Wireless internet routers are a staple appliance for every home these days. For years, these devices have provided homes and businesses with speedy access to the internet. As time progresses, our technology rapidly evolves. With the introduction of 5G networks, brands have started manufacturing their own 5G routers. You may be wondering what a 5G router is, how they function, and where you can purchase one. Thankfully, this article will cover everything you need to know on the subject, as well as go over some of the top 5G routers currently on the market.
What is a 5G router?
5G towers have been established around the globe since early 2020. “5G” refers to the fifth generation of mobile network, and directly follows 4G, which were widely used throughout the 2010s. Each generation of mobile network marks a significant improvement from its predecessor, with 5G being no exception. With greatly enhanced download speeds, 5G networks will allow connected users to download movies, games, and other large files in a fraction of the time it would take on a 4G network. If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of 5G, make sure to check out our article on the best 5G phones in 2021.
That being said, what is a 5G router? Well, 5G routers harness the power of 5G mobile networks, and connect your device(s) to the internet using this next generation of technology. 5G routers are a viable option for individuals who live near a 5G tower, and require very fast internet speed for their homes. If fibre optic, cable or DSL internet speeds are not sufficient, 5G routers can provide your home with rapid speeds. Furthermore, many 5G routers are portable. Meaning, you can take them on the go and enjoy the benefits of 5G wherever you want to. Here are our picks for some of the best 5G routers as of Summer 2021:
The best 5G mobile router 2021
Netgear M5 MR5200 5G Mobile WiFi Router
The Netgear 5G Router provides a fully wireless connection to 5G technology. By connecting the device to your home WiFi, up to 32 devices can connect and benefit off 5G’s speed. Further, the Netgear is small and portable, allowing you to take it on the road with you, and use it with your cell phone or tablet wherever you go. Overall, the router is a powerful and unique device, but it comes at a hefty price. Pre-orders are currently available on their website for $700 USD, which converts to around $875 CAD. Despite it’s steep price, Netgear could offer the best 5G mobile router on the market.
HTC 5G Hub
The HTC 5G Hub offers a similar experience for homes, offices or wherever the world takes you. Its touch screen display and all-day battery can connect up to 20 devices to a 5G network. Additionally, it provides 4K video streaming, and an advanced plug-and-play experience for online gaming. HTC is also working on implementing Cloud VR support in the future, which would allow several VR devices to connect to the hub and reap the rewards of 5G technology. The HTC 5G Hub is hard to acquire in Canada at the moment, but should become easier as more 5G towers are established. It is estimated to cost $535 CAD.
Zyxel 5G NR Mobile WiFi
Zyxel’s 5G NR Mobile WiFi router promises a portable high-speed 5G connection to 16 devices at once. Zyxel advertises a simple setup process, which requires users to simply scan a QR code on the router to connect to it. Activities like 4K gaming, VR gaming on the go, and flying a personal drone can be experienced seamlessly with a 5G connection. Zyxel’s portable router offers ten hours of battery life, with a rapid charging feature that performs 75% faster than conventional chargers. Zyxel’s new 5G router is currently available in the United Kingdom, and should cost around $690 when it releases in Canada.
The Best 5G Router – Conclusion
Portable 5G routers are a promising new technology amidst the recent introduction of 5G towers. We predict that they will grow increasingly popular in the next few years, and eventually become more accessible and affordable. We hope that after reading this, you have a better understanding of how these routers function, as well as what the best 5G router money can buy!