A mobile WiFi router will keep you online and in touch wherever you happen be, just as long as the coverage is decent. In New Zealand, we can expect that sort of coverage all over the country, so you should get maximum use out of your portable router. Here's what to look out for when buying one.

Basic or feature-packed

Some devices act solely as a router, while others have more features, such as a battery charger. It comes down to how much you want to spend, and how often you'll need those added extras.

Compatibility and connectivity

The best mobile routers are compatible with all wireless standards, and allow for a decent number of simultaneous connections with different devices.

The need for speed

The generation of the router determines its speed. For example, earlier model b routers might be capped at 11 megabytes per second, while more modern n routers feature a speed cap of 300 megabytes per second. If a mobile router is cheap, it might be because it's an older and slower model from a different generation! 

Check the battery power

The more powerful batteries are usually found in devices that double as charging banks, so an investment in this versatile device might be a good option if you need extended battery power.  

Locked or unlocked

Many manufacturer-specific routers are locked, so you are limited to using just one service provider. Unlocked, on the other hand, will give you freedom to use pretty any provider, all over the world.   

Look for a simple set up

Some portable routers are a pain to get started. When shopping around, look for ones that promote a basic set up, or even none at all, so you can use yours sooner.