Tips from China: Portable Wi-Fi Routers for a Few Hundred Crowns!

Internet is an absolute necessity today, and there are several ways to stay online even away from home. While smartphones offer a hotspot function, why should your phone drain its battery when there are specialized and affordable solutions available? In today’s edition of Tips from China, we’ll look at mobile Wi-Fi routers with 4G and 5G network support.

Pocket 4G LTE Router with LCD Display and 2100 mAh Battery

First, let’s look at an affordable option – a compact 4G LTE router with an LCD display for just 378 CZK. This portable hotspot offers surprisingly decent features, especially considering the price. With download speeds up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds of 50 Mbps, it will cover standard internet needs, whether for web browsing, communication, or regular streaming.

The device boasts a built-in 2100 mAh battery, which, according to the manufacturer, provides 6–8 hours of operation on a single charge. If you’re not actively using the router, it will last up to 50 hours in standby mode. A clear color LCD display shows important information such as battery status, signal strength, or data consumption.

Price: 378 CZK

Users in reviews primarily praise its ease of use and reliability. One buyer states: “Portable with a 3000mAh battery, lasts a very long time. 4G/5G works anywhere, the SIM card slot is very easy to use. Ideal for on the go.” Another customer appreciates the delivery speed: “Excellent device, delivered in 7 days to Belgium. Tested with a Belgian SIM card and works perfectly.”

USB 4G LTE Modem with WiFi for Less Than 230 CZK

If you’re looking for an extremely compact and affordable solution, the USB 4G modem with WiFi support for just 227 CZK is an ideal choice. This is not just a classic USB modem – this model also functions as a WiFi router, allowing you to share your mobile connection with multiple devices simultaneously.

This modem uses the Qualcomm 8916 chipset and supports download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. Simply connect it to a computer’s USB port or a power adapter, insert a SIM card with a data plan, and you’ll have instant internet access. The device is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.

User reviews are predominantly positive. One customer notes: “Works great and is an excellent addition to the car’s multimedia system. I recommend it.” Another happily states: “Product matches the description, fulfills its purpose!” However, more critical voices also appear: “Arrived, a bit disappointing, doesn’t connect to the internet.”

Usage is very simple: just remove the back cover, insert the SIM card chip-down, connect the USB port to a power source, and then connect to the created WiFi network. For more advanced settings, such as changing the WiFi network name or password, you can open the web interface at 192.168.43.1:8080.

Price: 227 CZK

WiFi 6 Router with 4G LTE Support and Advanced Features

For more demanding users looking for a more modern solution with advanced features, here is a WiFi 6 router with 4G LTE support. This model utilizes the WiFi 6 standard (802.11ax) for faster and more stable wireless connectivity, which will be especially appreciated by those who connect multiple devices simultaneously.

The router is equipped with two external foldable antennas for improved signal reception, supports WiFi speeds up to 300 Mbps, and can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. Also noteworthy are the integrated firewall and support for IPv4/IPv6 network protocols, which provide an additional layer of security.

Users are very satisfied with this router. One of them describes their experience: “Incredible, much better than I expected, it even has a configuration menu in Spanish, just remove the SIM card PIN and you immediately start surfing. With a data card in lowi I was able to download 96 Mb/s and upload 60 Mb/s.” Another user evaluates: “Exceptional. I inserted the nano SIM, connected the port, and it immediately worked without problems. It perfectly covers about 80 square meters on the floor.”

It is important to mention that although the manufacturer states compatibility with “non-contract 5G SIM cards”, the router does not support 5G bands, but only 4G. The router is available with a European version (EU plug) and supports the following bands: FDD: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20 and TDD: B38/B40/B41, which provides sufficient coverage for most European countries, including the Czech Republic.

Price: 680 CZK

Premium ZTE 5G Router with Battery and Dual WiFi

If you are looking for a truly top-tier solution and are willing to invest in it, the ZTE 5G Pocket WiFi U30 Air for 2,603 CZK represents the best you can get in this category. This premium router from a renowned manufacturer offers full 5G network support with download speeds up to 867 Mbps and coverage up to approximately 100 meters.

The router utilizes a unique design with seven antennas, supports multiple frequency bands for 5G/4G with 4x MIMO, which increases channel capacity and improves overall signal strength by 30%. The device also supports dual SIM cards for 5G and intelligent network switching using AI algorithms.

The router supports dual-band WiFi (2.4 and 5 GHz) with 2x MIMO technology, ensuring peak WiFi speeds up to 867 Mbps. In real-world conditions, it achieves internet speeds of up to 500 Mbps and supports connecting up to 10 devices simultaneously. The ZTE U30 Air also offers USB-C connectivity and NFC support for instant pairing with compatible devices.

Users primarily appreciate the high speed and reliability. One of them comments: “Very fast ZTE 5G hotspot. Brand new and original. Great purchase for the price, I recommend it.” However, another customer points out certain disadvantages: “I use it in Portugal (nos), where it works reasonably well. However, the battery doesn’t last as long as advertised, and the unit gets quite hot. Its WiFi range is also limited.”

Battery life for this model is impressive, at least on paper – the built-in 4500 mAh battery provides approximately 10 hours of typical use. The device dimensions are 140 x 72.8 x 12.5 mm, which is still compact enough for easy carrying in a pocket or bag.

Price: 2,603 CZK

Which Mobile Router is Right for You?

Choosing the right mobile router primarily depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for an affordable solution for occasional use, the USB 4G modem for 227 CZK will be more than sufficient. For more frequent travel and longer use, the portable 4G LTE router with an LCD display for 378 CZK, which offers 6-8 hours of battery life thanks to its built-in battery, is more suitable.

If you want to utilize the latest technologies and connect multiple devices simultaneously, the WiFi 6 router with 4G LTE support offers excellent value for money. And if you have 5G network coverage and demand truly top-tier performance, the ZTE 5G Pocket WiFi U30 Air for 2,603 CZK is the clear choice – it offers not only the highest speeds but also the longest battery life and best signal coverage.

Do you use a mobile Wi-Fi router or prefer sharing internet via your phone?