4G/5G routers and modems connect a home, office or site to the internet through a SIM card instead of a fixed line. The range includes desktop routers, portable battery-powered hotspots and industrial cellular routers from brands such as TP-Link, Cradlepoint, ZTE, Huawei and Teltonika. They suit homes without fibre, offices that need a backup link, and temporary sites or vehicles.
How to choose a 4G/5G router or modem
Network generation. A 5G router only delivers 5G speeds where there is 5G coverage, and it normally falls back to 4G elsewhere. Our range holds more 4G than 5G models, so 4G is the sensible choice where 5G coverage is patchy. Check that the router supports the frequency bands used by your mobile operator.
Router or modem. A router has Wi-Fi and LAN ports and can serve your devices on its own. A modem only brings in the mobile connection and passes it to another router, which suits you if you already own a good Wi-Fi setup. Many models in our range combine both roles.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet ports. Most routers here are dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), a few are tri-band, and some entry-level models are 2.4 GHz only. Models with four LAN ports are the most frequent in the specifications we hold, but versions with one to three ports are also available. Gigabit Ethernet is the better choice for fast connections, because Fast Ethernet ports are limited to 100 Mbps and can hold back a 5G link. A handful of models offer 2.5 Gigabit or faster ports.
Power and antennas. Battery-powered models work as pocket hotspots for travel, while DC and AC models stay on a desk or shelf. Some industrial routers also accept PoE, which lets a single network cable carry power to a router fixed high on a wall or mast. External antennas can be repositioned or swapped for higher-gain versions, which helps in places with a weak signal. Internal antennas keep the device tidier where reception is already good.
Brands we carry
- TP-Link: a major home and small-office networking brand, with the largest number of 4G/5G routers in our range, mostly with a SIM slot and built-in Wi-Fi.
- Cradlepoint: specialises in cellular routers for business, such as branch offices, vehicles and remote sites, and is now part of Ericsson.
- ZTE and ZTE Poland: a telecommunications equipment maker known for mobile hotspots and 5G home routers supplied to mobile operators.
- Huawei: long established in mobile broadband, with pocket Wi-Fi devices and desktop 4G and 5G routers.
- Teltonika: a Lithuanian maker of industrial cellular routers, known for the RUT series and the RutOS operating system.
- MikroTik: a Latvian company whose RouterOS gives detailed control over routing and firewall settings, including on models with LTE.
- Mercusys: the budget-oriented sister brand of TP-Link, aimed at simple home setups.
Also in our range: Cudy, D-Link, Zyxel and Acer.
Frequently asked questions about 4G/5G routers
Does a 4G or 5G router need a SIM card?
Yes, almost every 4G/5G router needs an active data SIM card from a mobile operator to get online. The SIM goes into a slot on the device, and the router then shares that connection over Wi-Fi or cable. Make sure the SIM has a data plan suited to the amount you will use.
Can a 4G/5G router replace fixed broadband?
It can, provided mobile coverage at your address is strong and your data plan is large enough. Many households without fibre or ADSL use a cellular router as their main connection. Speeds and stability depend on signal quality, so external antennas often make a noticeable difference.
What is the difference between a 4G and a 5G router?
A 5G router can reach higher speeds and handle more devices than a 4G router, but only where 5G coverage exists. A 4G router is often enough for streaming, video calls and general browsing. Choose 5G if coverage is good at your location and you want room for heavier use.
Do I need a router with external antennas?
External antennas are worth having if your signal is weak or your router sits in a spot with poor reception. They can be repositioned towards the nearest mobile mast, and some can be replaced with stronger ones. If your signal is already good, a router with internal antennas works well and takes up less space.
