Which modem is best for the Internet for a laptop: TOP 11 best models

Today, perhaps, not a single modern person can live without the Internet. People constantly read, “like” and “repost” things, and in the end, they create “content” themselves. And today’s technologies allow you to use the Internet not only on a computer or laptop, but also from a smartphone.

Modern working conditions make it possible to travel on business or even work from home. And when it is not possible to use wired Internet or a Wi-Fi network, 3G/4G Internet comes to the rescue. This Internet has its charms, but it also has some limitations. First of all, to use it you need special equipment in the form of a USB modem.

In this article, experts from Obzor-Expert.com will give a rating of models, which will help you find out which modem is best for the Internet for a laptop. We will also figure out what you need to consider when choosing such equipment.

Which modem is best for the Internet for a laptop?

Rating of the best modems for laptops

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Manufacturer's choice

For more correct and convenient work, it is best to contact operators who cover the area of ​​​​the future territorial location of the device. Coverage maps are provided on the official websites of manufacturers.

According to the latest news, the leaders have united into a monopoly in order to improve the quality of communication every year

According to experts' criteria, it is best not to trust universal devices, because many operators are not connected to their services.

Important! A device purchased from China, Europe or other countries may receive completely different signal frequency standards.

The best 3G modems for laptops

Now the next thing to be considered are modems that support only 3G, a more “ancient” connection. Why did we decide to consider these particular modems? It's all about the prevalence of the 3G standard. Despite the active development of 4G, there are a large number of places where it simply does not exist.

In addition, it cannot be denied that older equipment is still very common, which naturally does not support the LTE standard. In this case, you need to take not a 4G modem, but a 3G modem.

Let's look at three models below that are worthy of attention.

ZTE MF627

ZTE MF627
Basic information:

• interface: USB;
• standards: GPRS, EDGE, 3G;
• dimensions: 69x26x12 mm;
• weight: 45 g.

Third place goes to a fairly simple, but at the same time efficient and reliable modem from ZTE. This model was initially designed for MTS, but if desired and with a little effort, it can be unlocked and connected to any other telecom operator.

The model has been on the market for a long time, but since it is time-tested and has a good reputation, you can trust it.

The case of this modem is made of plastic, the quality of which you don’t have to worry about. Good build, attractive design, as well as a slot for a microSD memory card - in general, everything is like a good modem.

The modem supports modern second and third generation data transmission technologies. The last thing we’ll mention is what frequencies this modem supports:

• 3G: 900/1900/2100 MHz.

pros

• high quality assembly;
• stable connection;
• low price;
• microSD card as an option.

Minuses

• poor compatibility with Linux;
• incorrect display of sent SMS messages;
• restricted by the MTS network (but if you wish, you can unblock it yourself by finding instructions on the Internet).

ZTE MF627

HUAWEI E1550

HUAWEI E1550
Basic information:

• interface: USB;
• standards: GPRS, EDGE, 3G;
• dimensions: 26x11x87 mm;
• weight: 40 g.

The second number is a 3G modem of no less good quality from the manufacturer Huawei, which has repeatedly appeared in our ratings. This model looks the same as many others - the standard form of a black USB flash drive. At the end there are slots for SIM cards and microSD cards. If you don’t know that this is a modem, you might confuse it with a regular flash drive for transferring information.

However, if you are looking for reliability, then you have come to the right place. Judging by the reviews, this model has come to the rescue more than once when a stable Internet connection was needed.

The modem operates in the networks of mobile operators that transmit data according to second and third generation standards. This modem supports the following frequencies: 900/1900/2100 MHz.

Separately, it is worth highlighting the ability to organize group SMS mailings, as well as voice calls using the GSM or WCDMA standard.

pros

• high reliability;
• simple appearance that gives rigor to the design;
• stable connection;
• support for SMS messaging and voice calls;
• useful additional features.

Minuses

• You won't be able to connect an external antenna.

Reviews and prices for HUAWEI E1550

Video - How to “untie” the Huawei E1550 modem

HUAWEI E1820

HUAWEI E1820
Basic information:

• interface: USB;
• standards: GPRS, EDGE, 3G;
• dimensions: 76x28x12 mm;
• weight: 30 g.

The first is a USB modem in the form of a slider, which has an extreme position lock. Durable plastic used in the manufacture of this model will protect the modem from scratches, chips and - a little - from water.

Like other models of this TOP-3, this modem accepts second and third generation data transmission standards. It supports a number of the following frequencies: 850/900/1800/1900/2100 MHz.

If desired, an external antenna is connected to this modem, which serves as a signal amplification device. When you connect to a laptop, you can see how quickly all the necessary software is installed, and then the modem starts working. Simplicity and ease of use are no less important criteria, and this model coped with it “excellently.”

pros

• small in size;
• high-quality implementation of the case;
• “slider” design, which increases the safety of individual elements;
• stable connection;
• easy to install and use.

Minuses

• not noted.

HUAWEI E1820

HUAWEI E3372h-153

The next hero of our TOP is the HUAWEI E3372h-153 modem.

It is very similar to the previous hero of the video, but has one important difference - it has a slot for a memory card. So this modem can also be used as a USB drive and store various files on it.

The build quality of this modem is excellent. There is a cover that protects the USB port from external influences. The lid has a hole for a lanyard so you can wear the modem as a keychain. Also in the device body there is a plug, under which 2 TS-5 standard interfaces are hidden for connecting external MIMO antennas to amplify the signal. They will come in handy if you go out of town where the cellular signal is weak.

In terms of installation, the modem is very simple. The user only needs to install a mini SIM card into it and connect the modem to a laptop or PC. The drivers will be installed automatically. At least on the Windows 10 operating system, the user is not required to perform additional actions.

As for the control panel, it doesn't have many options. You can select the interface language, enable/disable data transfer, change security and connection settings, view the number of packages used and the duration of the current session, as well as send SMS messages and update the software version for the device.

As for the connection speed, the modem, according to the manufacturer, is capable of delivering up to 50 Mbit/s for downloading and 150 Mbit/s for uploading. Of course, there can be many factors influencing the maximum connection speed, but as the owners of such a modem note, it perfectly picks up signals from any cellular operators and provides a fairly strong and stable signal.

• Max. speed: 150 Mbit/s.
• Memory card slot.
• LTE FDD: Cat4 DL.
• UMTS: DCHSPA+.
• HSUPA.
• 2G.
• FDD: DD800 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600.
• UMTS: 900 / 2100.
• GSM: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 190.
• Dimensions: 88 x 28 x 11.5 mm.
• Weight: 35 g.

The best modem routers for laptops

The last group discussed in this article is a modem-router, which can not only provide Internet to a laptop, but also distribute it.

Below you will see three of the most interesting models that can perform the functions of a router and modem.

HUAWEI E8231w

HUAWEI E8231w
Basic information:

• interface: USB;
• standards: GPRS, EDGE, 3G;
• dimensions: 27x7x88 mm;
• weight: 22 g;

Third place in this selection goes to a device that combines the functions of a modem and router. Huawei, trying to expand functionality, tried to keep the form factor quite recognizable. And in the end we got a “standard” USB flash drive.

It is important to note the following - this modem does not support 4G, only 3G and lower. This allows you to work with outdated equipment without any problems.

This modem-router is made in a durable plastic case, which has two small LED indicators.

As a router, this model distributes the Internet to up to 10 clients without interruptions. If necessary, the modem can be configured to distribute via a Wi-Fi network; you just need to first connect it to a power source through a special unit with a USB connector on it. This source can be either a laptop or a phone charger.

pros

• stable connection;
• ease of installation;
• quite good speed indicators;
• the ability to distribute the Internet to 10 clients;
• affordable price.

Minuses

• requires a power source.

HUAWEI E8231w

Huawei E8372

Huawei E8372
Basic information:

• interface: USB;
• standards: GPRS, EDGE, 3G;
• dimensions: 30x14x94 mm;
• weight: 40 g.

This modem takes second place, despite its apparent simplicity. But it has quite interesting “insides”.

For example, despite the same “appearance”, the model has more than one indicator, which allows you to understand the status of the incoming and outgoing connections. At the same time, there is a slot for a SIM card and a microSD card inside. This model also has two standard types of connectors to which you can connect external antennas, with which the signal quality can greatly improve.

The modem, as it became clear, supports two standards – 2G and 3G. This allows you to interact with older equipment that also does not have 4G support.

As a router, this model can distribute mobile Internet over a Wi-Fi network to up to ten devices.

In general, you should definitely take a closer look at this model if you are looking for a good modem that can also distribute the Internet.

pros

• stable connection;
• high speed;
• easy installation;
• accessible web interface;
• Internet distribution to 10 clients.

Minuses

• No.

Huawei E8372

ZYXEL LTE7240-M403

ZYXEL LTE7240-M403
Basic information:

• interface: USB;
• standards: GPRS, EDGE, 3G, 4G;
• dimensions: 140x200x60 mm;
• weight: 800 g.

First place goes to the model from Zyxel, which, unlike modems from Huawei, is still capable of receiving mobile Internet not only of the second and third generations, but also of the current fourth generation.

The body of this model is made of durable materials. The design of the device, due to IP56 protection, is not afraid of either dust or water. Equipped with built-in antennas, the modem can immediately receive and distribute the Internet, and taking into account the use of PoE technology, the modem can be located anywhere.

It is also worth noting that the Internet is distributed at high speeds via a Wi-Fi network. Supports up to 10 devices, like other models.

This model is an excellent example of connection quality. This model can be used in many places - at home, in the office, and outside the city, when, for example, you need to go on a picnic.

If you are looking for the smallest modem that does not require electricity to operate, then this model is worth a look.

pros

• stable connection;
• high speed;
• easy installation;
• convenient fastening.

Minuses

• Requires power, does not have a battery.

Reviews and prices for Zyxel LTE7240-M403

Video - Review of Zyxel LTE7240-M403

You might be wondering which netbook you should buy.

USB modems and their main characteristics

Previously, modems were circuits that were built directly into the laptop or installed externally. In any case, they took up a lot of space. Over the past decade, technology has made great strides, allowing the creation of more compact units, and with it, small personal computers with an Internet connection.

The advantages of modern USB modems include:

1. Small sizes. Modern models can be easily carried in a pocket or purse. This allows laptop owners to always be connected.
2. Autonomy. Modems are connected to a USB port, which supplies a sufficient amount of current necessary for the normal functioning of the modem.
3. Availability of output to memory card. Some models have the ability to connect a flash drive (microSD). As a result, the router can be used to store various data. An antenna is also connected to the port, which improves the signal and allows you to use the gadget in remote areas.
4. Reliability in operation. System failures or voltage surges do not affect performance. This applies to lags and various viruses that often get from the Internet to a laptop. Malicious programs cause significant damage to laptops, which negatively affects their work. This also applies to data transfer.
5. Price. Compact modems are relatively cheap, which allows everyone to use this method of connecting to the Internet. The low price hides the limited functionality of the equipment.

Despite this, this technique has some disadvantages that should be taken into account when choosing it:

1. Relatively low strength. Careless handling of the router can damage the socket or the casing, which is often made of plastic. It is best to pay attention to alloy models. Metal models are more resistant to physical impacts.
2. Unavailable programming. Some models use drivers that are difficult to find. This also applies to the language bar. To work with such technology, you will need to additionally learn a foreign language. Some models cannot be reflashed, and if so, it is quite expensive.
3. The need to install additional programs. To be able to distribute the Internet, you need to install special programs. It is not always possible to use such functions.

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The presence of such shortcomings significantly reduces the demand for a particular model. Therefore, you need to approach the choice very carefully. The main disadvantage of such a device is that it requires a working port for its normal functioning. Laptops that have been in use for several years may have problems with this. Therefore, it is worth considering the option of using wireless modems. They are much more convenient and reliable to use.

4G modem: what should you pay attention to?

First of all, when buying a 4G modem, people think about what the maximum speed of the selected model is. However, the maximum and actual speed differ, and dramatically. The speed difference depends on two factors: signal strength and network congestion.

Important! Do you see the maximum value of 150 Mbit/s on the modem? It is not a fact that in reality you will ever see such a value on the screen of your smartphone or laptop.

Speed ​​is the first thing many people think about when choosing a modem.
The modem does not always pick up the signal well. It happens that it often disappears, and if it appears, it does not remain stable. In this case, a very simple solution is proposed - installing an external antenna. Although with such an antenna, most likely, you will not achieve huge mobile Internet speeds, it will help strengthen the signal and make it stable.

An external antenna has never been an unnecessary accessory

There is one more feature inherent in USB modems for laptops. We are, of course, talking about connecting microSD memory cards to them through a special slot. Yes, this device becomes a kind of card reader, which means that through such a flash drive you can access data from a microSD card. There is one “but”: it will be quite inconvenient.

Important! Every time you need to remove the modem with a microSD memory card inside, you will deprive yourself of the Internet.

The presence of a slot for a microSD card allows you to use the modem as a regular flash drive.
And lastly, most of the models have their own characteristics regarding communication with the mobile Internet. Although all modems have a built-in antenna, they also have connectors for connecting simple external antennas or MIMO antennas. The last option looks the most interesting. With such antennas, you can connect several devices at the same time and distribute the Internet to them. The name of the technology reflects how many antennas are configured for reception and transmission.

Important! MIMO 2*2 means that two antennas are configured to receive and two more are configured to transmit.

MIMO antenna has always been considered the best of all external antennas

Alcatel Link Key

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Our TOP continues - Alcatel Link Key.

This is a compact USB modem for a computer or laptop, which can also be used as a flash drive if you install a memory card in the appropriate slot.

The modem itself is very compact and made of durable plastic, with a coating that does not leave fingerprints. A cover is provided to protect the USB connector. You can buy such a modem in black or white.

Its maximum data exchange speed reaches 150 Mbit/s, which provides comfortable Internet access provided you are in the coverage area. The modem can work with SIM cards from any mobile operator that provides access to 2G, 3G and 4G networks. The signal, as the owners note, is stable and does not disappear. There is no significant heating during operation of the device.

Setting up the modem is simple and intuitive. It is done through a browser. You can enable or disable the device, view the connection settings and connection security. There is also a section that allows you to read and send SMS received on the SIM card installed in the gadget.

Overall, an excellent modem that is very popular for its easy setup and stable signal.

• Max. speed: 150 Mbit/s.
• Memory card slot.
• GSM, GPRS, EDGE, 3G, HSPA+, 4G, LTE.
• 800/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz.
• Dimensions: 88 x 28 x 11 mm.

Modem: is it worth buying?

Today, mobile Internet is a necessary means of communication with family and friends in the absence of cable Internet or Wi-Fi. This situation can be corrected by a special modem, which may have a USB interface or a battery.

Models with a battery are good because they can be used outside the home, for example on a picnic. There, if you wish, you can connect to the Internet and, for example, turn on music or radio online.

Battery-powered models are quite popular for holidays outside the city or in the country.

Car owners have recently become very keen on mobile 4G modems with batteries. Such a device can be hidden somewhere in the car, powered to it, and the Internet will be distributed throughout the car. If desired, you can connect a radio with a navigator to it.

For a car, mobile Internet is a great solution, especially when traveling

Should I buy a modem from my operator?

The main advantage of buying a modem from an operator is the benefits: you buy a device with a SIM card and a tariff, for which the operator gives you a discount. Under certain conditions, you essentially get a modem for free. But a significant disadvantage is that when you change operator, you will most likely have to buy a new modem. This is also used to avoid losing your customers. As for the modems themselves, they are essentially the same as those from Huawei or ZTE. When traveling in other countries, the wisest decision is to purchase a modem from a local operator. So, you will save yourself some nerves. Just be careful when studying the tariff.

About the modem software

Creating a Wi-Fi network is not a very simple procedure, because the first thing you need to do is protect it with a password to prevent third parties from gaining access to it.

However, setting a password is not the last thing you need to do. Next you will need to set up a local network, a white list, and limit the amount of traffic. So achieving high speeds for multiple devices is a matter of possibility.

You can configure the modem software not only through a laptop, but also using a smartphone through a proprietary application.

3G standards

Of course, 3G technologies are not used as widely as 2G coverage technologies, which are available in all corners of the globe. But the third generation has a number of advantages that set it apart from the previous version.

According to WCDMA technology standards, networks operate at frequencies of 2000-2100 MHz. The range of information transfer speeds is noticeably higher than that of the second generation. Speed ​​can reach up to 14 Mbit/s.

Among the major operators, MTS, MegaFon, VimpelCom and Beeline stand out. Their popularity has led to the massive use of technology in 130 major cities of the Russian Federation.

With the help of the third generation, it became possible to obtain images in streaming video. This type of information acquisition has become much more economical than all previous analogues using weak capabilities.

Which modem to choose for home Internet?

If you need a modem for use at home, most likely you will take a regular modem in the form of a USB flash drive capable of receiving 3G and 4G. The speed for downloading movies, for example, will be quite high.

If you want to travel often, it is better to take another option that has a battery. Then you can set the economy mode, which will allow you to use the modem for a long time.

For travel it is better to use modems with batteries

4G standards

The new generation appeared relatively recently and immediately displaced the previous one from its place of widespread use. The main operators who discovered the method in a revolutionary way were YOTA and Freshtel.

The cities that first saw the possibility of communication in the frequencies of 2500-2600 MHz were the settlements of Siberia, the Moscow region, the Urals, and the Baltic states.

The speed that such networks can reach reaches 1 gigabyte per second. For users on the go, speeds can reach up to 100 megabits. However, the pace of development of coatings in all populated areas is gaining momentum every day, which will soon lead to widespread use.

Extreme case: about distributing mobile Internet from a smartphone

The worst situation is when the 4G modem simply stops working and distributing mobile Internet. In this case, some problem arises with access to the World Wide Web.

If the Internet suddenly disappears, there are several reasons for this:

• the money in the subscriber account has run out;
• operator problems;
• problems with the modem.

Then the next question arises: is it worth buying a modem at all? When the modem does not work, the capabilities of a smartphone are often sufficient. Today, almost every phone is capable of not only receiving mobile Internet, but also distributing it further through its own Wi-Fi network.

It should be noted that the speed provided by the smartphone when distributing mobile Internet will be lower than if you use a modem created specifically for this purpose.

Important! The smartphone will discharge quite quickly when distributing the Internet. However, in an emergency situation, you should turn a blind eye to this.

In a difficult situation, you can distribute Internet to a laptop from your phone

External modems and their types

Many modern laptop models are equipped with built-in modems. This greatly simplifies the task of connecting to the network. Having bought such a laptop, you can forget about the problem of choosing a modem. But, if the equipment is not equipped with it, then you should seriously approach the solution of such an important issue as connecting to the Internet. For many, not only their performance, but their whole life depends on this.

The best option is an external modem that is equipped with a USB portal. They are capable of processing large amounts of information efficiently and quickly. Compared to fiber optic cables, external modems are small in size and very easy to use. Companies that provide landline or mobile communications offer consumers a wide selection of compact gadgets.

Important! Before you buy a modem, you need to familiarize yourself with all the available options. The range of operator services changes every year.

Let's sum it up

A USB modem is considered a fairly simple and not too expensive solution. Its forms may be different, but there is no need to pay attention to them when your main goal is to receive a signal and feed it to the laptop.

An equally interesting option is a separate device, which has its own battery, and with it it can be used almost anywhere, even where the connection is not very good.

To ensure that the model does not fail or “lag” during operation, you need to choose a high-quality model. Our rating presents the most popular and reliable devices, the quality of which has been confirmed by experts and real buyers.

Amplifiers and auxiliary devices

The best solution for users experiencing problems with communication quality are repeaters. These devices are installed on routers. With the help of special antennas and materials that can catch certain wave frequencies, the signal received by the computer is noticeably increased.

Receivers are popular with many people who have problems with coverage area

To understand which repeater is needed to improve quality, it is better to consult with operators providing communication services.

Of course, you can construct a product yourself from copper wire, antennas and tin cans, but their reception quality will be noticeably worse than that of manufacturers focused on reception within certain standards.

Voting: the best modem for a laptop

Which laptop modem would you choose or recommend?

HUAWEI E3276

5.88 % ( 1 )

HUAWEI E3372h

5.88 % ( 1 )

ZTE MF823

11.76 % ( 2 )

Alcatel Link Key

5.88 % ( 1 )

HUAWEI E398

17.65 % ( 3 )

HUAWEI E1820

0.00 % ( 0 )

HUAWEI E1550

11.76 % ( 2 )

ZTE MF627

0.00 % ( 0 )

ZYXEL LTE7240-M403

11.76 % ( 2 )

Huawei E8372

11.76 % ( 2 )