Mobile hotspots let you connect multiple devices to Wi-Fi using a cell signal. Choosing the right one can be difficult. We tested mobile hotspots for over 15 years, ensuring accurate reviews.
The Franklin Wireless JEXtream RG2100 5G for T-Mobile and the Orbic Speed 5G UW for Verizon perform well and have simple interfaces, making them top picks.
Other options on the list are also worth checking. Read the full reviews and stay until the end for a complete guide on selecting a hotspot and whether phone tethering suits your needs.
Top T-Mobile Hotspot
Franklin Wireless JEXtream RG2100 5G Mobile Hotspot (T-Mobile)
Pros & Cons
- Fast and stable network speeds
- Simple web interface
- Quick setup
- Durable design
- No Wi-Fi 6E support
- Lacks Ethernet port
- No antenna ports
Why We Chose It
The Franklin Wireless JEXtream RG2100 5G Mobile Hotspot delivers high-speed data, long battery life, and easy setup.
T-Mobile offers only two 5G mobile hotspots, and this one provides the best performance at the lowest price.
Who Should Get It
This hotspot is ideal for users in areas with strong T-Mobile 5G coverage who need fast and reliable Wi-Fi for multiple devices.
Specifications
- Provider: T-Mobile
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6
- Devices Supported: 20
- Battery Life: 13 hours, 30 minutes
Top Verizon Hotspot
Orbic Speed 5G UW Mobile Hotspot (Verizon)
Pros & Cons
- Only hotspot compatible with Verizon’s latest 5G
- Simple touch-screen interface
- Ethernet port for wired connection
- No external antenna support
- The large and heavy design
- Short battery life on the fastest 5G
Why We Chose It
The Orbic Speed 5G UW Mobile Hotspot connects up to 30 devices simultaneously and supports all major Verizon 5G bands (2/5/48/66/77/78/257/260/261).
In testing, it reached around 600Mbps in an intense 5G area. While its bulk and lack of external antenna ports are drawbacks, the touch screen is user-friendly.
Who Should Buy It
For those in areas with strong Verizon 5G coverage, this is a solid option. However, Verizon now offers newer models with updated modems.
The Orbic features Qualcomm’s X55 radio, while the Inseego MiFi X Pro 5G UW runs on the Snapdragon X62/X65 platform. Testing of the newer model is pending.
Specifications
- Carrier: Verizon Wireless
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6
- Max Connected Devices: 30
- Battery Life: 11 hours 45 minutes
Top Unlocked Hotspot
Netgear Nighthawk M6 (Unlocked)
Pros & Cons
- Works with different carriers
- Supports sub-6GHz and mid-band 5G
- Simple to adjust settings
- Battery life is not great
- Lacks mmWave 5G support
- Price is high
Why We Chose It
The Netgear Nighthawk M6 has a bright touch screen and allows easy SIM card changes.
However, its battery life is average and does not support mmWave 5G. If those features matter, the M6 Pro offers mmWave 5G and Wi-Fi 6E.
Who Should Use It
This hotspot is perfect for those who switch carriers often or need to swap SIM cards while traveling.
It costs more than locked models, but it provides the flexibility to choose any provider.
Specifications
- Carrier: Unlocked
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6
- Connected Devices: Up to 32
- Battery Life: 7 hours, 17 minutes
Best AT&T Hotspot
Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro (AT&T)
Why We Chose It
The Nighthawk M6 Pro offers many of the same features as the unlocked Nighthawk M6.
The price is lower because it requires an AT&T connection, which benefits those in areas with strong AT&T 5G coverage.
The device connects up to 32 devices simultaneously and supports the n77 band, enabling access to AT&T’s 3.45GHz network that runs on the company’s latest 5G technology.
Who Should Use It
Anyone committed to AT&T and looking for high performance will find better value in this model than in the unlocked Nighthawk M6.
The device provides access to 5G+ (AT&T’s mmWave network) and supports faster Wi-Fi 6E.
| Category | T-Mobile Hotspot | Verizon Hotspot | Unlocked Hotspot |
| Best For | Top T-Mobile Option | Top Verizon Option | Top Unlocked Option |
| Provider | T-Mobile | Verizon Wireless | Unlocked |
| Wi-Fi Type | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Devices Supported | 20 | 30 | 32 |
| Battery Life | 13h 30m | 11h 45m | 7h 17m |
Best Mobile Hotspot Plans
All three major carriers and several virtual operators offer hotspot plans. These virtual operators use networks from larger carriers.
Some options include Boost (AT&T/Dish/T-Mobile), Cricket (AT&T), H2O (AT&T), Karma (T-Mobile), Metro (T-Mobile), Net10 (Verizon), and Simple Mobile (T-Mobile).
Hotspot plans change often. AT&T and Verizon offer the cheapest option by adding a hotspot as another line on a phone plan.
Users get more data for the price. Verizon and AT&T include up to 60GB of fast hotspot data with an “unlimited” phone plan.
T-Mobile provides 50GB. After reaching the limit, speeds decrease based on network traffic.
Can Hotspots Replace Home Internet?
Hotspot plans are not for home internet. They charge much more per gigabyte than DSL, cable, or fiber.
The average U.S. household uses over 427GB of data monthly, mainly due to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
Video calls also consume data quickly. If you don’t stream videos or music often, a wireless hotspot could be an alternative for home use.
Wireless home internet exists, and it differs from hotspots. It uses outdoor antennas and larger routers that remain in one place.
New wireless internet plans often include unlimited data, unlike many hotspot plans.
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon offer these plans in different areas, as well as several smaller local providers. Starlink is another option.
Who uses hotspots? In the past, they were mainly for business travelers who needed stable connections without draining phone batteries.
Small businesses like food trucks use them for sales systems and online orders. Vacation home and RV owners also rely on them.
People who can’t access dedicated wireless internet plans may still turn to hotspots.
Best Hotspot Devices
Major carriers are nearing the end of their first 5G rollout phase, and network improvements now surpass the capabilities of older hotspots.
As a result, newer phones often have faster speeds than outdated hotspots.
Many quality hotspots include TS9 external antenna ports, allowing users to boost signals with affordable antennas found online.
TS9 is a common standard, and these antennas cost less than cellular boosters. However, 5G hotspots that support mmWave usually lack external antenna ports.
A good hotspot should support 5GHz Wi-Fi, which is typically faster and less crowded than 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Most top choices today support both frequencies.
Some models offer guest networks and access controls like MAC filtering and time-based restrictions.
While standard on regular routers, these features are not always present in mobile hotspots.
Hotspots with large batteries can also work as power banks to charge phones.
Some models with microSD slots allow media sharing over Wi-Fi, though that function is rarely helpful.
Many modern hotspots include displays that show signal strength, network name, data usage, and password details. These screens make it easier to manage your connection.
Should You Use Your Phone for Tethering Instead of a Hotspot?
A dedicated hotspot is not the only option. Smartphones have a Wi-Fi hotspot feature, and a 5G phone may perform better than a 4G hotspot.
However, phones support fewer devices, lack advanced network controls, and drain the battery quickly.
To help you decide, check out our guide on tethering vs. dedicated hotspots. You can also follow our steps to turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Using Data Abroad Can Be Expensive
Most U.S. hotspots allow roaming in Canada and Mexico, but the charges may be high. Always check with your provider before traveling.
One of the few unlocked hotspots in the U.S. with international bands is the Netgear Nighthawk M6, which comes at a high price.
If you plan to use a local SIM for cheaper data, consider buying an inexpensive phone abroad and tethering from it.
