A dongle is a small USB 'internet stick' that allows you to access online services on a compatible device without needing to connect to Wi-Fi.
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It is also known as a Wi-Fi dongle, USB modem, internet stick, USB network adapter or USB mobile broadband stick. Dongles are a fairly popular addition for laptops because they can stay connected on the go.
USB internet is another term used for accessing internet services via an internet dongle since most dongles are connected to your laptop via a USB connection.
A Wi-Fi dongle is, in effect, a small internet-connected device you can plug into your computer or laptop. It connects to the internet in the same way your smartphone does, via 4G and 5G networks.
This means you'll need to pay for internet access, and you'll only be able to use it with one device at a time. You'll also need to make sure it will connect properly to your device - some dongles need a USB port, but some can connect wirelessly, usually via Bluetooth. So make sure the device you want to use is compatible with it.
A mobile internet dongle is no substitute for a fixed broadband line in your home because it usually just works for one device at a time. But its versatility can make it incredibly useful for certain people.
Why you should get a mobile internet dongle:
If you travel a lot and need to be able to access the internet on your laptop without having to rely on free Wi-Fi from Starbucks or airport lounges
Similarly, if you like to work in public spaces but don't want to rely on poor, unrestricted Wi-Fi, you could save yourself time and effort with a mobile internet dongle
If your home broadband just isn't fast enough, or there are too many people using it at once, a mobile internet stick is a great backup option if you need to get online on your device quickly
Here are the benefits and downsides to using a mobile internet dongle for getting online at home, and when you're out and about.
The introduction of 5G mobile broadband means a dongle is now a serious alternative to fixed-line home broadband. This will depend on the coverage of 5G in your area, which is constantly growing but only really available in urban areas right now.
Mobile broadband is quick and easy to set up and doesn't require an engineering appointment
Dongles are supplied for free when you take out a contract
USB dongles give you greater flexibility, allowing you to access the internet when away from home or the office
Developments in mobile broadband technology have seen mobile dongles become smaller, sleeker and faster in recent years
Mobile broadband dongles run on the battery of your computer or laptop, meaning you don't need an additional charger for them
4G dongles are still the most common types of mobile broadband sticks, but it has comparatively slower average speeds than many fibre broadband packages. This would make it difficult to do high-data activities like large file downloads or 4K streaming, especially while someone else is using the internet too.
Coverage is dependent on the mobile reception in your area, so the mobile 'not'-spots that have you cursing your network provider might also affect your mobile broadband connection
Unlike home broadband connections, mobile broadband usually has monthly data limits
Overseas charges have come down, but it's still not cheap to use a dongle abroad
Broadband dongles use the same 3G, 4G and 5G technology as a mobile , so nearly all mobile providers offer mobile broadband. The market is simply too competitive not to.
Vodafone offers a range of mobile broadband dongles with speeds ranging from 7.2Mbps to 21Mbps and generous download allowances, depending upon the plan.
Three's 4G dongle provides speeds of up to 42Mbps.
EE, the UK's 4G specialists, offers speeds of up to 60Mbps.
If you're struggling to get a reliable fixed broadband connection in the home, an 'over the air' alternative comes in the form of a wi-fi dongle that can deliver 4G and 5G home broadband.
With a reliable 4G or 5G signal, you'll be able to use one of these devices to access the internet on all your home devices. Read on to find out how they work.
Check our guide to the best and worst mobile networks to see how providers are rated for network reliability, value for money and more.
Instead of using lines, 4G and 5G broadband dongles use the same signal as your smartphone to access the internet. As such, it can be an ideal solution for those who struggle to get a good signal from their traditional ADSL/Cable internet service provider (ISP).
Where 5G coverage is available, it's possible to get an even faster connection via mobile broadband, though this is still less widespread than 4G.
Use Which? to search for faster, more reliable broadband services
Switch and saveA wi-fi dongle is a simple USB device that provides this wireless internet connection for individual devices, such as your home laptop or computer. It works in a similar way to a 4G or 5G router, to effectively deliver mobile broadband as an alternative to a fixed connection.
While 4G and 5G broadband used to be more expensive than standard fixed-line broadband, prices have become far more competitive in recent years, and unlimited data plans are more common.
You could pay as little as around £10 per month, but this will likely be for a limited amount of data. Expect to pay around £20 a month for unlimited data.
If you do pick a plan with a data cap, be wary of how much you're using. With high charges for going over your data allowance, it's important to be aware of how much data common online activities use. The table below provides some examples:
Activity
Data usage
Web browsing (60 pages)
140-240MB
Stream music/radio (1 hour)
35-135MB
Netflix (1 hour, SD)
300-700MB
Netflix (1 hour, HD)
3GB
Skype/video call (1 hour)
350MB
Download 100 e-mails
10MB
Download 100 documents
200-500MB
For most people, there are three ways to access mobile broadband in your home:
For more information, please visit 5g Dongle.
how to set up a mobile wi-fi hotspot
can help you get started.Our mobile coverage map will give you more information about 4G and 5G coverage in your local area.
Each of the 'big four' mobile networks - EE, O2, Vodafone and Three, offer 4G and 5G mobile broadband. This may be via a wi-fi dongle, or a home router.
Contract lengths vary from one month up to two years, and data limits can run as low as just a few gigabytes, so it's important to choose a service that best fits your needs.
For those who want a quicker connection, and have strong 5G coverage in their area, 5G will almost always be preferable to 4G, even if it's a little more expensive.
The speed of 5G mobile broadband connections vary, but Three claims an average download speed of 150Mbps for its 5G Home Broadband product - faster than most standard fibre packages. This would be more than suitable for larger homes where many devices are connected to and using the internet at the same time.
While 5G is now available in far more areas of the UK, if you're not currently covered by the new superfast standard, 4G mobile broadband could still be a good alternative.
With 4G, download speeds are comparable to, or a little faster than standard fixed-line broadband. According to OpenSignal data, the 'Big Four' (EE, O2, Three and Vodafone) were able to achieve an average speed of 21.33Mbps, which is faster than many ADSL (aka standard) broadband products. 4G broadband is very unlikely to reach the speeds that fibre broadband can reach, with some fibre providers offering up to 1,000Mbps (1Gbps) for your home - but it should be sufficient to comfortably stream or download content with a strong enough signal.
Music album (50MB)
tv SHOW (500MB)
HD TV show (2.5GB)
Film (800MB)
HD film (4GB)
EE
14 sec
2 min 24 secs
12 min 2 secs
3 mins 51 secs
19 mins 45 secs
Three
18 secs
3 mins 8 secs
16 mins 2 secs
5 mins
25 mins 40 secs
Vodafone
22 secs
3 mins 41 secs
18 mins 53 secs
5 mins 54 secs
30 mins 14 secs
O2
27 secs
4 mins 38 secs
23 mins 45 secs
7 mins 25 secs
30 mins 14 secs
Average 4G speed
18 secs
4 mins 38 secs
15 mins 45 secs
4 mins 56 secs
25 mins 16 sec
*Based on Openreach speed data.
Also, the speed you will get from your 4G broadband is dependent on many other factors, including how far you are from a mobile mast and how strong the signal is. If you experience patchy mobile service at home, then it is likely that you will experience similar issues with 4G broadband, affecting the speeds you can achieve.
Find out how fast your connection is using our Broadband Speed Checker tool.
Mobile broadband has become far more appealing now that prices have dropped and 5G is becoming more widespread.
Perhaps the biggest advantage is its ability to deliver a reliable internet connection to areas of the country that struggle with a consistent fixed-line connection ' either due to a lack of availability, poor speeds, or a limited range of (often expensive) providers. In this situation, a mobile broadband connection through a 4G or 5G router or wi-fi dongle could be the ideal alternative.
If you do have a good range of available fixed line providers for your property, however, the simple answer is to shop around, weigh up your options, and choose a provider that offers the best value for money. Use Which Broadband Compare to get started.
Crucially, you'll also want a good service. Read our mobile network provider reviews and guide to the best and worst broadband providers to find out which come out on top.
Are you interested in learning more about 4g Lte Cpe Router? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!