MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router Review: The Ultimate Plug-and-Play Internet Solution?

There’s a unique kind of frustration that comes with poor internet. For me, it was during a week-long stay in a rented countryside cottage. The promised “high-speed Wi-Fi” turned out to be a creaking, asthmatic connection that could barely load an email, let alone handle a video call. My phone’s hotspot was a temporary fix, but it drained the battery and throttled speeds after a few hours, turning a relaxing getaway into a tethered nightmare. This struggle is all too common for digital nomads, families on holiday, residents in rural “not-spots,” or even just as a backup when the main home broadband inevitably fails. The inability to connect reliably isn’t just an inconvenience; it can disrupt work, education, and our connection to the outside world. This is precisely the problem that a dedicated 4G router is designed to solve, promising stable, fast internet wherever you can get a mobile signal, without the drama.

What to Consider Before Buying a 4G Router

A 4G Router is more than just a gadget; it’s a key solution for internet freedom and reliability. Unlike traditional routers that depend on a physical line (fibre, DSL), these devices use a SIM card to tap into mobile networks, transforming a 4G LTE signal into a stable Wi-Fi network for all your devices. The primary benefit is unparalleled flexibility. You can set up a robust internet connection in minutes at a new home, a temporary office, a holiday let, or a construction site. It’s the perfect answer for areas where fixed-line broadband is slow, unreliable, or completely unavailable, and serves as an excellent failover backup to keep you online if your main connection goes down.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing connectivity challenges that a standard router can’t solve. This includes individuals in rural locations with poor DSL, renters who don’t want to commit to long-term broadband contracts, frequent travellers who need a more powerful solution than a phone hotspot, or small business owners needing a reliable connection at temporary sites. However, it might not be the best fit for those in urban areas with access to gigabit fibre who are primarily focused on achieving the absolute lowest latency for competitive online gaming or transferring massive files daily. For those users, a high-end Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 router connected to a fibre line would be a more suitable primary choice. The MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router is specifically for those who prioritize access and stability over bleeding-edge speed.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Network Compatibility & SIM Size: Ensure the router is unlocked and compatible with your preferred mobile network provider. Check the supported 4G/LTE bands to guarantee optimal performance in your area. Also, confirm the required SIM card size (Nano, Micro, or Standard) to avoid any setup delays.
• Speed & Performance: Look at two key numbers: the 4G LTE speed (e.g., Cat4 for up to 150 Mbps download) and the Wi-Fi speed (e.g., N300 for 300 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band). While the Wi-Fi speed may seem higher, your internet speed will be limited by the 4G signal. N300 is perfectly adequate for streaming HD video, browsing, and video calls, which is the primary use case for this device class.
• Antenna Configuration & Ports: Internal antennas are sleek, but external ones often provide better signal reception. The MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router smartly includes ports for optional external antennas, a huge plus for users in fringe signal areas. Also, consider the number of Ethernet ports you need for wired connections to devices like a desktop PC or gaming console.
• Ease of Use & Management: The best 4G routers are “plug-and-play.” You should be able to insert a SIM, power it on, and connect within minutes. Look for devices that have a user-friendly web interface or a companion app for straightforward management of settings, connected devices, and data usage.

Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a 4G router that liberates you from connectivity woes, rather than adding new ones.

While the MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G 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: Simplicity in a Box

Unboxing the MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router, the first thing that struck us was its clean, minimalist design. It’s a lightweight, compact white box that won’t look out of place on a bookshelf or desk. In the box, you get the essentials: the router itself, two detachable LTE antennas, a power adapter, a flat RJ45 Ethernet cable, and a quick installation guide. There was even a free SIM card included, which is a nice touch to get you started immediately. The build quality feels solid for its price point—it’s plastic, of course, but it doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap. The front panel features a row of clear, easy-to-read LED indicators for power, Wi-Fi status, network connection, and signal strength. This immediate visual feedback is incredibly helpful during setup and for troubleshooting any potential issues down the line. Compared to some of the intimidating, insect-like designs of high-end gaming routers, the Mercusys approach is refreshingly straightforward and user-friendly, hinting at its core promise of simplicity and function over unnecessary frills. You can see the full contents and design for yourself online.

Deep Dive: Performance and Real-World Use

A 4G router lives or dies by its performance in the real world. Specifications on a page mean nothing if the device can’t deliver a stable, usable internet connection when you need it most. We put the MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router through its paces over several weeks in various scenarios: as a primary internet source in a rural area with notoriously poor DSL, as a travel companion for a working holiday, and as a home backup during a planned broadband outage. Here’s how it held up.

The Five-Minute Setup: Plug-and-Play Personified

Mercusys claims this router is “Plug & Play,” and we were eager to test that. Often, networking gear comes with arcane setup wizards and confusing jargon. I’m pleased to report that the MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router absolutely delivers on its promise of simplicity. Our experience mirrored that of many users who praised its effortless installation. One user noted they were “able to get it to operate completely in less than five minutes,” and that wasn’t an exaggeration. The process was exactly as advertised: screw on the two antennas, insert a Nano SIM card into the spring-loaded slot on the back, and plug in the power adapter. Within about 60 seconds, the status lights settled, indicating it had locked onto a 4G signal and was broadcasting a Wi-Fi network. The default Wi-Fi name and password are conveniently printed on a sticker on the bottom of the unit. We connected a laptop and were online instantly. It’s a refreshingly painless experience that stands in stark contrast to the stress often associated with setting up new network hardware. For those who want to customize settings, accessing the web admin page is straightforward. The interface is clean, surprisingly comprehensive, and offers control over everything from parental controls and guest networks to more advanced settings, all laid out in a logical way. The effortless setup is a huge selling point for non-technical users.

4G LTE Performance: A Lifeline for the Underserved

The core function of this device is to pull in a 4G signal and turn it into reliable Wi-Fi, and here it truly shines. We tested it in a rural location where the existing DSL connection struggled to reach 5 Mbps. The nearest 4G mast was about 1.5 miles away with a decent, but not perfect, line of sight. Using the same SIM card from our phone, the MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router consistently achieved download speeds between 25 and 40 Mbps and upload speeds of 10-15 Mbps. This was a transformative improvement. Suddenly, streaming HD content on Netflix was buffer-free, Zoom calls were crystal clear, and downloading large files took minutes instead of hours. The external antennas make a tangible difference. One user in a similar rural situation found this router held a stronger signal than their previous TP-Link model. Throughout our testing, the connection remained remarkably stable. We didn’t experience the random dropouts that can plague phone hotspots, especially when multiple devices are connected. For anyone stuck with slow fixed-line internet, this device isn’t just an alternative; it’s a lifeline that brings modern, usable internet speeds to places the infrastructure has forgotten. It’s the perfect solution for holiday cottages, remote homes, or even just garden offices that are Wi-Fi dead spots. The stability it offers for multiple users is one of the features that really sets it apart from simply using a phone.

Wi-Fi Sharing and Everyday Versatility

While the 4G performance is the star of the show, the router’s ability to share that connection is just as important. The N300 Wi-Fi, operating on the 2.4GHz band, provides more than enough bandwidth for the 4G speeds it’s working with. Mercusys claims it can support up to 32 devices simultaneously. While we didn’t test it to that extreme, we had no trouble connecting two laptops, three smartphones, a tablet, and a smart TV at the same time. We streamed music, browsed social media, and had a video playing on the TV without any noticeable slowdown or lag. The range was also impressive, easily covering a standard two-bedroom house and even reaching into the back garden. This capability makes it an ideal hub for a family on holiday, as one user pointed out, allowing everyone to connect their devices using a single data plan. Furthermore, its dual-mode functionality adds another layer of value. By simply plugging an Ethernet cable from your main modem into its LAN/WAN port, you can switch it to standard “Wi-Fi Router Mode.” This is useful if you move to a location with good broadband but want to continue using a router you’re familiar with, or if you want to use it as a simple access point or range extender. This versatility ensures the MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router remains a useful piece of kit long after its primary mission is complete.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience is strongly echoed across a wide range of user feedback. The dominant sentiment is one of pleasant surprise at how effectively and simply the router solves a major connectivity problem. Many users, like the one who needed a solution for travel without draining their phone battery, call it “perfect” for their needs, highlighting the five-minute setup and “comprehensive, reliable, and simple to use” software. Another reviewer, who lives in a rural area, noted its superior signal strength compared to a previous, more well-known brand, which is a powerful testament to its hardware.

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. While most find the setup easy, a few non-technical users mentioned the included manual was a bit confusing for more advanced configurations like repeater mode, and they found success by turning to online video tutorials instead. This is a fair criticism; while the basic setup is flawless, the documentation for its deeper features could be more user-friendly. One Spanish-language review, while generally positive about its functionality as an access point, noted that when used as a wireless repeater for gaming, it could introduce “sudden ping spikes,” suggesting a wired connection is better for latency-sensitive tasks. This aligns with our assessment that it’s not a high-performance gaming router, but an access-focused device. Finally, as with any electronic product, there was an isolated report of a device arriving damaged, which is an unfortunate reality of shipping but not indicative of a widespread product flaw.

How Does the MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router Compare to the Alternatives?

The MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router occupies a specific and valuable niche. To understand it better, it’s helpful to compare it not just to direct competitors, but to other types of networking solutions to see where it fits in the broader market.

1. Ubiquiti UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra

The UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra is in a completely different league, aimed at prosumers and small businesses building a sophisticated network ecosystem. It’s a powerful gateway and firewall that requires other UniFi products (like access points and switches) to function. While it offers immense power, deep security features, and centralized management, it does not have a built-in 4G modem. Someone might choose this if they are building a robust, permanent network from the ground up and have a stable primary internet source. The MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router is the polar opposite: an all-in-one, standalone device designed for immediate, simple access via cellular networks, prioritizing convenience and accessibility over enterprise-grade features.

2. TP-Link Archer BE3600 WiFi 7 Router

The TP-Link Archer BE3600 is a cutting-edge router for users who already have a fast, fixed-line internet connection like gigabit fibre. Its main selling point is Wi-Fi 7, the latest standard offering multi-gigabit wireless speeds, 2.5G ports, and features designed to handle dozens of high-bandwidth devices in a dense environment. This is for the tech enthusiast, the hardcore gamer, or the smart home power user who wants the fastest possible local network. A user would choose this to maximize their fibre connection’s potential. In contrast, the MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router solves the more fundamental problem of getting internet access in the first place, with its Wi-Fi speeds being perfectly matched to the capabilities of a 4G connection.

3. GL.iNet GL-BE3600 (Slate 7) Portable Wi-Fi 7 Router

The GL.iNet Slate 7 is perhaps the most interesting comparison, as it’s also designed for portability. However, it’s a travel router, not a 4G modem router. Its purpose is to take an existing internet source (like hotel Wi-Fi or an Ethernet port) and create your own secure, private network, with advanced features like VPN. It doesn’t have a SIM card slot. While you could tether it to a phone, the MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router is a more elegant, all-in-one solution for creating a network from a cellular signal. The Mercusys is for the holiday cottage or rural home; the Slate 7 is for the hotel room or conference centre.

Our Final Verdict: Is the MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router Worth It?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router is an outstanding product for its intended audience. It’s not trying to be the fastest router on the market; it’s designed to be the simplest and most reliable way to get a solid internet connection where traditional options fail. Its plug-and-play setup is genuinely effortless, its 4G performance is stable and strong, and its versatility as a dual-mode device adds significant long-term value. Yes, it’s limited to N300 Wi-Fi and doesn’t have gigabit ports, but these are sensible trade-offs that keep it affordable and focused on its core mission.

We highly recommend the MERCUSYS MB110-4G N300 4G Router to anyone living in a rural area with slow broadband, families needing a reliable connection for holidays, or anyone looking for a foolproof backup for their home internet. It delivers on its promises with no fuss and represents exceptional value for money. If you’re tired of fighting for a stable connection, this is the simple, effective solution you’ve been waiting for. You can check the latest price and get yours today.