Mobile hotspots are boons for frequent travelers and anyone who needs reliable internet from secure Wi-Fi networks on the go.
These nifty devices work through the cell towers of a phone carrier, typically the same one you use for your phone, to provide internet at 4G or 5G speeds. Some hotspots are compatible with any phone carrier or mobile internet provider, while others are designed for use with cell companies like AT&T and Verizon.
The most significant benefit of bring-your-own-internet is privacy and security. Free or open Wi-Fi networks can put your devices at risk for viruses and security breaches, but a private hotspot keeps your information safe and secure with encryption and passwords.
We found the best, most reliable mobile hotspots for secure connection on vacation, during work trips, and anywhere in public.
Need more ways to boost your signal? Check out our picks for the best Wi-Fi extenders, home office modem-router combinations, and Wi-Fi mesh systems.
The Best Hot Mobile Hotspots
What to Consider
Carrier Options
While it’s possible to use your phone as a hotspot, it can cause potential issues—burning through cellular data and limited bandwidth for other devices. A hotspot is more convenient and capable, particularly if you often find yourself working outside the house or office, or traveling frequently.
The most important thing to pay attention to when choosing a mobile hotspot is whether it’s compatible with your carrier. Some are sold directly by service companies, but most are made by brands not associated with a specific carrier. These are compatible with many service providers, but make sure that a SIM card from your carrier—different from the one in your phone—will fit in the device. Check the size of your carrier's SIM cards—micro or nano—before you buy a hotspot device.
4G or 5G
4G is still the most widely used and available cell network, and it's sometimes even faster than 5G depending on your location. Something to keep in mind, however, is that 5G infrastructure is still underway, so the network will become more widespread over the next few years.
5G may eventually overtake 4G and make your device obsolete—but for now, it remains more practical to purchase a 4G device, as they’re more widely available, cheaper, and have better performance due to more cell towers.
Although many carriers offer mobile hotspots at 5G speeds, we don't recommend many of them here. Carriers sell these devices, often made by Inseego, in stores, but they suffer from poor connections and slow speeds according to reviews on multiple retailer sites. Because of this, we recommend 4G hotspots for most people—but there's one 5G hotspot we trust, recommended below.
How We Selected
We researched expert sources like Wirecutter and PC Mag to find the most frequently recommended mobile hotspots, in addition to reading dozens of user reviews on specific models. We disregarded products with poor consumer reviews complaining of slow speeds and unstable connections. We only considered readily available products, not those sold by third-party sellers, from reliable brands.
Pros
- Most reliable on the market
- Excellent speeds
- Stable enough for up to 32 devices
- Unlocked for all carriers
Cons
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 6 x 5.5 x 3.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hrs. |
| Screen Size | 2.4 in. |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Devices | Up to 32 at once |
| Download Speed | Up to 2.5 Gbps |
Although very pricey, the Nighthawk M6 is the best hotspot device on the market and the only one we recommend that is capable of reliable 5G. The Nighthawk M6 provides speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps and can connect up to 32 devices at once without performance dips. You can also use this as a Wi-Fi router at home, providing speeds up to 3.6 Gbps.
The battery can last up to 13 hours, an ample amount of time for working on the go, and can swap out for a second battery, though sold separately. Users say the Nighthawk M6 offers a reliably secure network, and network performance doesn’t lag, even with multiple devices. Though Netgear says this hotspot device works best for AT&T and T-Mobile, others say it works well with Google Fi and Verizon.
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- No contracts or SIM necessary
- Doubles as a power bank
Cons
- Inconsistent speeds
- Poor customer service
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 3.5 x 1 in. |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 16 hrs. |
| Screen Size | N/A (app-compatible) |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Devices | Up to 10 |
| Download Speed | Up to 20 Gbps |
If you aren’t married to the idea of investing in your own hotspot, a rental could be a good choice. The Solis Lite is available for $8.99 per day plus tax. This fee includes unlimited global data, which is an excellent deal given most rented global hotspots have a cap on the amount of data you can use per day. According to the company, Skyroam’s virtual SIM technology automatically connects to whichever carrier will provide you the best signal, without locking you into a specific one. You can have the Solis Lite shipped to you, or you have the option of picking it up at select international airports.
Thanks to its size (3.5 inches in diameter) and lightweight (5.4 ounces), it’s a great travel buddy that won’t weigh you down. It also features impressive battery life: up to 12 hours on a single charge, enough to get you through the day. It can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and even works as a makeshift power bank in a pinch. If you are ready to get your own, you can purchase the Solis Lite for $139, and data plans start as low as $3 a month.
Pros
- Connects to multiple devices
- Easy to use touchscreen
Cons
- Some say it's unreliable
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 0.71 x 2.64 in. |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hrs. |
| Screen Size | 2.4 in. |
| Warranty | 1 yr. |
| Devices | Up to 15 at once |
| Download Speed | Up to 50 MBps |
If you’re a Verizon customer who doesn’t live in a big city, 5G will take some time to get to you. But don’t let the Jetpack’s lack of 5G compatibility be a dealbreaker, as the 4G that it does have is lightning-fast and reliable.
The Jetpack 8800L is roughly the size of a deck of cards, so it’s easy to stow when traveling, and the 24-hour battery life ensures that you can use it all day. It has a USB-C port, which you can use to recharge your phone or tablet, and since most devices use USB-C today, you can save space by bringing just one charger for all compatible devices.
The hotspot device also has a built-in Auto VPN to keep your connection private. It works with up to 15 devices at once, and a 2.4-inch color touchscreen makes toggling through them all easy. If you’re a worldwide traveler, Verizon’s network works with over 200 countries, depending on your plan.
Pros
- Great battery life
- Compatible with all major carriers
- Amazing speeds and performance
Cons
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 4.15 x 4.15 x 0.8 inches |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 11 hours |
| Screen Size | 1.7 inches |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Devices | Up to 20 at once |
| Download Speed | Up to 1 GBps |
The Nighthawk MR1100 is the way to go for an alternative to carrier-provided hotspot devices. Compatible with all carriers—though known to work best for T-Mobile and AT&T users—this device supports global Wi-Fi. Despite its small size, it can connect up to 20 devices, which makes it great for group work or a large family, and the swappable battery lasts up to 11 hours. While it isn’t 5G, it’s impressively fast, with up to 2 gigabytes-per-second download speeds. The Nighthawk gives 5G hotspots a run for their money in the speed department and outperforms them when it comes to coverage. Plus, its two-year warranty is better than most.
FOR A HOTSPOT ALTERNATIVE
TP-LINK N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router
Pros
- Lightweight and compact for easy travel
- Secures networks
Cons
- Can't be used as a standalone hotspot
- Not rechargeable
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 2.2 x 2.2 x 0.7 in. |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Powered via adapter or USB |
| Screen Size | N/A |
| Warranty | 2 yrs. |
| Devices | N/A |
| Download Speed | Up to 300 MBps |
If you have access to a public Wi-Fi or cable connection, you may have better luck using a travel router over a hotspot, depending on your data plan. This nifty little device is an easy way to extend an existing Wi-Fi signal and provide a secure network you can share with others.
It powers up with a USB cord or an adapter, features an ethernet port, and is an excellent way of staying secure while traveling or on the go. This is a great option if you do a lot of work in airports, coffee shops, or other places with free but potentially suspect networks. Although you can’t use it as a mobile hotspot, it’s an excellent tool for travel with terrific performance.
Pros
- Bright color makes it easy to spot
- Reliable connection
Cons
- Not a hotspot
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 2.3 x 2.3 x 1 in. |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Powered via micro USB |
| Screen Size | N/A |
| Warranty | 1 yr. |
| Devices | N/A |
| Download speed | Up to 300 MBps |
If a hotspot is more of a luxury than a necessity, consider grabbing a pocket router. This one provides a secure connection wherever you go. It comes with OpenVPN pre-installed, and it’s compatible with over 30 VPN providers for hiding your info and maintaining privacy in public spaces.
Because it’s not a hotspot, there’s no data plan, so you cannot access Wi-Fi through your carrier. Instead, it provides a secure network for you to connect to through open or free Wi-Fi networks. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, it’s great for traveling, and the bright color makes it easy to spot in a packed bag.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.
