With most Filipinos now working or learning from home, the need for a strong and stable internet connection has never been more in demand.
If internet application is proving to be a hassle or a challenge, check out these pocket Wi-Fi devices. Make a one-off payment and then just top up whenever you need to. Surf the internet anytime with this plug-and-play option.
Let’s compare these popular pocket Wi-Fi devices and discuss their features, as well as their pros and cons to help you with your purchase.
Pocket Wi-Fi devices at a glance
| Pocket Wi-Fi device | Key Features | Price |
| Smart Prepaid LTE Pocket Wi-Fi Bundle | — Supports up to 10 Wi-Fi users
— Freebies vary depending on the type of device |
P999 — P1995 |
| Globe LTE Mobile Wi-Fi | — Supports up to 10 Wi-Fi users
— Freebies include GOWATCH 399 worth of 10 GB video streaming for 30 days |
P999 |
| PLDT Home Wi-Fi | — Connect up to 5 devices
— Freebies 10 GB valid for 7 days |
P995 |
| TP-Link M7200 4G LTE Mobile Wi-Fi | — Connect up to 10 devices
— Up to 8 hours usage — Open line |
P2,750+ |
| TP-Link M7350 4G LTE Mobile Wi-Fi | — Download date rate is up to 150mbps
— Supports 2G, 3G, and 4G — Open line |
P2,800+ |
| Huawei E5573 4G LTE Pocket Wi-Fi | — Huawei E5573 4G LTE Pocket Wi-Fi | P3,400+ |
| SmartGo PokeFi 4G LTE | — Ideal for frequent travelers
— Supports up to 8 Wi-Fi users — Preloaded with 5GB data |
P7,400+ |
Smart Prepaid LTE Pocket Wi-Fi Bundle
[Image credit: Smart website]
The Smart Prepaid LTE Pocket Wi-Fi bundle has four types of devices available in different sizes and capacities. All are compatible with Win 7/8/XP, Linux, Mac, and Android devices, allowing you to connect up to 10 devices.
- Evolution — Small and compact Wi-Fi device that supports five devices with 256 MB memory. It comes with a free SmartBro SIM card and SurfMax 250 credit and preloaded with GIGA Video 299 worth of data (4GB open data access on top of 1GB/day video every day for 30 days)
- ZTE — Supports up to five devices but with a higher memory of 128 MB. It’s also bigger than the Evolution and comes with a free SmartBro SIM card loaded with SurfMax 250 credit and GIGA Video 299.
- BoostEven — Can connect up to 10 devices and comes with the same freebies as Evolution and ZTE.
- Advanced Pocket LTE Wi-Fi — Accommodates up to 10 devices and comes with a SIM card preloaded with 15GB of data (1GB/day) good for 15 days.
The Evolution, ZTE, and BoostEven cost P999, while the Advanced Pocket LTE Wi-Fi is sold at P1,995.
All these devices are available at any Smart branch. You may also order via Smart’s online store with free shipping nationwide.
Globe LTE Mobile Wi-Fi
[Image credit: Globe website]
This pocket Wi-Fi allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. The bundle is preloaded with free GoWATCH 399, which equates to 10GB worth of video streaming data for 30 days.
The device can accommodate a maximum speed of up to 42 Mbps, and it’s covered by 18 months service warranty. You may get this at any Globe branch or visit their online store and get it for P999, free shipping nationwide.
PLDT Home Wi-Fi
[Image credit: PLDT website]
If you’re having trouble applying for a PLDT internet service, the Home Wi-Fi is a plug-and-play device that lets you stay connected without the hassle of onsite installation.
Choose from two variants that come with a free 10GB worth of data valid for 7 days. It supports 3G and 4G LTE and comes with a built-in antenna for a stable connection. However, it can accommodate up to 5 Wi-Fi users only.
The maximum speed is up to 150 Mbps. In case you run out of data, you can always top up at any of the 1.3 million Smart loading retailers.
You may order your unit on the official website for P995 with free shipping nationwide.
TP-Link M7200 4G LTE Mobile Wi-Fi
[Image credit: TPLink Shopee website]
Here’s another TP-Link pocket Wi-Fi that’s smaller than the M7350 ― the TP-Link M7200.
It also supports 2G/3G, and 4G LTE can accommodate up to 150 Mbps download speed. You can use your preferred network with its single SIM card slot.
The 2000mAh battery can last up to 8 hours of use, and you can share internet access with up to 10 Wi-Fi users.
Just like the M7350, this is also an open line, so you need to buy your own SIM and top up your account at any loading station of your choice.
The device is available at the TP-Link Philippines online store on Shopee and costs P2,700+, shipping fee not included.
TP-Link M7350 4G LTE Mobile Wi-Fi
[Image credit: TPLink Shopee website]
TP-Link pocket Wi-Fi is an open line device, allowing you to choose your network provider (Globe, Smart, Sun, or PLDT).
The M7350 unit supports 2G/3G and 4G LTE and has a maximum speed of up to 150 Mbps. It also has a built-in antenna and a micro SD card slot that can accommodate up to 32GB storage.
Since it’s an open line, there is no preloaded data. This means you need to pick out your SIM card or network provider to top up your account.
Get your device at any authorized retailer or reseller, or visit Shopee or Lazada. The retail price is about P2,800 or more, shipping fee not included.
Huawei E5573 4G LTE Pocket Wi-Fi
[Image credit: Xymbolic Shopee website]
This pocket Wi-Fi that lets you connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. It’s sleek, handy, and open line, allowing you to choose your network.
It also supports LTE and accommodates a maximum download speed of 150 Mbps and an upload speed of 50 Mbps. The E5573 has two connectors for external antennas to boost signal strength.
As a mobile hotspot pocket Wi-Fi, you can choose your network provider with the strongest signal in your location.
The unit is available at Shopee and Lazada, but it’s a bit more expensive than the TP-Link devices at P3,400+ excluding shipping fee.
SmartGo PokeFi 4G LTE
[Image credit: SmartGoPokeFi website]
Last but not least is the SmartGo PokeFi 4G LTE. This pocket Wi-Fi is great for travelers. While it may not be that useful for now, the SmartGo PokeFi 4G LTE is your mobile hotspot anywhere in the world.
You can connect up to eight devices simultaneously and it comes with a preloaded 5GB of data that’s non-expiring and ready to use.
For as low as USD3 per GB or day as a flat rate, you can use the hotspot here and in over 100 countries using a virtual SIM sign in.
Unlike the open line pocket Wi-Fi, this device removes the hassle of changing from one SIM to another. Simply use your data and avail the per GB usage or day pass.
For travelers and digital nomads out there, this can be a good option while on the go. But the price is quite steep ― you will need to shell out more than P7,400+ on Shopee plus shipping fee.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a budget-conscious spender, you may opt for the PLDT pocket Wi-Fi as it’s the most affordable option in this list. However, based on user reviews online, customer service is pretty bad. But it’s up to you if you want to give it a try. After all, you only need to make a one-off payment. It will help if PLDT has a strong and stable service in your area.
Globe and Smart devices are also great options because they are already preloaded with surfing data. But Globe offers P399 worth of 10GB of video data for 30 days, whereas Smart only offers 4GB with their P250 Surfmax Load.
With these two devices, you can’t just switch from one SIM to the other if you discover that the network signal is poor in your location.
This is where open line devices come in handy. The TP-Link M7200 is the cheapest compared to the M7350 and the SmartPokeFi. But whichever open line device you choose, you can use your preferred SIM or network and switch anytime.
Which pocket Wi-Fi devices in our roundup match your budget?