The Best Mobile Hotspots of 2024 (2024)

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.

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.

• 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

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.

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 circ*mstances:

• 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

*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.

How much does a mobile hotspot cost?

How much does a hotspot plan cost per month?

Can you use a hotspot with Mint Mobile?

Does Visible phone service include a hotspot?

How do you get a mobile hotspot?

• Best 5G Hotspots
• Best Hotspot Data Plans
• Best Unlimited Wireless Internet
• Public Wi-Fi Statistics: How do we use it and is it safe?

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.