In the digital age, it’s already obvious that an internet connection is a human right. Such a truth has been exposed when the COVID-19 plagued the world.[1] Everyone was forced into working and studying at home, and having a reliable connection was a must. Otherwise, every aspect of your life would have been unfavorably affected. The sad news is internet access in our country can be expensive.[2] On the brighter side, network providers offer more affordable data options. They come in the form of prepaid WiFi in the Philippines. Two of the country’s biggest networks offer prepaid home WiFi kits. Take a look at their offerings and see which prepaid WiFi package is the best for your remote work or your kids’ online schooling.
Smart Bro Home WiFi Advanced
Price: ₱1,995
Internet Speed: Up to 40Mbps, depending on your location
Where to Buy: Smart Stores nationwide, Smart Online Store, Lazada, and Shopee
If you have about 10 people at home needing a reliable internet connection, Smart Bro Home WiFi Advanced may be what you need. This Smart prepaid WiFi in the Philippines offers 2x faster LTE vs other Smart Bro Home WiFi devices. Its modem has LAN ports, so you can connect your desktop devices directly to it. It also comes with free 10GB worth of data valid for seven days.
How to Set Up Your Smart Bro Home WiFi Advanced Device
The package comes with the unit itself with the SIM already installed, plus an AC power adapter, an ethernet cable for LAN connections, and quick guides and documentation.
- Upon unboxing, plug the modem and turn the unit on.
- Connect your desktop or phone to the default WiFi signal from the modem. The default WiFi name and password can be found at the back of the unit.
- You may change the WiFi name and password by logging on to your modem’s dashboard. To do that, connect your device to the Smart Bro Home WiFi Advanced signal, open a browser, and type this in: https://192.168.1.1
Smart recommends downloading the GigaLife app to your smartphone for easier management of your account. Here’s how to set-up your Smart Bro Home WiFi Advanced with your GigaLife account:
- Connect your phone to your Smart Bro Home WiFi Advanced signal.
- Download the GigaLife app on Google Play, App Store, or AppGallery
- Open the app.
- Read and accept the Terms & Conditions.
- On the next page, provide the mobile number of your modem and your personal phone. The mobile number of your modem will be automatically detected. On the other hand, you’ll need to key in your personal number to enroll it as a secondary mobile number.
- You’ll receive a one-time PIN. Input it on the pop-up window on your GigaLife app then tap “Proceed.”
- Input a password and then tap “Sign Up.”
IMPORTANT NOTE: On March 1, 2021, PLDT announced that all PLDT prepaid home WiFi clients will be transferred to Smart Communications. This means that concerns, such as how to reset PLDT home WiFi, will be addressed by Smart. Furthermore, the official website for PLDT Home WiFi settings is now defunct.
Smart Bro Home WiFi Advanced Promos
- Unli Fam 999 - Unlimited data to all apps and websites and up to ultra-HD quality videos, ₱999
- FamLoad Video 199 - Up to 19GB valid for seven days, ₱199
- FamLoad Video 599 - Up to 55GB valid for 15 days, ₱599
- FamLoad Video 999 - Up to 100GB valid for 30 days, ₱999
- FamLoad Video 1499 - Up to 130GB valid for 30 days, ₱1,499
- All Data 99 - 6GB valid for seven days, ₱99
- All Data 299 - 24GB valid for 30 days, ₱299
- All Data 399 - 36GB valid for 30 days, ₱399
- All Data 499 - 48GB valid for 30 days, ₱499
- Magic Data 199 - 6GB, no expiry, ₱199
- Magic Data 399 - 24GB, no expiry, ₱399
- Magic Data 499 - 36GB, no expiry, ₱499
- Magic Data 599 - 48GB, no expiry, ₱599
How to Load Your Smart Bro Home WiFi Advanced
You can load this prepaid WiFi in the Philippines the way you load your phone number. Just head to your nearest sari-sari store, convenience store, or Smart and PLDT stores to purchase your load.
For your convenience, you can choose to buy load via your GCash or Maya account. Here’s how:
How to Load Using GCash
- On your GCash dashboard, tap “Buy Load.”
- Input the number of the unit then tap “Next.”
- Tap the “Smart” tab and choose the promo you want to avail.
- Tap “Next” and follow the prompts to complete purchase.
How to Load Using Maya
- On your Maya dashboard, tap “More.”
- Tap “Shop.”
- If you’re using an Android device, go to “Mobile.” If you’re using an iOS device, go to “Load.”
- Select your desired load amount or data package.
- Enter the mobile number then tap “Continue.”
- Tap “Buy.”
How to Check Your Smart Bro Home WiFi Advanced Balance
If you already have a GigaLife app on your phone, checking your data balance is easy. Here are the steps you need to take:
- Log into your GigaLife app.
- On the homepage, click the “Check Usage” button.
- On the next page, you’ll see details of your internet usage.
Read more: Detailed Guide to Choosing an Internet Provider in the Philippines
Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi - LTE Advanced
Price: ₱1,999
Internet Speed: Up to 40Mbps, depending on the location
Where to Buy: Globe Stores nationwide,[3] Globe Online Store, Lazada, Shopee
Globe’s prepaid WiFi offering is also an LTE-powered WiFi modem packaged in a sleek white casing. It can connect up to six devices and offers LAN connectivity. This prepaid WiFi in the Philippines offers more than just data, as they come with free access to apps like YouTube, Netflix, VIU, HBO GO, and iFlix, among others. It comes with free 10GB of data as well, valid for seven days.
Related reading: How to Check Your Broadband Performance with Internet Speed Tests
How to Set Up Your Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi - LTE Advanced Device
The package comes with the unit itself with the SIM already installed, a power adapter, an ethernet cable, and the quick guides and documentation. To set the device up, here's what you need to do:
- Upon unboxing, plug the modem and turn the unit on.
- Connect your desktop or phone to the default WiFi signal from the modem. The Globe at Home default password and username can be found at the back of the unit.
- Go to 192.168.254.254 and log into the Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi dashboard using the default username and password found at the back of the unit.
- On the WiFi dashboard, click "Advanced" then "WiFi Security Settings." Click the "Edit" button found at the right side of the screen.
- Change the default WiFi name and password. Once you’re done, connect to your new WiFi.
To maximize the usage of your modem, you need to set up your GlobeOne app.
- Download the new GlobeOne app on Google Play, App Store, or AppGallery.
- Register or sign using either your email address or social media account.
- Input your password.
- Input your Globe mobile number or account.
- Verify the account by entering the one-time PIN sent to you. For your Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi, see to it that you’re connected to the Home Prepaid WiFi signal to get the verification code.
- Enter your desired nickname for the account you want to add.
Read more: LTE Broadbands Plans in the Philippines: What are Your Options?
Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi - LTE Advanced Promos
- HomeSURF15 - 2GB of open-access data valid for one day, ₱15
- HomeZOOM15 - 2GB of ZOOM valid for one day, ₱15
- HomeFB15 - 2GB of FB valid for one day, ₱15
- HomeVIU15 - 2GB of VIU valid for one day, ₱15
- HomeSURF199 - 30GB data valid for seven days, ₱199
- HomeSURF599 - 75GB data valid for 15 days, ₱599
- HomeSURF999 - 100GB data valid for 30 days, ₱999
- HomeSURF1499 - 150GB data valid for 30 days, ₱1,499
- HomeWATCH199 - 34GB data valid for seven days, ₱199
- HomeWATCH599 - 75GB data valid for 15 days, ₱599
- HomeWATCH999 - 140GB data valid for 30 days, ₱999
- HomeWATCH1499 - 200GB data valid for 30 days, ₱1,499
How to Load Your Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi - LTE Advanced
Just like the previous one, you can load your Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi -LTE Advanced by looking for the prepaid WiFi’s number at the back of the unit and heading to the nearest loading station.
You can also use GCash or Maya to load up your device. Here's how:
How to Load Using GCash
- On your GCash dashboard, tap “Buy Load.”
- Input the number of the unit then tap “Next.”
- Tap the “Globe” tab and choose the promo you want to avail.
- Tap “Next” and follow the prompts to complete purchase.
How to Load Using Maya
- On your Maya dashboard, tap “More.”
- Tap “Shop.”
- If you’re using an Android device, go to “Mobile.” If you’re using an iOS device, go to “Load.”
- Select your desired load amount or data package.
- Enter the mobile number then tap “Continue.”
- Tap “Buy.”
How to Check Your Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi - LTE Advanced Balance
If you have the GlobeOne app, here are the steps you need to follow to check your data usage:
- Log into your GlobeOne app.
- Choose an account you want to check.
- On the dashboard, view the details of your current promo, which include calls, data, and texts.
Read more: Finding the Best Unlimited Broadband Plan: 8 Things to Watch Out For
Final Thoughts
Thanks to these options on prepaid WiFi in the Philippines, you can now stay connected without adding dents to your wallet. Consider these choices before you settle with more expensive internet plans. Or even if you're currently subscribed to a monthly plan, get these prepaid WiFi kits as a backup connection. Just know that in today’s interconnected world, having no option isn’t an option.
Sources:
- [1] COVID-19 Exposes Why Access to the Internet is a Human Right (Open Global Rights, 2020)
- [2] Internet in Philippines Still Expensive (The Philippine Star, 2021)
- [3] List of Globe Stores (Globe)
FAQs
Top Affordable Options for Prepaid WiFi in the Philippines? ›
Xfinity: Xfinity takes the No. 1 spot in our Best Prepaid Internet Service Providers of 2023 ratings and provides internet access in 30-day increments. You'll have to pay a one-time fee for an Xfinity Prepaid Modem Kit, which comes with a refurbished Wi-Fi modem and requires self-installation.
What is the fastest home prepaid WiFi in Philippines? ›- Fastest. Thanks to Smart LTE's fastest speeds in the country, everyone can accomplish a lot more and a lot faster with PLDT Home WiFi. ...
- Best value-for-money. ...
- Widest coverage.
Xfinity: Xfinity takes the No. 1 spot in our Best Prepaid Internet Service Providers of 2023 ratings and provides internet access in 30-day increments. You'll have to pay a one-time fee for an Xfinity Prepaid Modem Kit, which comes with a refurbished Wi-Fi modem and requires self-installation.
How much is a Pocket WiFi in the Philippines? ›Pocket WiFi Price Range in the Philippines
The wifi price in the Philippines is from ₱995 to ₱44,000 including famous 5g pocket wifi brands. You can find various mobile wifi brands and varieties of the fastest prepaid wifi that are in a very affordable range.
Cheapest Globe Telecom At Home Prepaid Wifi Price in Philippines is ₱ 888.00. The Globe Telecom At Home Prepaid Wifi is now available in Philippines. The cheapest Globe Telecom At Home Prepaid Wifi price in Philippines is ₱ 888.00 from Shopee. Globe Telecom At Home Prepaid Wifi price details are updated April 2023.
What is the cheapest WiFi plan in the Philippines? ›| ISP | Plan | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Globe | Globe At Home Go Unli Plan 1299 | PHP 1,299 |
| PLDT | UNLI FIBR PLAN 1299 | PHP 1,299 |
| Converge | FIBER X 1500 | PHP 1,500 |
| SKY | SKY Fiber Unli Broadband 999 Plan | PHP 999 |
On its website, PLDT is marketing that the Prepaid WiFi has an average download speed of 19.33 Mbps and an upload speed of 9.16 Mbps.
Which WiFi is best and cheap? ›- TP-Link Archer C20 AC750 Wireless Dual Band Router. ...
- D-Link DIR-615 Wireless-N300 Router. ...
- Tenda N301 Wireless-N300 Easy Setup Router. ...
- TP-Link TL-WR841N 300Mbps Wireless Router. ...
- Tenda AC5 AC1200 Smart Dual-Band WiFi Router. ...
- Mi Smart Router 4C. ...
- Netgear R6120 AC1200 Smart WiFi Router.
Although small enough to fit a pocket, it delivers a strong network connection usually found in wired broadband systems. This may surprise you but Pocket WiFi, in most cases, actually provides much faster internet speed than prepaid SIM cards. Pocket WiFi is not for sale.
Which is better home prepaid WiFi or Pocket WiFi? ›Unlike the regular Pocket WiFi which is meant for users on the go, the PLDT Home Prepaid WiFi is specially designed for home use as it utilizes the LTE 700MHZ band, a low frequency that easily penetrates houses and buildings.
How can I get personal WiFi in Philippines? ›
- Prepaid SIM cards. There are two major suppliers – Globe and Smart. ...
- Renting a pocket WiFi. This is actually a great solution, as it allows you to enjoy a relatively stable connection anywhere. ...
- Free WiFi and internet shops.
| Country | Price per Month (with 60Mbps Average Speed) |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | USD 48.08 (PHP 2,297) |
| Philippines | USD 47.15 (PHP 2,253) |
| United Kingdom | USD 43.97 (PHP 2,101) |
| Japan | USD 43.15 (PHP 2,061) |
Cheapest Huawei Mobile WiFi 3s Price in Philippines is ₱ 2,789.00. The Huawei Mobile WiFi 3s is now available in Philippines. The cheapest Huawei Mobile WiFi 3s price in Philippines is ₱ 2,789.00 from Lazada. Huawei Mobile WiFi 3s price details are updated April 2023.
How long does Globe prepaid WiFi last? ›You can avail your FREE 50GB data once you have activated your Home Prepaid WiFi modem. This can only be redeemed once. It's valid for 7 days only.
Is there unlimited data in Globe prepaid WiFi? ›Go5G 99 (Unlimited 5G mobile data, valid for 3 days, ₱99) Go5G 199 (Unlimited 5G mobile data, valid for 7 days, ₱199) Go5G 299 (Unlimited 5G mobile data, valid for 15 days, ₱299)
How fast is Globe Home Prepaid WiFi? ›Experience a fast internet connection for ₱2,499 with speeds of up to 500 Mbps.
What is the strongest WiFi in the Philippines? ›...
Smart.
| Coverage Score | |
|---|---|
| Smart | 795 |
| Globe | 757 |
| DITO | 443 |
Portable WiFi Is Cheaper
Depending on where you live, mobile data may be outrageously expensive even with a good data plan. The situation is even worse when traveling abroad and dealing with roaming charges.
Whole-Home Wi-Fi can support up to 64 devices in homes with Smart Home products, smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and peripherals, such as wireless printers.
How much is the regular price of PLDT Home prepaid WiFi? ›PLDT Home WiFi Prepaid is now available at only P995, that's a P1,000 discount from the regular price of P1,995. It comes with free 10GB for all apps and sites that is good for seven (7) days. What are the payment options available?
Does PLDT prepaid WiFi have unlimited data? ›
Available to all users of Smart Bro Home WiFi and PLDT Home WiFi-branded devices, as well as those with the Smart Bro Prepaid SIM and Smart Bro Rocket SIM, the new UNLIFAM 999 offers true unlimited experience with no restrictions, data-capping, or speed-throttling.
What is the cheapest way to get WiFi in your home? ›- Buy your own modem and router.
- Reduce your internet speed.
- Negotiate your internet provider bill.
- Bundle your services.
- Check on government subsidies.
- Get bare-bones internet service.
Now, it's possible in many places to get a high-speed internet connection without a landline or cable television service. Depending on where you live, the best options for how to get Wi-Fi without cable or a phone line include satellite internet, fiber internet, 4G or 5G internet, fixed wireless or a mobile hotspot.
How much is a portable WiFi? ›| Best for | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best 5G hotspot | NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 5G WiFi 6 Mobile Router | $799.99 |
| Best budget hotspot | Alcatel LINKZONE | $59.99 |
| Best for international travel | Huawei E5577-320 4G LTE Mobile WiFi Hotspot | $80.31 |
| Best user friendly option | GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router | $169.99 |
The battery life of the Pocket WiFi depends highly on the type of connection. When connected to a 4G network the device's battery life can last up to 9 hours. Should the Pocket WiFi be connected to a 3G network, the battery life can last up to 10 hours.
Does a pocket WiFi need a SIM card? ›Portable routers do require a SIM card.
Which is better Globe at Home prepaid WiFi? ›Globe At Home's LTE-Advanced modem is two times faster than other Globe Prepaid modems, and is equipped with boosters, enabled by carrier aggregation capabilities, for a more reliable, higher-speed internet connection that is easy to set up.
What are the disadvantages of portable WiFi? ›It's hard to think of many real disadvantages to carrying a pocket WiFi device. Of course, these devices need to be charged and may run out of battery. However, the best ones can now provide up to ten or more hours of continuous use before they need recharging.
What is PLDT prepaid WiFi? ›The PLDT Home Prepaid WiFi is a plug and play device that instantly connects you to the Internet. Once plugged into a power source, it can simultaneously connect up to 5 WiFi-ready devices, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, to high-speed Internet.
Is WiFi in the Philippines expensive? ›The Philippines is among countries with “least affordable” internet services, yet consumers are receiving only “mediocre” quality of connectivity, according to a study by cybersecurity firm Surfshark.
What is the best Pocket WiFi in PH? ›
| Top 10 products | Price | Store |
|---|---|---|
| Huawei Globe Pocket Wifi Compatible W/ Ghpw Sim | ₱ 1,200.00 | Shopee |
| 5G LTE D6 Mobile Pocket Wifi OPENLINE | ₱ 980.00 | Lazada |
| TP-Link M5250 3G Pocket Wifi | ₱ 1,399.00 | Lazada |
| Globe Imports GLOBE POCKET WIFI with free simcard | ₱ 999.00 | Lazada |
Besides its snail-paced speeds, internet connectivity in the Philippines is also among the costliest in the world. A 2020 Digital Quality of Life Index ranked the Philippines 82nd in terms of internet affordability out of 85 countries.
Why is internet so expensive in Philippines? ›Due to thousands of Philippine islands surrounded by the ocean and sea, the requirement for laying a fiber optic cable in the Philippines requires a huge amount of investment to successfully achieve an effective infrastructure for the growing telecommunications and communications needs of the several businesses in the ...
How much is PLDT per month? ›| FIBER PLUS PLANS | SPEED | MONTHLY FEE |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber Plus Plan 9999 | Up to 1 Gbps | ₱9,999 |
| Fiber Plus Plan 2999 | Up to 400 Mbps | ₱2,999 |
| Fiber Plus Plan 2399 | Up to 200 Mbps | ₱2,399 |
Globe offers almost the same as PLDT but with a few differences. They have more lower-tier options starting at 20Mbps, 25Mbps, and 35Mbps. 50Mbps is also their mid-tier offering and is succeeded by their high-tier offering starting at 100Mbps and is succeeded by 200Mbps, 500Mbps, and 1Gbps.
How long does Huawei portable WiFi last? ›It is said that many built-in batteries of pocket WiFi last for around 10 hours, but it will be drained faster if you use it connecting multiple devices.
How reliable is pocket WiFi? ›Pocket WiFi devices are totally secure; the connection is exclusively yours, it's password protected, and no-one else is able to see your internet activity or hack your devices to steal your data.
Are pocket WiFi worth it? ›There are many advantages! A Pocket WiFi will give you full access to the internet. You will also have access to every data consuming application on your smartphone, tablet or computer like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. It is small and slight, so it is very comfortable to carry.
Is Globe Prepaid WiFi good? ›Globe also claims the WiFi signal strength is 50% better than typical mobile WiFi devices and this is generally true since pocket WiFi tends to reduce WiFi strength to conserve battery life. Fortunately, the device does support the 700MHz (Band 28) LTE frequency.
How many GB is Globe Prepaid WiFi? ›Shareable & Reloadable with FREE 50 GB Data
Keep your family connected with your Home Prepaid WiFi device! Download the GlobeOne App to register your account, load and track your data, and claim exclusive rewards.
Why Globe Prepaid WiFi is slow? ›
What can cause your connection to slow down? Latency: Your connection slows down the farther your app or game server is from your device. Bandwidth: If you connect more devices, you need more bandwidth. Too many connected devices slow down your connection.
Does Globe prepaid WiFi have SIM card? ›So hurry and register your Home Prepaid WiFi SIM today via the GlobeOne app to avoid deactivation of your SIM and help promote a safer and more secure digital environment for all. New subscribers, meanwhile, are encouraged to register their Home Prepaid WiFi SIM right away to avoid deactivation.
Is Globe plan 1299 unlimited? ›Plan includes:
Unli 1 app for 6 months (free data access) GBs to Points up to 50 GB/mo. Unli 5G for 6 months.
For one, the telco highlights its No Expiry Data feature. This means that their validity lasts forever, so you don't need to worry about unused data going to waste. Plus, there's the 'Mo Creds, which lets you convert data to calls and texts. For example, you can convert 200MB of data to 30 texts or 3 minutes of calls.
Which is better smart or Globe? ›- Smart has the best speeds but not the best signal strength, Globe has the best signal strength but not the best speeds.
How many devices can connect to Globe Fiber? ›How many devices can I connect? To enjoy maximum speed, you can connect up to 5 devices.
What is the fastest Smart prepaid WiFi? ›Smart Bro Prepaid Home WiFi Advanced (BoostEven R281)
Get Smart's fastest Home Prepaid WiFi!
The newest addition to Globe's roster of go-to prepaid WiFi devices is the Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi (HPW) LTE-Advanced which is a CAT 7 modem. It supports the 5Ghz band - the fastest in the country at present, as well as provides coverage at a longer range through the 2.4Ghz frequency.
What is the maximum Mbps of Globe at Home prepaid WiFi? ›Experience a fast internet connection for ₱2,499 with speeds of up to 500 Mbps.
What is the fastest SIM internet in the Philippines? ›If you want to buy the best SIM card in the Philippines, I recommend going with Smart. It has the best coverage and the fastest speeds. Consider GOMO for generous data plans with no expiry.
Is PLDT Home prepaid WiFi unlimited? ›
Available to all users of Smart Bro Home WiFi and PLDT Home WiFi-branded devices, as well as those with the Smart Bro Prepaid SIM and Smart Bro Rocket SIM, the new UNLIFAM 999 offers true unlimited experience with no restrictions, data-capping, or speed-throttling.
Which is better Globe or Smart prepaid WiFi? ›With regard to prepaid offerings, both networks have almost identical services. But they differ in terms of the rates of calls to the same network and text roaming. But if you focus on everyday use, you'll notice that Smart fares better, particularly in the area of same-network calls.
Does Globe at Home prepaid WiFi have SIM? ›You can only use the Prepaid WiFi SIM that's inserted in your modem. To avoid issues with your connection and promo subscriptions, please do not remove the Prepaid Home WiFi SIM card from the modem.
Is Globe prepaid WiFi good? ›Globe also claims the WiFi signal strength is 50% better than typical mobile WiFi devices and this is generally true since pocket WiFi tends to reduce WiFi strength to conserve battery life. Fortunately, the device does support the 700MHz (Band 28) LTE frequency.
What is the duration of free 10GB of Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi? ›The FREE 10GB data offer will be valid for 7 days upon receipt. Customers can use this to automatically reactivate their SIMs, so they can continue to enjoy Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi services.
Does Globe Prepaid have unlimited internet? ›Globe Prepaid offers Go5G, a boost for your Go or Go+ data promos that allow you to tap into unlimited 5G data. This promo lets users with 5G-capable devices, 5G-ready SIM, and located in 5G-covered areas enjoy lightning-fast internet, high-quality streaming, and a next-level gaming experience with no data cap.
Why is my Globe Home Prepaid WiFi slow? ›What can cause your connection to slow down? Latency: Your connection slows down the farther your app or game server is from your device. Bandwidth: If you connect more devices, you need more bandwidth. Too many connected devices slow down your connection.
What is the strongest WIFI in the Philippines? ›...
Smart.
| Coverage Score | |
|---|---|
| Smart | 795 |
| Globe | 757 |
| DITO | 443 |
If you're traveling in the Philippines, we recommend using a SIM card from Smart, Globe, Dito, or Airalo.
Which network is best in Philippines? ›PLDT's wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc.