Wireless Internet on the Go: 5 Pocket WiFi Options for Filipinos
By: Venus Zoleta
Published on: March 31, 2020 . Last updated: October 9, 2020 Category: Gadget Protect
Battery-powered and fitting in the palm of a hand, a pocket WiFi (also called mobile WiFi) is a wireless router that lets you be connected anywhere and share internet access to multiple devices simultaneously.
Although a smartphone can do the same job, using it as a WiFi hotspot can quickly drain the phone’s battery life.
If you want a backup to your fixed internet connection at home, having a pocket WiFi device is just perfect. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or telecommuting employee, here are the different pocket Wi-Fi devices you can choose from.
Table of Contents
Globe LTE Mobile WiFi
Price: PHP 999
Internet speed: Up to 42Mbps
Where to buy: Globe Online Shop, Globe stores and accredited retail outlets nationwide, Lazada, Shopee
Globe’s pocket WiFi[1] is a prepaid product that allows connecting up to 10 devices simultaneously. It comes with a service warranty of 18 months and free 10GB video streaming for 30 days.
How to Set Up Your Globe LTE Mobile WiFi
- Power on the Globe pocket WiFi device.
- Activate your computer’s WiFi*.
- Enter the WiFi SSID and password (found on the back cover of the device).
- Wait until your computer is connected to the Globe network.
- To change the settings (such as the WiFi name or password), launch your web browser and enter 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.8.1.
- Enter “admin” for username and password.
- On the dashboard, go to Advanced Settings or WLAN Basic settings. Change the values as desired. Then click “Apply.”
*Instead of connecting to WiFi, you can connect with the USB cable that’s bundled with the package. Simply plug the device in, and it’s ready to use.
How to Load Your Globe LTE Mobile WiFi
There are five ways to purchase load and promos for your Globe pocket WiFi:
- Through GCash app’s Buy Load feature
- Through the GlobeOne app
- Through Globe At Home app
- Texting the Globe promo name (e.g., GoSURF15) to 8080
- Dialing *143# and choosing Surfing > GoSURF / SUPERSURF
Globe LTE Mobile WiFi Promos
Globe Pocket WiFi Promo |
Data Allowance and Validity |
Price |
---|---|---|
GoSURF15 | 100MB + 30MB for Instagram valid for 2 days | PHP 15 |
GoSURF50 |
2GB + 1GB daily for GoWATCH & PLAY / GoSHARE&SHOP / GoLISTEN&DISCOVER + 1GB GoWiFi access valid for 3 days | PHP 50 |
GoSURF299 | 2GB + 10GB access to GoWATCH & PLAY / GoSHARE&SHOP / GoLISTEN&DISCOVER + 1GB GoWiFi access + Free GCash voucher valid for 30 days | PHP 299 |
GoSURF599 | 5GB + 10GB access to GoWATCH & PLAY / GoSHARE&SHOP / GoLISTEN&DISCOVER + 1GB GoWiFi access + Free GCash voucher valid for 30 days | PHP 599 |
GoSURF999 | 10GB + 10GB access to GoWATCH & PLAY / GoSHARE&SHOP / GoLISTEN&DISCOVER + 1GB GoWiFi access + Free GCash voucher valid for 30 days | PHP 999 |
GoSURF1299 | 15GB + 10GB access to GoWATCH & PLAY / GoSHARE&SHOP / GoLISTEN&DISCOVER + 1GB GoWiFi access + Free GCash voucher valid for 30 days | PHP 1,299 |
GoSURF1999 | 30GB + 10GB access to GoWATCH & PLAY / GoSHARE&SHOP / GoLISTEN&DISCOVER + 1GB GoWiFi access + Free GCash voucher valid for 30 days | PHP 1,999 |
GoSURF2499 | 50GB + 10GB access to GoWATCH & PLAY / GoSHARE&SHOP / GoLISTEN&DISCOVER + 1GB GoWiFi access + Free GCash voucher valid for 30 days | PHP 2,499 |
SUPERSURF50 | 800MB unlimited surfing valid for 1 day | PHP 50 |
SUPERSURF120 | 800MB/day unlimited surfing valid for 3 days | PHP 120 |
SUPERSURF200 | 800MB/day unlimited surfing valid for 5 days | PHP 200 |
Read more: LTE Broadband Plans in the Philippines: What are Your Options?
Huawei E5573 Mobile WiFi
Price: PHP 2,190
Internet speed: Up to 150Mbps
Where to buy: Lazada, Poundit, Shopee
This pocket WiFi from Huawei can support up to 11 devices at the same time. It’s an open-line device, meaning you can use a Globe or Smart SIM card with it.
How to Set Up Your Huawei E5573 Mobile WiFi
- Remove the back cover and insert the SIM card and battery. Replace the cover.
- Charge the mobile WiFi by connecting it to your computer’s USB port or a charger (then plug into a socket).
- Turn on the Huawei pocket WiFi by pressing and holding the power key for 2 seconds.
- Enable your computer’s WiFi and wait for it to connect to the network.
- Select the SSID and enter the WiFi key (found on the pocket WiFi’s bottom label).
- Wait for your computer to connect to your Wi-Fi device.
- To configure the pocket WiFi, launch your browser and enter http://192.168.1.1 in the address box.
- Log in by entering the username (“admin”) and password (“admin”).
- Set the network parameters.
How to Load Your Huawei Mobile WiFi
- If you’re using a Globe SIM card, check the steps in “How to Load Your Globe Mobile WiFi.”
- If you’re using a Smart SIM card, check the steps in “How to Load Your Smart Pocket WiFi.”
Read more: Working from Home? Prepaid Home WiFi Options and Their Features
Smart Bro LTE Pocket WiFi
Price: PHP 1,295 one-time fee for prepaid / PHP 499 – PHP 999 monthly fee for postpaid
Internet speed: Up to 42Mbps
Where to buy: Smart Online Store, Shopee, PLDT Home website (for existing PLDT plans subscribers only)
Smart offers two types of pocket WiFi products[2]: prepaid and postpaid. The prepaid WiFi comes with an LTE SIM card and a one-time fee. The postpaid WiFi (paid monthly for 12 months) is bundled with 6GB/10GB/15GB monthly data and free access to iflix for 30 days.
Both prepaid and postpaid mobile WiFi can accommodate up to five users.
How to Set Up Your Smart LTE Pocket WiFi
- Insert the Smart Bro SIM card into the pocket WiFi.
- Launch your browser.
- In the address bar, enter the IP address indicated on the product manual.
- Enter the default password (smartbro). Click “Login.”
- Choose Quick Settings. Click “Next.”
- Optional: Change the SSID to personalize your WiFi name. Click “Next.”
- Add an Encryption Mode to protect your internet connection from unauthorized use. Choose an Encryption Mode > WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK.
- Enter your desired password. Click “Next.”
- Click the Apply button.
How to Load Your Smart Pocket WiFi
To top up your Smart Bro account, visit the Smart Online Store and choose the amount to load (PHP 15 to PHP 1,000). Pay online using your credit card or Bancnet ATM card.
Smart Pocket WiFi Promos
Smart Bro Prepaid Promos
Smart Bro Prepaid Promo |
Data Allowance and Validity |
Price |
---|---|---|
Home Boost 15 | 1GB valid for 1 day (requires Giga Surf 50 or any SurfMax Plus promos) | PHP 15 |
SurfMax |
All-day surfing up to 800MB daily valid for 1 day, 2 days, 7 days, 15 days, or 30 days | PHP 50, PHP 85, PHP 250, PHP 500, PHP 995 |
Giga Video | 1GB/2GB/4GB/6GB/8GB + 1GB daily for YouTube, iflix, NBA, iWant and Cignal Play + unlimited texts to all networks valid for 3 days, 7 days, or 30 days | PHP 50, PHP 99, PHP 299, PHP 399, PHP 499 |
Giga Video+ | 1GB/2GB/4GB/6GB/8GB + 1GB daily for YouTube, iflix, NBA, iWant and Cignal Play + unlimited calls to Smart/Sun/TNT + unlimited texts to all networks valid for 3 days, 7 days, or 30 days | PHP 75, PHP 100, PHP 149, PHP 199, PHP 449, PHP 549, PHP 649, or PHP 749 |
Giga Games | 1GB/2GB/4GB/6GB/8GB + 1GB GAMES daily for Mobile Legends, COC, Arena of Valor, Clash Royale, and FB Gaming valid for 3 days, 7 days, or 30 days | PHP50, PHP 99, PHP 299, or PHP 399 |
Giga All-In | 1GB/2GB/4GB/6GB/8GB + 1GB daily for YouTube, iflix, NBA, iWant and Cignal Play + 1GB daily for IG, FB, TikTok + unlimited calls and texts to all networks valid for 3 days, 7 days, or 30 days | PHP 125, PHP 249, PHP 649, PHP 749, or PHP 849 |
Smart Bro Postpaid Promos
Smart Bro Postpaid Promo |
Data Allowance and Validity |
Price |
---|---|---|
Giga Surf 50 | 1GB + 300MB for YouTube, iflix, iWant, Spinnr, Dubsmash, Vimeo, and Dailymotion + unlimited texts to all networks valid for 3 days | PHP 50 |
Giga Surf 99 |
2GB + 1GB daily for YouTube, iFlix, NBA, and more valid for 7 days | PHP 99 |
Giga Surf 299 | 2GB + 1GB for YouTube, iflix, iWant, Spinnr, Dubsmash, Vimeo, and Dailymotion valid for 30 days | PHP 299 |
Giga Surf 599 | 5GB + 1GB daily for YouTube, iFlix, NBA, and more valid for 30 days | PHP 599 |
Giga Surf 899 | 8GB + 1GB daily for YouTube, iFlix, NBA, and more valid for 30 days | PHP 899 |
Giga Video | 1GB/2GB/4GB/6GB/8GB + 1GB daily for YouTube, iflix, iWant, NBA, and Cignal TV valid for 3 days, 7 days, or 30 days | PHP 50, PHP 99, PHP 299, PHP 399, or PHP 499 |
SurfMax 995 | All-day surfing up to 1GB daily valid for 30 days | PHP 995 |
TP-Link 4G LTE Mobile Wi-Fi
Prices:
- M7200 – PHP 2,750
- M7350 – PHP 3,420
- M7450 – PHP 5,200
- M7650 – PHP 6,350
Internet speeds:
- M7200 and M7350 – Up to 150Mbps
- M7450 – Up to 300Mbps
- M7650 – Up to 600Mbps
Where to buy: Asianic, PC Express, Shopee, VillMan Computers
TP-Link is a renowned manufacturer of WiFi networking devices. For people who are on the go and looking for a portable WiFi devices, TP-Link offers four mobile WiFi models[3] that cater to different needs.
1. TP- Link M7200
The most affordable TP-Link pocket WiFi at under PHP 3,000. This compact device allows sharing internet access with up to 10 devices at the same time. Its 2,000mAh battery lasts for 8 hours of use. Perfect for travelers and professionals on business trips, the M7200 supports the network of most countries and regions.
2. TP-Link M7350
TP-Link’s most popular model, the M7350 shares many features with the M7200. The only differences are the screen display and slot for a micro SD card for wireless file sharing across a network.
3. TP-Link M7450
The TP-Link M7450 is suitable for small businesses and individuals with large data requirements (such as web designers and developers). Its speed is double that of the other two TP-Link models. The M7450 enables the sharing of internet access by up to 32 devices. Its 3,000mAh battery can last for up to 15 hours. Like the M7350, the M7450 pocket WiFi features a screen display and a micro SD card slot.
4. TP-Link M7650
Lastly, the M7650 is the most feature-packed and priciest among the TP-Link variants. Aside from having the fastest maximum internet speed at a whopping 600Mbps, the TP-Link M7650 supports up to 32 devices simultaneously. Like the M7450, it has 15-hour battery life.
All the TP-Link pocket WiFi devices have open line support, so they’re compatible with either Globe or Smart SIM. They can be easily managed through the tpMiFi app, which enables setting data limits, controlling WiFi access, sharing media files to or from a micro SD card, and sending messages.
How to Set Up Your TP-Link Mobile WiFi
- Connect the TP-Link pocket WiFi to your computer using a USB cable. The device’s driver will be automatically installed on your computer.
- After a while, the screen will show “Your device is ready to use,” which means that the driver has been successfully installed. Wait a little longer until the network icon doesn’t show a red cross or yellow exclamation point on it. This means you’re already connected to the internet.
How to Load Your TP-Link 4G LTE Mobile WiFi
- If you’re using a Globe SIM card, check the steps in “How to Load Your Globe Mobile WiFi.”
- If you’re using a Smart SIM card, check the steps in “How to Load Your Smart Pocket WiFi.”
ZTE MF920T 4G/LTE Wireless Pocket WiFi
Price: PHP 2,890
Internet speed: Up to 150Mbps
Where to buy: Shopee, VillMan Computers
The ZTE Mobile WiFi is an open line device that lets users connect up to 10 devices at the same time. Its 2,000mAh battery can last up to 8 hours of internet browsing time and 450 hours of standby. This pocket WiFi also features a colored screen display.
How to Set Up Your ZTE MF920T Pocket WiFi
- Open the SIM card cover carefully.
- Install a SIM card to the SIM card slot.
- Turn on the WiFi device.
- Activate your computer’s WiFi* and search for available networks.
- Choose the WiFi name** (SSID) of your device and then click “Connect.”
- Enter the WiFi password** and then click OK.
- Wait until your pocket WiFi is connected to the computer.
*Alternatively, you can connect the pocket WiFi with your computer with the USB cable that’s included in the package. Once plugged in, your operating system will automatically detect the device and install the software.
**Check the label on the ZTE pocket WiFi to find its SSID and password.
How to Load Your ZTE MF920T Pocket Wi-Fi
- If you’re using a Globe SIM card, check the steps in “How to Load Your Globe Mobile WiFi.”
- If you’re using a Smart SIM card, check the steps in “How to Load Your Smart Pocket WiFi.”
Related Article: Internet in the Philippines: Why Is It Slow and Expensive?
Final Thoughts
Wondering which of the five products listed above is the best pocket WiFi for you? The right choice depends on where you’ll be using the device, as internet speeds vary per network (Globe/Smart) and location. To find out which mobile WiFi is the best, ask your friends for recommendations and read reviews on the products you’re considering to buy.
Sources:
- [1] Globe Online Shop
- [2] Smart Online Store
- [3] TP-Link website
Venus is an experienced personal finance writer with a background in digital marketing, public relations, and journalism. She’s into stock, VUL, and mutual fund investing. Follow Venus on LinkedIn.
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