7 Best Mobile Hotspots [Free + Paid]

In today’s robust and dynamically changing world, it is essential to stay in touch and connected. Whether you are a professional or doing your daily chores, working remotely at your pace. Although smartphones these days offer mobile data/hotspots, they have their own bandwidth limitations. It is here when the Wi-Fi/Mobile Hotspots come into the picture.

These mobile hotspots offer high speed, connectivity, and reliability. In this article, we will see some of the best mobile hotspots with free as well as paid alternatives.

Things to Consider in Best Mobile Hotspots

Before exploring our list of Best Mobile Hotspots, let’s understand the parameters considered while choosing them:

1. Offered Coverage Area

Make sure the selected mobile hotspot offers you a good coverage in your area. Compare it with other mobile hotspots.

2. Speed of the Network

Ensure that the mobile hotspot has good speed internet connectivity. This is very essential as you need real time, fast and quick streaming and connectivity for all your tasks.

3. Battery Recharge

The less frequently you are required to charge, the longer the battery lasts and it’s considered to have high life expectancy.

4. Compatibility Check

You need to check if your devices are compatible with the mobile hotspot. Devices include your laptops, tabs, mobile phones, smart TVs’, etc.

5. Data Plans

You need to check the data plans in order to learn about the services they offer along with the pricings. You will need to check for a plan that satisfies your requirements. Check for their contract terms and conditions, data caps, overage charges, etc.

6. Security and Additional Features

Make sure that your mobile hotspots provide the necessary security to your network which includes the popular WPA3 encryption. This encryption protects your data from any kind of unauthorized access. Several mobile hotspots also provide features like multi-device connectivity, external antenna ports, touchscreens, etc.

Best 7 Mobile Hotspots

1. NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 5G Wi-Fi 6 Mobile Hotspot

NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 5G Wi-Fi 6 is designed in a way that it offers extremely high connectivity. It has a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem. It can connect up to 30 devices simultaneously.

NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 5G Wi-Fi 6 Mobile Hotspot

Features:

• It offers 5G connection.
• It provides Wi-Fi 6 support.
• Comes with a touchscreen display along with long battery life.

Pricing Plans: Different carriers offer different pricing plans. It offers $114.99 pack for 4 years plan.

Pros	Cons
5G connectivity	Premium Plans with high-package
Wi-Fi 6 support	Some regions have limited availability
Long battery life

Website: https://www.netgear.com/

2. GlocalMe DuoTurbo 4G LTE Portable Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot

GlocalMe DuoTurbo 4G LTE Portable Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot is a go to for those looking out for flexibility and convenience during travel. It has a 8GB US and 1GB global data. You don’t require any sim card in it.

GlocalMe DuoTurbo 4G LTE Portable Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot

Features:

• It offers connectivity globally.
• It supports 4G LTE Networks.
• SIM Cards from various carriers can be used.

Pricing Plans: It offers several data package alternatives along with a flexible pay-as-you-go service.

Pros	Cons
Provides coverage globally	Speed limited to 4G LTE
No restrictions on the SIM Card	In some nations, local SIM Cards may be required for best rates.
Economically feasible data plans

Website: https://www.glocalme.com/

3. Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G Hotspot

Inseego MiFi X Pro 5G Hotspot is a very strong and secure mobile hotspot device. It uses 5G services and Wi-Fi 6, along with that it also provides multiple device connectivity up to 32 devices simultaneously. It’s touchscreen interface makes it easy for navigation also as one of the best mobile hotspot too.

Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G Hotspot

Features:

• It provides a ultra fast 5G Connection.
• It can support up to 30 devices simultaneously.
• It has a touchscreen interface.

Pricing Plans:

Different carriers offer different pricing plans. It offers:

• 1 GB for $9.72/month (36 months)
• 1 GB for $349.99 (Full Retail Price)

Pros	Cons
High 5G Speed	Expensive
Exceptional device compatibility	Some regions have limited availability

Website: https://inseego.com/

4. FoxFi

FoxFi is a mobile hotspot designed specially for your android mobiles. You don’t need any exclusive data plan for FoxFi. It is taken care of well within your phone’s existing data plan.

FoxFi Mobile Hotspot

Features:

• It is available for Android devices.
• You can enable Wi-Fi sharing via your cellphone’s connection.

Pricing Plans: Verizon offers various pricing plans. It is a very cost effective mobile hotspot with one time charges as nominal as $7.99 at the time of download.

Pros	Cons
It has easy set up.	Only for Android devices.
Good alternative incase you don’t want a dedicated hotspot device.	Performance may not be at a par with dedicated hotspots.

Website: https://foxfi.com/

5. Verizon Wireless Jetpack MiFi 8800L Wi-Fi Hotspot

Verizon Wireless Jetpack provides fast connectivity and enhanced security. It has a colored touchscreen interface which is of size 2.4 inch. It offers a long battery life up to 24 hours. It also gives multiple device connectivity up to 15 Wi-Fi enabled devices.

Verizon Wireless Jetpack MiFi 8800L Wi-Fi Hotspot

Features:

• It offers 4G LTE connectivity.
• Offers battery life up to 24 hours.
• Capacity for 15 devices to be connected.

Pricing Plans: Verizon offers various pricing plans.

• $5.55/month (36 months)
• $199.99 (2 year contract)
• $199.99 (full retail price)

Pros	Cons
Highly reliable network	Doesn’t support 5G
Long lasting battery	Only available for Verizon networks.
Multiple device connectivity

Website: https://www.verizon.com/

6. Orbic Speed 5G UW Wi-Fi Hotspot

It is a premium mobile hotspot in order to stay connected with the most vital jobs. It offers a speed of 5G. It is a portable device and provides multiple device connectivity up to 30 devices that are Wi-Fi enabled.

Orbic Speed 5G UW Wi-Fi Hotspot

Features:

• Supports 5G Network of Verizon Ultra Wideband.
• Long battery life.
• Provides touchscreen interface.

Pricing Plans: Available via Verizon with various data plans.

• 512 MB for $8.33/month (For 36 months)
• 512 MB for $299.99 (Full Retail Price)

Pros	Cons
Ultra-fast 5G speeds	Limited only to Verizon’s networks
Network reliability	Premium plans with extra charges
Touchscreen interface

Website: https://www.orbic.com/

7. Alcatel Linkzone Wi-Fi Hotspot

Alcatel Linkzone is a portable mobile hotspot and has a long battery life up to 7 hours of continuous use. It can be controlled remotely. It offers a 4G LTE connection.

Alcatel Linkzone Wi-Fi Hotspot

Features:

• Offers 4G LTE connectivity.
• Easy to set up.
• Compact design.

Pricing Plans: Available through various carriers.

Pros	Cons
Easy to set up with components	Restricted to 4G LTE speeds
Cost-effective
Compact and Portable

Website: https://www.alcatelmobile.com/

Conclusion

Thus, it is important to understand that Mobile Hotspot should be chosen on the basis your requirements and needs. If you are looking for fast 5G speeds, you should go for the NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 or Inseego MiFi X Pro. For those who aim for flexibility and convenience can go for GlocalMe Duo Turbo. Those having tight budget can go for Alcatel Linkzone.

The best mobile hotspots will satisfy all the essential criteria’s like coverage, speed, battery life, device compatibility, data plans and security features.

FAQs – Best Mobile Hotspots

1. Can a Mobile Hotspot be used as a primary internet connection?

Yes, it can be used as your primary internet connection if you have normal daily requirements but in cases where you want continuous streaming and high data requirement, you may go for subscription plans or pay-as-you-go services.

2. Are there any free Mobile Hotspot alternatives available?

Yes, there are many apps like FoxFi offer free Mobile Hotspot. It is a carrier specific mobile hotspot which mainly come with some subscription plans or pay-as-you-go plans.

3. How are 4G and 5G mobile hotspot different?

4G and 5G differ with their upload and download speeds where 5G wins over 4G.

4. Can I use Mobile Hotspot with multiple devices simultaneously?

Yes, you can use Mobile Hotspots which offers multiple device connectivity. They may vary in the number of devices that can be used simultaneously.

5. What benefit does Mobile Hotspot have over tethering my smartphone?

Dedicated Mobile Hotspots definitely have an advantage as they have higher capacities which may be required for online gaming, live streaming, and other real time applications.