MiFi deals

What is a mobile Wi-Fi device?

A mobile Wi-Fi device is a portable router that beams a Wi-Fi network to all your gadgets. Most of these can get up to 32 devices online at once, and they’re battery powered, so they don’t need plugging in.

They rely on 4G or 5G signals, so as long as there’s a mobile signal they’ll be able to create a Wi-Fi network.

What else do I need with a mobile Wi-Fi device?

Mobile Wi-Fi routers rely on mobile networks, so they need to be able to get a signal (preferably a 4G or 5G one).

As well as coverage, that also means you need an active plan with a mobile network, complete with a data allowance. However, if you buy one of these devices from a mobile network then it will typically come bundled with a data-only plan anyway.

How fast are mobile Wi-Fi routers?

The speed of a mobile Wi-Fi router will depend mostly on whether you’re using a 4G one or a 5G one.

If you’re using a 5G one – and have 5G coverage – you should get average download speeds of between around 90Mbps and 230Mbps, according to data from Opensignal in September 2022.

That’s extremely fast, leaving even most fibre broadband connections in the dust – and those aren’t portable.

With a 4G signal, speeds are likely to average around 25Mbps, though in all cases your network and location are a factor too. 25Mbps is still fast enough to comfortably stream 1080p content, or even just about stream in 4K. Note that most mobile broadband devices are currently limited to 4G.

Which networks offer mobile Wi-Fi routers?

The exact selection of networks offering mobile broadband will vary over time, and you can see the current selection above. But at the time of writing, your options include EE, Three, O2 and Vodafone.

What mobile Wi-Fi routers are available?

The selection of mobile Wi-Fi routers will change over time, so see above for the latest options. However, at the time of writing there’s the EE 5G WiFi and EE 4G WiFi, Three 4G MiFi on Three, the Vodafone 4G Mobile Hotspot, Vodafone 5G Mobile Hotspot, Netgear Nighthawk M1, Netgear Nighthawk M6 and Alcatel Pocket Hotspot 4G on O2.

Should I get mobile broadband or home broadband?

While mobile Wi-Fi routers can be plugged in and used for an extended period, they’re designed for travel, so if you want to bring internet just to one spot (and there’s a socket available) then you should go for 4G or 5G home broadband, as this typically allows for more simultaneous connections. It’s also often faster, as most mobile Wi-Fi routers are currently limited to 4G speeds.

If on the other hand you want to take your Wi-Fi with you to lots of locations, and particularly places that don’t have available sockets, then mobile broadband is the better option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to plug a mobile Wi-Fi router in?

No, mobile Wi-Fi routers are battery powered, so you only need to plug them in to charge them.

Can I get unlimited data with a mobile Wi-Fi router?

Yes, various plans include a mobile Wi-Fi router along with unlimited data. You should consider how much data you need though before choosing that.

Is mobile Wi-Fi easy to set up?

Yes, mobile Wi-Fi devices are extremely easy to get up and running. Typically you just switch put a SIM card in (if it doesn’t come pre-installed), switch them on, and use the supplied network details to connect devices.

Will I have to pay anything upfront for a mobile Wi-Fi router?

Some mobile Wi-Fi routers have an upfront cost, while others don’t, with the only charge being your monthly plan. You can filter the deals above by different upfront costs if that’s a factor.