We currently don't have that product, but here are others to consider:
How we picked these
Vodafone pocket Wi-Fi
Vodafone has 3 month-to-month mobile broadband plans, ranging from $35 for 35GB to $55 for 65GB. There are also a range of 365 day plans available which start at $160 for 85GB.
All plans are SIM-only, but you can choose to bundle with a Vodafone Pocket Wi-Fi modem for an extra $79. The device allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, but it only provides access to Vodafone's 4G network.
Other providers that sell mobile broadband plans on the Vodafone network include Kogan Mobile, iiNet, TPG, Cmobile
Complete pocket Wi-Fi kit for Vodafone:
Vodafone Prepaid Modem Starter Pack
4G/5G
network
35GB data
$79 per month
Get this plan for 65GB on activation + next 2 recharges, then 35GB/recharge. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs apply. Activate by 3.11.25
Optus only has 1 data-only plan for pocket Wi-Fi available. It comes with 30GB data for $25 a month.
There's a choice of 2 different pocket Wi-Fi modems: a Netgear Nighthawk M6 or ZTE MU5001 5G. Both provide access to Optus' 5G network and can be paid off in monthly instalments as part of your plan.
Telstra pocket Wi-Fi
Telstra offers 3 mobile broadband plans, ranging from $30 for 30GB to $65 for 100GB. There's also a 12-month, 70GB plan for $180.
All plans can be bundled with a range of pocket Wi-Fi modems including the Telstra-branded models optimised for the Telstra network.
What's better: Mobile data or pocket Wi-Fi?
These days, most mobile phone plans come with pretty generous data allowances.
Meanwhile, the average data allowance on an entry-level plan is 17GB per month.
This means you don't need pocket Wi-Fi if your usage rates are average - just hotspot from your phone instead.
On the other hand, if you enjoy gaming and streaming on the go, a pocket Wi-Fi modem is a much better solution.
Here are some of the benefits it offers over hotspotting from your phone:
Increased data value. Because you're only paying for data, the cost is cheaper than a full-fledged phone plan. In our database, the average cost of data-only plan is 17 cents per gigabyte. For SIM-only phone plans, the cost jumps to 56 cents per gigabyte.
Improved coverage: Even though they connect to the same mobile networks as your phone, pocket Wi-Fi modems often deliver a stronger signal due to having larger antennas. A phone's hotspot connection can also slow down when you're making calls or using apps.
Longer battery life: Hotspotting from your mobile phone drains the battery faster. As soon as it dies, your Wi-Fi connection is gone. A pocket Wi-Fi device will offload the strain.
Home internet back-up. If your home internet modem lacks 4G/5G, a pocket Wi-Fi device will keep you online during NBN outages.
Can you get unlimited data on a pocket Wi-Fi plan?
You can get unlimited data on SpinTel's $49.95 Mobile Broadband Unlimited plan which runs on the Optus 4G network. This plan requires you to rent a Netgear AC800S pocket Wi-Fi modem for an extra $10 a month.
Other plans come with what's known as "endless data". You can exceed your data cap on these plans without being charged anything extra. However, the catch is that your download speeds will be slowed to just 1.5Mbps-2Mbps until the next billing cycle.
Pocket Wi-Fi vs Wi-Fi dongles
When you search online for pocket Wi-Fi devices, you'll usually see Wi-Fi dongles pop up too.
These devices also connect you to the internet using Wi-Fi.
While they serve the same purpose, pocket Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi dongles differ in a few important ways.
Here's what sets them apart.
Feature
Wi-Fi Dongle
Pocket Wi-Fi
Connectivity
Connects 1 device via a Wi-Fi adapter
Connects multiple devices via a Wi-Fi hotspot
Power source
Powered by the connected device's USB port
Battery powered and rechargeable
Portability
Ultra-compact (USB stick-sized)
Larger, but still pocket-sized
Battery life
Zero - powered via USB port
Typically 6–15 hours
Extra features
Internet access only
May include SD card slot, ethernet port or power bank function
Price
$20-$100
$50-$200
In short, pocket Wi-Fi allow you connect multiple devices to the internet at once. Wi-Fi dongles are only suitable for a single device.
For most users, pocket Wi-Fi is a better bet even if you're only connecting 1 device. Being battery powered means you don't need to waste a USB port - instead, just stash it in your bag.
Plus, it's good to have the option to hotspot extra devices just in case you need it. (Letting a friend hop onto your Wi-Fi, for example.)
Frequently asked questions
Most unlocked pocket Wi-Fi devices will accept a standard mobile SIM. However, you will usually get better bang-for-buck from a data-only SIM. Mobile SIMs should only be used as a stopgap.
The main difference between pocket Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi dongle is how they are powered: pocket Wi-Fi modems come with their own inbuilt batteries, while Wi-Fi dongles require a USB connection (such as a laptop.) Wi-Fi dongles are also usually smaller.
Once you've inserted an active SIM into the dongle, all you need to do is plug the USB into your laptop or other device. Then, find the data dongle's network on your network list and connect to it.
No. Pocket Wi-Fi modems are not designed to amplify and extend Wi-Fi signals. You'll need a dedicated repeater or Wi-Fi extender for this function.
While there's nothing stopping you from using pocket Wi-Fi as your home internet, the data inclusions usually aren't worth it. If you to use mobile networks instead of the NBN, you're better off with a 5G home internet plan.
It depends on the device. Some models are locked to an Australian mobile network and prohibit global roaming. Others will happily accept international SIM cards. If you're buying the device on a plan, always check the critical information summary (CIS).
Don't need a plan that comes with a dongle or pocket Wi-Fi? Check out our guide on data SIMs
Chris Jager is a seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience in the Australian tech industry. He has contributed his expertise to top tech publications like PC World, Gizmodo, Business Insider, and Lifehacker Australia, where he also served as editor for five years. Chris holds a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism from the University of Western Sydney and is widely regarded as a trusted voice in the tech space. See full bio
Chris's expertise
Chris has written 58 Finder guides across topics including:
Every site only gives information on plans for dongles. I want to know about the dongles, like where can I buy one, how much they are, how to use them, what’s the comparison and are they all compatible with Mac lap tops?
Finder
MariamMarch 16, 2023Finder
Hi Danni, We only cover mobile and internet plans and not tech specific comparisons for wi-fi dongles. However, if you type ‘best wi-fi dongles’ your search results should be a bit more focused to what you’re looking for :)
Data only SIM plans can be easily inserted into your iPad or tablet for wireless Internet on the go.
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Every site only gives information on plans for dongles. I want to know about the dongles, like where can I buy one, how much they are, how to use them, what’s the comparison and are they all compatible with Mac lap tops?
Hi Danni, We only cover mobile and internet plans and not tech specific comparisons for wi-fi dongles. However, if you type ‘best wi-fi dongles’ your search results should be a bit more focused to what you’re looking for :)