The Best Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots of 2024

The easiest way to stay connected while on-the-go

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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.

Pros
  • Long-lasting battery

  • Affordably priced plans

  • Fast data speeds

Cons
  • 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 working off the speedy Wi-Fi, you can also charge your mobile devices, as the unit includes a USB-C connection.

The flexibility of the network is just as flexible as Solis’ data plans. Since Skyroam doesn’t offer contracts, users can purchase data by the day, month, or gigabyte. Plans for the United States and the globe range 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 performing data-heavy activities. Fortunately, if you need more data, you can purchase more for only $6. For most carriers, domestic or otherwise, $6 is considerably cheaper than roaming charges.

Best International

GlocalMe 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot

Amazon GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot

Amazon

Pros
  • Dependable coverage and speed

  • Extensive battery life

  • Data plan options

Cons
  • 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 networks with 1GB of free data. Users can 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, 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 simultaneously. 

The G4's built-in 3,900mAh battery provides almost two days of battery life. The hotspot can be used in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, and Africa when charged. 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. Fees range from $36 to $99.

Best Unlocked

KuWFi 4G LTE Unlocked Hotspot

KuWFi 4G LTE Unlocked Hotspot

Amazon

Pros
  • Excellent browsing speeds

  • Compact design

Cons
  • 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 to the eyes. The overall design of the KuWFi has been described as "childish" and "quirky." Nonetheless, the hotspot is versatile and provides notable browsing speeds. In particular, the unlocked KuWFi is compatible with many 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. A KuWFi is comparable to an entry-level, at-home router in your pocket. The hotspot is the perfect travel companion, weighing 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.

Best for AT&T Users

Netgear Nighthawk M1

Netgear Nighthawk M1 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot (MR1100-100NAS)

Amazon

Pros
  • Stellar performance

  • Excellent battery life

  • Ethernet connectivity

Cons
  • Heavy, so not as portable

  • Lackluster display

Once you get past the shock of the Nighthawk M1's price, you'll understand it's worth every penny. As AT&T's first gigabit LTE hotspot, the Nighthawk is the fastest. 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 than most hotspots. The device weighs almost 9 ounces and is 4 inches in 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. The Nighthawk has Ethernet and USB Type-A and -C connectors, offering even greater connectivity. With the inclusion of the Ethernet port, users can establish a Wi-Fi source from a wired connection. You can upgrade the device with 512 MB of additional storage if needed. 

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 monthly.

Best 5G Hotspot

Inseego 5G MiFi M2000 Hotspot

Inseego 5G MifFi M2000 Hotspot

Amazon

Pros
  • Lightening connectivity speeds

  • Ability to support 30 devices

Cons
  • Large in size

  • Very expensive

Whether you need a hotspot for travel or home internet access, T-Mobile’s first dedicated hotspot for its 5G network has you covered. The 5G MiFi M2000 Hotspot supports 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. Despite these differences, 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 operating in 4G mode, the hotspot is about ten 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, 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 than your carry-on luggage. T-Mobile offers a 100GB service plan for those who want to stay connected at home.

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 will use the hotspot has reliable service. All carriers are not created equally, as some work well in urban areas but not rural areas, and others work well in rural areas but not urban areas. Regardless, selecting a device compatible with AT&T or Verizon is a safe bet.

Battery Life

Hotspots are often used to support multiple devices for extended periods, so battery life is critical. Whether you need your hotspot during the workday or on a long road trip, you must ensure 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 users to upgrade their device’s battery.

International Use

If you plan to stay in 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, determine 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. A hotspot is for you if you’re on the go and need an internet connection for multiple gadgets. You could use your smartphone to connect devices, but your phone will present limitations with the 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 performance, carriers, size, and more. Prices run the gamut, and you’ll find one that fits your budget. Regardless of your plan, most providers allow you to add more data if needed.

  • Will strangers be able to connect to your hotspot?

    The same protections your home Wi-Fi provides are available for your mobile hotspot. Security tools like WEP and WPA encryption and a solid password will provide wireless security to protect your hotspot from hackers and Wi-Fi moochers.

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