Wifi hotspot mobile devices

The 5 Best Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots of 2023

Nicole LaMarco has 15+ years’ experience writing about web hosting, antivirus, backup software and other technology for publications like Tech Republic and Web Hosting Sun.

Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire.

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Wi-Fi or mobile hotspots quickly and inexpensively connect your devices to the internet. Hotspots are relatively small and portable, perfect for anyone on the go.

You can use your phone as a hotspot, but that’s susceptible to disruptions from bandwidth limitations, and you are destined to overload and eventually kill your battery.

We’ve taken the guesswork out for your Wi-Fi hotspot purchase and researched the best ones to suit your desires.

Best Overall

Skyroam Solis Lite

The Skyroam Solis Lite is perfect for world travelers, due to its easy setup and unlimited data. The device allows users to receive 4G LTE mobile Wi-Fi speeds in more than 135 countries. The Solis’ reach includes North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. While you hop from country to country, you don’t have to worry about locating and purchasing local SIM cards. Instead of a traditional SIM card, the Solis is based on the patented vSIM technology. Not only can you take this hotspot across the globe, but the unit also can connect up to 10 devices at once. With an impressive 6,000mAh power bank, the Solis provides 16 hours of battery life. While you’re working off the speedy Wi-Fi, you also can charge your mobile devices, as the unit includes a USB-C connection.

The flexibility of the network is just as flexible as the Solis’ data plans. Since Skyroam doesn’t offer contracts, users can purchase data by the day, month, or gigabyte. Plans are available for the United States and for the globe, ranging from $9/day to $99/month. If you prefer to purchase data by the gigabyte, Skyroam offers a Go Data plan, which gives users 1GB of data use per month for just $6. Many reviewers expressed that the data gets easily consumed when multiple devices are connected, or when performing data-heavy activities. Fortunately, if you need more data, you can purchase more data for only $6. For most carriers, domestic or otherwise, $6 is considerably cheaper than roaming charges.

Best International

GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot

If you’re looking to travel, the GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE mobile hotspot is the best way to stay connected wherever you’re located. With GlocalMe’s cloud SIM technology, travelers aren’t bound by a particular network. Specifically, hotspot users can access the internet with a local SIM card in over 100 countries. Although the hotspot is compatible with any local SIM card, GlocalMe invites travelers to use its own networks with 1GB of free data. Users are able to use that data anywhere the device has a signal.

Despite the G4’s reach, the hotspot provides only 50Mbps max upload speed and 150Mbps download speed. While the speeds aren’t the fastest available, they’re enough to make calls, send texts, check emails, and peruse the World Wide Web. In addition to connecting with family and friends, users can connect up to five devices at once.

The G4’s built-in 3,900mAh battery provides almost two days of battery life. When charged, the hotspot can be used in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, and anywhere in Africa. To avoid wasting data and shelling out more money than necessary, GlocalMe offers data packages with competitive pricing. The company’s pay-as-you-go plans eliminate the need to purchase local SIM cards. Plans range from $36 to $99.

Best Unlocked

KuWFi 4G LTE Unlocked Hotspot

KuWFi’s 4G LTE Unlocked Hotspot is one of the most economical options on the market, as it’s priced under $100. While the hotspot won’t hurt your pockets, it may not be the most pleasing on the eyes. The overall design of the KuWFi has been described as “childish” and “quirky.” Irrespective of the appearance, the hotspot is extremely versatile and provides notable browsing speeds. In particular, the unlocked KuWFi is compatible with a number of SIM cards such as 4G LTE Sprint 2500 MHz, Redzone Wireless, SpeedConnect, UScellular, and AT&T.

The KuWFi’s performance is outstanding for the price and size of the hotspot. For example, the unit connects via 802.11n, which offers peak speeds of 150Mbps. Having a KuWFi is comparable to having an entry-level, at-home router in your pocket. The hotspot is the perfect travel companion as it weighs in at 6 ounces and sports a super-slim profile. You can fit the KuWFi in your pocket, purse, or backpack without issue. Not to mention, you can connect up to 10 devices at once. While bandwidth will inevitably decrease with each device, the performance specifications are extraordinary.

Best for AT&T Users

Netgear Nighthawk MR1100 Mobile Hotspot 4G LTE Router

Once you get past the shock of the Nighthawk M1’s price, you’ll understand that it’s worth every penny. As AT&T’s first gigabit LTE hotspot, the Nighthawk is the fastest hotspot available. In addition to speedy network connections, the hotspot doubles as a travel router and backup battery. Although referred to as a travel router, the Nighthawk is larger in size than most hotspots. The device weighs almost 9 ounces and is 4 inches in both height and width. Moreover, the display screen is clean, allowing for an easy setup.

Despite its large size, the Nighthawk runs on a 5,040mAh battery that provides a day of use. The durable battery can support up to 20 devices. To provide even greater connectivity, the Nighthawk has Ethernet and USB Type-A and -C connectors. With the inclusion of the Ethernet port, users can establish a Wi-Fi source from a wired connection. If you find yourself needing more, such as onboard storage, you can upgrade the device with 512 MB of additional storage.

To lessen the price tag’s brunt, AT&T offers an install agreement. If a user signs up for a 30-month agreement, the carrier allows users to pay off the Nighthawk for less than $9 per month.

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How to Use Your Android Phone as a Wi-Fi Hotspot

Former Lifewire writer Melanie Uy has 5+ years’ experience writing about consumer-oriented technology and is an expert telecommuter.

Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years’ experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.

In This Article

What to Know

• On Samsung, go to Settings >Connections >Mobile Hotspot and Tethering and turn on Mobile Hotspot.
• On other Androids, go to Settings >Network & Internet >Hotspot & tethering >Wi-Fi hotspot.
• When the hotspot is activated, connect your other devices to it as you would any other Wi-Fi network.

This article shows how to enable and use the Android hotspot feature on Samsung and Google Pixel smartphones as examples. The instructions should apply to most current Android phones and software versions.

How to Make a Hotspot on Your Samsung Smartphone

To turn on the Wi-Fi hotspot on a Samsung smartphone, follow these steps:

On some Samsung devices, go to Settings > Wireless & networks > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.

Turn on the Mobile Hotspot toggle switch. The phone becomes a wireless access point and displays a message in the notification bar when it’s activated.

Be selective when sharing your Wi-Fi hotspot with other people. Also, data processed through this Wi-Fi feature counts against your monthly allotment of mobile data.

How to Make a Hotspot on a Google Pixel or Stock Android

Follow these steps to enable a hotspot on a Pixel or stock Android:

Tap Hotspot & tethering >Wi-Fi hotspot.

Turn on the Wi-Fi hotspot toggle switch.

Find and Connect to the New Wi-Fi Hotspot

When the hotspot is activated, connect your other devices to it as you would any other Wi-Fi network:

1. On your device, find the Wi-Fi hotspot. It might notify you that new wireless networks are available.

To find the wireless networks, use your Android phone and go to Settings > Wireless & networks > Wi-Fi settings. Then, follow the general Wi-Fi connection instructions for most computers.

Enable Wi-Fi Hotspot for Free on Carrier-Restricted Plans

You might not get internet access on your laptop or tablet after you connect because some wireless carriers restrict Wi-Fi hotspot access only to those who pay for the feature.

In this case, download and use an app like Elixir 2, which toggles the Wi-Fi hotspot on or off on your home screen. This makes it possible to access the hotspot feature directly and without adding extra charges from your wireless provider. If Elixir 2 doesn’t work, try the FoxFi app; it does the same thing.

Be aware that, in many cases, bypassing carrier limitations constitutes a terms-of-service violation in your contract. Use these apps at your discretion.

Tips and Considerations

When using the Wi-Fi hotspot, follow these recommendations:

• Turn off the Wi-Fi hotspot feature when you no longer need it. Leaving the feature activated drains the cellphone battery.
• By default, portable Wi-Fi hotspots are set up with WPA2 security and generic passwords. If you use a hotspot in a public place or are concerned about hackers intercepting your data, change the password before broadcasting your signal.
• Devices and carriers use different methods to activate the mobile hotspot feature. Some carriers require the use of a standalone app. Check the specific instructions for your device and service provider.

It depends on your plan. Some carriers charge $10-$20 per month for a hotspot. With other carriers, a mobile hotspot uses your data plan.

To connect your Android to your computer wirelessly, use AirDroid from Google Play, Bluetooth, or the Microsoft Your Phone app.

Your phone creates a hotspot by turning the cellular network signal into a Wi-Fi signal, essentially functioning like a modem and a router in one device.

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