If updating your router seems like something that belongs at the bottom of your list, investing in a newer 5G portable router could take your browsing experience to a whole new level. A portable 5G router connects directly to 5G rather than relying on Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi routers often just broadcast your cable or DSL internet connection), making it a great choice if you live somewhere with a killer cellular signal.
Do you really need a 5G router if your old router is still alive? The truth is, a “don’t fix it if it ain’t broke” attitude won’t get you far. 5G cellular technology may offer superior reliability and speed, but these routers combine a dedicated 5G modem with a traditional Wi-Fi router in a single box. So, by installing a single plug-and-play package, you can get the best of both worlds and future-proof your home setup.
What’s the problem with 5G routers?
In short, 5G routers are the next big thing in internet connectivity. These portable devices leverage new 5G cellular networks to deliver faster, more reliable connections than cable or DSL Wi-Fi routers. Plus, they do it with much lower latency.
While choosing one of the best router brands on the market will likely give you a stable connection, 5G is, in many cases, a superior choice. Blame it on existing infrastructure. No matter how advanced your traditional router is, it still relies on “the wire”. You’ll generally get more out of 5G than a regular Wi-Fi connection, with the exception of a fiber optic connection.
Let’s say you’re ready to jump into high-bandwidth activities like gaming or 4K streaming. In this case, the 5G router is much more useful, as it not only provides more raw Mbps, but also eliminates Wi-Fi range limitations and interference from other networks. Since a standard router is a high-speed device, in the event of an outage, you’re pretty much stuck. A 5G router, on the other hand, can switch you to a 4G network until things return to normal, without interruption.
Some portable 5G routers are also battery powered. You know what that means: the best possible connection on the go. Whether you’re a full-time digital nomad or just a remote worker heading to a coffee shop for a quick coding or writing session, a 5G router could be a logical choice.
Should you get a 5G router?
Many people are surprised to learn that their cellular Internet connection can be much faster than what their router can provide. If you’re considering replacing your home internet connection with your phone’s hotspot, a 5G router is the right choice. Unfortunately, this mainly applies to urban centers. Your location absolutely matters, and if you’re stuck in a more rural area, getting a 5G router may not pack the punch you expect.
Your Internet habits also play a role. If you browse social media and stream standard definition content, your regular Wi-Fi router will probably get you through the day for a few more years. For those who need a little more juice to surf intensely on high bandwidth, opting for the modern solution is usually a good decision. The same goes if you need a robust mobile setup. Think about intense remote working, setting up mobile offices or even mobile homes.
Ultimately, whether or not you need a 5G router is a personal choice, but remember that 5G connectivity is clearly the way of the future. Even if your location prevents you from getting in on the action now, things could change very soon. Upgrading your home internet network (or at least setting up 5G as a backup until coverage improves) could very well be the right decision for you.
