Rating of the TOP 10 mobile routers with Wi-Fi: an overview and characteristics of the best models of 2022

Mobile router - rating and review of models. Selection criteria, features, technical parameters, pros and cons of the best mobile routers today.

Modern mobile routers equipped with 3G/4G modules, have compact dimensions, built-in rechargeable battery, connectors for connecting an external antenna.

These and other features of mobile routers make it possible to access the Internet even in areas with a weak network signal.

In the review, we will consider what to look for when choosing such a device, we will analyze the most popular models on the market, find out their pros and cons.

Rating of the TOP 10 best mobile routers with Wi-Fi

Place	Model	Price
The best compact mobile routers in price / quality ratio
#1	Huawei E5576
#2	TP-LINK TL-MR3020
#3	Alcatel Link Zone
#4	Xiaomi ZMI MF885
#5	TP-LINK M7350
Models with external antennas and LAN ports
#1	TP-LINK TL-MR6400
#2	Keenetic Runner 4G (KN-2210)
#3	TP-LINK TL-MR150
#4	HUAWEI B535-232
#5	Alcatel HH41V

Key criteria for choosing a mobile router

Note! First of all, it is worth deciding for what purposes the router will be used.

After all, the modern market is filled with gaming devices, powerful devices for heavy software and a large number of users, standard equipment for the home.

The power and, accordingly, the price depend on the purpose.

Within the specific specifications the following points should be taken into account:

Mobile networks.
The lion's share of modern devices, in addition to 2G, supports 3G and 4G (LTE).
LTE technology provides the highest speed of data exchange so far.
WiFi standard.
This technology allows you to distribute the Internet to user devices.
Modern devices support a number of wireless connection standards - 802.11 b, a, g, n and ac.
The latter is the most promising, it has the most advanced characteristics.
WiFi frequency.
A number of routers have support for two bands - 2.4 and 5 GHz.
The dual-band module allows you to achieve the highest speed, stability of reception and transmission.
Connection speed.
A high rate allows you to avoid disruptions and freezes when watching movies, quickly download large files and perform other tasks.
Ethernet ports.
Allows you to connect to the network stationary computers, laptops via cable.
LAN connection is the fastest and most stable.
Accumulator battery.
The built-in battery is equipped with portable devices.
The larger the battery capacity, the better the autonomy of the device.
A number of models are powered by a standard 220 V network through a special adapter or via USB.
Ports and connectors.
Mobile routers are equipped with different interfaces - basic (SIM card slot, Ethernet connector) and additional (USB, Micro-USB connectors).
Ports and connectors are needed to connect to a network, computer, laptop, other router, to recharge the battery.

The best compact mobile routers in price / quality ratio

The most popular devices on the market support most modern communication standards and have powerful functionality.

Note! The declared technical characteristics of the devices presented below correspond to reality as much as possible.

Rating and review of the best compact mobile routers with wi-fi according to customer reviews and ratings.

Huawei E5576

It will be an excellent choice for mobile consumers of Internet content, as it has the ability to install a SIM card with support for 3G / 4G networks and has an incredibly compact size.

The small dimensions of the device and the built-in rechargeable battery allow you to take it with you on a trip, to work or on vacation.

Wireless signal transmission is carried out in the 2.4 GHz band. The maximum speed in this mode is close to 300 Mbps.

The device is controlled through a convenient and intuitive application for mobile gadgets.

The battery of the compact model HUAWEI E5576 is charged via USB. The presented model is distinguished by a very modest weight.

Model characteristics:

work in the Wi-Fi range - 2.4 GHz (300 Mbps);
Wi-Fi standard - 802.11 b / a / g / n;
Internet connection - SIM card (3G/4G);
network infrastructures - DHCP, Firewall, NAT;
data encryption protocols - WEP, WPA, WPA2;
dimensions and weight of the equipment - 100 ? 58? 14 mm, 72 g;
features - built-in 1500 mAh battery, support for the Smart Home ecosystem, suitable for outdoor installation.

Advantages

stable work;
democratic price;
simple setup;
acceptable performance.

Flaws

small Wi-Fi coverage area;
low battery capacity;
no charger included.

TP-LINK TL-MR3020

This is a truly universal portable router with support for more than 120 models of modems from various manufacturers operating in 3G/4G networks.

First of all, the presented device is in demand among users who often work outside the office, or home users without “stationary” Internet access.

Seamless and fast switching between modes is responsible for the high quality of the connection of the TP-LINK TL-MR3020 mobile router with the network.

The equipment is equipped with a USB port, to which, among other things, the power supply is connected.

A firewall and an address filtering system are responsible for the security of the connection.

Model characteristics:

work in the Wi-Fi range - 2.4 GHz (150 Mbps);
Wi-Fi standard - 802.11 b / a / g / n;
Internet connection — 3G/4G modem (optional);
network infrastructures - DHCP, Firewall, NAT, SPI, DDNS, DMZ;
data encryption protocols - WEP, WPA, WPA2;
dimensions and weight of the equipment - 74? 22? 67 mm, 60 g;
features - guest network, WISP technology.

Advantages

compact dimensions, light weight;
unpretentiousness to the power source;
you can install third-party firmware;
high build quality and materials;
ease of setup.

Flaws

small amount of built-in memory;
glossy plastic is prone to scratches;
short complete cables.

Alcatel Link Zone

A mobile router, mounted in a case made of high-quality materials in a classic design, will ensure uninterrupted reception and distribution of the Internet anywhere and at any time.

A sufficiently powerful battery built into the device will work throughout the day.

The integrated modem of the Alcatel Link Zone router is not tied to a specific operator.

The device is managed through the Link apps.

The presented model supports up to fifteen connections simultaneously.

The gadget is fully compatible with tablets and phones running Android and iOS. In active mode, the device can work up to 7 hours, in standby mode it can be about 35 hours.

Model characteristics:

work in the Wi-Fi range - 2.4 GHz (150 Mbps);
Wi-Fi standard - 802.11 b / a / g / n;
Internet connection - SIM card (3G/4G);
network infrastructures - DHCP, NAT;
data encryption protocols - WEP, WPA, WPA2;
dimensions and weight of the equipment - 88? 13 ? 60 mm, 150 g;
features - microSD support up to 32 GB, built-in 1800 mAh battery, MIM technology.

Advantages

small overall dimensions;
built-in battery of good capacity;
mobile application with Internet access protection/restriction;
excellent combination of price / quality;
works even without a battery from the network;
high speed 4G.

Flaws

outdated web interface design;
there are few settings in the mobile application;
heating during operation.

Xiaomi ZMI MF885

The model with TD-LTE, LTE, FDD technologies supports up to thirteen frequencies of cellular operators, which allows you to use it comfortably and without headaches both in Europe and America.

One of the features of the Xiaomi ZMI MF885 router is a super-capacious 10000 mAh battery.

Using a battery of this size gives the device the ability to work autonomously up to 65 hours in active mode.

The Powerbank option allows you to recharge other gadgets with a power of about 18 watts from the device.

A mobile router can be controlled using a mobile application - these are basic settings, work with traffic flows, power adjustment and much more.

Model characteristics:

work in the Wi-Fi range - 2.4 GHz (75 Mbps);
Wi-Fi standard - 802.11 b / a / g / n;
Internet connection - SIM card (3G/4G);
network infrastructures - DHCP, Firewall;
data encryption protocols - WEP, WPA, WPA2;
dimensions and weight of the equipment - 112? 70? 22 mm, 257 g;
features - built-in 10000 mAh battery, Powerbank option, support for fast charging, support for the Smart Home ecosystem.

Advantages

quality assembly;
long battery life / powerful battery;
large signal coverage area on distribution;
possibility of use as a power bank.

Flaws

there is no charger included;
uninformative LED indicators;
not very stable operation when driving (in transport).

TP-LINK M7350

The portable model is an innovative network device designed to provide stable access to Internet networks in an apartment, private house, office, as well as in the "field" conditions.

The presented equipment supports 3G/4G LTE mode.

The latter allows you to develop the speed of receiving data packets up to an impressive 150 Mbps with an upload speed of 50 Mbps.

The distribution of the Internet occurs via Wi-Fi with potentially even greater speed.

Up to 15 users can connect to the TP-LINK M7350 at the same time.

A powerful 2550 mAh battery gives you a battery life of about 10 hours.

Also, the device is equipped with a set of necessary physical interfaces - micro USB, a slot for a SIM card, a slot for a memory card.

Model characteristics:

work in the Wi-Fi range - 2.4 GHz (300 Mbps);
Wi-Fi standard - 802.11 b / a / g / n;
Internet connection - SIM card (3G/4G);
network infrastructures - DHCP, NAT;
data encryption protocols - WEP, WPA, WPA2;
dimensions and weight of the equipment - 106? 16 ? 66 mm, 292 g;
features - built-in 2550 mAh battery, support for SD memory cards up to 32 GB, 20 dBm transmitter, FTP, file server.

Advantages

stylish appearance;
high quality materials;
easy setup, convenient application;
confident reception of 4G LTE with high speed;
long life of the built-in rechargeable battery.

Flaws

glossy plastic body collects prints;
dim battery level indicator;
gets very hot during active work;
there is no possibility of fine tuning.

Models with external antennas and LAN ports

This category is represented by more advanced models.

They are have an expanded number of ports and options and almost no loss of signal quality.

An overview of the best portable routers with an external antenna for a better signal.

TP-LINK TL-MR6400

A mobile router, made in an attractive case made of quality materials, has a lot of other advantages, including advanced network capabilities.

The TP-LINK TL-MR6400 device is able to provide any compatible equipment with an Internet connection.

Cellular communication works in 3G/4G networks. Mobile connection is carried out by simply installing a SIM card.

The reception speed in this case is 150 Mbps.

It distributes the Wi-Fi Internet module, a wired connection via LAN ports is also possible.

The router is powered by an external adapter. The model is adapted for installation on any horizontal surface and for wall mounting.

Model characteristics:

work in the Wi-Fi range - 2.4 GHz (300 Mbps);
Wi-Fi standard - 802.11 b / a / g / n / ac;
Internet connection — SIM card (3G/4G), Ethernet;
number of LAN ports - 4 ? 100 Mbps;
network infrastructures - DHCP, Firewall, NAT, SPI, DDNS, DMZ;
data encryption protocols - WEP, WPA, WPA2;
dimensions and weight of the equipment - 202? 34? 141 mm, 300 g;
features - guest network, SNMP technology, support for the Smart Home ecosystem.

Advantages

the ability to replace the LTE antenna;
heating during operation is not noticed;
high transmitter power;
communication stability without interruptions.

Flaws

glossy plastic body gets dirty quickly;
not the fastest Ethernet ports by modern standards;
high price.

Keenetic Runner 4G (KN-2210)

The compact mobile device with support for Mesh technology is equipped with an integrated LTE modem with the ability to connect to the Internet from anywhere where such an opportunity exists.

The presented gadget will be useful in the country, in a rented apartment, office center.

If necessary, the user can connect an external LTE antenna via the SMA connector.

The main functions of the Keenetic Runner 4G (KN-2210) device are supplemented with Internet backup options, WISP mode, VPN client, cloud management, content filtering, parental control tools.

You can expand the coverage of your wireless network using the built-in Mesh system.

Model characteristics:

work in the Wi-Fi range - 2.4 GHz (300 Mbps);
Wi-Fi standard - 802.11 b / a / g / n / ac;
Internet connection — Ethernet, SIM card (3G/4G);
number of LAN ports - 3 ? 100 Mbps;
network infrastructures - DHCP, Firewall, NAT, SPI, DDNS, DMZ;
data encryption protocols - WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3;
dimensions and weight of the equipment - 159? 29? 110 mm, 236 g;
features - "Repeater" mode, support for Mesh Wi-Fi.

Advantages

easy and understandable basic setup;
the ability to connect external antennas;
large coverage of Wi-Fi coverage;
fast and stable work;
a large number of settings for advanced.

Flaws

non-critical heating during operation;
possible incompatibility with outdated operating systems;
high price tag.

TP-LINK TL-MR150

It will be useful in a country house, in a country house or in another place where there is no possibility of access to the World Wide Web via cable.

Mobile router TP-LINK TL-MR150 with the function of connecting to the Internet through the resources of mobile operators.

Installing a SIM card with an activated mobile Internet service allows you to connect the necessary client devices to the network.

When connected via Wi-Fi, the maximum connection speed reaches 300 Mbps, Ethernet connection is made through four 100-Mbps LAN ports.

The speed of obtaining information from the cellular network declared by the manufacturer is 150 Mbps. The package includes a router, a patch cord, a power adapter, and a user manual.

Model characteristics:

work in the Wi-Fi range - 2.4 GHz (300 Mbps);
Wi-Fi standard - 802.11 b / g / n;
Internet connection — SIM card (3G/4G), Ethernet;
number of LAN ports - 2 ? 100 Mbps;
network infrastructures - DHCP, Firewall, NAT, SPI, DDNS, DMZ;
data encryption protocols - WEP, WPA, WPA2;
dimensions and weight of the equipment - 202? 34? 141 mm, 200 g;
features - 20 dBm transmitter, guest network, support for the Smart Home ecosystem.

Advantages

the ability to install a more sensitive mimo antenna;
work in plug and play mode;
good communication quality;
compactness.

Flaws

dim glow of the indication LEDs;
Antenna mounting is inconvenient.

HUAWEI B535-232

The advanced model HUAWEI B535-232 with the ability to distribute the Internet received via 4G / 3G network is incredibly easy to use.

The user only needs to install a SIM card in the appropriate slot and perform simple initial setup steps.

The router can be successfully used wherever there is a cellular network coverage, including objects remote from populated areas.

The router supports dual-band Wi-Fi and wired connection.

The instrument is equipped with four LAN ports. The device is controlled through a convenient web interface or mobile application.

Model characteristics:

dual-band Wi-Fi - 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz (speed 867 Mbps);
Wi-Fi standard - 802.11 b / a / g / n / ac;
Internet connection — SIM card (3G/4G), Ethernet;
number of LAN ports - 3 ? 1 Gbps;
network infrastructures - DHCP, Firewall, NAT, SPI, DDNS, DMZ;
data encryption protocols - WEP, WPA, WPA2;
dimensions and weight of the equipment - 219? 138? 26 mm, 318 g;
features - 3.5 dBi antenna, support for the Smart Home ecosystem.

Advantages

stylish, reliable case;
there are connectors for external antennas;
simple and fast basic setup;
three high-speed LAN ports;
supports MIMO 2 antennas ? 2.

Flaws

relatively high cost;
the mobile application has been significantly reduced in functionality;
4G reception level indicator is uninformative.

Alcatel HH41V

Provides Internet via LAN or Wi-Fi to client devices without being tied to a specific location.

Alcatel HH41V Dual Antenna Mobile Network Device supporting leading 3G/4G mobile data technologies,

The relatively small size of the device allows you to place it almost anywhere in your home or office.

Data transfer in this gadget occurs at a maximum speed of 300 Mbps.

The WEP, WPA, WPA2 protocols are responsible for connection security. The device is equipped with two 100-megabit LAN ports.

There is also an RJ-11 connector for connecting a wired telephone. The router is configured and managed through a clear web interface.

Model characteristics:

work in the Wi-Fi range - 2.4 GHz (300 Mbps);
Wi-Fi standard - 802.11 b / a / g / n;
Internet connection — SIM card (3G/4G), Ethernet;
number of LAN ports - 2 ? 100 Mbps;
network infrastructures - DHCP, Firewall, NAT, DDNS;
data encryption protocols - WEP, WPA, WPA2;
dimensions and weight of the equipment - 134? 32? 134 mm, 310 g;
features - RJ11 interface for telephone, 256 MB memory, MIM technology.

Advantages

simple and intuitive settings;
good quality of long-range reception of 3G/4G LTE;
excellent value for money, quality and functionality;
large amount of internal memory.

Flaws

not very strong Wi-Fi signal;
difficult installation / removal of antennas;
short wire from the power supply.

Reviews

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Conclusion

An important feature of a modern mobile router is the presence of a 3G / 4G module (or optional support of the corresponding modem).
Portable routers are compact, many have a built-in battery, these are indispensable devices for organizing mobile Internet.
When choosing such a device it is worth paying attention to the types of mobile networks supported by it, Wi-Fi standards, the availability of main and additional ports and connectors, as well as battery capacity.
It is worth considering that models with external antennas and LAN ports are the most advanced, but, as a rule, are less mobile.

Useful video

This video provides an overview of the TP Link M7200 mobile router:

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