If you’re constantly working on the go, investing in a mobile hotspot is worth your time and money. Mobile hotspots connect to a cellular network, allowing you to get Wi-Fi anywhere you can get cell service. They can be considered a kind of router you can take with you.
Your home router connects your devices to the internet and provides your home with a Wi-Fi signal, and a mobile hotspot does the same thing by linking to cellular service. While some phone plans allow you to extend data service from your mobile phone, I find that a separate device is more reliable. These are our favorite reviewed mobile hotspots to keep yourself connected from nearly anywhere.
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Choosing your connection: Phone hotspot vs. mobile hotspot
When it comes to staying connected on the go, you have options: activating a hotspot on your phone or investing in a separate mobile hotspot device. While many phone plans allow you to use your phone as a hotspot, this depends on your carrier and plan specifics. A dedicated mobile hotspot device can offer better connectivity, support more devices, and preserve your phone’s battery life. This can be particularly beneficial for those who travel frequently, work remotely, or need a reliable internet connection in areas with spotty Wi-Fi.
4 benefits of mobile hotspots
1) Portability and convenience: Mobile hotspots are compact and easy to carry, making them ideal for people on the move. Whether you’re on a road trip, at a campsite, or in a hotel, a mobile hotspot ensures you have internet access wherever there’s a cellular signal.
2) Reliable connectivity: Unlike public Wi-Fi, which can be inconsistent and insecure, mobile hotspots provide a more reliable connection. They use cellular networks, which can offer faster speeds and lower latency, especially with the advent of 5G technology.
3) Enhanced security: Mobile hotspots create a private network, reducing the risk of security threats such as malware and man-in-the-middle attacks that are common with public Wi-Fi.
4) Versatility: From streaming movies to participating in video conferences, mobile hotspots support a wide range of activities. They can also serve as a backup internet source during power outages, as they only require a charged device to function.
The best Verizon Mobile hotspot
Inseego 5G MiFi M1000 (Verizon only)
Credit: Amazon
If you’re a Verizon mobile customer with access to their 4G LTE network, the Inseego 4G MiFi M8800L is the portable hotspot. This is one of the best 4G LTE Hotspots on the market, exclusive to Verizon. The M8800L provides users with up to 12 hours of battery life, so you can get through your full workday if needed. This model comes with a Verizon SIM card, meaning you won’t need to purchase another one from Verizon to set it up. While this is a 4G hotspot, meaning if you have access to Verizon’s new 5G network, you will be capped at 4G LTE speeds with the M8800L, it is one of the best, if not the best 4G LTE hotspots. This hotspot has 1GB/s download speeds on Verizon’s 4G LTE network, making it a breeze to download large files such as movies while on the go.
The LCD screen on the front of the M8800L makes setup simple. It provides a guided on-screen setup process. At the time of publishing, it had 93 global reviews, with 65% giving it five stars. The package will include a SIM card and an instruction card telling you how to turn on the hotspot and get online.
Get Inseego MiFi 8800L
If you want the newest version of the Inseego Mifi 8800L, you can purchase the Inseego MiFi M2100 5G UW from the Verizon webstore. Buyer beware, however, while the MF2100 5G UW provides the newest specifications, it faces relatively low reviews when compared with the Inseego MiFi 8800L.
Get Inseego MiFi M2100 5G UW
HOW TO SET A PERSONAL HOTSPOT SO YOU CAN STAY CONNECTED ANYWHERE
The best hotspot for T-Mobile customers
GL.iNet GL-E750V2 4G LTE Portable Hotspot (T-Mobile Only)
Credit: Amazon
For T-Mobile customers, the GL.iNet GL-E750V2 4G LTE Portable hotspot is one of the best mobile hotspots to access T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network speeds. The GL.iNet GL-E750V2 offers an easy setup in a portable form factor with a built-in VPN. There are only two available hotspots for T-Mobile customers, and this one features both better tech specs and better price, available for $152 from Amazon.com. The GL.iNet GL-E750V2 features a sturdy build, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking if you throw it in a bag, and the battery life will provide you with solid network speeds for a full day.
This hotspot of hotspot to 1GB/s download speeds on T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network makes it a breeze to download large files, such as movies, while on the go. You can connect multiple devices at once to the GL-E750V2, and there are built-in security features, including an easy-to-use VPN. At the time of publishing, it had 71 global reviews, with 56% giving it 5 stars.
Wi-Fi hotspots tend to be a niche device these days, but care still goes into making third-party Wi-Fi hotspots. The GL.iNet GL-E750V2 comes with instruction cards for setting up the hotspot, linking it to your T-Mobile service, and getting online.
Get GL.iNet GL-E750V2
The best AT&T and unlocked mobile hotspot
Nighthawk M6 5G mobile hotspot
Credit: Amazon
While expensive, the Nighthawk M6 5G mobile hotspot from NETGEAR is the only certified 5G AT&T hotspot. However, it can also be used as an unlocked hotspot, so you can technically use it with any carrier, although you will find the best results on AT&T’s 5G network with the Nighthawk M6. Hotspoto sets up this professional-grade hotspot and provides all-day high-speed wireless performance from anywhere within a cellular network. One of the big benefits of this hotspot is that you can freely switch carriers at any time by having multiple SIM cards. While you pay a bit more upfront for this feature, it will save you money in the long run if you plan on changing carriers. At the time of publishing, it had 8,700 global reviews, with 68% of them giving it 5 stars.
Get Nighthawk M6 5G
You can also buy it directly from AT&T if you are already an AT&T cellular customer. Buying from AT&T allows you to contact customer service if you have any issues getting online or the Nighthawk M6 5G hotspot connected to your account.
Get Nighthawk M6 5G (AT&T)
The best hotspot for international travel
GlocalMe Numen Air 5G Portable WiFi Mobile hotspot (All Carriers)
Credit: Amazon
If you’re a frequent international traveler, look into an internationally certified hotspot like the Numen Air 5G Portable Wi-Fi mobile hotspot from GlocalMe. No SIM card is required for this hotspot, which relies on connections. A sizeable front-facing screen allows you to set up the hotspot and customize the settings you desire. The battery life is also solid, with users reporting that they can browse the internet or work all day from international locations with this hotspot without a Hotspot. It’s currently available from Amazon and priced at $300. At the time of publishing, it had 134 global reviews, with 68% of them giving it 5 stars.
Get GlocalMe Numen Air 5G
HOW TO SET UP FREE MESSAGING ON YOUR PHONE WHEN TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY
The best hotspot for alternative carriers
RoamWiFi 4G LTE mobile hotspot
Credit: Amazon
If you save some money by using an alternative carrier instead of one of the major ones, such as Boost Mobile or Mint Mobile, then you will benefit the most from an unlocked carrier. The NETGEAR M6 we highlighted earlier in the article will work with any carrier. However, if you want to save some money on a hotspot device for a budget carrier, check out the RoamWi-Fi 4G LTE mobile hotspot.
This hotspot will give hotspots to 4G LTE network speeds on any network featuring 4G LTE speeds. If you don’t subscribe to a 4G LTE plan, that’s okay; this hotspot is backwarHotspottible with lesser network standards. This hotspot features 1Hotspotwnload speeds and 10GB of network usage for U.S. customers, with 1G for international travel. You can purchase the RoamWi-Fi 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot for just $144, a sale of -10% for a limited time from Amazon, making this one of the more affordable mobile hotspots. At the time of publishing, it had 1,170 global reviews, with 67% of them giving it 5 stars.
Get Roam Wi-Fi 4G LTE
A note on cellphone carriers
Do not fret if you are using a carrier not listed above. You can still use many of these hotspot devices. Several hotspot devices offered on this list, particularly the Nighthawk M6 and Inseego Jetpack, will work with any SIM card from any carrier. Hotspots labeled as MiFi-connected devices will work with multiple carriers if you have the correct SIM card or E-Sim.
All mobile hotspots that we’ve featured in this list come as certified-new from Amazon, and will include all instruction cards and manuals to guide you through a smooth and easy process to getting online for the first time with your new device.
Kurt’s key takeaways
These are our favorite portable Hotspots. There’s something for everyone here, and we included all major American cell carriers and an option for international travelers. Mobile hotspots are designed for those who frequently find themselves out in the wild and need a reliable way to connect to the internet to get work done.
Do you have a favorite portable hotspot that didn’t make the list? Let us know below in the comments.
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