Whether a SIM router is better than a hotspot depends on how you intend to use it. Both SIM routers and hotspots enable users to connect to the Internet through cellular networks. But they have very different features and are designed to be used in different ways.
What is a hotspot?
A mobile hotspot, or MiFi, is a portable hardware device that converts mobile broadband signals into a Wi-Fi connection for laptops, tablets, phones, and other wireless devices for Internet on the go. A limited number of devices, often up to 15, can use a hotspot simultaneously to connect to the Internet.
Hotspots are generally designed for two main things – ease of use and portability. Because they’re battery powered and lightweight, you can carry them virtually anywhere and use them to connect your devices to WiFi in a few clicks. Battery life varies by device, but some hotspots last as long as 24 hours on a single charge.
Hotspots are not as powerful as SIM routers, and they typically have a shorter WiFi range. So they’re useful when you need a small amount of data and don’t need the fastest Internet speeds. They usually come with service plans that have data restrictions, so you wouldn’t want to use one to replace your home Internet.
Can I use a hotspot with any carrier?
Mobile hotspots are usually purchased from cellular providers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. While some hotspots enable you to use SIM cards from more than one carrier, or let you switch carriers, this is the exception rather than the norm. Usually a hotspot will only work with the provider you bought it from.
What is a SIM router?
SIM card routers are more complex than hotspots, which have simpler interfaces and fewer advanced features. Like hotspots, SIM Routers connect to mobile broadband networks wirelessly. Unlike hotspots, SIM routers can support multiple wired and wireless devices simultaneously. No landline cable is required – but you can plug an Ethernet cable into a SIM router to directly connect computers or a Local Area Network (LAN) to the Internet.
SIM routers support numerous SIM cards for failover and load balancing. This makes them ideal for business, transportation systems, remote locations, or places where stable and continuous Internet is essential.
Businesses can take advantage of VPN support, multiple Ethernet ports, firewalls, and other advanced features offered by SIM card routers. These routers also provide a further cellular range and a higher signal quality than mobile hotspots. So if you’re using a SIM router, you can generally travel farther away from a cell tower and still maintain the best possible data speeds. You can also connect external antennas to SIM routers to maximize signal strength.
Can I use a SIM router with any carrier?
SIM routers are typically designed to work with any provider, however certification of the equipment by the provider may be required. Usually, all that’s needed is a SIM card from the provider of your choice. If you have a router with multiple SIM slots, [link to new multi-SIM page] you can insert SIM cards from different providers and switch from one provider to the other, depending on which signal is stronger. While two separate data plans or more are required (depending on how many cards you’re using), a multi-SIM card router can be a valuable option for mobile or remote businesses that depend on Internet connectivity.
What’s better, a hotspot or a SIM router?
SIM routers are ideal in certain circumstances and hotspots in others. Here are a few questions to help you determine what’s best for you:
Do you travel frequently? A hotspot might be a better choice due to its compact size and battery-powered operation.
Do you require home or business backup? A SIM router would be better, especially if you want to ensure multiple devices remain connected during an Internet outage.
Do you need the Internet for an extended amount of time in a remote location? A SIM router combined with an external antenna can provide a more robust and stable connection.
Do you need occasional Internet access on the go? A hotspot would be sufficient if you need to connect your laptop or tablet to the Internet when traveling.
The choice between a SIM router and a hotspot depends on your specific needs. If you have a strong Internet connection where you are but use the Internet occasionally when you’re on the move, then a hotspot might be the way to go. But if you depend on reliable Internet connectivity and require a more robust solution for multiple devices and long-term use, a SIM router would be the best choice.
Discover the benefits of Peplink SIM routers
Peplink is one of the most trusted providers of 4G and 5G LTE routers and modems in the world. Because Peplink’s SIM card routers are unlocked, they’re able to use all of the workable SIM cards. Peplink SIM routers also provide significantly higher signal quality than any mobile hotspot, making them the ideal choice for businesses that depend on solid yet flexible Internet connections.
Explore Peplink SIM routers