Do you really need a hotspot, or can you rely solely on your smartphone?

It depends. If you’re on the go and need an internet connection for multiple gadgets, a hotspot is for you. Your smartphone could be used to connect devices, but your phone will present limitations in regard to battery, the number of devices, and network coverage.

Are hotspots expensive?

Hotspots don’t have to cost an arm and leg. Hardware and data packages differ according to factors like performance, carriers, size, and more. Prices run the gamut and you’re sure to find one that fits your budget. Regardless of your plan, most carriers allow you to add more data if needed.

Will strangers be able to connect to your hotspot?

The same protections afforded by your home Wi-Fi are available for your mobile hotspot. Security tools like WEP and WPA encryption will provide you with wireless security to keep your hotspot safe from hackers and Wi-Fi moochers. Once you enable your security and set a password, you’ll be protected. Read more about securing your hotspot here .

The 5 Best Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots of 2023

Wi-Fi or mobile hotspots quickly and inexpensively connect your devices to the internet. Hotspots are relatively small and portable, perfect for anyone on the go.

You can use your phone as a hotspot, but that's susceptible to disruptions from bandwidth limitations, and you are destined to overload and eventually kill your battery.

We've taken the guesswork out for your Wi-Fi hotspot purchase and researched the best ones to suit your desires.

The Rundown

Best Overall:

Skyroam Solis Lite at Amazon

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Best International:

GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot at Amazon

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Best Unlocked:

KuWFi 4G LTE Unlocked Hotspot at Amazon

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Best for AT&T Users:

Netgear Nighthawk MR1100 at Amazon

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Best 5G Hotspot:

Inseego 5G MiFi M2000 Hotspot at T-mobile.com

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in this article

Our Picks
What to Look for in a Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot
FAQ

Amazon

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What We Like

Long-lasting battery
Affordably priced plans
Fast data speeds

What We Don't Like

Expensive hardware setup
Unreliable USB-C connectivity

The Skyroam Solis Lite is perfect for world travelers, due to its easy setup and unlimited data. The device allows users to receive 4G LTE mobile Wi-Fi speeds in more than 135 countries. The Solis’ reach includes North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. While you hop from country to country, you don’t have to worry about locating and purchasing local SIM cards. Instead of a traditional SIM card, the Solis is based on the patented vSIM technology. Not only can you take this hotspot across the globe, but the unit also can connect up to 10 devices at once. With an impressive 6,000mAh power bank, the Solis provides 16 hours of battery life. While you’re working off the speedy Wi-Fi, you also can charge your mobile devices, as the unit includes a USB-C connection.

The flexibility of the network is just as flexible as the Solis’ data plans. Since Skyroam doesn’t offer contracts, users can purchase data by the day, month, or gigabyte. Plans are available for the United States and for the globe, ranging from $9/day to $99/month. If you prefer to purchase data by the gigabyte, Skyroam offers a Go Data plan, which gives users 1GB of data use per month for just $6. Many reviewers expressed that the data gets easily consumed when multiple devices are connected, or when performing data-heavy activities. Fortunately, if you need more data, you can purchase more data for only $6. For most carriers, domestic or otherwise, $6 is considerably cheaper than roaming charges.

Amazon

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What We Like

Dependable coverage and speed
Extensive battery life
Data plan options

What We Don't Like

Speed caps
Spotty network connections

If you’re looking to travel, the GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE mobile hotspot is the best way to stay connected wherever you’re located. With GlocalMe’s cloud SIM technology, travelers aren’t bound by a particular network. Specifically, hotspot users can access the internet with a local SIM card in over 100 countries. Although the hotspot is compatible with any local SIM card, GlocalMe invites travelers to use its own networks with 1GB of free data. Users are able to use that data anywhere the device has a signal.

Despite the G4’s reach, the hotspot provides only 50Mbps max upload speed and 150Mbps download speed. While the speeds aren’t the fastest available, they're enough to make calls, send texts, check emails, and peruse the World Wide Web. In addition to connecting with family and friends, users can connect up to five devices at once.

The G4’s built-in 3,900mAh battery provides almost two days of battery life. When charged, the hotspot can be used in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, and anywhere in Africa. To avoid wasting data and shelling out more money than necessary, GlocalMe offers data packages with competitive pricing. The company’s pay-as-you-go plans eliminate the need to purchase local SIM cards. Plans range from $36 to $99.

Amazon

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What We Like

Excellent browsing speeds
Compact design

What We Don't Like

Short battery life
Restricted to domestic networks

KuWFi's 4G LTE Unlocked Hotspot is one of the most economical options on the market, as it’s priced under $100. While the hotspot won’t hurt your pockets, it may not be the most pleasing on the eyes. The overall design of the KuWFi has been described as “childish” and “quirky.” Irrespective of the appearance, the hotspot is extremely versatile and provides notable browsing speeds. In particular, the unlocked KuWFi is compatible with a number of SIM cards such as 4G LTE Sprint 2500 MHz, Redzone Wireless, SpeedConnect, UScellular, and AT&T.

The KuWFi’s performance is outstanding for the price and size of the hotspot. For example, the unit connects via 802.11n, which offers peak speeds of 150Mbps. Having a KuWFi is comparable to having an entry-level, at-home router in your pocket. The hotspot is the perfect travel companion as it weighs in at 6 ounces and sports a super-slim profile. You can fit the KuWFi in your pocket, purse, or backpack without issue. Not to mention, you can connect up to 10 devices at once. While bandwidth will inevitably decrease with each device, the performance specifications are extraordinary.

Netgear Nighthawk MR1100 Mobile Hotspot 4G LTE Router

Amazon

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What We Like

Stellar performance
Excellent battery life
Ethernet connectivity

What We Don't Like

Heavy, so not as portable
Lackluster display

Once you get past the shock of the Nighthawk M1's price, you’ll understand that it’s worth every penny. As AT&T’s first gigabit LTE hotspot, the Nighthawk is the fastest hotspot available. In addition to speedy network connections, the hotspot doubles as a travel router and backup battery. Although referred to as a travel router, the Nighthawk is larger in size than most hotspots. The device weighs almost 9 ounces and is 4 inches in both height and width. Moreover, the display screen is clean, allowing for an easy setup.

Despite its large size, the Nighthawk runs on a 5,040mAh battery that provides a day of use. The durable battery can support up to 20 devices. To provide even greater connectivity, the Nighthawk has Ethernet and USB Type-A and -C connectors. With the inclusion of the Ethernet port, users can establish a Wi-Fi source from a wired connection. If you find yourself needing more, such as onboard storage, you can upgrade the device with 512 MB of additional storage.

To lessen the price tag's brunt, AT&T offers an install agreement. If a user signs up for a 30-month agreement, the carrier allows users to pay off the Nighthawk for less than $9 per month.

Inseego

View On T-mobile.com

What We Like

Lightening connectivity speeds
Ability to support 30 devices

What We Don't Like

Large in size
Very expensive

Whether you need a hotspot for travel or for home internet access, T-Mobile’s first dedicated hotspot for its 5G network has you covered. The 5G MiFi M2000 Hotspot supports various bands such as low-band 5G, mid-band 5G, and 7-band aggregation for the carrier’s 4G LTE network. Speeds will differ depending on your location. For instance, users in urban areas will experience speeds between 300 to 500Mbps, while rural users will experience 4G LTE speeds. Even with the differences in speed, this hotspot offers high-quality connectivity to a reliable network.

While T-Mobile offers a variety of hotspots, the M2000 is by far its best performing device. Even when operating in 4G mode, the hotspot is about 10 times faster than the carrier’s other hotspots. Not only is the M2000 extremely fast, but its battery life is also lengthy with a capacity of 24 hours. The large 5,000mAh battery can support up to 30 devices.

Considering the available networks, speeds, and power to sustain 30 devices, it’s clear the M2000 is perfect for home use or those on the go. Due to the M2000 being roughly 6 inches in height and weighing over 7 ounces, the hotspot may be more suitable for the house instead of your carry-on luggage. For those who wanted to stay connected at home, T-Mobile offers a 100GB service plan.

What to Look for in a Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot

Network

Your hotspot won’t be as convenient as you need it to be if you can’t connect to a dependable network. Mobile hotspots operate on existing cellular networks. As a result, you want to ensure the location where you’re going to use the hotspot has reliable service. All carriers are not created equally as some carriers work well in urban areas but not rural areas and others work well in rural areas but not urban areas. Regardless of the device you choose, selecting a device compatible with AT&T or Verizon is a safe bet.

Battery Life

Hotspots are often used to support multiple devices and for extended periods of time, so battery life is critical. Whether you need your hotspot during the workday or on a long road trip, you need to make sure it has the battery life to cope. Some devices even have large enough batteries to serve as a power bank. Most batteries range between eight and 48 hours. Some even allow for users to upgrade their device’s battery.

International Use

If you’re planning to stay within the U.S., this section doesn’t apply to you. However, if you’re an international traveler, you may be more inclined to select a device that won’t break the bank. In researching hotspots, make sure you know which countries the device will work in and how much data plans will cost you.

FAQ

Do you really need a hotspot, or can you rely solely on your smartphone?

It depends. If you’re on the go and need an internet connection for multiple gadgets, a hotspot is for you. Your smartphone could be used to connect devices, but your phone will present limitations in regard to battery, the number of devices, and network coverage.
Are hotspots expensive?

Hotspots don’t have to cost an arm and leg. Hardware and data packages differ according to factors like performance, carriers, size, and more. Prices run the gamut and you’re sure to find one that fits your budget. Regardless of your plan, most carriers allow you to add more data if needed.
Will strangers be able to connect to your hotspot?

The same protections afforded by your home Wi-Fi are available for your mobile hotspot. Security tools like WEP and WPA encryption will provide you with wireless security to keep your hotspot safe from hackers and Wi-Fi moochers. Once you enable your security and set a password, you’ll be protected. Read more about securing your hotspot here.