TP-Link Archer MR400 AC1200 Dual Band 4G Mobile Wi-Fi Router, SIM Slot Unlocked, No Configuration Required, Removable Wi-Fi Antennas, UK Plug , black

This Archer MR600 V2 4G+ router has proved to be a real game changer for us and our internet access.We live in a rather underprivileged area as regards broadband. Despite being in London, we cannot yet get fibre broadband and BT "copper" broadband is limited to about 5mbps - and it's so unreliable, we are unable to reliably watch streaming films or sport.So, I decided to try mobile broadband with this router. While we are surrounded by masts, only one is in direct line of sight but is fairly distant. So, after some experiments, I opted for a Poynting external 'directional' antenna. Having further experimented with a few provider SIMs, surprisingly, I found O2 to give by far the best service (I had assumed it would EE). Then, some fine tuning of the antenna was necessary to get the best signal and speeds.I opted for a Tesco "SIM Only" unlimited data plan - being the most cost effective contract without hidden data limits (and it uses the O2 network).This router itself is easy to setup and provides fast and consistent service. We consistently get 4G+ downloads of 70+ mbps. Indeed, in the evenings we get over 100mbps. Signal quality is 75%. That is excellent - 4G+ really works for us!Another reason for getting this particular router is the capability of setting LTE bands manually. Given the number of masts in our area, there are unusual problems with reflected signals and, at certain times of the day, the router would automatically switch to another band. This not only slowed down downloads, it also interupted streaming viewing - particularly annoying during a football match.....By manually setting the LTE bands (we use 40, 40), this problem was eliminated and we are rather chuffed.With the 4x gigabit LAN ports, integration into our home network was easy. This allows access to our printers, home NAS, Blu-ray player, TVs and Humax YouView box. Connection to a DECO Mesh setup extends the router's fast 5GHz WiFi to everywhere in the house - including the all-important but distant kitchen!As such, this particular router is ideal for our requirements and we are very pleased. It did take some time and thought to get the home environment set up correctly but, it was well worth it.Goodbye BT, your high prices and poor service!NOTE. If you require a 4G+ router that allows manual LTE band selection for aggregation, there aren't many available choices. This, IMHO, is the best at a reasonable price. However, beware, the V1 version of this router does NOT feature this functionality unless you get a special Beta version of the firmware from TP-Link support. So, opt for the V2 device - which is also a few pounds cheaper.The V2 device also has the useful option for scheduled reboots. I set ours to reboot at 4am every other night. That can help in keeping things running smoothly.UPDATE November 2023I have now purchased the newer MR500 V1 version of this router for my daughter's house - again coupled with a Poynting external antenna. This router has now run 3 months without any issues or need of a reset. We are both chuffed!

Bought to replace the Sky Wi-fi max fibre router. This unit is miles better. Far faster and more stable. The Sky wifi6 max router needed a Range extender to reach the garden, even then it kept disconnecting. This has perfect signal throughout the house and garden, without needing an extender.

This surprised me as it's better than I expected.I've managed to connect my smart tv, iPhone, homepods and laptop.It was fairly easy to set up (make sure you access the admin interface on your computer and change the wifi password!!). You can also install an app on your phone to access the router's admin menu.I thought this takes a nano sim card but it doesn't, it's actually the micro card that it takes but they've enclosed an adapter to put the nano in then slot it in to the router. Please note you'll have to insert an unlocked sim card in to the router (i.e.: a sim card which doesn't require a pin number to work) but if you don't have one, you can disable the sim card's pin through the router's admin menu on your laptop.Speeds are ok-ish, watchign HD content on tv is ok but you do get some pixelation and buffering at times. If you can afford the 5G routers, go for one for those but they're so much more expensive sadly.The router offers ethernet connections as well (which is fab) as well as dual band, 2.4GHz and 5GHz (which I assume is why it's so expensive!). You can disable either bands or have them both at the same time (then the devices choose which one they connect to).Bizarrely it comes with a very short charging cable.Overall:Good if you can't get a broadband connection where you are but you have very strong mobile network signal but very expensive (I paid £119, I expected a good 4G router would be around £50-£60 max).

Recently purchased a 4G Unlimited Wifi contract with EE after moving home. Broadband connection in our area with speeds of up to 60mbps at the top end so was looking at other options. The device that was provided is diabolical. On the plus, their service is great.Popped the sim into this class bit of kit and works like a charm. Better signal and faster speeds. Dual bandwidth helps connect all devices in our home without issue. Have been able to connect PS5 wirelessly with no fault (Parental permissions had to be changed with provider beforehand). It would not work with the provided device from EE. I will update if issues occur when connecting other systems e.g. Xbox, Switch. We have medium 5G signal around the house and high to moderately high 4g everywhere. Have only tested the device in one area and reach and stability has been good in a three storey terraced house. If you need a 4G router. This is the one! I researched other models such as the Archer MR500 and highly recommend the MR600 V3 over the latter. Speed test provided is from connect upstairs with router downstairs. Have had max download speeds of 150Mbps so far.