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Ultimate Buying Guide
🍓 Best 4G LTE HATs for Raspberry Pi
14 cellular HATs for Raspberry Pi 5, 4 and Zero: LTE Cat-4 and Cat-6 for gateways, Cat-1 for telemetry, NB-IoT and LTE-M for low-power nodes, Pi 5 PCIe HATs and mini PCIe carriers for your own modem.
✅ 14 HATs Reviewed
✅ Pi 5 PCIe Options
✅ Cat-6 to NB-IoT
✅ Honest Pros & Cons
A 4G LTE HAT gives a Raspberry Pi its own internet connection over the mobile network, so a remote camera, weather station, digital sign, vending machine or edge gateway can stay online without Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Most HATs connect over USB (appearing as a network interface on the Pi), add GNSS positioning, and support SMS and AT commands over UART.
This guide compares 14 Raspberry Pi cellular HATs on Amazon, from the classic Waveshare SIM7600 to newer Raspberry Pi 5 PCIe boards that accept M.2 and mini PCIe modems. For ESP32-based cellular boards, see our best ESP32 cellular boards guide, and for general modules see best 4G LTE modules.
💡 Reality check before you buy: Pick a modem whose bands and technology match your carrier: “G” or “GL” variants are global, “E” variants target Europe/Asia, and NB-IoT/LTE-M only work where your operator supports them. Cellular modems draw current spikes of up to about 2 A when transmitting, so use a quality Pi power supply. You’ll need a data SIM and LTE antennas (often included). Carrier boards for mini PCIe or M.2 need the modem bought separately. Several listings here are new with few reviews, and Waveshare’s Amazon store sells under the “XYGStudy” brand name.
🍓 Quick Comparison: All 14 Raspberry Pi Cellular HATs
| HAT | Modem / Network | Pi Support | Best For | Buy |
|---|
| 🥇 Waveshare SIM7600G-H 4G HAT (B) | Cat-4 · 4G/3G/2G · GNSS | Pi + Zero (pogo pins) | Best Overall | Buy Here → |
| 📦 Sixfab Cellular Modem Kit | 4G/LTE + IoT SIM + cloud | Raspberry Pi | Complete Kit | Buy Here → |
| 🧭 Waveshare SIM7670G Cat-1 HAT | Cat-1 · GNSS · 3× USB | Pi 5 series | Telemetry on Pi 5 | Buy Here → |
| 🚀 Waveshare LTE Cat-6 HAT | EM060K-GL · LTE-A · GNSS | Raspberry Pi | Fastest 4G | Buy Here → |
| 🔋 Waveshare SIM7080G HAT | NB-IoT / Cat-M · GNSS | Pi 5/4/Zero + Pico | Low Power | Buy Here → |
| 📡 Waveshare SIM7070G HAT | NB-IoT / Cat-M / GPRS · GNSS | Pi 4/3/Zero | LTE-M + 2G Fallback | Buy Here → |
| 🧩 Waveshare SIM7600G-H M.2 HAT | Cat-4 M.2 · GNSS | Raspberry Pi | Cat-4 Alternative | Buy Here → |
| ⚡ Waveshare PCIe to M.2 4G/5G HAT+ | M.2 carrier + USB 3.2 | Pi 5 | Bring-Your-Own M.2 | Buy Here → |
| 🌐 Waveshare PCIe MiniPCIe/GbE HAT | MiniPCIe + Gigabit + USB 3.2 | Pi 5 | Pi 5 Gateway | Buy Here → |
| 🔌 Sixfab HAT-miniPCIe | mPCIe carrier (BG95/BG96/EG25) | 40-pin Pi | Industrial Modems | Buy Here → |
| 💵 3G/4G LTE Base HAT | mPCIe carrier, 3 A | Pi 4/3/2/B+ | Budget Carrier | Buy Here → |
| 🇪🇺 AmpOhm360 A7670E Cat-1 HAT | A7670E · Cat-1 + GSM | 40-pin Pi | EU/Asia Cat-1 | Buy Here → |
| 🪫 AmpOhm360 SIM7028 HAT | SIM7028 · NB-IoT | 40-pin Pi | NB-IoT Only | Buy Here → |
| 📞 R800C GSM/GPRS HAT | 2G GSM · calls/SMS | Pi + Jetson Nano | 2G Regions Only | Buy Here → |
Details from each Amazon listing. Carrier boards need a modem bought separately. Tap Buy Here to see the live price.
🔍 How to Choose a Raspberry Pi Cellular HAT
📶
Speed Class
Cat-6 and Cat-4 suit video, remote desktop and gateways. Cat-1 handles dashboards, MQTT and SSH. NB-IoT/LTE-M is for small, infrequent messages from low-power devices.
🍓
Pi Model
Classic HATs use the 40-pin header and USB. Pi 5 adds a PCIe connector, enabling HAT+ boards that take M.2 or mini PCIe modems and add Gigabit Ethernet or USB 3.2.
🧩
Integrated vs Carrier
Integrated HATs include the modem and work out of the box. Carrier HATs let you choose a Quectel or SIMCom modem for your region and upgrade it later.
🛰️
GNSS
Most integrated HATs add GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo positioning, useful for vehicle gateways and asset tracking.
☁️
Software
Most modems work with ModemManager/NetworkManager or a QMI/ECM driver on Raspberry Pi OS. Sixfab adds its own management software and SIM service.
🏆 Detailed Reviews: All 14 Raspberry Pi Cellular HATs
🥇 BEST OVERALL
Waveshare SIM7600G-H 4G HAT (B)
⭐ 4.5/5 · The Classic Pi Cellular HAT
Buy on Amazon →
The Waveshare SIM7600G-H 4G HAT (B) is the most widely used Raspberry Pi cellular HAT. It carries SIMCom’s global SIM7600G-H LTE Cat-4 modem with 3G/2G fallback and GNSS, and connects to the Pi via pogo pins or micro USB, including a dedicated pogo-pin layout for the Pi Zero. Per the listing it supports dial-up internet, phone calls, SMS, TCP/UDP, HTTP and FTP. It averages about 3.7 stars from 30 ratings; most complaints concern driver setup, which Waveshare’s wiki covers in detail.
✅ Pros- Global Cat-4 with fallback
- Works with Pi Zero too
- Calls, SMS and GNSS
- Extensive documentation
❌ Cons- Setup takes some Linux work
- Mixed reviews
- Not Pi 5 PCIe
🎯 Verdict: The default 4G HAT for most Pi projects.
👉 Check Price on Amazon →
📦 BEST COMPLETE KIT
Sixfab Raspberry Pi 4G/LTE Cellular Modem Kit
⭐ 4.4/5 · Hardware + SIM + Cloud
Buy on Amazon →
Sixfab’s Raspberry Pi Cellular Modem Kit is the most turnkey option: it bundles the HAT and modem hardware with a global IoT SIM card carrying $25 of data credit, plus Sixfab’s free cloud software for remote network monitoring and management. If you’re deploying a few Pis in the field and want one vendor for hardware, SIM and dashboard, this is the easiest path. It has the most reviews in this guide at about 3.9 stars from 41 ratings.
✅ Pros- SIM and data included
- Fleet monitoring software
- One vendor to support it
- Most-reviewed here
❌ Cons- Ties you to Sixfab’s service
- Check modem model in the kit
🎯 Verdict: The fastest way to get a Pi online over cellular.
👉 Check Price on Amazon →
🧭 TELEMETRY ON PI 5 · ⭐ 4.2/53. Waveshare SIM7670G Cat-1/GNSS HAT for Pi 5
Global Cat-1 · GNSS · 3× USB 2.0 ports · new listing
Buy Here →
Designed for the Raspberry Pi 5, this HAT uses the global SIM7670G LTE Cat-1 modem with GNSS and adds three extra USB 2.0 ports, handy since the modem otherwise occupies one of the Pi’s. Cat-1 is plenty for MQTT, SSH and dashboards at lower power than Cat-4. New listing with no reviews yet.
✅ Pros: Pi 5 design; extra USB ports.
❌ Cons: Cat-1 speeds; new.
🎯 Verdict: The modern Cat-1 HAT for Pi 5.
🚀 FASTEST 4G · ⭐ 4.3/54. Waveshare LTE Cat-6 HAT (EM060K-GL)
Quectel EM060K-GL · LTE-A global · multi-GNSS · new listing
Buy Here →
For the most 4G throughput, this HAT ships with Quectel’s EM060K-GL, an LTE-Advanced Cat-6 module with global bands and GPS, GLONASS, BDS and Galileo positioning. Cat-6 uses carrier aggregation for higher speeds than Cat-4 where your network supports it, ideal for video streaming and failover gateways. New listing with no reviews yet.
✅ Pros: Cat-6 LTE-A; Quectel module.
❌ Cons: Higher power; new.
🎯 Verdict: The speed pick short of 5G.
🔋 LOW POWER · ⭐ 4.4/55. Waveshare SIM7080G NB-IoT/Cat-M HAT
SIM7080G · GNSS · Pi 5/4/Zero and Pico · onboard USB
Buy Here →
For low-power telemetry, this HAT pairs the global SIM7080G Cat-M/NB-IoT modem with GNSS. It fits Raspberry Pi 5, 4 and Zero plus the Pico, has an onboard USB port for AT-command testing, and breaks out UART pins with a voltage translator for STM32 and other hosts. It has one 5-star rating so far.
✅ Pros: Low power; works with Pico too.
❌ Cons: Needs LTE-M/NB-IoT coverage.
🎯 Verdict: The low-power Pi and Pico HAT.
📡 LTE-M + 2G FALLBACK · ⭐ 4.2/56. Waveshare SIM7070G NB-IoT/Cat-M/GPRS HAT
SIM7070G · global bands · GNSS · 1 rating
Buy Here →
Like the SIM7080G HAT but with GPRS (2G) fallback, the SIM7070G HAT covers NB-IoT, Cat-M and 2G with global bands and GNSS. Useful where LTE-M coverage is patchy but 2G still operates. It has one 5-star rating.
✅ Pros: LTE-M, NB-IoT and 2G.
❌ Cons: 2G fallback useless in the US.
🎯 Verdict: For regions with 2G backup.
🧩 CAT-4 ALTERNATIVE · ⭐ 3.6/57. Waveshare SIM7600G-H M.2 4G HAT
SIM7600G-H M.2 · Cat-4 · GNSS · 6 ratings
Buy Here →
This version uses the M.2 form of the SIM7600G-H on a Pi HAT, with the same Cat-4 global bands, 3G/2G fallback and GNSS. Reviews are weaker than the HAT (B), averaging about 2.3 stars from 6 ratings, so it’s a secondary option.
✅ Pros: Cat-4; global bands.
❌ Cons: Poor reviews.
🎯 Verdict: Prefer the HAT (B) unless you need M.2.
⚡ BRING-YOUR-OWN M.2 · ⭐ 4.3/58. Waveshare PCIe to M.2 4G/5G and USB 3.2 HAT+ (Pi 5)
M.2 modem slot · USB 3.2 · HAT+ EEPROM · 4-in-1 antenna · new
Buy Here →
A Raspberry Pi 5 HAT+ that uses the Pi’s PCIe connector to host an M.2 4G or 5G modem from SIMCom or Quectel over a high-speed link, and adds USB 3.2. It follows the HAT+ standard with an onboard EEPROM and includes a 4-in-1 antenna. Buy the modem separately for your region. New listing.
✅ Pros: Choose and upgrade your modem.
❌ Cons: Pi 5 only; modem extra.
🎯 Verdict: The flexible Pi 5 modem carrier.
🌐 PI 5 GATEWAY · ⭐ 4.3/59. Waveshare PCIe to MiniPCIe / Gigabit Ethernet / USB 3.2 HAT (Pi 5)
MiniPCIe modem slot (EG25-G variant) · second Ethernet · USB 3.2 · new
Buy Here →
This Pi 5 HAT turns the Pi into a small router: a MiniPCIe slot for a 4G modem (this listing variant names the Quectel EG25-G Cat-4), a second Gigabit Ethernet port and USB 3.2. Pair it with OpenWrt or similar for LTE failover. New listing.
✅ Pros: LTE + second Ethernet + USB 3.
❌ Cons: Pi 5 only; check variant contents.
🎯 Verdict: Build a Pi 5 LTE router.
🔌 INDUSTRIAL MODEMS · ⭐ 4.2/510. Sixfab Raspberry Pi HAT for mPCIe Cellular Modems
MiniPCIe carrier · BG95/BG96/EG91/EG95/EG25 · 40-pin Pi · new listing
Buy Here →
Sixfab’s HAT-miniPCIe carries a Quectel mini PCIe modem of your choice, from BG95/BG96 LTE-M/NB-IoT to EG91/EG95/EG25 Cat-1 and Cat-4, on any 40-pin Raspberry Pi. It’s a common foundation for industrial Pi deployments that need a specific certified modem. Modem sold separately. New listing.
✅ Pros: Wide Quectel modem support.
❌ Cons: Modem and antennas extra.
🎯 Verdict: The pro carrier for any Pi.
💵 BUDGET CARRIER · ⭐ 3.4/511. 3G/4G LTE Base HAT (Mini PCIe)
Mini PCIe socket · micro USB to Pi · 3 A supply · 3 ratings
Buy Here →
A low-cost mini PCIe base HAT for Pi 4/3/2/B+ with a SIM slot and a power circuit rated to 3 A, connecting the modem to the Pi over micro USB. It’s a budget way to use a mini PCIe modem, but reviews are weak at about 2.6 stars from 3 ratings.
✅ Pros: Cheap carrier; 3 A power.
❌ Cons: Weak reviews; generic brand.
🎯 Verdict: Budget option; Sixfab is safer.
🇪🇺 EU/ASIA CAT-1 · ⭐ 4.0/512. AmpOhm360 A7670E LTE Cat-1 HAT
A7670E · Cat-1 + GSM · MQTT/HTTPS/SSL · new listing
Buy Here →
This HAT uses the A7670E, SIMCom’s Cat-1 modem for Europe, Middle East and Asia bands, with GSM fallback and built-in TCP/IP, HTTPS, MQTTS, FTP and SSL stacks plus SMS. It fits the 40-pin header and also works with microcontrollers. Not for the Americas. New listing.
✅ Pros: Rich protocol stack; Cat-1.
❌ Cons: Regional bands; new.
🎯 Verdict: A Cat-1 HAT for EU/Asia users.
🪫 NB-IoT ONLY · ⭐ 4.0/513. AmpOhm360 SIM7028 NB-IoT HAT
SIM7028 · global NB-IoT · low power · new listing
Buy Here →
A compact HAT built on SIMCom’s SIM7028, a global NB-IoT-only modem with low power consumption and TCP/UDP support. Suitable for meters and sensors on networks with NB-IoT. Not LTE-M or regular LTE. New listing.
✅ Pros: Simple, low-power NB-IoT.
❌ Cons: NB-IoT only; check coverage.
🎯 Verdict: For NB-IoT networks only.
📞 2G REGIONS ONLY · ⭐ 3.8/514. R800C GSM/GPRS HAT
2G GSM · calls, SMS, GPRS · Pi + Jetson Nano · 1 rating
Buy Here →
A simple 2G GSM/GPRS HAT for SMS alerts, phone calls, DTMF and basic GPRS data on the Pi or Jetson Nano, with a UART for Arduino and STM32 too. Only useful where 2G networks still run; not in the US. One 5-star rating.
✅ Pros: Cheap SMS and calls.
❌ Cons: 2G only.
🎯 Verdict: Only where 2G survives.
🛒 Which HAT for Which Project?
🍓
General-purpose Pi 4G
Waveshare SIM7600G-H HAT (B).
📦
Small fleet, minimal setup
Sixfab Cellular Modem Kit.
🎥
Video or high bandwidth
LTE Cat-6 HAT, or a Pi 5 PCIe-to-M.2 HAT+ with a fast modem.
🌐
Pi 5 router with LTE failover
PCIe MiniPCIe/GbE/USB 3.2 HAT.
🔋
Low-power telemetry
SIM7080G HAT (or SIM7070G with 2G fallback).
🏭
Certified industrial modem
Sixfab HAT-miniPCIe + a Quectel modem.
⚙️ HAT Types Compared
| Type | Examples | Setup | Flexibility | Pi Models |
|---|
| Integrated HAT | SIM7600G-H, SIM7670G, Cat-6, SIM7080G | Easiest ⭐ | Fixed modem | Most Pi models |
| Mini PCIe carrier | Sixfab HAT-miniPCIe, Base HAT | Medium | Choose modem ⭐ | 40-pin Pi |
| Pi 5 PCIe HAT+ | PCIe to M.2, PCIe MiniPCIe/GbE | Medium | Choose modem ⭐ | Pi 5 only |
| Complete kit | Sixfab Cellular Modem Kit | Easiest ⭐ | Vendor ecosystem | Raspberry Pi |
General characteristics; check each product’s documentation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How does a 4G HAT connect the Pi to the internet?
Most HATs connect the modem to the Pi over USB, where it appears as a network interface (ECM, RNDIS or QMI) or a PPP modem. NetworkManager/ModemManager or the vendor’s script then brings up the connection. Pi 5 PCIe HATs connect the modem over PCIe or USB 3 for higher throughput.
Do these HATs work with the Raspberry Pi 5?
Most 40-pin HATs that connect over USB work on a Pi 5. The PCIe HAT+ boards are designed specifically for the Pi 5’s PCIe connector and won’t fit earlier models. Always check the listing’s compatibility list.
What power supply do I need?
Use the official Pi power supply or better. Cellular modems pull short current bursts when transmitting, and an undersized supply causes resets and dropped connections, especially on Cat-4 and Cat-6.
Can I use a regular phone SIM?
Usually, if it has a data plan and the carrier allows device use. IoT SIMs are often cheaper for low data and offer multi-carrier coverage. LTE-M and NB-IoT HATs need a plan that supports those networks.
Should I use a USB 4G dongle instead?
A dongle is simpler and portable, but HATs add GNSS, SMS/AT control over UART, better antenna options and a tidier install. For permanent field deployments, a HAT is usually the better choice.
🏁 Final Verdict: Best 4G LTE HATs for Raspberry Pi
The right cellular HAT for every Pi project:
🥇 Best Overall: Waveshare SIM7600G-H 4G HAT (B)
Buy Here →📦 Best Complete Kit: Sixfab Cellular Modem Kit
Buy Here →🧭 Best for Pi 5 (Cat-1): Waveshare SIM7670G HAT
Buy Here →🔋 Best Low Power: Waveshare SIM7080G HAT
Buy Here →🌐 Best Pi 5 Gateway: PCIe MiniPCIe/GbE/USB 3.2 HAT
Buy Here →For most Raspberry Pi cellular projects, the Waveshare SIM7600G-H 4G HAT (B) is the proven choice: global Cat-4, GNSS and broad documentation. Choose the Sixfab kit for an all-in-one SIM and dashboard, the Cat-6 HAT for maximum 4G speed, the SIM7670G HAT for Pi 5 telemetry and the SIM7080G HAT for low-power links. Pi 5 users who want to pick their own modem should look at the PCIe HAT+ carriers. Also see our ESP32 cellular boards and 4G LTE modules guides, and our Raspberry Pi tutorials.
💬 Running a Pi on cellular? Tell us which HAT, carrier and SIM you use in the comments below.
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