Best Routers with SIM Card Support

Among routers with a SIM card slot for distributing mobile internet, the model from the Mercusys brand is one of the most affordable on the market. It is made in white and has compact dimensions — 9.5x6x17 cm, which allows it to fit into practically any interior.

Mercusys MB112-4G supports LTE Category 4 connection, working on receiving data at speeds up to 150 Mbps and transmitting at up to 50 Mbps. The modem is compatible with most mobile operators operating in 3G and 4G networks. The model's strengths include simple setup: just insert an activated SIM card into the appropriate slot. Wi-Fi networks can be created and managed via an intuitive web interface and the company's proprietary MERCUSYS app.

On the router's body there are two LAN ports (one configurable WAN or LAN) and simple controls with LED indicators for operation. Stable wireless connection is provided by a transmitter with 20 dBm and built-in antennas. Their capabilities will be sufficient for high-quality internet coverage in most apartments, mini-offices, etc.

Up to 32 devices can be connected to the Wi-Fi network, with a maximum data exchange speed of moderate 300 Mbps. It should be noted that the model works only in 2.4 GHz networks and does not support 5 GHz. If this is not critical for you, then Mercusys MB112-4G is a good choice with a SIM card and a very small price tag.

The representative of MikroTik's line belongs to routers that bridge the gap between mid-range and advanced class. It is designed in a compact form factor (12x10x5 cm), partly thanks to the absence of external antennas. Nevertheless, stable connection and acceptable range are ensured by MU-MIMO support and a high signal gain of 4.3 dBi.

MikroTik hAP ax lite LTE6 is notable for its frost-resistant design (up to -40 °C), thus there is nothing stopping it from being installed in a basement, on a balcony, or in other unheated spaces. Other useful features include powering via USB-C and operation under the RouterOS v7 operating system. The latter provides extensive configuration options, including using the router in bridge modes, repeater, etc.

For wired data transmission, the model features 4 gigabit Ethernet ports. Along with a powerful Qualcomm processor, the device is equipped with a Wi-Fi 6 wireless module, providing truly high data exchange speeds for the 2.4 GHz frequency band — up to 574 Mbps. However, it doesn't support operation in 5 GHz networks, which may not satisfy the most demanding users.

The router can ensure independence from wired internet providers. For this purpose, it includes an LTE modem, delivering enhanced speed metrics corresponding to Cat.6 — 300/50 Mbps, and is capable of using multiple frequency bands simultaneously. This feature can be useful, for example, at music festivals in the countryside or in other scenarios where many people around you are using mobile internet.

MikroTik hAP ax lite LTE6 is a router that offers not only SIM card support but also increased speed metrics and other useful features.

When deploying a Wi-Fi network, one often wants to have a backup for cases of disruptions with the primary internet from a cable service provider. This opportunity is provided by the dual-band TP-LINK Archer MR600 router with a built-in slot for a SIM card.

The device is made in a familiar form factor with two 'antennas' for receiving the mobile operator signal. For servicing the local network, the model uses built-in antennas. The router supports operation in 4G+ Cat6 networks with a maximum download speed of up to 300 Mbps and an upload bandwidth of up to 50 Mbps. Through a cable connection, WAN connectivity to the provider's network is achieved at speeds up to 1 Gbps.

In the 2.4 GHz band, the wireless router provides data exchange speeds of up to 300 Mbps, and on the 5 GHz carrier, up to 867 Mbps. These figures are quite sufficient for comfortable streaming of 4K video, network gaming, and fast downloading of large files. The router's management menu via web interface or mobile app offers guest networks, parental control, QoS, VPN, IPTV, comprehensive traffic consumption statistics, and a suite of other features.

An important feature of the TP-LINK Archer MR600 is the support for OneMesh technology, aimed at creating unified seamless access networks with invisible switching between Wi-Fi network links. The model is not particularly pleasing due to the abundance of gloss — the shiny top platform of the device shows dust and small scratches, making the router quickly lose its presentable appearance. However, this in no way affects the performance of the wireless router.

The router from Cudy brand is an advanced class solution recommended for those who always need to stay connected, especially with fast internet. To reduce dependency on cable providers, it features not just one but two Nano-format SIM card slots. Accordingly, mobile internet from two operators can be used. Staying online under any circumstances is enabled by the channel reservation function, with automatic switching working both from WAN to LTE and from one SIM to another.

Advantages of Cudy LT18 include theoretical support for gigabit speeds in both global and local networks. It offers 4 LAN ports with 1 Gbps bandwidth (one serves as WAN), as well as dual-band Wi-Fi operation and support for LTE Cat.18. In 2.4 GHz networks, maximum data transmission rates can reach 574 Mbps, while in 5 GHz, they can reach 1201 Mbps, which is sufficient for the vast majority of users, including streamers, esports players, etc.

Increased LTE modem speeds for reception/transmission up to 1200/210 Mbps among others ensure the ability to simultaneously use up to 5 cellular frequency bands.

In addition to fast data exchange, the router impresses with its good range. For instance, the radius in open areas reaches 170 meters, and the ability to 'break through' walls up to 20 cm thick is declared. MU-MIMO technology and good signal amplifiers (up to 5.18 dBi) help reduce interference and improve connection quality. If this is not enough, the Wi-Fi coverage area can be expanded by creating a MESH system. And if mobile internet quality is lacking, there's also a solution — replacing the four standard removable LTE antennas with others that are more powerful.

Cudy LT18 is an excellent router with two SIM card slots and a favorable speed-to-range ratio.

The balanced Asus 4G-AX56 router delivers high-speed internet with effective redundancy via cellular networks from mobile operators. The device is suitable for meeting the needs of a country house, small office, or a small retail point like a coffee shop.

It connects to the provider's network through a gigabit WAN port, next to which are four bright yellow LAN ports. The device's wireless operation is set up for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. In the first case, throughput reaches 574 Mbps, in the second — up to 1201 Mbps. And most importantly, the router comes with support for the advanced Wi-Fi 6 wireless network standard. Together with OFDM, MU-MIMO, and Beamforming technologies, the router ensures large bandwidth and high efficiency for networks with dense traffic.

In the absence of wired internet, the model is equipped with a modem supporting 3G/4G/LTE Cat.6 standards. Data exchange speed is declared within the range of up to 300/100 Mbps (for download and upload respectively). Switching to mobile network access can be a backup option when primary cable connectivity experiences failures.

The router is configured through an intuitive web interface. A standout feature of the model is the comprehensive network security system ASUS AiProtection, including tools for blocking malicious sites, security signatures for personal data protection, parental controls, etc. Asus 4G-AX56 can set up fast and secure connections for over a hundred client devices.