While relying on public hotspots can be convenient and cheap, they aren't secure or accessible from every location.

Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots are portable and compatible with many carriers. For a secure and portable connection that multiple devices can use, choose a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.

Here are the best mobile Wi-Fi hotspots available right now.

Premium pick

1. NETGEAR Nighthawk M1

8.20 / 10
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The NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 is a relatively small portable mobile Wi-Fi hotspot despite weighing a hefty 8.5 ounces. It features a large 5,040mAh battery, offering extended battery life, which is incredibly useful on longer trips.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 offers plenty of configuration options, allowing you to blacklist or whitelist devices and websites. It also comes with the ability to turn the internet off according to a schedule. The microSD card slot and USB port allow this mobile hotspot to be turned into a media server.

Limited to AT&T's network, the NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 can reach faster speeds using AT&T's 5G Evolution service. If you're in search of a quick and portable mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, this device is worth the investment.

Key Features
  • Connect up to 20 devices
  • Informational display
  • 4G LTE connection
Specifications
  • Brand: NETGEAR
  • Range: Not provided
  • Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
  • Ethernet Ports: 1
  • USB Ports: 1
  • MU-MIMO: No
  • Mesh Network Compatible: No
Pros
  • Fast hardware
  • Long battery life
  • Good access controls
Cons
  • Heavy
Buy This Product
NETGEAR Nighthawk M1

The Verizon Wireless Jetpack 8800L is an upgrade of the 7730L, which sees similar connection speeds. However, the 8800L boasts improvements, particularly in terms of weak-signal areas. Using Qualcomm's latest X20 modem, this mobile hotspot supports LAA, which uses 5GHz bands.

In many locations, you can expect speeds of up to around 50Mbps using the Verizon Wireless Jetpack 8800L. The on-device interface features a touchscreen that shows you how much data you have left. You can also check your Wi-Fi options, turn networks on and off, and view who is connected to your network.

The large battery can stream data for up to 15 hours and leverage the Verizon Wireless Jetpack 8800L's battery by attaching a USB-C cable to charge your other devices. While this mobile hotspot is a good investment for speed, it currently lacks support for 5G networks.

Key Features
  • 4,400mAh battery
  • Built-in QuickCharge technology
  • Built-in Auto VPN
Specifications
  • Brand: Verizon
  • Range: Not Provided
  • Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
  • Ethernet Ports: None
  • USB Ports: 1
  • MU-MIMO: No
  • Mesh Network Compatible: No
Pros
  • Fast 4G LTE
  • Long battery life
  • Touchscreen
Cons
  • Awaiting 5G
Buy This Product
Verizon Wireless Jetpack 8800L

The ZTE ZMax Connect MF928 is a very affordable, unlocked hotspot. There's a wide choice of cheap service plans across different prepaid carriers, covering AT&T and T-Mobile lines.Small and compact, this mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is incredibly portable. It features LED lights on the front, which indicate battery, Wi-Fi, SMS messaging, and transmission. For ease, the SSID and password are printed on the bottom so you won't forget them.While your AT&T or T-Mobile signal may be good, the ZTE ZMax Connect MF928, unfortunately, doesn't offer breakneck speeds. If you have multiple users connecting to this mobile hotspot, the performance will suffer even more. However, there are two TS9 antenna ports on the back, should you wish to connect an external antenna for improved coverage.

Key Features
  • One-year warranty
  • LED indicators
  • Connect up to 10 devices
Specifications
  • Brand: ZTE
  • Range: Not provided
  • Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
  • Ethernet Ports: 1
  • USB Ports: 1
  • MU-MIMO: No
  • Mesh Network Compatible: No
Pros
  • External antenna ports
  • Unlocked
  • Easy setup
Cons
  • Poor speeds
Buy This Product
ZTE ZMax Connect MF928

The Skyroam Solis X is an affordable way to access mobile Wi-Fi internationally. It offers unlimited LTE data in over 130 different countries, supporting up to 10 connected devices. There is a monthly subscription plan and a daily option, allowing you to purchase additional data by the gigabyte.

Weighing just 11 ounces, the Skyroam Solis X is small enough to fit in your pocket. The white stripe on the device displays your remaining battery life, and the indicator lights show data connection and transmission. This portable Wi-Fi hotspot features an 8MP wide-angle lens that you can control via the Solis app.

Depending on your location, download speeds can fluctuate between 12Mbps and 24Mbps but are generally fairly consistent. The battery life is excellent, giving you around 10 hours when connected to multiple devices. The USB-C charging port allows you to charge the Skyroam Solis X. However, the small ridge prevents specific USB-C cables fitting.

Key Features
  • Remote camera
  • Built-in VPN
  • 4,700mAh battery
Specifications
  • Brand: Skyroam
  • Range: Not provided
  • Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
  • Ethernet Ports: None
  • USB Ports: USB-C
  • MU-MIMO: No
  • Mesh Network Compatible: No
Pros
  • Great coverage
  • Good battery life
  • Support for up to 10 devices
Cons
  • Not compatible with many USB-C cables
Buy This Product
Skyroam Solis X

The TP-LINK M7350 is a 4G mobile router capable of switching between 3G and 4G. As it's network-unlocked, you aren't tied into a contract and have the freedom to choose a data plan from your chosen provider.The TP-LINK M7350 can handle up to 10 devices, but performance dips are very apparent when more devices are connected. There's a microSD card slot for storage, and the LCD screen helpfully displays signal strength, connected devices, and data usage.The battery lasts through a solid 10 hours of 4G connectivity, which is helpful if you're traveling long distances. You can use the TP-LINK M7350 to toggle on or off data roaming, switch between bands, or choose your 3G or 4G network. However, it is not capable of 5G, meaning it's not particularly future-proof.

Key Features
  • Supports 4G LTE
  • Supports 4G LTE
  • 2,550mAh battery
Specifications
  • Brand: TP-LINK
  • Range: Not provided
  • Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
  • Ethernet Ports: None
  • USB Ports: 1
  • MU-MIMO: No
  • Mesh Network Compatible: No
Pros
  • Unlocked
  • LCD screen
  • Solid battery life
Cons
  • Only supports 3G and 4G
Buy This Product
TP-LINK M7350

The Macaroon mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is ideal for frequent travelers who only have their smartphones to hand. It allows up to 10 connected devices and lasts up to 12 hours on a single charge. Weighing just 110g, the Macaroon is a perfect portable companion.

The Macaroon features cloud SIM technology which connects via a smartphone app. From the app, you can purchase global data. However, this app-based approach does make the device slightly limited.

You can use the Macaroon at home or around the world, with the ability to connect your smartphone, laptop, and tablet. Your Wi-Fi will be delivered across an encrypted connection, offering maximum download speeds of up to 150Mbps.

Key Features
  • 80GB USA and 5GB global data included
  • 4G LTE
  • Includes USB cable for charging
Specifications
  • Brand: Macaroon
  • Range: Not provided
  • Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
  • Ethernet Ports: None
  • USB Ports: 1
  • MU-MIMO: No
  • Mesh Network Compatible: No
Pros
  • Includes free data
  • Long battery life
  • Small and portable
Cons
  • App-based
Buy This Product

The Huawei E5783B-230 is a competitively-priced mobile Wi-Fi hotspot that you can use worldwide. As it is unlocked, you can purchase a data plan on any network and manage your data usage via the companion app.Setup is simple, automatically broadcasting a Wi-Fi network once a SIM card is inserted. The network will use a predefined SSID and password, making it easy for you to get online quickly and securely.The Huawei E5783B-230 supports download speeds of up to 300Mbps over 4G. While you are unlikely to get those maximum rates, you can leverage the best of any 4G network. Despite this, the small 1,500mAh battery only lasts six hours.

Key Features
  • Unlocked
  • Connect up to 16 devices
  • LED screen
Specifications
  • Brand: Huawei
  • Range: Not provided
  • Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
  • Ethernet Ports: 1
  • USB Ports: 1
  • MU-MIMO: No
  • Mesh Network Compatible: No
Pros
  • Good speeds
  • Sleek and stylish
  • Unlocked to all networks
Cons
  • Poor battery life
Buy This Product
Huawei E5783B-230

FAQ

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Use a Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot?

Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots vary in price. Some hotspots offer a subscription-based plan, whereas others are unlocked, allowing you to choose your mobile network and data plan. Some even include free data when you purchase the device.

Q: Can a Mobile Hotspot Replace Home Internet?

A mobile hotspot can replace your home internet if your plan includes unlimited data. However, signal strengths are generally not as powerful, nor are the maximum download speeds.

Q: Can You Repair a Mobile Hotspot?

If your mobile hotspot doesn't connect, chances are something has gone wrong in the setup process. If your mobile hotspot requires a SIM card, you'll need to make sure this is activated before connecting your devices.