What is a mobile internet dongle?

Find out how a mobile Wi-Fi dongle can help you get online, what the pros and cons are and what to consider when comparing options.

What is a Wi-Fi dongle?

A dongle is a small USB stick that gets you online. By plugging this little gadget into your laptop or another compatible device, you can access your mobile provider's internet coverage. So even if there’s no fixed broadband or public Wi-Fi to connect to, a mobile dongle means you can still get internet connectivity on the go.

How do internet dongles work?

Unlike traditional fixed-line broadband, which is delivered through a network of underground cables, an internet dongle uses a mobile network to provide you with connectivity. So it connects to the internet in the same way a smartphone does.

A dongle requires a SIM card and it will usually need to be plugged into a USB port in your laptop or device. It uses the SIM card to receive 4G and 5G signals from the mobile network provider.

This provides your device with an internet connection, so you can email, browse the web and stream music.

What are the pros and cons of broadband dongles?

Mobile internet dongles can be a convenient option to get online but they’re not suitable for everyone. So it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons:

Pros

• No need for a fixed line - A dongle lets you connect to the internet without having a fibre or cable broadband connection
• Easy to use - You just need to plug the dongle into your device and follow the simple set-up instructions on the screen
• Small and portable - The pocket-sized dongle is easy to carry around with you
• Flexible - You can connect anywhere that there’s network coverage and some can also be used abroad, depending on the provider
• More secure - Using a dongle can be more secure than using public Wi-Fi
• Short-term contracts - Many providers offer pay as you go (PAYG) options and short-term contracts that can be bought on a rolling monthly basis if you don’t want to commit for longer

Cons

• They usually require a USB port - Most dongles need a USB connection, so they can only be used with certain laptops and tablets
• Might be unnecessary if you can tether - You might not need a dongle if you can tether your device to your smartphone to share its mobile data connection
• It’s reliant on a strong mobile signal - The dongle won’t work in areas where there’s poor or no mobile network coverage
• Monthly data caps can limit usage - While home broadband connections offer unlimited internet as standard, the data might be capped with a dongle, so always check what your deal offers
• It can be more expensive - Paying for this type of internet connection might cost you more than a fixed-line broadband contract
• It can only connect to one device - A USB dongle can only connect to one device at a time, so the Wi–Fi cannot be shared with other devices or users

How fast is the internet on dongles?

The internet speed you can get with a dongle depends on a number of changeable factors:

• The network you’re connected to right now
• How good the signal is where you are - check out our mobile network quality checker to find out
• How busy the network is
• How much you’re moving around - switching between networks will disrupt your connection
• Weather conditions

Regulator Ofcom classifies 20 Mbps as the minimum speed needed for moderate intensity activities, like video calls. In its 2025 Mobile Matters report, the regulator says that 55% of 4G connections reach this speed. For 5G connections, it’s 85%.

Almost two-thirds of 5G connections are over 50 Mbps, which allows them to support ultra high intensity activities like acting as a hotspot for multiple devices at once.

Internet delivered through a dongle can’t compete with the top speeds of fixed-line broadband, which is now capable of delivering a whole gigabit of data in a second. People choose a dongle for other reasons: it’s a great way to get online without a fixed connection.

Which mobile networks offer the best dongles?

The UK’s four main mobile networks all offer mobile broadband:

• EE
• O2
• Three
• Vodafone

The classic USB dongle is being gradually replaced with newer tech: portable 4G and 5G hotspots. You connect to them via Wi-Fi rather than plugging them into your device. It’s a technology sometimes called MiFi, although that’s technically a Three trademark.

Although these portable routers are bigger than a USB stick, they’re still small enough to fit in your hand or throw in a bag. Confusingly, they’re often described as dongles too as well as portable routers, Wi-Fi hotspots and a host of other names.

EE and Three no longer offer the traditional USB dongle at all. The focus is on 4G and 5G hotspots.

O2 and Vodafone give you the choice between:

• The classic USB dongle delivering 4G internet
• 4G portable hotspots
• 5G portable hotspots

You won’t find a USB dongle that delivers 5G.

How much does an internet dongle cost?

What you pay for an internet dongle or mobile data hotspot depends on whether you buy it on its own or get it included in a contract.

Standalone dongle and hotspot prices

If you’re buying a data dongle or mobile hotspot directly from a shop like Argos or Currys, the price depends on the spec and how much data it comes with. Mobile hotspots are a newer technology than USB dongles, so they tend to cost a bit more.

Here are some sample prices from the Argos site in October 2025. ^[1]

• Vodafone 60GB data dongle: £50
• Vodafone 120GB data dongle: £70
• EE pay as you go 60GB mobile Wi-Fi hotspot: £65
• EE PAYG 120GB hotspot: £95

When you run out of data, you’ll need to buy top-ups from the mobile network provider.

Getting an internet dongle with a plan

If you’re getting a dongle as part of a mobile internet plan, it’s harder to separate the cost of the dongle itself (the hardware) from the overall deal. What you pay depends on:

• How much data you get
• Whether it’s a monthly contract or PAYG
• The provider
• The length of the contract, if you have one

To give you a rough idea of how much dongle internet plans cost, we’ve pulled out a selection of contracts from the four main mobile networks. For a fair comparison, all the contracts in our table:

• Are for 4G mobile broadband
• Have no upfront cost, except O2’s £1 charge
• Offer unlimited data
• Are for 24 months

Short-term contracts where you sign up for a month at a time tend to cost more per month and have an upfront cost at the start.

This information is correct as of October 2025 - you should compare up-to-date prices before ordering a dongle or hotspot.

The O2 and Vodafone plans come with an old-school USB dongle. The EE and Three plans come with a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.

What to consider when choosing a dongle

If you’re thinking of using a dongle for wireless internet, it’s important to weigh up the different options.

To help you choose, it’s best to compare and consider:

• The cost - Find out if there’s any upfront cost and how much you’ll need to pay monthly.
• Whether you want a USB dongle or a newer-style mobile data hotspot
• The coverage - Use our mobile coverage checker to find the network with the best coverage when choosing who to get your dongle from The data limit - Many plans offer unlimited data but some have a set amount that you can use each month
• What happens if you exceed your data allowance - how much will each megabyte above the limit cost you?
• The contract length - You’ll usually pay less per month if you choose a longer contract
• Wi–Fi range - If you’re looking at dongles that can connect with your device wirelessly rather than the plug-in USB kind, check the advertised Wi–Fi range.
• Compatibility - Most plug-in dongles require a USB port and have minimum operating system requirements so check compatibility with your devices

How to use a mobile broadband dongle

Using a dongle is very straightforward and it’s easy to get started. Once you’ve chosen your plan from the mobile network provider, you’ll receive the dongle and a SIM card in the post.

Then simply follow these steps:

1. Insert the SIM card into the dongle
2. Plug the dongle into the USB port in your compatible device
3. Find your dongle’s network and connect to it
4. If there’s a connection app or manager, this should launch automatically and you’ll then just need to follow the instructions
5. Use the dongle to connect to the internet wherever you can access 4G or 5G

Do I need a mobile internet dongle?

A mobile dongle can be helpful if:

• You often need to hop on your laptop when you’re out and about
• You’re travelling and want to catch up on emails while you’re on the move
• You live in an area with poor internet signal
• You want to use connectivity that’s more secure than a public network
• You don’t want to drain your smartphone's battery and data by tethering it to your device
• You only need an internet connection for a short period of time

But it’s unlikely to be the best option if:

• You can access fast Wi–Fi speeds in another way
• You want long-term connectivity – fixed broadband is usually more reliable
• You want cheap broadband – a home internet connection is likely to cost less
• You’re likely to be using large amounts of data – for example, using the internet for streaming, gaming or downloading large files
• You don’t have any available USB ports in your laptop, PC or tablet

What are the alternatives to using a dongle?

Dongles are a quick and convenient way to access the internet when you don’t have a fixed connection. But it’s worth considering other options too:

• A mobile router or hotspot: basically does the same job as a dongle but instead of plugging into a USB port on your device, it gives off a Wi-Fi signal that you connect to
• Smartphone tethering: doesn’t require any extra kit, just turn your phone into a mini router
• Public Wi-Fi: a free option and handy when you’re on the move, although it’s not as secure as a private connection

Should I get a dongle or a mobile Wi-Fi router?

This depends on your needs and how you intend to use it. A dongle has more limited use as it can only be connected to one device at a time and it requires a USB port. A mobile Wi–Fi router provides more flexibility because it can be connected to multiple devices at the same time. But the monthly cost for a plan with a mobile Wi-Fi router or hotspot is usually more than it is for a dongle, so it’s worth bearing costs in mind.

Mobile data vs internet dongles?

Internet dongles are designed specifically to deliver an internet connection to a device like a laptop. They:

• Plug in to the USB port on the device
• Draw power from the device, so they don’t need a charger
• Turn signals from the 4G mobile network into a data connection
• Can only be used by one device at a time
• Have their own data allowance, either loaded up on a PAYG dongle or through a monthly data plan

Tethering is when you use the mobile data on your phone to connect a device to the internet. It:

• Turns signals from the 4G or 5G network into Wi-Fi
• Can connect multiple devices to the internet (in theory, anyway)
• Shares your phone’s data allowance
• Chomps through your phone battery, so it’ll need charging more often

If you only need on-the-go internet very occasionally, it makes sense just to use mobile data rather than buying a separate dongle.

A dongle can give you peace of mind if you regularly need to use a device on the move. With a dongle or mobile hotspot, working on your laptop won’t drain your phone’s battery or data allowance - it’s separate and easier to keep track of.

Frequently asked questions

What is MiFi?

MiFi stands for mobile Wi-Fi and is also known as a mobile hotspot. It’s a small, portable, wireless device that lets you connect to the internet using a mobile phone network. On the flip side, a dongle has to be plugged in and can only work with a single laptop, PC or device, MiFi works like a mobile broadband router. It emits a Wi-Fi signal that can be shared to lots of devices simultaneously. The MiFi battery can last for up to around eight hours. Technically the MiFi name is a Three trademark in the UK but you’ll hear it used as a general term to describe this kind of tech from all providers.

Can you get unlimited internet on a dongle?

Yes, most providers offer unlimited data plans with a dongle or mobile Wi-Fi. These usually cost more than plans e with a data cap. The best-value plan for you depends on how much data you’re likely to get through.

Is a dongle better than wired broadband?

No, while a dongle can be useful for accessing the internet while you’re on the move, you’ll typically get faster internet speeds with a fixed broadband connection. So if you’re looking for a long-term solution, you’re likely to be better off getting a fixed connection to your home that can provide a more reliable service. It might work out cheaper than mobile broadband.

Can you get pay-as-you-go dongles?

Yes, some providers offer pay as you go plans for mobile dongles. You can add the amount of data that you want to the SIM card and then top it up as needed. It’s also possible to buy dongles that are preloaded with data.

Do you have to pay a monthly fee for a dongle?

This depends on how your plan is set up. If you have a pay as you go dongle, there’s no monthly fee to pay. Instead, you’ll just pay to top it up as needed. It’s also possible to buy a one-month only contract. But for both of these options, you’ll usually need to pay an upfront charge. Longer contracts are much less likely to charge an upfront fee.

Contracts of a year or more almost always have mid-contract price rises, so factor this in when you’re choosing a plan for your internet dongle.

Do you need a SIM card for a dongle?

Yes, a dongle needs a SIM card to connect to the mobile network. Most dongle packages include a SIM card, so it’s unlikely that you’ll need to buy one separately.

Do I need to plug a dongle in?

Yes, a dongle typically needs to be plugged into the USB port in your laptop or device. If your computer doesn’t have a USB port, you could consider using MiFi or a portable mobile hotspot instead, which connects to your device wirelessly. Dongles don’t need a charger because they take power from your device when they’re plugged into it.

Will I have to pay anything upfront for a dongle?

This depends on the type of plan you take out. One-month rolling deals tend to have a one-off charge at the start that basically covers the cost of the hardware. Longer contracts are much less likely to include this.

When you buy a dongle on pay as you go, you’re paying upfront for the dongle plus whatever data is included in the deal. Then you pay for more data as and when you need it. For example, as of October 2025 Vodafone is offering a PAYG deal where you get the K5161z data dongle for £45, including 15GB data. ^[6]

[1] Prices taken from the Argos website on 21 October 2025

[2] Plan pricing taken from the EE website on 22 October 2025

[3] Plan pricing taken from the O2 website on 22 October 2025

[4] Plan pricing taken from the Three website on 22 October 2025

[5] Plan pricing taken from the Vodafone website on 22 October 2025

[6] Price information taken from the Vodafone website on 22 October 2025