⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Every product below was checked against its live Amazon listing before publishing. Prices change often, so we don’t list them here. Tap any Buy Here button to see the current price on Amazon.
Ultimate Buying Guide
🔌 Best 4G USB Modems for Raspberry Pi and IoT
12 plug-in LTE options: industrial SIM7600G-H and Quectel EC25 dongles for Linux gateways, Wi-Fi hotspot sticks for quick connectivity, and M.2-to-USB adapters to build your own 4G or 5G modem.
✅ 12 Picks Reviewed
✅ Modems, Hotspots & Adapters
✅ Linux & Pi Friendly
✅ Honest Pros & Cons
A 4G USB modem is the quickest way to put a Raspberry Pi, mini PC, router or industrial gateway on the mobile network: plug it into a USB port, insert a SIM, and the device gets internet. It’s the right choice when you don’t need a HAT’s GPIO integration, when your host isn’t a Pi, or when you want to move the modem between devices.
USB “4G modems” on Amazon fall into three groups, and they behave very differently on Linux. This guide compares 12 picks across all three. If you want a modem that mounts on the Pi’s header instead, see our best 4G LTE HATs for Raspberry Pi guide.
💡 Reality check before you buy: Industrial modem dongles (SIM7600G-H, EC25) expose AT ports and a network interface to Linux, so they’re best for Pi and gateway projects. Wi-Fi hotspot sticks are consumer devices that mainly create a Wi-Fi network; some also act as a USB network adapter, but don’t expect AT commands, GNSS or fine control. M.2/mini PCIe adapters need a separate modem card. Check the region variant: “G/GL” is global, “E/EU/EUX” targets Europe and Asia, and US carrier certification varies. Hotspot sticks may be tied to particular carriers.
🔌 Quick Comparison: All 12 4G USB Picks
| Product | Type | Modem / Network | Best For | Buy |
|---|
| 🥇 Waveshare SIM7600G-H 4G Dongle | Industrial modem | Cat-4 · 4G/3G/2G · GNSS | Best Overall | Buy Here → |
| 📶 EIOTCLUB 4G USB Wi-Fi 6 Dongle | Hotspot stick | 4G LTE · SIM included | Plug-and-Play Hotspot | Buy Here → |
| 🛰️ SIM7600G-H 4G Dongle (GNSS) | Industrial modem | Cat-4 · global · GNSS | Top-Rated Dongle | Buy Here → |
| 🔧 Waveshare SIM7600G-H Dongle (USB/UART) | Industrial modem | Cat-4 · USB + UART | MCU + PC Hosts | Buy Here → |
| 🤖 Yahboom SIM7600G-H-M2 Dongle | Industrial modem | Cat-4 · global | Robotics / SBCs | Buy Here → |
| 🇺🇸 Spectrum Smart 4G USB Hotspot | Hotspot stick | AT&T + T-Mobile | Most Reviewed | Buy Here → |
| 💵 KuWFi UF909 4G Dongle | Hotspot stick | 4G LTE · driver-free | Budget Hotspot | Buy Here → |
| 🔀 MIRO UF1 Dual-SIM Dongle | Hotspot stick | 4G LTE · dual SIM · SD | Dual SIM | Buy Here → |
| 🇪🇺 EXVIST EC25-EUX Dongle | Industrial modem | Quectel EC25-EUX · Cat-4 | Europe/Asia M2M | Buy Here → |
| 📡 Quectel EC25-EU USB Dongle | Industrial modem | Quectel EC25-EU · Cat-4 | Budget Quectel | Buy Here → |
| 🧩 EXVIST M.2 to USB 3.0 Adapter | Modem adapter | M.2 4G IoT modules | Build Your Own | Buy Here → |
| 🔩 Mustpoint M.2 Key B to USB 3.0 | Modem adapter | USB 3.0 M.2 WWAN cards | Best-Reviewed Adapter | Buy Here → |
Details from each Amazon listing. Confirm the region variant and carrier support before ordering. Tap Buy Here to see the live price.
🔍 How to Choose a 4G USB Modem
🏭
Industrial Modem Dongles
SIM7600G-H and EC25 dongles expose AT ports and a network interface (ECM/RNDIS/QMI). Linux tools like ModemManager can manage them, read signal strength and send SMS. Best for gateways and Pi projects.
📶
Wi-Fi Hotspot Sticks
Powered by any USB port, they broadcast a Wi-Fi network. Great for laptops, cameras and quick installs, but they offer little control or monitoring from the host.
🧩
M.2 / Mini PCIe Adapters
Put a Quectel, SIMCom or Sierra M.2 card in a USB enclosure to choose exactly the modem, region and speed you need, including 5G cards with a USB 3.0 adapter.
🌍
Region and Carrier
Match the modem’s bands to your carrier. Global variants are safest; EU/EUX versions won’t cover all North American bands.
📡
Antennas
External antenna connectors (like on the SIM7600G-H dongles) make a big difference in weak-signal locations compared with sealed sticks.
🏆 Detailed Reviews: All 12 4G USB Picks
🥇 BEST OVERALL
Waveshare SIM7600G-H 4G Dongle with Antenna
⭐ 4.5/5 · Industrial USB Modem for Linux
Buy on Amazon →
Waveshare’s SIM7600G-H 4G Dongle packs the global SIM7600G-H LTE Cat-4 modem into an enclosed USB stick with external antennas and GNSS. It works with Raspberry Pi, Jetson and PCs, with drivers provided, and supports TCP/IP, IPv4/IPv6, multi-PDP, FTP/FTPS, HTTP/HTTPS and DNS. An onboard UART with hardware flow control also lets you connect Arduino or STM32 boards. It averages about 3.8 stars from 21 ratings; most issues relate to driver setup, which Waveshare documents.
✅ Pros- Global Cat-4 with fallback
- External antennas
- GNSS and UART
- Full AT control on Linux
❌ Cons- Setup needs some Linux skill
- Bulkier than hotspot sticks
- Mixed reviews
🎯 Verdict: The default USB modem for Pi and Linux gateways.
👉 Check Price on Amazon →
📶 BEST PLUG-AND-PLAY HOTSPOT
EIOTCLUB 4G LTE USB Wi-Fi 6 Dongle
⭐ 4.2/5 · SIM Included, Works Out of the Box
Buy on Amazon →
If you just need internet for a camera, kiosk, laptop or Pi over Wi-Fi, the EIOTCLUB USB Wi-Fi 6 dongle is the easiest option. Power it from any USB port and it creates a Wi-Fi 6 hotspot over 4G LTE, with a SIM pre-installed for the US, Canada, Mexico and Latin America per the listing. It averages about 3.8 stars from 97 ratings. It’s a consumer hotspot, not an AT-command modem, so it’s not suited to SMS, GNSS or detailed monitoring.
✅ Pros- Works out of the box
- Wi-Fi 6 hotspot
- USB powered
- Many reviews
❌ Cons- Little host control
- Plan tied to provider
- No external antenna
🎯 Verdict: The quickest way to get a device online.
👉 Check Price on Amazon →
🛰️ TOP-RATED DONGLE · ⭐ 4.4/53. SIM7600G-H 4G Dongle for GNSS Positioning
Cat-4 · global bands · GNSS · antenna · 9 ratings
Buy Here →
This listing of the SIM7600G-H dongle (sold under Waveshare’s XYGStudy brand) has the best average rating among the modem dongles, about 4.3 stars from 9 ratings. Same global Cat-4 modem, antenna and GNSS; check the listing for the exact bundle contents.
✅ Pros: Global Cat-4; GNSS; good ratings.
❌ Cons: Few reviews.
🎯 Verdict: A well-rated SIM7600 alternative listing.
🔧 MCU + PC HOSTS · ⭐ 4.1/54. Waveshare SIM7600G-H Industrial 4G Dongle (USB/UART)
Cat-4 · USB for ARM/x86 · UART for MCUs · 5 ratings
Buy Here →
This industrial variant emphasizes dual interfaces: an onboard USB port for ARM and x86 hosts and a UART for microcontrollers, so the same dongle can serve a Linux gateway or an STM32 design. It averages about 3.9 stars from 5 ratings.
✅ Pros: USB and UART in one.
❌ Cons: Few reviews.
🎯 Verdict: For mixed MCU and Linux use.
🤖 ROBOTICS / SBCs · ⭐ 4.0/55. Yahboom SIM7600G-H-M2 4G Dongle
SIM7600G-H-M2 · Cat-4 up to 150 Mbps · new listing
Buy Here →
Yahboom, known for robotics kits, packages the SIM7600G-H-M2 as a USB dongle with global coverage and Cat-4 speeds up to 150 Mbps. It’s a good fit for Jetson and Pi robots that need remote connectivity. New listing with no reviews.
✅ Pros: Global Cat-4; robotics brand.
❌ Cons: New; no reviews.
🎯 Verdict: A SIM7600 option for robot builders.
🇺🇸 MOST REVIEWED · ⭐ 4.0/56. Spectrum Smart 4G LTE USB Wi-Fi Hotspot
AT&T + T-Mobile · plug and play · 114 ratings
Buy Here →
This USB hotspot stick works on both AT&T and T-Mobile networks per the listing, and plugs into any USB power source: wall adapter, laptop or car charger. It’s the most-reviewed pick here at about 3.7 stars from 114 ratings. Like other hotspot sticks, it’s for Wi-Fi sharing rather than modem control.
✅ Pros: Two US carriers; simple.
❌ Cons: US-focused; limited control.
🎯 Verdict: A US hotspot stick with carrier choice.
💵 BUDGET HOTSPOT · ⭐ 3.6/57. KuWFi UF909 4G LTE USB Modem Dongle
Driver-free · 802.11b/g/n hotspot · SIM slot · 75 ratings
Buy Here →
A low-cost, driver-free 4G stick with a SIM slot that creates an 802.11n Wi-Fi hotspot when powered over USB. Bring your own SIM. Reviews are mixed at about 3.1 stars from 75 ratings, so confirm band support for your carrier.
✅ Pros: Cheap; bring your own SIM.
❌ Cons: Mixed reviews; older Wi-Fi.
🎯 Verdict: Budget pick; check bands.
🔀 DUAL SIM · ⭐ 3.9/58. MIRO UF1 4G LTE Wi-Fi USB Adapter
150 Mbps · dual SIM · SD card reader · 44 ratings
Buy Here →
The MIRO UF1 stands out with two SIM slots and an SD card reader, plus up to 150 Mbps LTE, and the listing claims compatibility with three major operating systems. Dual SIM helps when you want a backup carrier. It averages about 3.6 stars from 44 ratings.
✅ Pros: Dual SIM; SD reader.
❌ Cons: Mixed reviews.
🎯 Verdict: For carrier redundancy on a budget.
🇪🇺 EUROPE/ASIA M2M · ⭐ 4.1/59. EXVIST 4G LTE Dongle with Quectel EC25-EUX
EC25-EUX mini PCIe · IoT/M2M-optimized Cat-4 · new listing
Buy Here →
EXVIST builds a Quectel EC25-EUX mini PCIe module (an IoT/M2M-optimized LTE Cat-4 modem) into a USB dongle. Quectel EC25 modems are well supported by Linux’s QMI and ModemManager stacks, making this a solid gateway modem for Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Not intended for North American bands. New listing.
✅ Pros: Quectel module; Linux friendly.
❌ Cons: Regional bands.
🎯 Verdict: A reliable EU/Asia gateway modem.
📡 BUDGET QUECTEL · ⭐ 3.9/510. Quectel EC25-EU 4G LTE USB Dongle
EC25-EU · Cat-4 150 Mbps · generic seller · new listing
Buy Here →
A simpler EC25-EU USB dongle from a generic seller with Cat-4 speeds up to 150 Mbps. It’s another Linux-friendly Quectel option for European and Asian bands. New listing with limited details.
✅ Pros: Quectel EC25; compact.
❌ Cons: Generic seller; regional.
🎯 Verdict: A no-frills EC25 dongle.
🧩 BUILD YOUR OWN · ⭐ 4.0/511. EXVIST 4G LTE Industrial M.2 to USB 3.0 Adapter
M.2 (NGFF) 4G IoT modules · nano SIM · 14 ratings
Buy Here →
An industrial enclosure that turns an M.2 (NGFF) 4G IoT module into a USB modem with a nano SIM slot. Pick a Quectel or SIMCom M.2 module certified for your region, drop it in, and connect over USB. Module sold separately. It averages about 3.7 stars from 14 ratings.
✅ Pros: Choose any compatible module.
❌ Cons: Module and antennas extra.
🎯 Verdict: Build an industrial USB modem.
🔩 BEST-REVIEWED ADAPTER · ⭐ 4.2/512. Mustpoint M.2 Key B to USB 3.0 WWAN Adapter
USB 3.0 M.2 cards · SIM slot · no adapter driver · 42 ratings
Buy Here →
The best-reviewed adapter here, at about 4.0 stars from 42 ratings. It supports M.2 Key B WWAN cards with a USB 3.0 interface, making it popular for higher-speed 4G and 5G modules. The adapter itself needs no driver, but the modem card does. Check that your card exposes USB 3.0 rather than PCIe only.
✅ Pros: USB 3.0; well reviewed.
❌ Cons: Card compatibility varies.
🎯 Verdict: The go-to M.2 USB enclosure.
🛒 Which USB Modem for Which Job?
🍓
Raspberry Pi gateway
Waveshare SIM7600G-H dongle.
📷
Wi-Fi for a camera or laptop
EIOTCLUB Wi-Fi 6 dongle or Spectrum Smart.
🇪🇺
Europe / Asia gateway
EXVIST EC25-EUX dongle.
🔀
Backup carrier
MIRO UF1 dual SIM.
🧩
Specific certified modem
EXVIST or Mustpoint M.2 adapter + your module.
🔧
Microcontroller over UART
Waveshare SIM7600G-H (USB/UART).
⚙️ Modem Dongle vs Hotspot Stick vs Adapter
| Feature | Industrial Modem Dongle | Wi-Fi Hotspot Stick | M.2 / mPCIe Adapter |
|---|
| Setup | Medium (drivers, Linux tools) | Easiest ⭐ | Hardest (choose module) |
| AT commands / SMS | Yes ⭐ | Rarely | Yes ⭐ |
| GNSS | Often | No | Depends on module |
| External antennas | Yes ⭐ | Usually no | Yes ⭐ |
| Best for | Pi and Linux gateways | Cameras, laptops | Custom or 5G builds |
General characteristics; check each product’s listing.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Will a 4G USB modem work on Raspberry Pi OS?
Industrial modems like the SIM7600G-H and Quectel EC25 are generally supported by Linux kernel drivers and ModemManager. Many hotspot sticks appear as a USB Ethernet (RNDIS/ECM) device or simply provide Wi-Fi. Check the listing’s Linux notes or the vendor wiki before buying.
Can the Pi power a 4G dongle from USB?
Usually, with an official Pi power supply. Under weak signal, modems draw more current; if you see disconnects or under-voltage warnings, use a powered USB hub.
Do I need an unlocked modem?
Industrial modules aren’t carrier-locked, but carriers may require certified devices on their network. Some hotspot sticks are sold with a specific carrier’s SIM or plan. Check compatibility with your SIM provider.
USB dongle or HAT for a Raspberry Pi?
A dongle is portable and works with any host. A HAT is tidier for permanent installs and often adds UART control. See our 4G LTE HATs guide to compare.
Can I use a 5G M.2 module in a USB adapter?
Yes, if the module exposes a USB 3.x interface and the adapter supports it, with adequate power. Throughput is limited by USB, and 5G modules can draw substantial current.
🏁 Final Verdict: Best 4G USB Modems
The right USB cellular option for every job:
🥇 Best Overall: Waveshare SIM7600G-H 4G Dongle
Buy Here →📶 Best Hotspot Stick: EIOTCLUB 4G USB Wi-Fi 6 Dongle
Buy Here →🛰️ Top-Rated Dongle: SIM7600G-H 4G Dongle (GNSS)
Buy Here →🇪🇺 Best for Europe/Asia: EXVIST EC25-EUX Dongle
Buy Here →🔩 Best M.2 Adapter: Mustpoint M.2 Key B to USB 3.0
Buy Here →For Raspberry Pi and Linux gateways, choose an industrial modem dongle like the Waveshare SIM7600G-H: global Cat-4, external antennas, GNSS and full AT control. If you just need Wi-Fi from a SIM for a camera or laptop, a hotspot stick like the EIOTCLUB Wi-Fi 6 dongle is simpler. And if you need a specific certified or 5G module, an M.2-to-USB adapter lets you build exactly the modem you need. Also see our 4G LTE HATs, LTE-M and NB-IoT modules and ESP32 cellular boards guides.
💬 Using a USB modem on a Pi or gateway? Share your setup and carrier in the comments below.
All Amazon links above use our affiliate tag (microlab05-20). Purchasing through them supports microcontrollerslab.com at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability change frequently, so always confirm the current price on Amazon before buying.
