Best Budget-Friendly: Yeacomm 4G LTE CPE Router with Sim Card Slot

Let’s talk 4G LTE routers and modems!

Before we get going, we need to warn you up front: this subject can get very tech-y. While there are online videos that walk you through the set up of these routers with various cellular providers, we would only recommend purchasing these products if you have the patience and tech chops to do it.

Yes, a 4G LTE router can be a good, low-cost solution to bringing broadband to a rural home—or an RV. However, there is one aspect of this purchase that makes it complex: figuring out how to make these routers work with your preferred carrier.

That’s right—these routers require a SIM card from a cellular carrier (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T). And some carriers (Verizon, we are looking at you) can be make this a bit of a challenge. While the technical details of these SIM cards (and the unlimited internet plans you need to purchase to go along with them) are beyond the scope of this article, be aware that there may be some trial and error to get a 4G LTE router up and running.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk the pros and cons of our favorite 4G LTE routers.

For the best budget-friendly 4G LTE router, we recommend Yeacomm’s 4G LTE CPE Router. Yes, this router is much less than others researched . . . and for some folks, it may be the perfect affordable solution to bringing broadband to your home or RV.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Band lock to focus on best signal.

• Works with 15 wireless US carriers.

• Includes phone port on back. That’s right, you can plug in an old-fashioned landline and use this router to make calls like a cell phone.

• 4 LAN ports.

• USB port.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Doesn’t work with Verizon. Well, we do see some online reports that folks have been able to get this router to work with a Verizon SIM card. However, the maker says “no Verizon” so we’ll take them at their word.

• Doesn’t work on older CDMA networks.

• WiFi signal isn’t very strong. However, it might work fine in a smaller home or RV.

• Security concerns. We see a few online reports that folks were unable to change the root password on the unit. That’s a security concern. We tried to contact the company to see if there is a way around this issue, but didn’t hear back before this article went to press.

Best Compatibility: MOF14500-4GXeLTE-SIM7-COMBO 4G/LTE Router

Yes, this router is pricey—but if you need the most compatibility (cell phone bands) and the ability to customize settings, this is probably your best bet. 

Why would you need a 4G LTE router with more compatibility? Well, if you are planning a long RV trip, being able to lock on more bands (based on the strongest signal near you) may be worth the extra investment.

What We Liked

• Easy to set up.

• Great for RV’ing. And considering the cost that some RV parks charge for WiFi, this router may pay for itself in short order

• Pulls in a wider range of cell phone bands.

• Built-in wireless repeater mode.

• Extensive interface lets you tweak the connection to your heart’s delight.

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

• Looks a bit like a mad scientist experiment. Of course, those large antennas help bring in the signal . . . but still.

Best For Techies: KuWFI 300 MBPS 3G 4G LTE Car Wifi Wireless Router

Setting up any 4G LTE router requires some basic tech chops. Yet some routers require more tech savvy than others: we’d put KuWFI’s 4G router in that later category.

While this isn’t the most expensive router on the market, it does have some attractive features—including a strong WiFi signal the maker says will carry up to 500 meters. Based on real world reports, we think that is a bit of a stretch  . . . but it is stronger than others we researched.

What We Liked

• Great for tech-savvy folks.

• Affordable.

• Excellent for RV trips.

• Can host up to 32 devices at once.

What Needs Work

• Instructions are poor.

• Doesn’t work with Verizon or Boost Mobile.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!