4 best home modem

A home modem, also known as a residential gateway or router, is a device that connects multiple devices in a home to the internet. It serves as the central hub for internet connectivity, allowing devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart home gadgets to access the internet via wired or wireless connections.

In the context of SIM cards, some home modems are designed to support mobile broadband connections. These modems have a slot for a SIM card, similar to those found in smartphones. The SIM card provides access to cellular networks, allowing the modem to establish an internet connection without relying on traditional wired connections like DSL or cable.

Key Features of Home Modems with SIM Card Support:

  1. Mobile Connectivity: Home modems with SIM card slots can connect to the internet using cellular networks, making them suitable for areas with limited access to wired broadband connections.

  2. Portable Connectivity: Since these modems rely on mobile networks, they can be moved and used in different locations, providing internet access wherever there is cellular coverage.

  3. Prepaid Minutes and Data: Some home modems with SIM card support are compatible with prepaid SIM cards.Users can purchase prepaid minutes or data plans, similar to those used in smartphones, allowing for flexible and budget-friendly internet access.

  4. Cell Phone Accessories: While not a traditional cell phone accessory, home modems with SIM card slots are related to cell phones in the sense that they use similar SIM cards to establish a mobile internet connection.

These modems are especially useful in rural or remote areas where traditional wired internet infrastructure is limited. They provide a convenient way for households to stay connected to the internet, enabling online activities such as web browsing, streaming, and communication without the need for fixed-line connections.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best home modem on the market
  

NETGEAR Orbi 4G LTE Mesh WiFi Router with SIM card slot (LBR20) | For Home Internet or Hotspot | Supports AT&T and T-Mobile | Coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. & 20+ devices | AC2200 (up to 2.2Gbps)

NETGEAR

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Orbi 4G LTE Whole Home Advanced Wi-Fi Router delivers up to 2.2Gbps high-performance Wi-Fi on 4G LTE networks. It has a sleek, modern design with high-gain internal antennas for up to 2,000 square feet of coverage. The Orbi 4G LTE Wi-Fi Advanced Router with integrated cellular modem is compatible with select Orbi AC Satellites to create a mesh Wi-Fi system, supporting seamless 4K streaming and gaming everywhere in your home.

  • WORKS WITH MAJOR 4G LTE PROVIDERS: Simply insert a Nano SIM card from AT&T, T-Mobile or others to get Internet speeds up to 1.2Gbps. Excludes Verizon & Sprint legacy network.
  • USE AS A PRIMARY OR BACKUP INTERNET CONNECTION: Provides high-speed Internet for rural homes where Internet service is weak or unavailable. Can also be used as a backup if your existing Internet service fails.
  • FAST WIFI PERFORMANCE: Covers up to 2,000 square feet and 25 devices with up to 2.2Gbps Wi-Fi speed. Expand coverage up to 2,000 square feet with additional satellites (sold separately).
  • EASY TO SET-UP AND MANAGE: Set up Wi-Fi in minutes with the Orbi app, manage Wi-Fi settings, test and monitor speed.
  • PARENTAL CONTROLS: Pause or schedule device Internet access, set online limits, view site history usage, filter websites and more for $4.99/month. (1st month free trial).
  • ADVANCED CYBER THREAT PROTECTION: NETGEAR Armor (powered by BitDefender) is network-wide anti-virus, anti-malware, fraud/phishing/ransomware security on an unlimited number of devices for a 30-day free trial ($69.99/year).
  • WIRED ETHERNET PORTS: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players and other nearby wired devices with 2 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
  • SAFE, SECURE AND LOADED WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Designed with MU-MIMO and beamforming technologies. Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols. Includes Guest Wi-Fi access, DOS, Firewall, VPN and more.

Product features

High Speed 2.2Gbps WiFi for Everyone

Orbi WiFi router with built-in 4G LTE modem delivers high speed 2.2Gbps WiFi for up to 25 devices inside your home.

Expandable Tri-Band Mesh WiFi Maximizes Coverage and Speed for Larger Homes

Each Orbi mesh satellite easily expands high performance coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. Orbi tri-band mesh out performs all dual-band WiFi systems by using a third band dedicated to router-satellite communication, freeing up the other two bands for maximum speed to your devices.

Always-On Internet

Get instant 4G LTE Internet by inserting your cellular provider Nano SIM card. For backup Internet, Orbi will seamlessly switch over to 4G LTE whenever your existing Internet service fails.

Advanced Threat Protection & Smart Parental Controls

NETGEAR Armor multi-layer security protects devices with anti-virus, anti-malware, and data theft protection software. Use Circle smart parental controls to easily pause the Internet, set time schedules and filter websites.

Easy to Setup and Manage

Use the Orbi app to set-up your WiFi, customize settings, test/monitor WiFi speed, and control your WiFi anytime, anywhere, within minutes.

Gigabit Ethernet Ports for Fast Connections

Experience fast connections with 1 WAN/LAN + 1 LAN Gigabit Ethernet ports, eliminating the need for multiple products and multiple wires.

NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home WiFi 6 System with DOCSIS 3.1 Built-in Cable Modem (CBK752) – Cable Modem Router + 1 Satellite Extender | Covers up to 5,000 sq. ft. 40+ Devices | AX4200 (Up to 4.2Gbps) 

NETGEAR

Based on 99 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Built with the latest and fastest WiFi 6 technology, the NETGEAR Orbi whole home WiFi system comes with a built-in DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem and provides a robust smart home experience. Enjoy WiFi coverage and connection capacity beyond belief with the perk of automatic firmware updates and save up to $168 per year by eliminating monthly cable modem rental fees. Replace your existing cable modem and router with the Orbi WiFi System with Built-in Cable Modem for coverage in hard-to-reach areas of your home. Dedicated quad-stream WiFi 6 backhaul allows you to bring the Gigabit Internet speeds you’ve paid for from the further corners in your house to everywhere else. Place the Satellite anywhere in your home to get Gigabit speeds where you want them.

  • POWERFUL ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION: Integrated cable modem and WiFi 6 satellite system provides high-performance WiFi coverage for up to 5,000 sq. ft. and 40+ devices. Expand coverage by 2,500 sq. ft. with each optional Orbi Mesh WiFi 6 satellite (sold separately)
  • COMPATIBLE WITH ALL MAJOR CABLE INTERNET PROVIDERS: DOCSIS 3.1 modem supports Internet plans up to 6Gbps. Compatible with major cable modem providers including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and more. Save up to $168/yr in equipment rental fees
  • NO MORE DEAD ZONES: Whole home Mesh WiFi 6 system with dedicated Tri-band WiFi backhaul allows you to stay connected as you roam around your home using a single network name
  • WIFI 6: STREAM EVERYTHING ON EVERY DEVICE AT EPIC SPEED: Simultaneously stream movies, games, video calls or download files at 4.2Gbps WiFi speed. Zero delay across your growing number of smart devices. Works with existing WiFi devices and new WiFi 6 devices like iPhone 11, Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S10
  • EASY TO SET-UP AND MANAGE: Set up and customize in minutes with the Orbi app – easily manage your WiFi settings at the device and network level, test your Internet speed, view speed history and monitor data usage
  • NETGEAR ARMOR POWERED BY BITDEFENDER: The world’s leading cybersecurity protects all your home devices from virus, malware, and data theft with a 30-day free trial.
  • WIRED ETHERNET PORTS: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players and other nearby wired devices with 6 (4+2) Gigabit LAN Ethernet ports in the router and satellite
  • SAFE, SECURE AND LOADED WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Quad-Core 1.4GHz CPU, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, 1024-QAM, Smart Connect for one WiFi name and Beamforming technologies. Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols. Includes Guest WiFi access, DoS, Firewall, VPN and more

Product features

Tri-band WiFi6 Maximizes Speed

An additional third band dedicated to your Orbi Whole Home System frees up the other two bands for maximum speed to your devices. Other WiFi systems are dual-band which significantly reduces the performance compared to Orbi tri-band systems.

Reliable Whole Home Coverage

Integrated cable modem and WiFi 6 Mesh satellite system ensures WiFi coverage for up to 5,000 sq. ft. with no dead zones. Expand coverage by 2,500 sq. ft. by adding an Orbi WiFi 6 satellite (sold separately, not compatible with Orbi WiFi 5 satellites).

Connect to 40+ Devices

Latest generation WiFi 6 has 4x more capacity than previous WiFi, delivering faster speeds to your increasing number of devices.

Seamless Roaming Everywhere

Powerful Orbi Mesh technology keeps you seamlessly connected as you move inside and outside your home—using one simple network name.

NETGEAR Armor: Powered by BitDefender

The world’s leading cybersecurity software protects all your home devices from virus, malware, and data theft with a 30-day free trial.

Easy Setup and Activation

Step 1: Plug your coax cable into the modem-router.

Step 2: Activate by either:

(a) connecting an Ethernet cable to your computer and following the on-screen setup

or

(b) calling your cable provider to activate over the phone.

Step 3: Use the Orbi app to set up your network

AT&T Wireless Internet WiFi Modem 4G LTE Home Base Router

AT&T

Based on 21 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Experience seamless, whole-home Wi-Fi coverage with extenders to help eliminate dead zones.

  • ★ AT&T Internet has 99% internet reliability. AT&T smart dual-band wireless router; Dual-band Wi-Fi network, Plug and play connectivity. Connect your phones, tablets, and computers with a single gadget. Dimensions: 7.21" x 6.74" x 1.71"
  • ★ In case of power cut, the AT&T Wireless Internet can run on its backup battery for up to 29 hours in standby mode and provide up to 180 minutes of use time. Battery Capacity: 3000mAh Li-ion (removable); Processor Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon X16; Cores 1.2GHz quad-core; Memory RAM 512 MB
  • ★ Nano SIM Type supported; Linux 3.18.31 Operating System; 4G LTE Network.
  • ★ Keep fast speeds, even when the entire family is online. Stream on multiple devices at once.Up to 20 Devices via WiFi (10 per band) / More Via Ethernet can be Connected; Control Panel: att.wirelessinternet/ or 192.168.0.1/; MIMO Support: 2x2; LTE Performance Category: Category 16; Cellular Antenna Ports: 2 x SMA; Other Ports: 1x Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps), 1x Analog Phone Jack.
  • ★ Package Contents:Battery, AC Adapter, Ethernet Cable (RJ45), QuickStart Guide

User questions & answers

Question: Can my Alexa and SimpliSafe security system connect to this
Answer: hello, yes this will work note you first need to ensure that your plan that you will get with be compatible using a hotspot device
Question: Can i just take my sim card out of my old hub and install in this new one and be up and running
Answer: you can use an outdoor antenna if you have poor cell phone signal You really don't have much choices so best to find out what is the best cell service available and use the outdoor antenna to get the best you can with your signal
Question: Does it work well with ps4 online gamin g
Answer: hello, it might or might not work if you do this, you apn might be nxtgenphone as such, you will need to set that in the mofi router to set this log into the router go to mofi internal modem set the country to united states then select the apn (ATT nxtgenphone) then save after after it saved, reboot the router and see if it works remember that you will probably need to use the sim card adaptor kit since your phone will have a smaller sim you will need to make the small sim to a large size sim before putting this in the router
Question: Will the SIM from the older version rural home phone device transfer to this device
Answer: I am getting 30-50 mg DL and 10 mg ish upload. I am curious how to improve this and would appreciate additional information if possible.

ZTE Home Wireless WiFi 4G LTE Phone and Internet Device Router Base (AT&T Unlocked)

ZTE

Based on 206 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The AT&T Wireless Internet device uses the AT&T cellular network to provide phone service to your cordless or corded home phone(s) and Internet access to your computer and Wi-Fi enabled devices. Place it anywhere in your home where you have a strong wireless signal. It does not require the use of a home phone wall jack, unlike traditional home phone service. The AT&T Wireless Internet device provides many calling services, such as Voicemail, Caller Number ID, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, and Three-Way Calling, for your home phone(s). It also includes a backup battery in case of a power outage. The AT&T Wireless Internet device works exclusively with the AT&T cellular network and DOES NOT use your home phone wall jacks. Your device should be located: Where you have a strong signal from a cell tower, typically near a window or outer wall. Signal strength may vary in different parts of your home. Near an electrical wall outlet. In the general area where you’ll be using your home phone, computer, or Wi-Fi enabled devices. Select which phone and computer/Wi-Fi enabled device you will use with the AT&T Wireless Internet device: A cordless phone system with multiple handsets should be used to place phones throughout your home. If using an existing phone, unplug it from the wall jack. For Internet access, you can simultaneously connect up to ten (10) devices per Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), twenty (20) total, and one via Ethernet.

Battery

Capacity: 3,000mAh (removable)

Use time (hours) Up to 2.5

Standby time (days) Up to 1.125

Processor

Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon X16 LTE Modem

Cores: Single-core, cortex-A7 at 1.2GHz

Wireless technology:

4G-LTE Bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 29, and 30

4G HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul

3G - UMTS 850/1900MHz

Wi-Fi connectivity 802.11a/b/g/n/ac

Wi-Fi capability 2.4GHz & 5GHz

Mobile hotspot Up to 20 devices

SIM

  • 4G LTE Unlocked Any GSM Standard Sim Carrier Desbloqueados GSM (Router Does NOT Work On Verizon Sprint Net10 or Any CDMA Carrier).
  • Connect to the Internet (Requires purchase of Wireless Internet Data plan and Sim Card)
  • Internet Access Connect Other Devices, Connect WPS Devices, Connect via Ethernet
  • Wi-Fi802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Chipset MDM9250-3, Frequencies UMTS 850/1900, LTE 2, 4, 5, 12, 29, 30
  • This item requires a Nano Sim Card (Not Included).

User questions & answers

Question: The unit seems to be working and my home phone works with it. When I try to connect my computer to it I get message network name is not recognized
Answer: Are you connecting via Ethernet or WiFi?
Question: Will this router work with echo or amazon fire stick
Answer: Yes, it should.
Question: Does this device have antennas? I was told to buy one without antennas
Answer: Antennas not included.
Question: What plan should i get from at&t to stream netflix? Will it be limited by the mobile hotspot data or considered unlimited like my cell phone data
Answer: I added this to my plan . It is set up with unlimited data.. this has been a great purchase and stream very well .

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