Best MiFi Routers

A mobile router or Mi-Fi router can connect multiple phones, tablets and laptops to a single mobile data connection and get online anywhere. But finding the right one can be a daring task to complete, luckily we did extensive research in all the different types that are available on the market. Read our in-depth guide and learn everything there is to know about the best MiFi routers of 2022.

Ben Grindlow

Ben Grindlow is the founder of ProXPN, a company that provides reviews about VPN products and services. Ben's interest in cybersecurity and privacy led him to start ProXPN, which has become one of the most well-respected VPN providers in the world. Ben is passionate about his work, and he is constantly exploring new ways to improve ProXPN's in-depth guides.

Last updated: 10:10AM 7/5/2022

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Table of Contents

I like to be on the road, whether it's a short-haul trip or a long-haul flight. You too? The downside is that while traveling you're dependent on your mobile hotspot, or insecure and slow public Wi-Fi networks. Ideally, a Mifi router lets you follow your own rules by carrying not just a mobile data connection but a portable router with you.

Bring your own mobile hotspot

Mifi routers and mobile hotspots are quite convenient for travel. In this article I will explain what you should focus on when buying such a device and, moreover, which are the 5 best Mifi routers at this time. We'll start by spotlighting 3 standouts below.

TP-LINK M7200

  • Data connection type: 4G
  • Max. download speed: 150 Mbps
  • Max. number of users: 10
  • Battery life: Up to 10 hours
  • SIM card type: Micro SIM
  • Dual SIM: No
  • Wi Fi standard: Wireless No
  • Wi Fi bands: Dual band

Mifi Router Wireless Wi Fi – Mifi Router – Works with SIM card – Mifi – 4G

  • Data connection type: 4G
  • Max. download speed: 150 Mbps
  • Max. number of users: 10
  • Battery life: Up to 8 hours
  • SIM type: Micro SIM | Nano SIM | 3-in-1 SIM card | Mini SIM
  • Dual SIM: No
  • Wi Fi standard: Wireless AC
  • Wi Fi bands: Single-band (2.4 GHz)

Netgear Nighthawk M1

  • Data connection type: 4G+
  • Max. download speed: 1 Gbps
  • Max. number of users: 10
  • Battery life: Up to 12 hours
  • Sim card type: Micro SIM
  • Dual SIM: No
  • Wi Fi standard: Wireless AC
  • Wi Fi bands: Simultaneous dual-band

Mifi router buyer's guide

A MiFi router is a compact and portable router with which you can set up a Wi Fi network outside the home. Think of it as a portable Wi Fi hotspot.

How to make the best buy

Read on to learn what you should pay attention to when you are shopping for a Mifi router. This handy device will serve you wherever you go.

Even if you simply want a router for home use, you'll do well to look for a good Wi Fi router. You can't go wrong with portable Wi Fi.

SIM card

Just purchasing a MiFi router is not enough. Unlike, for example, a router for Ziggo or the best mesh router, you need a SIM card for a MiFi router. This will connect it to the network. This can be a normal SIM card as well as a micro or nano SIM card.

Consider location

If you live in the European Union, you can take out a mobile data subscription or buy a prepaid SIM card from a Dutch provider. Roaming charges came to an end in 2017 and you pay the same rate in every country in the EU. If you are going on a trip to a country outside the EU, you must arrange a SIM card locally.

Although you can basically use any SIM card in a MiFi router, it's best to use a data-only SIM card. These types of SIM cards only come with internet and not with calling minutes or text messages — which are of no use to you with a MiFi router.

Support in countries outside the EU

Even if you buy a local SIM card, your MiFi router still may not work outside the EU. Certainly in the United States and East Asia, for example. can prevent this because the network is different there.

They use different frequencies for their mobile networks. Therefore, always check whether the model supports the network in the country where you use the Mifi router.

3G, 4G or 5G?

There are routers with support for 3G as well as 4G and 5G. In order to use 5G, in addition to a router that supports it, you also need a compatible SIM card.

The range of 5G routers is currently not very large, while 3G routers are gradually disappearing. So there is a good chance that you will end up with the best 4G router.

Speed

Download speeds are expressed in Mbps. Mbps indicates the maximum speed for downloading and uploading files. Most routers offer at least 150 Mbps (megabits per second). Newer high-end models boast an even higher download speed.

The speed of your router is largely determined by the Wi Fi standard it uses. This gets into rather technical territory, but it helps to remember that 802.11n and 802.11ac/ax are the newest standards at the moment. The latter is slightly better than the former.

Single band or dual band

Some routers only work on the 2.4 GHz band. This is called a single band. Other routers offer both a 2.4 GHz band and a 5 GHz band. These are dual band MiFi routers. A 5 GHz band is faster, but has a shorter range.

A 5 GHz band is especially necessary if you want to connect multiple devices at the same time and/or if you want a MiFi router that is future-proof. In addition, the 5 GHz band is better suited for gaming.

Spend your money wisely

If multiple devices are less important to you or if you have high requirements for a broad range in your network coverage, a 5 GH band may not be worth the usually higher price.

Dual SIM

In a MiFi router with the dual SIM designation there is room for, as the name suggests, two SIM cards. This means that you can insert SIM cards from two different providers for a touch of redundancy (the good kind).

Should one network fail or have malfunctions, you can always fall back on the other network.

Battery life

When you travel, you don't always have the opportunity to recharge, so a long battery life is crucial. A battery that lasts at least 10 hours is recommended, so that your MiFi router can last through at least a normal day.

Of course, how long the MiFi router's battery lasts in practice also depends on how intensively you use it and what your work patterns are.

Built-in firewall

An advantage of a MiFi router is that it is more secure than most public Wi-Fi networks. A built-in firewall offers some extra security features. This stops those who are trying to make malicious connections to your network from the outside, so that hackers no longer have a chance.

Connectivity options

Some MiFi routers also offer the possibility to connect a cable and thus establish a wired internet connection. You can also use a MiFi router with a USB port as a power bank.

The 5 best MiFi routers compared

1. TP-LINK M7200

  • Data connection type: 4G
  • Max. download speed: 150 Mbps
  • Battery life: Up to 10 hours
  • SIM card type: Micro SIM
  • Dual SIM: No
  • Wi Fi bands: Dual band

2. MiFi Router Wireless Wi Fi – Mifi Router – Works with SIM card – Mifi – 4G

  • Data connection type: 4G
  • Max. download speed: 150 Mbps
  • Battery life: Up to 8 hours
  • SIM card type: Micro SIM | Nano SIM | 3-in-1 SIM card | Mini SIM
  • Dual-sim: No
  • Wi Fi bands: Single-band (2.4 GHz)

3. Netgear Nighthawk M1

  • Data connection type: 4G+
  • Max. download speed: 1 Gbps
  • Battery life: Up to 12 hours
  • SIM card type: Micro SIM
  • Dual SIM: No
  • WiFi bands: Simultaneous dual band

4. Wi-Fi Buddy

  • Data connection type: 4G+
  • Max. download speed: 300 Mbps
  • Battery life: Up to 10 hours
  • SIM card type: Data SIM card
  • Dual SIM: No
  • WiFi bands: Single-band (2.4 GHz)

5. HUAWEI E3372h-320 4G surf stick 150 MBit/s

  • Data connection type: 4G
  • Max. download speed: 150 Mbps
  • Battery life: No battery
  • SIM card type: Data SIM card
  • Dual SIM: No
  • Wi Fi bands: No Wi Fi network

Frequently asked questions about MiFi routers

How does a MiFi router work?

A MiFi router works with a SIM card with mobile data. The SIM card connects to the network of the SIM card provider. In that sense, it works the same as your smartphone. The router also contains a Wi Fi transmitter that automatically sets up a wireless network. You essentially take your personal Wi Fi network with you.

Which SIM card do I need for my MiFi router?

Both prepaid SIM cards and copies with a subscription work in a MiFi router. It is best to use a data only card. You will not receive an SMS and/or phone plan with this. That is not necessary, since you cannot make calls with a MiFi router.

In addition, it can differ from one Mifi router to another whether a normal, micro or nano SIM card must be inserted.

Check the specs

Always take a careful look at the product specifications and have a good idea of how you will likely use it.

Are there MiFi routers with a battery?

Most MiFi routers have a built-in battery. If you charge these models before going on the road, you can use them without power nearby. There are also MiFi routers with a fixed power connection, but they are less convenient for frequent travelers.

Which MiFi router should I buy?

That's up to you and your budget, of course; everyone is unique. What I do have for you is a handy table with the main specifications for a few routers that could – in my opinion – be the best MiFi router for you. Use the information below to help you make the best choice.

TP-LINK M7200

  • Data connection type: 4G
  • Max. download speed: 150 Mbps
  • Battery life: Up to 10 hours
  • SIM card type: Micro SIM
  • Dual SIM: No
  • Wi Fi bands: Dual band

Mifi Router Wireless Wi Fi – Mifi Router – Works with SIM card – Mifi – 4G

  • Data connection type: 4G
  • Max. download speed: 150 Mbps
  • Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
  • SIM card type: Micro SIM | Nano SIM | 3-in-1 SIM card | Mini SIM
  • Dual SIM: No
  • Wi Fi bands: Single band (2.4 GHz)

Netgear Nighthawk M1

  • Data connection type: 4G+
  • Max. download speed: 1 Gbps
  • Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
  • SIM card type: Micro SIM
  • Dual SIM: No
  • Wi Fi bands: Simultaneous dual band

Wi-Fi Buddy

  • Data connection type: 4G+
  • Max. download speed: 300 Mbps
  • Battery life: Up to 10 hours
  • SIM card type: Data SIM card
  • Dual SIM: No
  • Wi Fi bands: Single band (2.4 GHz)

HUAWEI E3372h-320 4G surf stick 150 MBit/s

  • Data connection type: 4G
  • Max. download speed: 150 Mbps
  • Battery life: No battery
  • SIM card type: Data SIM card
  • Dual SIM: No
  • WiFi bands: No Wi Fi network

MiFi routers for mobile hotspots

A MiFi router is a very handy device if you often use the internet on the go. Naturally, the best hotspot is the one you carry with you. I hope that after reading this article you will know what to look for in making your selection. Let us know which MiFi router is your favorite from the types listed above.If you also have any questions or ideas about what should be discussed in a future artice, let us know below!

Frequently asked questions

How many devices can I connect to the MiFi router? The Wi-Fi network built into the MiFi router may handle up to 15 connections. To check how many devices are connected, go to Connected Devices on the Miifi screen.

A mobile hotspot is similar to a Mifi in that it allows other connected devices to access the internet. The speed of the hotspot will be determined by the number of connected devices. This implies that a more linked device will have an impact on the hotspot's speeds.

The MiFi device is a portable hotspot that receives its data from cell phone networks. The signal may now be sent to several devices once it has been connected to the mobile data (3G or 4G). This is particularly handy for applications like the iPad, which does not have a USB connection.

Reset your MiFi. This usually solves most issues. Make sure you've properly connected your MiFi and that it's on. Wait 30 seconds after turning off the computer you want to connect to your MiFi before turning it back on.

Wi-Fi routers enables devices to communicate via fixed hotspots. As a result, it is a technology in itself. Mi-Fi, on the other hand, is a gadget. It's a mobile hotspot device that allows you to connect to other devices while on the road by tethering them together.

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