Whether you’re handling navigation, keeping your social media up to date, or needing to catch up on work, traveling can take its toll on your phone battery, especially if you’re using data. That’s why a portable Wi-Fi hotspot is an essential travel gear for digital nomads and remote workers.
Hotspots connect to cellular networks for high-speed data, allowing you to extend your connection time and provide access for kids, coworkers, or anyone else you’re traveling with. That means more data for more devices, a big benefit when you need to keep track of flight schedules, meeting times, or are simply in the middle of nowhere.
“Portable hotspots use data just like your cell phone, and coverage will vary depending on your carrier and the coverage they offer in your area,” says Thomas Walker, mobile expert at Best Buy. “Hotspots require data, so you’ll need a plan. Keep this in mind when considering purchasing a portable hotspot. If you’re in an area with low coverage, for example, you may experience slower speeds for connected devices.”
Sure, your smartphone may have a hotspot mode, but roaming charges can balloon your bill before you’ve even sent a few emails. Wi-Fi hotspots offer a flexible alternative without having to worry about data caps.
With a Wi-Fi hotspot, you’ll never have to struggle with spotty connections at airports, hotels, or random stores again. But be sure to check before you buy one, as portable Wi-Fi hotspots may only be available in the U.S. or with certain carriers, depending on your carrier.
With all this in mind, here are seven of the best portable Wi-Fi hotspots for travelers who need to stay connected on the go.
This relatively new product from Solis really does have it all. It supports 4G LTE and 5G speeds in over 135 countries around the world and can operate up to 16 devices simultaneously. The touch screen lets you view connected devices, battery level, and other vital statistics. Solis offers a variety of prepaid plans to choose from, ranging from day passes to monthly unlimited data plans. They also include 1GB of global data every month with all new device purchases.
This affordable hotspot from Solis supports 4G LTE networks in over 135 countries. Like the higher-end model above, it includes 1GB of free mobile data per month. It supports up to 10 devices at once and has flexible data packages, including day passes and monthly plans. Note that the lifetime 1GB per month plan is only included if you purchase it on the Solis website or on Amazon.
This hotspot from RoamFi is affordable, offers plenty of high-speed data both at home and abroad, and comes in a bright summer sorbet color. Out of the box, it includes 10GB for use in the US and 1GB for travel in any of 160 countries. It’s perfect for family road trips, as you can share data with up to five devices, especially with the guaranteed 18-hour battery life.
This touchscreen hotspot lets you connect up to 10 devices simultaneously from almost anywhere in the world (140+ countries, to be exact). It also doubles as a power bank for your other devices and supports 4G LTE with download speeds of up to 150 megabits per second. Data plans can be purchased from the GlocalMe website.
The Netgear Nighthawk supports 4G LTE networks (not 5G) and is carrier unlocked, so you can use it on your preferred network, both domestically and internationally. Netgear says it works best with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Google Fi. It also has an Ethernet port, so you can connect it wired to your laptop or other devices for faster speeds.
With 5G and 4G LTE connectivity and the ability to connect as many as 30 devices with Wi-Fi 6 technology, this is the perfect affordable hotspot for family reunions or group business trips. Reviewers praise the easy-to-use interface, all-day battery life, and built-in Ethernet port for even more versatility. However, this device only works with T-Mobile hotspot plans, so be sure to double-check your plan before purchasing.
While it’s not as new as many of the other models and doesn’t support 5G, it does have one of the largest and most reliable LTE networks, ensuring fast data speeds wherever you are. It also offers better and cheaper data plans than many other models, which is why it made it onto this list.
Yes, many providers offer unlimited data plans, but prices and speeds vary. For example, Solis offers a day pass with 24-hour unlimited data for $9, which can be used in over 135 countries, but speeds may vary depending on data usage. You can also purchase monthly unlimited plans.
You may also find unlimited data plans offered by local carriers in your destination. Make sure these plans are compatible with your mobile hotspot before purchasing a plan.
Many hotspots work with Google Fi, but you should do your own research to make sure any hotspot you own or plan to buy is carrier unlocked and compatible with your network. If it is, you can request a data-only SIM card from Google Fi to add to your plan.
Depending on your mobile carrier, you may be able to use your smartphone’s mobile hotspot feature abroad, but if your plan doesn’t include international data, you may incur expensive roaming charges, and even if it does, your plan may not allow international mobile hotspot access.
To cut down on these charges, consider purchasing an international eSIM, which gives you access to local data plans around the world and can be purchased from a variety of marketplaces, such as Aialo.
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