OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Routers Methodology v3.0
Routers Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Routers Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Routers Methodology v3.0

TP-Link TL-MR3020 review: 77 specs compared

Avg. price:~£25Wi-Fi version:Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)Wi-Fi speed:150 MbpsLAN port speeds:100 MbpsMesh Wi-Fi:?

TP-Link TL-MR3020 Review: Compare 77 technical specifications and 6 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

TP-Link TL-MR3020
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components

40%

6.8

Technical score

25%

8.1

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

6.8

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 56% of routers
8.1

Value for money

Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 54%
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components

26%

5.5

Wireless

20%

3.9

Ports

18%

9.4

Networking

14%

8.5

Security

12%

7.5

Hardware

10%

7.5

Management

â–¼Worse than 65%
8.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models

80%

8.1

Average grade

20%

8.2

Popularity

Grades by review (6)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 53%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the TP-Link TL-MR3020

Based on 3 · 4

Reviewers love how small and light it is, plus its versatile operating modes and easy setup, with no major complaints.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of router TP-Link TL-MR3020

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components:

26%

5.5

Wireless

20%

3.9

Ports

18%

9.4

Networking

14%

8.5

Security

12%

7.5

Hardware

10%

7.5

Management

6.8
Reviews score
8.1
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

8.1
Brand name
TP-Link
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
This router uses Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is less advanced than 65% of routers and equal to 32.7% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz
This router supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are less versatile than 76% of routers and equal to 21.6% of routers.
Wi-Fi speed
150 Mbps
Market range: <0 Mbps – >6k Mbps
This router delivers 150 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is lower than 93.2% of routers and equal to 5.6% of routers.
Channel widths supported
20 MHz + 40 MHz
This router supports 20 MHz + 40 MHz channel width options, which is fewer than 63.7% of routers and the same as 31.2% of routers.
Show more
Wi-Fi security protocols
WPA2, WPA, WEP
This router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP Wi-Fi security protocols, which are more advanced than 37.9% of routers and equal to 14.8% of routers.
DoS protection
yes
This router includes DoS protection. 9.8% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
yes
This router includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 4.7% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
yes
This router supports MAC address filtering. 1.7% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
yes
This router supports URL filtering. 2.6% of routers include URL filtering.
Show more
IPv6 support
yes
This router supports IPv6. 8.8% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
no
This router does not support dynamic routing. 46.2% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
?
VLAN tagging
yes
This router supports VLAN tagging. 33.6% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
yes
This router includes QoS controls. 2.4% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
N. of LAN ports
0
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 0 LAN ports, which is fewer than 98.3% of routers and the same as 1.7% of routers.
LAN port speeds
100 Mbps
This router offers 100 Mbps on its LAN ports, which is slower than 74.5% of routers and on par with 25.1% of routers.
N. of WAN ports
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 0.8% of routers and the same as 89.4% of routers.
N. of USB ports
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This router has 1 USB ports, which is more than 40.1% of routers and the same as 41.5% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
no
This router does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 1.7% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
Management interface
Web UI
This router uses Web UI for management, which is less advanced than 78.5% of routers and equal to 21.2% of routers.
Firmware upgrade method
Web UI, App, Automatic
This router supports Web UI, App, Automatic firmware update methods, which are more convenient than 71.9% of routers and equal to 27.2% of routers.
Traffic monitoring
yes
This router includes traffic monitoring. 13.9% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
yes
This router offers a guest Wi‑Fi network. 7.3% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
no
This router does not offer captive portal features. 22.4% of routers offer captive portal features.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU clock speed
?
RAM capacity
?
Internal storage
?
Hardware acceleration
yes
This router offers hardware acceleration. 24.9% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
0
Market range: <0 – >10
This router has 0 external antennas, which is fewer than 62.7% of routers and the same as 37.3% of routers.
Show more
What reviewers say

TP-Link TL-MR3020 vs the average router

246810TotalWirelessSecurityNetworkingPortsManagementHardware
  • Supports automatic failover
    This router offers automatic failover, while the average router does not. 31.2% of routers offer automatic failover.
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP.
    WPA2, WPA, WEP vs WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP
  • 3.8x cheaper
    TP-Link TL-MR3020 is cheaper than the average router (£25 vs £95).
    £25 vs £95
  • 119 mm narrower width
    This router is narrower than the average router (74 mm vs 193 mm). The average router is 193 mm wide.
    74 mm vs 193 mm
  • 86.7% lighter weight
    This router is lighter than the average router (60 g vs 450 g). The average router weighs 450 g.
    60 g vs 450 g
  • 29.4 mm lower height
    This router is shorter than the average router (22 mm vs 51.4 mm). The average router is 51.4 mm tall.
    22 mm vs 51.4 mm
  • 5.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    8.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (6)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.1 vs 7.7
  • 3.8x cheaper
    TP-Link TL-MR3020 is cheaper than the average router (£25 vs £95).
    £25 vs £95
  • 5.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    8.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (6)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.1 vs 7.7
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    This router supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP.
    WPA2, WPA, WEP vs WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WEP
  • Supports automatic failover
    This router offers automatic failover, while the average router does not. 31.2% of routers offer automatic failover.
  • 119 mm narrower width
    This router is narrower than the average router (74 mm vs 193 mm). The average router is 193 mm wide.
    74 mm vs 193 mm
  • 86.7% lighter weight
    This router is lighter than the average router (60 g vs 450 g). The average router weighs 450 g.
    60 g vs 450 g
  • 29.4 mm lower height
    This router is shorter than the average router (22 mm vs 51.4 mm). The average router is 51.4 mm tall.
    22 mm vs 51.4 mm
  • 4 fewer LAN ports
    This router has fewer LAN ports than the average router (0 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
    0 vs 4
  • Slower LAN ports
    This router has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps
  • 91.4% slower Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (150 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,750 Mbps.
    150 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    This router uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Fewer Wi-Fi bands
    This router supports fewer Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
    2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
  • No VPN server support
    This router cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 68.8% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • Weaker management tools
    This router uses the management interface Web UI, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
    Web UI vs Web UI, App
  • No MU-MIMO
    This router does not support MU-MIMO, while the average router does. 54% of routers support MU-MIMO.
  • 12.8% lower sentiment score
    6.8 vs 7.8
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    This router uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 91.4% slower Wi-Fi speed
    This router has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (150 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,750 Mbps.
    150 Mbps vs 1,750 Mbps
  • Fewer Wi-Fi bands
    This router supports fewer Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
    2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
  • No MU-MIMO
    This router does not support MU-MIMO, while the average router does. 54% of routers support MU-MIMO.
  • Narrower channel widths
    This router has a lower supported channel width than the average router (20 MHz + 40 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz). The average router supports channel width of 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz.
    20 MHz + 40 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz
  • No band steering
    This router does not support band steering, while the average router does. 57.6% of routers support band steering.
  • No beamforming
    This router does not support beamforming, while the average router does. 62.1% of routers support beamforming.
  • No VPN server support
    This router cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 68.8% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • 4 fewer LAN ports
    This router has fewer LAN ports than the average router (0 vs 4). The average router has 4 LAN ports.
    0 vs 4
  • Slower LAN ports
    This router has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps
  • Weaker management tools
    This router uses the management interface Web UI, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
    Web UI vs Web UI, App
  • Narrower temperature range
    This router is rated for -10 to 60 C, while the average router is rated for 0 to 40 C.
    -10 to 60 C vs 0 to 40 C
  • 2 fewer external antennas
    This router has fewer external antennas than the average router (0 vs 2). The average router has 2 external antennas.
    0 vs 2
  • Fewer power options
    This router uses Micro-USB power input, while the average router uses DC barrel.
    Micro-USB vs DC barrel

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

10
Dorin MosuD
✓ explicit
10/01/2018
Hands-on review · two years of real use and speed tests
Verdict
TP-Link TL-MR3020 is a plug-and-play router with fast, consistent speeds and reliable 3G failover, recommended without reservation.
8.0
Lon.TV
≈ estimated
18/03/2013
Hands-on review · 3G/4G modem and access point tests
Verdict
TP-Link TL-MR3020 is a well-rounded router that works well overall, but its 4G modem connection was unreliable.
8.0
M.A.D. X tech
≈ estimated
16/04/2024
Unboxing · first look at ports, box contents and setup
Verdict
TP-Link TL-MR3020 is a compact, portable router for using a 3G or 4G USB stick anywhere.
9.0
Finysel
≈ estimated
03/11/2016
Unboxing · feature overview and pros and cons
Verdict
TP-Link TL-MR3020 is a good choice for a Wi-Fi hotspot anywhere, with a compact design, though it lacks a SIM slot and battery.
Not graded
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
21/02/2012
Expert test · Compact 3G router
Verdict
The TP-Link MR3020 is a compact travel router that shares a 3G dongle with several devices, but it is fussy about which dongles it accepts.
7.0
computerwoche.de
≈ estimated
02/12/2011
Short test · Mobile hotspot
Verdict
The TP-Link TL-MR3020 turns a 3G USB stick into a pocket Wi-Fi hotspot, best for travelers with many devices who already own a stick.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about TP-Link TL-MR3020

  • Pocket-sized at about 60 g, easy to carry
  • Works with more than 120 USB 3G/4G modems
  • Router, WISP client and access point modes
  • Ethernet port can serve as WAN with failover
  • Powered through Micro-USB
  • Parental controls and WPS included

What customers don't like about TP-Link TL-MR3020

  • No SIM slot, an external USB modem is required
  • Wi-Fi 4 at 150 Mbps on 2.4 GHz only
  • Single Ethernet port limited to 100 Mbps
  • No VPN server
  • Single internal antenna and web-only management

Verdict

Despite the 4G label, the TL-MR3020 has no SIM slot: it is a pocket router that relies on a USB 3G/4G modem. TP-Link lists compatibility with over 120 modem models. Three modes cover router, WISP client and access point use. Wi-Fi 4 gives 150 Mbps on 2.4 GHz through a single internal antenna. The single Ethernet port runs at 100 Mbps and can serve as WAN, with failover to the mobile connection. Power comes through Micro-USB, and the whole unit weighs about 60 g. Parental controls and WPS are included, management is web-only, and there is no VPN server. This budget model suits travellers who already own a USB modem and want a small Wi-Fi hotspot. Anyone expecting a SIM-based router should look elsewhere.

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