4G and 5G Router deals

What are 4G routers and 5G routers?

4G routers and 5G routers are devices that bring broadband internet to your home or office. You probably already have a router at home which beams a Wi-Fi network out to your devices, but typically these will rely on a fibre cable connection, whereas 4G and 5G routers use the same mobile signals as your phone.

So essentially the 4G or 5G router will pick up a mobile signal from a nearby mast, then beam that signal out to the other devices in your home or office as a Wi-Fi network.

From a user perspective though, the experience is very similar to using a fibre broadband router. Typically you can connect a lot of devices to the internet at once (usually up to 64), and your 5G or 4G router will also have Ethernet ports, allowing you to get even higher speeds by using an Ethernet cable between your router and a device where you want the best speeds possible.

Even wireless though, speeds can be extremely high, especially with a 5G router. And unlike with a lot of conventional broadband there’s no need for a landline, so you can save money by getting rid of yours if you don’t use it for calls. In most cases there’s no need for an engineer visit either, as 4G routers and 5G routers are designed as plug and play devices, so they’re very quick and easy to set up.

What else do I need with a 5G or 4G router?

As well as a 5G router or 4G router, you’ll also need a monthly data allowance and SIM card to use with it. You can get these from a number of mobile networks, and typically they’ll bundle the router with your plan.

You also need 4G or 5G coverage in the building that you plan to place your router. That shouldn’t be a problem for most people, as the vast majority of the UK has 4G coverage, with a large and ever-growing number of areas also now offering 5G.

However, if you can’t get a signal on your phone, you still might be able to get one on your router, especially if you attach an external antenna.

National Broadband is particularly adept at providing 5G home broadband and 4G home broadband in rural and challenging areas, so contact them or the network of your choice for advice and assistance if you’re not sure whether you can get a signal.

How fast are 4G routers and 5G routers?

Based on September 2022 data from Opensignal, the UK’s mobile networks offer average 5G speeds ranging between around 90Mbps and 230Mbps, so the speeds you get with a 5G home broadband router are likely to average somewhere in that range, depending on your network and location.

Those are high speeds, and in many cases far higher speeds than you’ll get on most fibre broadband packages. For example, BT’s most widely available fibre broadband plans offer speeds of between 35Mbps and 73Mbps currently.

The very fastest fibre connections, known as fibre to the premises (FTTP), fibre to the home (FTTH), or full fibre, can offer speeds of 900Mbps or more, but these plans aren’t accessible to most homes. Plus, at its fastest 5G can rival that anyway.

4G routers aren’t quite so fast, but they still deliver a respectable average speed of 25Mbps according to National Broadband – though as with 5G, this will vary a bit based on your location and network.

That’s still fast enough for most general uses, and if you’re somewhere rural with only slow conventional broadband available, it could be a faster option.

Which networks offer 4G and 5G routers?

At the time of writing you can get 4G or 5G routers from Three, Vodafone, EE, and National Broadband, though the selection of networks offering them may change over time, so check the deals above for all the latest options.

What 4G and 5G routers are available?

For 5G home broadband, you can currently get the Three 5G Broadband, the Vodafone GigaCube 5G, the EE Smart 5G Hub, and the 5G WiFi Router from National Broadband.

For 4G home broadband, there’s the Three 4G Broadband, the Vodafone GigaCube 4G, the EE Smart 4G Hub, and the 4G Internet Router from National Broadband.

There’s also a small selection of 4G and 5G mobile broadband routers. These are a similar idea, but they’re battery powered, so they’re designed to be taken with you when out and about.

Should I get a 4G or 5G router instead of a conventional router?

Whether you should get a 4G router or 5G router instead of conventional broadband depends on a lot of factors.

If you live somewhere with poor broadband speeds, then 4G or 5G home broadband could be a strong alternative, potentially offering you a massive speed boost.

Even in more urban and suburban locations, 5G broadband can potentially be a faster option if you don’t have full fibre available. And 5G broadband is often cheaper than full fibre too.

4G and 5G routers are also easier to get up and running than other kinds, as you don’t need an engineer visit, and you can often get them with short-term 30-day plans, making them an ideal temporary solution as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a landline with a 4G router or 5G router?

No, you don’t need a landline with either a 4G router or a 5G router. That means you could choose to get rid of yours and save some money in the process.

Can I get unlimited data with a 5G router or 4G router?

Yes, a number of networks offer unlimited data plans with 4G routers and 5G routers. However you can also get plans that have a limited amount of data, and these are generally even more affordable.

Are 4G routers and 5G routers easy to set up?

Yes, 4G routers and 5G routers are very easy to set up. Generally you just need to plug them in and switch them on. They’ll then start broadcasting a Wi-Fi network, which you can connect devices to using the password supplied with the router. Of course, you’re free to change your password and network name if you’d prefer.

Will I have to pay anything upfront for a 4G router or 5G router?

That depends on your plan and network. Some include an upfront cost, while others don’t, meaning there’s nothing to pay until your first monthly bill. Be aware though that by paying something upfront, you’ll often be getting cheaper monthly prices, so the overall cost can be similar in either case.