Mini PCIe vs M.2

Mini PCIe is the long-standing standard in routers and gateways. M.2 Key B is smaller and used by newer modules, including all 5G cards. Your carrier board decides which you need.

USB vs PCIe Interface

Most modules present a USB interface to the host, which is the easiest path on Linux. Some 5G and laptop cards prefer PCIe and need specific drivers. Check both the card and the slot.

Speed Class

Cat-4 covers most IoT gateways. Cat-6 and Cat-12 use carrier aggregation for faster LTE. 5G Sub-6 modules deliver the highest throughput where 5G is available.

Region Variant

Global (G/GL) variants cover the most bands. Regional variants like EM06-E target Europe/Asia and may miss North American bands.

Power and Heat

5G and Cat-12 modules draw more current and run hot. Use a carrier with adequate power and add a heatsink or airflow for sustained throughput.

The same proven SIM7600G-H Cat-4 modem with GNSS, in an M.2 Key B card for newer carriers, Pi 5 HATs and M.2-to-USB enclosures. It has the highest average rating here, about 4.7 stars from 8 ratings.

Quectel’s EG25-G is one of the most widely used global Cat-4 modems in routers and gateways, with mature support in Linux and OpenWrt. This is the mini PCIe card version sold by Waveshare. It has three 5-star ratings.

Another source for the EG25-G mPCIe, a Qualcomm-based LTE Cat-4 module per the listing. Useful if the Waveshare listing is out of stock. Buy from resellers with clear return policies. New listing.

The EM060K-GL is a global LTE-Advanced Cat-6 M.2 module with downlink 2-carrier aggregation and 64QAM, the same module that powers Waveshare’s Cat-6 Pi HAT. It’s a strong middle ground between Cat-4 and 5G for speed, cost and power. New listing via reseller.

The EM06-E is Quectel’s Cat-6 M.2 module tuned for Europe, the Middle East and Asia. It’s a good LTE-A choice for those regions but not the Americas, where the EM060K-GL is the safer pick. New listing via reseller.

A second source for the RM520N-GL, which the listing notes is compatible with Quectel’s RM50xQ 5G and LTE-A module families for drop-in upgrades on the same carrier. One 5-star rating.

Quectel’s EM05-G is a global LTE Cat-4 module in the M.2 form factor, aimed at IoT and M2M. It’s a compact, lower-power M.2 option when you don’t need Cat-6 or 5G. The listing’s description text appears copied from the RM520N, so rely on the title and Quectel’s datasheet for specs. New listing.

The EM7455 is a Sierra Wireless Cat-6 M.2 card widely sold as the Dell DW5811e laptop WWAN module. It’s a popular budget choice for OpenWrt routers and M.2-to-USB enclosures on Linux, though Dell-branded firmware may need reflashing for some carriers. It’s the most-reviewed card here at about 3.9 stars from 24 ratings.

The EM7565 steps up to LTE Cat-12 with global coverage, the fastest pure-4G card here, for high-throughput routers where 5G isn’t available or isn’t worth the extra power and antennas. New listing; it may be a laptop pull, so confirm firmware and returns.

The FM350-GL is a 5G card found in many laptops; the listing quotes up to 4.67 Gbps downlink and 1.25 Gbps uplink with 4×4 MIMO and GNSS. It’s primarily a PCIe laptop modem, and Linux support has historically been less mature than Quectel’s, so it’s a riskier choice for DIY gateways. Reviews are weak at about 2.9 stars from 2 ratings.

OpenWrt router (mini PCIe)

SIM7600G-H-PCIE or EG25-G mPCIe.

Raspberry Pi 5 5G gateway

RM520N-GL + Waveshare PCIe-to-M.2 HAT+.

Faster LTE without 5G

EM060K-GL (Cat-6) or EM7565 (Cat-12).

Europe or Asia

EM06-E.

Budget tinkering

EM7455 in an M.2-to-USB adapter.

M.2 Cat-4 for IoT

SIM7600G-H-M.2 or EM05-G.

Can I use these modules with a Raspberry Pi?

Yes, with a carrier. Mini PCIe modules fit carrier HATs like the Sixfab HAT-miniPCIe. M.2 modules fit the Pi 5 PCIe-to-M.2 HAT+ or an M.2-to-USB adapter. See our 4G LTE HATs guide.

Will a laptop WWAN card work in my router?

Often, yes, in OpenWrt or Linux gateways and USB adapters. Dell/Lenovo-branded cards may carry vendor firmware, and some laptops whitelist only specific cards. Expect some tinkering.

How many antennas do I need?

Cat-4 modules use two (main and diversity), plus GNSS if supported. Cat-6/12 and 5G modules typically have four for MIMO. Leaving ports empty reduces performance. See our 4G LTE antennas guide.

Do these modules need drivers?

On Linux, most Quectel, SIMCom and Sierra modules work with in-kernel drivers (QMI/MBIM/serial) and ModemManager. Windows may need vendor drivers. Some PCIe-mode 5G cards need newer kernels.

Is 5G worth it for IoT gateways?

Only if you need high throughput (video backhaul, many cameras, primary internet). For telemetry and remote access, Cat-4 or Cat-6 is cheaper, cooler and needs fewer antennas.