MoFi 5500 First Look - HUGE Upgrade from the 4500: WiFi 5, Gigibit Ethernet & Modem Options

The long-rumored next-generation MOFI 5500 is gearing up to ship in the next few weeks - and the new router addresses many of the hardware limitations of the prior MOFI generation.

The MOFI 4500 hardware limitations and numerous software and user interface issues made it hard to recommend the MOFI at the time - but the low-cost 4500 did earn some fans amongst, many who grew to love the MOFI despite its quirks.

The MOFI 4500 is being replaced with a bigger and more powerful descendant - with support for a whole new range of more capable cellular modem options, including even a 5G version slated for release later this summer. It also includes WIFI-5 (dual 2.4 & 5 Ghz) and Gigibit Ethernet ports.

Pre-orders on some of the new MOFI 5500 models have just begun, with the first of the new models scheduled to start shipping in mid-May

For the full story:

We now have a lot of new routers in for evaluation, and our premium members can follow along with our testing notes on the Insty Connect, WiFiRanger Everest and Pepwave MAX Transit 5G in our In Progress Testing forum:
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[veritas_]

The technical explanation of products in your videos is really unmatched. I really appreciate how clearly you explain things and how honest your feedback is. I just picked up the MOFI 5500. Thanks.

[michaelnevlida]

Great preview, Chris. Thanks for being the first to share—their website just teased availability of May 3rd without any specs. When can we expect your full review, and will you share updates on the software experience?

[csjmoore]

Interesting review. It is nice to have higher end competition and driving prices. Thanks for the review

[bigdog]

I love my Mofi never had a issue my software.

[wudchk]

I know mofi is just a reseller of hardware with custom firmware, but curious if their new one is also running an OpenWRT fork?

[Dusty_Go]

In my area the only isp offered is at&t at 3mb/s for almost $100 a month using old bell south lines. I heard about the mofi from you guys and its been a game changer! Everybody around here wants one now. I've preordered a starlink but if that doesn't work out, I'll be looking into the 5500. Thanks for the info guys!!!!

[aliascantante]

Will you ever make a video on how to set it up? It would be nice if you did. I'm having a lot of trouble trying to figure out how to set up the carrier aggregation.

[Jim-ubky]

I had to send my Mofi back to them because they could not get it to work. I got the insty connect. All I can say the insty connect is far better than the mofi line in terms of speed, and setup. Cat 12 modem and it comes with a matched antenna for the modem.

[Lesl]

What is the distance for receiving the signal

[canopener]

The 5500 documentation states "Ability to do band locking/advanced band filtering as well as automatic speed test to lock on fastest
bands". I was wondering if other manufacturers are doing this or if its as easy as it sounds.

I use my sim 7 in alot of really remote areas and it easily takes 30-40 minutes to band lock and speed test different bands with the router reboot. I struggle loaning out my sim 7 to friends and family becouse I dread getting the call that it dosnt work then having to walk them through how to band lock over the phone.

[ronkarwoski]

I just took delivery of the MOFI 4500 Cat 7 version. The software wasn't very difficult at all. in fact it recognized my T-mobile sim card and connected right off. I'll be interested to see your results with the 5500

[topendchuck]

From most of the tests I've seen so far 4G LTE is still king in speed.

[TTVZicaZachh]

What's the best service for the best price?

[JerrySarfati]

Good job. Looking forward to your review of the 5G sub 6 mofi

[wckdklwn]

I run 3 sim cards and swap them out through the month from verizon on the 4500. It would be nice to use 2 of them at a time to load balance. However i have 2 antenna lines coming in. 1 parabolic and another yaggi. Really dont want to put up 2 more to take part in the dual modem feature.

[mikelbonin]

Is it possible to extend the antennas to mount on top of my RV either on my manually raised and positioned TV antenna or my covered Winegard dish? It seems like higher mounts, exterior mounting, and aiming capabilities would increase signal reception significantly.

[kevinlinton]

How many devices can be connected to this device at a time

[dustinkirby]

So how many carriers/bands can I aggregate? I’m a trucker and I’d love to have this device so I can combine all available signals into a one stable fast connection.

[allthingsgrowing]

Sorry for my ignorance. Is this thing for internet connection, off cellular signal? And, what about in rural areas? We just bought land, nearest cell antenna is approximately 1.7 miles away. Last question... Can you hook up an external antenna that would be mounted outside on small pole?

[dawgrules]

Is there any advantage to using two sim cards from the same carrier in the 5500 ?