Looking for a good 4G router

Gadzy · 12 Nov 2020 at 13:56

Hello all,

I have just taken out a EE SIM only plan for unlimited data. I currently have one on the network THREE, but the latency is nowhere near as good compared to tests on EE and I believe EE are promising me better speeds for the area I live in. I'm looking for a good 4G router so I can get the most out of it and the most out of my signal. I've been looking at the TP LINK MR600?

What I also like with EE is that for 100 pounds they will come out and install an external antenna for you which provides installation and the antenna. It's something I can fall back on. If I was to buy a antenna and have it installed it would probably be more money. Any idea on a decent 4G router I can order online?

WJA96 · 12 Nov 2020 at 15:14

Mikrotik Chateau LTE12. I believe it’s theoretically the fastest LTE router available in the UK.

Begbie · 12 Nov 2020 at 15:16

I have the TP-Link Archer MR600 AC1200and it's been fine, seeing 150 most days.

WJA96 · 12 Nov 2020 at 15:25

Begbie said:
I have the TP-Link Archer MR600 AC1200and it's been fine, seeing 150 most days.

You must have the newer LTE6 one (the one that says 300Mbps on the box).

Begbie · 12 Nov 2020 at 15:55

WJA96 said:
You must have the newer LTE6 one (the one that says 300Mbps on the box).

Yeah it is. Deliberately wanted as my phone can do over 150 around here.

Gadzy · 12 Nov 2020 at 18:36

Yes, I went for the newer LTE6 one. I'm not sure if it will make any difference. I'm a little worried because my phone which is on EE has decided to suddenly give rubbish readings!! My phone has always done this, but then I put it into a router and it's better. They give you 14 days room to cancel so I'll be testing VIGOROUSLY before that 14 days and the contract will be cancelled if not. Apparently EE should provide better coverage and according to them I get get 33mbps average, I will hold them to that!!!

Gadzy · 12 Nov 2020 at 18:37

Begbie said:
Yeah it is. Deliberately wanted as my phone can do over 150 around here.

What network are you on and what's your ping readings on speed test

marms · 12 Nov 2020 at 21:25

I used to use a TP-Link M7200 and switched to the MR600 and my connection on Smarty Mobile went up from about 20 mbps to about 45 mbps so I'm very happy with it.

WJA96 · 13 Nov 2020 at 07:03

Please be careful randomly talking about the MR600 because there are at least 4 different versions of it.

Begbie · 13 Nov 2020 at 09:06

Gadzy said:
What network are you on and what's your ping readings on speed test

Between 10-50ms, depending on time of day etc. But I rarely have issues gaming, sometimes I get some rubber banding though.

I'm talking about the MR600 AC1200 4G+ model, so up to 300Mbps.

https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/3g-4g-router/archer-mr600/

marms · 13 Nov 2020 at 13:42

WJA96 said:
Please be careful randomly talking about the MR600 because there are at least 4 different versions of it.

I have V1 what's the difference between this and V2? They both seem to have the same specs, i can't find any other versions.

Rroff · 13 Nov 2020 at 13:48

marms said:
I have V1 what's the difference between this and V2? They both seem to have the same specs, i can't find any other versions.

I don't know specifically but one of the differences between different versions of the same TP-Link 4G routers is whether they have fixed or removable antennas or not - while the stock antenna are pretty decent an external one can be handy.

marms · 13 Nov 2020 at 17:20

Rroff said:
I don't know specifically but one of the differences between different versions of the same TP-Link 4G routers is whether they have fixed or removable antennas or not - while the stock antenna are pretty decent an external one can be handy.

It's the MR400 that you're thinking of, V1 and V3 have removable aerials and V2 doesn't. The MR600 all have removable aerials.