Phone tethering v 4g Router

Forum|Forum|9 months ago
November 15, 2025
3 replies
512 views

Always used a 4g router. But now want to just use my phone on tethering. Does anyone have experience of the speed comparison between the 2 please?

Best answer by Decembersangel72

Hi @Bigbri

The general information with regards to this is:-

Dedicated 5G or 4G LTE mobile hotspot devices have more powerful antennas than those in mobile phones, allowing them to capture WiFi signals from much further away. A portable router will provide a faster and more stable internet connection than a tethered phone mobile hotspot.

While both mobile routers and hotspots offer mobile Internet access, mobile routers are ideal when you need to connect multiple devices, require longer usage, or need additional features. Hotspots, on the other hand, are better when you need casual, mobile Internet access for a limited number of devices.

Disadvantages of tethering

Connection speed: The quality of the internet connection can vary greatly. ...

Battery usage: Tethering uses a lot of battery, so you might need to recharge your phone a lot sooner than expected, meaning the flexibility of function can be a bit limited.

If tethering, you also have to rely on the signal strength/reliability of the network you are connected to.

With iD Mobile you can use your phone as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot when you're using an iD Mobile SIM. However, this can use up a lot of data very quickly so be sure to keep tabs on your allowances by checking your account.

I have no experience of either of these and the above info is just what I have gleaned from an internet search.

Good luck x

Decembersangel72Answer

Gold Contributor

Hi @Bigbri

The general information with regards to this is:-

Dedicated 5G or 4G LTE mobile hotspot devices have more powerful antennas than those in mobile phones, allowing them to capture WiFi signals from much further away. A portable router will provide a faster and more stable internet connection than a tethered phone mobile hotspot.

While both mobile routers and hotspots offer mobile Internet access, mobile routers are ideal when you need to connect multiple devices, require longer usage, or need additional features. Hotspots, on the other hand, are better when you need casual, mobile Internet access for a limited number of devices.

Disadvantages of tethering

Connection speed: The quality of the internet connection can vary greatly. ...

Battery usage: Tethering uses a lot of battery, so you might need to recharge your phone a lot sooner than expected, meaning the flexibility of function can be a bit limited.

If tethering, you also have to rely on the signal strength/reliability of the network you are connected to.

With iD Mobile you can use your phone as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot when you're using an iD Mobile SIM. However, this can use up a lot of data very quickly so be sure to keep tabs on your allowances by checking your account.

I have no experience of either of these and the above info is just what I have gleaned from an internet search.

Good luck x

Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.

B

BigbriAuthor

Active Contributor

Super. Thank you. It's what my thoughts were but great to get confirmation.

Lamiya C

iD Mobile Employee

Hi @Bigbri,

Please reach out to us on here via Facebook or Instagram, Live Chat, our Community page, or by emailing socialqueries@idmobile.co.uk with the details. Our team will be happy to assist and make things right when you need us.

Thanks again for your patience.

Lamiya
iD Mobile Social Media Team

Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.