Mobile WiFi Router - is it worth it?

Mr_Mister

Hi
I am thinking of getting a portable 4G mobile router as a back up for my home broadband as had a few issues with Virgin recently which meant I couldn't work at home while the Internet was down. These routers like the one on the link below are around £40 and I can put any sim in it but I'm thinking if it's worth just using an unused old 4G smart phone I have at home instead and use that to tether 4G data? It is just for home use in case I need it. 
What would be the difference between a 4G router and a 4G smartphone in this situation? 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Z5LWMNZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_31MzFbBKCGT65

Supatramp

As I understand it, tethering you can only use the one  phone, whereas with a 4G router, it's completely wireless so multiple users can use it simultaneously.  I use a mifi unit in my caravan, phone and tablet and my wife's phone and tablet can all connect/use it at once.

Highland76

You CAN tether more than 1 device wirelessly to a smartphone. I would only buy a 4G router if it was to be used full-time, a 4G smartphone which can be tethered is sufficient as a backup.

Johnmcl7

Highland76 said:

You CAN tether more than 1 device wirelessly to a smartphone. I would only buy a 4G router if it was to be used full-time, a 4G smartphone which can be tethered is sufficient as a backup.

Agreed, I found a mifi type device useful before Android supported wireless tethering but now since I only need it occasionally my phone or tablet since it easily allows multiple devices to connect wirelessly the same as a mifi device.  Similarly I'd only go for a 4G router if I was using it in place of my normal broadband.

Peter999_2

Completely agree with everyone else.   I currently use my phone to tether to my PCs when working from home if the broadband goes down.      We also spend Christmas in a log cabin every year and I just take an old iPhone 5s and use that.  We have about 4 devices connected to it concurrently and it works fine.

aerostar

You do not have to spend £40, you can get a WIFI modem  well under £20.
They do not need to be plugged into a computer, you can use an extender USB cable and plug it into a 5V mains power supply (USB charger type) or a  5v car adapter in a vehicle, cable gives you option to move it to find better signal.
Do a search for   USB WIFI dongle    on Ebay - UK suppliers - here is just one
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unlocked-4G-LTE-WIFI-Wireless-USB-Dongle-Mobile-Broadband-150Mbps-Modem-Sim-Card/363037353599?hash=item5486b6667f:g:a7sAAOSw~ipe~ZUT
The above is not a recommendation - just to show what they look like and specs.
I bought one like this early last year and it works well as a standby connection, however like all mobile phones etc, it ultimately comes down to the strength and quality of the signal where you currently are.