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In a digital world where being “connected” is a necessity, people are always looking for speedy and reliable internet access.
And from that need, pocket WiFi was born. But as almost every home has an internet connection and most mobile phones can serve as a hotspot, one might be wondering whether or not a pocket WiFi is still a smart buy.
If you are one of those considering getting one, read on and find out if a pocket WiFi can deliver what you need and which one you should buy.
What is a Pocket WiFi?
It’s a portable WiFi device that you can conveniently take anywhere and won’t take much space in your bag. You can connect multiple devices to it and is rechargeable, providing you wireless internet access on the go.
Why Use a Pocket WiFi?
There are many pros to using a pocket WiFi aside from its portability. Compared to using your smartphone as a mobile hotspot, you can connect more devices to a pocket WiFi so it’s a better choice if you’re going to use multiple devices or are planning to use that connection with your family and friends.
Also, if you’re going to heavy data usage, it might be wiser to have a pocket WiFi to avoid the risk of overstepping your postpaid plan or running out of prepaid load.
Additionally, if you’re using your daily driver as a mobile hotspot, it’s battery would be drained faster. That’s not ideal at all, especially if you’re traveling and need your smartphone for multiple tasks. As such, it makes more sense to have a separate device servicing your WiFi needs.
Best Pocket WiFi Devices in the Philippines
There are a number of pocket WiFis available in the country right now and choosing the right one for you can be confusing.
To help you out with your decision, here are some of the things that you need to know about the best pocket WiFis available in the market.
Skyroam
Skyroam may not be as familiar to Filipinos as other pocket WiFis but it’s definitely an option that you must consider. This is ideal for those who love to travel as it offers coverage in more than 130 countries.
Product | Max. Number of Devices Connected | Internet Speed | Coverage | Additional Features | Price |
Up to 10 Devices | 4G/LTEUp to 150Mbps | 130+ countries | Built-in Camera, Mic, and Speaker | From P5,999 (Lazada) | |
Up to 5 devices | 4G/LTEUp to 150Mbps | 100+ countries | Built-in powerbank | From P2,434 (refurbished at expansys) or for rent at Big Sky Nation |
There are rental options for Skyroam products from Big Sky Nation along with data packages that start at P150 and vary depending on the package and your destination. If you own a Skyroam hotspot device, you may also opt for a re-charge (daily pass load).
Pros and Cons
If you are a frequent traveler, you might find Skyroam’s rates cheaper and the connection more reliable, thanks to their wide coverage.
The Skyroam Solis also comes with features like “Smart Assistant”, remote camera, and it also serves as a power bank. Their additional features are great and can benefit a lot of users.
However, if you’re going to use it mainly as a backup in case your home internet connection fails and you won’t be traveling abroad often, buying or renting Skyroam could be a lot more expensive compared to other options.
How to Set Up
- Turn on the device.
- Download the Solis WiFi app on your mobile device or connect to a.skyroam.com for guided set-up instructions.
- Choose your WiFi plan. (If you’re renting the device from Big Sky Nation, it comes pre-activated with your chosen data plan).
Globe
Globe has had a few pocket WiFi devices in the past few years but the one they currently offer is the Globe LTE Mobile WiFi. It offers LTE connection of up to 42 Mbps and allows you to connect up to 10 devices at the same time.
With the purchase of the device, you’ll get one of their free promos, GoWATCH399, which gives you 10GB that you can use for video streaming for up to 30 days.
Price
You can buy Globe’s pocket WiFi for P999 from Globe’s online shop, Globe stores, and all accredited retail outlets. They’re also available at Lazada and Shopee.
Pros and Cons
One of the best things about Globe’s pocket WiFi is its availability and how easy it is not only to buy the device itself but to get load for it, too.
There are also a lot of promo options that you can choose from. Battery life is decent as the device lasts for about 4-5 hours of straight use.
As with other pocket WiFi devices, internet connection speed depends on your location.
How to Set Up
- Turn your Globe pocket WiFi device on.
- Make sure the computer’s WiFi is also on.
- You’ll be asked to enter the SSID and password. You can find these at the back cover of your pocket WiFi.
- To change the WiFi name or password, open the web browser and enter 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.8.1.
- Use “admin” for username and password.
- You can then go to either Advance Settings or WLAN Basic Settings which you can find on the dashboard, change the values to your preference and then click “apply.”
Note that you also have the option of simply connecting the pocket wifi to your device using the cable that comes with the package.
How to Load
There are several ways to buy load and avail of Globe’s promos for your pocket WiFi.
- Using GlobeOne app
- Using Globe At Home app
- By dialing *143# and selecting Surfing then GoSURF or SUPERSURF
- By sending your chosen Globe promo name to 8080
- By using the “Buy Load” feature on the GCash app
Globe’s Promos for LTE Mobile WiFi
Promo | Price | Data Allowance |
GoSURF15 | P15.00 | 100 MB + 30MB for Instagram (2 Days) |
GoSURF50 | P50.00 | 2GB +1GB daily for GoWATCH&PLAY, GoLISTEN&DISCOVER, or GoSHARE&SHOP and 1GB for GoWiFi (3 Days) |
GoSURF299 | P299.00 | 2GB + 10GB for GoWATCH&PLAY, GoLISTEN&DISCOVER, or GoSHARE&SHOP + 1GB for GoWiFi + GCash voucher (30 days) |
GoSURF599 | P599.00 | 5GB + 10GB for GoWATCH&PLAY, GoLISTEN&DISCOVER, or GoSHARE&SHOP + 1GB for GoWIFI + GCash voucher (30 Days) |
GoSURF999 | P999.00 | 10GB + 10GB for GoWATCH&PLAY, GoLISTEN&DISCOVER, or GoSHARE&SHOP + 1GB for GoWiFi + GCash voucher (30 Days) |
GoSURF1299 | P1299.00 | 15GB + 10GB for GoWATCH&PLAY, GoLISTEN&DISCOVER, or GoSHARE&SHOP – 1GB for GoWiFi + GCash voucher (30 Days) |
GoSURF1999 | P1999.00 | 30GB + 10GB for GoWATCH&PLAY, GoLISTEN&DISCOVER, or GoSHARE&SHOP + 1GB for GoWiFi + GCCash voucher (30 Days) |
GoSURF2499 | P2499.00 | 50GB + 10Gb for GoWATCH&PLAY, GoLISTEN&DISCOVER, or GoSHARE&SHOP + 1GB for GoWiFi + GCash voucher (30 Days) |
SUPERSURF50 | P50.00 | 800MB unlimited surfing (1 Day) |
SUPERSURF120 | P120.00 | 800MB unlimited surfing (3 Days) |
SUPERSURF200 | P200.00 | 800MB unlimited surfing (5 Days) |
Smart Bro LTE Pocket WiFi
Smart Bro LTE pocket WiFi is available in prepaid and postpaid varieties. Whichever you choose, you can enjoy up to 42Mbps of internet speed.
The device can support up to 5 devices at the same time for about 5 hours or so of straight use.
Smart claims their latest pocket WiFi device to be twice as fast as their previous device with its LTE 700mHz promising better indoor coverage.
Price
You can get the prepaid pocket WiFi from Smart for P1,295 (currently available fo P999 with free SURFMAX 250). available at all Smart stores and retailers nationwide.
You can also buy it from Lazada, Shopee, and GrabMart, among others. Meanwhile, postpaid plans range from P499 to P999 per month with data allocations of 6GB to 15GB with free iflix access.
Pros and Cons
Smart Bro Prepaid LTE Pocket WiFi used to be more expensive than other brands at P1,295 but as mentioned above, it’s now priced at P999 as well.
Its partnership with Grab makes it easier for customers in Metro Manila to get their hands on their own pocket WiFi as they can avail it via GrabMart and have it delivered to their homes on the same day.
It’s also easier for users to manage their data usage with the new Smart App, which lets you keep track of your online activities.
One con is that it can only accommodate up to five users simultaneously.
How to Set Up
- Insert the Smart Bro SIM (included in the package) in the slot in your pocket WiFi.
- Launch the browser on your device.
- Check the IP address found on the product manual in the address bar.
- Use the default password “smartbro” and click “login.”
- From “Quick Settings,” choose “next.” You may change the SSID to your chosen WiFi name, too.
- To protect your connection from unauthorized users, add an encryption mode. Choose WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK.
- Enter your new password and hit next.
- Click “apply.”
How to Load
You can top up your Smart Bro LTE pocket WiFi in different ways.
- Buy a Smart load card, regular electronic load or Smart’s promos from any Smart retailer or Smart store. If you choose a load card, simply follow the instructions at the back of the card.
- Purchase load from Smart Online store or other online channels like Lazada and Shopee.
Smart Bro Promos for Prepaid
Prepaid Promo | Price | Data Allowance |
Home Boost 15 | P15.00 | 1GB (1 Day) * This requires Giga Surf 50 or other SurfMax Plus promos |
SurfMax | P50.00 / P85.00 / P250.00/ P500.00/ P995.00 | 800MB for all day surfing (1 Day, 2 Days, 7 Days, 15 Days, or 30 Days) |
Giga Video | P50.00 / P99.00 / P299.00 / P399.00 / P499.00 | 1GB / 2 GB/ 4GB / 6GB / 8GB (3 Days, 7 Days, or 30 Days) + 1GB daily allowance for iflix, iWant and Cignal Play, NBA, and YouTube + unlitext to all networks |
Giga Video+ | P75.00 / P100.00 / P149.00 / P199.00 / P449.00 / P549.00 / P649.00 / P749.00 | 1GB / 2GB / 4GB / 6GB / 8GB (3 Days, 7 Days, pr 30 Days) + 1GB daily allowance for iflix, iWant and Cignal Play, NBA, and YouTube + unlimited texts to all networks and unlimited calls to Mart/Sun/TNT |
Giga Games | P50.00 / P99.00 / P299.00 / P399.00 | 1GB / 2GB / 4GB / 6GB / 8GB (3 Days, 7 Days, or 30 Days) + 1GB daily allowance for Mobile Legends, Arena of Valor, Clash Royale, COC, and FB Gaming |
Giga All-In | P125.00 / P249.00 / P649.00 / P749.00 / P849.00 | 1GB / 2GB / 4GB / 6GB / 8GB (for 3 Days, 7 Days, or 30 Days) + 1GB daily allowance for iflix, iWant and Cignal Play, NBA, and YouTube + 1GB daily allowance for FB, IG, and TikTok + unlimited calls and texts to all networks |
Smart Bro Promos for Postpaid
Postpaid Promo | Price | Data Allowance |
Giga Surf 50 | P50.00 | 1GB + 300MB for iflix, iWant, Dubsmash, Dailymotion, Vimeo, Spinnr, and YouTube + unlimited texts to all networks (3 Days) |
Giga Surf 99 | P99.00 | 2GB + 1GB daily for iflix, NBA, YouTube, and more (7 Days) |
Giga Surf 299 | P299.00 | 2GB + 1GB for iflix, iWant, Dubsmash, Dailymotion, Vimeo, Spinnr, and YouTube(30 Days) |
Giga Surf 599 | P599.00 | 5GB + 1GB daily for iflix, NBA, YouTube, and more (30 Days) |
Giga Surf 899 | P899.00 | 8GB + 1GB daily for iflix, iWant, NBA, YouTube, and more (30 Days) |
Giga Video | P50.00 / P99.00 / P299.00 / P399.00 / P499/00 | 1GB / 2GB / 4GB / 6GB / 8GB + 1GB daily allowance for iflix, iWant, NBA, Cignal TV, and YouTube (3 Days, 7 Days, or 30 Days) |
SurfMax 995 | P995.00 | All-day surfing up to 1GB daily allowance (30 Days) |
TP-Link
TP-Link is a brand known for its WiFi networking devices, including pocket WiFi devices. They currently offer four models for different user needs.
TP-Link Pocket WiFi Models
Pocket WiFi Model | Price | Internet Speed |
M7200 | P2,750.00 | Up to 150Mbps |
M7350 | P3,420.00 | Up to 150 Mbps |
M7450 | P5,200.00 | Up to 300 Mbps |
M7650 | P6,350.00 | Up to 600 Mbps |
TP-Link pocket WiFi devices are available at Asianic, VillMan Computers, PC Express, and Shopee.
Pros and Cons
The range of prices means there’s something for every budget. However, their cheapest model, M7200 is still comparably more expensive than other brands.
The devices last for about 8 to 15 hours of straight use and could support up to 32 devices at once.
With the exception of the M7200, the pocket WiFi devices come with a slot for microSD that can be used for wireless sharing of files across a network and a screen display.
TP-Link pocket WiFi devices can also be used in most countries as they support most networks. Using this device also means you have the liberty to give different networks a try without having to buy multiple pocket WiFis.
How to Set Up
- Using a USB cable, you can connect the pocket WiFi to your laptop or desktop. The driver will then be installed on your device automatically.
- Once you see the message “Your device is ready to use,” just wait for the red “x” or yellow “!” by the network icon to disappear, which means you’re connected to the internet.
How to Load
Depending on the network you’re going to use, you can follow the instructions provided for topping up with either Globe or Smart.
ZTE
ZTE pocket WiFi devices are also an option for those looking for an open line device that they can use to try different networks or take with them when they travel.
There are several models available in the country right now. These are available at VillMan Computers and other online shops.
Pocket WiFi Model | Price | Internet Speed |
ZTE MF65+Pocket WiFi | P2,380.00 | Up to 21.6 Mbps |
ZTE MF65 MIFI Pocket WiFi | P2,590.00 | Up to 21.6 Mbps |
ZTE MF920T 4G/LTE | P2,890.00 | Up to 150 Mbps |
ZTE MF62 With LCD Display | P2,990.00 | Up to 21.6 Mbps |
ZTE MF63 Mobile WiFi hotspot | P2,990.00 | Up to 21.6 Mbps |
ZTE MF90 4G LTE MiFi | P3,588.00 | Up to 150 Mbps |
Pros and Cons
ZTE pocket WiFi devices are all open line, so you can choose the network you want wherever you may be.
Most models last up to 8 hours of continuous use. They can support up to 10 devices simultaneously.
In comparison to devices limited to local networks, ZTE pocket WiFi devices are quite pricier.
How to Set Up
- Insert your SIM card on the slot in your pocket WiFi.
- Turn on the pocket WiFi.
- Make sure that your device’s WiFi is on.
- Search for available networks.
- Choose your WiFi device (This is the SSID of your pocket WiFi) and click “connect.”
- Enter the WiFi password (found on the label of your pocket WiFi) and hit “OK.”
- Wait for your device to be connected.
- If using a laptop or desktop, you may also choose to directly connect the pocket WiFi using the included USB cable.
How to Load
Follow the instructions for topping up for your chosen network provider.
Huawei
Huawei’s current pocket WiFi device, the Huawei E5573 Mobile WiFi is open line so you can opt to use either a Globe or a Smart SIM with it when you’re in the country, and just change it when you travel abroad.
Price
You can get it for as low as P2,190 from online stores like Lazada, Shopee, and Poundit.
Pros and Cons
This device can support up to 11 devices at once and offers speed of up to 150 Mbps.
This particular model is actually the one used by Globe for their pocket WiFi offering so it shares the same features.
The promos you can use, of course, depend on the network you choose to use with it.
How to Set Up
- Remove the device’s back cover to reveal the SIM slot. Insert the SIM and the battery and cover it again.
- You may have to charge the pocket WiFi before using it for the first time. You can do so by connecting it to your computer using the USB cable. You may plug it into a socket, too.
- Turn the pocket WiFi on. You can do this by pressing and holding the power button for about 2 seconds or so.
- Wait for your device to connect to the network.
- Choose the SSID and enter the WiFI key that’s on the bottom label of the pocket WiFi.
- Configure your pocket WiFi by launching your browser and entering http://192.168.1.1.
- Log in using “admin” for both the username and password.
- Set the parameters.
How to Load
As it is open line, you’d simply have to follow the loading instructions for your chosen network provider.
Related: Online Privacy Tips: How to Secure your Personal Information
Final Thoughts
With all the issues users are experiencing with internet service providers, it’s always a good idea to get yourself a pocket WiFi as a back-up.
This is especially important if you are currently working remotely or enrolled in online classes. It also gives you the flexibility to stay connected and continue your online tasks wherever you go.
Of course, the choice of what particular device you should use depends on your needs and your budget.
Also, it’s worth noting that the performances of these devices also depend on the network you choose, as well as your location.
It might be wise to consult with trusted family and friends in your area to find out which one works best for them.
Read Next: Best VPNs in the Philippines
Hello,
Can the smart bro lte pocket wifi connect to a desktop and used as a usb tether?