Given our busy lifestyle driven by the web, it’s very hard to even think about spending a single day without the internet. That is why, the majority of us keep a stable Wi-Fi connection at home. But what if you are someone whose job requires traveling, or just live in an area without the accessibility of any cable or sat internet?
This is where a WiFi router with a SIM card slot can really come in handy. It’s cost-effective and eliminates the need for separate data plans with different providers based on the location and availability of the Internet. But with a plethora of routers with SIM cards out there in the market, it can really be confusing at times which one to pick for. So, we are dedicating this article to a detailed review, so that you can perfect choice based on your preference.
Also Read: 8 Best WiFi Routers You Can Buy
Factors to Consider When Choosing a WiFi Router with a SIM Card Slot
While choosing a good WiFi router with a SIM card slot, there are several important factors to consider
1. Budget: WiFi routers with SIM card slots come in a range of prices. So, it’s important to find a balance between features and affordability to determine your budget.
2. Internet Speed: The amount of Internet speed required depends on your job or activities. Look for the WiFi routers that supports latest network standards such as 4G LTE or 5G. This will ensure faster and reliable connections.
3. Network Coverage: You need to evaluate the network coverage and range depending on the size of your home or office. You can also consider the number of devices you want to connect to the Internet simultaneously.
4. Security Features: Paying attention of the security features of the router is also crucial. You can check for the WPA2 or WPA3 encryption support, built-in firewalls, MAC address filtering and guest network isolation for enhanced security.
5. Reviews and Ratings: User’s reviews and ratings also provide valuable insights and highlight issues difficult to find anywhere else. You can read also reviews to get an idea of the router’s performance, reliability, and user experience.
Taking buying decision based on these factors will help younarrow down your options and choose a WiFi router with a SIM card slot that fulfils your requirements and offers the best balance of features, performance, and affordability.
Also Read: 7 Best Mesh WiFi Routers for Complete Network Coverage
Best WiFi Routers With SIM Card Slot
1. Netgear LAX20
The first on our list include the high-performance Netgear LAX20 which can easily provide you with Wi-Fi 6 backed by extensive carrier support. The 2-antenna setup claims a staggering coverage of up to 1500 sq ft. Not to mention, Netgear also claims support for up to 20 devices. So, you can be rest assured to connect 12-15 devices until you take a significant hit on the speed.
The Netgrar LAX20 comes equipped with 1 WAN and 4 LAN ports, allowing you to set up wired connections in no time. As far as security is concerned, it comes with all the standard features including guest access, VPN support, auto-firmware update, and more. Furthermore, you can always update Netgear Armor for more advanced security features.
Salient Features:
- Supports major carrier including T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T
- Offers internet speed up to 300 Mbps
- Comes with Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Standard
- Gets App Support
Pros:
- Seamlessly offers LTE on the majority of the carriers
- Comes with 2 external antennas
- Offers an intuitive design and good build quality
Cons:
- Can be more on the expensive side
Buy on Amazon
2. Huawei B311-521
The Huawei B311-521 comes equipped with everything you need to comply with your internet requirements. The B311-521 is compatible with the majority of the 4G LTE carriers throughout the North and South America region. With a maximum speed of 150 Mbps, you can play games and stream movies with ease.
Bear in mind, the router lacks some of the vital technologies including beamforming and MU-MIMO and yet manages to connect with 25 devices while providing a stable connection. That being said, the Huawei B311-521 offers the standard VPN features, ensuring that the data between the server and client remains encrypted.
Salient Features:
- Covers the majority of the 4G carriers within North and South America.
- Offers a staggering speed of up to 150 Mbps
- Supports a total of 32 devices
- Comes with single band frequency
- Provides Wi-Fi range of 1000 sq. Ft
- Comes with app support
Pros:
- Offers a decent speed for a 150 Mbps router
- Comes with state-of-the-art device handling capabilities
- You can expect moderate coverage
- Very easy to install
Cons:
- Lacks some of the security features
Buy on Amazon
3. Cudy LT500D
The next router on our list that you can use with a SIM card is Cudy LT500D. The router comes with 4 external antennas, with support for multi VPN connections and improved security features backed by Wi-Fi 5. The cellular antennas are able to cover 1000 sq. Ft with ease. Furthermore, you can expect a stable connection with 15 devices.
The Cudy LT500D offers an adequate port section including 3 LAN and 1 WAN port for a stable wired connection. There is also multiple VPN protocol with the LT500D such as OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, WireGuard, and IPsec VPN. There is also the addition of DNS encryption and NextDNS for utmost privacy protection.
Salient Features:
- Supports only carriers including T-Mobile and At&T
- Offers internet speed up to 150 Mbps
- Comes with Wi-Fi 5 wireless standard
- Ability to connect up to 20 devices
- Comes with dual band frequency
- Offers a range of up to 1200 Sq. Ft
Pros:
- Offers very good coverage
- Comes with some of the best security features
- Offers stable speed throughput
Cons:
- Incompatible with most carriers
Buy on Amazon
4. TP-Link N150 4G Router
TP-Link N150 4G router is of the cheapest options out there. Unlike other routers, this one doesn’t have its own SIM slot. It uses a USB port where you can plug in a dongle with your SIM card. Though, it increases the overall cost, but still the package is quite affordable.
The best thing about TP-Link N150 is portability. It’s light, small and you can easily carry it anywhere while travelling. The TP-Link router comes with standard LAN/WAN port. Moreover, if you are looking for a backup router and don’t want to spend too much, you can go for TP-Link N150 router.
Salient Features:
- Compatible with 120+ UMTS/HSPA/EVDO 3G USB modems
- Light, small and portable design
- Offers wireless speed up to 150Mbps
- IP-based bandwidth control allows you to determine the alloted bandwidth to each connected device
- It works in three modes – 3G Router, Travel Router (AP), WISP Client Router
Pros:
- It’s portable. You can easily carry it while travelling.
Cons:
- Supported speeds are slow.
Buy on Amazon
5. NRadio C2000
The NRadio C2000 is the best option if you are looking for an unlocked Wi-Fi router with the utmost convenience. Not to mention, the Type-C port makes it extremely easy to charge on the go. This travel-friendly router comes with dual-band Wi-Fi 5, backed by 4G LTE connectivity. You can also pair the router with cable internet for uninterrupted internet if required.
You can seamlessly connect 20 devices while enjoying streaming or watching movies on the go. Since it catered towards offering your data while traveling, you can expect the bare minimum such as VPN and WAP2 as far as security is concerned. If you require a network connection all the time the NRadio C2000 has got you covered.
Salient Features:
- Supported carriers include T-Mobile and AT&T
- Offers internet speed of 150 Mbps
- Comes with Wi-Fi 5 wireless standard
- Ability to connect up to 20 devices
- Offers Dual Band frequency
- App support
- Wi-Fi ranges up to 1000 Sq. Ft
Pros:
- The router offers the utmost portability
- Comes with an adequate port section
- Offers decent coverage
- On par with some of the best premium routers
- Very easy to install
Cons:
- Doesn’t support AT&T prepaid SIM cards
Buy on Amazon
6. Alcatel Link HH41NH
If you are searching for a router with the best carrier compatibility, look no further than the Alcatel Link HH41NH. Just well over 80 USD, it comes with 4G LTE connectivity, adequate coverage to get the job done along with the ability to handle multiple devices. Furthermore, you can expect a very stable and consistent signal throughout the day.
The Alcatel Link HH41NH comes with 2 antenna setups, ensuring it can cover ample area. You can easily connect up to 25 devices to enjoy a seamless connection, as compared to the company’s claim of 32 devices. The router also comes with 2 ethernet ports, if you want to pair it with any cable internet whatsoever.
Salient Features:
- Extensively supports all 4G LTE Unlocked SIM
- Offers internet speed up to 150 Mbps
- Comes with 802.11b wireless standard
- Can add up to 32 devices
- Single band frequency
- App support
- Wi-Fi range of up to 1000 Sq. Ft.
Pros:
- Offers decent speed
- Very easy to install
- State-of-the-art device handling capabilities
- Adequate coverage
Cons:
- Security can become a concern
Buy on Amazon
Conclusion
So, that sums up our article on some of the best Wi-Fi routers you can buy with a SIM card. As stated throughout the article, having a router with a SIM card can really provide you the connectivity especially in situations where wired connections may be limited or unavailable. A WiFi router with a SIM card slot provides provide flexibility, mobility, and even serve as a reliable backup during internet outages. Let us know in the comment section below, which router is best suited for you. .
