4G/5G router or fibre: which to choose for your home?
Contents
No fibre in your area, temporary housing, or you want a set-up without a technician? A 4G/5G router is tempting. Here is how to compare it honestly with fibre.
How a 4G/5G router works
It is a Wi-Fi router with a SIM card: it picks up the mobile network like a phone and shares the connection in your home. Speed therefore depends on the nearest cell tower, the signal quality received and the number of users on that tower.
Comparison
| Criterion | 4G router | 5G router | Fibre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | Immediate | Immediate | Technician, connection work |
| Speed | Variable, a few Mbps to over 100 | Higher with 5G coverage | Stable, up to 1 Gbps |
| Ping | 30 to 70 ms | 15 to 40 ms | 5 to 20 ms |
| Stability | Depends on time of day and radio conditions | Depends on placement | Very stable |
| Upload | Average | Average to good | High |
| Mobility | Portable | Portable | Fixed |
When to choose a 4G/5G router
- Fibre is not available at your address and ADSL is very slow.
- You rent for a few months and want no installation.
- One or two people with moderate use.
- Mobile coverage is good indoors: test with your phone first.
When to prefer fibre
- Several people stream video in the evening.
- You game online or make many video calls.
- You work remotely with large files.
- You want predictable speed at any time.
Measure your connection now. Start the test
Setting up a 4G/5G router properly
- Test speed in several spots: near windows, upstairs, on the street side.
- Put the router up high, away from thick walls and metal objects.
- Point it towards the nearest tower if its interface shows signal quality.
- Test again when you use the internet most, often in the evening.
If your router stays slow, follow slow mobile internet: fixes.
Our verdict
A 4G/5G router is an excellent stop-gap, and sometimes a real alternative in well-covered areas. But for a connected household, fibre remains more stable and responsive. To compare with ADSL, read fibre or ADSL.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Can a 5G router replace fibre?
In an area with excellent 5G coverage it can deliver high speeds, but stability and ping are generally better on fibre.
Why is my 4G router fast in the morning and slow in the evening?
The tower is shared by users in the area; in the evening demand rises and speed per person falls.
Where should I put a 4G router?
Up high, near a window, on the side of the nearest tower. Try several spots.
The SpeedFibre team Guides written and reviewed by a telecom engineer specialised in fibre optics (FTTH), with more than 8 years of hands-on network maintenance and measurement. Editorial policy.
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