I picked up this portable 4G router for my travels, hoping to stay connected without relying on sketchy hotel Wi-Fi. The compact size is legit—it fits in my jacket pocket like a pack of gum. Setup was surprisingly simple: pop in a SIM card, power it on, and boom—you’ve got a hotspot.

But here’s the catch: battery life is a letdown. The 2100mAh battery drains fast if you’re not plugged in, turning this 'portable' device into a glorified desk ornament. I used it during a train ride, and it died after two episodes of streaming (RIP my binge-watch plans).

Performance-wise, it’s decent when it works. I got stable speeds for video calls in a café (shoutout to no more frozen Zoom faces!). But one time, it just… didn’t connect. Cue frantic SIM card reinsertions and Googling 'why is my router ghosting me.' Turns out, compatibility with certain carriers can be finicky—check yours before buying.

Final verdict? Handy for emergencies or as a backup, but don’t ditch your primary internet source. Pro tip: Keep it plugged in unless you enjoy playing 'battery life roulette.'