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MiFis or MiFi dongles are compact, wireless devices, usually a little smaller than a smartphone, that create a local Wi-Fi signal you can use on the go.
On the other hand, a mobile broadband router is a much larger Wi-Fi device that plugs into a mains power socket. It much more closely resembles a normal home broadband router and essentially functions like one.
The main benefit of both is that, like a router, they let multiple devices share a mobile broadband connection. However, depending on how you plan to use your mobile broadband, one may be more suitable than the other.
Read on to find out how they differ and what option would be best for you.
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Both MiFis and mobile broadband routers require a SIM card to work. And just like your smartphone, the SIM allows them to connect to the internet through a mobile internet connection on a specific network.
The main difference is how they’re built and where you can use them.
A MiFi is a portable, battery-powered or rechargeable wireless device that taps into 4G or 5G mobile phone networks to create a mini broadband hotspot.
Its signal can be shared between multiple wireless devices — such as smartphones, laptops, tablets and even game consoles — that are within its signal range. They can be used anywhere that has a mobile network connection.
Both MiFis and mobile broadband dongles have storage capabilities, and they’re typically compatible with microSD cards if you want to increase the amount of storage available.
Mobile broadband routers — which can also be called 4G or 5G home broadband routers — are a lot more fixed. They’re a lot larger and are powered by a mains socket rather than a battery.
This means they’re a lot less portable than a MiFi device, but they have a larger range and can handle more devices simultaneously. As a result, they could technically replace your main home broadband connection.
With the upcoming rollout of 5G networks across the UK, both devices can now access faster mobile speeds than ever before — provided they have a compatible 5G SIM card.
If you have access to a 5G connection, both MiFi devices and mobile broadband routers could connect you to speeds faster than some fixed broadband connections.
Strong 5G connections could regularly achieve speeds of 150-200Mbps, putting it in direct competition with many ultrafast fibre packages.
However, your speed depends on your connection. It can fluctuate throughout the day based on where the device is located, what objects surround it, and how many devices share the network.
4G has a much more established mobile network across the UK right now and is capable of a more consistent connection. Its speeds usually rest around 24Mbps, which is significantly slower than 5G but still double the speed of traditional ADSL home broadband.
More flexible contract options than normal fixed-line broadband. There are many monthly rolling deals where you can cancel your contract with 30 days’ notice if you're unimpressed with the service.
Lower setup costs than fixed broadband. You don’t need any installation equipment to get connected, such as new lines and sockets, so that you won’t be charged any upfront fees.
If you live in an area with poor fixed broadband options, you could find a faster, more consistent broadband speed with mobile broadband.
You won't have to pay for another one if you've already got a mobile internet dongle. At around £30, this is a healthy saving. You should be aware, however, that if you want to access 5G SIM-only mobile broadband, you'll need a 5G-compatible dongle. Older dongles may only work with 4G and 3G.
For more information on mobile broadband dongles, read our guide on mobile broadband dongles.
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At the time of writing, EE, Vodafone, Three and O2 all offer MiFi units that are 4G capable and 3G models.
5G mobile broadband is an important alternative that could challenge standard home broadband again.
While it’s inevitable that all networks will look to provide some sort of 5G coverage, the first providers out of the gate for mobile broadband are Three, Vodafone, EE and O2.
Mobile broadband routers have become a lot more popular of late. Thanks to the introduction of 5G, many households with 5G coverage could replace their fixed broadband connection with a faster 5G mobile broadband one.
Vodafone and Three are leading the way with this technology, offering ultrafast mobile internet through a Huawei 5G router. Vodafone offers a product called GigaCube, and Three dubs its service ‘5G (or 4G) Home Broadband’.
You can read more about Vodafone’s offering in our GigaCube 5G mobile broadband review.
One of the biggest advantages of MiFis is that they require very little setup. You simply ensure it’s charged up, insert the SIM card you were provided with and switch it on.
Within a few seconds, you should be able to find the available signal on your computer, tablet or any other Wi-Fi-enabled device. Then, it’s just a case of selecting it and inputting a password (if applicable).
There’s no software to install, and you can be online in a matter of seconds, so it’s much quicker than many home broadband installations — especially ones requiring an engineer to visit the home.
As is the case with MiFi routers, you’ll need to insert your SIM card into the router for it to pick up any signal.
Mobile broadband routers (4G and 5G home broadband routers) must be plugged into a mains socket. So firstly, you need to find an area in your home that is best placed for a mobile internet connection. Try to find a place that’s near a window and clear from a lot of objects so the signal is as strong as it can be.
You should then be able to find it as an available Wi-Fi network in your device’s Wi-Fi settings. Once you select it there, you’ll likely have to go through a few steps online to finish setting it up.
A mobile dongle is a good option for laptop users as you can connect to the internet just by plugging your dongle into your laptop. There’s no need to charge it, and setup is still very easy.
However, you will only be able to connect one device at a time, and your dongle needs to be compatible with the device you want to use (i.e. it might need a USB connection, so you couldn’t use it to connect most tablets to the internet).
On the other hand, MiFi units and mobile broadband routers let multiple users connect to a signal simultaneously, making them handy for families and groups. If bought with a monthly rolling contract, they can also be a cost-effective option for students living in shared accommodation who don’t want to take out a long-term contract.
But as with mobile broadband dongles, MiFis and mobile broadband routers are also offered on monthly or yearly contracts and pay-as-you-go tariffs.
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Do you ever get confused between WiFi and MiFi? Don't worry, you're not alone! These two words sound very similar. But WiFi and MiFi are actually different things.
In this blog, we'll discuss what WiFi and MiFi are as well as their key differences.
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When you hear WiFi, you probably think of “wireless internet”. Well, WiFi isn't internet per se.
WiFi is a wireless networking protocol based on IEEE 802.11 standards. It's the technology that allows smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other WiFi devices to connect to the internet without cables.
Basically, WiFi-enabled devices wirelessly connect to a WiFi router or access point, which in turn is connected to an intern service provider. As long as you're in range of the router's coverage area, you're able to stream and browse from anywhere.
Without WiFi, we’d still have access to the internet, but via ethernet cables.
WiFi can be found in homes, offices, cafes, airports, and any other public place.
MiFi is a small portable wireless router or hotspot device with built-in WiFi tech. It uses your mobile carrier's LTE, 4G, and 5G network to create an ad hoc WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). This enables internet access while on the go or in areas lacking broadband infrastructure.
Unlike a conventional WiFi router, MiFi devices can be used without being connected to an internet service provider. All you need is cellular service. You can surf the internet anywhere cell signal is available.
Without WiFi technology, mobile internet wouldn't be possible.
Simply put...
WiFi is a technology that makes wireless intent connectivity possible. It’s built into many devices, such as traditional internet routers, cellular routers, mobile hotspots, MiFis, smartphones, tablets, and the like. A WiFi network can be established through an internet service provider or cellular network. It all depends on your WiFi access point.
MiFi is a type of WiFi access point. There is a wide variety of MiFi models available to fit your needs. They’re able to connect WiFi-enabled devices to the internet via the cellular network. Portable, they'll keep you connected when away from your home WiFi.
Cellular signal is needed for a MiFi to work. Weak cell reception will impact data speeds for all connected devices.
Here are a couple of fun facts about WiFi and MiFi:
Despite what many sources say, WiFi is not an acronym. It does not stand for Wireless Fidelity, Wireless Fiber, or anything at all really.
Before the standard for wireless networking could be adopted, it needed a name that was memorable and intuitive to understand. IEEE 802.11 would not do. The branding firm Interbrand picked WiFi because many customers said the similarity to HiFi (High Fidelity) helped them understand the concept.
WiFi simply stands for WiFi.
The term MiFi was coined in 2009 by Novatel Wireless, now known as Inseego. It’s what they named their portable WiFi devices.
Nowadays, the name is often used interchangeably with all types of potable hotspot devices, such as cellular routers and mobile hotspots.
Because MiFi devices rely on cellular networks, they can be slower than a traditional WiFi network serviced by an ISP. Things like topography, cell tower distance, congestion, weather, and building material affect the signal MiFi devices receive. As you move from place to place, results will vary.
With 5G, however, MiFi speeds can rival broadband intent. Though, ultra-fast 5G isn't available everywhere.
On average, MiFi speeds are close to the speeds you normally get on your phone:
Carrier Download Speeds T-Mobile 113.1 Mbps Verizon 38.1 Mbps AT&T 38.2 MbpsOpensignal’s 2024 4G and 5G Mobile Network Experience Report
While these speeds are great for working and streaming in a pinch, they may not be the best for gaming or anything that needs lots of data. Data-demanding applications often need broadband internet as it offers more bandwidth and faster speeds.
In situations where your traditional WiFi connection shuts down or overloads, MiFi can serve as a backup for continuous uptime.
While convenient, public WiFi hotspots can be easily accessed by hackers. Since data isn't usually encrypted on public networks, they can obtain your personal information.
MiFi, on the other hand, creates a personal WiFi network, limiting access, and transmits encrypted data.
Wireless connectivity via broadband internet is the standard for homes and businesses. No doubt about it. However, some people don’t have access to broadband internet at all. In some areas, prices are too high for what you get.
MiFi is a good home internet alternative. It’s affordable and works anywhere cell signal is available. Though, it may not be ideal for every home because of data, speed, and bandwidth limitations.
MiFi performance depends on your cellular signal strength. In strong signal areas, connected devices will experience a better and faster connection. The opposite is true for weak signal areas.
Whether your connection is weak due to cell tower distance or building material, a cell phone booster can help deliver a stronger signal to your MiFi device for better performance. They take your outside cell signal, boost it, and rebroadcast it inside your home, office, or vehicle. To learn more, visit How Do Cell Phone Boosters Work. Here are our top cell phone booster recommendations:
Not Sure Which Cell Phone Booster is Best for You?
Take Our QuizIf your MiFi has external antenna ports, you can also upgrade the antennas to capture a stronger signal. These are our top antennas for MiFis:
WiFi tech is built into access points (i.e. WiFi routers, cellular hotspots, and internet gateways) and client devices (i.e. laptops, tablets, watches, appliances, etc.).
Wireless internet connectivity is established through a WLAN created by an access point. Information is wirelessly transferred via 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz (with select models) frequencies. Wireless coverage and speed depend on router capabilities, connection strength, and other factors.
All WiFi client devices within the access point's coverage area can easily access social media, stream videos, and more without the use of wires. You can also extend your WiFi connection with a Mesh Network or Long-Range Network to remain connected throughout.
MiFi devices are comprised of a cellular modem and a WiFi router within a single casing. The modem part establishes an intent connection using 5G, 4G, and LTE data networks.
The modem part provides WiFi connectivity. Rather than creating a WiFi network through fixed broadband, like a traditional WiFi router, MiFi devices do so using SIM cards.
Much like mobile devices, some MiFi models are rechargeable and last for hours. Other models require a consistent power source to keep you online. Supported devices, speed, and coverage all depend on the MiFi’s capabilities and your cellular provider.
MiFi is thought to stand for “My WiFi” or “Mobile WiFi”. Though, it hasn't been confirmed.
We can't say MiFi is better than WiFi because they are not the same. WiFi is a technology, while MiFi is a cellular device with built-in WiFi.
Comparing MiFi to broadband WiFi is a different story. If broadband internet infrastructure is lacking in your area or you need mobile internet, MiFi wins. However, broadband WiFi is faster and offers much greater capacity than MiFi.
Yes. While MiFi was originally a brand name for Inseego’s portable internet devices, it is now also used to refer to all types of mobile hotspots.
MiFi is a brand name given by Inseego to mobile hotspots. Jetpack is a brand name given by Verizon to mobile hotspots. While the naming convention is different, the device is the same. Like MiFi, Jetpack is often used to refer to all types of mobile hotspots.
See here for more information about Verizon Jetpacks.
MiFi Benefits:
MiFi Limitations:
Yes, you absolutely can! Many people in rural areas with poor broadband coverage options use MiFi as their primary home internet. Just keep in mind that MiFi cellular data plans may have lower speeds and data caps compared to a wired home internet service. So it may not be ideal for heavy video streaming or gaming needs.
The latest WiFi standard is called WiFi 6 or 802.11ax. It offers the fastest potential speeds of any WiFi so far and improved performance in locations with many connected devices. However, 802.11ac or WiFi 5 is currently the most widely used modern WiFi and is still excellent for most users.
Signal Boosters is a leading provider of signal boosters, cellular routers, and cellular antennas for homes, vehicles, and commercial buildings. Our products can help your MiFi device receive consistent signal for reliable WiFi connectivity anywhere you need it.
Email us at sales@signalboosters.com or call us at 1-800-470-6777 with any questions you may have. We're here to help transform your connection!
Interested in Learning More? Check Out Our Cellular Info Hub / WiFi Info Hub
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