The Huawei Mobile WiFi 3s has recently become a very affordable mobile LTE router in European countries. The Huawei MiFi 3S, which is also marketed under the model name Huawei E5576-320, can be used with all SIM cards.
Of course, you shouldn't expect high-end equipment at the very reasonable price. For example, there is no display on the front - this is often standard for more expensive 4G LTE hotspots. For this, the Huawei E5576 is very small and handy and can be perfectly carried in your pocket or in your backpack.
The Huawei E5576 is made entirely of plastic and available in black and white. In addition to the device itself, the scope of delivery also includes an approximately ten centimeter long USB to micro-USB cable, a 1,500 mAh battery, a quick start guide and a warranty card. There is no need for a power pack to charge the battery, but you can use any existing USB power pack.
The Huawei E5576 Mobile WiFi 3s hotspot makes a good first impression. The material used feels good and the button for switching on and off on the top has a good pressure point. The back can be easily removed to insert the SIM card (Mini-SIM format, 2FF) and the battery.
At first glance, it is negative that Huawei has not installed any connections for an external cellular antenna and continues to rely on the micro USB standard. USB Type C would have been appropriate here in 2020.
Unlimited SIM cards from Telekom and O2 were used for the test. Unfortunately, the performance in the LTE network via WLAN was very poor. Tested with several end devices, the speed rarely exceeded 20 Mbit/s. In the peak, about 23 Mbit/s in the downlink and about 33 Mbit/s in the uplink could be reached via WLAN.
LTE Modem In the Test
The speeds were significantly better when the Huawei E5576 was connected via USB. Well over 100 Mbit/s in the downlink and almost 50 Mbit/s in the uplink were possible. These measurement results show that the modem can deliver high speeds, but the bottleneck is to be found in the weak WLAN module. In comparison with an expensive high-end LTE hotspot such as the Huawei E5788 and Netgear Nighthawk M2, it also shows that the LTE network can do much more than the small Huawei E5576 gets out of the connection.
The minimum latency (ping) was always well below 20 milliseconds - the small Huawei E5576 hotspot is in no way inferior to much more expensive end devices.
The Huawei E5576 can be used in almost every UMTS and LTE network in Europe, since all important frequency ranges are supported. Incidentally, the modem is not capable of 2G / GSM, which, given the now very good LTE networks, is no longer tragic. The following frequency ranges are supported in detail:
On other continents such as Asia, North America or South America, you have to be prepared for the fact that many LTE networks cannot be used or can only be used to a very limited extent. The Huawei E5576 does not support the frequency bands required for this.
WLAN in the test
The WLAN module of the Huawei E5576 Mobile WiFi 3s works exclusively in the frequency range around 2.4 GHz and can supply up to 16 devices with a WLAN connection at the same time. The WLAN name and password can of course be assigned individually.
Unfortunately, the WLAN module did not do well in the test. The connection was always stable, but as described in the LTE modem test, it was relatively slow. Often, only 73 Mbit/s gross data rate was displayed on the MacBook. The speed is sufficient for normal surfing and video streaming, but the maximum LTE speed of 150 Mbit/s cannot be reached via WLAN. The range was also quite short, there shouldn't be more than one wall between the Huawei E5576 and the end device.
For example, the channel bandwidth can be set via the advanced WLAN settings. There is also the option of setting up an automatic standby mode for the WLAN network when no devices are connected. This helps to save energy.
It is easy to set up a second SSID (guest access). The name, the password and the desired duration for the guest access can be set individually. Huawei offers the options unlimited, 1 day and 4 hours for the duration of guest access.
The WiFi extender is a very interesting function. This means that you can use a different WiFi network than Internet access, for example in a hotel, at a campsite or on the train. This helps to save mobile data volume. There is no noticeable difference for the devices connected to the Huawei E5576, because the WLAN network of the E5576 will of course remain as usual. The WLAN extender is configured either via the web interface or via an app.
Operation and software
The Huawei E5576-320 LTE router can be operated either via the Huawei Smart Home app (for Android and iOS) or via the browser web interface. Right from the first setup, the software offers to change the WiFi password and admin password. Huawei has noted the standard WLAN password both under the battery cover and in the battery compartment.
Since there is no display for operation directly on the device, you have to rely on the corresponding LEDs on the front. These shine in different colors depending on the condition of the battery or depending on the reception and are easy to read. Green LEDs indicate good condition, yellow LEDs indicate poor reception or a weak battery.
Both the web interface and the Huawei Smart Home app offer an attractive, functional design and are easy to use. The web interface can be called up with a device connected to the router via the IP address 192.168.8.1 in the browser. If you use the app, you do not need to enter the IP address. The app is sufficient for most settings, only a few menu items can only be accessed via the web interface, such as the 3G-only mode.
The software of the Huawei mobile WiFi router can be updated via the web interface. If an update is available, the router automatically reports via the web interface.
Battery for up to 6 hours of operation
The battery has a capacity of 1,500 mAh and can be changed by the user without any problems - quite a special feature in today's world. The operating time is specified by Huawei as about 6 hours, this value was confirmed in the test. Depending on the number of connected devices, the operating time may decrease somewhat, but if necessary you can simply buy a replacement battery and thus extend the runtime.
Charging the battery takes about an hour in the test. Operation without an inserted battery, i.e. only via USB power supply, was not possible in the test. The two LEDs flashed red.
Conclusion: good and cheap
The Huawei E5576 Mobile WiFi 3s is one of the cheapest mobile LTE routers. At the cheap price you get a reasonable performance. The well-designed software and simple operation were particularly convincing. The compact design and the removable battery are also positive.
You have to cut back on the weak WLAN performance and the comparatively slow LTE modem. You also have to do without comfort functions such as a display, connections for an external antenna or a memory card. If you don't mind, the Huawei E5576 Mobile WiFi 3s is an LTE hotspot with a good price-performance ratio, which is suitable for normal surfing, checking e-mails and also for occasional video streaming.
The new router Huawei 4G Router 3 Pro (Huawei B535-232) was available in European countries for a few months, which is integrated LTE Cat7 modem and allows speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s in the downlink. As we introducted before, Huawei B535 router has many predecessor such as the Huawei B618 or the Huawei B818, which can provide much faster link speeds, but they also cost a lot more expensive than Huawei B535.
Like other Huawei 4G WiFi routers, the Huawei B535 LTE router is packed in a simple cardboard box. In addition to the router with the model number B535-232, you will also find a power supply unit (output: 12V, 1A) and a stand dock. A multilingual quick start guide and a warranty card are also included.
If you already had a few LTE routers in hand, the first thing you notice about the Huawei B535 is the comparatively flat design. The body of Huawei 4G Router 3 Pro is made of gray and white plasti and visually unobtrusive. Various LEDs are located on the front, which indicate the operating status. For example, the reception strength is signaled using five bars. There are also LEDs for power, internet, WLAN and LAN.
There are two buttons for power and WPS on the top. These have a clear pressure point. All connections are on the back of the Huawei B535 4G Router 3 Pro. There are four Gigabit LAN connections, a connection for the power supply, a reset button and two SMA connections under one cover for an external cellular antenna. The Huawei B535 does not offer support for USB devices or telephone.
In theory, the modem of the Huawei B535 LTE router can reach speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s in the downlink and up to 100 Mbit/s in the uplink (LTE Cat7). Almost all frequency bands important for Europe are supported, as the following list shows. Only the band 32 (1,500 MHz) cannot be used by the router, but there are no restrictions. Huawei does not provide any information about the possible CA combinations.
2G GSM network is not supported. In view of the now very good LTE network expansion, this is surely not be a good problem for most users.
In terms of LTE speeds, the Huawei B535 was able to convince in the test. Although the device was tested in the test with unlimited SIM cards from Vodafone, it was far from the theoretical maximum, but with well over 150 Mbit/s in the downlink and up to 70 Mbit/s in the uplink, you can do a good life. We also take a comparison test with the Netgear Nighthawk M2 Router and it shows that the network theoretically enables even higher speeds.
The latency was usually well below 30 milliseconds, and the peak was even less than 20 milliseconds. The reception and transmission power was very good in the test (LTE B3, B7, B20).
The Huawei B535 4G Router 3 Pro also offers the option of connecting an external cellular antenna. The effect of a 4G LTE outdoor antenna was not tested separately in the test. If the external antenna is not automatically recognized, you can manually switch to the external antenna in the web interface.
So that the maximum LTE speed also reaches the connected end devices, a fast WLAN module is of course required. The Huawei B535 supports WLAN ac at 2.4 GHz with up to 300 Mbit/s and at 5 GHz with up to 867 Mbit/s. In the test, the 867 Mbit/s could also be reached up to 5 meters by line of sight.
As soon as a wall came between the router and the end device, the data rate dropped noticeably. Fast surfing and video streaming was also about 10 meters away from the router and was still possible without problems after two walls. The Wi-Fi range of the Huawei B535 was convincing in the test!
The Huawei B535 can simultaneously supply a maximum of 64 end devices with a WLAN connection. The WLAN name can be set separately for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, so as the password. There is also the option of setting up a guest WLAN. The guest WLAN can either run indefinitely or be automatically switched off after one or four hours.
The Huawei B535 does not have a WLAN extender function, i.e. the use of an existing WLAN as Internet access. There is also no WLAN timer.
The four RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet LAN connections on the back allow the connection of devices such as computers, televisions or games consoles via cable. The connections worked smoothly in the test.
If desired, the LAN 4 connection can also be used as a WAN connection. This means that the internal cellular modem is switched off and the Internet connection is processed via an existing LAN connection. Of course, this is particularly useful if you only occasionally use the Huawei B535 as an LTE router. For the rest of the time, the device then functions as a normal WLAN access point.
To set up and configure the Huawei B535 4G Router 3 Pro, you can either use the Huawei Smart Home app (available for Android and iOS) or the browser web interface. Both the app and the web interface have a modern, functional and clearly structured design and are easy to use.
In addition to the usual settings for WLAN and network, which were mentioned in the test, there are also some more special functions. These include, for example, the VPN function, the bridge mode and the dynamic DNS function. There is also the option of filtering IP addresses or domains.
In addition to an SMS function, there is also a statistics function with which the data volume used and online time can be checked. There is also an easy-to-use parental control function, which can limit the usage time (separated by days and times) for individual devices, for example.
Unfortunately, neither the app nor the web interface offer the option of displaying detailed information about the Internet connection, such as the frequency band used, the antenna technology used or the CA status. There are also no such settings, for example to set the router to a specific frequency band. The LTE router models from AVM, for example the FRITZ! Box 6820 LTE offers significantly better equipment in this area. After all, there is the possibility to use "only 3G" or "only 4G". The Huawei B535 does not support GSM / 2G anyway.
The Huawei B535-232 4G Router 3 Pro left a very good impression in the test. The design of hardware and software is simple and functional, operation via app and web interface is simple and well thought out. In places, however, more information and setting options would be desirable.
The connection speeds via LTE and WLAN are good, and the many RJ45 Ethernet LAN connections are commendable. You have to do without a telephone system and a USB connection, but Huawei has installed connections for an external 4G LTE antenna. If you can live with the few functions described, the Huawei B535 is a very good LTE router at a fair price.
| Model | Huawei 5G CPE Pro | ZTE MC801 |
| Product type | 5G WiFi Router | 5G WiFi Router |
| 5G Network Mode | NSA/SA | NSA |
| Chipset | Balong 5000 | Qualcomm Snapdragon X50 + IPQ8072 + SM8150 |
| Standard | 3GPP Release 15 | 3GPP Release 15 |
| 5G Peak Data rates | DL 2.33Gbps,UL 1.25Gbps | DL 2.22Gbps, UL 211Mbps |
| 4G Peak Data rates | DL 1.6Gbps, UL 150Mbps | DL 2Gbps/UL 211Mbps |
| Variant model | H112-370 and H112-372 | ZTE MC801A |
| Supported 5G LTE frequency bands | * Huawei H112-372: n41/n77/n78/n79 * Huawei H112-370: n78 | ZTE MC801: n41/n77/n78/n79 |
| Supported 4G LTE frequency bands | * Huawei H112-372: B1/3/5/7/8/18/19/20/28/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/43 * Huawei H112-370: B1/3/5/7/8/18/19/20/28/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/43 | ZTE MC801: 600MHz~3.8GHz |
| WLAN | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax(WiFi 6), dual-band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax(WiFi 6), dual-band |
| Max supported users | ? | 128 users |
| MIMO | 4 X 4 MIMO | 4 X 4 MIMO |
| Antenna | Two, TS-9 connectors | N/A |
| Buy Antenna | Huawei 5G CPE Pro External Antenna | N/A |
| App management | Huawei SmartHome App | N/A |
| SIM Size | NANO SIM | NANO SIM |
| Battery | No | No |
| Dimensions | 99 × 107 × 215mm | 225 x 154.5 x 87 mm |
| Interfaces | * 1 x power adapter port * 1 x WAN / LAN GE port * 1 x LAN GE port * 1 x telephone port(RJ11)(depends) * Two external LTE antenna ports (TS-9 type) * One SIM card slot | * 1 x power adapter port * 2 x LAN GE port * 1 x USB type C port * One SIM card slot |
| Datasheet | Huawei 5G CPE Pro Datasheet(PDF) | ZTE MC801 Datasheet(PDF) |
| User Manual | Huawei 5G CPE Pro User Manual(PDF) | ZTE MC801 User Manual(PDF) |
| Other features | firewall, PIN protection, MAC address filtering, Wi-Fi encryption authentication, VPN tunnel / VPN penetration, IP penetration, IPv6 and IPv6 / IPv4 dual stack, multi-APN, WeBUI, administrator maintenance, HOTA, etc | MAC address filtering, Wi-Fi encryption authentication, VPN, IPv6 support, VoLTE, DMZ, SSID, Guest SSID, Port Forwarding, Watchdog Service, DHCP settings, network selection, APN settings etc. |
| Firmware download | Huawei 5G CPE Pro Firmware | ZTE MC801 Firmware |
| Review | Huawei 5G CPE Pro Review | ZTE MC801 Review |
| Price/USD | 699.00USD | 799.00USD |
