Sure, you could use your phone as a hotspot, but you’d be susceptible to disruptions when connecting to a cellular network or due to bandwidth limitations. Your phone’s data primarily is used for calls, texts, email, and various mobile applications. By using your phone as a hotspot in addition to your typical data usage, you are destined to overload and eventually kill your battery. If you want a strong connection without sacrificing your phone, a mobile hotspot is ideal! The hotspot market has grown considerably in the past year, alone. For example, batteries have longer lifespans, 5G networks are more prevalent, download speeds are faster, and prices are reasonable. We’ve taken the guesswork out for your Wi-Fi hotspot purchase and researched the best ones available to suit your desires. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
