Mobile hotspots are handy devices that let you connect to the internet on the go. They create a Wi-Fi network using cellular data, allowing you to get online with laptops, tablets, or other devices when regular Wi-Fi isn’t available.
Mobile hotspots are great for travelers, remote workers, or anyone who needs internet access away from home.
A dedicated mobile hotspot device is different from using your phone as a hotspot. These small, portable gadgets are made just for sharing the internet. They often have longer battery life and can connect more devices than a phone hotspot. Some also have extra features like ethernet ports or the ability to share files between connected devices.
When picking a mobile hotspot, pay attention to battery life, connection speed, and how many devices it can support at once. The cellular network it uses is also important – make sure it works well in areas you’ll use it. Data plans and pricing are key factors too. You’ll want to find a balance between cost and the amount of data you need.
Best Mobile Hotspot Devices
You can stay connected on the go with a mobile hotspot device. These portable gadgets let you access the internet from almost anywhere. We’ve rounded up the top options to help you choose the right mobile hotspot for your needs.
Solis Lite Global Wi-Fi Hotspot
You should buy this hotspot if you need reliable internet while traveling abroad or in remote areas.
Pros
- Works in over 135 countries
- Built-in power bank
- Connects up to 10 devices
Cons
- Limited data with free plan
- Pricey data packages
- May have weak signal in some areas
The Solis Lite is a handy little device that fits in your pocket. It gives you internet access in many countries without needing to swap SIM cards. You can use it to get online with your phone, tablet, or laptop almost anywhere.
One cool thing about this hotspot is its built-in power bank. It can charge your phone while giving you internet. This is super helpful when you’re out all day and your phone battery is low. The Solis Lite’s battery lasts for about 16 hours, which is great for long trips.
You can share the internet with up to 10 devices at once. This is perfect for families or groups traveling together. The free data plan gives you 1GB per month, which is okay for basic stuff. But if you want to stream videos or do more online, you’ll need to buy extra data. The plans can be a bit costly, so keep that in mind.
Nighthawk M1 Mobile Hotspot
You should buy this mobile hotspot if you need fast, reliable internet on the go or as a backup for your home network.
Pros
- Super fast download speeds up to 1 Gbps
- Connects up to 20 devices at once
- Long-lasting battery for all-day use
Cons
- Pricey compared to other hotspots
- May not work with all carriers
- Setup can be tricky for some users
The Nighthawk M1 is a powerhouse of a mobile hotspot. You’ll be amazed at how fast your internet can be when you’re away from home. With download speeds up to 1 Gbps, you can stream, work, and browse without any lag.
This device is perfect for travel. You can connect up to 20 devices at once, so your whole family can use their gadgets on the road. The battery lasts all day on a single charge, which means you don’t have to worry about finding an outlet.
Setting up the Nighthawk M1 can be a bit tricky. You’ll need to make sure you have the right SIM card and data plan. It works best with AT&T and T-Mobile networks. Once you get it running, though, you’ll love how easy it is to change settings using the 2.4-inch screen.
TP-Link Nano Travel Router
You should buy this tiny router for its versatility and portability when traveling.
Pros
- Small and easy to carry
- Multiple modes for different uses
- Fast dual-band Wi-Fi
Cons
- Setup can be tricky
- May need external power source
- Limited range
This little gadget packs a big punch. It’s so small you can slip it in your pocket, making it perfect for trips. You’ll love how it creates a private Wi-Fi network in your hotel room or at a coffee shop.
Setting it up takes some work, but once you get it going, it’s quite useful. You can use it as a regular router, a Wi-Fi extender, or even to share files. The USB port lets you plug in a flash drive to share movies or photos with your devices.
The dual-band Wi-Fi is fast enough for streaming videos or having video calls. But keep in mind, the range isn’t huge. It’s best for small spaces like hotel rooms or RVs. You might need to plug it into a power bank or your laptop for longer use, as the battery life isn’t very long.
GlocalMe U3 Portable WiFi
This compact mobile hotspot offers worldwide connectivity without SIM cards, making it a good choice for frequent travelers.
Pros
- Works in 200+ countries
- Connects up to 10 devices
- Long battery life
Cons
- Data plans can be pricey
- Setup can be tricky
- Signal strength varies
The GlocalMe U3 is a handy little device that fits easily in your pocket. You can use it to get online in many countries without buying local SIM cards. It’s great for trips where you need to stay connected.
When you turn it on, it picks the best network in your area. You can connect your phone, laptop, and other gadgets to it. The battery lasts about 12 hours, so you can use it all day without charging.
You buy data plans through the GlocalMe app. The plans are flexible, but they can cost more than local SIM cards. Some users say it’s hard to set up at first. The signal can be weak in some places. But once you get it working, it’s a useful tool for staying online while you travel.
RoamFi Global Hotspot
You should buy this portable WiFi hotspot if you need reliable internet access while traveling or as a backup at home.
Pros
- Works in over 170 countries
- Connects up to 10 devices
- Long battery life
Cons
- Data plans can be expensive
- May have slow speeds in some areas
- Setup can be tricky for new users
The RoamFi Global Hotspot is a handy device for staying connected on the go. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket, making it perfect for trips. You can use it in many countries without changing SIM cards or paying high roaming fees.
This hotspot lets you connect up to 10 devices at once. It’s great for sharing internet with family or friends while traveling. The battery lasts a long time, so you don’t need to charge it often. This is helpful when you’re out all day exploring new places.
The device comes with some data included. You get 10GB for use in the US, Canada, and Mexico, plus 1GB for global use. This lasts for 30 days after you turn it on. If you need more data, you can buy extra plans through the app. The hotspot is easy to use – just turn it on and it connects to the internet automatically. If you have any problems, customer support is available 24/7 to help you out.
Franklin T9 Hotspot
You should buy this renewed Franklin T9 hotspot if you need an affordable 4G LTE device for on-the-go internet access.
Pros
- Fast 4G LTE speeds up to 150Mbps
- Supports multiple LTE bands
- Easy setup and use
Cons
- Renewed device may show signs of use
- Requires separate SIM card and data plan
- Battery life could be better
This Franklin T9 hotspot lets you connect your devices to the internet anywhere you have cell service. It’s super simple to use. Just pop in a SIM card, turn it on, and you’re ready to go.
The compact size makes it easy to toss in your bag.
In our tests, we got pretty good 4G LTE speeds. Web pages loaded fast and we could stream videos without much buffering.
The hotspot supports a bunch of LTE bands, so you get good coverage in most areas.
Keep in mind this is a renewed device, so it may not look brand new. Ours had some minor scuffs but worked perfectly fine.
You’ll need to buy your own SIM card and data plan to use it. The battery lasted us about 5-6 hours of steady use before needing a recharge.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a mobile hotspot device, keep these key factors in mind:
Data Plans
Look at the data plans offered. Compare costs, data limits, and speeds.
Some plans have unlimited data, while others cap usage.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for on-the-go use. Check how many hours the device can last on a single charge.
Longer battery life means more connectivity time.
Network Coverage
Make sure the hotspot works with your preferred carrier. Check coverage maps to ensure good service in areas you’ll use it most.
Number of Connections
Consider how many devices you’ll need to connect at once. Different hotspots support varying numbers of simultaneous connections.
Portability
Size and weight matter if you’ll carry the hotspot often.
Smaller, lighter devices are easier to transport but may have shorter battery life.
Speed
Look for devices that support the fastest available networks.
5G offers the quickest speeds where available, while 4G LTE is widely accessible.
Extra Features
Some hotspots offer extras like:
- SD card slots for file sharing
- Built-in VPN for security
- Touchscreens for easy management
Choose features that match your needs and budget.
By weighing these factors, you can pick a mobile hotspot that fits your needs.