Mobile hotspots create a small Wi-Fi network that allows you to connect multiple devices to the internet anywhere that you have a cell signal, but figuring out which to get can be confusing. PCMag has been reviewing mobile hotspots for more than 15 years , so you can trust that our coverage is accurate and informed. Our current Editors' Choice winners are the Franklin Wireless JEXtream RG 5G for T-Mobile and the Orbic Speed 5G UW for Verizon thanks to their consistent performance and easy-to-use interfaces, but the other models on this list are also worth considering. Make sure to click through to our full reviews and read to the end for a detailed guide that explains everything you need to know about choosing a hotspot and deciding whether tethering is a viable option for your needs.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best T-Mobile Hotspot
Franklin Wireless JEXtream RG 5G Mobile Hotspot (T-Mobile)
4.0 Excellent
-
Consistent and fast network speeds
-
Intuitive web interface
-
Easy setup
-
Sturdy build
-
No Wi-Fi 6E
-
Lacks an Ethernet port
-
No antenna ports
Service Provider
T-Mobile
Wireless Specification
Wi-Fi 6
Number of Devices Supported
20
Battery Life
13 hours, 30 minutes
The Franklin Wireless JEXtream RG 5G Mobile Hotspot offers an easy setup process, excellent data speeds, and impressive battery life. T-Mobile sells just two 5G mobile hotspots and this happens to be the one with the best performance and lowest price.
This is the hotspot to buy if you're in an area with a strong T-Mobile 5G signal and need top-notch Wi-Fi performance for several devices.
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$129.99 Amazon
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Franklin Wireless JEXtream RG 5G Mobile Hotspot (T-Mobile) Review
Best Verizon Hotspot
Orbic Speed 5G UW Mobile Hotspot (Verizon)
4.0 Excellent
-
Only hotspot that works with Verizon's latest 5G
-
Clear, simple on-screen interface
-
Ethernet port for network output
-
No external antenna ports
-
Big and heavy
-
Battery life is short on fastest 5G
Service Provider
Verizon Wireless
Wireless Specification
Wi-Fi 6
Number of Devices Supported
30
Battery Life
11 hours 45 minutes
The Orbic Speed 5G UW Mobile Hotspot supports up to 30 simultaneous device connections and works with all the major Verizon 5G bands, including 2/5/48/66/77/78/257/260/261. It delivered download speeds of around 600Mbps during our tests at a location with a robust 5G signal, though we're slightly disappointed by its relative bulk and lack of external antenna ports. The touch screen is quite convenient, however.
If you live in an area where Verizon 5G is prevalent, the Orbic is a good choice. That said, Verizon now sells newer models with more recent modems. For instance, whereas this Orbic model uses Qualcomm's X55 radio, the Inseego MiFi X Pro 5G UW runs on the Snapdragon X62/X65 platform. We look forward to testing it.
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$299.99 Verizon
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Orbic Speed 5G UW Mobile Hotspot (Verizon) Review
Best Unlocked Hotspot
Netgear Nighthawk M6 (Unlocked)
3.5 Good
-
Work on multiple carriers
-
Supports sub-6GHz/mid-band 5G
-
Easily adjustable settings
-
Unimpressive battery life
-
No mmWave 5G
-
Expensive
Service Provider
Unlocked
Wireless Specification
Wi-Fi 6
Number of Devices Supported
32
Battery Life
7 hours, 17 minutes
We liked the Netgear Nighthawk M6's vibrant touch screen and SIM-swapping flexibility, though middling battery life and missing mmWave 5G support are both downsides. If those are vital to you, the unlocked M6 Pro adds mmWave 5G support and Wi-Fi 6E.
If you don't want to commit to a carrier or frequently need to change SIM cards for travel, this hotspot is ideal. You pay a bit more for the ability to switch providers at will, however, so you can save money by choosing a carrier-specific model.
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$629.99 Amazon
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Netgear Nighthawk M6 (Unlocked) Review
Best AT&T Hotspot
Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro (AT&T)
Most of what we said about the unlocked Nighthawk M6 applies to the Nighthawk M6 Pro. It's more affordable because it ties you to AT&T, which is a fair trade-off if you live in an area with good AT&T 5G coverage. As for other highlights, it works with up to 32 devices simultaneously and supports the critical n77 band for access to AT&T's 3.45GHz network (which uses the company's most advanced 5G technology).
If you don't want to compromise on performance and know AT&T is the right carrier for you, this model is a much better value than the unlocked Nighthawk M6. It gets you access to 5G+ (AT&T's mmWave coverage) and supports faster Wi-Fi 6E.
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$321.99 Best Buy
$459.99 AT&T Wireless
Buying Guide: The Best Mobile Hotspots for
The Best Mobile Hotspot Plans
Hotspots are available from all three nationwide carriers as well as several virtual operators that use the larger carriers' networks. For instance, you can get hotspot plans from Boost (AT&T/Dish/T-Mobile), Cricket (AT&T), H2O (AT&T), Karma (T-Mobile), Metro (T-Mobile), Net10 (Verizon), and Simple Mobile (T-Mobile) among others.
Hotspot plans change all the time. On AT&T and Verizon, your best bet is to add a hotspot to your existing plan as a separate line. That gets you the most data for your dollar. If you add a hotspot onto an "unlimited" plan, you get up to 60GB of high-speed data with Verizon, 60GB with AT&T, and 50GB with T-Mobile. After that, the carriers deprioritize your data or throttle it unpredictably, depending on local network traffic.
Can Hotspots Replace Home Internet?
Hotspot plans aren't designed for primary home use. They cost much more per byte than a home DSL, cable, or fiber setup.
The median US home broadband subscriber uses more than 427GB of data per month, likely because of video streaming services such as Hulu and Netflix. All of those Zoom calls are also likely to eat up a data cap quickly. If your needs don't involve video or music streaming, a wireless hotspot might be a viable alternative for your home.
However, there is such a thing as wireless home internet, and it's different from hotspots. It relies on exterior antennas and larger, less portable routers that stay in one location. Recent wireless internet plans are more likely to have unlimited data than hotspot plans. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all sell wireless home internet plans in various parts of the country, as do a wide range of smaller, local wireless internet service providers (WISPs). Starlink is worth considering as well.
So, who's using hotspots? Traditionally, it was just road warriors&#;business people who needed reliable connections for multiple devices without draining their phones' batteries. Now, food trucks and other outdoor-dwelling small businesses use hotspots to light up their point-of-sale systems and get Seamless orders. Vacation home and RV owners might also use hotspots for part-time homesteads. And folks who can't get the carriers' dedicated wireless internet plans might still find they can fall back on hotspots.
What's the Best Hotspot Hardware?
The three big carriers are near the end of the first major phase of their 5G rollouts and in many cases, network capabilities have now outstripped the quality of older hotspots running on them. That means recent phones will get better speeds than older hotspots.
Many high-quality hotspots have TS9 external antenna ports to help you improve your signal using inexpensive antennas you can purchase online. TS9 is standard, and these antennas cost much less than cellular signal boosters. Unfortunately, 5G hotspots that support mmWave generally don't have external antenna ports.
Ensure your hotspot supports 5GHz Wi-Fi, which is typically faster and less congested than 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Our picks typically support both 5GHz and 2.4GHz. Some hotspots support guest networks and access controls, such as MAC filtering and time-based limits. Those features are on pretty much all dedicated routers nowadays, but you can't necessarily take them for granted on mobile hotspots.
You can use hotspots that have big batteries as power banks to charge your . And some hotspots with microSD card slots can function as tiny servers for sharing media over Wi-Fi. That said, we've never found a real use for that media server functionality.
We really like the displays on the front of many current hotspots. They conveniently report the strength of your signal, your hotspot's name, data usage statistics, and the network password.
Should You Tether Your Instead of Using a Hotspot?
Keep in mind that a dedicated hotspot isn't the only option. Smartphones have a Wi-Fi hotspot mode, and if you have a 5G , you might get better performance in that mode than you would with a 4G hotspot. That said, phones support fewer devices at once, don't have as many network management features, and can run out of battery quite quickly.
To help narrow your decision, head to our explainer on the tethering vs. dedicated hotspot debate. And check out our tips on how to turn your into a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Beware: Overseas Surfing Will Cost You
US hotspots generally allow you to roam in Canada and Mexico, although rates might be high. Be sure to check with your carrier in advance to find out.
One of the only good unlocked hotspots with international bands available in the US is the Netgear Nighthawk M6, but it's quite expensive. If you plan to buy a local SIM to take advantage of lower local data rates, you may want to buy a cheap abroad and tether from it.
The best mobile hotspot in is more relevant than ever in today's fast-paced environment, and one can find a range of options offering fast, secure internet connectivity virtually anywhere around the globe. These devices are particularly vital for those needing a reliable and secure internet connection for business purposes, where using public Wi-Fi hotspots might pose security risks.
The advancement in mobile network technology means you no longer have to compromise on internet speed. With 4G, users can experience speeds that rival traditional broadband connections, especially in areas with strong network coverage. This ensures a smooth browsing experience, often surpassing the performance of free or shared Wi-Fi spots that typically come with data limits and heavy traffic.
Moreover, the expansion of 5G coverage is revolutionizing internet connectivity. 5G, the latest in mobile internet technology, offers speeds that not only match but often exceed those of broadband internet. This rapid pace of 5G adoption is gradually bringing more 5G mobile hotspots into the market. While the options are still growing, we include only the best in our list, ensuring they meet high standards of performance and reliability.
For those relying heavily on mobile data for work or personal use, the transition from 4G to 5G can be a game-changer. Some network providers are even offering upgrades from 4G to 5G contracts at no extra cost. Investing in one of the best 5G mobile hotspots could significantly enhance your productivity and internet experience.
As technology continues to evolve, we're also beginning to see the emergence of the best Wi-Fi 6E routers that feature 5G connectivity as well. These routers promise even faster and more efficient internet connectivity, making them an exciting development in the world of mobile hotspots. Stay tuned as we guide you through the best mobile hotspot options available in , helping you stay connected, secure, and productive wherever you go.
- We&#;ve also rounded up the best mobile broadband deals
- Check out the best powerline adapters for expanding your network
The best mobile hotspot of
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(Image credit: Inseego)
The Best mobile hotspot overall
1. Inseego 5G MiFi M
The best mobile hotspot for Verizon customers
Specifications
Speed:
5G LTE
Max number of devices:
15
Features:
Dual-band Wi-Fi, USB-C and Ethernet ports, 2.4-inch color touchscreen
Today's Best Deals
Inseego 5G MiFi M Hotspot
$27.08
/mth
Visit Siteat Verizon Wireless
Reasons to buy
+
Fast 5G
+
Good battery life
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Reasons to avoid
-
Verizon exclusive
If you're a Verizon customer who can get the company's 5G network, the great news is that the Inseego 5G MiFi M is your best 5G hotspot. It offers dual-band Wi-Fi support and includes USB-C and Ethernet tethering for devices requiring a wired connection.
The battery life is large enough to power you throughout the day and charges quickly. The only issue is that while this is great for Verizon customers if you're not with the network or live outside the US, this isn't the right choice for you - so check out our other picks below.
On the hunt for a new webcam for your next business meeting? Then make sure to check out our review of the best business webcams.
If you are a Verizon customer or looking to become one, you might be interested in our Verizon promo codes to save money on Verizon purchases.
(Image credit: HTC)
The Best 5G mobile hotspot
2. HTC 5G Hub
The best mobile hotspot out there for 5G
Specifications
Speed:
5G LTE
Max number of devices:
20
Features:
mAh battery, 802.11 a/b/g/b/ac/ad, microSD slot
Today's Best Deals
Check Amazon
Reasons to buy
+
Incredibly fast
+
Large battery life
Reasons to avoid
-
Expensive
-
5G not fully mainstream
The HTC 5G Hub is the best 5G mobile hotspot money can buy. Sure, there's not much competition out there now, as 5G is still relatively new, but HTC has come out of the gate with a winner.
EE, the UK's biggest network provider, offers data subscriptions with this hotspot.
It's not cheap &#; you pay £100 upfront and then £50 a month for 50GB of data &#; but you are getting a very accomplished kit.
It can handle up to 20 wireless devices connected simultaneously, which should be enough for most households, and an Ethernet port for wired devices.
A powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor powers the device, and a 5-inch HD touchscreen gives you all the information you need to keep an eye on your 5G network. It also has a large battery life that should keep you going while you're out and about.
(Image credit: Cliff Joseph // Future)
The Best mobile and Wi-Fi hotspot
3. Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro Wi-Fi Router
Fast and versatile router that offers 5G and WiFi 6E on all major carriers
Specifications
Speed:
5G LTE
Max number of devices:
Features:
Wi-Fi 6E,
Today's Best Deals
Check Amazon
Reasons to buy
+
Unlocked 5G
+
Wi-Fi 6E
+
2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port
+
All day battery life
Reasons to avoid
-
Really expensive
-
Might be overkill
This small, portable mobile router makes a great companion for business travelers and remote working. The M6 Pro is a beast of a hotspot that offers some of the latest and greatest features for staying connected on the go. The device comes unlocked for all major mobile networks and supports 5G data speeds with WiFi 6E connectivity.
The built-in battery provides about 13 hours of run time, plenty for a full day&#;s work, and offers 2.4GHz, 5.0GHz, and the new 6.0GHz frequency bands. Also included is a mains power adapter for working indoors near an outlet.
While it may be overkill for some, for those who need the fastest speeds and all-day connectivity, the Nighthawk M6 should jump to the top of your list.
Read the full review: Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro Wi-Fi Router
The Best 4G LTE hotspot
4. TP-Link M V4 4G LTE mobile hotspot
A great versatile pick with long battery life
Average Amazon review:
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Specifications
Speed:
4G LTE 150 Mbps
Max number of devices:
10
Features:
mAh battery, dual band WiFi, microSD slot
Reasons to buy
+
Dual band
+
Fast
Reasons to avoid
-
Bulkier than most hotspots
-
No wireless 802.11ac
The TP-Link M may be a little chunkier than some of the other top mobile hotspots on this list, but it remains an excellent mobile hotspot that supports both micro and nano SIM cards. This means it will almost certainly be compatible with your own SIM card.
It has a small display informing you about your connection and supports dual-band Wifi on both 2.4 and 5GHz. Up to 10 devices can access it simultaneously, and performance is very good on 4G LTE. It's also unlikely to run out of juice when you need it most, with a mAh battery that guarantees around eight hours of 4G connectivity.
Need some tips on sending large files without requiring bloated emails? Check out our list of the best ways to send large files in
The Best mobile hotspot in the UK
5. EE 4GEE WiFi Mini mobile hotspot
Best in the UK
Specifications
Speed:
4G LTE
Max number of devices:
10
Features:
mAh battery, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, various data plans
Today's Best Deals
Check Amazon
Reasons to buy
+
Compact
+
Good design
Reasons to avoid
-
Locked to EE network
-
Again, no wireless 802.11ac support
The EE 4GEE WiFi Mini is one of the better-looking mobile hotspot devices on this list, and its compact design means it can be easily carried around with you. The mAh offers up to 50 hours on standby and six hours when connected to the internet.
It can support up to 10 devices at once, but it doesn't have an LCD screen, like the TP-Link M, so it's not quite as user-friendly. You also need to use the EE network, which isn't too much of a hardship due to EE's coverage and fast 4G speeds, and the network offers a range of data plans to go alongside the EE 4GEE WiFi Mini.
However, if you want something more future-proof, check out the HTC 5G Hub at the top of this list of EE's best mobile hotspots.
Find the best EE deals with our EE promo codes.
Best mobile hotspot: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mobile hotspot?
A mobile hotspot can be plugged in almost anywhere to provide users with a mobile Wi-Fi network. It does so by connecting to a 4G or 5G data network and transmitting a secure Wi-Fi connection that can be used by a limited number of users who have required login details.
The best mobile hotspots: how to choose
There are several factors to consider when aiming to whittle down the choice of the best mobile hotspots to just one.
First, consider the reasons behind your interest. If security is a big concern - and with public Wi-Fi hotspots not usually secure and often unreliable, it certainly should be - then you might want to consider mobile hotspots that offer robust security features or additional ethernet ports. Speed should also be a consideration, and you might wish to purchase a hotspot that is 5G compatible when this becomes more prevalent.
Lastly, consider how many users the hotspot will have. If it's just you, you'll have a pick of the lot, but if you're in a business with upwards of ten users, you'll have a more limited selection.
The best mobile hotspots: How we test
On this page, we've looked at mobile hotspots that offer the best speed, the number of devices they can accommodate, and other key factors such as port availability and dual-band capability.
The 4G and 5G mobile hotspots we've listed are battery-powered modem routers that use a SIM card that connects to the internet via cellular data and broadcasts a secure Wi-Fi network to which you can connect your device.
Note that while we've analyzed and rated the technical performance of each hotspot, we haven't touched upon the running costs, which will vary according to your provider. As with smartphone SIM cards, you'll need a data contract and pay for the service, either a monthly rolling contract or a pay-as-you-go SIM, which can be a more affordable choice if you only need to use these devices sporadically.
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- Don't forget to check out the best wireless routers
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