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What Is MiFi and How to Choose One: Pocket 4G Router Guide
What Is MiFi and How to Choose One: Pocket 4G Router Guide
What a MiFi is, why it beats phone tethering, what to check before buying (LTE category, battery, antenna port) and when a fixed 4G router is better.
A MiFi is a pocket router with a SIM card: it picks up mobile internet and shares it over Wi-Fi with several devices at once. Handy at a summer house, while travelling, in a rented flat, and as a backup line when the fixed connection goes down. Here is how it compares to phone tethering and what to look for.
Why a MiFi beats phone tethering
- It does not drain your phone. A MiFi has its own battery.
- It handles more devices. Typically 10–15 at once, reliably.
- More stable. A dedicated modem and antennas outperform a phone hotspot.
- Separate SIM. You can run a data-only plan without touching your main number.
What to look at when choosing
Network category
In Azerbaijan the main coverage is 4G/LTE. Check the category: Cat4 (up to 150 Mbps) is plenty for video and work; Cat6 and above only pays off where the network is genuinely fast.
Battery
2000 mAh gives roughly 6–8 hours. If you need it out of the house all day, pick a larger capacity or plan for a power bank.
Number of devices
Ten supported devices covers a family trip. For a small office or an event, look at models rated for 15–32 connections.
External antenna connector
If you will use it out of town where signal is weak, an external antenna connector is the single most useful line in the spec sheet.
MiFi or a fixed 4G router?
| MiFi (pocket) | Home 4G router | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Battery | Mains |
| Where it is used | Anywhere, on the move | Home, office |
| Wi-Fi coverage | One room | Whole flat |
| LAN ports | No | Yes |
If you need mobile internet at home permanently, get a fixed 4G Wi-Fi router instead. A MiFi is about portability.
FAQ
Does any SIM card work?
Yes, unlocked units work with any local SIM. A data-oriented plan makes the most sense.
Can I use it while charging?
Yes. At home or in a car most people simply leave it plugged in.
Why is it slower than my phone?
Usually placement. Put it near a window — mobile internet depends heavily on signal strength at that exact spot.
Can a MiFi replace home broadband?
As a temporary or backup line, yes. For sustained load (several people, 4K video, online gaming) a fixed line plus a proper router is more dependable.
Summary
Get a MiFi if you need internet away from home or as a backup. The three things that matter are LTE category, battery capacity and an external antenna connector. Models and prices are in 4G routers and MiFi.
Related models: TP-Link Archer NX200, TP-Link M7005, TP-Link TL-MR100, TP-Link TL-MR6400.