Car WiFi routers provide a reliable solution for those frustrated with inconsistent mobile data connections while driving, making them perfect for commuters, road trippers, and families. These routers offer a dependable internet connection for multiple devices. Look for routers with high-speed capabilities to ensure seamless streaming and browsing while on the road.
- WiFi Speed: The speed of your WiFi connection is crucial for a smooth online experience. Entry-level routers typically offer speeds of up to 150 Mbps or 300 Mbps, while higher-end models can reach up to 1000 Mbps, ensuring excellent performance.
- Network Support: Car WiFi routers usually rely on mobile data connections. It’s important to check which networks they support. Most support 4G networks, but compatibility with different carriers varies. Choose one that works with your preferred network provider.
- Number of Devices: Consider how many devices you’ll need to connect simultaneously. Even with a small number of passengers, each might have multiple devices. Entry-level routers usually support 4-5 devices, while higher-end models can handle 15 to 20 devices at once, offering greater versatility.
For a comprehensive guide and top picks, check out our buying guide. It will help you make a well-informed decision that aligns with your requirements and preferences.
Best Car WiFi Routers Chart
| Car WiFi Routers | WiFi Speed | Network Support | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL.iNET Car WiFi Router | Up to 1000 Mbps | --- | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| NETGEAR Car WiFi Router | Up to 300 Mbps | 4G networks | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| KuWFi Car WiFi Router | Up to 150 Mbps | 4G networks | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| Alcatel Car WiFi Router | Up to 150 Mbps | 4G networks | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| RoamWiFi Car WiFi Router | Up to 150 Mbps | 4G networks | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| Alcatel Car WiFi Router | Up to 150 Mbps | 4G networks | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| ZTE Car WiFi Router | Up to 150 Mbps | 4G networks | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| TP-Link AC750 Car WiFi Router | Up to 750 Mbps | 5G networks | 2 years long | Check On Amazon |
| GlocalMe U3 Car WiFi Router | -- | 4G networks | -- | Check On Amazon |
Best Car WiFi Routers Reviews
1. GL.iNET Car WiFi Router
GL.iNET is one the most popular brands of entry-level networking devices that also offers a few portable options that can be a great option for those who are looking for car WiFi routers.
The GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 car WiFi router is present at the 1st position in this list since it can be a great affordable option for many. Even though it is an entry-level and a fairly compact WiFi router, you get maximum network speeds of up to 300 Mbps out of it. As for its network support, while it does support 4G networks, it requires external USB modems for it.
Speaking of external modems, you will find a USB port along with dual ethernet ports on the back which is quite good considering its given size. You can even use this car WiFi router with up to 30 devices at once which is quite high. Despite its given entry-level price tag, GL.iNET still includes a decent 1-year warranty with it for your peace of mind.
Best Features:
- Offers maximum network speeds of up to 300 Mbps
- Supports 4G networks for internet connectivity
- Connects with up to 30 devices at once
- Comes with 1 USB port and 2 ethernet ports
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Affordable and budget-friendly car WiFi router
- Decent speeds with large number of devices supported
- Quite compact and small with multiple ports
Cons:
- Requires an external modem for internet connectivity
2. NETGEAR Car WiFi Router
If you are familiar with networking devices like switches and WiFi routers, then you must have heard about Netgear in the past since it is known for offering all sorts of high-performance WiFi router models.
Netgear’s Nighthawk M1 car WiFi router is present at the 2nd position in this listicle as it is the best performing option listed here. Starting with its networking speeds, you can expect this car WiFi router to go up to 1000 Mbps with ease. And to ensure you can expect the same speeds while accessing the internet, it offers 4G support with an inbuilt SIM card slot. In fact, it even comes with a display on the top for checking network speeds, data usage, battery consumption, and more.
Talking about battery consumption, it offers a very large 5040 mAh battery which makes it great for portable usage. Being a high-performance WiFi router, it even supports a total of 20 devices at once. Netgear even offers a 1-year warranty with this high-end WiFi router which is to be expected at the given price tag. Although, because of its fairly compact size and an inbuilt display, you only get a USB port and a single ethernet port on the bottom.
Best Features:
- Offers maximum network speeds of up to 1000 Mbps
- Supports 4G networks for internet connectivity
- Connects with up to 20 devices at once
- Comes with 1 USB port and 1 ethernet port
- Uses a 5040 mAh battery for power
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Superb networking speeds for high-speed internet surfing
- Inbuilt display for easy networking monitoring and control
- Works with any 4G SIM card of your choice
Cons:
- Expensive car WiFi router
3. KuWFi Car WiFi Router
KuWFi is a fairly new brand of networking devices and WiFi routers that are usually quite unique in terms of the features and options that they offer which is also true for its car WiFi router.
The KuWFi car WiFi router can be a great high-performance option for those who want both wireless and wired connectivity. Taking a look at the maximum speeds of this router, it can offer up to 300 Mbps speeds over a large area thanks to its inbuilt 4 antennas. In fact, you also get the support for 4G networks thanks to the SIM card slot offered by this car WiFi router.
Coming to the back of this router, you will find a total of 4 ethernet ports which is much higher than any other option out there. Unfortunately, it does not mention the maximum number of devices that you can connect to this car WiFi router at once. That being said, you still get a 1-year warranty with this WiFi router for decent reliability and durability.
Best Features:
- Offers maximum network speeds of up to 300 Mbps
- Supports 4G networks for internet connectivity
- Comes with 4 ethernet ports
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- 4 external antennas for superb range with high network speeds
- Inbuilt SIM card for proper 4G support
- Large number of physical connectivity ports on the back
Cons:
- Quite large in size due to external antennas
- Misses on rating for maximum device support
4. Alcatel Car WiFi Router
Alcatel is primarily a brand of smartphones that even offers a few routers that can be great for on the go usage including being used as a car WiFi router for internet connectivity in your car.
This Alcatel Linkzone MW41TM car WiFi router is one of the best options to be used with your smartphone and tablets as it can be easily connected via a companion app. As for its performance numbers, this car WiFi router can offer maximum speeds of up to 150 Mbps which is decently high for most users. To ensure that you can get these speeds even while browsing the internet, it offers a fully unlocked 4G SIM card slot.
Even with its compact and sleek design, it features a decent 1800 mAh battery. You will even find indicator lights on the front which are quite handy since this WiFi router can connect to up to 15 devices at once. And similar to most other car WiFi routers out there, this one also has a decent 1-year warranty. Although, you do not get any external connectivity ports with this car WiFi router because of its thin and sleek design.
Best Features:
- Offers maximum network speeds of up to 150 Mbps
- Supports 4G networks for internet connectivity
- Connects with up to 15 devices at once
- Uses an 1800 mAh battery for power
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Quite a thin and sleek car portable WiFi router for portable usage
- Decent performance with an inbuilt unlocked 4G SIM card slot
- Features indicator lights on the front for monitoring network
Cons:
- Misses out on external connectivity ports
5. Roam Car WiFi Router
RoamWiFi and its WiFi routers can be a great option for all those of you who travel a lot and want something for portable usage including using it as a car WiFi router for internet connectivity in your car.
The RoamWiFi R10 car WiFi router is one of the best WiFi routers which is ideal for travel including international usage. This is made possible thanks to its inbuilt SIM card which works in up to 160 countries. Although, despite offering 4G network support, you cannot install a SIM card of your choice. That being said, you do get decent network speeds of up to 150 Mbps with this portable car WiFi router.
Since this is a portable WiFi router made for portable usage, it even comes with a very large 5000 mAh battery inside. But unlike other WiFi routers stated here, this one lacks any form of external ports which can be an issue if you want to use wired network devices. This becomes an even bigger issue considering that you can only connect up to 5 devices with it at once. Even though RoamWiFi is a fairly new brand of networking devices, you still get a 1-year long warranty with it for your peace of mind.
Best Features:
- Offers maximum network speeds of up to 150 Mbps
- Supports 4G networks for internet connectivity
- Connects with up to 5 devices at once
- Uses a 5000 mAh battery for power
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Fairly long battery life for portable usage
- Inbuilt SIM works in 160 countries with included 10 GB data
- Good networking speeds via 4G networks
Cons:
- Does not offer any external connectivity ports
- Only connects to 5 devices at once
6. Alcatel Car WiFi Router
We have yet another car WiFi router model from Alcatel in this listicle which is quite similar to the previous one in most factors except for its network support which makes it a viable option for using as a car WiFi router.
Alcatel’s Linkzone MW41TM car WiFi router is yet another viable option for those who want something portable and sleek. Apart from supporting a handy companion smartphone app for easily managing your WiFi network, this car WiFi router even supports 4G networks via an inbuilt SIM card slot. Unfortunately, this SIM card slot only works with T-Mobile SIM cards which can be an issue for many. Although, if you do have a T-Mobile SIM card, you can expect maximum network speeds of up to 150 Mbps from this router.
In order to power this WiFi router and all of its functions, Alcatel has included a decent 1800 mAh battery making it great for portable usage. You will also find handy indicator lights on the front that allow you to easily check network status. As for the number of maximum devices that can be used with it, this car WiFi router supports a total of 15 devices. Similar to the previous Alcatel router, this one also comes with a 1-year warranty. However, you do not get any external connection ports for wired networks and other uses with this router.
Best Features:
- Offers maximum network speeds of up to 150 Mbps
- Supports 4G networks for internet connectivity
- Connects with up to 15 devices at once
- Uses an 1800 mAh battery for power
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Modern and sleek design for portable usage
- Offers fairly decent network speeds via 4G networks
- Decent battery life along with indicator lights on the front
Cons:
- Does not have any external connectivity ports
- Only works with T-Mobile network carrier SIM cards
7. ZTE Car WiFi Router
ZTE is primarily known for its smartphone and other smart devices because of which its portable routers like the car WiFi router given here also come with various handy smart features for ease of use.
This ZTE Velocity MF923 car WiFi router can be a great option for those of you who want a smart WiFi router. For allowing you to easily monitor your network without needing a smartphone app, it includes a handy display at the front. Other than its display, you also get a fully unlocked 4G SIM card slot inside. And thanks to its SIM card slot, it can achieve maximum network speeds of up to 150 Mbps which should be plenty for most users.
Because this car WiFi router has a display on the front and it is made for portable usage, you get a decently large 2800 mAh battery with it. You can also connect this portable WiFi router with a total of 10 devices at once which is decent enough for the given price. Being a reputable and fairly popular brand of smartphones and networking devices, its included 1-year long warranty is to be expected as well. Although, it does miss out on any form of external ports which is to be expected at the given price tag.
Best Features:
- Offers maximum network speeds of up to 150Mbps
- Supports 4G networks for internet connectivity
- Connects with up to 10 devices at once
- Uses a 2800 mAh battery for power
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Handy display on the front for networking monitoring and control
- Fairly high network speeds with a fully unlocked 4G SIM card slot
- Quite a long battery life with an inbuilt battery for portable usage
Cons:
- Does not offer any external connectivity ports
- Maximum device connection support could have been higher
8. TP-Link AC750 Car WiFi Router
A compact and transportable travel router, the TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router(TL-WR902AC). This router is designed for individuals who are usually at the move and need a reliable internet connection.
It is prepared with dual-band AC750 Wi-Fi, that may supply up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 433Mbps on the 5GHz band. With its nano length, it is straightforward to carry in your pocket, making it ideal for travelers.
It additionally features a micro USB port for flexible electricity alternatives, permitting it to be charged via an adapter, portable charger, or computer. The TP-Link TL-WR902AC comes with an industry-main 2-yr guarantee and unlimited 24/7 technical aid. Get the ultra-modern model of this dependable tour router and stay connected on-the-move!
Best Features:
- Offers maximum network speeds of up to 750Mbps
- Supports 5G networks for internet connectivity
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
Pros:
- Providing versatile functionality to fit your needs.
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi
- Providing security for your wireless network
Cons:
- Limited range compared to larger routers
- It does not have any USB ports
9. GlocalMe U3 Car WiFi Router
GlocalMe U3 Black portable WiFi hotspot, perfect for those who need a reliable and fast internet connection on the go. These devices are built with patented Cloud SIM technology that allows instant access to domestic and international data without the need for a SIM card. Through intelligent network selection it ensures a stable and fast 4G LTE internet connection, making it the ideal solution for home, outdoor and global use in over 140 countries
The GlocalMe U3 Black offers private and secure WiFi connectivity with and advanced security features. It also allows sharing a WiFi connection with up to 10 devices at the same time. With flexible data plans, users can purchase data by day, month, region or GB according to their needs, without any contract or roaming charges.
The device has an open SIM card slot, allowing you to use any SIM card. It comes with a long-lasting 3,000mAh battery, which offers up to 13 hours of usage.The package includes 1.1GB of global data and 8GB of US/CA/MX data with a validity of 30 days. The GlocalMe app makes it easy to manage hotspots and data usage.
This portable WiFi hotspot is the perfect companion for hiking, business, camping and long distance travel. It delivers excellent performance and comes with industry-leading after-sales service. Stay connected to the GlocalMe U3 Black and enjoy a reliable internet connection anytime, anywhere.
Best Features:
- Supports 4G networks for internet connectivity
- Inbuilt 3000 mAh battery for powering devices
- Simultaneously connect with up to 10 devices
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Can be set up quickly and easily using the GlocalMe app
- Cloud SIM technology and global coverage in over 140 countries
- Inbuilt 3000 mAh battery for powering devices
Cons:
- Offers limited data plans
- May not be suitable for high-bandwidth activities.
Buying Guide for the Best Car WiFi Routers
Other than the phones used by you and your co-passengers, there might be other devices in your car which might require a WiFi connection for connecting to the internet. This can include things like tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, your car’s infotainment display, and much more.
One easy way to connect these to the internet is by using one of the best car WiFi routers given up above. For helping you in going with the right one, these various car WiFi routers have been given along with their important details and specifications. But if you wish to know even further, consider checking out this complete buying guide for the best car WiFi routers:
1. Wi Fi Speed
Similar to any other router that you would use at your home, checking the speed rating of your car WiFi router is also quite important. This is due to the reason that any WiFi router that offers a higher speed rating will offer faster internet access. In most cases, the speed rating of your car WiFi router will be given in Mbps.
As for the common WiFi speeds that you can find, most car WiFi routers are rated for either up to 150 Mbps or up to 300 Mbps where the latter is much better for fast internet access. Although, a few high-end car WiFi routers can even go up to 1000 Mbps which is quite high and should be more than enough for most when it comes to excellent networking speeds.
2. Network Support
While the car WiFi router does nothing more than turning on a WiFi hotspot device for connecting your devices, you still need some sort of way for connecting it to the internet. Generally, this is done with an onboard SIM card slot or an inbuilt eSIM. Although, some may even require an external USB modem for connecting to the internet.
In either case, checking the supported networks that you can use with your car WiFi hotspot router is quite important. When choosing between network types, any car WiFi router that supports 4G networks will be much faster than 3G network car WiFi routers. As for your preferred network courier, that varies from device to device and you can go with any model that supports your preferred network carrier.
3. Number of Devices
The primary reason for using a car WiFi router is that you want to share internet access to everyone in your car or RV. But if they have a lot of devices and want to use them all at once, then it is quite important to check the number of devices supported by your car WiFi router at once.
Starting with entry-level car WiFi routers, they will mostly support 4 to 5 devices at once. Thankfully, there are other high-end car WiFi routers out there that can work with 15 to 20 devices at once depending on the model that you get. And for picking a versatile car WiFi router, it is always advised to go with a router that supports a large number of devices.
4. Battery and Power
Before you can start using your car WiFi router for providing internet access to all the devices in your car, you will also need some sort of power for the same. As most car WiFi routers are also made for portable usage, they usually have an inbuilt battery for all its power needs.
Although, a few entry-level models may require you to plug your car WiFi router in a USB port for its power requirements. Coming back to car WiFi routers that have inbuilt batteries, you can find different battery sizes like 2000 mAh, 3000 mAh, and even 5000 mAh in some cases. Out of all these options, the larger 5000 mAh battery will last much longer on a single charge which is great for portable usage.
5. Ports
Even though you will be primarily connecting to your car WiFi router via a wireless WiFi connection, checking the ports offered by your router can still be a great idea. This is due to the reason that if your car WiFi router comes with USB ports and ethernet ports, it can be quite practical. While USB ports are great for connecting external modems and storage devices, an ethernet port is handy for connecting wired network devices which do not support WiFi connectivity.
6. Controls
In most cases, any given car WiFi router will come with multiple modes like hotspot device, repeater, and more. Not only that but you may also need to change its password, internet source type, and much more. For the same, checking the controls and indicators offered by your car WiFi router is quite important.
While advanced options are generally handled by smartphone apps, you can still find basic mode switches and indicator lights with most car WiFi routers. Other than that, you can also find a few high-end car WiFi routers with inbuilt displays for quickly and easily checking things like network speeds, connected devices, network signal strength, battery level, and much more.
7. Warranty
Once you have chosen the right car WiFi router as per these factors and your requirements, you would want it to stay functional for as long as possible. And to ensure the same, it is quite important to check its included warranty period. Fortunately, almost all car WiFi router models out there feature a 1-year long warranty which should be plenty for your peace of mind and decently long term usage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to selecting the best car WiFi router, several factors should be considered, including speed, reliability, and additional features. After careful evaluation, three top recommendations stand out:
- iNET Car WiFi Router: Its access point mode and dual-band frequency offer reliable connectivity for various devices, making it a versatile choice for travelers. Its compatibility with laptops, smartphones, and personal computers ensures seamless connectivity on the go.
- NETGEAR Car WiFi Router: Renowned for its super-fast wireless internet and parental control features, this router provides a secure and efficient browsing experience. With its dual-band frequency and broad device compatibility, it’s an excellent option for families and professionals alike.
- TP-Link AC750 Car WiFi Router: Boasting a guest mode and dual-band frequency, this router offers flexibility and convenience. Its built-in WiFi and compatibility with personal computers make it an ideal choice for individuals seeking reliable internet access during their travels.
Car WiFi Routers – FAQs
Ans: Car WiFi routers use a cellular connection, typically via a SIM card, to provide internet access to connected devices, similar to a mobile hotspot.
Ans: Key features to consider include data speed, network compatibility, security options, and ease of setup.
Ans: Car WiFi routers offer security features such as password protection and encryption to safeguard your connection from unauthorized access.
Ans: Installation typically involves connecting the router to power, inserting a SIM card with a data plan, and configuring the network settings.
Ans: Yes, you can use a car WiFi router to access online navigation apps and services, providing real-time traffic updates and directions.
Ans: Yes, most car WiFi routers support multiple simultaneous connections, allowing several devices to access the internet at once.
