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High-speed Internet without a connection – is that even possible? The Vodafone GigaCube is supposed to offer exactly that: super fast Internet with up to 500 megabits per second and everywhere. All you need is a socket and a connection to the mobile network. Business Insider has it Mobile WiFi router in the test tested in detail and shows whether the GigaCube is actually suitable as an alternative to conventional DSL or cable connections.
Mobile WiFi router: Unlimited data volume in the business tariff
The GigaCube 5G enables high-speed Internet from the socket, so you no longer need an extra connection. In the “Zuhause Unlimited” tariff for your business, you only pay a one-time fee of 0.84 euros for the device and a monthly fee of 63.02 euros.* In addition, there are the connection price and shipping costs totaling 47.88 euros. If you already have a Red Business Prime tariff, the basic fee is reduced by 8.40 euros per month.
Notice: The business offers are net prices – VAT is not included here.
The “GigaCube Home Unlimited” tariff at a glance
Mobile WLAN router GigaCube (5G version) 63.02 euros per month in the business tariff (plus VAT) Device price one-time only 0.84 euros Connection price and shipping costs total 47.88 euros Unlimited data volume High-speed Internet with up to 500 megabits per Second powerful WiFi 6 for all devices immediately ready for use and usable anywhere in Germany 24 months minimum term with satisfaction guarantee (test for 30 days)
WLAN router in the test: Conclusion on the GigaCube from Vodafone
The Vodafone GigaCube proves itself in practical tests as a flexible Wi-Fi hotspot. Both the installation of the mobile router and the connection to devices such as smartphones, laptops or tablets are extremely easy. Since the GigaCube does not have a battery, a power outlet must be nearby. Otherwise, it can be set up anywhere where a connection to the mobile network is possible. In the test, it was convincing across the board, at home as well as when traveling or in the mobile office.
How does a mobile router work?
A mobile WiFi router like the GigaCube from Vodafone connects to the mobile network via a plug-in SIM card and is therefore not tied to a fixed internet connection. Rather, it can be used as a mobile hotspot, similar to a smartphone, and creates a local wireless network (WLAN) that allows devices in its vicinity to connect to the Internet. Alternatively, you can connect the GigaCube to the PC or landline Internet using a LAN cable.
The Vodafone GigaCube 5G at a glance
Model: MC888 Ultra (Version: DE02)
Color: White
Antenna: intern
Power supply: external power supply
Status display: LED
Montage: Stand
Dimensions & Weight: 101.5 x 101.5 x 207 mm, 773 Gramm
transmission standard: 5G
SIM card type: Nano-SIM
Maximum speed: 500 Mbit/s
Storage: 1 GB
Maximum number of devices: 128
Why is the Vodafone GigaCube worth it?
At 74.99 euros per month (including VAT)*, the mobile router is of course not exactly cheap. However, with the Unlimited tariff you can surf with unlimited data volume. In addition, the GigaCube is ready for immediate use and can be used anywhere in Germany. It is particularly advantageous where there is no fast internet via cable, DSL or fiber optic and only a connection via mobile phone is possible. In remote locations or when traveling in a camper or motorhome, the WiFi router may be the only option.
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Especially if you work mobile or have to change your location often, a mobile WiFi router is worthwhile and in this case can even be more cost-effective than booking an internet connection everywhere. In the 5G version of the GigaCube, you can use high-speed internet at a speed of up to 500 megabits per second under optimal conditions. Thanks to the latest WiFi technology, you can also surf securely and stably with all connected devices at the same time.
WLAN router in the test: These are the advantages and disadvantages
+ Installation and setup quick and easy – Price + No extra DSL or cable connection required – No battery installed (socket required) + Can be set up and used flexibly – Power cable could be longer + Fast, stable internet for all devices equally – only in the German Vodafone network Can be used (not abroad) + test for 30 days – depending on the mobile network and reception
GigaCube put to the test: installation and setup
Among other things, Vodafone advertises the GigaCube with the slogan “Simply plug it into the socket and connect via WLAN”, suggesting quick installation and immediate readiness for use. And the test actually shows that the start is quick – to set it up for the first time you just have to insert the nano SIM card into the slot on the bottom, connect the router to the power supply and switch it on.
If you have ordered the GigaCube directly with a tariff, the SIM card is already activated and you do not need to enter a PIN. In order to connect your mobile devices to the WiFi, you then have to add the GigaCube’s network in your settings and scan the QR code on the bottom or on the enclosed card. Alternatively, the network name can also be entered manually. In the last step, just enter the password and you’re ready to go.
Device settings such as the name of the WLAN or the password can be changed at any time on the configuration website.
This is what the lights on the mobile network reveal
The GigaCube has various light indicators: In addition to the power and WiFi LEDs, you will also find the Internet LED on the front, which with its different colors can provide information about connection problems or the mobile network usage:
continuous Red: a problem has been detected, such as: no connection to the mobile network no nano SIM card inserted no network service available continuous Blue: use of the 4G mobile network continuous White: use of the 5G mobile network
At our first test location, the Internet LED initially glowed blue, indicating that the device was on the 4G network. Surprisingly, we were able to surf directly in the 5G network at the second location, a relatively remote campsite in Schleswig-Holstein.
Front with LED indicators. Back with connections
Vodafone GigaCube: These connections are installed
In addition to the power port, a telephone connection and two LAN ports are installed on the back of the mobile router. These can be used to connect computers and larger devices such as game consoles or televisions to the GigaCube via cable. Complex downloads, backups or online games run more smoothly with a LAN connection.
This is how the mobile WiFi hotspot performs in the test
The GigaCube was used in the test at various locations. Normal surfing, opening websites and running various typical Office apps such as Teams, Outlook and Word were no problem in everyday home office operations at the first location in Hamburg.
Vodafone specifies maximum speeds of 500 megabits per second for downloads and up to 50 megabits per second for uploads. However, this is only possible, if at all, under optimal conditions with above-average network coverage. The data rate that can actually be used depends on the respective location, the network coverage, the device used and the utilization of the radio cell. It is therefore not surprising that the GigaCube achieved significantly lower speeds in the test.
If you only want to use the mobile router at a fixed location, it is worth checking Vodafone’s network availability beforehand.
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WiFi in the motorhome: Can you use the GigaCube while camping?
After the Wi-Fi router was apparently initially only intended for one fixed location according to the mobile phone provider, you can now read on the Vodafone website that the GigaCube can now be used at several locations within Germany. The only requirements are Vodafone cell phone reception and a power connection. If you want to use the device to provide internet while camping and the campsite does not offer a power connection, the power supply also works via a car adapter and a connection to the car.
In the second test case, the device accompanied a camping trip to Schleswig-Holstein. Here too, handling was extremely easy: plug it in and start surfing straight away. It was easy to connect multiple smartphones and notebooks. Even the live stream of a football broadcast worked smoothly. Only the length of the power cable could be more generous, which is a minor point of criticism. This meant that the cable drum always had to be placed close to the GigaCube. Apart from that, the WiFi router performed excellently in the camping test and even delivered higher speeds at the campsite in Schleswig-Holstein than in the big city.
Who is the GigaCube worthwhile for?
As long as there is a power outlet nearby, the mobile WiFi router can be set up and used very flexibly at home. In this respect, internet is de facto possible without a connection. Because you don’t need a telephone socket or a DSL or cable connection to operate it. Since the connection is established via the cellular network, you can even take the GigaCube camping without having to be cut off from the outside world. The mobile WiFi router definitely impresses in the test, both in the home office and on the go.
The business tariff “GigaCube Home Unlimited” from Vodafone costs almost 75.00 euros and requires a minimum contract term of 24 months as well as additional connection and device costs of around 50.00 euros. That doesn’t make it particularly cheap. Still, the GigaCube is a good option for those who want hassle-free Internet access, especially for frequent travelers who rely on independent Wi-Fi while on the go. In addition, the device is likely to be almost unrivaled for remote locations where fast Internet via cable, DSL or fiber optic is not available. Thanks to the current campaign, which allows you to test the mobile WiFi router for 30 days and return it if you are dissatisfied, you are definitely not taking any risks here.
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