Posted on June 16, 2025June 16, 2025 by Tech things — Leave a comment

The Best 4G External Antennas in the UK: Improve Your Signal Strength with the Right Antenna

Why 4G External Antennas Matter in the UK

With over 95% of the UK covered by 4G from at least one network, you might expect fast, stable internet everywhere — but that’s far from the reality. Rural areas, static caravans, remote homes, and off-grid properties often sit in low-signal zones. Even with a good router, a weak 4G signal can lead to buffering, slow downloads, or total dropout.

This is where 4G external antennas come in. These powerful tools boost your router’s ability to receive a signal, often improving speeds by 50–200% in poor coverage areas. By placing the antenna outside, away from interference and closer to the mobile mast, you increase your chances of stable, reliable 4G internet.

With landlines starting to be turnt off across the UK. achieveing a strong 4G signal is even more important. 4G external antennas can help you achive this

Notice: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, offgridwifi.co.uk may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

What Is a 4G External Antenna?

A 4G external antenna connects to a compatible 4G router or modem and is mounted outside your home, caravan, or property. Its purpose is to capture the mobile signal more effectively than a router’s internal or stubby antenna, especially in areas with low signal.

Key Benefits:

Improved signal reception in rural and off-grid locations
Faster download/upload speeds
More stable connection, especially in caravans or mobile setups
Essential in metal-clad buildings, where signal penetration is poor

Types of 4G External Antennas

Choosing the right antenna depends on your location, use case, and signal environment.

Directional Antennas

Pointed toward the nearest mobile mast for best results.
Ideal for rural homes, static caravans, and farms.
Offer the highest gain (typically 8–11 dBi or more).

Omnidirectional Antennas

Receive signal from all directions.
Great if the mast location is unknown or in urban areas.
Lower gain (2–5 dBi), but easy to set up.

MIMO Antennas

“Multiple Input, Multiple Output” technology.
Required for true 4G speeds (two cables and signal channels).
Many 4G routers support MIMO — always check compatibility.

Why a Signal Survey Matters First

Before installing any antenna, a signal survey is crucial. It tells you:

✅ If you have usable 4G or 5G signal at your location
✅ Which network provides the best speeds
✅ Whether a directional or omnidirectional antenna is needed
✅ Which direction to point your antenna (mast location)
✅ If a higher mast or indoor-only solution will suffice

Full signal survey

OFFGRIDWIFI.co.uk full signal survey not only checks all networks at your location, we check to see if its suitable for 5G WIFI (e.g. streaming, video chat, browsing) and also provide the location of each Antenna. This is super important when purchasing external antenna kits to maximise signal strength, speed, and reliability.

For those who dont need a full signal survey , You can also find some basic signal information at offcom.com

Top 5 4G External Antennas in the UK (2025)

Below are OffgridWIFI.co.uk selection of the best 4G antennas in the UK right now.

We compare features, capability, and value for money

1. Poynting XPOL-1 V2 – Omnidirectional MIMO Antenna

Best for: Urban homes, portable setups, unknown mast direction

If you’re not sure where your nearest 4G mast is — or if signal comes from more than one direction — this is a safe and easy choice. The XPOL-1 V2 is great for homes, caravans or cabins with average signal, where you just want a reliable boost without messing with complicated installs. No aiming needed — it picks up signal from all directions and supports MIMO, which means better speeds and stability.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)
“We plugged it in and saw instant improvement. No setup stress, just better signal.”

📡 Signal Boost: Up to 4x better (4 dBi gain)
🧰 Good For: Homes, cabins, caravans with OK signal
🔧 Installation: Window, pole or wall mount — easy
💷 Price: Around £85
💰 Value for Money: 4/5

2. Poynting XPOL-2 V3 – Best for Poor Signal (Directional)

This is the top choice if your 4G signal is weak or patchy, and you’re in a remote or rural area. It needs to be pointed towards the nearest 4G mast — but don’t worry, we can help with that using a signal survey. Once pointed, it gives you a strong, stable connection with speeds up to 10x better than indoors. Fully waterproof and built for the UK weather.

Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9)
“Game changer for our rural home — we went from buffering to streaming Netflix in HD.”

📡 Signal Boost: Up to 11 dBi — serious improvement
🧰 Good For: Farms, rural homes, poor-signal caravans
🔧 Installation: Wall or pole — needs aiming
💷 Price: Around £135
💰 Value for Money: 5/5

3. Panorama WMM8G-7-27 – Great for Outbuildings & Offices

If you’re running a business from a barn, workshop, or remote office, this antenna is a smart pick. It gives a steady connection and works well once aimed at the nearest mast. It’s slightly cheaper than the XPOL-2 and still gives a very solid boost in most areas. The casing is tough and weatherproof — great for UK farms or countryside businesses.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4)
“Used this on our barn conversion. Now getting 40 Mbps with a stable connection.”

📡 Signal Boost: 7–9 dBi
🧰 Good For: Sheds, farm offices, remote businesses
🔧 Installation: Easy with included mount
💷 Price: Around £95
💰 Value for Money: 4/5

4. Poynting Puck – Compact But Powerful MIMO Antenna

Don’t let the size fool you — this small round antenna (nicknamed “The Puck”) is rugged, waterproof, and offers real signal improvement. Perfect for touring caravans, vehicles, or small homes, it supports full MIMO (which helps boost speeds and stability) and doesn’t need to be pointed anywhere specific. A good balance of performance and simplicity — and easy to mount on a wall, roof or pole.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6)
“Didn’t expect much from the size, but our signal doubled instantly. Quietly brilliant.”

📡 Signal Boost: 3–5 dBi (omnidirectional)
🧰 Good For: Motorhomes, static caravans, semi-rural homes
🔧 Installation: Stick-on or bolt-down options, very easy
💷 Price: ~£75
💰 Value for Money: 4/5

5. Maswell 4G LTE / 5G Directional Antenna – For Remote and Rural Dead Zones

If you live somewhere with barely any mobile signal, this antenna is a powerful fix — but only if you can point it at the nearest 4G or 5G mast. The Maswell is an ultra-directional, high-gain antenna, perfect for farms, remote holiday homes, or off-grid cabins. You’ll get the best results if you do a signal survey first, to help with alignment. Once correctly set up, it can turn unusable connections into fast, stable internet.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3)
“We live miles from any mast, but now we can stream and work online reliably.”

📡 Signal Boost: Up to 12 dBi gain (very high)
🧰 Good For: Farms, rural homes, dead zones
🔧 Installation: Wall or pole mount, needs precise aim
💷 Price: Around £60–£75
💰 Value for Money: 4/5

Don’t Forget the Router

To get the best performance from any 4G external antenna, you need a compatible router. Most high-performance antennas are designed for MIMO routers with TS9 or SMA connectors. we have Great reviews on 4G routers to help you chose the best one (find out more here)

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the UK and struggling with poor mobile internet, a 4G external antenna can dramatically improve your experience. Whether for a rural cottage, static caravan, farm, or garden office, the right antenna paired with the right router makes all the difference. Start with a signal survey, pick the right setup — and get online, anywhere.

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Posted on February 8, 2025June 16, 2025 by Tech things — Leave a comment

5G router UK

The Ultimate Guide to 5G WiFi in the UK: Best Routers, Coverage, and Setup

In today’s digital age, achieving high-speed internet without relying on traditional phone lines has become increasingly feasible, thanks to advancements in 5G technology. A pivotal component in this setup is the 5G WiFi router, especially those equipped with SIM card slots, offering flexibility and mobility. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5G WiFi routers currently available, discuss 5G signal availability in the UK, explain how to improve signal strength with external antennas, and look ahead to the future of 5G expansion. Finally, we’ll guide you through the steps to set up a 5G WiFi connection.

How to Get a 5G WiFi Connection and the UK's best 5G routers

Setting up a 5G WiFi connection requires careful planning to ensure you get the best possible signal and performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Run Signal Checks

Before committing to a 5G router with a SIM card slot, check whether 5G coverage is available in your area. You can do this by using network provider coverage checkers listed below;

If 5G isn’t available, you may need to rely on 4G LTE or wait for 5G expansion in your area.

EE Coverage Checker
O2 Coverage Checker
Three Network Status
Vodafone Coverage Checker
Ofcom Coverage Checker

Full signal survey

2. Select the Best Service Provider and Purchase a Data SIM

Once you’ve confirmed 5G availability, compare different providers to find the best 5G network in the UK based on speed, coverage, and data plans. Key factors include:

Network reliability (indoor vs. outdoor performance)
Unlimited vs. capped data plans
Cost and contract flexibility

After selecting a provider, purchase a data SIM card compatible with your chosen 5G WiFi router.

3. Buy a Suitable 5G router in the UK

Below are OffgridWIFI.co.uk selection of the best 5G routers in the UK right now.

1. TP-Link Deco X50-5G AX3000 5G router

The TP-link Deco AX3000 is not only super capable, its also the most affordable of our recommended 5G routers. TP-Link is also a super reliable brand with great customer service.

5G download speeds up to 3.4 Gbps
Wi-Fi 6 technology for enhanced speed and capacity
Nano SIM card slot for seamless mobile broadband
Suitable for home use and larger spaces, but can be adapted for motorhomes and caravans with an external antenna
RRP: ~£299.99
Time on the market: Released in 2023
Average rating: 4.5/5

2. GL.iNet GL-X3000 5G router

The Gl-X300 is the highest spec of our recommended 5G routers. The multi sim solution is a great addition for those on the move

Dual-SIM functionality with automatic failover
Advanced VPN features for secure connections
Detachable antennas for improved signal reception
Ideal for motorhomes, caravans, and remote work due to its portability and dual-SIM backup
RRP: ~£399.99
Time on the market: Released in early 2024
Average rating: 4.3/5

Dual SIM Functionality and Automatic Failover

Some advanced 5G WiFi routers, such as the GL.iNet GL-X3000 (Spitz AX), feature dual SIM functionality with automatic failover. This means the router can hold two separate SIM cards from different network providers and intelligently switch between them if one network experiences poor connectivity.

Why Is This Useful for your 5G router UK?

Increased Reliability – If your primary network goes down or has poor signal strength, the router automatically switches to the second SIM, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.

Better Coverage – In remote or mobile setups (such as in a motorhome or caravan), different networks may have stronger signals in different areas. Dual SIM allows seamless switching to the best available network.

Cost Optimization – You can configure your router to use a primary SIM for general use and a backup SIM with a lower-cost plan, reducing data expenses.

Load Balancing – Some routers support load balancing, distributing internet traffic across both SIMs for faster speeds and better performance.

This feature is particularly useful for off-grid internet solutions, as it provides a more stable and flexible 5G WiFi experience. Would you like me to expand this into your blog post?

3. ZTE G5B Indoor 5G Router with WiFi6

The ZTE G5B was once our go to 5G router. its still super reliable and a super buy at this price point

Download speeds up to 3.4 Gbps
Supports up to 64 devices simultaneously
Plug-and-play design for easy setup
Best for home and office use, but can work in motorhomes if paired with an external antenna
RRP: ~£349.99
Time on the market: Released in 2023
Average rating: 4.4/5

4. Maxview MXL060 Roam 5G router System

Need something more robust and mobile? Then this ready to go easy to setup kit may be the best 5G router UK for you. the Maxview MXL060 5G router kit may be expensive, but can level up your motorhome or caravan (also adding to its value)

Designed specifically for motorhomes, caravans, and mobile vehicles
Includes an external 5G antenna for improved signal reception
Easy installation with roof-mounted antenna
Best for: Motorhomes, caravans, and off-grid travel
RRP: ~£928.00
Time on the market: Released in 2024
Average rating: 4.7/5

4. Set Up Your 5G Router in the UK

Once you have your 5G router with a SIM card slot, follow these steps:

Insert the SIM card into the router.
Position the router in a location with the strongest signal (near a window or open space).
Power on the router and follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions.
Run a speed test to verify performance.
Optimize placement or add external antennas if needed. find out more

Enhancing Signal Strength with External Antennas

To boost performance, consider using an external 5G antenna. There are two main types:

Omni-Directional Antennas: Provide 360-degree coverage, ideal for strong, consistent signals.
- Pros: Easy to install, no alignment needed.
- Cons: Weaker in low-signal areas.
Directional Antennas: Focus on a specific direction, improving performance in low-signal locations.
- Pros: Stronger signal gain, reduces interference.
- Cons: Requires precise alignment.

5G Coverage and Future Expansion in the UK

As of 2025, 5G availability in the UK has expanded significantly, but rural areas still lag. Key statistics:

5G covers 90-95% of premises (from at least one provider)
61-79% coverage from all networks combined
Urban areas: Strong coverage in major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham
Rural areas: Slower rollout, but improvements are ongoing

The UK government aims for nationwide 5G coverage by 2030, with providers like EE targeting 5G anywhere in the UK by 2028.

5G UK coverage map as provided by Vodafone

Final Thoughts

Setting up 5G WiFi without a landline is now easier than ever. By selecting the best 5G router with a SIM card slot, ensuring strong network coverage, and optimizing performance with external antennas, you can achieve a reliable 5G WiFi connection anywhere in the UK. As 5G expansion continues, high-speed internet access will become even more accessible nationwide.

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Posted on February 4, 2025March 16, 2025 by Tech things — Leave a comment

Starlink in the UK

In recent years, satellite internet has emerged as a game-changer for those living in remote or off-grid locations in the UK. One of the most well-known providers is Starlink, but it is not the only option available. This article explores Starlink in the UK, how it works, its cost, and alternative satellite internet providers.

What is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, designed to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to underserved and remote locations worldwide. Unlike traditional satellite internet, which relies on a few large satellites in high geostationary orbit, Starlink operates with a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. This setup drastically reduces latency and increases internet speeds, making it a more viable alternative to fixed broadband in rural and off-grid settings.

For more details, visit the official Starlink website: Starlink Official Site

How Does Starlink Work in the UK?

Starlink functions by using a network of thousands of small satellites orbiting the Earth at approximately 550 km above the surface. These satellites communicate with ground stations and a user terminal (dish) installed at the customer’s location. The system enables fast internet speeds with lower latency compared to traditional satellite providers.

A typical Starlink setup includes:

A rectangular satellite dish (also known as a user terminal)
A Wi-Fi router
Necessary cables and a mounting tripod

Users install the dish in an area with a clear view of the sky, allowing it to establish a connection with the Starlink satellite network. The system automatically aligns itself to maintain the strongest possible connection.

How Much is Starlink?

Starlink pricing varies based on the plan and location. As of 2024, the residential Starlink package costs £75-£85 per month in the UK, with a one-time hardware cost of approximately £449. Additional plans, such as Starlink for RVs (now called Starlink Roam) and Starlink Business, have different pricing structures and features.

For example:

Starlink Standard (Home Use): £75-£85 per month + £449 hardware
Starlink Roam (For RVs & Travel): £95 per month + £449 hardware
Starlink Business: £180-£200 per month + £2,300 hardware

Prices are subject to change, so it’s always best to check Starlink’s official website for the latest information: Starlink Pricing

How Much is Starlink UK?

In the UK, Starlink offers the same pricing structure as other European markets. Users can expect to pay £75-£85 per month for the residential service. Installation is user-friendly, requiring only a power source and a clear view of the sky.

Starlink Mobile WIFI kit

For those needing a high-speed and reliable internet solution anywhere in the UK, Starlink is an excellent option. Starlink uses a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites to provide broadband-level speeds with low latency, making it ideal for caravanners who travel to remote locations.

Starlink WIFI anywhere kit

RRP £449

Starlink Competitors

While Starlink has revolutionized satellite internet, there are other competitors in the market providing alternative services:

1. OneWeb

OneWeb is a UK-based satellite internet provider deploying a LEO satellite network similar to Starlink. Unlike Starlink’s direct-to-consumer model, OneWeb primarily focuses on business and government connectivity solutions. Learn more about OneWeb

2. Viasat

Viasat is a well-established satellite internet provider that operates in geostationary orbit (GEO). While it offers widespread coverage, its speeds and latency are generally not as competitive as Starlink’s LEO system. Explore Viasat

3. HughesNet

HughesNet is another GEO satellite provider that has been serving rural areas for years. It offers affordable pricing but slower speeds and higher latency compared to Starlink. More about HughesNet

4. Amazon Kuiper (Upcoming)

Amazon’s Project Kuiper aims to compete with Starlink by deploying its own LEO satellite constellation. The service is still in development but is expected to launch within the next few years. Amazon Project Kuiper

Amazon Kuiper

Recently approved by Ofcom. Kuiper could prove to be Starlinks biggest competitor and may initiate a pricing war. making satellite internet connections more accessible and affordable to all of us in the UK

Why Choose Starlink Over 4G and 5G?

Better Coverage: Starlink works almost anywhere in the uk, even in remote places where mobile signals might be weak or unavailable. This makes it perfect for traveling to countryside spots.
Consistent Speeds: With Starlink, you usually get steady internet speeds. Mobile internet (4G and 5G) can be fast, but the speed can change a lot depending on where you are and how many people are using it.
Unlimited Data: Starlink gives you unlimited data. This means you can use the internet as much as you want without worrying about using up your allowance. Some mobile plans might slow down your speed after a certain amount of use.
Flexible Setup: You can set up Starlink almost anywhere with a clear view of the sky. This includes on the roof of your motorhome, caravan, or boat. This is very convenient if you’re always on the move.
Lower Delay (Latency): Starlink has lower latency, which means there’s less delay when sending and receiving data. This is important for things like video calls and online games.

However, it’s worth noting that Starlink might cost more than some mobile internet plans. It’s best suited for areas where mobile coverage is not reliable or for those who need consistent internet access.

Comparing Starlink and Home Broadband Speeds in the UK

Starlink:

Download Speed: Usually around 100 Mbps. This means it’s pretty fast for downloading things like videos, music, and websites.
Upload Speed: Around 10 Mbps. This is the speed for sending things, like uploading photos or videos.
Latency: Between 20 to 60 milliseconds. This is the delay before the internet starts to respond, important for things like video calls and gaming.

UK Home Broadband:

Download Speed: Often around 70 Mbps but can be faster (up to 900 Mbps with the best connections). It’s also good for downloading videos, music, and websites.
Upload Speed: Around 20 Mbps but can be faster (up to 110 Mbps with the best connections). Good for uploading photos and videos.
Latency: Around 10 to 30 milliseconds. This is generally quicker for video calls and gaming.

Key Points to Understand

Coverage: Starlink works almost anywhere in the uK, even in remote places where traditional broadband might not be available. Home broadband relies on local infrastructure, so it might not be available in some rural areas.
Consistency: Starlink provides more consistent internet speeds in remote areas. Home broadband speeds can be very fast in cities but might not be as reliable in remote areas.
Cost: Starlink can be more expensive than home broadband, but it’s worth it for reliable internet in hard-to-reach places.

Steps for Connecting the Starlink Router in the UK

Find a Suitable Location: Place the Starlink router inside your motorhome, caravan, or other vehicle in a central location to ensure a good Wi-Fi signal throughout the vehicle. Ideally, it should be near a power outlet and easily accessible.
Connect the Cables:
- Dishy to Router: Take the cable that comes from the dish (also known as “Dishy”) and plug it into the port labeled “Dishy” on the back of the router.
- Power Supply to Router: Plug the power supply into the router. The power cord should fit into the port labeled “Power” on the back of the router.
Power Up:
- Dishy: Connect Dishy’s power adapter to a power outlet to power up the dish.
- Router: Plug the router’s power supply into an outlet and turn it on.
Wait for Initialization: Both the dish and the router will take a few minutes to initialize. You should see indicator lights on the router turn on and blink as it connects to the satellite network.
Connect to Starlink App:
- Download the Starlink app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store if you haven’t already.
- Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your Starlink network. The app will guide you through finding your Starlink network, usually named “Starlink-XXXX,” and entering any necessary details.
Test the Connection: Once the app confirms that the setup is complete, you should be able to connect your devices to the Starlink Wi-Fi network. Run a speed test using the Starlink app or any other speed test tool to ensure you have a strong connection.

Is Starlink the Right Choice for You?

If you live in a rural or off-grid location with limited broadband options, Starlink is one of the best choices for high-speed, low-latency internet. However, it’s always worth considering competitors and future developments in satellite technology.

For more information on off-grid connectivity solutions, check out our other guides on WiFi for motorhomes, static caravans, and remote homes.

learn more about alternative off grid WiFi solutions

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Posted on January 11, 2022March 16, 2025 by Tech things — 1 Comment

The Best 4G Routers Reviewed

The Best 4G Routers Reviewed: 4G routers are becoming more and more mainstream. whether to use as your main off grid broadband internet connection or to backup your home router on its landline setup.

4G has grown and expanded to most crevices of the UK, even the most suburban of areas now have a 4G connection, provided to them by at least 1 Network.

With the huge growth in the 4G network has come a huge number of 4G routers to choose from. We have picked our current favourites, described their standout features and ranked them for you.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions that need answered . we are here to help, with our goal of getting everybody connected to the internet.

PLUG & Play ROUTERS : As always if you want to skip the setup stages and get connected without the hassle you could purchase one of our Off Grid Plug and Play Router Kits. We do all the hard work so you don’t have to. Click the button below to view them in our shop

PLUG & PLAY ROUTER KITS

The best 4G Routers Reviewed

1. NETGEAR MR1100 4G Router Review

The Netgear MR1100 4G router router is the highest specification 4G router we have reviewed to date. It has an inbuilt battery so is portable, ideal for Internet on the move & is a Cat20 router which means it can offer download speeds of up to 1Gbps.

It’s highly unlikely you will receive download speeds on any UK 4G network of 1Gbps but you will definitely notice the performance gain over that of lesser routers.

The router has a built in display Touch screen, we find it really easy to navigate through the menu’s and set your preferences. From this screen you can also view an estimate of your remaining credit or usage to date. This makes it ideal for keeping an eye on the cost of usage.

We found this router to be quick and easy to setup on all UK network sims. Simply pop the sim in, turn the router on and allow it a couple of minutes to get up and running.

The Build quality of Netgear MR1100 4G router is excellent. it seems extremely well made and robust. Also, as this router is Netgear you can purchase additional optional extras, such as hard cases and dock stations.

This is the most expensive 4G router we have reviewed but the additional features coupled with its build quality and download speeds make it well worthy of our no.1 position.

NETGEAR MR1100 4G Router verdict

The Best 4G Routers Reviewed: If you can afford it and you don’t require an external antenna then you cant go far wrong with the NETGEAR MR1100 4G router

Expect to pay £300 for the Netgear MR1100 45G router

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2. HUAWEI B311 4G Router Review

The HUAWEI B311 4G router is the 2nd lowest specification of the routers we have reviewed. It is a Cat4 Router which means it has max download speeds of 150Mbps. These speeds are more than capable of streaming HD movies and will make light work of standard internet browsing.

The HUAWEI B311 4G router is quite basic, It has no external antennas, nor does it have ports so you can add your own. It offers basic front panel indicators, which help in alerting you to any issues, such as signal loss or WIFI issues.

The HUAWEI B311 4G router is very easy to setup, simply insert the sim card, allow 5 minutes for it to boot up and you should be up and running. As HUAWEI is a huge brand name, you can expect high levels of customer support if anything goes wrong.

The HUAWEI B331 4G router build quality is adequate and at its price range we would say pretty impressive. HUAWEI have obviously kept this router pretty basic in order to keep the price point down whilst also maintaining reliability and quality.

This is the cheapest of our 4G routers and this is reflected in is limited functionality and lack of features. However the HUAWEI B311 4G router is an ideal choice for those of you testing out 4G Off grid WIFI without it costing the Earth.

HUAWEI B331 4G router verdict

The Best 4G Routers Reviewed: If you are entering the world of 4G Off grid WIFI and want to test the water with a relatively cheap offering then this is the router for you

Expect to pay £70 for the HUAWEI B311 4G router

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3. ZTE MF286D 4G Router Review

ZTE MF286D 4G router is a mid to low range router in terms of price but it packs a punch. ZTE are renowned for creating high spec devices at really low price points and this router is no exception.

This router is a Cat12 router meaning it can achieve download speeds of up to 600Mbps. its unlikely you will receive these sorts of speeds in the UK but you will experience a noticeable difference over lesser models.

like you would expect the ZTE MF286D 4G router offers MIMO external antenna ports, utilizing SMA connectors. this makes it compatible with internal and external antenna upgrades. This Router can also be utilized as a WIFI bridge or backup to your landline router.

The ZTE MF286D 4G router can be a little more difficult to setup than other brands. we found we had to log into the routers home screen via the IP address in order to go through the setup procedure and get the router working on the UK network.

The ZTE MF286D 4G router build quality is good. it offers a lot of high end features. Our only concern would be ongoing customer support for those of us who are less IT savvy.

ZTE MF286D 4G router verdict

The Best 4G Routers Reviewed: The ZTE MF286D 4G router is a low cost but high specification. If you are looking for a router that will meet your growing demand, is upgradeable and fast then this would be our choice.

Expect to pay £100 for the ZTE MF286D 4G router

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4. TP-LINK MR400 4G Router Review

One of the most common models on the market, the TP-Link MR400 is a low range router but has some great qualities which makes it a favourite for a big chunk of the UK market.

The router is a Cat4 router meaning it can achieve download speeds of up to 150Mbps. These speeds will allow you to comfortably search the web, browsing web pages, webchat and much more.

This router is extremely popular due to its reliability and price point. It has removable antennas that can be upgraded to an external antenna if you desire and offers ethernet connection points for those of us who want to eek out every last drop of speed rather than using the WIFI.

The TP-Link MR400 4G router Is easy to setup, simply insert the sim, switch the router on and wait a few minutes. As soon as the lights turn green on the signal bar you are good to go. TP-Link offers great customer support so any issues during ownership should be easily and quickly resolved.

The TP-Link MR400 4G routers build quality is very good. The unit seems like it could take a lot of punishment and carry on working. This Router has a proven track record and is the recommendation of many 4G Router suppliers.

TP-Link MR400 4G router verdict

The Best 4G Routers Reviewed: The TP-Link MR400 4G router is a great quality product at a low price point. If you are looking for a router that will last with minimal fuss and is capable of being upgraded with an external antenna, then this is the 4G router for you.

Expect to pay £120 for the TP-Link MR400 4G router

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5. HUAWEI E5783 4G Router Review

If you want portability and reliability on a budget then this is the best 4G MIFI router on the market for the money.

The HUAWEI E5783 4G Router is a 4G MiFi router. It has its own battery so is completely transportable and will fit in your pocket. Ideal for keeping connected during the holidays or other excursions.

These routers are extremely popular due to their low cost and ease of use. We have known many people to utilize these little routers whilst waiting for their land lines to be connected and they have been amazed by the performance. some of them running Netflix in multiple rooms without an issue.

The HUAWEI E5783 4G Router is a great router to have around as a handy backup for home and whilst on holiday . If you are looking for a temporary solution to your connection loss then this might well be the answer.

HUAWEI E5783 4G Router verdict

The Best 4G Routers Reviewed: The HUAWEI E5783 4G Router Ideal as a temporary solution for home, whilst travelling and on holiday. It offers great all round performance for a low price point

Expect to pay £55 for the HUAWEI E5783 4G Router

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For more information on selecting the right 4G router, try our Router selection Help guide

Picking the right 4G router