KEY POINTS
- A WiFi dongle could be a good way to connect your laptop or computer to a mobile broadband network via USB.
- Pocket WiFi is similar to a dongle, except it’s fully self-powered, and can be used to hotspot a variety of devices.
- Both WiFi dongles and pocket WiFi devices need a mobile broadband plan to connect to.
WiFi dongles – or USB modems – and pocket WiFi are becoming increasingly popular due to the drop in price of mobile broadband. WiFi dongles and pocket WiFi can spell a good replacement for an NBN plan, or a flexible option for internet access on the go.
Read on as we explain all you need to know about WiFi dongles, and take a look at the plans on offer.
On this page:
- Best WiFi dongle plans
- How does a WiFi dongle work?
- How does pocket WiFi work?
- Mobile broadband plans with WiFi dongles or pocket WiFi
- Telstra mobile broadband dongles and pocket Wi-Fi
- Vodafone mobile internet dongles and pocket WiFi
- Optus mobile internet dongles and pocket WiFi
- Should I get a WiFi dongle or a pocket WiFi modem?
Best WiFi dongle plans
The best WiFi dongle plan for you will ultimately depend on your personal preferences, budget and use cases. If you only need on-the-go internet access from time to time, you might prefer an unlocked dongle that can connect to your existing mobile broadband plan. This way, you’re not paying for a plan you only use some of the time.
However, if you regularly need high speed, mobile internet with a high download limit, you might instead want to look at a bundled product with a more comprehensive plan. Keep in mind that mobile broadband can get expensive, and isn’t considered a good alternative for fixed or home wireless broadband.
How does a WiFi dongle work?
A WiFi dongle is a USB-sized gadget that plugs into the USB port on your laptop or computer when you need easy mobile broadband access. Basically, a dongle is a tiny, unpowered modem that uses your computer’s power to access the internet. Dongles may come pre-packaged with mobile broadband plans, but can also be bought outright and used with a data-only SIM card.
If you’re after a WiFi dongle, and want maximum convenience, you may prefer to opt for the bundled product.
WiFi dongles and internet dongles are the same thing, so don’t be confused if you hear someone say one of these names if you’re used to another!
How does pocket WiFi work?
The main difference between pocket WiFi and a WiFi dongle is that pocket WiFi is self-powered. A pocket WiFi hotspot, sometimes called a WiFi modem, gets its name because it’s usually small enough to fit into a pocket, and can be easily transported. It has the battery power to last for a few hours for wireless connectivity and can be recharged via microUSB.
A pocket WiFi device is also somewhat of a hybrid between a wireless router and an internet dongle. It accesses the internet through a mobile broadband or data-only SIM card, and can be used at home as well as anywhere network coverage is available.
Mobile broadband plans with WiFi dongles or pocket WiFi
If you like the sound of a dongle or pocket Wi-Fi device for easy on-the-move connectivity, there are several Australian providers offering devices and plans. Generally speaking, you’ll be locked in for at least 12 months, with many plans including the device at no extra cost if you opt for a 24-month contract.
If you have your own dongle or pocket WiFi device ready, or would prefer not to be locked into a contract, you can also opt for a data-only SIM plan. This provides access to a mobile broadband plan, without the need to bundle in hardware.
Below are several data-only SIM options that can be paired with a dongle or pocket WiFi device.
Mobile broadband plans compared: 100GB+
The following table shows a selection of published 100GB and over mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $34.90 over first month |
100GB | $34.90 | Go to Site |
 |
Medium 100GB
min. cost $35 over one month billing period |
100GB | $35 | |
|
min. cost $49.90 over first month |
200GB | $49.90 | Go to Site |
 |
SIM only 100GB
min. cost $50 over 28 day billing period |
50GB | $50 | |
 |
min. cost $60 over one month billing period |
120GB | $60 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $64.90 over first month |
400GB | $64.90 | Go to Site |
 |
min. cost $780 over 12 month plan period |
100GB | $65 | Go to Site |
 |
Medium
min. cost $65 over one month |
100GB | $65 | |
|
Large 400GB
min. cost $70 over one month billing period |
400GB | $70 | |
|
min. cost $70 over one month billing period |
220GB | $70 | Go to Site |
 View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Mobile broadband plans compared: Over 50GB
The following table shows a selection of published mobile broadband plans with 50GB – 100GB of data on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $40 over first month |
70GB | $40 | Go to Site |
|
min. cost $480 over 12 month plan period |
50GB | $40 | Go To Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Mobile broadband plans compared: Under 50GB
The following table shows a selection of published mobile broadband plans with less than 50GB of data on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Small 20GB
min. cost $15 over one month billing period |
20GB | $15 | |
|
min. cost $180 over 12 month plan period |
7GB | $15 | Go To Site |
|
min. cost $20 over first month |
30GB | $20 | Go to Site |
|
SIM only 30GB
min. cost $25 over 28 day billing period |
30GB | $25 | |
|
min. cost $300 over 12 month plan period |
15GB | $25 | Go To Site |
|
Small
min. cost $25 over one month |
30GB | $30 | |
|
min. cost $35 over one month billing period |
45GB | $35 | Go to Site |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Telstra mobile broadband dongles and pocket WiFi
Perhaps the most notable pocket WiFi device available from Telstra is the Netgear Nighthawk, which can be used on Telstra’s mobile broadband plans. If you’re serious about mobile broadband, you could bundle the latest model, the M7 Ultra, which is available outright or on a 12, 24 or 36-month plan..
Telstra’s mobile broadband plans start at $25 per month for 30GB of data, up to $58 monthly for 75GB. Plans are offered on a month-to-month contract only, and on an upfront basis meaning you pay at the start of each month via AutoPay.
Plans include access to Telstra’s 4G and 5G networks where available.
Telstra Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Telstra mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Data Bundle Plan
min. cost $95 over one month with an Essential mobile plan |
10GB | $15 | |
|
Small
min. cost $30 over one month |
30GB | $30 | |
|
Medium
min. cost $65 over one month |
100GB | $65 | |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Vodafone mobile internet dongles and pocket WiFi
Vodafone’s Mobile broadband plans start at $20 for 30GB of data, and are available both as SIM only and on a plan with an included modem. Vodafone offers the Pocket WiFi 4 4G in conjunction with your data plan, which can be paid off over 12, 24 or 36 months.
If you’re an ongoing user, you may find better value in going for the contracted, bundled options. However, if you’re just looking for something short term, or want flexibility, a SIM-only option may be the way to go.
Vodafone Mobile Broadband Plans
The following table shows a selection of published Vodafone mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
| Brand | Features | Max Data**/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Small Data SIM Only Plan
min. cost $20 over first month |
30GB | $20 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
Large Data SIM Only Plan
min. cost $40 over first month |
70GB | $40 | Link to provider unavailable |
| View all NBN plans listed on Canstar Blue |
**^^View important information | |||
Optus mobile internet dongles and pocket WiFi
Optus offers one month-to-month mobile broadband plan, which can be bundled with a pocket WiFi modem as part of your service. This plan is priced at $20 per month for 20GB of data, and includes 5G network access. Optus customers can bundle this plan with Netgear or ZTE portable modems/hotspots, which are available outright or on 12, 24 or 36-month payment terms.
Optus Mobile Broadband Data SIM plans
The following table shows a selection of Optus mobile broadband plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest.
| Brand | Features | Max Data/billing period | Advertised Cost^^/billing period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Choice Plus Data Plan
min. cost $25 month to month |
30GB | $25 | Link to provider unavailable |
|
^^View important information | |||
Should I get a WiFi dongle or a pocket WiFi modem?
Mobile broadband is a popular alternative to signing up for an NBN plan, especially if you’re looking for a portable internet connection. WiFi dongles and pocket WiFi modems are convenient ways to get mobile broadband, especially if your current device does not support a data-only SIM card by itself.
Then there remains the big question – should I get a WiFi dongle or pocket WiFi modem? A dongle is not powered on its own, but pocket WiFi usually is. If you’re connected to multiple devices, pocket WiFi might be the better option. However, if you just need an easy, plug-in-and-play connection for one device at a time then a dongle may work best for ultimate portability.
Compare Home Wireless Broadband Plans
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