Tips to Buy a Portable WiFi

Portable WiFi Routers are amazing. They are these small devices which can easily fit into your pocket or purse. Though small, these devices carry quick internet access, allowing you to stay connected no matter where you go. But these devices are not all the same. They differ in speed, cost, and reliability.

There are a lot of choices in the market now and without the right information, you might end up buying the wrong one. You might end up paying a lot of money for more than what you need. Or you might end up getting less than what you require then ending up with overages.

As 4G mobile technologies emerged and 3G data costs have significantly lowered, portable WiFi devices have become popular. They are no longer a luxury only for the professionals and the wealthy.

Nowadays, just about anyone can get such a device at a low cost, sometimes even for free! If you’re planning to get your own portable WiFi, then it’s helpful to know tips regarding what you should be looking for. Here are the tips to guide you.

Data Plans

The first thing to consider is the data plans which are offered by the provider of the internet service. There are lots of plans available, whether you prefer prepaid or postpaid ones. You can choose which data plan goes with the device you choose, so make sure to choose wisely.

Speed and Range

Browsing the internet is easy when the speed is good. So this is an important factor to consider. Before you buy your portable WiFi, ask about the speed that comes with it. Nowadays there are a lot of providers which come with increased WiFi speed. Aside from the speed, also ask about the range of the device. This is important so that you still have access even from a distance.

Compatibility

Before thinking about the compatibility, think about the service provider you will be using most frequently. Not all providers of internet service have coverage in all the areas. And not every portable WiFi is compatible with all service providers. So before buying, make sure to check if the device is compatible with your service provider, your SIM, and your USB data card.

3G and 4G Support

These days 3G and 4G are gaining momentum. To be able to enjoy optimum internet access and speed, ensure that the device you will be buying supports 3G and 4G data cards.

Locked or Unlocked Device

Another important factor to consider. Some devices come locked to just one service provider while some are unlocked. Typically the cheaper devices are locked so you won’t be able to use them when changing service providers.

If you are investing your hard earned money into a portable WiFi, then it’s a lot better to go with one which is unlocked. In doing this, you can then change service providers whenever you’d like to.

How Many Devices can Connect

Another useful factor to think about is how many devices can connect to the portable WiFi at a time. Usually, these kinds of devices allow up to 5 connections, which is very reasonable considering that it’s portable.

However, if you need more devices to connect, ask about it before buying. In cases where you have a big household with a lot of users or you’re planning to use it in the office, then you will need a device which will allow more connections.

Fast Start

The boot up time of the device is also important. Typically these kinds of devices can boot up in a few minutes to as little as a few seconds. There are also devices which can help you gain access to the internet quickly without having to install any software or drivers.

Available WiFi Apps

Some portable WiFi devices come with apps to support your data connection and management. This is a helpful feature which you can ask about before making a choice.

Dual Purpose

There’s something very pleasant in a device which serves more than one purpose. Some devices not only provide you with internet access but can also serve as a power bank for your mobile phones or gadgets. These kinds of devices are very useful as you don’t have to carry around a separate power bank just for charging. It’s also very convenient as you will be able to charge your devices easily while traveling.

USB 2.0 Port

When the portable WiFi comes with USB 2.0 ports, this is very beneficial. It will allow you to use the device to hold USB pen drives or any other kind of USB devices for storage. This will allow you to share files with the computer it is connected to.

Back-Up Battery

A portable is handy and convenient only if it has a good battery back-up. This is especially useful if you travel a lot and you rely on your WiFi frequently. When traveling, you might not have access to charging stations, so you will need a reliable device. If the battery on your device runs out easily or doesn’t last very long, you won’t be able to get the most out of it.

Size of the Device

Of course, another important factor to consider when getting such a device is the size of the device. Anything bigger than what fits into your pocket or purse isn’t very portable. So if a small device comes with all these other factors, then it’s a great choice for a portable WiFi.

Conclusion

The emergence of convenient technological devices, such as the portable WiFi makes all our lives a lot easier. Professionals and ordinary citizens are able to communicate openly and frequently through them.

A portable WiFi is a great device for you to be able to gain access to the internet no matter where you are and no matter what time you need it. Being able to take such a device along with you even if you travel, is extremely handy. And now that you have learned some great tips when buying a portable WiFi, all that’s left to do is make a choice!