

They're mostly 30-day contracts, but longer ones - 12 or 24 months - can work out cheaper if you use your dongle often. You can buy one outright and go pay-as-you-go, if you only intend to use it occasionally, or take out a contract. Where can I get the best dongle deals?ĭongles are available from major mobile networks. See our beginners' guide to mobile broadband for more. Some mobile broadband providers - such as Three in central London - offer proper routers for your home with much more generous download limits. Mobile broadband router: If you're thinking of getting a dongle for temporary broadband, there are other options. Keep a close eye on your usage if you do this, though. Some can even be turned into Wi-Fi hotspots so your computer can 'tether' to it and use the internet. Smartphone: Most smartphones can connect to mobile broadband, provided you've got 4G or 3G data included in your plan. Speeds can vary though, and you can't always guarantee there's one nearby. Public Wi-Fi hotspots: The UK has a huge network of Wi-Fi hotspots that you can connect to - often for free - so you can get online when you're out and about. That means you can connect multiple devices at once, including smartphones, tablets, e-book readers, and more, but you'll need to remember to keep the battery charged. Unlike a dongle, though, they do it by emitting a Wi-Fi signal. Like dongles, these are little portable gadgets that connect to mobile broadband wherever you are. Mobile broadband devices: Also known as Mi-Fi and pocket Wi-Fi hotspots. Here are some other ways to access the internet: Portability is limited to where you can get adequate 4G signalĪside from using plugging a dingle into the side of your laptop.More expensive than fixed line broadband, and often a lot slower too.

If you want to connect multiple devices, you'll need MiFi instead They can only connect to one device at a time.


Ideal for flexible, temporary broadband, with short-term contracts and pay-as-you-go plans available.Easy to use - simply plug into your computer's USB port.Can be used abroad if your dongle plan allows it.Very portable - they're small and handy enough to take anywhere.Lets you use the internet from anywhere: whether you're on holiday, in a café, on a train or in a park.Amazon Fire Stick Vs Chromecast vs Apple TVĬompare all dongle deals What are the pros and cons of using a dongle?.Cancelling your broadband contract early.
