This article was published in 2012 and updated in October 2026.
A mobile internet dongle is a small USB device with a SIM card that connects your laptop to the internet over the mobile network. When we first wrote about them in 2012, these 3G “internet sticks” were hugely popular. Today 4G and 5G dongles are still sold, but they compete with portable hotspots, phone tethering and laptops with built-in mobile connectivity. Here are the pros and cons of a dongle today.
What is a mobile broadband dongle?
A dongle — also called a USB modem, internet stick or mobile broadband stick — plugs into a USB port and connects to the internet via the mobile broadband network, just like a smartphone. It only works where there is mobile coverage. Some newer models also create a small Wi-Fi network so that other devices can share the connection.
Advantages of a mobile broadband dongle
1. Small and portable
A dongle is about the size of a USB flash drive, so it fits in any laptop bag. Plug it in and you are online on the train, at a holiday home or on a building site — wherever there is a mobile signal.
2. No fixed line needed
Unlike DSL, cable or fibre, a dongle needs no installation and no technician. That makes it handy for temporary situations, such as waiting for a home connection to be set up, or as a backup when your main internet service fails.
3. Safer than public Wi-Fi
Your traffic travels over the encrypted mobile network directly to your provider, rather than through a shared café or hotel Wi-Fi network where others might snoop. That doesn’t make you invulnerable — you still need updates, HTTPS and good passwords — but it removes one common risk.
4. Keeps your phone free
Using a dongle instead of tethering means your phone battery doesn’t drain while you work, and calls don’t interrupt your connection.
Disadvantages of a mobile broadband dongle
1. Speed depends on the network
Early 3G dongles managed only a few megabits per second. Modern 4G dongles can reach well over 100 Mbit/s and 5G models even more, but real speeds depend on signal strength, network load and your plan — indoors or in rural areas they can be much slower than a fixed line.
2. Data limits and costs
Many mobile plans have data caps, and roaming abroad can still be expensive outside zones such as the EU. Streaming video or large downloads can use up your allowance quickly.
3. Needs a USB port
A USB dongle works best with laptops and desktop PCs. Tablets and phones usually can’t use one, and many new laptops only have USB-C ports, so you may need an adapter.
4. Often unnecessary today
Most smartphones can share their connection as a personal hotspot, many plans include tethering, and some laptops have built-in 4G/5G modems with eSIM support. For occasional use, these options are usually cheaper and simpler than a separate dongle.
Dongle, mobile hotspot or tethering?
- USB dongle: good for one laptop or PC that needs mobile internet regularly.
- Mobile hotspot (MiFi): a battery-powered device that shares one connection with several devices — better for families or small teams on the move.
- Phone tethering: no extra hardware or contract, ideal for occasional use.
- Built-in 4G/5G in the laptop: the most convenient option if you are buying a new business laptop anyway.
Krystine Williams
Nov 21. 2012
know more about mobile broadband dongles through this article 🙂
Tech Crates
Nov 22. 2012
Thanks Krystine 🙂
Ashok
Nov 21. 2012
Wow, Thanks for very useful info. i like your post.
Tech Crates
Nov 22. 2012
Thanks again Ashok 🙂
Krystine Williams
Nov 22. 2012
I am very glad that my article is of help 🙂
Howard Walter
Nov 23. 2012
mobile internet needs to be secure, because there’s a lot of thread on mobile site.
Benjamin
Nov 25. 2012
Mobile dongles come in handy when you need to be on the internet on the go but it all depends on the availability of the network providers.
Tech Crates
Nov 26. 2012
Thats the most important advantage. Thanks Benjamin for commenting
Alray
Oct 31. 2013
That’s nice explanation about modems and broadband stick.
Lan
Sep 10. 2014
Great post. I will be experiencing some of these issues as well..
Sec
Dec 08. 2014
can your location be tracked with a Internet Dongle
with mobile phone your exact location is stored by your provider.
AntioneZHogsett
Jun 13. 2015
Very good post. I’m experiencing many of these issues as well..
P.Diddy
May 05. 2016
I really like your articles!
PS. great advantages and disadvantages love em <3
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May 17. 2016
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Apr 07. 2026
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