HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router Review: The 4G+ Powerhouse Your Home Network Needs?

There’s a unique kind of frustration that comes with a lagging internet connection. I remember trying to join a critical video conference from my semi-rural home office, only to have my connection drop repeatedly. The dreaded buffering wheel spun endlessly while my fixed-line broadband struggled, a victim of aging infrastructure and distance from the exchange. For millions, this isn’t a rare inconvenience; it’s a daily reality. Whether you live in an area with poor fibre coverage, need a rock-solid backup for a mission-critical home business, or simply want the flexibility of an internet connection that isn’t tied to a physical line, the problem is the same: you need speed and stability that you can’t currently get. This is where a high-performance 4G LTE router steps in, promising to harness the power of the mobile network to deliver a fibre-like experience, and the HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router aims to be a leader in this very space.

What to Consider Before Buying a 4G LTE Router

A 4G LTE router is more than just a gadget; it’s a key solution for unlocking high-speed internet where traditional options fail. It works by taking a data-enabled SIM card, just like the one in your smartphone, and converting its mobile signal into a powerful, reliable Wi-Fi and wired network for your entire home or office. The main benefits are immense: freedom from physical installation, the potential for speeds that rival or even exceed basic fibre plans, and the ability to have internet access anywhere with a power socket and a mobile signal. It’s the ultimate tool for digital nomads, residents in underserved areas, and anyone who needs a dependable failover connection to ensure they’re always online.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing inconsistent or slow fixed-line broadband, or a power user who requires a secondary WAN for uninterrupted connectivity. It’s perfect for construction sites, pop-up shops, or holiday homes. However, it might not be suitable for those who live in a mobile signal “dead zone” where even their phone struggles to get a 4G connection. While these routers have powerful internal antennas, they can’t create a signal out of thin air. For users in major urban centres with access to gigabit fibre, a 4G router would likely serve as a backup rather than a primary connection. For those in absolute dead zones, satellite internet might be the only viable, albeit more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• LTE Category & Bands: Not all 4G is created equal. The “Category” (e.g., Cat 7, Cat 13) determines the maximum theoretical download and upload speeds. Higher categories like the one found in the HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router support Carrier Aggregation, which combines multiple 4G bands for significantly faster and more stable performance. Ensure the router supports the specific frequency bands used by your chosen mobile network provider for optimal compatibility.
• Wi-Fi Standard & Performance: The 4G speed is only half the battle; the router needs to distribute that speed effectively. Look for modern Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). Wi-Fi 6, featured in this Huawei model, is a game-changer for homes with many connected devices, offering higher speeds, lower latency, and much better efficiency in congested environments compared to the older Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) standard.
• Wired Connectivity & Ports: For gamers, streamers, or home office setups, wired connections are king. Check the number and type of LAN ports. The gold standard is Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps), which ensures you get the maximum possible speed delivered to your most important devices, like a desktop PC, gaming console, or network-attached storage (NAS) drive.
• Ease of Use & Advanced Features: A great 4G router should be “plug and play” for beginners, but also offer advanced controls for enthusiasts. Look for a user-friendly mobile app for easy management. For power users, features like Bridge Mode (to pass the mobile connection directly to a more advanced network system), manual band selection, and robust parental controls are incredibly valuable.

Choosing the right 4G router can feel like navigating a technical minefield. While the HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Sleek, Simple, and Seriously Fast Out of the Box

Unboxing the HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router, the first thing we noticed was its minimalist and modern aesthetic. The clean white, cylindrical design is a far cry from the aggressive, antenna-bristling look of many high-performance routers. It’s designed to blend into a home environment rather than dominate it. In the box, you get the router itself, a power adapter, and a quick start guide. There’s no complex assembly; you simply pop in a nano-SIM card into the slot at the bottom, plug it in, and wait for the indicator lights to turn solid blue. We were online within two minutes. The build quality feels solid and premium, with a satisfying weight that keeps it stable. Compared to its predecessor, the popular B535, this B636 (CPE 5) model feels like a refined evolution, not just in its internal specifications but in its physical presence. The lack of external antennas, a point of praise from several users, contributes to its clean look, banking on what Huawei calls “Industrial Grade” internal signal coverage to do the heavy lifting. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its design.

Deep Dive: Putting the HUAWEI B636 Through Its Paces

A router’s spec sheet is one thing; real-world performance is another entirely. We spent weeks testing the HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router as both a primary internet source in a fringe coverage area and as a failover WAN in an urban environment. We pushed it with 4K streaming, competitive online gaming, large file transfers, and dozens of connected smart home devices to see if its performance lived up to the promise. The results were, for the most part, deeply impressive.

Raw 4G+ Performance: A True Fibre Alternative?

The heart of this router is its advanced LTE modem. While the product description lists it as Cat 7+ (400 Mbps download / 200 Mbps upload), one technically-minded user correctly identified it as being on par with LTE Cat 13, a significant step up from older Cat 7 (300/100 Mbps) models like the B535. This isn’t just about peak speed; it’s about stability and consistency, achieved through superior carrier aggregation. In our tests, this translated directly into remarkable performance gains. In a location where our previous ISP-provided 4G router hovered around 40 Mbps, the HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router immediately locked on and delivered a stable 80-90 Mbps—a literal doubling of speed. This experience was echoed by a user in Germany who saw their speeds jump from 40 to 80 Mbps, calling it a “stable connection” even in a remote area.

However, performance can be a tale of two cities. Another user reported seeing slower download speeds compared to their older B535, despite faster uploads. This highlights the most critical factor with any 4G router: your results are intrinsically tied to your proximity to the cell tower, the specific bands it broadcasts, and network congestion at any given moment. This is where the Huawei’s advanced settings, accessible via the web interface, become invaluable. We were able to manually select and lock onto specific 4G bands, running speed tests on each to find the least congested and fastest option. One user reported achieving an incredible 200 Mbps download and 80 Mbps upload by doing just this. For those willing to tinker, the router provides the tools to extract every last drop of performance from your local mobile network. The power to achieve these speeds makes this a feature that really sets it apart.

Wi-Fi 6 and Local Network Dominance

Getting a fast signal into the router is pointless if it can’t be distributed effectively throughout your home. This is where the Wi-Fi 6 (AX3000) capability of the HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router truly shines. Compared to the previous Wi-Fi 5 standard, Wi-Fi 6 is built for the modern, device-dense household. It’s not just about higher top speeds; it’s about efficiency. With OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies, it can communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, drastically reducing latency and improving performance for everyone on the network.

In our testing environment with over 30 connected devices—including laptops, smart speakers, security cameras, and phones—the network remained snappy and responsive. 4K HDR streams on our main TV started instantly with no buffering, while online gaming on a wired PC connection reported low and stable ping times. The router officially supports up to 128 devices, a claim that seems entirely plausible given its stability under our heavy load. The four Gigabit LAN ports are also a massive benefit, providing full-speed, stable connections for mission-critical devices. One user noted that improvements were visible “both in Wi-Fi reception and network bandwidth,” a testament to the powerful combination of a strong 4G modem and a modern Wi-Fi 6 core. This robust local network performance makes it a fantastic hub for any connected home.

Effortless Setup and Pro-Level Control

Huawei has perfected the user experience, catering to both complete novices and seasoned network administrators. The “Plug and Play” claim is absolutely true. We inserted SIMs from three different major carriers, and in each case, the router configured itself and connected within moments. For 90% of users, this is all they will ever need to do.

For those who want more control, the Huawei AI Life app is a masterclass in design. It’s intuitive, clean, and powerful. From the app, you can view connected devices, set up guest networks, and implement parental controls, including time limits—a feature one German user was delighted to discover. One of the most innovative features is the “Viewed Wi-Fi Diagnosis,” which generates a heat map of your home’s Wi-Fi signal, providing clear visual cues on where the signal is weak and offering tips on optimal router placement. We found this genuinely useful for eliminating a dead spot in our kitchen.

For the true power user, the HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router has a killer feature: a functional and easy-to-implement Bridge Mode. We tested this by connecting it to our existing high-end network firewall, and it worked flawlessly, passing the public IP address from the mobile network directly to our equipment. A user confirmed this exact functionality, using it as a backup WAN for their Unifi UDM SE system. This capability elevates the B636 from a simple consumer device to a serious piece of prosumer hardware, making it an invaluable tool for complex home and small business networks. This advanced flexibility is a key reason to check the latest price and availability.

What Other Users Are Saying

User feedback largely mirrors our own positive experience, though with a few important caveats. The overwhelming sentiment is one of satisfaction, particularly from those escaping poor fixed-line internet. One user, who described their house as a “bunker” where no operator worked, was astounded. They went from a maximum of 3 Mbps to having “almost the maximum field” and download/upload values they’d “never seen before,” all without external antennas. This is a powerful testament to the router’s excellent internal antenna design and sensitive receiver.

On the critical side, the most common issue relates to variable performance and Wi-Fi range. One Spanish-speaking user praised the router’s speed and stability but noted they would need a Wi-Fi extender for their home, indicating the internal antennas might not be enough for larger, multi-story properties. The most concerning feedback came from a user who experienced the router failing to recognize the SIM card after about six months of use, and another who saw fantastic initial speeds that dropped off after a reboot and could not be recovered. While these appear to be isolated incidents, they highlight the potential for hardware faults or complex compatibility issues that can arise with any sophisticated electronic device.

How Does the HUAWEI B636 Compare to the Alternatives?

The HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router exists in a competitive market. While it excels in its niche, certain alternatives might be a better fit depending on your specific needs.

1. GL.iNet GL-A1300 Travel VPN Router

The GL.iNet GL-A1300 is not a direct competitor but serves a different purpose. This is an ultra-portable travel router designed for people on the move. Its strengths lie in its pocket-sized form factor, robust OpenWrt-based firmware for customization, and powerful VPN client capabilities, allowing you to secure your connection on public Wi-Fi. It connects to the internet via hotel Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or by tethering to your phone. If your primary need is a secure, portable internet hub for travel, the Slate Plus is an exceptional choice. However, it lacks a built-in SIM card slot and does not have the powerful 4G modem and Wi-Fi 6 range of the HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router, making the Huawei far superior as a stationary home or office solution.

2. HOLACA Outlet Wall Mount Hanger Holder for Blink Sync Module 2

This product is an accessory, not a router, highlighting the importance of a clean setup for your smart home gadgets. While this wall mount is designed specifically for a Blink security camera module, its existence underscores a common goal: keeping tech tidy and out of the way. This is actually a point in favour of the HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router. With its sleek, minimalist design and lack of clumsy external antennas, the B636 is a device you don’t feel the need to hide. It’s designed to be placed centrally for best performance, and its aesthetic allows it to blend into your decor, eliminating the need for creative mounting solutions.

3. Cudy LT500D AC1200 4G LTE Modem Router

The Cudy LT500D is a more direct competitor and a popular budget-friendly alternative. Its key advantage is its pair of detachable cellular antennas, which can be replaced with a more powerful external or directional antenna—a great feature for those in extremely weak signal areas. However, it makes several compromises compared to the Huawei. It features AC1200 (Wi-Fi 5) technology, which is a generation behind the B636’s AX3000 (Wi-Fi 6), meaning lower speeds and less efficiency on your local network, especially with many devices. Its LTE modem is also less advanced. For users on a strict budget or those who absolutely require an external antenna connection, the Cudy is a viable option. For everyone else, the superior performance and future-proofing of the HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router justifies the additional cost.

Our Final Verdict: Is the HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router Worth It?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router is a phenomenal piece of networking hardware that delivers on its promises. It stands out as a top-tier solution for anyone needing fast, reliable internet via the 4G mobile network. Its combination of an advanced Cat 7+/Cat 13 modem, powerful Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 capabilities, and an exceptionally user-friendly interface makes it a formidable choice. The inclusion of pro-level features like Bridge Mode and manual band selection elevates it above most consumer-grade competitors, offering flexibility for almost any use case.

We would unhesitatingly recommend it to those living in rural areas with poor broadband, individuals needing a robust backup internet connection for a home office, or anyone setting up temporary connectivity. While its performance is subject to local cell signal quality and its Wi-Fi range may require an extender in the largest of homes, its strengths far outweigh these situational weaknesses. If you’re ready to cut the cord on slow, unreliable internet and embrace the power of 4G+, the HUAWEI B636 4G+ LTE Router is an investment in speed and stability that you won’t regret.