Wireless Internet on the Go: 5 Pocket WiFi Options for Filipinos

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.

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

1. Power on the Globe pocket WiFi device.
2. Activate your computer’s WiFi*.
3. Enter the WiFi SSID and password (found on the back cover of the device).
4. Wait until your computer is connected to the Globe network.
5. 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.
6. Enter “admin” for username and password.
7. 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

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

1. Remove the back cover and insert the SIM card and battery. Replace the cover.
2. Charge the mobile WiFi by connecting it to your computer’s USB port or a charger (then plug into a socket).
3. Turn on the Huawei pocket WiFi by pressing and holding the power key for 2 seconds.
4. Enable your computer’s WiFi and wait for it to connect to the network.
5. Select the SSID and enter the WiFi key (found on the pocket WiFi’s bottom label).
6. Wait for your computer to connect to your Wi-Fi device.
7. To configure the pocket WiFi, launch your browser and enter http://192.168.1.1 in the address box.
8. Log in by entering the username (“admin”) and password (“admin”).
9. 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

1. Insert the Smart Bro SIM card into the pocket WiFi.
2. Launch your browser.
3. In the address bar, enter the IP address indicated on the product manual.
4. Enter the default password (smartbro). Click “Login.”
5. Choose Quick Settings. Click “Next.”
6. Optional: Change the SSID to personalize your WiFi name. Click “Next.”
7. Add an Encryption Mode to protect your internet connection from unauthorized use. Choose an Encryption Mode > WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK.
8. Enter your desired password. Click “Next.”
9. 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 Postpaid Promos

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

1. Connect the TP-Link pocket WiFi to your computer using a USB cable. The device’s driver will be automatically installed on your computer.
2. 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

1. Open the SIM card cover carefully.
2. Install a SIM card to the SIM card slot.
3. Turn on the WiFi device.
4. Activate your computer’s WiFi* and search for available networks.
5. Choose the WiFi name** (SSID) of your device and then click “Connect.”
6. Enter the WiFi password** and then click OK.
7. 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 Zoleta

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.