The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Onboard 4g Router

Compare 9 Top Wi-Fi Routers

Other Routers We Have Tested

I have tested many other models and have several more in the queue. These aren’t as great as the picks above, but they are worth considering.

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TP-Link Archer BE (GE400) for $220: This dual-band Wi-Fi 7 gaming router is a solid performer. At close range on the 5-GHz band, it can go toe-to-toe with most of the devices on this list. It also offers dedicated gaming features, though some of them require subscriptions. I was disappointed by the limited range, and the comparable TP-Link BE (BE400) is currently on sale for a lot less. You also don’t have to spend much more to get the far superior, tri-band Archer BE (BE600) listed above, giving you the full 6-GHz Wi-Fi 7 experience. For gamers who live alone in apartments or small homes, this router could still be a decent buy.

D-Link AX DBR-330 for $110: This lightweight, rectangular travel router from D-Link is aimed at business professionals who travel for work. It’s a dual-band, Wi-Fi 6 router that can also serve as a hot spot, with a connection via USB. There’s even a potentially handy microSD/TF card slot for up to 2 TB of storage for file sharing or backup. Setup via the browser is easy, and there’s built-in VPN support. It proved nice and fast at close range, but it dropped off quickly, and I couldn’t get a signal two rooms away. It will work fine for a hotel room, though. The problem is, you can get our TP-Link travel router pick above or the Asus RT-AX57 Go for similar money, and I prefer both of them.

Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 for $190: The curvy spaceship design in matte black is a little more stealthy than your average gaming gear, but those wings contain antennas for a strong signal throughout your home. The Nighthawk RAXE300 is a tri-band router with Wi-Fi 6E support, covering the 2.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz bands. It served seamless, speedy Wi-Fi during two weeks of testing, with zero issues while handling a revolving mix of four simultaneous gaming and video streams. A single 2.5-Gbps WAN/LAN port, five gigabit LAN ports, and a USB-C 3.0 port will be enough for most folks. The Nighthawk app is excellent and offers band splitting, guest network options, and a host of analytical tools. While both the Premium Smart Parental Controls ($8/month or $70/year) and Netgear Armor ($100/year) are comprehensive and slick, the extra expense is hard to swallow when many competitors offer cheaper or free alternatives with similar features.

Asus RT-AX57 Go for $98: This 5-inch, white, plastic square comes with a wee stand. It’s a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router with gigabit WAN and LAN Ethernet ports that you can plug into a modem, the port in your hotel, or any other internet source. It can even connect to public Wi-Fi, or you can plug your into the USB 3.2 port and use the RT-AX57 Go as a hotspot to magnify your cell connection (it doesn’t have a SIM slot of its own). Asus includes its usual security software, parental controls, and VPN support. It even has AiMesh support, so you can also use the RT-AX57 Go as a mesh node.

TP-Link Archer BE (BE260) for $125: This dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) Wi-Fi 7 router runs close to our top pick on performance and is a solid alternative. This router offers a slight upgrade over the BE230 (BE) below, with improved 5-GHz performance, an extra antenna, and a coverage boost up to 2,400 square feet. It also sports a 2.5-Gbps WAN, a 2.5-Gbps LAN, three Gigabit LAN, and a USB 3.0 port. Throw in EasyMesh support and a relatively low price, and the BE260 is a tempting option. But if you want enhanced security and parental controls, you have to subscribe, which takes the shine off the value.

Devolo for £400: Pop a SIM in this 5G router and you can wash your home in pretty speedy dual-band Wi-Fi 6. It’s designed for homes that can’t get a cable connection, but you need to place it somewhere that gets a decent mobile network signal. That proved tricky in my thick-walled home, and having to place it in the window at the front meant that it struggled to deliver much speed to the back of the house. It could be a good option for folks stuck without a fiber option but with 5G coverage. Sadly, the Devolo is only available in the UK and EU right now, and it’s kind of pricey.

Netgear Nighthawk RS300 for $300: This classy, tri-band, Wi-Fi 7 tower router is understated with a fanless design. Setup was a breeze, and the simplified app is designed to be hands-off. This was our middle upgrade pick, but was unseated by TP-Link's Archer BE. Speed and stability on the 5-GHz and 6-GHz bands were excellent, though the range on the 6-GHz band is limited. Performance on the 2.4-GHz band was slightly below par, but that will likely only be an issue if you have loads of older devices. The RS300 has one 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN, two 2.5 Gbps, two Gigabit LAN ports, and one USB 3.0 port. Premium Smart Parental Controls ($8/month or $70/year) and Netgear Armor ($100/year) add tons of features, but they are expensive (you get a 30-day trial of each), and most people don’t need them. The RS300 is one of the best experiences I have had with a Netgear router, with fast speeds on the 5- and 6-GHz bands, lightning-quick file transfer times, and no issues over two weeks of testing. For folks with mostly newish gadgets, internet connections up to 2.5 Gbps, and no desire to tweak network settings, this is a great pick.

Asus RT-BE92U for $250: After a simple setup and a trouble-free week of speedy, stable internet across the 2.4-, 5-, and 6-GHz bands, I can recommend this router. It has Wi-Fi 7 benefits like MLO and 320-MHz channels, support for a guest network, VPN services, free security software, and parental controls. It also boasts a 10-Gbps WAN/LAN, a 2.5-Gbps WAN/LAN, three 2.5-Gbps LANs, and a USB 3.2 port. This tri-band Wi-Fi 7 device came perilously close to claiming the midrange spot above held by the TP-Link Archer BE, but was a smidge slower on the 5-GHz and 6-GHz bands and had a considerably shorter range. However, if your home is around 1,500 square feet and you’d rather avoid a subscription, the RT-BE92U is an excellent alternative. Customer reviews suggest some folks have had trouble with this router, but the latest firmware was rock solid for me.

Netgear M3 for £450: I was very impressed by this mobile 5G router. Slip a SIM in there, and it connects to 4G or 5G networks to deliver Wi-Fi to your devices. It’s a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 model that’s speedy on the 5-GHz band. The M3 had no trouble handling multiple connected devices (up to 32) and served a stable internet connection for around 10 hours. You can charge via the USB-C port, and there’s a 2.4-inch LCD color screen for configuration. It’s a solid hot spot for business or personal travel. Sadly, the M3 doesn’t seem to be available in the US, but folks in the UK can save some money and snag this instead of the M6 Pro above (it's frequently discounted).

AVM FRITZ!Box Pro for £457: While AVM has dominated the German router market for years and still has around a 50 percent market share, it's now expanding across Europe and the UK, so I tested the FRITZ!Box Pro. AVM’s range is distinctive in white and red plastic, but there's a focus on functionality. This tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router boasts a 2.5-Gbps WAN/LAN, four gigabit LAN, and a USB 3.1 port. It’s fast, scoring mid- to high-table results in my tests, and it proved reliable. It also has DSL or fiber-optic modems, an integrated DECT base station for cordless phones, built-in storage (NAS), and support for Zigbee to connect smart home devices. You don’t need an account to set it up or configure it. There’s a firewall and guest network option in the straightforward web interface (you can use the mobile app if you prefer). AVM’s routers are developed and manufactured in Europe, making them an interesting, privacy-focused alternative to routers from China or the US. The company also has a strong track record of supporting its products for years after release. Folks in the UK and Europe looking to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 should consider this router. My fingers are crossed that AVM expands into the US next.

TP-Link Archer BE (BE230) for $120: This is the lowest price I’ve seen for a Wi-Fi 7 router. The basic design sports four antennas, a 2.5-Gbps WAN, a 2.5-Gbps LAN, and three gigabit LAN ports. It is dual-band (2.4-GHz and 5-GHz), so there’s no 6-GHz option, and it’s only 2 x 2 MIMO, so the maximum bandwidth is 688 Mbps and 2,882 Mbps, respectively. Sadly, I found the range on the 5-GHz band to be limited, and the band steering was disappointing, often dropping my onto the much slower 2.4-GHz band. Throughput was so-so, and file transfers were mid-table in my results. The BE230 finished below our top pick in every test. It could be perfect for a small apartment, as it was impressively speedy at close range on both bands, but dropped off quickly with distance, making it tough to recommend for larger properties. The subscription required for enhanced security and parental controls is also a hard sell on a router this cheap.

Asus RT-BE86U for $250: The new Wi-Fi 7 version of the Asus RT-AX86U, this dual-band (2.4- and 5-GHz) router is similar to the Asus RT-BE88U below. It lacks the 6-GHz band but brings all the other improvements that Wi-Fi 7 offers, from MLO to better security. The RT-BE86U proved reliable in my tests and performed extremely well on the 5-GHz band, matching the slightly more expensive RT-BE88U. It is slightly smaller but still has one 10-Gbps and four 2.5-Gbps Ethernet ports, alongside a USB 2.0 and a USB 3.0 port. It also offers all the usual benefits of an Asus router, including onboard security, parental controls, AiMesh and VPN support, and a host of configuration options. It’s perhaps a little pricey at the moment, but when this router starts to drop, it will be a solid choice for many homes and may well claim a place above.

TP-Link Archer GE800 for $500: This stunning tri-band Wi-Fi 7 gaming router came very close to a place above. The angled design with customizable RGB lighting screams Vader’s castle but also provides room for antennas to ensure extremely fast performance across the board. You also get a 10-Gbps port for your incoming internet connection, a further two 10-Gbps and four 2.5-Gbps Ethernet LAN ports, and a USB 3.0 port. The Tether app is solid, with some gaming-specific options, but separate subscriptions are required for extra security and parental controls. Despite the blazing fast results, the GE800 couldn’t quite match our top Wi-Fi 7 gaming pick above on the 6-GHz band, and it produced quite a lot of heat and audible fan noise, though it is significantly cheaper.

Firewalla Gold SE for $489: This quirky portable device is perfect for people who worry about security and privacy. It offers comprehensive tools for monitoring all traffic in and out of your house, robust and detailed parental controls, ad-blocking, and enhanced security with a built-in firewall and VPN option. It serves as a router, but you will want to pair another router in access point mode for Wi-Fi in your home. It’s expensive and may prove intimidating for inexperienced folks, but it offers deep insight into your network and an impressive depth of security features without an additional subscription. The Gold SE has two 2.5-Gbps ports and two gigabit ports and is suitable for folks with up to 2-gigabit connections. If your internet is only one gigabit, try the more affordable but slightly less capable Firewalla Purple ($389).

Asus RT-BE88U for $350: This dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router is an odd prospect because it does not offer the 6-GHz band at all, just 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. But you can still combine those bands with MLO and enjoy features like 4K QAM, and this router will be fast enough for the average home. It has ports galore (two 10 Gbps, four 2.5 Gbps, four Gigabit, and one USB 3.0). It outperformed several more expensive routers on the 5-GHz band, and that’s likely what most of your devices are using most of the time right now. Asus also offers free security software and parental controls with its routers, so there’s no need for subscriptions. But when I consider that you can snag the Netgear Nighthawk RS300 listed above for less, I find it tough to recommend this router to folks in the US. If the 6-GHz band is unavailable or nerfed in your country, the RT-BE88U is for you.

TP-Link Travel Router AX for $39: If you don’t want to spend much on a travel router, this is a good alternative to our pick above and is less than half the price. The catch is that you can expect around half the performance. If you just need to cover a hotel room, it’s fine, but the USB 2.0 port limits the effectiveness of using your ’s cellular connection, and the 2.4-GHz band is only Wi-Fi 4. It does have two Gigabit ports, some handy modes, and VPN support. I also love that it is powered via USB-C, as it affords some versatility. (You could even use a fast portable charger.)

Asus RT-AXE for $226: The tri-band, Wi-Fi 6E Asus RT-AXE is a reliable and relatively affordable way to add the 6-GHz band to your home. This hexagonal router has a 2.5-Gbps WAN/LAN port, a second 1-Gbps WAN/LAN, and three gigabit LANs, with link aggregation support. Close-range performance was excellent on the 5-GHz and 6-GHz bands, midrange results on the 5-GHz band were good, and long-range performance on the 2.4-GHz band was average. There are options galore in the mobile app and browser interface, including band-splitting, prioritization for different activities, guest network, VPN support, and lots more. The RT-AXE also comes with parental controls and network security without a subscription, so there are no hidden costs.

Netgear Nighthawk RS700 for $600: Although I had setup issues that required a factory reset, there’s no hiding the top-notch performance of this router. It’s a Wi-Fi 7 tri-band router with two 10-Gbps Ethernet ports, four gigabit ports, and a USB 3.2. The tower design is new for the Nighthawk line, and it looks great. This router will blend in far better than our bulky Wi-Fi 7 pick above from Asus, and it was slightly faster on the 6-GHz band, though not the 5-GHz or 2.4-GHz bands. It mainly misses out on a recommendation because it is more expensive. We’re already seeing discounts on the RT-BE96U, and Asus offers free security software and parental controls. If you get the Nighthawk RS700S, the “S” at the end denotes a free year of Netgear Armor, which costs $100 a year thereafter. If you need parental controls, that’s another $70 a year.

Aircove ExpressVPN Router for $190: This router has a built-in VPN service, allowing you to shield your network traffic from prying eyes. You do have to buy a subscription to ExpressVPN separately (it’s $13 per month, or just over $8 if you pay annually). But setup is simple, and having a VPN at the router level is much easier than having to install it on each device (though several of our picks above can do this too). It’s worth noting that ExpressVPN doesn’t make our Best VPNs guide because it was sold to a parent company with a less-than-sterling reputation; that might matter to you if you’re the kind of person who wants a VPN. I also ran into a few issues with websites and streaming services that aren’t keen on VPNs.

TP-Link Archer BE800 for $400: With a fresh design that’s more desktop PC than router, the BE800 tri-band beast came out on top or close to it in my tests on the 2.4-GHz, 5-GHz, and 6-GHz bands, proving impressively swift for file transfers and downloads. It also boasts speedy ports galore, a cool but kind of pointless customizable dot-matrix LED screen, and the Tether app offers a guest network, IoT network, VPN server or client, EasyMesh, QoS for device prioritization, and remote management. This was our Wi-Fi 7 pick, but the Asus RT-BE96U beat it in my tests and does not require a subscription. TP-Link’s Security+ ($5/month, $36/year) and Advanced Parental Controls ($3/month, $18/year) bring full-featured parental controls and network security.

TP-Link Archer AXE75 for $200: While this tri-band router makes Wi-Fi 6E affordable, its performance was mixed. The 6-GHz band offers fast speeds at close range but drops off sharply with distance. I found the 5-GHz band somewhat inconsistent, recording zippy performance in most of my tests but relatively slow results on a few occasions. You also need subscriptions if you want full-featured parental controls and network security, and all four Ethernet ports are limited to 1 Gbps.

Synology WRX560 for $230: If you already have the Synology RTax listed above, the WRX560 is a decent additional device for setting up a mesh network. I had some issues with setup that required a factory reset, but once up and running, the WRX560 offers a strong and stable signal on the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands. However, a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router is a tough sell at this price, so if you just need one, it’s worth spending the extra $80 for the RTax.

Linksys Hydra 6 for $85: Specs-wise, this compact router is similar to our budget pick (TP-Link Archer AX55). It’s a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router with a gigabit WAN and four gigabit LAN ports. The setup was easy, and the Linksys app provides free parental controls, a guest network, prioritization, and band splitting. It proved speedy at close range and not bad at mid-range, but if your home is larger than 1,600 square feet, it may struggle. However, as an Intelligent Mesh device, it can mix and match with other Linksys routers or its Velop mesh system. Linksys suggests a limit of 25 connected devices. Although it managed more than 40 without issues in my testing, busy households will likely want something more powerful.

Routers We Don’t Recommend

These are the internet routers we had issues with or can't recommend for one reason or another.

Acer Connect X6E 5G: This is an interesting Wi-Fi 6E model with a 5G SIM card slot capable of keeping you online using a mobile network should your main broadband connection fail. It has two Gigabit Ethernet ports, a WAN/LAN, LAN, and an RJ-11 port for a line. It’s easy to set up and offers an NFC connection option, so you can just wave your over it to connect. This unusual blend of features could be good for business travelers. Performance was solid when it worked, and you can get a very fast connection at close range on both the 6-GHz and 5-GHz bands. Sadly, the range was limited, and the Connect X6E 5G was intermittently unstable during my testing, dropping devices randomly and cutting out repeatedly.

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Netgear Nighthawk RS200: The RS200 is Netgear’s dual-band (2.4- and 5-GHz) router and the cheapest in its Wi-Fi 7 lineup. After the tri-band RS300 won a recommendation, I expected this router to perform decently, but I encountered several issues, including random drops and poor range. After turning the router off and on again, many devices, including my Pixel and iPhone, struggled to reconnect. Perhaps I have too many devices in my home for it, though Netgear suggests it can handle up to 80. It has two 2.5 Gbps ports, three gigabit Ethernet ports, and a USB 3.0 port. Test results were OK, but significantly slower than the RT-BE86U. The expensive subscriptions for Netgear Armor ($100/year) and Premium Smart Parental Controls ($8/month or $70/year) seem especially pricey with a cheaper model like this.

TP-Link Archer AX Pro: This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 model is almost identical to the Archer AX73, except for the 2.5-Gbps WAN port. It delivers relatively fast speeds on the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands and boasts a 160-MHz channel width on 5 GHz. The range is good, easily covering my home and garden, but the performance was inconsistent. It was also relatively slow at moving files locally. There’s support for TP-Link OneMesh, VPN, and QoS, but you only get basic parental controls and network security unless you subscribe.

MSi RadiX AXE: This Wi-Fi 6E tri-band gaming router has that familiar red and black Sith spider look, though you can customize the lighting. It proved very fast in most of my tests, coming close to the top of the table at short range on the 6-GHz band and offering average performance on the 5-GHz and 2.4-GHz bands. But the mobile app had limited options, a confusing layout, and was buggy (it crashed on me more than once). The web interface was better, with more options, including open VPN, simple parental controls, a guest network, and QoS optimization for gaming. Unfortunately, performance was inconsistent, and I suffered random drops twice in a week of testing.

Everyone is likely familiar with 4G LTE, as many countries still face issues with high network traffic costs and slow download speeds.

The emergence of 4G LTE routers has addressed some people’s demand for wireless internet, such as portable connectivity and multi-device sharing. The development of these 4G LTE router products is closely related to the pricing of 4G network data. As profits decline, these products may slowly exit the market but will not become obsolete, as they still meet the needs of certain user groups and have played a crucial role among many wireless products in recent years. Below, we will continue to provide more information about 4G LTE routers. You can also refer to this article: 【 Router Buying Guide】Router Buying Guide | What is Wi-Fi 7? | How to Choose | Recommendations

【Read More】【 Wi-Fi 6E Router Buying Guide】Wi-Fi 6E Router Buying Guide | Comparison with Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 5 | Advantages | Precautions| Recommendations

【Read More】【Router Buying Guide】Router Buying Guide | What is Wi-Fi 7? | How to Choose | Recommendations

【Read More】【Understanding Wi-Fi 7】What is Wi-Fi 7? | How does it differ from Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 6? | FAQs | Recommendations

1) Principles of 4G LTE Routers

First, LTE wireless connections access the 4G network, providing users with a high-speed wireless backhaul link. The LTE-Wi-Fi downlink offers users a Wi-Fi coverage environment, allowing them to connect through devices like smartphones or iPads.

2) 4G LTE vs. Wi-Fi Speed

Assuming the maximum speed limit of a 4G LTE Wi-Fi router is 300 Mbps, in the best-case scenario, if LTE data transfer efficiency is at 100% (100 Mbps), and Wi-Fi efficiency is typically 50% (300 Mbps * 50% = 150 Mbps), the actual speed you can achieve may be less due to limitations imposed by the service provider. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a router based on your actual speed requirements and the router’s capabilities in handling network data.

3) When to Use a 4G LTE Router?

Generally, a 4G LTE router can be used wherever there is 4G coverage. Here are some common uses for your reference:

a) Indoor LTE-Wi-Fi Coverage

Set up LTE-Wi-Fi devices indoors to provide Wi-Fi connectivity through a TDD-LTE/FDD-LTE backhaul link. Commonly used in hotspots such as airports, train stations, bus terminals, cafes, and hotels.

b) Outdoor LTE-Wi-Fi Coverage

Set up LTE-Wi-Fi devices outdoors, providing a network backhaul link and data services for Wi-Fi users. These devices are typically installed on building rooftops to cover surrounding areas. Common in stadiums, urban plazas, industrial parks, city parks, residential areas, tourist attractions, and beaches.

c) LTE-Wi-Fi Vehicle Wireless Coverage

Equip city buses and private cars with LTE-Wi-Fi network devices, providing a backhaul link through TDD-LTE/FDD-LTE networks for onboard Wi-Fi users. This meets passenger needs for wireless internet access.

4) Buying Guide for 4G LTE Routers

When purchasing a 4G LTE router, consider the following:

a) Size and Dimensions

Most products are compact for easy transport, allowing them to be stored or carried in bags.

b) Battery Consumption

Different brands have varying battery consumption rates. Generally, plug-in models can provide 24-hour internet access. If you plan to use it on the go, consider the battery life.

c) Data Costs

Based on the selected carrier's data plan, including text services, internet usage, speed, and consumption statistics, assess the actual connection speed needed for the router.

d) Signal Quality

If too many devices are connected, including shared networks for iPads, smartphones, computers, etc., this can slow down the network speed and impair signal quality.

5) Recommendations for 4G LTE Routers

Asus 4G-AX56 AX Wi-Fi 6 Dual-Band 4G LTE Wireless Router

The next generation of Wi-Fi 6 offers incredibly fast speeds of up to Mbps through the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard and 80MHz bandwidth, enhancing capacity and efficiency.

TP-Link Archer-MR200 AC750 Dual-Band 4G LTE Wireless Router

No setup is required; simply insert the SIM card and power on to quickly enjoy wireless internet. It features synchronous dual-band Wi-Fi, allowing for high-speed performance of up to 300 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 433 Mbps on 5GHz. It also offers flexible LAN/WAN connections for wired internet access if needed.

TP-Link Archer-MR400 AC Dual-Band 4G LTE Wireless Router

AC Wi-Fi creates simultaneous dual-band coverage with maximum rates of up to 300Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867Mbps (5GHz) = Mbps. Just insert the SIM card to share internet access without needing setup. After many field tests, it supports SIM cards from over 100 countries. If 4G connection isn’t available, network sources can connect via LAN/WAN ports as a flexible backup option.

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