What’s the best 5G router for your home mobile broadband network? With so many 5G broadband routers available, comparing models can quickly get overwhelming.
To make things simpler, we’ve outlined the six key features you should look for when choosing the best 5G router for your needs. Keep this list in mind when shopping and you’ll have a fast, reliable mobile internet connection that can handle anything you throw at it.
Network compatibility
One of the first things to check is if the router you’re buying is compatible with the mobile network you want to use. Many mobile broadband routers purchased directly from network providers are locked to that particular network. That means if the network coverage in your area changes, or if you move home, you won’t be able to switch to the fastest available network.
We recommend choosing a network-unlocked router and a multi-network mobile broadband plan. That way, you make sure you’re always getting the fastest possible speeds and enjoying the most stable connection.
Multi-user support
In the technical specifications for mobile broadband routers you’ll usually see how many simultaneous connections they can support. The best 5G routers can handle 100 or more devices at once - the ZTE MC888 Ultra, for example, is rated for up to 128 WiFi users.
While you probably wouldn’t expect to have that many people using your WiFi at once, remember that your broadband bandwidth is split between every connected device from your phone to your laptop to your smart speaker. More supported connections means a router can offer more stable and reliable internet access for the devices you do connect.
WiFi 6 and 7 technology
WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 are shorthand names for generations of WiFi technology. Previous generations were called WiFi 5, WiFi 4 and so on.
While WiFi 7 technology is the most recent generation, WiFi 6 routers will also be suitable for busy households and working from home. We wouldn’t recommend choosing a router designated as WiFi 5 or earlier if you’re looking for a router to use as your primary internet connection.
Dual-band WiFi
A dual-band router broadcasts on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands at the same time. The 2.4GHz band travels further and copes better with walls and floors, while the 5GHz band is faster over shorter distances - so having both lets each device use whichever suits it.
This matters more with mobile broadband than with wired broadband, because your router usually needs to sit near a window to hold the strongest mobile signal rather than in the middle of your home. Dual-band WiFi helps that signal reach the far corners of the house anyway.
Dedicated router vs WiFi dongle
When it comes to mobile broadband hardware you have the option to choose between ultra-portable dongles and dedicated mobile broadband routers. We’ve broken down the difference between the two in more detail here, but generally the best 5G router for a permanent WiFi connection is a dedicated standalone router.
Ethernet ports
When it comes to setting up your router, whether it’s mobile broadband or traditional wired broadband, you’ll get the best speeds by connecting your device directly to the router via Ethernet cable.
For the best 5G router for working from home or online gaming, look for a router with multiple Ethernet ports. This means you can use all your most used devices via a wired connection for better speeds.
The best 5G router combined with the best mobile broadband plan
Ultimately, your choice of 5G mobile broadband router may be determined by the mobile broadband plan you choose. Most mobile broadband providers include a router with their SIM plans as a bundle.
For that reason, we recommend choosing a mobile broadband provider that includes one of the best 5G routers on the market in their plans - like Connectivity.
Connectivity plans include a state-of-the-art mobile broadband router as well as:
Unlimited data packages as standard
Multi-network broadband so you can stay on the best network for you
Free next-day delivery to almost every UK address, to get you online fast
Friendly, UK based support
