What is the difference between pocket WiFi and a dongle?

Pocket WiFi or a pocket WiFi modem are battery powered are able to be used on the go. A dongle works by being plugged into a laptop or computer like a USB.

Can I use a pocket wifi or dongle overseas?

Yes, just as you can use your mobile plan overseas you may be able to enable data roaming and keep using your data with some providers. If you're travelling for a holiday it might be better to simply sign up for a high-data mobile plan rather than fork out for a modem.

Can I use a pocket wifi or dongle as my primary internet connection at home?

Yes, you could but because mobile broadband plans have data allowances they may not be the best value. An NBN plan or home wireless plan with unlimited data will end up being cheaper in the long run.

Pocket WiFi and portable internet plans

Contents

In this portable WiFi guide:

Pocket WiFi plans
Data without the dongle
Your phone as portable WiFi
Mobile data vs. Home Wireless
WiFi dongle and portable modem FAQs

Pocket WiFi modems and WiFi dongles are the ideal solution if you need to connect to the internet while on-the-go. While you can accomplish the same thing by hotspotting from your phone, this can drain your phone's battery or waste valuable data.

In this guide, we'll explain the difference between WiFi modems and WiFi dongle devices, how each type works and compare the different kinds of data plans available to pair with them so you ensure you're getting the best deal.

Dongle, hotspot or pocket wifi? What do you call it?

Pocket WiFi plans

There aren't many providers that offer portable WiFi modems or dongles with mobile data plans. Of the 27 mobile providers in our database, only Optus and Telstra have 5G plans with pocket WiFi modems included. For 4G, it's only Vodafone, Telstra, and SpinTel.

5G coverage is now widely available in Australia's big cities and some regional areas. Getting a portable internet plan with 5G coverage means you'll have access to the fastest mobile broadband speeds available.

But if 5G hasn't come to your area yet, or if you're looking for a cheaper plan, 4G pocket WiFi plans are still available. You can check out both options below.

5G pocket WiFi plans
4G pocket WiFi plans

Upfront Data Plan Small

Mobile Broadband
30GB Data

$54.83/mth

($33 plan + $21.83 modem)

Min. cost $556.92

Link not supplied

$54.83/mth

($33 plan + $21.83 modem)

Min. cost $556.92

Link not supplied

Upfront Data Plan Medium

Mobile Broadband
100GB Data

$89.83/mth

($68 plan + $21.83 modem)

Min. cost $591.92

Link not supplied

$89.83/mth

($68 plan + $21.83 modem)

Min. cost $591.92

Link not supplied

SpinTel	SpinTel Mobile Broadband 50GB Mobile Broadband 50GB Data $38/mth ($28 plan + $10 modem) + $20 Upfront Min. cost $58 Link not supplied	$38/mth ($28 plan + $10 modem) + $20 Upfront Min. cost $58	Link not supplied
Telstra	Telstra Upfront Data Plan Small Mobile Broadband 30GB Data $39/mth ($33 plan + $6 modem) Min. cost $177 Link not supplied	$39/mth ($33 plan + $6 modem) Min. cost $177	Link not supplied
SpinTel	SpinTel Mobile Broadband Unlimited Mobile Broadband Unlimited Data $49.95/mth + $20 Upfront Min. cost $69.95 Link not supplied	$49.95/mth + $20 Upfront Min. cost $69.95	Link not supplied
Telstra	Telstra Upfront Data Plan Medium Mobile Broadband 100GB Data $74/mth ($68 plan + $6 modem) Min. cost $212 Link not supplied	$74/mth ($68 plan + $6 modem) Min. cost $212	Link not supplied
Vodafone	Vodafone Pocket WiFi 4 4G Starter Pack Mobile Broadband 60GB Data Prepaid (30 Days) $99 Link not supplied	$99	Link not supplied

Data without the dongle

Bringing your own pocket WiFi modem to the party opens up your options. There are many more providers that offer data-only SIM plans. Most of these portable internet plans are contract-free, which makes them a great option if you want flexibility.

If you don't already have an internet dongle or pocket WiFi, you can also put a data SIM into an old smartphone or tablet and use it as a portable WiFi hotspot. You might get less battery life out of this makeshift modem, but it could be enough if you're not planning on regular usage.

These are the cheapest mobile data plans in our database:

Yomojo	Yomojo 7GB Data Only Mobile Broadband 7GB Data $19.90/mth Min. cost $19.90 Link not supplied	$19.90/mth Min. cost $19.90	Link not supplied
Vodafone	Vodafone Small Data SIM Only Plan Mobile Broadband 60GB Data Deal: Get 60GB of data for 12 months (incl. 30GB bonus data) on the Small Data SIM Only plan. Ends 21.10.26. T&Cs apply. $20/mth Min. cost $20 Link not supplied	$20/mth Min. cost $20	Link not supplied
Belong	Belong 20GB Data SIM Only Mobile Broadband 20GB Data $20/mth Min. cost $20 Link not supplied	$20/mth Min. cost $20	Link not supplied
Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile Data Plan Small Mobile Broadband 40GB Data Prepaid (30 Days) Deal: Includes 10GB bonus data for first 3 recharges on Small Data Plan until 03.11.26 $22 Link not supplied	$22	Link not supplied
amaysim	amaysim 30GB Data Plan Mobile Broadband 30GB Data Prepaid (28 Days) Deal: Get 30GB for $10 on your first renewal (save $15) when you sign up by 25.11.26 $25 $10 for first renewal Link not supplied	$25 $10 for first renewal	Link not supplied
SpinTel	SpinTel Mobile Broadband 50GB Mobile Broadband 50GB Data $28/mth Min. cost $28 Link not supplied	$28/mth Min. cost $28	Link not supplied

Your phone as portable WiFi

Your smartphone is perfectly capable of acting as a portable WiFi modem for a small number of devices. It's called "Hotspotting" and its main downside is how much of your phone's battery it can burn through. But if you have access to a charger, you might get by just fine without the need for buying a pocket WiFi or signing up to a separate mobile data plan.

Most people have a mobile plan that far exceeds their data needs, so chances are you have some good leeway on your current one. But even if you need to upgrade your plan, it might work out to be easier and cheaper than going the pocket WiFi route.

Here's a look at some popular mobile plans in our database with at least 80GB of data:

Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
Moose Mobile	Moose Mobile Moose 40 SIM Only 100GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 100GB for $22– Includes $18 off for first 6 months, then reverts to $40. Offer ends 30.06.27 $22.00/mth Min. cost $22 Go to Site	$22.00/mth Min. cost $22	Go to Site
Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Large Monthly Plan 120GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 120GB for $20 (incl. $20 off for first 6 mths + 40GB bonus data for 6 mths), then 80GB for $40 thereafter, valid until 25.10.26 $20.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$20.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
Exetel	Exetel Plus One eSIM Plan 130GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
Dodo	Dodo Large Mobile Plan 80GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 50% off for first 4 mths! Get the Large Mobile Plan for $20/mth for first 4 mths. New and returning mobile customers only. Ends 27.10 $40.00/mth Min. cost $20 Go to Site	$40.00/mth Min. cost $20	Go to Site
Superloop	Superloop SuperSim Plus 5G Plan 130GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: FREE 2nd recharge for existing Superloop broadband customers or new customers signing up for a mobile & broadband service $50.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$50.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site

Pocket WiFi vs. Home Wireless

If you want to connect your whole home to the internet using mobile broadband, a portable WiFi modem is usually not the best option. You'd usually be better off opting for a Home Wireless internet plan instead.

Just like portable WiFi, home wireless internet connects you to the internet using a mobile network. But the plans come with a modem designed to connect and support your whole house, rather than just a few devices within a short range. The downside is these modems aren't designed to be portable, requiring an active power connection to work.

Home Wireless internet plans also frequently come with unlimited data – also suitable for home use. In Australia, several providers offer 4G home internet, as well as 5G plans that can rival the NBN.

You can compare plan options below:

#1	Vodafone	Vodafone 4G Home Internet Unlimited 4G Home Internet 14/2 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $5/mth off for first 12 mths + Save $10/mth when you already have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $60/mth for 12 mths, then $65/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60/mth for 12 mths, then $65/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied
#2	Optus	Optus Optus Plus Everyday Basic 4G 4G Home Internet 14/4 Mbps Unlimited Data Introductory Offer - $49/mth for 12 mths, then $59/mth or as notified. New services only. Minimum cost $265. Terms apply. $49/mth for first 12 months, normally $59/mth Min. cost $49 Link not supplied	$49/mth for first 12 months, normally $59/mth Min. cost $49	Link not supplied
#3	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet 4G Home Internet Plan 4G Home Internet 17/1.9 Mbps Unlimited Data Prepaid (90 Days) Deal: Free modem included on the Kogan 90-day 4G Internet Plan! Average cost $49.90/mth (based on total once-off cost $149.70) $149.70 $49.90/mth average cost Link not supplied	$149.70 $49.90/mth average cost	Link not supplied
#4	Yomojo	Yomojo 4G Internet 25 4G Home Internet 16/5 Mbps Unlimited Data $59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Link not supplied	$59.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Link not supplied
#5	TPG	TPG Home Wireless Broadband 4G Home Internet 14/2 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for 6 months! $49.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth. Available until withdrawn. T&C apply. $49.99/mth for 6 mths, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $49.99 Link not supplied	$49.99/mth for 6 mths, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $49.99	Link not supplied
#6	SpinTel	SpinTel 4G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (25Mbit) 4G Home Internet 25/2 Mbps Unlimited Data $49.95/mth + $20 Upfront Min. cost $69.95 Link not supplied	$49.95/mth + $20 Upfront Min. cost $69.95	Link not supplied
#7	iiNet	iiNet Home Wireless Broadband 4G Home Internet 14/2 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $10/mth off for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth + $10 off for existing iiNet customers. Offer available until withdrawn. $49.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $49.99 Link not supplied	$49.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $49.99	Link not supplied

#1	TPG	TPG 5G Home Broadband Plus 5G Home Internet 50/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Special offer - Includes $30/mth off for 6 months! $29.99/mth for first 6 months, then $59.99/mth. Available until withdrawn. $29.99/mth for 6 mths, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $29.99 Link not supplied	$29.99/mth for 6 mths, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $29.99	Link not supplied
#2	iiNet	iiNet 5G Home Broadband Plus 5G Home Internet 50/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Price-lock deal: $39.99/mth for 12 months, then $59.99/mth. Includes $240 off for 12 months. Until withdrawn. T&Cs apply $39.99/mth for first 12 months, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $39.99 Link not supplied	$39.99/mth for first 12 months, then $59.99/mth Min. cost $39.99	Link not supplied
#3	Vodafone	Vodafone 5G Home Internet Plus Plan 5G Home Internet 50/16 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for first 12 mths + Save $10/mth when you already have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $55/mth for 12 mths, then $70/mth Min. cost $55 Link not supplied	$55/mth for 12 mths, then $70/mth Min. cost $55	Link not supplied
#4	SpinTel	SpinTel 5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (50Mbit) 5G Home Internet 50 Mbps Unlimited Data $55/mth + $25 Upfront Min. cost $80 Link not supplied	$55/mth + $25 Upfront Min. cost $80	Link not supplied
#5	Optus	Optus Optus Plus Everyday 5G 5G Home Internet 50/11 Mbps Unlimited Data Introductory Offer - $59/mth for 12 mths, then $69/mth or as notified. New services only. Minimum cost $527. Terms apply. $59/mth for first 12 months, normally $69/mth Min. cost $59 Link not supplied	$59/mth for first 12 months, normally $69/mth Min. cost $59	Link not supplied
#6	Telstra	Telstra Basic 5G Home Internet - 1TB 5G Home Internet 25/5 Mbps 1000GB Data $70/mth Min. cost $70 Link not supplied	$70/mth Min. cost $70	Link not supplied
#7	Yomojo	Yomojo 5G Internet 50 5G Home Internet 42/11 Mbps Unlimited Data $75.90/mth Min. cost $75.90 Link not supplied	$75.90/mth Min. cost $75.90	Link not supplied

#1	TPG	TPG 5G Home Broadband Premium 5G Home Internet 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Special offer - Includes $30/mth off for 6 months! $39.99/mth for first 6 months, then $69.99/mth. Available until withdrawn. $34.99/mth for 6 mths, then $69.99/mth Min. cost $34.99 Link not supplied	$34.99/mth for 6 mths, then $69.99/mth Min. cost $34.99	Link not supplied
#2	Optus	Optus Optus Promo Plan 5G 5G Home Internet 93/15 Mbps Unlimited Data Promo plan: $45/mth for 6 mths, then $85/mth or as notified. Until 12/11/26. New services only. Minimum cost $513. Terms apply. $45/mth for first 6 months, normally $85/mth Min. cost $45 Link not supplied	$45/mth for first 6 months, normally $85/mth Min. cost $45	Link not supplied
#3	iiNet	iiNet 5G Home Broadband Premium 5G Home Internet 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Price-lock deal: $49.99/mth for 12 months, then $69.99/mth. Includes $240 off for 12 months. Until withdrawn. T&Cs apply $49.99/mth for first 12 months, then $69.99/mth Min. cost $49.99 Link not supplied	$49.99/mth for first 12 months, then $69.99/mth Min. cost $49.99	Link not supplied
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone 5G Home Internet Premium Plan 5G Home Internet 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for first 12 mths + Save $10/mth when you already have a mobile phone plan with Vodafone $60/mth for 12 mths, then $75/mth Min. cost $60 Link not supplied	$60/mth for 12 mths, then $75/mth Min. cost $60	Link not supplied
#5	Yomojo	Yomojo 5G Internet 100 5G Home Internet 75/15 Mbps Unlimited Data $84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90 Link not supplied	$84.90/mth Min. cost $84.90	Link not supplied

#1	SpinTel	SpinTel 5G Unlimited Wireless Broadband (240Mbit) 5G Home Internet 240 Mbps Unlimited Data $89/mth + $25 Upfront Min. cost $114 Link not supplied	$89/mth + $25 Upfront Min. cost $114	Link not supplied
#2	Optus	Optus Optus Plus Entertainer Superfast 5G 5G Home Internet 230/20 Mbps Unlimited Data Introductory Offer - $89/mth for 12 mths, then $99/mth or as notified. New services only. Minimum cost $557. Terms apply. $89/mth for first 12 months, normally $99/mth Min. cost $89 Link not supplied	$89/mth for first 12 months, normally $99/mth Min. cost $89	Link not supplied
#3	Telstra	Telstra Premium 5G Home Internet - 1TB 5G Home Internet 300/30 Mbps 1000GB Data $95/mth Min. cost $95 Link not supplied	$95/mth Min. cost $95	Link not supplied
#4	Yomojo	Yomojo 5G Internet Max 5G Home Internet 225/20 Mbps Unlimited Data $105.90/mth Min. cost $105.90 Link not supplied	$105.90/mth Min. cost $105.90	Link not supplied

FAQs

Is it a "dongle" or a "pocket WiFi" modem?

Many people use these terms interchangeably, but there is technically a difference between these two types of portable WiFi modems. A WiFi dongle, or internet dongle, is a USB stick that receives mobile internet and delivers it to your device via a USB port. This USB connection is also what powers the dongle. "WiFi dongles" can emit a WiFi signal to connect additional devices, but this isn't necessarily the case for an "internet dongle".
A pocket WiFi modem is a battery-powered device that receives a mobile internet signal and shares it via a short-range WiFi connection. These can sometimes also share internet directly via USB-C, but the USB connection isn't necessary for it to function – hence why it can stay in your pocket. Of these two types of portable WiFi, dongles are increasingly the rarest.

Can I use a pocket wifi or internet dongle overseas?

Yes, just as you can use your mobile plan overseas, you might be able to enable data roaming and keep using your data, depending on your provider. But if you're travelling for a holiday, it might be cheaper and easier to simply sign up for a high-data mobile plan rather than fork out for a modem – as long as said plan has good international roaming.

Can I use a pocket WiFi or dongle as my home's internet?

You can do this in emergencies, but you shouldn't rely on a pocket WiFi or dongle for your home's main connection. Mobile broadband plans have limited data allowances, making them poor value if you need anything close to the average amount of data for a household.

On top of that, pocket WiFi modems and portable internet dongles are short range, so your home will probably lack full WiFi coverage. Last, pocket WiFi modems are battery powered. Battery-powered devices aren't designed to stay plugged into power 24/7, so you might eventually find the battery in yours wears out to the point where it can't even function while plugged into power.

Looking for a new NBN plan?

These are the most popular NBN 50 plans with WhistleOut users this week:

#1	Belong	Belong All Fixed Line nbn® NBN Standard Plus – Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
#2	Dodo	Dodo All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $87.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $57.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $87.99/mth Min. cost $57.99 Go to Site*	$57.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $87.99/mth Min. cost $57.99	Go to Site
#3	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom All Fixed Line nbn® Value Plus NBN 50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $64.90/month for first 6 months, then $89.90/month. $64.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.90/mth Min. cost $64.90 Go to Site	$64.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.90/mth Min. cost $64.90	Go to Site
#4	iiNet	iiNet All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Liimitless All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6 $69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99	Link not supplied
#5	Moose NBN	Moose NBN All Fixed Line nbn® nbn 50/20 Premium All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $24/mth off for first 6 months - $59.80/mth for 6mths, then $83.80/mth + Get eero 7 modem for only $175 (RRP $249). $59.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $83.80/mth Min. cost $59.80 Link not supplied	$59.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $83.80/mth Min. cost $59.80	Link not supplied
#6	Superloop	Superloop All Fixed Line nbn® Extra-value nbn50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $69/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Bundle & Save $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#7	TPG	TPG All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $69.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Link not supplied
#8	More	More All Fixed Line nbn® Value Plus NBN All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $75/mth for 36 months, then $90/mth ongoing for CommBank customers who sign up using a CommBank credit or debit card $100/mth Min. cost $100 Link not supplied	$100/mth Min. cost $100	Link not supplied
#9	Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband All Fixed Line nbn® Experience nbn® 50 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths, $79/mth for 6 mths, then reverts to $109/mth + Bundle and Save! $79/mth for 6 mths, then $109/mth Min. cost $79 Link not supplied	$79/mth for 6 mths, then $109/mth Min. cost $79	Link not supplied
#10	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet All Fixed Line nbn® Silver Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $11/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $80.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $80.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Go to Site	$69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $80.90/mth Min. cost $69.90	Go to Site

Alex Angove-Plumb

Digital Content Editor

Alex Angove-Plumb is a Digital Content Editor at WhistleOut and an award-winning journalist. He's been in the tech publishing industry since 2010, putting him a few short years away from the title of Grizzled Ancient in his chosen profession. He was an original WhistleOut-er before running NBN Co's corporate blog for two years, then moving on to a lengthy stint at CHOICE. Now he's come home.

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