Portable WiFi dongles.
Mobile broadband explained and compared.
A WiFi dongle or MiFi device lets you take broadband anywhere. This guide covers how they work, the difference between a dongle and a MiFi, what speeds to expect, pay as you go vs monthly, and how to choose the right option for your needs.
A mobile broadband dongle or MiFi device connects to the 4G or 5G mobile network and gives you internet access without a fixed line. Dongles plug into a USB port on a single laptop. MiFi devices create a WiFi hotspot that multiple devices can share. Both run on a SIM card and work anywhere you have mobile signal. They are ideal for travelling, temporary accommodation, working from home as a backup, or anywhere without a fixed broadband connection.
WiFi dongle vs MiFi: what is the difference?
The terms broadband dongle, mobile broadband device, and portable WiFi are often used interchangeably, but they describe slightly different things. Here is what each one actually means.
USB broadband dongle
A small USB stick that contains a SIM card and connects directly to your laptop or computer. It provides internet access to that one device only. Simple and cheap but limited to a single connection. No battery needed as it draws power from your USB port. Becoming less common as MiFi devices have fallen in price and offer more flexibility. Still useful for a dedicated laptop connection where sharing is not needed.
MiFi / pocket WiFi device
A standalone battery-powered device about the size of a credit card that connects to the 4G or 5G network and creates a WiFi hotspot. Multiple devices can connect simultaneously, typically 10 to 15 at once. You connect your phone, laptop, and tablet just as you would to a home router. The battery lasts 6 to 12 hours on a typical device. MiFi broadband is the more practical choice for most people and is now the dominant type of portable broadband device in the UK.
For most people in 2026, a MiFi device is the better choice. The price difference between a USB dongle and a MiFi has narrowed significantly, and the ability to connect multiple devices makes MiFi far more useful day to day. The only genuine advantage of a USB dongle is simplicity: plug in and it works without any setup. If you only ever need one laptop connected and want zero configuration, a dongle is fine. Otherwise, a MiFi device gives you more for a similar cost.
What broadband speeds can you get with a dongle or MiFi device?
Mobile broadband dongle speeds depend on whether your device supports 4G or 5G and how strong the signal is in your location. Here is a realistic guide to what to expect.
| Connection type | Typical download speed | Best for | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3G dongle | 1 to 8Mbps | Basic browsing and email only | Very wide, rural areas |
| 4G MiFi | 10 to 60Mbps | Working from home, streaming HD, most households | Good across UK towns and cities |
| 5G MiFi | 100 to 300Mbps+ | Heavy users, 4K streaming, multiple devices | Growing, mainly urban areas |
Broadband dongle speeds vary significantly with location, time of day, and network congestion. Unlike fixed line broadband where your speed is relatively consistent, mobile broadband can fluctuate based on how many people are using the local mast. During busy periods such as evenings in a densely populated area, speeds can drop noticeably. This is the key limitation of portable broadband versus a fixed FTTP or FTTC connection.
If you are relying on a broadband mobile dongle as your primary home internet, check coverage maps for the specific network before committing. EE generally has the widest 4G coverage across the UK. Three tends to offer the most competitive unlimited data pricing. Vodafone and O2 sit between the two on both coverage and price.
Pay as you go vs monthly: which broadband dongle deal is right for you?
Portable broadband deals come in two main forms: monthly contracts and pay as you go. The right choice depends on how often you need mobile internet and whether you want commitment or flexibility.
| Plan type | Typical cost | Best for | Exit flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay as you go broadband dongle | £5 to £20 per data bundle | Occasional users, travel, backup only | No commitment |
| 30-day rolling monthly | £15 to £30/month | Regular users who want flexibility | Cancel anytime |
| 12-month contract | £10 to £25/month | Primary home broadband replacement | Exit fee if leaving early |
| 24-month contract | £8 to £20/month | Long-term commitment for lowest cost | Exit fee if leaving early |
Pay as you go broadband dongle options from Three, O2, and Vodafone let you top up with data bundles as needed without any monthly commitment. A typical 10GB bundle costs around £10 to £15 and lasts 30 days from activation. This works well as an emergency backup or for occasional travel but becomes expensive if you are using significant data regularly. A 30-day rolling monthly plan is usually better value for anyone using mobile broadband more than a few times per month.
Unlimited portable broadband plans are available from Three and Smarty on 30-day rolling terms, making them a genuinely flexible option for people who want broadband without a fixed line contract. These plans typically cost £20 to £35 per month and include unlimited data with no traffic management during most hours, though some apply speed limits during peak times.
Business broadband dongle options are available from most networks and typically include a static IP address and priority data, which keeps speeds more consistent during busy periods. Business portable broadband deals are worth considering if you rely on a MiFi device for client-facing work or video calls where connection quality matters.
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If a fixed line connection is available where you are, it will almost always offer better value and more consistent speeds than a dongle or MiFi. Compare what is available at your address.
Compare broadband dealsQuestions people ask about WiFi dongles and portable broadband
A WiFi dongle is a small USB device that contains a SIM card and connects your laptop to the mobile network. It works like a SIM in a phone, giving you internet access wherever you have 4G or 5G signal. Some dongles create a WiFi hotspot for multiple devices while others only connect the single device they are plugged into. The term broadband dongle, mobile broadband dongle, and broadband internet dongle all refer to the same thing.
A dongle plugs into a USB port and usually only connects one device. A MiFi, also called a pocket WiFi or portable WiFi router, is a standalone battery-powered device that creates its own WiFi network for multiple devices to share. MiFi broadband is more versatile and is now the dominant type of portable broadband device. Both use a SIM card to connect to the mobile network.
Yes. Three and Smarty both offer unlimited portable broadband plans on 30-day rolling contracts. Unlimited portable broadband typically costs £20 to £35 per month. Some unlimited plans apply speed limits during peak hours so check the fair use policy before committing. Unlimited broadband dongle deals are the best option if you are using a MiFi as your primary home internet connection.
A pay as you go broadband dongle is good for occasional use, travel, or as an emergency backup. You buy data bundles as you need them with no monthly commitment. If you use mobile broadband regularly, a monthly plan works out cheaper than pay as you go. Broadband dongle pay as you go options are available from Three, O2, and Vodafone with data bundles starting from around £10 for 10GB.
It can in some situations but it is not the best option for most households. A 4G or 5G MiFi device can provide adequate speeds for working from home and streaming, but speeds are less consistent than fixed line broadband and can vary with network congestion. If a fixed FTTP or FTTC connection is available at your address, it will almost always offer better value and reliability than portable broadband. MiFi works well as a primary connection in areas where fixed line broadband is not available or very slow.
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Fixed line broadband is almost always faster and better value than a dongle. See what is available at your address.
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