Insty Connect is a small family-run business created by Nick, a part-time RVer who runs the blog and YouTube channel We Can Explore It, in response to his frustrations with RV connectivity options.
The Insty Connect system has undergone several iterations and options, but the system design has stayed largely the same - an indoor router coupled with an outdoor cellular modem tightly integrated into a custom 3D-printed antenna enclosure.
The antenna enclosures have gone through several versions, and optional directional antenna options are available.
The original design used a USB connection between the modem and router, with the router controlling the modem directly via USB.
In November 2023, Insty switched to an Ethernet modem module using POE (Power Over Ethernet) instead of USB. The USB design was retired, but has come back with the newer LITE system.
Insty also started offering data plans that utilize the T-Mobile and Verizon networks.
In September 2024, Insty upgraded to a "Gen 2" Wi-Fi 6 Router and new firmware with Insty's existing rooftop POE modem. The new Insty Router has upgraded hardware over the previous router, support for three WAN connections, Speedify bonding, and a VPN called InstyVPN.
Overall, the Insty Connect system is innovative and unique in the mobile connectivity market for RVs. We consider the Explorer to be a "Top Pick" and worthy of consideration for anyone looking for a cellular-focused RV connectivity system.
Specifications
Insty Connect Explorer
Specifications
-
Explorer Gen 2 system with "Square" antenna Model: Insty Connect Gen 2 w/ Insty Window Antenna
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices:
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: 4x4 MIMO
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address:
- Address: http://my.insty or 10.1.1.1
- Password: None
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 2x Ethernet WAN, 3x Ethernet LAN
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 5G
- Modem Module or Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 (Quectel RM520N)
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
- 5G Bands: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n13, n14, n18, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n75, n76, n77, n78, n79
- LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12(17), 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 3G: UMTS/WCDMA B1, B2, B4, B5, B8, B19
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 4x4 MIMO
- 5G Cellular Performance:
- Max Theoretical 5G Performance: Not Specified
- 5G Carrier Aggregation: 2x download and upload - low and mid-band can be combined
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-19 Download / Cat-18 Upload (Max Theoretical Speed: 1.6 Gps down/ 200Mbps up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: Cat-19: 4x Download, 3x Upload
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x4 MIMO
- SIM Slots: 2 Nano
- Dimensions: Not Specified
- Power Source: 12V DC
- Outdoor Rated: Indoor Router / Outdoor Modem & Antenna system
- Special Features: Special User Interface, Custom Insty VPN Features, Band Scanning, Locking, Multi-WAN, Starlink Integration, Speedify Integration, available in Black or Grey.
- Retail Price:
- Antenna, 5G X62 POE Modem, Gen 2 Router, and 15ft Ethernet Cable - $799
Insty Connect LITE
Specifications
-
New Insty Connect Gray Antenna and Gen 2 Router Model: Insty Connect Gen 2 w/ Insty Squared Antenna
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices:
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: 4x4 MIMO
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address:
- Address: http://my.insty or 10.1.1.1
- Password: None
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 2x Ethernet WAN, 3x Ethernet LAN
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 5G
- Modem Module or Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 (Quectel RM502Q-AE)
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
- 5G Bands: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n28, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79
- LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12(17), 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 71
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 4x4 MIMO
- 5G Cellular Performance:
- Max Theoretical 5G Performance: 4.2 Gbps Down, 540 Mbps Upload
- 5G Carrier Aggregation: 4x download and 2x upload - low and mid-band can not be combined
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-20 Download / Cat-18 Upload (Max Theoretical Speed: 2.0 Gps down/ 200Mbps up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: Cat-20: At least 5x Download, 3x Upload
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x4 MIMO
- SIM Slots: Not Specified
- Dimensions: Not Specified
- Power Source: 12V DC
- Outdoor Rated: Indoor Router / Outdoor Modem & Antenna system
- Special Features: Special User Interface, Custom Insty VPN Features, Band Scanning, Locking, Multi-WAN, Starlink Integration, Speedify Integration, available in Black or Grey.
- Retail Price:
- Antenna, 5G X55 USB Modem, Gen 2 Router, and 30ft USB Cable - $399
Omnidirectional Antennas
The Insty Window Antenna with the Gen 2 router is the default option when ordering. The other antennas are also available for an upcharge.
The Window antenna is an indoor antenna while the others are designed to be outdoor antennas. Insty says the Drum is their best-performing antenna.
- Insty Window: Omnidirectional internal panel antenna meant for mounting in an RV window.
- Insty Drum: Omnidirectional antenna that can be mounted with magnets or peel-and-stick adhesive.
- Price when ordering a new system: $30
- Price when ordering separately: $50
- Insty Mini-Drum: Omnidirectional antenna that can be mounted with magnets or peel-and-stick adhesive. Shorter height for a low-profile mount.
- Price when ordering a new system: $20
- Price when ordering separately: $40
- Insty Squared: Omnidirectional antenna, best option for ladder mounting
- Price when ordering a new system: $30
- Price when ordering separately: $50
Directional Antennas
Insty Connect also has two 4x4 MIMO directional antenna options that are available as add-ons when purchasing one of the primary systems:
- Binoculars: These utilize 4X LDAP Yagi-style directional antennas for 4x4 MIMO. As the antenna array is quite large, this option is primarily best for stationary and infrequently moving people.
- Retail price: $399
- Switchblade: This model utilizes 4x smaller LDAP directional antennas in a much smaller and custom form factor. It has less performance but is smaller and folds up for much easier storage in an RV
- Retail price: $299
- Rocket: A small form-factor directional antenna, has a variety of mounting options.
- Retail price: $299
Data Plans
Insty Connect Data Plans
Insty Connect offers its own data plans running on the AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks. These plans are only available for customers of Insty Connect products.
Insty Connect Data Plans offer an option to utilize the networks in some unique ways. Insty Connect will provide eSIM for the networks selected with Insty Connect systems to allow customers to activate Insty Connect Data Plans easily through the Insty Connect dashboard.
- Insty Single Network Unlimited Plan utilizes the T-Mobile network - "fair use" limit of 1.2TB
- Insty Multi Network Unlimited Plan utilizes T-Mobile and Verizon networks - "fair use" limit of 1.2TB per network (2.4TB total)
- Insty Single Network Data Packages utilizes the T-Mobile network. For light use. Plans offered: 2GB, 10GB, 25GB, & 50GB
- Insty Hot-Standby Plan utilizes the T-Mobile network - $10/month base and then pay $4/day for unlimited service
- Insty Pause keeps the SIM provisioned and active but pauses service for $5/month
- Insty Specialty Plans:
- Carrier Select - Unlimited Plan on AT&T or Verizon network (single provider) via eSIM
- U.S. All In - Unlimited Plan on top 3 carriers in the US (AT&T, T-Mobile, & Verizon); switch between carriers anytime, full control manual or automatic
- Dual Modem - 2 Multi-Network Plans to be used in 2 simultaneous Insty Antennas (requires 2 Insty Antennas)
- Business - 300GB of full speed priority data on your choice of one of the top 2 networks in the US (single provider)
- Insty International Plans:
- Canada - Unlimited data on all three Canadian carriers. 60GB of full-speed data followed by unlimited at 2 Mbps
- Mexico - "coming soon" details not yet available
Insty Single Network Unlimited is billed monthly, and you can pause service (standby) anytime after month 1 for a $5.00 fee.
The Insty Multi Network Unlimited Plans & Specialty Plans are billed at a 2-month minimum; you can pause service (standby) anytime after month 2 for a $5.00 fee.
The Insty Hot-Standby Plan is an on-demand, pay ONLY as you need it. Service can be turned on manually, or a monitor can be set to enable if internet use is sensed. Service will run from the enable point to midnight of that day.
The currently offered plans and prices are on the Insty Connect Data Plans website.
News, Videos & Status
We tested one of the first Insty Connect 4G12 devices and shared our first impressions in the member area below. In October 2021, we received a 5G version and have updated our notes based on testing that version.
In December 2023, we received the Insty Squared (5G20) and Switchblade antennas, a PoE modem, and the Gen 2 router.
Members can follow along in these places:
- Testing in Progress Forum: Insty Connect Squared, Switchblade, POE Modem, Gen2 Router (Cellular Routers)
- Testing in Progress Forum: Insty Connect Explorer Cloudwings (Cellular Embedded Router & Antenna)
Videos
Related News Center Articles
Alternatives to Consider
Here are cellular routers that are our current top picks:
This Review Contains Additional Member Exclusive Content!
We are Honored to be Member Funded! No 3rd party ads and no selling (but may contain affiliate links)
Our members fund our in-depth independent reviews.
This entry may contain additional member exclusive content such as testing notes, field testing data, user interface tours, comparisons to alternatives, analysis, tips, videos and discounts.
Members also get interactive guidance, alerts, classroom and more.
Are you a member? Please log in above to access your member exclusive content!
Other Ways to Support Our Work At MIRC
Member Exclusive Content Below
- Thoughts & Analysis - Favorite Features & Potential Downsides
- Deep Dive
- Hardware Notes
- 5G Device
- Testing Notes
- Retired Models
- Summary
Purchasing Options
Purchasing Links & Disclaimer
We don't sell stuff, we are primarily member funded. Some links below may be affiliate links (see our disclaimer), which also helps fund MIRC.
The vendors displayed below provide larger discounts to our MIAs that we have negotiated instead of displaying affiliate links while they are logged in.
MIA Discounts - Learn & Save!
Our Mobile Internet Aficionados (MIA) get special discounts from the below vendors. Members please check for discount codes before ordering. With savings up to 11% off, you could save more than your membership cost!
Affiliate vendor link - using this link helps support MIRC's mission (MIAs, please log in to get special discounts):
Routers can serve as a central conductor of your local area network in your RV and boat. Mobile routers are different from residential routers in that they typically support multiple internet sources like cellular and Wi-Fi, can be powered off of 12v or AC and support external antenna for better receiving signal.
But you might not need a router in your setup. Here's a quick video overview the variety that routers come in:
For more on learning about mobile routers and how they might fit in your setup, follow up with our educational resources:
Mobile Internet Resource Center was founded by Chris & Cherie of 