TCL’s Linkport ($96) is a small, portable USB-C modem that connects a single device to T-Mobile's 5G network. The Linkport is North America’s first 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) device, a technology developed to offer stable 5G connectivity at slower speeds and lower costs. While it’s easy to set up and use, it only works with a single device at a time and doesn't match most hotspots or phones in terms of wireless data speeds. If you're looking for the simplest way to get your laptop or tablet online via a USB-C dongle, the Linkport is easy to recommend. If you need to connect more than one device at a time or require faster speeds, the $198 Franklin Wireless JEXtream is our Editors' Choice winner for its advanced security, dual-band Wi-Fi, enterprise email compatibility, and support for up to 20 connected devices at a time.

RedCap is a new 5G standard designed for devices that don’t need the high performance of full-speed 5G but require the lower latency only available from 5G connections.

One key aspect of RedCap 5G is capped speeds. The maximum download speed is limited to 220Mbps, and the maximum upload speed is limited to 120Mbps. Regular devices with C-band 5G support, like today's top phones, can see theoretical maximum download speeds of 1Gbps, while devices with mmWave 5G support can see maximum theoretical download speeds in excess of 2Gbps. RedCap 5G limits speeds on purpose to keep bandwidth open for devices that need the speed.