The Independent’s journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
Internet dongles can provide a wireless, portable internet connection when traditional wifi is not available. Usually in the form of a USB device, dongles connect to a 3G, 4G or 5G mobile network and the reliability of its connection will depend on the mobile data speed in your area. This guide will explain how dongles work and how you can get the best broadband deal on a mobile dongle.
A broadband dongle provides internet from a mobile network. Rather than connecting your home with wifi using copper or fibre optic cables, the dongle connects to mobile data, similarly to how your phone does when you use 3G, 4G or 5G to access the internet. Because it’s wireless and can be used anywhere, it’s ideal for people who travel a lot, and would rather not rely on open, less secure wifi networks in public places. However, average download speeds will almost always be less than what can be promised by a fibre broadband package, so it won’t be able to support high-data activities such as online gaming.
Similarly to mobile broadband, an internet dongle works by connecting to a mobile network, rather than a wired broadband connection. Dongles are usually USB sticks that plug into your laptop or computer, providing you with internet from the mobile network provider. The quality of connection you’ll get will depend on whether the provider offers 4G or 5G dongle deals, and this will also depend on what mobile data speeds you can access where you live.
It’s important to note that mobile broadband plans often cover dongle deals, but these providers also offer mobile broadband via mobile routers or portable hotspots, which can connect to several devices, whereas a dongle can only provide internet to one device at a time.
Some people that might need an internet dongle include those who can’t access very good broadband in their area. The best way to check what speeds you’re getting is by conducting a broadband speed test – if you find that your download speeds aren’t fast enough for a strong connection but you know you can access 5G or very good 4G, a dongle or mobile hotspot might be for you.
Another reason someone might need a dongle is if they travel a lot, for example for work. While it is possible to use open wifi networks in public places, these aren’t secure, so if you are often working in public places away from home and want a reliable and private connection, a dongle is a good investment.
O2
O2 offers an Alcatel 4G Dongle as part of its mobile broadband deals. You can build your own plan, or choose one of the pre-built dongle plans, which include either 5GB, 40GB, 150GB or unlimited data allowance, from just £12 per month. Download speeds are up to 150Mbps and upload speeds are up to 50Mbps.
Vodafone
Vodafone is another broadband provider that offers dongle deals with its K5161z USB dongle. Plans are available on a rolling monthly basis – for £13 per month with 4GB of data, or £33 per month for unlimited data – or 12- and 24-month contracts. If you opt for a 24-month contract, you can enjoy unlimited data allowance for £26 per month, but there are other data options, such as 30GB.
The first thing to consider when comparing dongle deals is what kind of mobile data is available in your area, if you are planning to use the dongle at home. Some providers advertise the average download speeds available, while others just state that the dongle uses the 4G network. The next thing to consider is price, which does tend to be more reasonable than wired wifi deals. If you are opting for a deal that doesn’t offer unlimited data each month, think about how much data you will realistically use with your dongle to ensure you don’t run out.
Mifi or mobile router
A mobile router (or ‘mifi’) will suit households with multiple users needing broadband access. Unlike SIMs and dongles, they’re not portable and require a wall socket connection. Similar to standard routers, they use a SIM card for their connection, not fiber optic cables or phone lines.
Mobile broadband SIM cards
Some providers offer dedicated mobile broadband SIMs usable in phones, laptops, and tablets. These differ from conventional mobile SIMs, as they typically lack SMS or call features.
Mobile hotspots
Any mobile device with a good 4G or 5G connection, such as your phone, can be used to create a private wifi connection, which can provide internet to several devices at once but will use a fair amount of your data allowance.
Unlike with traditional broadband deals, where unlimited downloads are now pretty much the norm, there tends to be a limit on the downloads you can access with a dongle. Some providers, however, do offer unlimited downloads with dongles, including Vodafone, though these tend to be the most expensive plans.
In most cases, the connection you can get with a dongle won’t be quite as good as a wired broadband connection. Lots of wired broadband with very fast average download speeds are more than reliable enough to complete high-data activities such as ultra-HD streaming, downloading and internet gaming. Plus, wired broadband can provide this service to several different devices at once, whereas a dongle is only meant to be plugged into one device at a time.
Having said this, if you do need a connection that’s completely portable, and you’re in an area that can access fast mobile data, it’s a good alternative that gives you a lot of flexibility.
While some providers offer monthly rolling airtime plans, like O2, there will usually be a device plan to pay for too, which won’t be rolling. Vodafone does offer 30-day dongle plans, or no-contract broadband for a dongle, but do keep in mind that the price may sometimes increase from one month to the next, due to country-wide price hikes caused by inflation.
