The Best Mobile Hotspots of 2024
Get Wi-Fi on the go with one of these portable beauties.
Apr 19, 2024 | Share 
Brand Guides
-
Best overall hotspot
T-Mobile Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G$264.00- Most generous data plan
- Widest 5G availability
-
Best Verizon hotspot
Verizon Inseego MiFi M2100 5G UW$399.99- Intuitive touchscreen
- Long-lasting battery
-
Best AT&T hotspot
NETGEAR | Nighthawk M6 5G$148.00- Lots of features
- Easy usability
-
Best budget hotspot
Router Alcatel Link Hub 4G LTE$69.99- Affordable price
- Powerful battery
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Best global hotspot
Huawei E5577-320 4G LTE$79.00- Compatibility with global data plans
- Easy setup
Amazon.com prices as of 04/19/2024. See full disclaimer.
Data effective 04/19/2024. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
A mobile hotspots can help you connect to the internet when your out of office or away from home using safe, secure cellular data. Also called a Wi-Fi hotspots, the best mobile hotspots can connect up to 32 devices at a time with robust speeds of 150Mbps or more. You get the following benefits with a dedicated mobile hotspots (compared to the built-in hotspot on your smartphone):
- Longer battery life
- Connectivity for multiple devices at once
- Enhanced signal reliability
- Your choice of hotspot data plans from multiple major providers
We’ve done a ton of research into hotspots to help you find the best device for when you need Wi-Fi on the go. See our guide below for our top recommendations.
Our pick: Which mobile hotspot device is best?
T-Mobile’s Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G packs a huge punch for a fair price. It’s well designed and easy to use, has a long-lasting battery, and can connect up to 32 devices at a time. It also works over all 5G bands, making it extremely versatile and fast. Better yet, it’s powered with a standard USB-C charger and has a range of 35 square feet.
While not everyone needs a 5G hotspot, the MiFi X PRO’s Wi-Fi 6 capability means you get consistent speeds even when you’re connecting a lot of devices. And T-Mobile has the best hotspot data plans, with affordable rates and more data available any time you run out.
Looking for an easy way to test your hotspot speed?
Take our internet speed test or download our free mobile app to find out how fast your connection is—no matter where your travels take you.
The 6 best mobile hotspot devices
- Best overall (also, best T-Mobile and best 5G hotspot): T-Mobile Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G
- Best Verizon hotspot: Verizon Inseego MiFi M2100 5G UW
- Best AT&T hotspot: NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 5G WiFi 6 Mobile Router
- Best budget hotspot: Alcatel Link Hub 5G LTE
- Best hotspot for international travel: Huawei E5576-508
- Best user-friendly hotspot: GlocalMe G4 Pro
Best hotspot devices
| Best for | Product | Price | Connectivity | Max devices | Order online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | T-Mobile Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G | $264.00 | 5G (mmWave, C-band, sub–6GHz), 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 32 | View on T-Mobile |
| Best Verizon hotspot | Verizon Inseego MiFi M2100 5G UW | $399.99 | 5G (mmWave, sub–6GHz), 4G LTE, 802.11ac | 30 | View on Verizon |
| Best AT&T hotspot | NETGEAR | Nighthawk M6 5G | $148.00 | 5G, 802.11ac | 32 | View on Amazon |
| Best budget hotspot | Alcatel Link Hub 4G LTE | $69.99 | 4G LTE, 802.11bgn | 32 | View on Amazon |
| Best global hotspot | Huawei E5576-508 | $79.00 | 4G LTE, 802.11n | 10 | View on Amazon |
| Best user-friendly hotspot | GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router | $169.99 | 4G LTE, 802.11n | 10 | View on Amazon |
Data as of 4/19/2024. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Amazon.com Price as of 4/19/2024. See full disclaimer.
For the most part, you can buy a hotspot directly through your cell carrier. It’s easiest to buy the hotspot and add it as an extra line on your current phone plan. But you can also set up a plan on a different carrier just for the hotspot.
Some of these hotspots are available unlocked, so you can use them with multiple providers. Before ordering, make sure to check with your cell carrier first to ensure your hotspot will work on the plan you have.
Pro Tip:
You need a data plan to make your hotspot Wi-Fi work. Take a look at our guide to the best hotspot data plans to see which will work best with the hotspot you choose.
What should you look for in a mobile hotspot device?
You should look for a mobile hotspot device that gives you wide and reliable network coverage, has a battery that lasts at least 10 hours (but ideally more), and uses Wi-Fi 6 standards. Consider investing in a hotspot that gives you access to affordable data plans or —better yet— one you can unlock to use with multiple providers.
What the best hotspots can do:
- Work over a large nationwide cellular network (Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T)
- Have a long battery life (10 hours or more)
- Feature current Wi-Fi standards (802.11ac or 802.11ax/Wi-Fi 6)
- Include affordable data plan options
- Can be unlocked to use with multiple providers
Take a look at our hotspots specs and features section for more details on what makes a great hotspot shine.
When should you stick with your phone’s hotspot?
You should stick to using your phone’s hotspot if you’re on a budget or only need a hotspot once in a while. You’re also probably fine using a phone hotspot when you connect just one or two devices to hotspot Wi-Fi.
That’s because the vast majority of smartphones have a built-in hotspot function, and a lot of phone plans come with data you can use just for hotspots and tethering. If you don’t feel like going through all the trouble, you can always seek out free Wi-Fi at a public library, transit station, or even a public park.
Can you use a hotspot for home internet?
You can use a hotspot for home internet, but it’s not cheap and may not be super-reliable. That’s because mobile hotspot data tends to be pricey, and your connection is limited by how far you are from the nearest cell tower. However, mobile hotspots are the best way to get a secure, reliable connection in the following circumstances:
- You’re on the road a lot
- You need Wi-Fi for a vacation home
- You need internet access at a remote worksite
- You travel internationally
Mobile hotspot not cutting it? Enter your zip code to see a list of home internet options you can order today.
Best overall—T-Mobile Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G
Price: $264.00
Specs:
- Wireless connection: 5G (mmWave, C-band, sub–6GHz), 4G LTE
- Wi-Fi standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Ports: USB-C
- Connects up to 32 devices
Data as of 14/19/2024. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
T-Mobile’s Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G is the most well-rounded hotspot you can get. It comes at the lowest price out of all the major 5G hotspots and connects up to 32 devices—far more than a phone or 4G hotspot could handle. It connects uses Wi-Fi 6 to maintain strong and consistent Wi-Fi signals even when you’re using it with a large group. Plus, a USB-C cable means it’s easy to find a power source from anywhere.
The MiFi X PRO also comes with settings for guest networks, MAC filtering, and a security firewall—all of which you can adjust by logging into the mobile app or logging in to the device’s interface from your browser. Just as importantly, the hotspot’s data plans are cheap and flexible: T-Mobile’s data options start at just $5 per month, and you can add extra data any time you run out.
T-Mobile has the largest 5G network in the United States. A recent report from Opensignal shows it gets the fastest average 5G speeds compared to Verizon and AT&T. And the MiFi X PRO is compatible with all 5G bands—so you can count on getting the fastest speeds possible from this mini modern marvel.
Reasons to buy:
- Full 5G connectivity (including mmWave and C-band)
- Access to the nation’s largest 5G network
- 13-hour battery life
Reasons to avoid:
- No Wi-Fi 6E
Pro Tip:
Take our speed test to see how fast your hotspot really is. A 5G hotspot can give you much faster speeds than what you get on most 4G hotspots and smartphones.
Best Verizon hotspot—Inseego MiFi M2100 5G UW
Price: $399.99
Specs:
- Wireless connection: 5G (mmWave, sub–6GHz), 4G LTE
- Wi-Fi standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Connects up to 30 devices
- Ports: USB-C
Amazon.com Price as of 4/19/2024. See full disclaimer.
Verizon’s MiFi M2100 5G UW is compact but sturdily built, with a touchscreen that makes it easy to switch on and adjust configurations. It’s a bit pricey compared to T-Mobile’s flagship 5G hotspot, but it still has the right Wi-Fi standards and components to ensure a fast and reliable connection. You also get Ultra-Wideband 5G connectivity, which is faster than standard 5G.
The MiFi M2100 5G UW connects up to 30 devices, has a powerful battery, and comes with a USB-C port you can use to charge other phones and devices. You also get some great security settings, including the ability to set up a guest network for friends and other users.
Reasons to buy:
- Intuitive touchscreen
- 24-hour battery life
Reasons to avoid:
- No C-band support
- No Ethernet or antenna ports
Best AT&T hotspot—NETGEAR | Nighthawk M6 5G
Price: $148.00
Specs:
- Wireless connection: 5G
- Wi-Fi standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ac)
- Connects up to 32 devices
- Ports: USB-C, Ethernet, and TS9 (for antennas)
*Amazon.com price as of 4/19/2024. Read full disclaimer.
NETGEAR’s Nighthawk M6 5G Router isn’t as easy to use as the options we recommend for T-Mobile and Verizon users, but it’s a great option for AT&T customers. user friendly since it doesn’t have a touchscreen. You get both Ethernet and USB-C connection options, and speeds up to an incredible 3.6Gbps. That’s faster than almost any home internet plan we review!
Another big plus with the Nighthawk is that when your pair it with AT&T, you can get a ton of data. AT&T’s best hotspot service plan hooks it up with 100GB of data for $90 per month—that’s enough for heavy daily use for a week or light use for month. To get the plan, look for AT&T’s prepaid hotspot data plan.
Reasons to buy:
- Lots of features
- Dependable performance
Reasons to avoid:
- No touchscreen
- Bulky weight
Pro Tip:
You can buy the Nighthawk M6 5G unlocked on Amazon, which means you can use it even without an AT&T cellular plan.
Still, make sure to double-check that your provider will actually let you use the Nighthawk M6. Some T-Mobile customers have reported experiencing issues with the carrier blocking the device.
Best budget hotspot—Alcatel Link Hub 4G LTE
Price: $69.99
Specs:
- Wireless connection: 4G LTE
- Wi–Fi standard: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11bgn)
- Connects up to 32 devices
- Ports: USB-A, Ethernet
*Amazon.com price as of 4/19/2023. Read full disclaimer.
The Alcatel Link Hub is a basic device that works well in areas where you can’t get 5G coverage. Its microchip components aren’t top of the line, so it may not hit the same speeds you could normally get on a phone on T-Mobile’s network. But it still can get you speeds of around 30Mbps in areas with strong cell service, and the powerful battery reportedly lasts up to 16 hours.
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price
- Powerful battery
Reasons to avoid:
- No 5G connectivity
- Clunky controls
- Limited speeds
Best for global travel—Huawei E5576-508
Price: $79.00
Specs:
- Wireless connection: 4G LTE
- Wi-Fi standard: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11a)
- Network access: 4G LTE in North and South America, including Latin America, Caribbean, Venezuela, and Mexico
*Amazon.com price as of 4/19/2024. Read full disclaimer.
The elaborately-named E5577-320 is a basic unlocked hotspot that gives you data over cellular networks in Europe, most of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Just get a SIM card from an international provider while you’re traveling and the device can get you sweet Wi-Fi.
The device has an outdated Wi-Fi standard (802.11n), which means you aren’t going to get the fastest speeds. But a device like this is your safest bet for international travel because it doesn’t cost too much and works with a wide number of providers. We recommend this any day over a locked hotspot like the Skyroam Solis, which uses its own data plan and doesn’t work as reliably.
Reasons to buy:
- Compatibility with international networks
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid:
- Weak battery
- No connectivity in Europe
Best user-friendly option—GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router
Price: $169.99
Specs:
- Wireless connection: 4G LTE
- Wi-Fi standard: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
- Connects up to 10 devices
- Ports: USB-C
- No SIM card required
*Amazon.com price as of 4/19/2024. Read full disclaimer.
The GlocalMe G4 Pro is big and clunky, but it’s very easy to use—it looks a bit like a smartphone with a big touchscreen and pre-installed Google Maps app. You don’t need a SIM card with this hotspot; the device uses so-called CloudSIM technology to get you internet from a range of cellular providers. GlocalMe has its own data plans that you need to buy to stay connected.
Those data plans are pretty expensive, unfortunately, but you may be able to get 1.1GB of data free for 90 days. That’s not much, but it will let you test the device before you spend more. The really good news iw that the device works in both the United States and overseas, so it could make for a useful travel hotspot. Mainly we like it because it’s user-friendly and easy to set up.
Reasons to buy:
- Connectivity in the U.S. and overseas
- Large smartphone-style touchscreen
Reasons to avoid:
- Expensive CloudSIM data plans
- Old Wi-Fi standard
What are the most important hotspot specs and features?
Pick the best cellular carrier, not the best device speeds
Don’t be lured in by promises of über-fast speeds when you’re shopping for a hotspot. A hotspot works over a wireless cellular network, and the speeds you get tend to fluctuate based on a range of factors—so the fastest speeds might only be available at certain times or in limited places.
For that reason, focus on picking a hotspot that works with the best cell carrier for your needs. According to recent reports from Opensignal, T-Mobile delivers the fastest average speeds on 5G networks across the United States. The reports show that T-Mobile also has the best score for 5G availability and reach. However, Verizon gets the top ranking for Best 5G Video Experience and Games Experience, making it a better choice if you need a hotspot for entertainment.
An affordable data plan is a must
Since hotspots tend to be locked to specific cellular carriers, you want a data plan that’s flexible and not too expensive.
T-Mobile’s data plans are best for thrifty users. You pay a small monthly fee upfront for a little bit of data, and you have the option to re-up whenever you run out.
AT&T offers much larger chunks of data as part of monthly prepaid plans. Those plans cost a lot more, but this makes things easier if you use a hotspot on a regular basis and don’t want to worry as much about exceeding your data allowance.
Verizon also offers plans with a lot of data upfront, but its plans cost the most. You can get a hefty discount, though, if you’re also signed up for a qualifying phone plan.
Long battery life makes a hotspot more convenient
The best hotspots work all day long without requiring a recharge. In fact, battery life is one of the biggest advantages that standalone hotspots have over phones, which tend to lose their power much more quickly when the hotspot is activated. Higher-end hotspots tend to hold battery charge for longer.
Do you need a 5G hotspot? Not necessarily
5G hotspots pack a lot of punch, and they’re able to get you much faster speeds compared to a 4G LTE hotspot. But they also cost a lot more than your average 4G hotspot, and you may not even get a 5G signal if you’re outside major metro areas. For most folks 4G LTE hotspots still work well.
A hotspot isn’t as good as a home internet plan—but 5G internet is
| Plan | Download speed | Prices | Perks | Order online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 300–1,000Mbps | $25.00/mo. (for Verizon Unlimited phone plan subscribers) or $50.00/mo. (for nonsubscribers, w/ autopay)* | Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for 6 mos., Verizon Stream TV device included, 2-yr. price guarantee | |
| 33–182Mbps | $40.00–$50.00/mo. (for T-Mobile phone subscribers), $60.00/mo.† | Vix+ for 12 mos. | |
| 72–225Mbps | $55.00/mo.§ | No annual contracts or installation fees and included Wi-Fi equipment |
*w/ Auto Pay. Available in select areas.
*†w/ Auto Pay. Internet provider not available in all areas; customers ineligible for 5G Home Internet may be eligible for 4G LTE or other fixed wireless options. Regulatory fees included in monthly price for qualified accounts. See full terms.
‡Price includes $5 Auto Renew discount, starting on the second month. 5G service not available in all areas and requires a capable device.
§AutoPay and paperless billing required. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. Service subj. to Internet Terms of Service at att.com/internet-terms. Offers may be modified, or discontinued, at any time without notice. Other conditions may apply to all offers. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
Cellular companies have ramped up their hotspot options over the past few years, but hotspots still aren’t an adequate replacement for home internet—you simply can’t get the same speeds or amount of data from a mobile plan.
But if you are looking for a wireless solution to home internet, consider 5G home internet. Verizon and T-Mobile both offer affordable 5G internet services that give you unlimited data and respectable speeds at a flat monthly rate—no need to worry about contracts or extra fees. AT&T also offers home internet on its 5G and 4G LTE plans in some areas.
5G internet is growing quickly, but watch out for slower speeds than you might get on a cell phone using the same data. The good news is that contracts are rare for these plans and installation is a breeze. We recommend comparing options and giving them a try if you don’t like the DSL, cable, or fiber internet available at your home.
Shopping for a new internet plan? Get started by entering your zip code.
FAQ about mobile hotspot devices
How much does a mobile hotspot cost?
How much does a hotspot plan cost per month?
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Disclaimer
Amazon.com Prices as of 4/19/2024. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Highspeedinternet.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
Author - Chili Palmer
Chili Palmer covers breaking news, satellite internet, mobile connectivity, and streaming services for HighSpeedInternet.com. Previously writing under the name Rebecca Palmer, Chili is passionate about providing accurate and accessible information any time you're trying to connect … whether you already speak geek or just got your first smartphone.
Editor - Cara Haynes
Cara Haynes has been editing and writing in the digital space for seven years, and she's edited all things internet for HighSpeedInternet.com for five years. She graduated with a BA in English and a minor in editing from Brigham Young University. When she's not editing, she makes tech accessible through her freelance writing for brands like Pluralsight. She believes no one should feel lost in internet land and that a good internet connection significantly extends your life span.
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