As 5G starts to become more widely available, an increasing number of people are looking to switch to this new and improved type of broadband.
5G isn't simply a more efficient way to connect via smartphone; it has the potential to be a fantastic a home or business internet connection too.
The Three ZTE 5G hub is a popular choice for those looking for a fast and reliable connection, but it's not the only option out there. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the pros and cons of the Three 5G hub and the best alternatives to it.
What is the Three 5G hub
The Three ZTE 5G Hub is a 5G home broadband router supplied by Three. Though it has a max download speed of 3.8Gbps, at the moment, Three's network cannot process speeds that high and currently tops out at 1Mbps on this device.
Three claims average speeds for the 5G hub are in the range of 100-200Mbps in most locations. It is only compatible with the Three network.
The Three 5G Hub also has two Ethernet ports and two antenna sockets to connect external antennas, but only supports up to 30 simultaneous connections. That’s less than other rivals, such as EE, can offer.
The home broadband hub is a plug and play device that does not require a landline or installer engineer. It can just be plugged in and work out of the box.
What are the pros and cons of the Three 5G hub
The Three 5G hub has both benefits and drawbacks as a 5G router hub. We will explore its pros and cons below, including speeds, features and functionality.
If you want to watch a full Three 5G hub review, you can find many Three 5G hub review videos from helpful customers on YouTube.
Pros
Fast speeds in 5G areas - Theoretical download speeds up to 1 Gbps and Upload speeds of up to 500Mbps. Speeds can rival home fibre broadband when in a strong 5G coverage area.
Supports WiFi 6 - It can get up to 30 devices connected to the internet at once.
No need for a landline or an engineer to install it - quick and convenient set up.
Can be used as a personal hotspot - Ideal if you need home broadband or internet when on the go.
2 x Ethernet Ports and 1 USB-C port - can connect devices via wired connection.
Unlimited data - included as standard from Three Network.
Cons
Can only be used with the Three network - not compatible with other major networks.
Have to have Three 5G coverage in your area - If you don't have mobile coverage from Three the device will not work for you.
Requires a strong 5G signal - may not perform as well in areas without good indoor 5G coverage.
Broadband hub remains the property of Three Broadband - When you purchase this 5G hub router from Three you never truly own it, you are leasing it from Three.
Cannot get a static IP address with this router - It won't be able to support servers or VoIP systems that require a static IP.
Only suitable for home broadband use - Not suitable for business broadband. The hardware is designed for consumer use and is not capable of coping with business usage.
What are the alternatives to the Three 5G hub for home broadband
If you're not convinced that the Three 5G hub is the right device for you, don't worry - there are plenty of other great 5G routers on the market.
Here are some alternatives to the Three 5G hub that are suited to different needs:
If you're looking for an alternative home broadband solution similar to the Three 5G hub that isn't on the Three network - here are some alternatives:
The Vodafone 5G Gigacube router
This router is very similar to the Three 5G hub but it's compatible with the Vodafone network instead. It supports up to 64 simultaneous connected devices and there is an unlimited data month plan option.
Despite being more expensive than the Three 5G hub router per month- it does support a higher number of connected devices so if you want to be sure the router can cope with your demands this might be a better option for 5G home broadband
SimRush Chateau 4G
If you don't yet have 5G network coverage in your area, and you're looking for a high quality 4G router for home use.
The SimRush Chateau 4G hub is a great alternative. It's CAT12 LTE modem means it can get great speeds on the 4G networks without needing an external antenna. It's compatible with all 4G networks so you can choose which one works best in your area for your 4G home broadband.
It's a plug and play device that can be installed in just a few minutes. It will arrive with the SIM inserted in the device, so you don't have to worry about that bit.
What if I'm looking for an alternative the Three 5G hub that's suitable for businesses?
Whilst the Three 5G hub might be great for basic 5G home broadband, it won't work for business broadband. You need business grade hardware that can provide a fast 5G service to support your whole office. So, what's my best option?
The SimRush Chateau 5G
This 5G router uses the latest 5G technology to deliver high speed and reliable connectivity, and it also supports 4G LTE networks as well. It offers maximum download speeds of up to 2 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 315 Mbps, and it also has 5 built in gigabit ethernet ports for wired connections.
It's not locked to any particular carrier so you can use an unlimited data SIM from any carrier network in the device. It's main benefit for business use is the static IP address service that can be assigned directly to the hardware itself. This means it can support VoIP systems, email servers and any staff who are working remotely.
The SimRush Chateau 5G can be purchased for one monthly cost when bought with an EE Unlimited data 24 month contract.
Pros and Cons of the SimRush Chateau 5G
Pros
- Compatible with all 4G/5G networks - Unlike the Three 5G hub, this device is not locked into one carrier so you can choose the one that works best in your area.
- Backwards compatible with the 4G network - If 5G broadband connection is lost whilst using this device it will automatically failover to 4G.
- Static IP address service - Add-on service available to enable VoIP services and servers etc to work using your 5G hub connection.
- Fast 5G broadband download speeds of up to 2 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 315 Mbps.
- 5 x Gigabit Ethernet ports and 1 x USB port for wired connections.
- Plug and play mobile broadband router- no installation required or site visit.
- CAT20 LTE modem for excellent speeds even on the 4G network - can be used in areas which are yet to receive 5G coverage for future proof internet.
- Dual band 802.11a b WiFi built in - Offers the ability to switch between frequencies of 2.4GHz and 5GHz to avoid congestion in traffic.
Cons
- More expensive than the Three 5G hub - A higher price is expected for business grade hardware versus a 5G home broadband service.
- In most scenarios there is an upfront cost for this device.
- Like all 4G/5G mobile broadband services, average download speeds cannot be guaranteed. This is unlike fibre broadband where you do get a speed guarantee.
SimRush Chateau 5G
How can you choose the right 5G hub for your needs
The best way to choose the right 5G hub is to consider your individual circumstances and needs. If you're a business user, then you'll need a different 5G broadband service than a home user.
Here are some factors you should consider when making your decision:
What's your budget? - The Three 5G hub is more affordable than some other 5G hubs on the market, but it's still important to consider your budget when making a decision.
Consider how much you want to pay per month as well as the upfront price.
What do you need it for? - If you're a business user then you'll need a different service than a home user. Consider what you need the 5G hub for before making your decision.
What contract length do you need? - Are you are looking for a 24 month contract or a 1 month contract. See what options are available with the 5G or 4G hub you are looking at.
What's the coverage like in your area? - Mobile coverage will vary depending on your location, so make sure you check the coverage map before making your decision.
What speeds do you need? - 5G download speeds can vary depending on a number of factors, so make sure you check the average download speed in your area before making your decision.
You may find you would be able to get by with a 4G home broadband service that offers slightly lower speeds.
Do you need a static IP address? - If you're a business user then you'll need to consider whether you need a static IP address. This is an add-on service that can be provided by some 5G hubs.
The Three 5G hub is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable way to get 5G home broadband. It's a good choice for those who are looking for a good speed and who don't need a static IP address.
Conclusion
The Three 5G hub is a good option for those who are looking for an affordable way to get 5G home broadband. It's a good choice for those who are looking for good speeds, unlimited data and who don't need a static IP address.
If you aren't sure the Three 5G hub is the right choice for you, there are plenty of alternative options available for those who need a router that operates on networks other than Three for home broadband, such as the Vodafone Gigacube or the SimRush Chateau 4G.
If you are looking for a 5G hub for business use, then the Three 5G hub is not going to cut the mustard. Instead, you can consider the SimRush Chateau 5G which is a great option for easy, quick 5G business broadband to get online.
Get in touch today if you'd like to explore the SimRush 5G home broadband and business broadband options.
