTE, though—the MR1100 also works as a traditional portable router. Just plug a standard internet connection into the Ethernet port to share access to your Wi-Fi devices. A large 2.4-inch color LCD screen also ensures that you can keep track of the router's status and how much data you're using. The rechargeable battery can keep you going for up to 24 hours before you need to charge it, and in a pinch, you can also use some of that capacity to charge your smartphone or other mobile devices. 

Wireless Spec: 802.11ac / 4G LTE | Security: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: AC750 | Bands: Dual-band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 1 

TP-Link TL-WR802N N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router

Fast single-band Wi-Fi performance

No USB port

Not the fastest internet speeds when connected to multiple devices

TP-Link’s TL-WR802N is an older single-band router that offers a surprisingly great range in its small package. While the single-band N300 rating won’t break any speed records, it still provides enough performance for lag-free 4K Netflix streaming and uninterrupted video conferences on Zoom. 

Like most travel routers, the TL-WR802N is designed for use by one or two users when you’re on the go, and the 300Mbps 802.11n speeds will likely be faster than the internet connection at most hotels and conference centers you find yourself in. This little pocket-sized router offers exceptional coverage, so you won’t need to worry about staying connected while roaming the boardroom. 

The N300 draws its power via a micro USB port that can connect directly to a wall charger or laptop, so you won’t have to worry about how to power it. It can also function as a repeater, Wi-Fi client, or extender for a public WISP hotspot. The only downside is that, unlike its dual-band sibling, the TL-WR902AC, it lacks a USB port, so you won’t be able to use it for sharing files. 

Wireless Spec: 802.11n | Security: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: N300 | Bands: Single-band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 1

Best for Road Warriors

Gl.inet mudi gl-e750.

Works as a 4G LTE mobile hotspot

Open source

Excellent VPN support

No external antenna

The GL.iNet GL-E750 router is an excellent choice for road warriors who must stay connected securely and reliably anywhere they land.

With WireGuard encryption, support for multiple Open Source VPN protocols, and even Tor anonymous network routing, this router ensures that you can always have a secure and private connection to the internet if you're a relatively advanced user. Whether that's over your hotel's shared network or your carrier's LTE network, all your traffic will be encrypted, and you can even have an always-on tunnel back into your home or office network. 

It's not just for mobile LTE access, however; it's also a capable Wi-Fi access point, with dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz support with 733Mbps throughput across both bands, along with a built-in battery that offers up to eight hours of use and a USB port and microSD card slots that can be used for sharing files with your connected devices. Since it's designed to be used from anywhere, it also features a built-in rechargeable battery that promises up to eight hours of use on a single charge. 

Lifewire / Andy Zahn

Most of the routers on the market are big and bulky devices. If you're parking them in a corner at home, this is a manageable problem, but they're not suited for taking the road with you.

This has given rise to a whole new category of travel routers: devices that are specifically designed to be highly portable—often small enough to be carried in a pocket—and run from internal batteries or a simple USB-powered connection that lets you plug them into a laptop or portable battery pack to create your own personal Wi-Fi network. 

Most importantly, since public Wi-Fi hotspots are usually insecure, a good travel router can also offer additional peace of mind by providing a private, encrypted Wi-Fi network for your traffic, securing the connections not only between your devices and the router but also making sure the traffic leaving the router is also encrypted. 

This means that you can take them just about anywhere you happen to land, whether it's between your home and the office, to a coffee shop where you might want to have more secure Wi-Fi, or on the road with you to use in hotels, conference centers, and airport lounges.

Bandwidth and Performance

When shopping for a router for your home, you're looking for enough range to blanket your home with the strong Wi-Fi signal you need to support streaming and gaming from multiple devices. 

Travel routers are different. You may find that even an entry level router—one that offers 802.11n support at 150Mbps speeds—is more than enough.

Wireless Frequencies: Single-Band vs Dual-Band

Like other wireless routers, travel routers come in single or multi-band versions, which refers to their frequencies. A single-band router works only on the 2.4GHz frequency, while a dual-band router offers both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies on two separate bands. 

Security and Privacy

As a bare minimum, every modern wireless travel router should include support for the Wireless Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption standard. This is even more important in a travel router you'll use in more public spaces.

While this probably isn't such a big deal if all you want to do is stream movies from Netflix, if confidentiality is essential, we strongly recommend using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when connecting through a travel router. While you can do this directly from your devices, you'll probably find it even simpler to pick up a travel router with built-in VPN support so that your connection is automatically encrypted as soon as you plug it in.

Connectivity

Almost all travel routers offer the same connectivity as your home router—turning a wired connection into a Wi-Fi network. However, as more hotels offer guest Wi-Fi networks instead of Ethernet jacks, you'll probably find getting a travel router that can also connect to a public Wi-Fi network is more beneficial.

There's also a category of travel routers that can act as mobile hotspots to offer internet access for your mobile devices over an LTE cellular network.

Even though most hotels already offer free Wi-Fi, it’s often struggling under the load of many people using it, so having a travel router can provide better performance, especially if you can plug it into a wired connection in your room. Plus, most public Wi-Fi hotspots are completely insecure, allowing your traffic to be easily intercepted by anybody else on the same Wi-Fi network. Using a router plugged into ethernet will also often save you money as you won't have to pay for the usable 'premium' internet package.

The best travel routers offer industry-standard WPA2 encryption—the same type of security used by your home router—which means that all of your wireless traffic is safe from prying eyes. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are open networks that use no encryption at all but keep in mind that if you’re using a travel router as a wireless extender for a public Wi-Fi hotspot, your traffic will still be unencrypted between your travel router and the hotspot. For the best security, use a wired connection or a VPN wherever possible.

Even if you use your travel router in your hotel room, internet traffic still travels over the hotel’s network. While most sensitive sites and services like email and online banking use SSL encryption, this won’t prevent the hotel or other public hotspot provider from seeing where you’re going; they just won’t be able to know what you’re doing. If you want to ensure your connection is as private and secure as possible, we recommend using a travel router with built-in VPN support.

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6 Best Wi-Fi Routers With SIM Card Slot

Sumukh has a knack for simplifying tech for the masses and helping consumers pick the right gadgets with his in-depth insights and reviews. He decided to hide his engineering degree in the closet to pursue his passion for writing. Over the past 6 years, he has contributed with guides, reviews, and detailed opinions to notable publications like TechPP and XDA-Developers – before donning the Editor hat at Guiding Tech Media.

A computer engineer by degree, Varun has 7+ years of experience in the field of technology. After his stints at Beebom and MrPhone, Varun has been covering different facets of technology at Guiding Tech. Here, he contributes to Team GT by helping its readers make better purchases while also understanding the meaning of each feature. In his free time, you can find him sharing his excellent photography skills along with his Aces in Valorant over Twitter.

In today’s world, staying connected is more important than ever. A good Wi-Fi router is essential whether you’re working from home, streaming your favorite shows, or gaming online. But what if you don’t have access to traditional wired internet? That’s where a Wi-Fi router with a SIM card slot comes into the picture. These routers allow you to connect to the internet using a cellular data plan. And, if you’re looking for the best Wi-Fi routers with a SIM card slot, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the best Wi-Fi routers with SIM card slots that promise a seamless and dependable online experience. Most of these are also quite portable, allowing you to stay connected wherever you go. And if you’re all about speed, there are 5G routers available, too. So let’s take a look at the best options on offer.

But first, you might want to check out the following:

• Learn how to choose the right Wi-Fi router .
• Never go offline when using these power banks for your Wi-Fi router .
• Save a buck while gaming online with these budget Wi-Fi gaming routers .

1. TP-Link N150

TP-Link N150

The TP-Link N150 is an affordable and easy-to-use Wi-Fi router. It’s also very compact and portable, making it a great choice for travel. However, unlike the rest of the products on this list, the N150 doesn’t have a dedicated SIM slot. Instead, it makes use of a simple workaround.

Since the TP-Link N150 doesn’t have a SIM slot, you must use a 4G LTE wireless dongle to insert your SIM and then use the dongle with the router to use the cellular connection. This slightly inflates the overall cost, but the package is still quite affordable. Once you’ve inserted the SIM card, switch to the 3G/4G switch on the side, and you should be ready.

The compact design makes it easy to carry in your pocket or bag, making it an ideal companion for on-the-go connectivity. Since it’s powered by a standard microUSB port, you can even power it with a battery pack. While the N150 may not boast the highest speeds compared to more premium models, its affordability and simplicity make it an attractive option for many users.

What We Like

• Budget-friendly
• Small and lightweight
• MicroUSB powered
• Compatible with most 3G and 4G LTE networks

What We Don’t Like

• Requires an external 4G LTE wireless dongle
• Speed limitations
• Limited advanced features

2. Alcatel Link HH41NH

Alcatel Link HH41NH

Alcatel has been in the networking space for decades. It’s no wonder, then, that the Alcatel Link HH41NH is a quality product. It is an unlocked SIM card router that accepts a 4G SIM card and can achieve maximum speeds of up to 150Mbps. You also get a port to attach a telephone line that links to the router.

The Alcatel Link Hub 4G LTE router works with a 4G SIM worldwide, no matter which carrier you use. So, you will be able to use the router to access your mobile data connection. There’s a WAN port and a LAN port for a wired connection. Like the TP-Link N150, the Alcatel Link HH41NH is powered by a single microUSB port. And, thanks to its diminutive size, you can use it on-the-go too.

Regarding speeds, the Link HH41NH boasts a max speed of 150 Mbps. You can also connect up to 32 devices to the router at once. As for features, while the router only supports WPA2, it supports a WPS key and a VPN pass-through. While the app interface isn’t the most intuitive, it’s not too shabby, either. One thing to note here, as posted by some consumers, is that the antennas on this router are a bit tight to adjust.

• Globally compatible with most 3G and 4G LTE networks
• RJ11 telephone port

3. NRadio C2000

NRadio C2000

The C2000 is a dual-purpose router from NRadio. While it features a LAN/WAN port with support for speeds up to 1,200Mbps, it also comes with a SIM card slot. You can use this slot to facilitate the primary internet connection or even as a failover connection if your broadband goes haywire.

The NRadio C2000 is a dual-band SIM card router with a top download speed of 1,200Mbps. However, it is worth noting that while using the SIM card, the speed is limited to 150Mbps, similar to the other products on this list. The router features a WAN and a LAN port. You can use the WAN port to connect the C2000 to your broadband modem. Additionally, you can use the LAN port to provide wired connectivity to another device, such as a PC or a printer.

Despite all these features, the C2000 is still quite compact and extremely portable. You can power it off a power bank and stay connected on the move. Some reviews complain that the setup process is slightly complicated when using the router with a SIM card for the first time. However, following the instructions properly should ensure you get a working router in a few minutes.

• Dual-band Wi-Fi
• AC1200 speeds for normal router mode
• The setup process is slightly complex

4. Cudy LT500

The Cudy LT500 offers a compelling balance of speed, features, and affordability, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of users. Apart from its convenience and reliability, the LT500 also offers a suite of advanced features, usually limited to more expensive routers.

If you’re looking for a feature-packed Wi-Fi modem with SIM, the LT500 is a solid option. Compact yet powerful, the Cudy LT500 offers 1200Mbps dual-band Wi-Fi and 4G LTE connectivity. Its Nano SIM card slot ensures a reliable internet connection even in areas with limited wired infrastructure. Similar to the NRadio C2000, you can configure the LT500 to work primarily with your broadband and use the SIM network as a failsafe.

The LT500 comes with plenty of extra hardware and software features up its sleeves, too. It has 5dBi High Gain Antennas that boost the sensitivity of the router. As a result, you get improved signal quality, even at a distance from the router. The 4G router also has built-in PPTP/L2TP/OpenVPN/WireGuard VPN Clients. As such, you can set up a VPN for your router and safeguard your privacy.

• 5dBi High Gain antennas
• Built-in VPN clients
• Not portable

5. NETGEAR Nighthawk 4 LAX20

NETGEAR Nighthawk 4 LAX20

Netgear is another brand that is quite popular and reliable. The Nighthawk Nighthawk 4 LAX20 is a 4G LTE router with a SIM card slot and Wi-Fi 6 support. It is a 4-stream router that can achieve a maximum download speed of 1.8Gbps via Wi-Fi and connect to 20 devices simultaneously.

The Netgear Nighthawk AX4 is an expensive SIM card router, but you’re also getting a ton of features that you won’t find on other routers mentioned in this list. The Wi-Fi 6 technology onboard ensures faster connectivity with better signal strength. With multiple Ethernet ports, it caters to the needs of gamers and home office enthusiasts who require stable and fast connectivity.

As for 4G LTE connectivity, the LAX20 supports SIMs from all major carriers, such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. The NETGEAR Nighthawk app provides a user-friendly interface for managing your Wi-Fi network, including setting up parental controls, optimizing network settings, and troubleshooting connectivity issues. Additionally, the router also comes with Netgear Armor powered by Bitdefender to protect against cyber threats. So, you can browse the web without any worries.

• Best coverage of any router on this list
• Wi-Fi 6 support for faster speeds
• Multiple Ethernet ports for wired connections
• Robust and durable design
• Easy-to-use Nighthawk app for network management
• Netgear Armor powered by Bitdefender for online security
• No support for 5G bands

Speaking of 5G, if you are specifically looking for a 5G Wi-Fi router with a SIM card slot, then the Cudy P5 is a great option. While expensive, it’s one of the rare Wi-Fi routers supporting a faster network speed. Add to that, it houses not one but two SIM card slots.

Packed with cutting-edge technology, this router not only supports the latest 5G standards but also harnesses the efficiency of WiFi 6, setting the stage for a seamless online experience. The dual SIM card slots add a layer of versatility, allowing users to harness the power of two separate cellular networks for enhanced reliability and coverage.

Both slots support 5G NR/SA/NSA connectivity with downlink speeds of up to 2.4 Gbps. Moreover, even 4G LTE connections get a downlink speed of up to 1Gbps. As a result, you get access to blazing-fast internet speeds and low latency. Whether streaming high-definition content, engaging in video conferences, or gaming online, the router ensures a lag-free and immersive experience.

The Cudy P5 has advanced features that enhance its versatility and security. It supports mesh networking, allowing you to expand WiFi coverage by adding compatible mesh nodes. It also features built-in VPN support, allowing you to securely connect to your home or office network when you’re away. Additionally, the Cudy P5 includes parental controls and guest network options for added security and privacy.

• Blazing-fast 5G connectivity with speeds up to 2.4 Gbps
• Dual SIM redundancy for uninterrupted connectivity
• Wi-Fi 6 technology for expanded coverage
• Advanced features
• User-friendly interface
• Very expensive
• Overkill for basic users

Share Your Mobile Data With All Your Devices

Well, that was our list of the best Wi-Fi Routers with a SIM card slot. At the end of the day, the choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for simplicity, high-speed connectivity, portability, or advanced features, these routers offer a range of options to keep you seamlessly connected. Choose one of these best Wi-Fi routers with a SIM card slot the one that aligns with your lifestyle and enjoy a world of uninterrupted online experiences.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 01 December, 2023

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

Nomad Internet claims to have a 5G SIM modem/router.

I have a 4G WIFI MODEM and it needs a sim card where can I get one

You shared a knowledgeable information. Thank you.

I asked for wifi router with sim card slot alongwith traditional cat 6 or fibre cable input connectivity both. If traditional not working, 2nd connectivity with sim card gets working. Can you provide details on this.

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The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

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Best Mobile Wi-Fi Routers 2023

A Mobile Wi-Fi router, or MiFi for short, is a portable gadget that lets you share an internet connection to other devices from a SIM card with a mobile data plan.

You might wonder why you need one at all when you could use your phone’s portable hotspot (or tethering) feature to create a Wi-Fi network for other devices to connect, but if you’re travelling in another country you might prefer to keep your usual SIM in your phone and pop a local SIM card into a mobile Wi-Fi router to share its data with all your Wi-Fi devices, including a laptop, tablet and even a Fire Stick you might take with you.

If you need a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot regularly, a MiFi router can be the preferred solution because they won’t drain your smartphone’s battery, there’s no fiddling around with swapping SIM cards, and you won’t need to leave your phone with whomever is sharing its internet connection. They can also be used with data-only SIMs (those that do not offer calls and texts), which can make it cheaper to get online. 

And in case you’re wondering, the difference between a mobile Wi-Fi router and a mobile data dongle is that a router does not physically connect to your device, and it can share a mobile data connection with more than one device. You could plug a dongle into your laptop or PC, but the advantage of the MiFi routers below is that they provide an internet connection to multiple devices at the same time.

What is the best mobile hotspot?

1. tp-link m7350 – best overall mobile router.

• SIM-unlocked
• Supports 10 devices
• 10-hour battery
• Cheaper options are available
• May be overkill for some

TP-Link’s M7350 is a solid 4G mobile router that has the big benefit of being network-unlocked. That means although you’ll pay in full upfront, you can choose any data deal from any UK network operator, and you aren’t tied to a contract.

The TP-Link supports all three UK 4G LTE bands, with up to 150Mbps download speeds and 50Mbps uploads. It can create a wireless network for up to 10 devices, and supports a microSD card for shared storage and has an LCD that tells you the signal strength, how many devices are connected, how much data you have used of your total limit, plus the remaining battery capacity.

You can also use the LCD to cycle through a menu that caters to such options as toggling on or off data roaming, switching between 2.4- and 5GHz output, and choosing between 4G, 3G or a mixture of both.

A final option displays a QR code that takes you directly to Google Play or the App Store to download the tpMiFi app, which lets you manage users, alter the range, share files and read text messages. 

The TP-Link’s 2550mAh battery should be good for up to 10 hours of 4G connectivity, but lasts days on standby.

2. Huawei Mobile WiFi 3s (E5576-320) – Best Value Mobile Router

• Supports up to 10 devices
• Nicely designed
• Simple to use
• 6-hour battery life is shorter than some

Available on contract through Three, the Huawei E5576-320 offers such great value that you’d be crazy not to simply buy the network-unlocked version outright.

This is a 4G mobile router that lets you connect up to 10 devices, with its 1500mAh battery offering a standby time of up to 350 hours and working time of up to 6 hours.

It’s small, compact and easily portable – but, more importantly, it’s functional, with up to 150Mbps download speeds and 50Mbps uploads.

There are no fancy extra features, with this affordable mobile router from Huawei instead concentrating on one primary task: getting your mobile devices online wherever you are.

3. TP-Link M7200 – Best No-Frills Mobile Router

• 8-hour battery
• Quick to set up
• Plasticky design
• Difficult to prise off rear panel

TP-Link’s M7220 is a no-frills mobile Wi-Fi router that supports 4G FDD-LTE/TDD-LTE and 3G networks. It’s SIM-unlocked, so you simply unclip the back panel, pop in your SIM, and switch it on. It’s that easy to set up.

The 2,000mAh internal battery can last up to 8 hours in use, but significantly longer on standby, and you can share its 2.4GHz mobile Wi-Fi connection with up to 10 devices.

This is a rather plasticky device, and we were worried about snapping the rear panel when trying to prise it off to insert the SIM, but it’s tougher than it looks. The Wi-Fi network name and password are hidden under this panel, however, so you might prefer to make a note of it than to have to keep pulling on and off the panel every time you want to share the network.

The display doesn’t give you any stats about how much data you’ve used, but three status lights keep things super-simple: you can see how much battery remains, whether you’re connected to the internet and if it is sharing a Wi-Fi network.

Should you want to access more settings you can use the free mobile app or connect to the router via its login page on a browser, but otherwise the TP-Link keeps things simple for those who just want to turn it on and get online.

4. TP-Link M7450 – Best 4G Mobile Router

• Supports 32 devices
• 15-hour battery life
• Might be overkill for some

The TP-Link M7450 is a newer, more advanced version of the M7350, but it’s also more expensive and we think the older model currently offers better value.

Like the M7350, it’s sold unlocked and should work with any major network, either in the UK or abroad. It supports Cat6 LTE, with 300Mbps downloads (double the M7350) and 50Mbps downloads; you can pick between either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi bands; and you can connect up to 32 devices simultaneously – way, way more than most people will ever need.

Menu navigation is simple, and the clean UI makes the most of the two buttons and small screen to give you the info you need. For more complex setup – including USSD support, useful for connecting to many foreign networks – you can use either the web portal or free smartphone app.

The 3000mAh battery should give you an impressive 15 hours of working battery time. You even get a microSD slot, which supports cards up to 32GB and can be used as a quick way to share files between devices.

5. MyWebspot – Best Rental Mobile Router

• Great for one-off use
• Ready to go out of box
• Local charger supplied
• Rental prices will stack up
• Fair usage policy
• No LCD or app

Many of the options in this chart are suitable for those who will regularly need the use of a mobile Wi-Fi router, but MyWebspot is more appropriate for those who have a one-off requirement.

If you’re going on holiday abroad (potentially outside the realms of free roaming in Europe) and have several devices to get online, the service allows you to hire a hotspot for use by up to five devices in more than 100 countries.

Daily charges are calculated based on where you are going and for how long. At first glance they might seem steep, but they are nothing compared to what your mobile operator will charge you once you overstep your data allowance. It can also be very expensive to connect to Wi-Fi provided by some holiday resorts, which is often slow and time-limited.

The data is technically unlimited, but once you exceed the fair usage (1GB/day in Europe, US and Canada; 2GB in Mexico; fully unlimited in South East Asia; and 512MB everywhere else) the speed drops to an almost unusable 256kbps.

Setup couldn’t be simpler. The device can be delivered directly to your resort (or home if you prefer), then you turn it on, wait a moment for it to connect to a local 4G LTE network, and pick it up on your mobile device as you would any other Wi-Fi network using the SSID and password printed on the label on the back. On your way home you pop it in the post box using the prepaid envelope.

MyWebspot claims download speeds up to 100Mbps, and uploads of up to 40Mbps. In our testing in Lake Garda, Italy, we recorded  an average download speed of 33.5Mbps, and upload speed of 26.8Mbps. Naturally these speeds will decrease as you add multiple devices.

You’ll get about eight hours battery life from the Mi-Fi router, which is supplied with the appropriate local charger for your holiday destination.

There’s no companion app, which means even technophobes will get along with MyWebspot, though it would be handy to have some way of monitoring usage across multiple devices given that there’s no LCD screen.

6. Three Huawei 4G Plus MiFi – Best Value Contract Mobile Router

• Unlimited data
• Shorter contract options

If you’d rather buy a mobile Wi-Fi router on a contract, Three has some of the best deals right now. It uses the Huawei E5783B-320, and pairs it with some great data bundles.

We like the fact you can subscribe to a one-month rolling contract, because the way the world is right now no-one really knows how much they’ll be traveling over the next couple of years!

Three offers great value on unlimited data, with the one-month plan costing £27 per month (plus £39 upfront), the 12-month plan costing £26 per month (no upfront cost), and the 24-month plan costing £22 per month (again, no upfront cost). Purchase either the 12- or 24-month option and right now you get the first six months half-price.

If you don’t need this much data, 10GB and 40GB plans are also available, with the 10GB 24-month plan starting from £12 per month.

What are the advantages of buying a mobile Wi-Fi router?

You can connect multiple devices: Some MiFi devices let you connect 10 or more devices to a single hotspot, which will work out a lot cheaper than paying for a mobile data plan for each of those devices – but you’ll want a generous data allowance.

You can connect Wi-Fi-only devices to a mobile data connection:  Tablets are great to use at home, but what about on the train, on the beach or by the pool? Wherever you can get a phone signal, you can use MiFi to create a wireless network and get online from any Wi-Fi device.

You can save money on your next tablet: Buying a tablet with a 4G or 5G data connection adds around £100 to the price, and that’s before you consider the monthly fee for your data. Use some of that money to buy a MiFi router instead and you’ll never need to buy a cellular tablet again.

You can reduce roaming charges: Most mobile operators offer free roaming in the EU (for now, anyway!), but fixed-fee roaming elsewhere, allowing you to take your home tariff with you for a set cost. Rather than paying this extra charge on all your devices, turn off data roaming on them and connect them all to a mobile hotspot. You’ll pay this charge only once, but get all your devices online. Note that 5G roaming is not widespread, but it is currently offered by Vodafone and VOXI.

You can avoid using slow hotel Wi-Fi: When visiting hotels that still charge for Wi-Fi, you can get the kids online all day and at a lower cost than what the hotel would charge. Better still, you can avoid using the same network as all the other guests, which is usually slow and often has poor signal in your hotel room. Sometimes these networks can also be unsecured, so using MiFi will be preferable.

You can add 5G connectivity to a 4G device: Many of us have yet to jump on the 5G bandwagon, but where available it is seriously fast. Although your phone may be limited to 4G, your data plan almost certainly includes 5G. A 5G mobile router will allow you to connect your 4G phone to the internet at 5G speeds.

You can get faster download speeds: Even if your device already supports 5G, you could potentially get faster download and upload speeds by switching to a MiFi that supports a faster connection. Just remember that 5G is not yet available everywhere, and purchasing a 5G hotspot will push up the price.

You can share storage across your own mobile network: If your MiFi supports a microSD card, you can share that storage across all your devices, which is especially handy if they don’t support expandable storage themselves.

How do I choose a mobile router?

There are three options when purchasing a mobile Wi-Fi router:

• Buy a device and data SIM bundle direct from a mobile operator in return for a fixed monthly subscription
• Buy a network-unlocked MiFi router and add your own data SIM
• Hire a mobile router to cover only the period you need (see MyWebspot , reviewed above)

Many people will automatically go to their mobile operator for a MiFi device, since it’s an easy solution and you don’t need to pay anything up front. But this isn’t always the best idea.

If you buy a MiFi router from a mobile operator it will probably be locked to that network, preventing you from shopping around for the best data deal. You will also most likely pay over the odds if you choose to pay nothing up front but tie yourself into a two-year contract.

However, buy a network-unlocked router and shop around for a great-value data SIM plan and you will save money in the long run.

Note that the mobile hotspots offered by UK mobile operators are typically made by Huawei, but also Netgear, HTC and TP-Link. If you know the model you can usually find these devices available network-unlocked through retailers such as Amazon.

Can I use any SIM in a mobile hotspot?

Technically, yes. If you have a significant or unlimited data allowance with your mobile tariff you could simply take the SIM out your smartphone and insert it into a mobile router. 

However, not all mobile operators support unlimited tethering (check your contract), various phone functions are not going to be available on your smartphone while it’s missing its SIM, and you might regret the decision if you are overly generous with that shared mobile Wi-Fi connection and run out of data some time before the allowance renews.

You can now purchase data SIMs or SIM-only plans with big data allowances on PAYG or contract from all the UK’s major mobile operators. Which option you choose is largely going to be based on how much data you need to use, and how frequently you need to use it.

If you want something only for when you go on holiday, choose a PAYG plan and pay for data only when you need it. If you want something to get around a flaky home broadband connection or for use on your daily commute, choose either a rolling one-month contract option or save a bit of money with a 12- or 24-month plan.

What are the best data SIM deals?

We’d advise looking for a deal from a well-known mobile operator that has reliable coverage in your area (or your holiday destination), with a big data allowance, no restrictions on tethering, free or cheap roaming, and a low monthly or PAYG cost.

You can check network coverage in your area for 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G on the mobile operator’s website. Use the following links to jump straight to the major UK mobile operators’ coverage checker: Vodafone , EE , O2 , Three , GiffGaff , Smarty , VOXI , iD Mobile , Virgin Mobile , TalkMobile . 

There are many more companies offering data SIMs than we have listed here, but all are what are known as MVNOs, or mobile virtual network operators. This means they piggyback on another mobile network (Vodafone, EE, O2 or Three) for connectivity. As long as you have coverage with the big four, all the MVNOs should be covered in your area.

The best data SIM deals are always changing. We’ve collated more in-depth advice in our frequently updated guide to the best SIM-only deals , but our preference currently falls to Three . All its SIMs support 5G.

Smarty, which also runs on Three’s network, currently has a great deal on 40GB of data for £10 on a12-month plan. Tethering is unlimited in the UK.

Author: Marie Black , Editorial Director

Marie is Editorial Director at Foundry. A Journalism graduate from the London College of Printing, she's worked in tech media for more than 17 years, managing our EMEA and LatAm editorial teams and leading on content strategy through Foundry's transition from print, to digital, to online - and beyond.

Recent stories by Marie Black:

• Welcome to Our New Home on TechAdvisor.com
• Brilliant Tech Gift Ideas for Kids for Christmas
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What Are Travel Routers? Everything You Need to Know

If you travel often, or if you're soon traveling as a group, then a travel router might be just the thing to make your trip easier and more pleasant.

Most of us don't travel these days without a full arsenal of gadgets. A phone, a tablet, a laptop, a Kindle, a Chromecast, the list goes on. If that's you, you'll also know that setting them all up on hotel Wi-Fi is a bit of a pain.

The solution is to throw another piece of kit into your bag: a travel router. But what exactly is this, and why do you need one? Let's take a look.

What Is a Travel Router?

Put simply, a travel router is a Wi-Fi router just like the one you've got set up at home, and it works the same way. It's just smaller and more portable, making it more suited for travel.

A travel router is designed to simplify the process of connecting and managing devices on public Wi-Fi networks, whether that means in a hotel, at the airport, or anywhere else.

Most major router manufacturers have travel versions in their product range, including Netgear, D-Link, and more. They can be pretty small, too. The TP-Link Nano routers are almost as small as a credit card, while many other models are comparable in size to a portable phone charger.

Benefits of Travel Routers

The most obvious benefit of a travel router is that it means you don't have to keep adding your devices to the new Wi-Fi networks that you want to use. You keep your devices connected to the travel router instead, and then you only have to connect the travel router to different networks.

This also has the effect of hiding all the devices you've connected to the network—technically, you've only connected one: the travel router. It brings potential security benefits, and it helps you to bypass any arbitrary limits the network owner might have placed on the number of devices you're allowed to connect.

But there are even more benefits.

If the router has an Ethernet port, it can turn a wired internet connection into a wireless one. Travel routers can create a shared network between your connected devices, and many have a USB port that you can use with a flash drive full of media content.

They can also work as wireless extenders that can remove any Wi-Fi dead spots wherever you are. You're unlikely to use this function on the road, but it's a good way to improve Wi-Fi coverage at home .

Drawbacks of Travel Routers

There aren't many downsides, but there are a few things to bear in mind.

First, many travel routers need an external power source, which will limit where you can use them. Second, most need an existing Wi-Fi internet connection to get you online, although some models are available with a built-in SIM card slot for mobile internet connections.

Most importantly, even though they offer some improved security to your devices, they won't protect any data you share over open public Wi-Fi networks. It's important to take the same precautions you would take if you'd connected your laptop to a public network directly.

Related: Dongles vs. Portable Hotspots: Mobile Internet Devices Explained  

What to Look for in a Travel Router

When you're shopping for a travel router, you should look out for the same kinds of features you'd look for in a standard wireless router. On top of that, you might also find a few extra features that will help when you're on the road.

Wi-Fi Standard and Band

As with any router, check what Wi-Fi standard it works on. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is the latest and fastest standard, but if not, then 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) is absolutely fine, and 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) is okay at a push. You should avoid anything older—they will be much slower, more prone to interference, and their age may also suggest they have less modern and less robust security protocols.

Whichever you choose, one that supports the 5 GHz band is preferable. 5 GHz has a smaller range than 2.4 GHz, but it's less susceptible to noise, so it gives you stronger and more reliable signals.

All Wi-Fi 6 routers support 5 GHz, as do those with 802.11ac. Some 802.11n routers are restricted to a single band and only offer 2.4 GHz.

Battery Power

If you want a truly portable solution, then get a travel router that runs off battery power. Unfortunately, many of them don't. If you can't find a suitable model that does, look out for one that can be powered via a USB port. That way, you can plug it into your laptop to use when you're on the road. It's far more convenient than having to search for a power outlet.

Ethernet and USB ports are essentials in a travel router. With Ethernet, you can turn a wired connection that can only be used with a single device (that has an Ethernet port of its own, like a laptop) into a wireless connection that you can use with multiple devices, including phones and tablets.

A USB port has several uses. The main use is for power: some travel routers can be used to charge other devices. Some routers enable you to insert flash drives or portable hard drives and share the media contents stored in them, just like a NAS system does.

Or you can insert a 4G dongle and share your 4G data plan across all your devices.

Some travel routers have a SIM card that you use for this as well. It's less essential, though, because you can use tethering on your smartphone  to do the same job. Just make sure your data plan allows for it.

Multiple Usage Modes

Travel routers have many usage modes that enable them to work in different ways. Not every model will have all of these modes, and they might not always have the same names, so just be aware of that. The five most common modes are:

• AP mode:  Creates a wireless access point from a non-wireless internet connection via an Ethernet cable. For use in locations where there's only access to a wired connection.
• Router mode:  The router connects to the network, and your devices connect to the router. They remain hidden on the network.
• Repeater mode:  The router extends coverage of the existing wireless network. This is a good use for the router when you're at home.
• Bridge mode:  Takes the existing network connection and broadcasts it with a separate network name and password, effectively splitting the network in two.
• Client mode:  Gives wireless capability to any non-wireless device by way of a cabled connection.

You need to activate and configure each mode separately when you use them. Check out our guide on how to set up a travel router for more.

Is a Travel Router for You?

If you travel a lot and take many gadgets with you, it might be worth throwing a travel router in your bag.

Travel routers are great for getting lots of devices onto wireless networks without any hassle. They're ideal for hotel rooms that only offer wired internet. And if you pick the right model you can fill up a memory stick with your favorite movies and stream them to your devices as well.

You can also use your travel router at home. You can set one up as a wireless extender to remove any dead spots from the furthest corners of your house when you aren't at home. It's even possible to push Wi-Fi coverage out into your garden. Or you can use the router to turn your old printer into a rather more useful wireless version.

Now you just need to decide which travel router to buy.

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The 7 Best Portable and Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots for Travel in 2024

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

794 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

35 Published Articles 3245 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

What is a mobile wi-fi hotspot, things to look for in a mobile wi-fi hotspot, frequencies explained: the difference between gsm and cdma, the 7 best mobile wi-fi hotspots for travel, final thoughts.

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Whether you want to update your Insta on the go or need to keep in touch with the office, losing your internet signal can be very frustrating.

But it’s annoying (and can be unsafe) to rely on public Wi-Fi signals in every coffee shop you visit, and sometimes when traveling to remote locations, public connections are just not available.

Instead, you can invest in a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot to ensure safe, secure, and reliable internet access anywhere you go. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing the best one for you.

A Wi-Fi hotspot is a battery-powered wireless router that travels with you. Designed to be compact and lightweight enough to slip into your purse or pocket, a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot device brings the internet to your phone, tablet, or laptop, no matter where in the world it finds you.

These gadgets are a big bonus for anyone traveling away from public Wi-Fi or those looking for a secure connection. A bit like a cellular device, your Wi-Fi hotspot provides access to invisible signals in the sky, all of which can help you to upload pics or receive your emails on the move.

You will need to pay for the data you use, which can be done in the form of packages or day passes that offer unlimited access for a set period of time.

Bottom Line: Using 3G or 4G (and maybe even 5G in the coming months), these smart little devices emit a reliable and incredibly useful Wi-Fi signal that you can hook your favorite gadgets and devices to while away from home.

Battery Life

Most batteries will run happily for between 5-6 hours at a time. If you are traveling somewhere with easy access to electricity, you should be able to charge overnight to ensure your hotspot works when you need it for your daily adventures. If you spend a disproportionately large amount of time online, you may want to look at a device that offers a longer battery life.

Size and Weight

Your Wi-Fi hotspot should be small enough to be carried everywhere with you. After all, if it’s not entirely portable, what exactly is the point? Slimline, lightweight, and often smaller than the smartphone you are trying to connect to, these devices are compact and clever.

Wi-Fi Support

Because some mobile internet providers are better than others, the coverage you receive from any Wi-Fi hotspot can also vary. For example, 2.4GHz gives coverage at a more extended range but will transmit the data at a much slower speed. A 5GHz band, on the other hand, will provide less range with data transmitted at a much faster speed.

Though they may be small, they are still mighty, and most hotspot devices will have a built-in display. At the very least, the display should indicate remaining battery life and current Wi-Fi signal strength. Others may offer bonus features like SMS messages or touch screen modes.

Card Reader

Some portable Wi-Fi hotspots come with the capability to read MicroSD memory cards, which can be used to store and access files from your laptop or home computer. You can also share your stored files with the people who use your network when you want them to have access.

MicroSD memory cards are not typically included with the purchase of a Wi-Fi hotspot, but they are a useful addition that allows you to send and receive SMS messages and save images, music, and other data-heavy files.

Mobile data is delivered using 1 of 2 types of cellular signals in different countries and regions around the world. These cellular standards allow for communication between individuals; without them, we would not be able to keep in touch on such a global scale.

Known as GSM and CDMA, each standard converts both incoming and outgoing radio waves in entirely different ways. Before you buy a hotspot, you need to understand its function and where you’ll be able to use it.

Global System for Mobile Communication is used in most countries around the world. In the U.S., only AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM. GSM uses Time Division Multiple Access (or TDMA), which allocates time slots to multiple conversation streams and alters how phones transmit their information. Doing this requires a SIM card (or “subscriber identification module” card).

It is the SIM card that holds all the information you need to make calls, use mobile internet, and store your contacts. The SIM card tells the device what services you have access to and is vital for GSM communications on the go.

CDMA is used in countries including Russia and the U.S. ( Sprint , Verizon , and US Cellular), and it grants users full access to a wide spectrum of bandwidth, meaning more users can connect at any one time. It also encodes each signal, meaning that every conversation remains protected and filtered.

CDMA does not rely on SIM cards as the device has the technology built into it from the carriers’ networks. This once meant that if you wanted to change carriers, you would need to buy a new device altogether. These days though, many CDMA devices offer the capability to use a SIM card too, especially for those on LTE networks.

Bottom Line: Different countries (and different carriers) use different technologies. In the U.S., Sprint, Verizon, and US Cellular use CDMA, while AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM. When it comes to purchasing a hotspot, make sure you understand what type you’re buying, what countries it will work in, and what providers it will function with.

1. Keep in Touch Wherever You Are Using the GlocalMe 4G LTE Network

GlocalMe DuoTurbo 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot

With a global SIM-free connection, you can quickly and easily access the internet without worrying about a local SIM card or roaming charges. The 4G LTE high-speed network connects up to 10 devices at a time. Enjoy an innovative GlocalMe app that uses a dedicated security protocol to ensure your Wi-Fi connection is always safe.

You can also easily manage your data usage from anywhere in the world. With an initial 1.1 GB of global data and 8 GB U.S. data included to see you on your way, you can easily top up your data using the GlocalMe app, which is specifically designed to work in a variety of different countries and regions.

Bottom Line: With 1 Nano SIM card slot and the ability to connect to unlocked Wi-Fi hotspots wherever you are, the G4 will provide you with up to 12 hours of nonstop usage from a single charge.

2. Rapid Download Speeds and Superfast Internet on the Go

Huawei E5577Cs-321 4G LTE Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot

Huawei’s Wi-FI hotspot is both affordable and reliable — and it’s good enough to give some of the more prominent brand alternatives a real run for their money.

This hotspot offers rapid download speeds of up to 150 Mbps 4G LTE and 43.2 Mbps 3G download , connection for up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices, 6 hours of working time, and a whopping 300 hours of standby time.

Bottom Line: The TFT-LCD screen with 2D Barcode secure connection is easy to use, and the device itself is unlocked for all networks — you can even choose your SIM card if you want to.

3. Best for Professionals Who Need To Keep Connected

Huawei  E5576-320  4G LTE Mobile Wi-Fi Router

This high-speed mobile router and multi-mode wireless terminal is for use in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The hotspot offers 16 Wi-Fi connections at a time, and the unlocked carrier connection means you can use 3G signals from any provider. Controllable via the innovative Huawei Mobile Wi-Fi app, you can enjoy uploads and connectivity for up to 6 hours using the 1500 mAh battery.

Bottom Line: While this device model will not work in the Americas or the United States, it is an affordable solution for those traveling to other parts of the world.

4. A Powerful Global WI-Fi Hotspot for Use in Over 160 Countries

RoamWiFi 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot Router

The RoamWiFi Mobile Router is a powerful global Wi-Fi hotspot with super-fast 4G LTE speeds that can be used in over 160 different countries and shared to 5 connections. Sleek and stylish, the simple orange hotspot can be stored in your carry-on luggage and will be easy to find when you get there.

By far, the most impressive feature of this particular model is the whopping 18 hours of battery life . 500MB of data can be purchased for as little as $2.90 per day.

Bottom Line: All-in-all, this is a tremendous little Wi-Fi hotspot for your next adventure.

5. Compact and Capable Offering 18 Hours of Battery Life

Netgear Unite Explore AC815S Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot

This slim 4G LTE-capable device provides super-fast internet and as much as 18 hours of battery life on a single charge to as many as 15 Wi-Fi devices on the go.

Super easy to use, the color LCD screen shows you all the network info you need, as well as displaying battery life and connectivity levels.

Bottom Line: Made by one of the most trusted names in communications, the Unite Explore is a reliable Wi-Fi hotspot for travelers looking for longer battery life.

6. Superfast Connectivity in Over 135 Countries

SIMO Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot

With no contract or SIM card required, this convenient little device will ensure you’re always connected on the go. The virtual SIM technology is compatible with most major carriers, and you can control everything through the handy Solis WiFi app.

You can connect up to 10 different devices with up to 16 hours of battery life on a single charge. As well as keeping you connected, this mobile hotspot doubles up as a power bank, so you’ll never run out of charge.

Bottom Line: With SIMO Solis, users can enjoy day pass Wi-Fi, pay as you go access by gigabyte, or monthly and yearly subscriptions.

7. Connect 10 Wi-Fi Enabled Devices With This Verizon Jetpack

Verizon MiFi Jetpack 4620L

Brought to you by the communication experts at Verizon, this MiFi Jetpack offers superior connectivity and speedy internet access virtually anywhere in the world. With the ability to connect up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices in 4G and up to 5 devices in 3G, this is one of the most effective LTE hotspot devices on the market.

Compatible with all major operating systems including Windows, Mac OSX, Android, and iOS, you can quickly and easily connect your phone, tablet, or laptop. The interactive OLED display shows you when you are connected, as well as the connection status and how many users are connected. It can even alert you when you receive a new SMS message.

Bottom Line: With up to 5 hours of usage available from a single charge, this impressive MiFi mobile Wi-Fi device is one of the most effective LTE hotspot devices on the market.

With a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, you are no longer at the mercy of unsecured, cumbersome, and often super-slow public Wi-Fi signals when you take to the road. Your very own Wi-Fi allows you to download data, upload images, and keep in touch with civilization, no matter how far away you go.

Before you commit to a connection, look for a mobile Wi-Fi device that is compact and portable with a large enough battery to last you all day. Your new Wi-Fi hotspot should also be simple to use, easy to connect to, and ideally able to offer a connection to several different devices (especially if you’re traveling with friends).

Lastly, don’t miss these other tech-related product reviews to level up your travel game!

• The Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers for Travel
• What are the Best GoPro Alternatives? [10+ Options]
• The Best Portable Power Bank Chargers for Travel
• Travel Product Reviews – Tech & Photography Focus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best mobile wi-fi hotspot for travelers.

Our vote is for the GlocalMe G4 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot.

With a global SIM-free connection, you can quickly and easily access the internet without worrying about a local SIM card or roaming charges. The 4G LTE high-speed network connects up to 10 devices at a time. Enjoy 50Mbps upload speeds and an innovative GlocalMe app that uses a dedicated security protocol to ensure your Wi-Fi connection is always safe.

Do mobile hotspots work internationally?

Many mobile hotspots do work internationally, but this would depend on what plan your device is on. Many plans include a set amount of international data, while others offer unlimited usage for a set fee.

Can mobile hotspot replace home Wi-Fi?

Although mobile hotspots can be used in place of home Wi-Fi, it usually carries higher usage costs. If you are a heavy downloader or video streamer, you would likely be better off registering for a home Wi-Fi service.

Which is better Wi-Fi or hotspot?

Hotspots usually offer slower speeds and less security than Wi-Fi; however, it is convenient if you’re on the move, and there are no guarantees that you will be able to access a Wi-Fi connection.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The Great Outdoors

The 8 best unlocked portable Wi-Fi hotspots for travelers and digital nomads

An unlocked portable Wi-Fi hotspot is a must for travelers, digital nomads, or backpackers. Here are our top picks for portability, speed, and network coverage.

As a digital nomad you’re either strapping up your hiking boots to hit the local trails, or flying to Mexico for a week of margaritas and sunshine. And with remote work becoming more common, a life spent hopping between countries is finally within reach for many of us. But life on the road, or in the woods, lacks one necessary modern convenience: an internet connection.

Fortunately, portable Wi-Fi hotspots are the perfect solution for travelers and digital nomads to stay connected. These compact devices provide a high-speed connection wherever you go, so you can get your work done (and pay the bills) while exploring new locales or camping beneath towering evergreens.

How do mobile Wi-Fi hotspots work?

A portable Wi-Fi hotspot is a pocketable device that uses a cellular signal to create your own Wi-Fi network. These hotspots typically output both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi connections, and connect to the internet through mobile networks that transmit cellular data through radio waves, called frequencies. This means that you can connect your laptop , tablet, or smartphone to the internet even if there is no public Wi-Fi available. Portable Wi-Fi hotspots are sometimes also called "Mi-Fi" devices.

Features to look for in a Wi-Fi hotspot

Prepaid data packages vs. SIM card

To get your portable Wi-Fi device connected to the internet, you will need to purchase a prepaid data plan or local SIM card. If you plan to use your Wi-Fi hotspot for international travel, look for a device that has prepaid data plans available. Purchasing a prepaid plan prior to leaving on a trip means you can skip the hassle of locating a foreign service provider and picking up a SIM card.

If you're planning on using your hotspot primarily in the U.S. and North America, purchasing a SIM card from a major carrier like AT&T or T-Mobile will get you the best network coverage. I recommend this option for campers , hikers , or van-lifers that require an internet connection in remote locations.

Supported networks and frequencies

The frequencies used to transmit data vary depending on the region or country you're in and the carrier you're on. You need to keep an eye out for which frequencies your hotspot will support.

The most common networks and their frequencies include:

• 2G/3G : The second- and third-generation of wireless technology. These networks run on either GSM (Global System for Mobiles) or CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) frequencies. GSM is more widely used and better for travelers.
• 4G or LTE : This network is currently the global standard and offers the fastest connection speeds. 4G transmits through LTE frequencies, and only uses GSM or CDMA as a fallback when there is no LTE connection available.
• 5G: The fifth-generation mobile network technology provides increased reliability, speed, and network capacity, but global coverage is currently only at 25 percent . Outside of major cities, 4G LTE and 3G networks are the most widely available.

Luckily, device makers don’t want to build a different device for every frequency, so most Wi-Fi hotspots are compatible with 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE. Keep in mind that your hotspot will only work in areas where there is cellular coverage , no matter the frequency. Oftentimes, remote locations will not have a signal since there aren't any nearby cellular towers or the closest one can't reach it.

Input may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article. We only include products that have been independently selected by Input's editorial team.

Reliable hotspot built for traveling, with 18-hour battery life and 450Mbps download speeds.

The NETGEAR Unite Explore AC815S is a fast and reliable hotspot with 18 hours of battery life. This device provides download speeds up to 450Mbps. The device is compatible with GSM SIM cards, so you can use it with your preferred service provider. Bonus points go to the Unite Explore for its durable design with rubber bumpers and splash resistance.

Provides SIM-free global coverage and allows you to connect up to five devices.

The MightyWiFi is a SIM-free hotspot that supports 29 frequencies on the 4G network which provides you with coverage in over 150 countries. This hotspot has flexible global data plans that are prepaid, ranging from 3GB to 30GB. The 5,000 mAh battery also doubles as a portable power bank with up to 12 hours of usage. The MightyWiFi supports up to five devices at once.

Powerful, pocket-sized and supports most international SIM cards.

The GlocalMe G4 is a powerful pocket-sized hotspot with up to 12 hours of battery life, built-in data plans, and support for SIM cards from over 140 countries. With a 5-inch touchscreen display for easy setup and configuration, and built-in apps like Google Maps, this little device is a fuss-free companion.

A durable spill-resistant hotspot that can be easily connected via NFC. Best in class battery life.

The Huawei E5885 Wifi 2 has lightning fast 300Mbps download speeds and is compatible with 4G LTE bands in Europe, North America, and Asia. A built-in 6,400 mAh battery pack provides 25 hours of battery life and a 2-in-1 lanyard charging cable that can easily keep both the hotspot or your phone powered up. Setup is made simple thanks to single-tap NFC connectivity. Plus, it's dust and spill-resistant, so it’s a great fit for more rugged adventures.

A mobile hotspot that is both fast and reliable, with a built-in 5,000 mAh battery.

The Netgear Nighthawk M1 is an unlocked 4G mobile hotspot that's fast and reliable. It comes with a built-in 5,000 mAh battery capable of providing 11 hours worth of power while you're out hiking or traveling. This compact device has a USB port for media streaming from an external drive or for charging your phone in a pinch. Compatible with SIM cards from most major service providers, but also supports prepaid data plans from AT&T and T-Mobile.

A GSM unlocked hotspot that supports both 4G and 5G networks.

The ZTE Velocity MF923 is a GSM unlocked hotspot that supports up to 10 devices at once. It comes with a 2,800 mAh battery that provides 10 hours of battery life, and you can insert a microSD to use as a shared network drive. The Velocity also has a bright and responsive 2.4-inch touchscreen display, which makes it easy to set up your device within minutes. This device connects to both 4G and 5G networks in 200 countries.

Budget hotspot that supports 4G LTE speeds and works with a micro-SIM from any GSM carrier.

Alcatel’s LINKZONE is a simple budget hotspot capable of providing 4G LTE speeds up to 150Mbps. The LINKZONE works with a SIM card from any GSM carrier and supports up to 15 devices at once. You’ll get six hours of juice out of the 1,800 mAh battery, and setup is a breeze thanks to the user-friendly interface. This hotspot is ideal for travelers heading to Central or South America since it is compatible with 4G networks that transmit through 1,700-2,100 Mhz frequencies.

Affordable option that provides 6 hours of battery life and fast download speeds.

The Huawei E5577Cs hotspot costs less than $100. It has a 1,500 mAh battery that lasts for six hours on average and supports all GSM networks. Download speeds reach up to 150Mbps. This hotspot can also be used as a Wi-Fi extender at home, making it useful even when you’re not traveling. On top of that, with the LCD touchscreen, you can view available networks, battery life, and easily tinker with other settings.

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BEST PERFORMING WiFi WITH 5G - The Nighthawk M5 Mobile Router is powered by the Qualcomm ® Snapdragon ™ X55 5G Modem-RF System to deliver premium performance and groundbreaking speeds * . With the latest WiFi 6 technology, enjoy more capacity for connected devices anytime, anywhere.

Unlocked device works best on AT&T and T-Mobile networks, and requires a 5G compatible SIM card. Ask your 5G wireless network provider for the best 5G data plan for your needs. Learn More

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NETGEAR Armor

You wouldn’t leave your doors unlocked at night. Treat your WiFi with the same level of protection.

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Keep your family and your devices safe from online threats with an automatic shield of protection for your entire network.

Protect more devices

NETGEAR Armor shields devices other solutions miss; from phones and laptops to smart TVs and door locks, security cameras, and so much more.

More than anti-virus

Go beyond simple antivirus and spam blockers with complete protection to stop hackers, password thieves, ransomware, and brute force attacks.

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Get instant notifications when someone on your network encounters a malicious link, plus real-time tips for improving your security.

On-the-go protection

Stay secure even when you’re away from home with integrated VPN.

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Put your mind at ease knowing that your investment is protected.

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NETGEAR ProSupport extends coverage beyond our standard 90-day tech support and limited 1-year warranty, giving you VIP coverage for any and every possible scenario.​

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VIP service to get you up and running, no matter what happens​

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No need to worry about drops or spills. We’ve got you covered.​

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Creating the safest online experience for your kids is important, and Smart Parental Controls makes it easy. 

You’re in control.

Create profiles for each family member and their devices. Pause the Internet when it’s time to take a digital break.

Build healthy internet habits together

Monitor and get insights into your kids’ internet activity. Promote healthy habits by using content filters, scheduling time limits, and other advance features.

Share the responsibility

Install My Time onto your kids’ devices so they can see their screen time and follow time limits.

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Choose the most age-appropriate content filters. Use our recommended pre-set filters or customize them to fit what’s best for your kids.

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Check out the newest and best unlocked mobile hotspot Nighthawk M6 Pro (MR6550)

Unlocked, M1 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot, Up to 1Gbps

Unlocked, M6 5G WiFi 6 Mobile Hotspot, Up to 2.5Gbps

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START WITH A BYOD DATA PLAN

Contact cellular provider, confirm compatibility and buy a SIM card and data plan that meets your needs. Purchase your mobile hotspot and simply insert SIM card to activate

FAST, SECURE WIFI. EVERYWHERE Nighthawk M5 MOBILE ROUTER

• 5G Internet Speed Connect to the internet at Gigabit speed wherever you go
• WiFi 6 Technology Enough speed and capacity to share with 32 devices
• Secure, Private Connections Keep your data and devices safe, and avoid unsecured public WiFi

FAST 5G CONNECTS YOUR HOME

Use 5G as your primary internet connection at home to simultaneously work, stream, game, and more, with up to 32 devices. Ideal for homes where cable internet is unreliable or unavailable

RELIABLE 5G EVERYWHERE YOU GO

Powerful, fast WiFi whereever you go that's secure, private, and shareable

COMPARE NIGHTHAWK MOBILE HOTSPOTS

Nighthawk M1 Mobile Band: 4G LTE WiFi: WiFi 5, up to 150Mbps Devices: up to 20 Ethernet: 1G port

Nighthawk M5 Mobile Band: 4G LTE and 5G Sub-6 WiFi: WiFi 6, up to 1800Mbps Devices: up to 32 Ethernet: 1G port

GIGABIT SPEED FOR WIRED DEVICES

Connect wired devices to the 1G Ethernet port for gigabit speed

EASY TO SET UP, EASY TO USE

Get your WiFi up and running, change settings, and monitor data usage using the extra-large intuitive touchscreen

POWER THAT LASTS

Rechargeable battery for all-day use††. Swap in a second battery (sold separately) or use the AC adapter if you need even more power

Technical Specifications

• 5G WiFi6 Mobile Router (MR5200) : Dimensions: 105mm x 105mm x 21.5mm, 4.14in x 4.14in x .85in. Weight: 240g (.54lb) with battery
• TECHNOLOGY/BANDS : Supports LTE CAT 20, LTE Advanced Pro, 4x4 MIMO, 256QAM
• Up to 6X Carrier Aggregation
• 5G: n2/n5/n25/n41/n66/n71/n78
• LTE: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B12/B13/B14/B25/B29/ B30/B38/B41/B46/B48/B66/B71
• 3G: B1/B2/B5/B8
• IPV6 Support
• EXTERNAL PORTS : One (1) USB Type-C
• One (1) Gbps Ethernet
• WIFI SPEED : AX1800 Max Throughput (PHY)
• 1.2Gbps on 5GHz
• 600Mbps on 2.4GHz
• Always-on connection you can count on and connect up to 32 devices
• Increase network performance and reduce interference with 802.11ax (WiFi6), 2x2 MIMO and 2.4/5GHz dual-band
• Powerful and long-lasting battery

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* Actual throughput will vary depending on your internet subscription with your provider. The transfer rate may be reduced by the volume of network traffic or your service plan. The transfer rate may also be reduced by the service provider’s specific network implementation. ††Actual battery life will vary depending on network and environmental conditions, device used, content streamed and device settings

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RouterFreak Reviews, Tips and Tools for Network Engineers

Best router with a sim card slot (2024), daniele besana.

Inserting a 4G or 5G SIM card into a router can improve your Internet connection by letting more devices connect to the network and using router features like beamforming and MU-MIMO to make your connection better.

The best SIM card routers use the WiFi 6 standard for improved speed and security , include multiple ports for wired connections, and are compatible with many telecom operators.

SIM card routers should not be confused with mobile hotspot devices . SIM card routers resemble regular routers which require connection to a power source and contain multiple ports.

Mobile hotspot devices are small, portable devices designed for mobile network internet access on the go.

The Netgear LAX20 is the editor’s choice for the best router with a SIM Card slot as it features WiFi 6 technology that delivers faster speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps which enables you to stream, download, and transfer 1.5 times faster than the previous technology. The four WiFi streams provide reliability and high performance for up to 4 times more smart home devices, allowing for simultaneous and uninterrupted streaming.

The Cudy LT700 is another great choice and features the 4G LTE Cat.6 Connectivity with data rates of up to 300/50 Mbps. The built-in 4*4 high-performance antennas have MU-MIMO technology which expands the internet coverage and increases your service capacity. It can easily create a connection to the VPN server to securely transfer all your online traffic and data.

The Netgear MR6150 delivers secure and blazing-fast 5G internet and can achieve speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps for on-the-go travel as well as your primary home internet connection allowing you to game, stream, and work simultaneously. The MR6150 comes with two TS9 RF, one 1Gbps Ethernet, and one USB Type-C port.

Although most SIM cards are compatible with the majority of SIM card routers, the type of SIM plan you have can affect compatibility.

For example, some prepaid plans or limited internet plans may not work in a SIM card router.

For this article, we have tested 24 SIM card routers , with the top 7 making our product reviews.

7 Best LTE & 5G SIM Card Routers (2024)

• Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk LAX20
• Runner-Up:  Cudy LT700
• Best 5G Router:  Netgear Nighthawk MR6150
• Budget Friendly:  Cudy LT500D
• Best Portable Router:  NRadio C2000
• Best For Multiple Carriers:  Alcatel HH41NH
• Basic LTE Router:  D-Link DWR-921

Finding the best LTE and 5G SIM card router is essential especially if you are a traveller or living in an area that does not have access to satellite or cable internet.

A quality router containing a SIM card slot should provide a consistent and stable internet connection.

Below are the reviews of the top 7 routers with a SIM card slot that you can choose from.

Each review comprises of design and performance of the router as well as the specifications, who it is made for, pros, and cons.

1. Netgear Nighthawk LAX20 (Editor’s Choice)

The Netgear LAX20 features WiFi 6 technology that delivers faster speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps. This speed enables you to stream, download, and transfer 1.5 times faster than the previous technology.

The four WiFi streams provide reliability and high performance for up to 4 times more smart home devices, allowing for simultaneous and uninterrupted gaming, movies, video calls, and more on all the connected devices.

Performance

For the Netgear LAX20 to work, you need a Nano SIM card from your carrier and activation of a compatible Bring Your Device (BYOD) data plan that meets your data requirements.

The LAX20 comes with download speeds of up to 300 Mbps. You should note that these speeds can change depending on the service and its proximity to the nearest cell tower.

If your current internet service fails, you can use the LAX20 for backup internet by inserting your provider’s Nano SIM card into it and it will seamlessly switch over to 4G LTE. You can protect your entire WiFi using an automatic shield of security on all your devices, which comes with a 30-day free trial.

The Nighthawk app enables you to set up the LAX20 in minutes. You can also use it to easily monitor data usage, manage your WiFi settings, and test internet speed. The four Ethernet ports enable you to connect your computers, game consoles, and other streaming players.

The OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies ensure that you have simultaneous streaming on all your devices. Beamforming technology directs the WiFi signal to devices involved in bandwidth-intensive tasks.

You can use the USB port to create personal cloud storage that is accessible anywhere. The LAX20 features the WPA3 wireless security protocols to ensure that your network is safe.

Who It’s For

The Netgear LAX20 can be used as a backup or primary internet connection and is suitable when service is unavailable or weak.

• Speed: 8 Gbps
• Wireless Protocol: 11ax
• WiFi Range: 1500 sq. ft.
• Bands: Dual-Band
• Ports: 4 Ethernet, 1 USB
• Supported Carriers: T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon
• Decent coverage range.
• Fast WiFi 6 connection.
• Nice build design and quality.
• Comes with two external antennas.
• None found.

2. Cudy LT700 (Runner-Up)

The Cudy LT700 features the 4G LTE Cat.6 Connectivity with data rates of up to 300/50 Mbps. The built-in 4*4 high-performance antennas have MU-MIMO technology which expands the internet coverage and increases your service capacity.

This 4G router can easily create a connection to the VPN server to transfer all your online traffic and data while securing it at the same time.

The Cudy LT700 comes with a replaceable cellular antenna interface that offers different installation possibilities. 2*5dBi WiFi antenna and 4*5dBi cellular antenna improve the signal quality of WiFi and 4G LTE and enhance the sensitivity of the router.

Also, the cellular antenna has a detachable design which enables you to use it as an external cellular antenna with the help of the SMA connector, in which you can plug extension cables up to 10 meters. 

The Dual WAN and SIM Failover enables you to always be on the internet. The two SIM slots keep the device always online and provide redundancy. You can choose to use either SIM card 2 or SIM card 1, fill both SIM slots, or auto-select using Cudy. We tested out each variation and they performed very well, giving us a great variety of network options.

Set the LAN/WAN port as WAN to allow Cudy to use landline internet from WAN. The 3G/4G connection can be used as a backup to deliver a reliable and sustained internet connection.  The 4G/5G band lock enables you to lock the 4G working frequency to single or multiple bands to keep the operation stable.

In terms of security, the Cudy LT700 is compatible with 20 DDNS providers making it convenient to manage your remote cameras if you have CCTV installed at home.

Also, the advanced DNS security prevents manipulation and eavesdropping of DNS data through a man-in-the-middle attack.

The Cudy LT700 is a 4G router that is suitable for users looking to get a stable high-speed internet experience and improved signal quality both inside and outside of your home.

• Speed: 1200 Mbps
• Wireless Protocol: WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
• WiFi Range: Up to 1200 sq. ft
• Ports: 4 Ethernet
• Supported Carriers: AT&T, T-Mobile
• Faster and stable connection.
• Multiple VPN server compatibility.
• Advanced security features.
• Improved signal quality.
• Setting it up is a bit difficult.

3. Netgear Nighthawk MR6150 (Best 5G Router)

The Netgear MR6150 delivers secure and blazing-fast 5G internet and can achieve speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps for on-the-go travel as well as your primary home internet connection allowing you to game, stream, and work simultaneously.

The MR6150 comes with two TS9 RF, one 1 Gbps Ethernet, and one USB Type-C port. It has a greater capacity to provide internet connection for up to 32 devices and has exceptional performance.

The Netgear MR6150 is a portable hotspot for 4G LTE and 5G around the world and is certified with T-Mobile and AT&T. It needs a 5G compatible SIM card to work, therefore, ask your network provider to give you the best 5G data plan to suit your requirements.

The Ethernet port can be used to extend 5G internet speed to your entire home. Just plug your home’s Orbi mesh system or WiFi router into the port. You can also use the Ethernet port to create a wired connection to your laptop or other wired devices and enjoy speeds of up to 1 Gbps.

Set up, monitor your data usage, share access, and change WiFi settings on the 2.4-inch color LCD touchscreen.

With the MR6150, you get a secure private WiFi connection for your phones, tablets, and laptops in trains, hotels, airports, and other places providing public WiFi.

To ensure that you have premium performance and power, the MR6150 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 5G modem. The powerful battery delivers up to 13 hours of battery life so that you can always stay online.

The Netgear MR6150 is the best 5G router that provides a secure mobile WiFi connection for you on the go, at home, or while traveling. It is suitable for areas with poor coverage or internet service.

• Speed: 5 Gbps
• Wireless Protocol: WiFi 6
• WiFi Range: 2000 sq. ft, up to 32 devices
• Bands: Tri-Band
• Ports: 1 Ethernet
• Supported Carriers: AT&T and T-Mobile
• Secure WiFi.
• Portable making it great for the road.
• Great battery life.
• Reliable and fast speeds.
• Not compatible with all carriers.

4. Cudy LT500D (Budget Friendly)

Design  .

The Cudy LT500D is designed with AC1200 dual-band WiFi and an integrated 4G LTE modem. You just need to insert a SIM card, switch the router on, and enjoy stable, fast WiFi at home.

The LT500D delivers download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. It offers a better user experience by allowing you to use both the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands . You can use the 2.4 GHz band for easy tasks such as web browsing and use the 5 GHz band for bandwidth-intensive tasks such as streaming or online gaming.

The Cudy LT500D ensures that you are always online because you can use it as a backup or primary internet connection. To use it as a backup router, just connect an ethernet cable to the LAN/WAN port. Use the port as the primary internet source and the 4G network as backup. If the LAN/WAN internet service does not work, it will automatically enable the 4G service.

The LT500D comes with a built-in VPN that enables the router to connect to the server and transfer encrypted online traffic and data. You can use this feature to create your home network with your school or work network.

You can use the DDNS function to bind your home IP address to a custom domain name, which ensures remote management is possible.

The LT500D is easy to set up. All you need to do is insert the SIM card into the router and enter the PIN on the web configuration page to begin enjoying a fast and stable wireless. The graphical management interface is easy to use and it enables you to manage and monitor the network easily.

The DNS encryption protects your privacy and helps to prevent manipulation and eavesdropping.

The Cudy LT500D is a budget-friendly 4G modem router that can provide high-speed internet in areas where the signal is unavailable or weak such as rural homes, holiday cabins, a boat, remote cameras, and RVs.

• Wireless Protocol: WiFi 5
• WiFi Range: 1200 sq. ft
• Decent speeds.
• Good coverage.
• Stable throughput.
• Great security features.
• Incompatible with Verizon.

5. NRadio C2000 (Best Portable Router)

The NRadio C2000 works with T-Mobile and AT&T. All you need to do is insert your Nano SIM card and enjoy a reliable connection as it delivers a downloading speed of up to 150 Mbps.

The C2000 is suitable to be used in places where wired networks are not available such as boats, RV, or vacation cabins. It provides a better user experience as it allows you to use both bands and connect to about 128 devices at the same time.

Setting up the NRadio C2000 is simple and secure. With only two steps, you will enjoy a stable and fast wireless network with just two steps. First, insert the SIM card into the cellular router and then connect it to the router.

The NRadio C2000 comes with high gain 4G antennas and professional built-in WiFi antennas to improve the signal quality of WiFi and 4G LTE, which is needed for creating WiFi connections from long distances.

We compared the coverage of the C2000 and a phone-generated mobile hotspot using the same network and found the C2000 completely outperformed the phone hotspot.  

The C2000 is compact and slim, easy to carry, and light, making it the perfect accessory to take with you when traveling.

It comes with a cellular and wired failover, meaning that you first get access to the wired broadband internet access and then it automatically turns to cellular internet if the wired broadband stops working. When the wired broadband is recovered, it then switches back.

The NRadio C2000 is the best portable 4G router that is suitable for those traveling a lot and needing a constant connection to the internet.

• Speed: Up to 1.2 Gbps
• WiFi Range: 1000 sq. ft.
• Ports: 1 WAN/LAN and 1 LAN
• Highly portable.
• The port setup is decent.
• Great coverage.
• Easy to install.
• Reliable speeds.
• It is not compatible with AT&T prepaid cards.

6. Alcatel HH41NH (Best For Multiple Carriers)

The Alcatel HH41NH is compatible with most cellular network providers. It supports upload speeds of up to 50 Mbps and download speeds of up to 150 Mbps.

The HH41NH comes with two antennas that enable you to have a coverage of up to 1000 sq. ft. and connect to 32 devices.

The Alcatel HH41NH has two-gigabit ports that allow you to connect any wired device including a laptop, tablet, and more. Ethernet speeds are only applicable when the HH41NH is paired with cable internet.

This device comes with a few security features such as WPA2, VPN passthrough, and guest access. Our testers found enabling guest access to be very easy to implement, and a great way to protect your network.

You can use the VPN passthrough to keep your identity safe by staying behind the router’s firewall when accessing a remote network. The VPN keeps your data encrypted while the guest access allows users to access the internet temporarily.

The Alcatel HH41NH is a mid-tier router with a SIM card slot that meets most of your internet needs including email sending, HD streaming, and web surfing.

The Alcatel HH41NH is suitable for users looking for an affordable device that supports multiple carriers and offers decent features such as multi-device handling capacity and decent coverage.

• Speed: 150 Mbps
• Wireless Protocol: 11b
• WiFi Range 1000 sq. ft
• Bands: Single Band
• Ports: 2 Ethernet
• Supported Carriers: Unlocked For Any GSM Standard SIM
• Good device handling capacity.
• Less security features.

7. D-Link DWR-921 (Basic LTE Router)

The D-Link DWR-921 works well with major cellular companies and delivers download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. This level of speed allows you to do mobile gaming, web surfing, HD streaming, and other light tasks.

This LTE router comes with two antennas that enable it to provide a coverage of up to 800 sq. ft and connect to around 15 devices. 

The D-Link DWR-921 comes with four Ethernet ports which allows you to establish faster wired internet connections. You can use the port to connect bandwidth-consuming devices such as laptops, computers, and more to experience better streaming quality.

This device comes with great security features including WPA2, SPI firewall, and NAT firewall. The WPA2 encrypts most of the data that is transmitted over the network.

The Network Address Translation (NAT) firewall and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall help to prevent access to any malicious websites and keep away most external threats.

If you are looking for a basic LTE router that delivers great online connections and is compatible with major cellular networks, the D-Link DWR-921_E is a good option.

• Speed: 300 Mbps
• Wireless Protocol: 11n
• WiFi Range: 800 sq. ft
• Supported Carriers: T-Mobile, Verizon, & AT&T
• Reliable and stable speed.
• Comes with four ethernet ports.

Cons  

• Average device-handling capacity and coverage.

Factors To Consider When Looking For The Best Router With A SIM Card Slot

5G/LTE SIM Card Support 

To maximize on internet speeds by reducing latency, opting for a router with 5G/LTE SIM support is an ideal choice compared to 4G/LTE.

Given that 5G is now widely adopted, most routers in 2024 that contain a SIM card slot will feature 5G/LTE support. 5G has the potential to be nearly 10 times faster than 4G, due to its use of the high-frequency millimetre wave system. 5G wavelengths vary from 30 to 300 GHz, compared to wavelengths of 6 GHz and below for 4G/LTE.

Additional benefits of 5G/LTE SIM card support include faster download speeds, OFDM encoding, and greater cell density, meaning they can support more users at the same time while maintaining a strong internet connection.

If you own a 4G/LTE SIM but purchase a router with 5G SIM card support, you don’t need to worry as 5G SIM routers are compatible with 4G SIMs. What they are unable to do however is convert the 4G network into a 5G network. To do that, you will have to upgrade your SIM. The router will still operate but use a 4G network.

Carrier Compatibility 

In terms of carrier compatibility, you should prioritize a router that is unlocked and therefore enables you to use any mobile network that operates within the country of use.

Something to look out for is pay-monthly versus pre-paid SIM compatibility. The majority of devices will be compatible with pay-monthly SIMs, but some may not be compatible with pre-paid SIMs, such as those from AT&T.

Also, note that some SIMs with limited data plans may not work in a SIM card router. This is due to carrier data throttling in an attempt to prevent internet overuse.

If you own SIMs from multiple networks, having a router that is compatible with many carriers is advantageous as you can test to see which carrier provides the best speed and coverage in your given location.

WiFi Coverage 

Although the information on WiFi coverage is not always easily available, you should expect a router with a SIM card slot to at minimum cover 1000 sq ft.

The coverage figure can be tricky to estimate, however, and often the figure presented is theoretical. This is due to unknown obstacles (concrete walls, bookshelves) or interferences (microwaves, fridges) which all impact coverage, but can be very specific to a household.

The location of the household is especially important for the coverage potential of a router using a SIM slot. Rural locations typically have weaker mobile networks for example, so the coverage may be weaker in rural areas compared to urban areas.

As a general rule, the real coverage of a router will be anywhere between 70% to 120% of the advertised figure (if available). Try to locate your router in a spot where there are minimal obstacles or interferences to help increase the coverage.

Security Features & Router Management 

Purchasing a device with quality security features is important, as it will enable you to keep your network secure.

Security features to look out for on 5G/LTE routers include WPA3, which is the latest certification standard and is the hardest for intruders to penetrate. The auto-firmware update feature is useful to keep you updated with the latest software developments while having VPN support encrypt most data shared over the network.

Depending on the router manufacturer, you can purchase advanced security settings and parental control features such as those provided by Netgear Armor or TP-Link HomeShield Pro.

In terms of router management, most LTE/5G routers can be controlled via a mobile application. This enables users to restart the device and review usage levels and parental controls. Many routers also enable guest access, which ensures new users don’t connect to your secure network.

LTE/5G SIM Card Router vs. Mobile Hotspot   Device 

The main difference between an LTE/5G SIM router and a mobile hotspot is portability. LTE/5G routers are designed to be stationary and provide internet access via a mobile phone network, while a mobile hotspot device is much smaller, and provides internet access on the go.

The advantage of LTE/5G SIM routers is that they maintain the functionality of regular routers, such as having multiple LAN ports for wired connections, and can connect to many devices at the same time.

Mobile hotspot devices do not typically have LAN ports for wired connections and can only establish a few simultaneous internet connections at the same time. Their main advantage is portability, with the devices having a built-in battery to enable internet access when a power source is not available.

Mobile hotspot devices should not be confused with generating a hotspot from your mobile phone. Mobile hotspot devices require the SIM card to be slotted into the device, while a mobile hotspot is generated from your mobile phone, requiring no external device. Generating WiFi from your phone is very convenient, however, it can quickly drain your phone battery and reduce the bandwidth available for you to use on your phone.  

Are 4G/LTE Routers Compatible With All Telecom Operators?  

4G/LTE routers are compatible with all telecom operators, but the crucial aspect is the account type and services which may affect compatibility.

For example, if you have a limited data plan the SIM may not work in a 4G/LTE router as the accounts often have carrier data throttling to prevent over-use. Prepaid SIMs may also not be compatible with a 4G/LTE router.  

How Does A SIM Card Router Work?  

Once you slot an active SIM into a card slot in a router, the device will start communicating with the cell towers of the carrier to gain internet access and create a WiFi signal.

Users can then log into the WiFi network to gain internet access.

What’s The Difference Between A 4G/LTE Router and A Mobile Hotspot Device?  

The main differences between a 4G/LTE router and a mobile hotspot device are size, ports, and portability.

4G/LTE routers resemble the appearance and size of a regular router but include a SIM card slot. They need to be permanently connected to a power source and are fitted with various ports for ethernet connections.

Mobile hotspot devices are much smaller, often fitting in the palm. These devices are easy to transport and provide on-the-go internet access. They typically only include a charging port, so cannot enable wired connections.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A 4G/LTE Router Over Mobile Data?  

While using mobile data is sufficient for many personal internet uses a 4G/LTE router is beneficial for users who are doing high-consumption activities such as online gaming, streaming, or video conferencing.

A 4G/LTE router can increase the number of devices connected to the network, and improve internet speeds, and network reliability through features such as external antennas and beamforming.

Final Words

A router with a SIM card allows you to connect to the internet through using mobile networks. It is beneficial when your internet connection is down, traveling, and need to use the internet in rural areas.

If you are having difficulties deciding which router to buy, our recommendation for the best router with a SIM card slot is the Netgear LAX20 which features WiFi 6 technology that delivers faster speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps which enables you to stream, download, and transfer 1.5 times faster than the previous technology. The device is also compatible with most mobile carriers.

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The 6 Best Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots of 2024

These handy devices keep you connected with ease.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

We're fortunate to live in an era where cell coverage reaches 95 percent of the population, according to the International Telecommunications Union. And that makes staying connected while traveling to most on-the-grid destinations a breeze. Many cell phone carriers offer some level of international data plans, which allows you to use your devices abroad — for a fee, of course.

But if you're working on the go, traveling in a group, or attempting to preserve your phone's battery, you might want to look into getting a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, which often provides more data to more devices. "Portable hotspots will use data just like cell phones do, and coverage will really depend on the carrier and the coverage they offer in the area," Best Buy mobile supervisor Thomas Walker told Travel + Leisure. "Since hotspots require data, they also require a plan, something to remember as you consider buying a portable hotspot."

Best Overall

Skyroam solis lite.

The device comes with a free lifetime global data plan.

1GB of monthly data will go by very quickly; you'll have to pay up for more.

There are many things the Simo Solis Lite does well, but the real showstopper here is the company's lifetime global data plan that gives you 1GB of data each month for as long as your device functions. And this plan truly is global, as the device works in 135+ different countries . That said, 1GB isn't much data at all. Depending on your usage, you might need to upgrade to a more robust data package, which typically costs anywhere from $6 to $109, or potentially more, per month. On the plus side, you don't need to change SIM cards in this hotspot — you can add those plans via an app.

As for the other stats with this device, the 16-hour battery life is well above average. We love that you can charge other devices with this hotspot — although that will reduce its battery life, of course. Up to 10 devices can be connected to the Solis Lite, which is likely suitable for most users, but it's an unremarkable number compared to other products on the market. Similarly, 4G connectivity is serviceable but doesn't earn any special accolades. If you're traveling with a large group of people, you may want to consider other options depending on how connected you need to be.

One other standout feature of this Wi-Fi hotspot is true 24/7 customer support — this is especially valuable for travelers who need internet access at all hours across various time zones. 

The Details: 16-hour battery life | 10 devices | 4G connectivity | 5.98 x 4.69 x 1.73 inches | 10.2 ounces

Best for SIM Cards

Netgear nighthawk m6 pro.

It has Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.

13 hours of battery life is good, but not great.

If you need a fast and reliable internet connection just about anywhere, Netgear's Nighthawk M6 Pro might be the solution. It's compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon in the U.S., and it works in more than 125 countries when swapping in a new SIM card, supporting both 5G and Wi-Fi 6E. You can connect up to 32 devices simultaneously, allowing an entire team of remote workers to stay connected. And if you're on the move, you'll enjoy a more secure connection with the Nighthawk than public Wi-Fi. 

Beyond its uses for remote work around the world, the Nighthawk M6 Pro could even replace a standard internet connection at your home or office. Because it can function with both a wired and wireless connection, you won't lose connectivity due to internet or electricity outages. And with 13 hours of battery life, you'll have time to wait for the outage to end. That said, increased battery life would be ideal, especially for remote workers and travelers. But whether you're in a home office or off the grid, it's hard to beat this product's speed.

The Details: 13-hour battery life | 32 devices | Wi-Fi 6E connectivity | 4.1 x 4.14 x 0.85 inches | 0.56 pounds

Most Versatile

Glocalme numen air 5g.

There's no SIM card required.

The battery life and number of devices could be better, but are likely fine for most users.

The GlocalMe Numer Air 5G works in more than 140 countries on more than 100 operator networks — that means you'll be covered just about anywhere. It doesn't need a SIM card to work, thanks to its CloudSIM technology. Upon purchase, you'll automatically receive 1GB of global data for a 90-day period, and additional data can be added easily via the mobile app. There are thousands of flexible data plans from which to choose, including pay-as-you-go options with no contract. In other words, this is a convenient mobile hotspot to take with you while you travel, since it's designed to be useful in a wide variety of cellular settings and situations.  

Stat-wise, we consider the 12-hour battery life to be good, but not especially impressive. That said, it may be plenty of time depending on how you intend to use the device. You can connect up to 16 devices, which is probably plenty for most users but may not be ideal for an office setup. 

The Details: 12-hour battery life | 16 devices | 5G connectivity | 6.1 x 2.8 x 0.6 inches | 6.8 ounces

RoamWiFi Portable WiFi Device

It's not just the device that's a good value — some data plans are fairly low-price.

Only five devices can connect to the hotspot at a time.

This 4G LTE mobile hotspot router delivers a surprising amount of power and flexibility inside an affordable package. The device itself is priced under $200, and a variety of data plans are available at all price points, ranging from a $3 day pass to a $299 90-day pass. No SIM card is needed, and the device works in more than 160 countries (there's a complete list about halfway down the Amazon product page). The whopping 18 hours of battery life outperforms every other battery-powered hotspot on our list. 

That said, there are some limitations that come with the lower cost. The device does not connect to 5G networks, so internet speeds won't necessarily be the fastest. Also, you can only connect five devices to this hotspot which is plenty for the average solo user, but may not be suitable for groups or families. 

The Details: 18-hour battery life | 5 devices | 4G connectivity | ‎4.96 x 2.68 x 0.57 inches | 6.3 ounces

Best Unlocked

Netgear nighthawk m1.

It works on all major domestic carriers, including GoogleFi.

Netgear doesn't publish battery life.

Able to connect and share data with 20 devices at once, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 Mobile Hotspot can handle multiple tasks at once without sacrificing power or speed. It's an unlocked device that uses GSM SIM cards, compatible with AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and GoogleFi in the United States, and can serve as a backup internet connection while not traveling. It's equipped with fast 4G LTE broadband and offers up to one gigabit per second (Gbps) of download speed. Worried about how much data you've used? Its LCD screen clearly displays how much data is remaining, calculates when it will run out, and keeps count of the devices connected.

While Netgear doesn't publish the battery life of the Nighthawk M1, it claims it can last "all day" — and you can even buy a battery booster pack for more juice. There is an upgraded version of this hotspot that is 5G-compatible, but it's nearly double the price. 5G connectivity may not be necessary for most travelers.

The Details: "All day" battery life | 20 devices | 4G connectivity | 4.15 x 4.15 x 0.8 inches | 8.5 ounces

Best Router

Gl.inet gl-mt3000 wireless travel router.

It creates a more secure internet connection for your devices.

Routers like this one are not capable of providing internet on their own.

Technically, a Wi-Fi router is not a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. But what it does do is allow you to take one internet connection with a tricky login situation — say, hotel Wi-Fi that asks you to input your room number every time you connect — and streamlines the process for connecting additional devices. In a nutshell, you connect to Wi-Fi via the router, which then creates a more secure network for you to connect to from other devices. This router can also boost Wi-Fi signals throughout a space, so if you're in a vacation rental where the Wi-Fi is strong in one room but not another, a router can help.

This portable router is compatible with more than 30 VPN service providers and can accommodate up to 70 different devices, making it one of the best devices for securely accessing high-speed internet while traveling or on the move. The AdGuard feature helps to protect your devices from malware, phishing, ads, and online trackers. This is an especially important safety feature for using unfamiliar WiFi connections.

The Details: 70 devices | Wi-Fi 6 connectivity | 4.53 x 3.15 x 1.18 inches | 6.9 ounces

Tips for Buying a Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot

Consider where and when you'll use it.

Not all portable Wi-Fi hotspots can be used everywhere. If yours is tied to a U.S.–based carrier (like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon), and you're planning on going abroad, you need to make sure you've paid for a data plan that includes international use. If you're only traveling for a short period of time, this might be the most convenient option. 

But if you're planning on traveling internationally for an extended period of time, you might want to opt for an unlocked portable Wi-Fi hotspot — that is, one that isn't tied to a specific carrier. You can then buy a data plan from a company based in your destination, which usually is a more economical decision. "SIM cards are cheap and easy to get in lots of countries worldwide, and going this route ensures you get the strongest signal possible for the lowest price," Peter Holslin, senior staff writer at internet comparison site HighSpeedInternet.com, told T+L.

The duration of your trip should also inform whether you want to purchase an as-you-go data plan (better for shorter tips) or a monthly one (better for longer trips).

Check with your phone carrier

"When you use a portable hotspot, you can choose the carrier it's connected to. So if you want to maximize your coverage, you can use one carrier for your phone and a different carrier for the hotspot," Walker said. It's often cheaper to buy a Wi-Fi hotspot to hook up to a local network while traveling versus paying for an international phone plan with your current carrier as well.

Think about voltage and battery life

For the most part, portable Wi-Fi hotspots use a relatively low amounts of power (about five to seven volts, depending on the size and strength of the device). However, you should still utilize a power converter when plugging your hotspot in during international travels. Not all outlets around the world support the same power output, so using an adapter can prevent blowing a fuse or sparking your devices. If you want a more portable Wi-Fi hotspot that doesn't need to be plugged in, be sure to check its expected battery life to know exactly how long you can use it on the go.

"Wi-Fi hotspots work similar to phones, tapping into your cellular network to provide high-speed data for use with laptops, tablets, gaming systems, etc.," Verizon spokesperson George Koroneos told T+L. "What's more? You can give access to your travel companions, so they can use your dedicated hotspot, similar to a Wi-Fi network."

Yes, it does. "Mobile hotspots connect to cellular networks to provide internet connection allowing customers to connect anywhere," Jeff Howard, AT&T's vice president of hardware and partner solutions, told T+L.

It depends on what type of portable hotspot you have and what type of plan you have. If your hotspot plan is locked to a specific carrier, you'll need to make sure your carrier has an international plan. (Spoiler alert: most do.) It might be as simple as turning your device on and letting it automatically connect to a local cell network. But if your portable hotspot requires a local SIM card to work, you'll have to pick one up at the airport or at a store and insert it into your hotspot to connect to a local cell network.

Many cell phone providers have international plan options for travelers, and you can turn most smartphones into a mobile hotspot under that plan. Then you can connect devices to your cell phone for internet services. But that's not always the best solution. "One thing to consider is carriers may limit the hotspot data amount on your phone, so you may see slower speeds at a certain point," Walker said. "You also don't have to run your cell phone battery when you use a standalone hotspot." On the other hand, portable Wi-Fi hotspots require their own data plans, which costs additional money.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance travel writer who has tested cell coverage on all seven continents. (Antarctica is by far the worst.) For this article, she poured over cell service coverage maps and read dozens of customer reviews.

In compiling this list, she also interviewed telecommunications experts to discuss what to look for in a mobile hotspot. Experts she spoke to included:

• Thomas Walker , Best Buy mobile supervisor
• Peter Holslin , senior staff writer at internet comparison site HighSpeedInternet.com
• George Koroneos , Verizon spokesperson
• Jeff Howard , AT&T's vice president of hardware and partner solutions

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Related Articles

Portable WiFi Routers With eSIM for International Travel

Let's chat about something that's probably crossed your mind: staying connected while exploring the vast and beautiful world. Yes, we're talking about the internet – that invisible thread that keeps us tied to everything from maps and travel guides to our loved ones back home. 

Now, imagine combining the magic of portable WiFi routers with the cutting-edge convenience of eSIM technology for your international adventures. Sounds like a game-changer, right?

Highly Rated

Based on 50,000+ customer reviews

Trusted Worldwide

Over 1 million travelers across the globe have trusted us

Travel Friendly

No swaps, global connectivity ensured

With eSimCard, you can save 100% on roaming fees

Traveling Abroad with a Travel Router

The little gadget that might just become your best travel buddy: the travel router. Now, if you're scratching your head wondering what magic this device performs, stick around. It's simpler than it sounds and cooler than you might think.

How Travel Routers Work

Imagine you're exploring the cobblestone streets of Rome or basking in the neon glow of Tokyo . You've got your phone, tablet, and maybe a laptop that all need internet access. Enter the travel router. This nifty device grabs onto a Wi-Fi signal or uses an eSIM to connect to cellular data and then shares that connection with all your gadgets. 

It's like turning your bubble into a roaming Wi-Fi zone. And with an eSIM built in, it's as easy as choosing a data plan, and boom, you're connected, no matter where your adventures take you.

Benefits of Using a Travel Router

Now, why lug around this extra piece of tech? Let's break it down:

• Security: Public Wi-Fi is about as safe as a squirrel crossing the street. A travel router, though, creates a private network just for you, keeping your data away from prying eyes.
• Convenience: Ever tried logging multiple devices into a hotel Wi-Fi with one of those pesky login pages? It's a pain. With a travel router, you do it once, and all your devices are good to go.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Roaming charges can eat into your gelato budget. A travel router with an eSIM lets you choose a data plan that fits your needs without the scary bill at the end of your trip.
• Share-ability: Traveling with friends or family? Everyone can hop onto your portable Wi-Fi. It's like being the hero who found an open café in the middle of nowhere.
• Battery Saving: Using cellular data on your phone drains the battery faster than you can say "Where's the nearest charger?" A travel router can take the hit, keeping your phone ready for those travel snaps.

Choosing the Right Travel Router

If you're on the hunt for the perfect travel companion that keeps you connected no matter where your adventures take you, you've probably considered getting a portable WiFi router. 

And not just any router, but one that's savvy enough to handle eSIMs. Let's chat about how to pick the right one, shall we?

What's the Big Deal with eSIM Support?

First off, eSIM support in a travel router is like having a magic key to instant internet access across the globe. No more hunting for SIM cards in every new country or dealing with the hassle of swapping them out. With an eSIM, you can activate data plans digitally and jump straight onto local networks. It's all about convenience and staying connected effortlessly.

Battery Life: The Lifeline of Your Connection

Imagine exploring a quaint European city or trekking through a national park, and bam, your router dies. Not cool, right? That's why battery life is a big deal. Look for a router that promises enough juice to last through your day's adventures. Something that can keep you online for at least 8-10 hours is what you're aiming for.

Data Plans: Your Passport to the Internet

The best eSIM routers come with a variety of data plan options that you can choose based on your destination and usage needs. Some providers offer flexible plans that can be adjusted on the fly, which is perfect for those "I didn't plan to binge-watch Netflix tonight" moments. Make sure the router you choose gives you the freedom to pick and switch plans easily.

Comparing Router Providers: Who's Who in the Zoo

When it comes to providers that support eSIM in their travel routers, it's a bit like a buffet – there's something for everyone. While we won't dive into specific products (we're keeping it chill here), it's worth noting that many leading brands are hopping on the eSIM bandwagon. Do a bit of homework to see which ones offer the best coverage and rates for the regions you're visiting.

Alternatives to eSIM Routers: Old School but Gold

Not ready to leap into eSIM? No worries. Traditional SIM card routers are still around and kicking. They might require a bit more legwork in terms of getting SIM cards for your travels, but they're a solid option if you're going places where eSIM coverage might be spotty. Plus, they often come with the same great features as their eSIM counterparts.

International eSIMs for Travelers

When it comes to powering up those handy portable WiFi routers we've come to rely on eSIMs. You just choose your plan, download it, and boom – you're connected. It's like streaming your favorite show but for data plans.

eSIM Data Plans: The Buffet of Connectivity

When it comes to picking an eSIM data plan , it's a bit like choosing what to eat from a buffet. You've got options from eSIMCard, local, regional, and global plans, each with its own perks.

• Local eSIM Plans : These are great if you're planning to deep-dive into one country. They offer local rates, which can be a steal, but the moment you cross the border, they're as good as a chocolate teapot.
• Regional eSIM Plans : Covering multiple countries within a specific region (think Europe, Southeast Asia, etc.), these plans are your middle ground. They're perfect if you're country-hopping within a set area.
• Global eSIM Plans : The one-size-fits-all solution. These plans work in numerous countries worldwide, offering a hassle-free experience. They're the Swiss Army knife of data plans but can be a tad pricier.

eSIMs vs. Traditional SIM Cards: The Showdown

eSIMs offer convenience, more device space, and flexibility without the physical hassle of traditional SIM cards, though they face compatibility and availability challenges. On the other hand, traditional SIM cards boast universality and simplicity but come with their own physical limitations. For a deeper dive into this comparison, check out our complete guide on eSIMs vs. Traditional SIM Cards .

Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Routers

Can i use a portable wifi router internationally  .

Absolutely! It's like asking if you can wear sneakers in every country. Portable WiFi routers are designed to be your internet companions, no matter where you land on the map. Just make sure your device supports the local networks, and you're all set to stream, browse, and share to your heart's content.

How do I enable eSIM on my router?  

Enabling eSIM on your router is easier than deciding what to pack for your trip. Dive into the settings menu of your device, look for the eSIM or cellular data option, and follow the prompts to activate it. It's usually a matter of scanning a QR code or entering details manually. Think of it as teaching your router a new language so it can chat with local networks.

Can you bring portable Wi-Fi on a plane?  

Sure thing! Portable WiFi routers are more than welcome on planes, just like your favorite travel pillow. Keep it in your carry-on, but remember to turn it off or set it to airplane mode during the flight. Once you're at cruising altitude, you can usually use the airline's WiFi, but your portable buddy will be ready for action once you land.

You bet! It's like having a magic internet wand in your pocket. Whether you're sipping espresso in a Paris café or catching sunsets in Bali, your portable WiFi router with eSIM technology has got your back. Just ensure you've got the right data plan activated, and the world is your online oyster.

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The best mobile hotspot in 2024: top 4G LTE and 5G hotspots for working from home

Stay connected wherever you are with the best mobile hotspot around today

• Best overall
• Best hybrid
• Best 4G LTE
• How to choose
• How we test

1.  Best overall 2. Best 5G 3. Best hybrid 4. Best 4G LTE 5. Best UK 6. FAQ 7. How to choose 8. How we test

The best mobile hotspot in 2024 is more relevant than ever in today's fast-paced environment, and one can find a range of options offering fast, secure internet connectivity virtually anywhere around the globe. These devices are particularly vital for those needing a reliable and secure internet connection for business purposes, where using public Wi-Fi hotspots might pose security risks.

The advancement in mobile network technology means you no longer have to compromise on internet speed. With 4G, users can experience speeds that rival traditional broadband connections, especially in areas with strong network coverage. This ensures a smooth browsing experience, often surpassing the performance of free or shared Wi-Fi spots that typically come with data limits and heavy traffic.

Moreover, the expansion of 5G coverage is revolutionizing internet connectivity. 5G, the latest in mobile internet technology, offers speeds that not only match but often exceed those of broadband internet. This rapid pace of 5G adoption is gradually bringing more 5G mobile hotspots into the market. While the options are still growing, we include only the best in our list, ensuring they meet high standards of performance and reliability.

For those relying heavily on mobile data for work or personal use, the transition from 4G to 5G can be a game-changer. Some network providers are even offering upgrades from 4G to 5G contracts at no extra cost. Investing in one of the best 5G mobile hotspots could significantly enhance your productivity and internet experience.

As technology continues to evolve, we're also beginning to see the emergence of the best Wi-Fi 6E routers that feature 5G connectivity as well. These routers promise even faster and more efficient internet connectivity, making them an exciting development in the world of mobile hotspots. Stay tuned as we guide you through the best mobile hotspot options available in 2024, helping you stay connected, secure, and productive wherever you go.

• We’ve also rounded up the best mobile broadband deals
• Check out the best powerline adapters for expanding your network

The best mobile hotspot of 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The Best mobile hotspot overall

1. inseego 5g mifi m1000, specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you're a Verizon customer who can get the company's 5G network, the great news is that the Inseego 5G MiFi M1000 is your best 5G hotspot. It offers dual-band Wi-Fi support and includes USB-C and Ethernet tethering for devices requiring a wired connection. 

The battery life is large enough to power you throughout the day and charges quickly. The only issue is that while this is great for Verizon customers if you're not with the network or live outside the US, this isn't the right choice for you - so check out our other picks below.

On the hunt for a new webcam for your next business meeting? Then make sure to check out our review of the best business webcams .

The Best 5G mobile hotspot

2. htc 5g hub.

The HTC 5G Hub is the best 5G mobile hotspot money can buy. Sure, there's not much competition out there now, as 5G is still relatively new, but HTC has come out of the gate with a winner.

EE, the UK's biggest network provider, offers data subscriptions with this hotspot. 

It's not cheap – you pay £100 upfront and then £50 a month for 50GB of data – but you are getting a very accomplished kit.

It can handle up to 20 wireless devices connected simultaneously, which should be enough for most households, and an Ethernet port for wired devices. 

A powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor powers the device, and a 5-inch HD touchscreen gives you all the information you need to keep an eye on your 5G network. It also has a large battery life that should keep you going while you're out and about.

The Best mobile and Wi-Fi hotspot

3. netgear nighthawk m6 pro wi-fi router.

This small, portable mobile router makes a great companion for business travelers and remote working. The M6 Pro is a beast of a hotspot that offers some of the latest and greatest features for staying connected on the go. The device comes unlocked for all major mobile networks and supports 5G data speeds with WiFi 6E connectivity. 

The built-in battery provides about 13 hours of run time, plenty for a full day’s work, and offers 2.4GHz, 5.0GHz, and the new 6.0GHz frequency bands. Also included is a mains power adapter for working indoors near an outlet.

While it may be overkill for some, for those who need the fastest speeds and all-day connectivity, the Nighthawk M6 should jump to the top of your list.

Read the full review: Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro Wi-Fi Router

The Best 4G LTE hotspot

4. tp-link m7350 v4 4g lte mobile hotspot.

The TP-Link M7350 may be a little chunkier than some of the other top mobile hotspots on this list, but it remains an excellent mobile hotspot that supports both micro and nano SIM cards. This means it will almost certainly be compatible with your own SIM card. 

It has a small display informing you about your connection and supports dual-band Wifi on both 2.4 and 5GHz. Up to 10 devices can access it simultaneously, and performance is very good on 4G LTE. It's also unlikely to run out of juice when you need it most, with a 2000mAh battery that guarantees around eight hours of 4G connectivity.

Need some tips on sending large files without requiring bloated emails? Check out our list of the best ways to send large files in 2024

The Best mobile hotspot in the UK

5. ee 4gee wifi mini mobile hotspot.

The EE 4GEE WiFi Mini is one of the better-looking mobile hotspot devices on this list, and its compact design means it can be easily carried around with you. The 1500mAh offers up to 50 hours on standby and six hours when connected to the internet. 

It can support up to 10 devices at once, but it doesn't have an LCD screen, like the TP-Link M7350, so it's not quite as user-friendly. You also need to use the EE network, which isn't too much of a hardship due to EE's coverage and fast 4G speeds, and the network offers a range of data plans to go alongside the EE 4GEE WiFi Mini. 

However, if you want something more future-proof, check out the HTC 5G Hub at the top of this list of EE's best mobile hotspots.

Best mobile hotspot: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mobile hotspot.

A mobile hotspot can be plugged in almost anywhere to provide users with a mobile Wi-Fi network. It does so by connecting to a 4G or 5G data network and transmitting a secure Wi-Fi connection that can be used by a limited number of users who have required login details. 

The best mobile hotspots: how to choose

There are several factors to consider when aiming to whittle down the choice of the best mobile hotspots to just one. 

First, consider the reasons behind your interest. If security is a big concern - and with public Wi-Fi hotspots not usually secure and often unreliable, it certainly should be - then you might want to consider mobile hotspots that offer robust security features or additional ethernet ports. Speed should also be a consideration, and you might wish to purchase a hotspot that is 5G compatible when this becomes more prevalent. 

Lastly, consider how many users the hotspot will have. If it's just you, you'll have a pick of the lot, but if you're in a business with upwards of ten users, you'll have a more limited selection.

The best mobile hotspots: How we test

On this page, we've looked at mobile hotspots that offer the best speed, the number of devices they can accommodate, and other key factors such as port availability and dual-band capability. 

The 4G and 5G mobile hotspots we've listed are battery-powered modem routers that use a SIM card that connects to the internet via cellular data and broadcasts a secure Wi-Fi network to which you can connect your device.

Note that while we've analyzed and rated the technical performance of each hotspot, we haven't touched upon the running costs, which will vary according to your provider. As with smartphone SIM cards, you'll need a data contract and pay for the service, either a monthly rolling contract or a pay-as-you-go SIM , which can be a more affordable choice if you only need to use these devices sporadically. 

• Don't forget to check out the best wireless routers

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Best eSIM Hotspot Routers in 2023 (For Remote Work & Travel)

Portable WiFi eSIM routers are must-have travel accessories for people who travel in groups or work while they’re exploring new places. Sure, you can set up an eSIM hotspot without a router, but it will drain your device’s battery faster than you can say ‘router’.

The eSIM hotspot routers I’m about to tell you all about are all pocket-sized, have large batteries, and support 4G at the very least. As long as you pair them with an eSIM that supports high-speed internet access and data sharing, you’ll quickly become the favorite in your travel group thanks to the high-speed WiFi coming out from your pocket.

Top Product Overview

Top products, mogo s2 esim global mobile router.

MOGO S2 is a very good router with eSIM support and many functionalities. It’s a 4G router that supports download speeds of up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 50 Mbps. The router has a battery capacity of 2000mAh, a USB-C port for charging, and it supports wireless charging.

Also, this router has a tiny display on the front that keeps all the important information at a glance. You can see the battery percentage, WiFi speed, data consumption, password, and other important information

However, it works only with MOGO eSIMs. Although the data plans from MOGO are generally inexpensive, the provider doesn’t operate in nearly as many countries as the other providers, so you’d be heavily limited.

Also, MOGO doesn’t offer any unlimited data plans, and for many countries, the largest data package they offer is 10 GB. It might sound like a lot, but if you have 4-5 people browsing TikTok on the WiFi, you can burn through that in a day.

The upside of this design is that you can easily control everything through a single app. The downside is that you’ll have no use for this router in too many countries.

• USB-C charging port
• Fast internet
• Display with important information
• Only supports MOGO eSIMs
• Battery capacity is small

eSunFi eSIM Mobile WiFi Hotspot Router

The eSunFi mobile router supports dual-band WiFi and works in 200+ countries all over the world. It supports both Bluetooth and VPN, and it allows up to 10 devices to be connected to it at the same time.

The router has a USB-C port for quick charging and supports 3G and 4G networks with a maximum WiFi rate of 433 Mbps. It also has a convenient display on the front that offers all the important information at a glance: network speed, password, signal strength, battery percentage, etc.

The downside of this router is that it only works with three eSIM providers: Ubigi, KeepGo, and Links Field. None of those are known as affordable eSIM providers, and although the router is extremely convenient, it’s unlikely to be a money saver because KeepGo and Ubigi have higher prices than most other eSIM providers.

• Dual-band WiFi
• Bluetooth and VPN
• 3G and 4G support
• Supports only 3 eSIM providers

Roam-ON R10 eSim Mifi Router

The Roam-ON R10 router is a very portable 4G router. It has a battery capacity of 5,000 mAh for prolonged battery life, and it can support a connection with up to 5 devices at the same time. The maximum upload speed with this router is 50 Mbps, while the maximum download speed is 150 Mbps.

Additionally, this router also has a slot for a physical SIM card, so it can work with local SIM cards. This is a great way to get coverage in destinations where eSIM is not supported, but also if you want to save money on data packs.

The Roam-ON router only works with eSIM data plans purchased on the company’s website, and those tend to be rather expensive. The cheapest plan is 5.5 Euros per day for just 500 MB of data, which is way too expensive. You’ll need to pay 10 Euros per day for unlimited internet, and that’s not even available in most countries.

• Easy control via the app
• Large battery capacity
• Expensive data plans
• Maximum download speed is 150Mbps

Teltonika Routers

Teltonika is a tech company that manufactures a variety of different internet-related products, including all sorts of routers. This company makes industrial routers that are some of the best on the market, but also some of the most expensive.

This manufacturer offers many routers that support a physical SIM card, and I’ve also seen a version that supports embedded SIMs, but it’s available only upon inquiry. Also, Teltonika routers are not exactly portable or pocket-friendly; not only are they bulky, but they also need to be plugged into an outlet to work.

The upside is that this will probably be the best eSIM router. It should work with any eSIM, but the configuration process won’t be simple. The downside is that the router will cost you a lot of money (regular routers are on sale for $300+), and you can’t actually take it places.

I think this router could be a good solution for van lifers who want an eSIM-compatible router for their home on wheels, but not for travelers who want to have an internet connection while exploring foreign cities on foot.

• Industrial routers
• Physical SIM card support
• eSIM routers available upon inquiry
• Not portable

What Is An eSIM Router & How Does It Work?

An eSIM router is a pocket router with an eSIM chip. It works in the same way as a standard SIM card router but with the benefit of supporting eSIM technology. What this router does is connect to the mobile network provided by the eSIM, and then turn that 4G/5G connection into WiFi that is easily accessible to everyone in your travel group.

Just like with any other WiFi connection, you can set up the name and password for protection. The network speed largely depends on the eSIM data plan you purchase, and I highly recommend referring to our eSIM guides for different countries so you can be certain which network providers offer the best and fastest internet.

Benefits of Using an eSIM Router

If you’ve ever been the designated hotspot sharer during a group trip, I feel your pain. It drains the battery on your smartphone very quickly, so you have to carry around portable chargers lest your phone runs out of battery and you’re left without any internet access.

With a physical SIM card, it’s possible to transfer it to a different device, but this can’t be done with eSIMs.

Another advantage of an eSIM router is that it’s capable of offering a faster internet connection than mobile phones. Well, it depends on the router and the type of network it can connect to, but you can usually get information on the maximum upload and download speeds for each eSIM router.

How to Set Up an eSIM Router

Most eSIM routers have accompanying smartphone apps that let you complete the setup process. The first thing you need to do is purchase data package for the router, which is usually going to be an eSIM from the provider supported by the router.

Unfortunately, you usually have to stick with one or two providers that a specific router supports and it’s usually the providers with the most expensive data plans.

Buy the eSIM plan, but don’t activate it on your phone. When the activation code or instructions arrive, open the app for your eSIM router and find the option to connect to your phone first, usually with Bluetooth.

This should allow you to access the setup of the router, and then you just need to select the option to add an eSIM/data plan/data package and follow the on-screen instructions. Some routers will allow you to scan a QR code, while others might require you to input the eSIM details manually.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an eSIM router

The first thing you should consider when choosing an eSIM router is which eSIM providers it supports. Some providers are better than others, and this is especially important for network coverage in different countries. If you like a router but see that it’s not supported in several of the countries you plan to visit in the near future, there’s no point in buying the router.

Battery is another important factor to consider. Ideally, the router should be able to stay turned on the entire day with multiple connected devices.

Another factor to consider is the type of network supported and maximum WiFi speed. The best routers will support primarily 4G and 5G, but also 2G and 3G as backups. Internet speeds should be at least 150 Mbps for downloads, and I wouldn’t settle for anything less than 50 Mbps for uploads.

Then there’s the number of devices supported. Consider how many people you normally travel with, but also how many devices you plan to use. It’s going to be at least a laptop and a smartphone, right?

Well, if you’re traveling with three other people and all of you want to connect two devices to the router, that’s six devices minimum, so a router that only supports up to 5 simultaneous devices wouldn’t work for you.

Finally, consider whether the router supports a physical SIM card. I know we’re talking primarily about eSIM routers, but the technology is still very much new and expensive. If you get a router that supports physical SIM cards, you can probably save a lot of money by buying and using local SIM cards, instead of purchasing overpriced plans that charge you $70 for just 5 GB of data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use an esim router for international travel.

Yes, you can use an eSIM router for international travel, but not every router will work in every single country. Double-check the restrictions, and make sure that eSIM is supported in the country you are traveling to, to make the most of your eSIM router.

Can I use an eSIM router with a VPN for added privacy & security?

Yes, you can absolutely use an eSIM router with a VPN. Many routers have built-in VPNs for maximum privacy and protection.

What network types can eSIM routers connect to?

It depends on the specific routers. Some routers support everything up to 5G and emit dual-band WiFi, while others support only 3G or 4G, with a single-band WiFi connection.

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Mobile WiFi Hotspot | KuWFi 4G LTE Unlocked Wi-Fi Hotspot Device | Portable WiFi Router with SIM Card Slot for Travel-Friendly Mobile Travel Router Perfect for AT&T/T-Mobile Users

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• 【What KuWFi L100US is】A Portable 4G WiFi Hotspot Travel Router With screen display & TF card slot & Lithium battery 2400mAh, Internet access to internet via HSPA/LTE Data SIM Card. with battery powered ,use for indoor or outdoor without broadband place,put it into your pocket, enjoy WiFi anytime and anywhere
• 【Work Mode & Band】4G LTE Router work with 4G to WiFi, Support 4G SIM card. Mainly applicable to US，Compatible with AT&T/T-Mobile, our 4G LTE Router works with 4G to WiFi, and supports a variety of bands such as B2/B4/B5/B12/B17, providing a smooth connection across the US."
• 【Connect with Ease】Our Travel Partner Wi-Fi Hotspot allows up to 10 users within a 50M distance. Simply insert the SIM card and enjoy a seamless Wi-Fi connection with friends and colleagues using this compact and easy-to-carry 4G LTE router.
• 【User Tips】Upon receiving the product, remove the battery's insulating film and insert the SIM card. Should there be any difficulty in connectivity, consider disabling the SIM card's PIN code and modifying the APN via the router IP address: 192.168.0.1. Please ensure the SIM card is activated and does not support roaming service, Virtual SIM Card, or IoT SIM Card."
• 【Customer Service】For 30 days after the date of purchase, return your undamaged KuWFi product and receive a full refund for ANY reason.12-month warranty for quality-related issues For 12 months after the date of purchase we take care of all quality-related issues with a REPLACEMENT OR FULL REFUND

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From the brand

Mobile WiFi Hotspot

a portable 4G LTE Mobile Router. No need to connect to broadband

What is the KuWFi brand

KuWFi Smart Wireless provider and technical solution facilitator which manufacture,sales and technical-support all in one.Providing competitive wireless network devices and solutions for customers all over the world

What is mobile hotspot router

To use 4G WiFi share internet service,carry everywhere you want to go.Whether you are working in a hotel,park,or in your vehicle while traveling,it will be work as you need

How does it work

Using the internet with KuWFi router very easy.You need to insert your preferred SIM card,and it will connect to the strongest network available

KuWFi Mobile WiFi Hotspot

Visit the Store

Travel, Anywhere Internet

Perfect companion to keep you connected and entertained while traveling or enjoying the outdoors

Portable Car WiFi

Your best driver-partner, do not delay your work even on the road

USB Wi-Fi Modem

Through the USB interface, let your computer directly access the Internet via 4G wifi

Product guides and documents

Compare with similar items, product description.

KuWFi Travel Partner 150Mbps LTE Mobile WiFi Hotspot 4G LTE Router (US Verison)

4G LTE Router provides WiFi hotspots, which users can connect mobile phone and computer to access to internet

Support Cat4 DL/UL 150/50 Mbps in max, High Speed more Stable, Enjoy 4G network life anytime and anywhere

With screen display show 4G signal ,how many users connect ,WiFi SSID and password

4G SIM Card Mode(Default): Pulg in Micro SIM Card, KuWFi 4G LTE Router will identify 3G/4G automatically. for some SIM Card should be update APN

• The screen has a protective film (please tear off if it is scratched)
• The battery is equipped with an insulating sheet (please remove the battery insulating sheet if it cannot be turned on and charged)

Technical Specifications of KuWFi Mobile WiFi Hotspot L100

How to log in to the web and set up the network

What's in the box.

• User manual

Looking for specific info?

Videos for this product.

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Very convenient to use

Deborah George

KuWFi Unlocked Travel Partner 4G LTE Wireless WiFi Router L100

KuWFi Direct

Customer Review: Even with an activated SIM card it with data and hotspot when I connect it still says no internet

Courage L Nfor

Customer Review: It over heated just has blank screen

James Diggs

Mobile WiFi Hotspot L100US

Product information, warranty & support, customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the size of the router. However, some customers have reported issues with performance and WiFi signal. They say the router doesn't always work, and the WiFi signal is very intermittent. They also dislike the battery life and quality. Opinions are mixed on value, ease of setup, and speed.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the size of the networking router. For example, they say it's small, convenient to fit in their bag, and great for on the go. Some mention that the signal is stable and it'll work well on their tablet. The equipment comes in a compact box with its USB cable, battery, and instruction manual. That said, some say it’s a great option for short-term international use and a very practical mobile WiFi device.

"This device is small and convenient to fit in my bag. It takes a long time to charge. The charge last for the day depending on the use...." Read more

"This product was very useful in Djibouti Africa ...." Read more

"...instructions are barebones and in tiny type but you can download a 14- page manual online, 3)..." Read more

"...The equipment comes in a compact box , with its USB cable, battery and instruction manual...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the ease of setup. Some mention that it's easy to setup, change equipment name and password for better protection, and the setup video was super helpful. However, others say that the instructions are barebones and in tiny type. They also say the setup was not clear, and it'd be very complicated to install.

"...So not being used for normal internet use. Device is simple , plug it in and it appears as an ethernet device...." Read more

"...1 - No 5G option2 - Instructions included are VERY basic . It doesn't even seem to indicate what the different LED colors mean...." Read more

"...The device seems otherwise fine. Takes a good minute to connect , but otherwise - totally fine.Cheers." Read more

"...Use your phone or computer to connect to it. There's no dedicated software to install so to play with the settings you have to go to the ip address..." Read more

Customers are mixed about the value of the networking router. Some mention it's an outstanding item, good for the price, and worth recommending to friends. Others say it'll be a complete waste of money and useless.

"Does not charge. Does not work. Useless . Waste of money. Do not buy." Read more

"...I am hoping it holds up. The price is reasonable but overall I have been using it for over a month and it is doing a good job...." Read more

"... Not very satisfied at all . I can sit outside or inside, not even a mile from the closest tower, and its just as slow anywhere I am...." Read more

"Small portable router. Work excellent. Worth to recommend to friends !" Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the speed of the router. Some say that it has good speeds sufficient for browsing the web or watching videos, while others say that the speed and connection wasn't sufficient to run Music Streaming Apps. The technical support is slow and the router barely works with slow speed.

"...that you should be very careful configuring the modem as its Web interface is very slow , and may miss a typed character or mouse click...." Read more

" Ship fast " Read more

" Data speeds are very slow . The speeds pictured are from my cell phone in airplane mode with WIFI enabled and no apps open...." Read more

"This device is small and convenient to fit in my bag. It takes a long time to charge . The charge last for the day depending on the use...." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the performance of the mobile WiFi hotspot. They mention that it does not always work, does not connect to the internet, and does not automatically work. Some say that the signal didn't work and that the product is not workable with no technical support. Some customers also say that it's not compatible with their phone services.

"The signal didnt work . I traveled and didn't work. There was always an x in the aignalAnd never was able to use it...." Read more

"...For my use case it does the job, but this will probably not work for 24/7 internet replacement ...." Read more

"This small USB WiFi works great with a Google Fi sim card without requiring any configuration...." Read more

"Does not charge. Does not work . Useless. Waste of money. Do not buy." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the wifi signal of the router. They mention that it gets disconnected every minute, and the signal gets intermittent. Some customers also report issues reconnecting to 4G after losing signal. Overall, some customers are disappointed with the WiFi signal and recommend against it.

"...plugged in while disconnecting my phone overnight, the phone can't connect to the internet when reconnected the next morning...." Read more

"...the WiFi had not worked well: in just a few hours, all my devices suddenly disconnected and could not find the network again...." Read more

"This device is a life saver for on the go . Hooked up with AT&T prepaid.Have bought multiple units for friends." Read more

"...the connection was slow at times and every now and then the connection reset itself ...." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the battery life of the networking router. They mention that it does not hold a charge and needs constant charging. Some customers also report that the product does not work in Panama and that the battery does not last more than 4 hours.

"...resets did not help, the wifi connection was unstable and hung up again after a few hours ...." Read more

"...Overall, it works great.My only issue is the battery life , which seems to last maybe 4 hours...." Read more

"Anesthetic looks average good. Battery will last only 4 hours after fully charged which is not conducive for traveling...." Read more

"this item needs constant charging and it get hot easily. Use it while in west Africa but the battery life is not good." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the quality of the networking router. They mention that it is of very poor quality, inferior, and has poor reliability. Some customers also report that the product arrived defective.

"...The reliability just isn't there ." Read more

" very poor quality " Read more

"...The device was just junk . I paid $50 for it $5 for the SIM card & $25 for the data plan. $80 down the drain...." Read more

"Product is very poor quality . Have only had it for 6 weeks, and it now refuses to charge, tried multiple cables and nothing...." Read more

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