The TP-Link TL-MR105 takes a nano-SIM and turns its mobile data connection into a 4G Wi-Fi network that you can share with laptops, tablets and other devices. Right now, the TP-Link TL-MR105 mobile router is £45 (was £60) at Amazon.
It's a handy option if you regularly work somewhere without fixed broadband. As long as you have a suitable 4G signal and data SIM, you can connect up to 32 wireless devices rather than relying on your phone's more limited hotspot capabilities.
The TL-MR105 can also provide a backup internet connection if/when your regular broadband goes down, and its two Ethernet ports give you the option of connecting devices by cable.
Why we recommend it
The appeal here isn't cutting-edge networking technology (it's 4G not 5G), but the freedom to get several devices online without relying on fixed broadband or tethering everything to your phone.
Support for up to 32 wireless devices means it can provide internet access for more than just a laptop and phone. The Ethernet connections are useful for equipment that benefits from a wired link, and TP-Link's Tether app provides network management from an Android or iOS device.
Keeping a 4G router available can give you another route online when broadband fails, which could be particularly useful if you work from home and can't afford to be offline.
Price context & historical value
At £44.98, you're saving £14.79 against the £59.77 regular price, which is just under 25%.
This isn't the lowest price we've ever seen it though. The TL-MR105 has briefly sold for around £32 at Amazon in November, and reaching a high of £70 in April 2024. So £44.98 isn't an all-time low. That previous price was short-lived, however, and this remains a decent reduction if you need a 4G router now.
Should you buy it?
✅ Buy the TP-Link TL-MR105 if...
You regularly work or travel somewhere without reliable fixed broadband and want a connection for multiple devices. Pop in a suitable nano-SIM, power up the router and you can create your own Wi-Fi network wherever you have a usable 4G signal.
It's also an inexpensive option for providing backup internet at home. The TL-MR105 can use its WAN connection normally and give you the option of 4G connectivity if your main broadband connection stops working.
❌ Skip the TP-Link TL-MR105 if...
You're expecting the performance of a modern Wi-Fi 6 router or 5G mobile broadband. This is a relatively basic single-band Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) model, and its mobile connectivity tops out at 4G LTE.
You'll also need to factor in the cost and data allowance of a SIM plan. If you're going to stream large amounts of video or transfer big files regularly, you'll need to make sure your mobile data package is up to the task before relying on it as your main connection.
The Catch: What to know before you buy
This is very much a router for connectivity and convenience rather than speed. The N300 Wi-Fi is based on the older 802.11n standard and operates on a single band, so anyone with fast fixed broadband should probably look at newer Wi-Fi hardware instead.
Real-world internet performance will also depend heavily on the mobile network, local 4G coverage and your SIM plan. The quoted 150Mbps download speed is the router's maximum 4G capability, not a speed you're likely to receive in the real world.
