TP-Link M8550: Portable 5G router sports Ethernet, touchscreen and internal storage

In many cases, users might find it sufficient to share a mobile internet connection with others via a smartphone hotspot. However, this setup might not be suitable for many users, in which case a mobile Wi-Fi router can be a practical solution.

The TP-Link M8550 falls into that category and is designed to provide quick internet access on the go. The device can connect to both 5G and 4G cellular networks with a maximum download speed of 3.4 Gbps and 1.6 Gbps, respectively. Meanwhile, upload speeds can theoretically hit up to 900 Mbps or 200 Mbps. While the router doesn’t necessarily need external antennas, a corresponding port is available.

According to TP-Link, the M8550 can deal with up to 32 devices simultaneously. Moreover, it supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax with up to 2,880 Mbps in both the 5 and 6 GHz bands. Up to 688 Mbps are possible with a 2.4 GHz connection. That said, 5 and 6 GHz connections can’t be used at the same time. The router measures 5.3 x 2.9 x 0.8 inches and can be controlled via a 2.4-inch touchscreen.

A Gigabit Ethernet port is onboard, and the TP-Link M8550 can also be used in stationary setups as a regular WiFi router that can be connected to a traditional cable modem, for instance. USB Type-C connectivity is also available, as is a 4,680mAh battery that can be fully charged in just two hours and lasts up to 14 hours on a full charge. Last but not least, 5G router weighs 9.6 oz and sports a microSD card slot for sharing files. The TP-Link M8550 is now available for €450 on Amazon Germany and other European retailers.