Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro review
Summary
Quick Verdict: Telstra's updated 5G Wi-Fi hub is capable of decent speeds on existing 5G networks, and the promise of mmWave compatibility means it could get considerably faster in the near future.
- mmWave compatible for future use
- Good 5G throughput on existing networks
- Decent battery life even with multiple tethered devices
- UI isn't as good as the HTC 5G Hub
- Expensive
Telstra announced its new 5G network in 2019 with a single 5G-capable handset and a single 5G-capable mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, the intriguing HTC 5G Hub. Almost a year later, it's released its second hotspot, replacing the 5G Hub with the Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro. It's the telco's first mmWave-compatible 5G hotspot, which is nicely forwards looking even though right now what it's rolling out is purely sub-6Ghz 5G networking technology.
Design
Design
- Large for a hotspot
- inbuilt ethernet port

Performance
Performance
- Good indoor and outdoor 5G performance
- can't test mmWave immediately
- limited UI

Battery life
Battery life
- 4,500mAh battery good for up to 9 hours
- depending on usage

Verdict
Verdict
- Good throughput and future proofing, but not inexpensive and less flexible than its predecessor

Should you buy it?
The Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro is an interesting device. While it didn't quite hit the gigabit wireless 5G world for me in my own testing, there's certainly plenty of speed here to be grabbed to cover most people's downstream usage habits, and the promise of mmWave compatibility means it could be much faster once actual mmWave networks roll out.
However, what Telstra's doing right now is selling it on the promise of its existing 5G networks, and that's where you have to weigh up its value proposition. It's not an inexpensive device in its own right, and of course you've got to also factor in ongoing 5G data costs as well. Depending on your plan choice, simple access to Telstra's 5G networks may cost you more after June this year, let alone however much data you slurp down on it.
The simpler UI of the Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro does let it get on with the job of just being a Wi-Fi hotspot, but if you've used the HTC 5G Hub with its Android interface, it's also a much less flexible unit in terms of configuration, which feels like a backwards step.
Pricing and availability
The Telstra 5G Wi-Fi Pro sells in Australia for $599 outright, or on payment terms over 24 or 36 months. There's not much of a discount for taking the 24 or 36 month term; you're just stretching out the cost over that timeframe.
You'll also need to pair it up with a compatible Telstra 5G Mobile Broadband Plan.
Price
RRP $599Where to buy

Specifications
Build
133x73x18.5mm
230g
AC, 4500mAH inbuilt battery
Black
Removeable 4500mAH, QC3.0 and PD2.0 quick charge
Active: Up to 9 hours
Standby: Up to 400 hours
Connectivity
5G (sub 6GHz (n78) n5/n7, mmW: n258), 4G LTE (1/3/7/8/28 Cat 20) UMTS (1/5)
Simultaneous Dual Band Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ax 2.4 GHz, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/n/ac/ax 5 GHz)
32GB ROM
OS 9 or later
Android 4.1 or later
Windows® 10,8,7
Read next

How fast is Telstra’s 5G network?
We've put Telstra's 5G network to the test across multiple states to separate the speed hype from the somewhat more variable reality.
Read more…Latest mobile reviews
Alex Finder
Senior editor
You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:
- Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
- finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
- We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
- Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked
Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and 6. Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.