Best Wireless Hotspots
Based on In-Depth Reviews
- 200+Hours of research
- 45Sources used
- 25Companies vetted
- 5Research Criteria
- 5Top
Picks
- Wireless data is more expensive than wired broadband.
- 5G is being rolled out, but devices and coverage are still limited.
- Most providers will require you to pay for the hotspot device.
- Unlimited plans have data caps after which browsing is slowed.
- You can rent hotspot devices for domestic and international travel.
How we analyzed the best Wireless Hotspots
Our Top Picks: Wireless Hotspots Reviews
Verizon review
Best for 5G Wireless Hotspots
At present, Verizon operates the largest 5G network available. Keep in mind that 5G is mostly available around major urban areas. So before you start looking at 5G-capable hotspot devices, make sure you are inside their coverage network by using Verizon’s 5G coverage area map. 5G networks are expected to keep expanding throughout 2020 and beyond, with new service areas being added every day.
Mobile Hotspot
Verizon offers both mobile and fixed wireless hotspots for 5G. Wireless data plans start at 10GB of data for $60 and go up to 40GB of data for $150 a month, plus taxes and fees. Data overages cost $10 per 1GB used. Verizon has four different wireless hotspot device options. Out of these, the Inseego 5G MiFi M1000 Hotspot is the only 5G-capable device. The Inseego has a hefty retail price of $499.99. The device can be paid upfront or in the form of $27.08 a month for 24 months when you agree to a two-year contract.
Screenshot of https://www.verizonwireless.com/ 3/23/2020
The Inseego 5G mobile hotspot measures 4.85” x 3.48” x 1.2” and weighs 5.7 ounces, making it roughly the same size as a mobile phone. It comes with a 2.4’ touchscreen, which displays battery life, network quality, and connected users. The device comes with a removable 4400mAh Li-ion battery, which gives you, per the provider’s estimates, around 24 hours of use.
Fixed Hotspot
Verizon’s fixed hotspot service currently has a free three-month and no-contract trial for the equipment. Unfortunately, it’s still limited to just a handful of areas. The Verizon 5G Home offers unlimited 5G data for $70 per month. Verizon customers receive a discounted rate of $50 per month. This plan utilizes a 5G home receiver which attaches to the inside and outside of a window and pairs with the 5G home router, a voice-enabled router, which is also an Amazon Alexa enabled speaker.
The router can be managed through the My Verizon app to set passwords, manage connected devices and share access with guests. For larger houses, Wi-Fi Extender and Wi-Fi Extender Mini are available to expand signal reach. Verizon doesn’t charge for the router, if you stop using the service, however, you will have to return it to the company. The ‘unlimited’ option does have a data cap of 50GB, after which the speed will be slowed down.
Other Options for Mobile 5G devices
Sprint is also a solid option for 5G-capable networks and devices, although right now their 5G network is still smaller than Verizon’s. Besides the coverage area, it doesn’t get our first place because of the device cost (their 5G-capable device, the HTC 5G Hub, goes for $12.50 a month with a hefty retail price of $600). The device has a color display with battery life and connected devices information and comes with a 7660mAh battery which should give you around 30 hours of use.
Sprint offers a 5G LTE plan that provides 100 GB of data for $60 a month. Additional high-speed data can be bought for $10 for 2GB. A convenient feature of Sprint’s data plans is that you get to carry over any unused data balances. If Verizon doesn’t cover your area yet, you can check Sprint’s 5G availability with their coverage map. If buying through Sprint, keep in mind that the company was recently acquired by T-Mobile and has yet to announce how the merger will affect its coverage network, service plans, or pricing.
AT&T review
Best Fixed Wireless Hotspot
AT&T offers fixed wireless internet service for residential or small business use. If you are outside broadband network areas, you may still be able to receive high-speed internet through a combination of an outdoor antenna and an indoor Wi-Fi Gateway Router which uses the more broadly available phone data networks to provide you with internet service where landlines or satellite services won’t.
AT&T’s Wi-Fi Gateway Router is capable of speeds of 25Mbps for download and 1Mbps for upload. To give you some perspective, by FTC standards, 25Mbps is the minimum speed required to stream 4K quality video. However, keep in mind that not all available areas will be able to reach that velocity. If you read through the fine print you’ll see that AT&T only provides assurance of speeds of at least 10/Mbps.
Screenshot of https://www.att.com/ 3/23/2020
Data Costs
AT&T’s fixed wireless hotspot option offers 250GB per month for $50 when you agree to a 12-month service plan. How much is 250GB of data exactly? Well, AT&T provides you with a very useful internet data calculator you can use to get an idea of how much data you consume. Be aware that overages in data use will cost you $10 per 50GB of additional data, for up to a maximum of $200 per month.
The most data-consuming activities are high-definition and 4K video streaming. 4K streaming, for example, would consume the total data allowance for a month around the 40-hour benchmark. Unless you regularly enjoy any of these two types of streaming or employ remote security cameras, 250GB should be more than enough to perform web browsing, social media, and gaming.
Installation
The router and antenna require minimal installation. Trained installers assess signal strength at your location before proceeding to install the antenna and router. Installation fees will cost you up to $99.
Other Options for Fixed Wireless Internet
U.S. Cellular missed our first spot because of router device costs, service area, and data costs, but most importantly, because plans don’t give you an option to buy more additional high-speed data. Without this option, consuming your monthly allowance would leave you to browse at 2G speeds for the rest of the billing cycle, which ultimately would defeat your purpose of acquiring high-speed internet service.
On the other hand, an advantage of U.S. Cellular is that it employs the D-Link High-Speed Internet Router, which offers the convenience of being a plug-and-play device. No installation, nor antenna is needed. The device is provided at a discount rate of $5.50 a month, which comes to $198 over 36 months. If you terminate the service you will need to pay the balance on the device at its full retail price of $280.80.
Fixed location plans start at 25GB for $50 and up to 85BG for $100. An unlimited option is available for $150, but the offer doesn’t provide details on data caps.
StraightTalk Wireless review
Best Prepaid Wireless Hotspot
Out of all the prepaid options we reviewed, only StraightTalk passed all our criteria for a pay-as-you-go option. This is not to say that the service they offer is cheap. As you may already be aware, wireless hotspot service costs more than wired internet. With that in mind, know that prepaid data costs even more than most monthly service plans. If you’re looking to acquire mobile internet for regular gaming or to stream videos in high definition or 4K, these plans won’t serve you properly.
Prepaid options are best for low-data users or those temporarily in need of internet access. If you solely use your wireless access for web browsing, social media, and emails, prepaid could serve you well as plans can be used for up to 60 days. Also, if you are moving to a new house or just traveling through the US, StraightTalk can provide a cheap modem option and a no-contract plan while you analyze what service options are available in your new address.
Screenshot of https://get.straighttalk.com/ 3/23/2020
Data and Devices
StraightTalk offers various mobile hotspot devices. The ZTE Mobile Hotspot 4G LTE will cost you $19.99 or $9.99 for a reconditioned one. The hotspot device has an LCD screen that displays information on data usage and signal strength. The battery will run for up to 14 hours, depending on the use and number of devices connected. Another option is the Franklin Mobile Hotspot, which also supports 4G LTE, but has no 3G fallback. The equipment allows up to eight devices to be connected at the same time, although it has a lower battery life, giving you around eight hours on a single charge.
StraightTalk pre-paid data plans can be grouped in two time-limited offerings: plans that last up to 30 days, and plans that last for up to 60 days. 30-day data plans go for $15 for 1GB or $25 for 2GB. The second group of plans provides you up to 60 days to use the purchased data. These plans are available in the form of $40 for 4GB, $50 for 5GB, and $75 for 7GB. You get a one dollar discount on plans $35 dollars and up if you set up to auto-fill your device.
Two important things to note. First, wireless data bought through service plan cards will not be refundable. However, the hotspot device can be returned within 30 days of purchase. Secondly, when adding new data you will be given two options: to refill your data allowance instantaneously or to add it to what StraightTalk calls a “reserve.” If you select reserve, the balance will be kept inactive until your current allotment is over. Once you consume all your current data, the new balance kicks in giving you a brand new cycle of 30 or 60 days depending on which data plan you pick.
However, there’s a catch. If you select the ‘now’ option, the new data will be added to your current cycle. Once that cycle ends, unused data will be lost. That means that if you bought 2G of data and added it to your current cycle on its 28th day, once the month is over you will lose any balance. Considering that the “reserve” option automatically starts once data is used, it seems to us like a deceptive practice that ultimately disserves customers.
Network Flexibility
A solid plus of StraightTalk's data service is that it runs on all four major networks in the United States. This potentially gives you a much broader data coverage area than plans that rely on a single network. StraightTalk advertises that they cover 99.6% of the US, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
Other Options for Pre-Paid Wireless Hotspots
Cricket offers one device, the Cricket Turbo Hotspot, for $99.99.The device measures 4.33” x 2.68” x 0.61” and features a 1.77” color LCD information display that reveals signal strength and connected devices. The battery will usually last for approximately 11 hours on a full charge. Data plans cost $35 for 20GB and $50 for 40GB. Although data is cheaper compared to StraightTalk’s plans, the main deal breaker for us was the fact that once you consume the purchased data, you have no access to either a reduced speed service or the option to buy extra data. This could ultimately leave you stranded without service until the data cycle renews the next month. If this policy is not a deal-breaker for you, you can definitely check them out. Their network is also available in parts of Mexico and Canada as well.
Skyroam review
Best Mobile Hotspot for International Travel
Of all the services and devices we examined for travel, Skyroam combines design, value, data plan flexibility, and travel-minded features that make it the best contender in its category. Skyroam offers two devices, the Skyroam Solis X Smartspot, and the Skyroam Solis Lite. Skyroam uses various international networks to provide 4G LTE speeds where available, providing data on over 130+ countries.
Customer reviews for Skyroam’s devices and services are mostly positive. Both wireless hotspots have the same design, with differences between the two being more on the side of added conveniences. We’ll go over these features in detail just ahead.
Device Features for Travelers
Both Skyroam Solis X and the Solis Lite, provide global 4G LTE wireless hotspots for up to 10 devices at the time. The puck-shaped devices are just 3.5" x 0.9" and weigh around 6.7 ounces. Although a bit heavier than other travel options, their size and overall features make up for the additional load.
Screenshot of https://www.skyroam.com/ 3/23/2020
The differences between the Solis X and Lite models rest on Solis X’s added features. The Solis X comes with an 8MP camera with a wide-angle lens, speaker, microphone and Bluetooth capacity, as well as a Smart Assistant feature. Most importantly, the Solis X comes with a 4700mAh power bank that can provide up to 18 hours of usage and that doubles as a charge station to give your phone a boost when needed.
Although the power bank feature doesn’t come standard with the Solis Lite, you can request for it to be included. The Skyroam Solis X costs $179.99 and the Skyroam Solis Lite goes for $119.99.
Flexible Data Plan
Skyroam offers various data plans as well as a rental option which includes unlimited global WiFi. There are three data plan options: the unlimited global monthly for $99 a month, the unlimited global day pass for $9 a day, and a pay-per-GB GoData subscription.
With this last option, you pay $6 a month, which gives you 1GB of 4G data in the US and Europe. On this plan, you can add data at a rate of $6 per GB. This option is also available as a global plan for $9 a month. All of these options are no-contract options which you can cancel at any time.
Device Rental
If you don’t want to invest in a device, you may also rent Skyroam’s Solis X. The device is available with or without the power bank option for $8.99/day. The wireless hotspot is sent to you via mail. You can return it in the same manner when the rental term expires.
Skyroam also has physical locations on various airports across the world where you can both pick up or drop off the device. The device rental comes with unlimited global WiFi, a USB charging cable, USB-C to USB adapter, and a service guide. You can add insurance for the device for $19.95.
Sprint review
Best for 4G Wireless Hotspot
As we are writing this review, the Sprint-T-Mobile merger has been approved in federal court. Sprint already has one of the largest 4G network coverage areas and has been actively rolling out its 5G service. On their part, T-Mobile also offers nationwide 4G and has already unveiled 5G networks in densely populated areas across the continental US and Puerto Rico.
Although the merger was just completed, it’s safe to say the new company will combine the resources from both networks, expanding service areas and filling coverage gaps for customers. Since there are still no details on how this will affect data plans, we based our review solely on Sprint’s current offerings. Once new plans are unveiled, we will update accordingly.
Screenshot of https://www.sprint.com/ 3/23/2020
Service Plans
Sprint currently offers two 4G data plans: a 10GB mobile hotspot plan for $35.00 per month, and a 50GB mobile hotspot plan for $55.00 per month. You can receive a $5.00 discount per month on any of the plans when you subscribe to an autopay option. The plans have the flexibility of carrying over the unused data to next month. If you consume your total data allowance for the month, Sprint allows you to buy additional high-speed data instead of waiting for the next data cycle. Additional data can be bought for $10 per 2GB. However, when doing so, keep in mind that additional purchased data will not carry over to the next month as your regular data balance would. Be mindful of how much data you buy if you’re approaching the end of the month.
Devices
Sprint offers three mobile hotspot devices: the Coolpad Surf, NetStick USB Modem, and MIFi8000 mobile hotspot. Coolpad Surf is available from $6 a month for 24 months. The device is 4.25” x 2.6” x 0.59” and weighs around 3.4 ounces, similar to most mobile phones. It comes equipped with a 2,150mAh battery which stays charged for up to 48 hours and gives you 5.3 hours of use. A full charge takes around 2.5 hours.
The NetStick USB modem costs $7.50 a month for 24 months, which comes to a total of $180. It’s the lightest option of the three, with a weight of only 1.76 ounces and dimensions of 7.3" x 1.6" x .63". The NetStick doesn’t have a battery as it’s directly connected through USB to your computer.
Of the three devices available, the MiFi8000 Mobile Hotspot was the one that most caught our attention. The hotspot is available from $10 a month for 24 months, for the full price of $240. The device comes with a 2.4” color touchscreen display to see your connections strength, remaining battery, and devices connected. It’s a comfortable carry at 4.29” x 2.64” x 0.71” and weighing just 5.36 ounces.
The MiFi8000 comes equipped with a 4400mAh battery. A full charge takes just over three hours and should last for up to 24 hours, depending on the number of devices connected. The device is equipped with a USB port that allows you to share files with connected devices. It’s capable of up to 1 Gbps on the Sprint network and can even be used as a power bank to charge your phone while on the go.
All of Sprint’s devices are available for sale without a service plan, but for a higher cost than those bought in combination with a data plan.
Other Options for 4G
Another option for 4G wireless hotspots is Verizon Wireless. Verizon has consistently proven to be one of the fastest and most consistent networks in the US. The wireless hotspot devices they offer are equivalent in performance and features to those offered by Sprint. The Inseego Jetpack MiFi 8800L is a Verizon-specific model but has the same specs as Sprint’s MiFi800. Inseego Jetpack MiFi 8800L is $99.99 with a two-year contract or $199.99 retail.
Additionally, Verizon offers the Elipsis Jetpack MHS900L and the Verizon Global Modem USB730L, which offer specs comparable to those of the Coolpad and Netstick accordingly. Connected Home plans go from 60 to 150 in increments of 10GB of data, from 10Gb to 40GB respectively. Data overage is charged at $10 per 1 GB.
More insight into our methodology
Slowly but surely, 5G is making its way into major cities across the US. However, its availability for the most is still very limited. For the foreseeable future, most nationwide mobile data services will still rely on 4G or 4G LTE networks. We looked for services that offer sufficient wireless broadband speeds to allow browsing, streaming, and gaming simultaneously on multiple devices. Many networks will prioritize speeds according to your monthly use.
Heavy users can be deprioritized when networks are cluttered. Furthermore, companies tend to slow down browsing speeds once the contracted monthly data allowance is used up. We gave our recommendation only to companies that either allow you to buy more high-speed data or merely slow down your browsing speed. Companies that stop data services once the cap is met missed our top spots.
Many companies advertise what they call unlimited plans, which are mostly claims based on estimates of data use that don’t really represent the data needs of today’s households. What we found is that no plan is truly unlimited. Even those that give you a constant speed throughout the month will eventually deprioritize your service speed if the network gets busy.
Once data caps are met, most providers slow or stop browsing altogether until the next billing cycle. Monthly data plans range from 512MB all the way up to 1TB. We looked for plans that offer sufficient data allowances and options to buy additional high-speed internet when needed. There’s no point in paying for a service that can leave you without access two weeks into the month.
Wireless hotspot data is more expensive than wired service. If you are looking for wireless options it’s because you probably are always on the move, or have no other option in your home or work area. We looked for plans with most data for the price. We also examined contract length, fees, and any additional costs. Companies that can’t provide clear information on their prices and billing practices have been eliminated from our reviews.
Considering that you are looking to have service on the go, we examined each service’s hardware options in terms of their portability. We examined performance regarding battery life, as well as the availability of features such as charging ports and battery banks. We made sure that the devices we recommend allow you to easily share hotspot access with others when needed. Ultimately, we looked at equipment prices from a standpoint of value, features, and performance, giving extra weight to actual customer reviews on the pros and cons of their wireless hotspot devices.
Helpful information about Wireless Hotspots
Using your phone as a wireless hotspot device
If your phone is hotspot capable, you might be able to use it as a wireless hotspot device. Mobile phones and wireless hotspot device utilize the same data networks. Theoretically, they should produce similar speeds.
However, keep in mind that phone data is usually limited to just a few GB per month. Your monthly allowance can quickly be spent depending on the type of activities you are performing online.
Most phone carriers, such as Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile offer additional data packages or hotspot data allowances that can be bought in combination with your monthly phone plan.
Depending on your monthly data use and how many people in your household rely on that connection, a phone’s wireless hotspot might suffice.
Before you sign a contract, ask neighbors and friends
Before you agree to a service, ask for information on returns and warranties. Make sure to know exactly how much time you’ll have to cancel the subscription if your initial test proves to be less than what you signed up for.
A frequent problem we found mentioned in customer reviews across the board has to do with the steep penalties imposed for early termination. Sales representatives may advise customers based on general coverage-area data maps. However, these do not always represent the actual speeds available in your location.
Environmental and structural variables factor into signal strength. As a consequence, speed depends on the physical space in which you will use the wireless hotspot and how close you are to a broadcast tower. The best way to know the actual speed of the service in your area is to test it yourself.
Ask friends and family close to you about their experience. Make sure to inquire about what device they use and whether they experience any recurring issues with signal strength and speed. This will give you a better idea of actual network speeds in your vicinity.
Hotspot lending programs
Many public libraries across the US have launched hotspot borrowing programs. The programs are meant to assist students with homework and to allow internet access for the general public.
Internet access can help people search for jobs, complete government forms, or simply gain access to internet-based resources not accessible to families that can’t afford their own internet connection.
Unfortunately, most lending programs are still centered around major metropolitan areas such as Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, although efforts are being made to implement these programs in rural areas. Call your local library to confirm the availability of wireless hotspot borrowing programs.
If they are not currently supporting it, you might want to get involved in starting one in your community. The Public Library Association has valuable information on how to model, fund, and implement a wireless hotspot lending program.
FAQs about Wireless Hotspots
What’s the difference between 4G and 5G?
The difference between 4G and 5G is not just mere speed, but exponential growth in network capacities. For instance, data transfer volumes that currently peak around 1TB will be pushed to up to 10TB. 5G will be able to deliver around 10 times current speed which currently cap somewhere around the 1.45Gbps mark.
This also means improved latency, which refers to the response time between communications. When you click a link, you experience a small delay in the transfer of data following your request. That time is currently around 40-50 milliseconds. 5G will reduce that time to under 10 milliseconds, all while consuming 90% less energy per bit transferred.
Sometimes, you may have experienced slower browsing, specially if attending concerts or stadium events. Network data loss in normal in crowded spaces as more people are sharing into limited bandwidth. 4G currently supports 10,000-100,000 devices per square kilometer. 5G will push that threshold up to a million devices per square kilometer.
Are wireless hotspots faster than wired broadband?
Is 5G safe?
5G is a new technology, which means that no thorough analysis has yet been completed regarding its effects on humans. Tech journalists have made their cases for the safety of non-ionizing radiation, the type of electromagnetic radiation used for 5G. However, the scientific community is not yet convinced as previous studies have demonstrated harmful effects on test subjects. Various scientist and advocacy groups have urged implementation of stronger exposure limits on 4G/5G.
How much data is enough?
How much data is enough depends on what activities you do online. For the most, monthly data plans are available anywhere from 512MB up to 2TB. Companies offer data calculators to help you visualize the potential hourly consumption of streaming media. Take some time with data calculators to factor your household’s expected monthly consumption, as data overages can be costly.
Data calculators are available through AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon.
Does one hotspot work for the whole house?
Depending on the size of your house, you might need to add wireless repeaters to carry the wireless hotspot signal to parts of the house further from the device.
What does symmetrical and asymmetrical mean?
Symmetrical and asymmetrical are terms used in reference to download and upload network capacities. If your download speed matches your upload speed, it’s said to be symmetrical. This is the case for fiber-optic networks. If speeds are different for upload and download, then they’re considered asymmetrical. The entirety of wireless services currently being offered is asymmetrical, with faster download speeds and significantly lower upload speeds. As you might have noticed while using social media, downloading a video usually takes significantly less time than uploading it.
What speed do I need to watch movies?
The minimum download speed for standard quality video streaming is 3-4Mbps. High Definition(HD) video streaming requires somewhere around 5-8Mbps. If you are looking to stream 4K quality videos, you’ll need no less than 25Mbps. An FTC guideline on download speeds required for the most common usage is available here.