Which 3G/4G Router is Best for Me?

We test many cellular routers, but only the BEST make it onto 3Gstore.com!

Mobile broadband like EVDO Rev-A from Verizon or Sprint or AT&T's HSPA service can be a perfect solution for anyone from RV-er's needing internet access all around the country to a family stuck in an area without access to wired broadband to businesses wanting a backup plan for the occasional outage (EVDO has saved the day for 3Gstore several times!)... but what if you want to share that internet connection with multiple devices? For many EVDO users, having broadband via an "aircard" or tethered phone onto one computer is nice, but providing internet access to ALL of your computers and other wireless-enabled devices like the iPod Touch, Sony PSP, or Nintendo DS would make your EVDO service even more valuable.

It's a question that the EVDO Experts at 3Gstore hear on a daily basis: how can I share my mobile broadband access with multiple computers, or other devices that need internet access?

The great news is that there are several 3G and 4G routers available that enable you to do just that! Cellular routers like the ones sold by 3Gstore work just like the average cable/dsl router you might have used in the past for a home/office DSL or cable-modem connection, but cellular routers have the unique ability to support cellular modems as their source of internet connectivity. With a router that supports your cellular device, you can plug your USB modem, ExpressCard, PCMCIA card, or even your cell phone into the router and instantly create your own local area/WiFi network!

3Gstore currently sells several different 3G routers: The Verizon MiFi , the very popular Cradlepoint models (CTR350, CTR500, PHS300, and MBR1000), the Linksys WRT54G3G V2, Linksys WRT54G3G-AT and the Kyocera KR2. They all operate on the same principle - share your mobile broadband connection with multiple devices - but they are NOT all equal!

Not all cellular devices will be supported by each of routers (see the router compatibility chart to see which routers work with your aircard/phone), and different features are available on certain models (such as load balancing) - and there's a wide price range. So how do you pick one?

In this Router Selection Guide, we look at the basics of each of 3Gstore's routers:

MiFi 2200 Mobile Hotsot

Carriers Supported: Sprint, Verizon

Form Factors: Self contained router with embedded radio/module.

Wireless Range: Operates on Wireless "G". Range is approximately 30 feet, depending upon factors such as interference from other electronics and physical interference such as thick walls. Range CANNOT be improved (no port for WiFi antenna). Limited to FIVE connected computers/devices.

Ethernet Ports: None but you can tether one Mac/Windows computer via USB port

Load Balancing: NO

Portability: This router is tinier than anything you want to provide internet connectivity to. Very compact and light - smallest 3G router available; cigarette lighter adapter available soon.

Manufacturer Support: Novatel makes the MiFi, and we have a great relationship with them. The MiFi is the first product of its kind, so the jury is still out on how well it will be supported/maintained.

PROs: Most portable 3G router. When bought with 2yr contract, it is also the most affordable way to share connectivity with up to five computers or wifi enabled devices.

CONs: Locked to ONE carrier. Cannot be used with any other carrier. NO cellular antenna jack! Wireless G radio with no option to add a WiFi antenna, signal strength can be seen only via web admin.

This Router is Best For: The MiFi is the least expensive way to allow multiple computers to share a mobile broadband connection and is ideal for traveling or installing in small places. As long as there is adequate cellular signal available it is perfect for applications where router size is more important than wifi range to/from the router (RV, truck/SUV, hotel/apartment, small office, dorm room, etc). It is also the least expensive way to get gaming consoles like the PS3/Wii/xBox online using mobile broadband.

Read the full MiFi review

Purchase the MiFi from 3Gstore

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Cradlepoint CTR350

Carriers Supported: Sprint, Verizon, Alltel, AT&T - see router compatibility chart

Form Factors Supported: USB, ExpressCard (with ExpressCard-to-USB adapter)

Wireless Range: Operates on Wireless "G". Range is approximately 80 feet, depending upon factors such as interference from other electronics and physical interference such as thick walls. Range CANNOT be improved (no port for WiFi antenna)

Ethernet Ports: One 10/100 BASE-T WAN OR LAN port

Load Balancing: NO

Portability: Excellent. Very compact and light - smallest 3G router available; cigarette lighter adapter available

Manufacturer Support: Excellent. Cradlepoint is very responsive to suggestions and complaints and makes a concerted effort to improve their products. Very quick to release firmware updates to support more devices/fix bugs.

PROs: Most affordable 3G router, compatible with many aircards and phones/PDAs, compact, good security options, WiPipe technology improves performance of most difficult connection types.

CONs: Wireless G, no option to add a WiFi antenna, signal strength can be seen only via web admin

This Router is Best For: The CTR350 is the least expensive way to allow multiple computers to share a mobile broadband connection and is ideal for traveling or installing in small places. It is perfect for applications where router size is more important than wifi range to/from the router (RV, truck/SUV, hotel/apartment, small office, dorm room, etc). It is also the least expensive way to get gaming consoles like the PS3/Wii/xBox online using mobile broadband like EVDO or HSDPA.

Read the full review

Purchase the CTR350 from 3Gstore

Cradlepoint PHS300 Battery Powered Router

Carriers Supported: Sprint, Verizon, Alltel, AT&T - see router compatibility chart

Form Factors Supported: USB, ExpressCard (with ExpressCard-to-USB adapter)

Wireless Range: Operates on Wireless "G". Range is approximately 80 feet, depending upon factors such as interference from other electronics and physical interference such as thick walls. Range CANNOT be improved (no port for WiFi antenna)

Ethernet Ports: ZERO. Do NOT puchase this router if you need to hardwire a computer via ethernet! If you have a computer that does not have wireless capabilites, you can purchase an 802.11N USB Adapter to make it WiFi-compatible!

Load Balancing: NO

Portability: The best!! Built-in battery provides about 2 hours of WiFi when you don't have a power source. Very compact and light; cigarette lighter adapter available (also charges battery).

Manufacturer Support: Excellent. Cradlepoint is very responsive to suggestions and complaints and makes a concerted effort to improve their products. Very quick to release firmware updates to support more devices/fix bugs.

PROs: The only 3G router to feature a built-in rechargable battery, compatible with many aircards and phones/PDAs, compact, good security options, WiPipe technology improves performance of most difficult connection types

CONs: Wireless G, no option to add a WiFi antenna, no ethernet port, no indicator showing battery life (additional batteries available)

This Router is Best For: With its built-in battery, the PHS300 is ideal for anyone on the go -- business executives, reporters, bloggers, even families on road trips! Thanks to its diminutive size, this router can be taken anywhere and used for up to two hours without even being plugged into a power outlet!

Read the full review

Purchase the PHS300 from 3Gstore

Cradlepoint CTR500

Carriers Supported: Sprint, Verizon, Alltel, AT&T - see router compatibility chart

Form Factors Supported: USB, ExpressCard

Wireless Range: Operates on Wireless "G". Range is approximately 80 feet, depending upon factors such as interference from other electronics and physical interference such as thick walls. For more range, add the optional wifi antenna for up to 30% more WiFi coverage.

Ethernet Ports: One 10/100 Ethernet port operates as WAN input or LAN output

Load Balancing: YES

Portability: Excellent. Just slightly larger than the uber-tiny CTR350 and comes bundled with both a "global" 110/240v ac adapter as well as a 12v cigarette lighter adapter

Manufacturer Support: Excellent. Cradlepoint is very responsive to suggestions and complaints and makes a concerted effort to improve their products. Very quick to release firmware updates to support more devices/fix bugs.

PROs: Same high-power processor as flagship MBR1000 router, ExpressCard slot (some ExpressCards can be used with the CTR350 and PHS300 but only with an adapter), compatible with many devices including many phones/PDAs, compact, antenna jack to improve WiFi range, signal strength lights on body, supports fail-over (with priority assignments), supports load balancing, global ac power adapter, WiPipe technology improves performance of most difficult connection types

CONs: Not many for this great router! Wireless N would be preferable to G, however.

This Router is Best For: The CTR500 is excellent for travelers and home/office users alike. The small size, signal indicator lights and included cigarette lighter adapter make it a great choice for RV-ers. With the extensive list of supported devices - including many phones/PDAs, such as the new Rev-A Blackberry Storm - and Cradlepoint's track record for providing updates when new devices debut, the CTR500 is a great investment likely to last a long time, even if you upgrade your device.

Read the full review

Purchase the CTR500 from 3Gstore

Cradlepoint MBR1000 - the Flagship 3G Router

Carriers Supported: Sprint, Verizon, Alltel, AT&T - see router compatibility chart

Form Factors Supported: USB (2), ExpressCard

Wireless Range: Operates on Wireless "N" and is backwards-compatible with B/G. Range is excellent, 6-10x what you'll see with a wireless G router. Even your G devices will benefit from the super-powerful N radio (or purchase an N adapter and upgrade your computer!). Of course, remember that range can depend on factors such as interference from other electronics and physical interference such as thick walls.

Ethernet Ports: Four 10/100Mbps Auto-MDIX LAN Port and one 10/100Mbps WAN Port

Load Balancing: YES

Portability: Average. It's not huge and there is a cigarette lighter adapter available, but its three non-removable WiFi antennas make it a bit bulky.

Manufacturer Support: Excellent. Cradlepoint is very responsive to suggestions and complaints and makes a concerted effort to improve their products. Very quick to release firmware updates to support more devices/fix bugs.

PROs: More powerful on-board processor than CTR350/PHS300, Wireless N radio provides excellent WiFi range, ExpressCard slot (some ExpressCards can be used with the CTR350 and PHS300 but only with an adapter), compatible with many devices including many phones/PDAs, supports fail-over (with priority assignments), four ethernet LAN ports and a WAN port, works great as a cable/dsl/satellite router (with optional failover to cellular), supports load balancing, great admin features, signal lights on router body, WiPipe technology improves performance of most difficult connection types

CONs: The antennas are not user-removable, so there is no easy way to improve your WiFi range (although the range is the best of any 3G router).

This Router is Best For: The MBR1000 is the top-of-the-line 3G router and is an awesome choice for just about any application (unless you have a pcmcia card). Excellent value for the money and by far the best long-term investment thanks to its wireless N radio and frequent firmware upgrades courtesy of Cradlepoint. There isn't much you can't do with this router!!

Read the full review

Purchase the MBR1000 from 3Gstore

Cradlepoint MBR1200

Carriers Supported: Sprint, Verizon, Alltel, AT&T - see router compatibility chart

Form Factors Supported: USB (3), ExpressCard, PCMCIA (the ONLY Cradlepoint router that supports PCMCIA!)

Wireless Range: Operates on 802.11 "N" and is backwards-compatible with B/G; even your G devices will benefit from the super-powerful N radio (or purchase an N adapter and upgrade your computer!). Range is excellent, several times what you'll see with a wireless G router, although slightly less than the MBR1000 because the MBR1200 does not come with external WiFi antennas attached. Optional external WiFi antennas are also available to increase your WiFi range even more. Of course, remember that range can depend on factors such as interference from other electronics and physical interference such as thick walls.

Ethernet Ports: Four (4) gigabit 10/100/1000 LAN/WAN configurable ports and One (1) 10/100/1000 WAN (ethernet)

Load Balancing: YES

Portability: Average. Larger than the "travel routers" but more compact than the MBR1000 (because there are no attached WiFi antennas). There is also a cigarette lighter adapter available for use on the go.

Manufacturer Support: Excellent. Cradlepoint is very responsive to suggestions and complaints and makes a concerted effort to improve their products. Very quick to release firmware updates to support more devices/fix bugs.

PROs: More powerful on-board processor than CTR350/PHS300, Wireless N radio provides excellent WiFi range, optional external WiFi antennas are available to improve the WiFi range even more, more modem ports than any other 3G router, ExpressCard slot (some ExpressCards can be used with the CTR350 and PHS300 but only with an adapter), ONLY Cradlepoint router with a PCMCIA card slot, compatible with many devices including many phones/PDAs, supports fail-over (with priority assignments),support for up to five concurrent VPN sessions, four gigabit ethernet LAN ports and a WAN port, works great as a cable/dsl/satellite router (with optional failover to cellular), supports load balancing, great admin features, signal lights on router body, WiPipe technology improves performance of most difficult connection type, optional security enclosure available.

CONs: Not many for this powerful router! The higher cost may be hard to justify for users that don't need all the features, though.

This Router is Best For: The MBR1200 is a no-brainer for PCMCIA card users (if you upgrade in the future to an ExpressCard or USB modem, you won't need a new router!), and folks needing advanced VPN functionality will love it as well. Load balancers will love its five modem ports, and the optional security enclosure make it a great choice for in-the-field applications.

Read the full review

Purchase the MBR1200 from 3Gstore

Kyocera KR2

***Update 5/4/09: Kyocera will not be releasing any future firmware updates for the KR2***

Carriers Supported: Sprint, Verizon, Alltel, AT&T - see router compatibility chart

Form Factors Supported: USB (2), ExpressCard, PCMCIA

Wireless Range: Operates on Wireless "N" and is backwards-compatible with B/G. Range is excellent, 6-10x what you'll see with a wireless G router. Even your G devices will benefit from the super-powerful N radio (or purchase an N adapter and upgrade your computer!). Of course, remember that range can depend on factors such as interference from other electronics and physical interference such as thick walls.

Ethernet Ports: Built-in 10/100 Mbps switch with 4 Ethernet ports

Load Balancing: YES

Portability: Average. It's not huge and there is a cigarette lighter adapter available, but its three non-removable WiFi antennas make it a bit bulky.

Manufacturer Support: Average. Kyocera actually commissioned Cradlepoint to manufacture the KR2, and it is virtually identical to the MBR1000 except it adds support for PCMCIA cards. However, while Cradlepoint releases new firmware for their routers farily often, the KR2 is not included in these updates. Update 5/4/09: Kyocera will not be releasing any future firmware updates for the KR2.

PROs: PCMCIA slot, manufactured by Cradlepoint, Wireless N, excellent range, ExpressCard slot (some ExpressCards can be used with the CTR350 and PHS300 but only with an adapter), compatible with many devices including many phones/PDAs, supports fail-over (with priority assignments), supports load balancing, signal indicator lights on router body, WiPipe technology improves performance of most difficult connection types

CONs: The antennas are not user removable, so there is no easy way to improve your WiFi signal (although the range is great), no future firmware updates!.

This Router is Best For: Since Kyocera will not be releasing any future firmware updates for the KR2, we do NOT recommend this router in most cases. If you have a PCMCIA card and do NOT wish to upgrade to a USB or ExpressCard model or purchase the MBR1200, the KR2 is still a great router BUT it is important that you understand that there will not be any future firmware updates and if you ever upgrade to a new device it is unlikely that the KR2 will be compatible.

Read the full review

Purchase the KR2 from 3Gstore

Linksys WRT54G3G V2

Carriers Supported: Sprint ONLY (Some people have successfully used Verizon devices with this router, but non-Sprint devices are NOT officially supported and it is not recommended to use this router with anything but Sprint devices)

Form Factors Supported: PCMCIA, USB, ExpressCard (with adapter)

Wireless Range: Operates on Wireless "G". Range is approximately 80 feet, depending upon factors such as interference from other electronics and physical interference such as thick walls. Can easily swap out stock 3.3 dBi WiFi antenna with 5.5 dBi high gain WiFi antenna for up to 20% more WiFi range.

Ethernet Ports: Four 10/100 RJ-45 Switched Port, one ethernet WAN port

Load Balancing: NO

Portability: No official cigarette lighter adapter for power source.

Manufacturer Support: Poor. Linksys is slow to release updates, so it is unlikely that we'll see an increase in the supported devices anytime soon. When calling for tech support, Linksys will often tell customers they have to call Sprint, and Sprint will often tell customers they have to call Linksys! Fun!

PROs: Affordable, real fail-over capabilities, easy to improve WiFi range with antenna

CONs: Limited device support, NO support for handsets/PDAs, wireless G, few firmware upgrades to support new devices/fix bugs

This Router is Best For: Sprint PCMCIA card users who do not plan to switch carriers or upgrade their device

Read the full review

Purchase the WRT54G3G V2 from 3Gstore

Linksys WRT54G3G-AT for AT&T/Cingular

Carriers Supported: AT&T/Cingular ONLY

Form Factors Supported: PCMCIA ONLY

Wireless Range: Operates on Wireless "G". Range is approximately 80 feet, depending upon factors such as interference from other electronics and physical interference such as thick walls. Can easily swap out stock 3.3 dBi WiFi antenna with 5.5 dBi high gain WiFi antenna for up to 20% more WiFi range.

Ethernet Ports: Four 10/100 RJ-45 Switched Port , one ethernet WAN port

Load Balancing: NO

Portability: No cigarette lighter adapter for power source.

Manufacturer Support: Poor. Linksys is slow to release updates, so it is unlikely that we'll see an increase in the supported devices anytime soon.

PROs: Affordable, ONLY router to support the Sierra 881 and 875 pcmcia cards.

CONs: VERY limited device support, NO support for handsets/PDAs, wireless G, few firmware upgrades to support new devices/fix bugs

This Router is Best For: This router is appropriate only for AT&T users who own the Sierra 881 or 875 pcmcia cards.

Still can't decide which - if any - router is right for you? Here are a couple of the most frequently asked router-related questions we hear at 3Gstore:

Q: Will using a router slow down my EVDO connection?

A: NO. Adding a router to your internet setup should not affect your service - in fact, your signal strength and hence your overall performance could improve, since you can put the router and aircard in the area of your home/office where the signal is best rather than trying to pickup signal wherever your laptop is (or, worse, being stuck having to always use your computer in the one spot of the house that gets great signal). However, remember that the more clients that are sharing the network, the bigger the fight for bandwidth!

Q: Will every device have to have my carrier's connection manager installed to share the EVDO connection?

A: NO. Once your cellular device has been activated once and is connected to the router, wifi-enabled devices will access the network via their built-in WiFi manager; hardwired devices such as non-WiFi desktops can connect via ethernet cable (except for the PHS300, which does not have an ethernet port). If you do not have a PC to do the intial one-time activation of the aircard or wish to avoid installing the connection manager software at all, 3Gstore can activate your device prior to shipping at no extra charge - once you receive it, simply put it into the router and you'll be ready to go!

Q: If I'm not using the connection manager, how can I monitor my usage?

A: Simply log into your Sprint/Verizon/AT&T account online to check your usage. Click here for detailed instructions .

Q: My desktop doesn't have WiFi. Can I still use a router?

A: YES. If you select a router with an ethernet port (all but the PHS300 have at least 1) you can connect your computer directly to your router. Alternatively, you can purchase a wireless adapter for your desktop and make it wireless!

Q: How do I know if my device is supported by a particular router?

A: Always check the router compatibility chart before purchasing a router. If you don't see your device listed as officially supported, it MAY still work - we recommend contacting us or searching our EVDO Forums to see if other users have had success.

Q: If I leave my router on all the time with my aircard plugged into it, will it use up my 5GB allowance?

A: NO. Simply being connected to the internet should not use up your bandwidth - bandwidth is only used when data is being transmitted, such as when you send an email, load a webpage, or download a file. However, keep in mind that some computer programs run automatic updates (such as Windows) that may download and thus use some bandwidth even if you're not sitting at your computer. If your computer is compromised by a nasty virus, that can also eat up tons of bandwidth. Click here to read a blog post on this topic!

Q: Can I hook up my 3G router to my XBox/PS3/Wii and help me play online games?

A: YES. Online gaming using mobile broadband is much easier when you use a 3G router, and more often than not, the gaming experience is faster than "ICS" or "connection sharing". The experts at 3Gstore have created an excellent gaming tipsheet that is available to all 3Gstore customers. If you already purchased your equipment from 3Gstore.com, just send an email to support at 3Gstore.com with the subject of "Send EVDO Gaming Tipsheet" and we will send you the exclusive 8-page gaming PDF. For faster service, include your 3Gstore Invoice number.

Q: Can I use my cellular phone or PDA with a 3G router?

A: YES. If you have the tethering (AKA "phone as modem") feature enabled on your phone, you may be able to share the connection via a 3G router. Not all handsets are compatible, so check the router compatibility chart before purchasing a router.

Q: What kind of range will I get with a 3G router?

A: It depends on the router and of course on circumstances such as the layout of your home/office. For wireless G routers (CTR350, PHS300, CTR500, both Linksys models), the average is anywhere from 50-100 feet, depending on wall construction and interference from competing electronics like cordless phones, wifi cameras, baby monitors - even certain fluorescent lights! With the CTR500 and Linksys routers, you have the option of installing a WiFi antenna that can boost your range up to 20%. For the KR2 and MBR1000, which utilize the more powerful N radio, your range will be 6-10x what you'd see with a G router - even if none of your devices are N-compatible, the powerful N radio will still provide excellent range.

Q: How many computers/devices can I share the connection with if I use a 3G router?

A: Some manufacturers list a maximum number of clients that their devices will support (for example, Cradlepoint rates the MBR1000 for up to 32 wireless clients and says the CTR350/PHS300 will support 16), but it is more important to consider the practical limits of sharing the bandwidth a single mobile broadband connection provides. If you consider the maximum of 1.5mbps of download stream you can get from EVDO Rev-A and imagine 32 users all trying to download a file at the same time, you can see that it might not be practical to try to share with that many devices. 

Q: Are any of these routes battery-powered?

A: The Cradlepoint PHS300 has a built-in battery that lasts for about 2 hours, and all of the routers are compatible with the 3G Router Battery Pack , which can provide 12-16 hours of battery-powered use to your router!

Q: What router does 3Gstore recommend?

A: Our recommendation varies based on the user's needs, but we are quite fond of the MBR1000. It is well-made, has excellent support, great range, supports a myriad of devices and is frequently updated. With all of its features and N radio, it's a great value for your money.

Q: What about the new Cradlepoint MBR800 I saw on 3Gstore.com?

A: The MBR800 is a great product in certain applications, but it is NOT appropriate for most users because it does NOT have WiFi. It is best for business situations such as a kiosk setup and supports VPN pass-through. Most folks looking for a 3G router need WiFi and should opt for an MBR1000 instead.

Q: What about the new Cradlepoint CBA250 I saw on 3Gstore.com?

A: Like the MBR800, the CBA250 is NOT the right solution for MOST users looking for a 3G router. This product is actually considered a "broadband adapter" and features public IP pass-through but it does NOT have WiFi. The similar but WiFi-enabled CTR500 is more appropriate for most users.

Still have questions? Contact us !

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