Keeping connected while on the road or on the go can be difficult for all of us. Regardless of whether you're needing Internet for business or leisure, work or school, staying online is important. But how can we stay online while on the go?
This guide is here to help you find out the best options for portable Internet and how to navigate the options for providers.
Setting expectations with portable Internet
Portable Internet (or mobile hotspot) can be a godsend for many:
- The speeds can rival or exceed that of traditional broadband / fiber.
- It's stable, with its usage easy enough for almost any individual.
- It's as reliable as your cell phone, getting you at least 4G LTE or 5G when you need it most.
With that said, we want to set expectations on hotspot devices as enough data usage on these portable devices can match what you would use at home, leaving you with a hefty bill or throttled speeds after you reach threshold of data used.
We first need to guide you on how much data you need, so you can feel confident about the decision you'll make for mobile Internet.
How much Internet data and speed do I need and What do I need for my online activities?
Although you'll find a lot of resources on the web about how much data usage you'll need, your needs might be better met by determining how long you'll need portable Internet.
Since so many websites attempt to figure out how much you'll likely use in a given month, we will work with a baseline average of how consumers use Internet:
- The average consumer spends on average of about 2 and a half hours on social media everyday.
- The average consumer spends about 54 minutes on an video or Zoom call. At least eight meetings are attended by the typical employee each week, which equates to approximately 7 hours of video calls or video conferencing.
- The average business person sends and receives 122 emails a day.
- The average American listens to two hours of streaming music per day.
Using this calculator, this equates to 462.60 GB of monthly data of this above example. So, if you're on the go, and only need service part of the time, you'll divide your average data needs monthly by 30 and then multiply by the amount of days needed for service.
For example, if you're an average user using 462.60 GB monthly, and you only need service for 3 weeks, your average daily usage of data would be 15.42 GB, multiplied by 21 days. This gives you an estimate of 323.82 GB of usage needed.
You can then multiply by the number of people traveling together if applicable.
What if you're a truck driver? or an RV enthusiast? or retired? semi retired? student? gamer?
Everyone has different needs! The handy calculator above allows you to plug in your own custom amounts for a more tailored answer to your needs. With your own calculations, divide the amount of days in a month you'll be on the road to get your answer.
Want an easy way to figure this out without doing any math? Call your Internet provider at home and ask them for your average usage per month. This gives you a very accurate summary of your data usage.
We will give you some averages to work with to quickly guide you to your answer. If you don't game or stream, simply omit them from the calculator.
- Americans spend an average of three hours and nine minutes a day streaming digital media.
- Love to bing-watch your favorite shows? Add more hours to the calculator. TV and video can add a lot of data!
- According to a MIDiA report, the average gamer spends over an hour per day on games, or 7.6 hours per week.
- Contrary to popular belief, online gaming does NOT use a lot of data as it's not as demanding as people think.
- What you should worry about is file size and updates. Your average AAA game is around 80-200GB!
- In other words, gaming with your friends online doesn't use much data, it's the initial download and future updates that use a lot of data.
With the information you have at hand, you will not only be able to find yourself a better hotspot or mobile router, but the price you pay will be catered to exactly how much you'll need.
In other words, you won't have to worry about whether you're paying too much or too little, giving you the reliability and stability of traditional home Internet.
Why can’t I simply use a smartphone? Doesn't my plan have hotspot data?
You can! A better way to think about it is the old saying, "just because you can, doesn't mean you should!".
What are the problems with just using your smartphone for your portable Internet needs exclusively? Several problems actually:
- Using your smartphone as a hotspot drains your battery.
- How much? your hotspot might use more than double the normal amount of energy to maintain a connection.
- This can cause your battery to drain faster, and the lifespan of your battery may be reduced by up to 50%.
- All smartphone plans typically come with an allotment of data to be used as a hotspot per month.
- Although it's advertised as unlimited, the real limitations is that after using said allotment, it is SLOW.
- How slow? You might be able to reply to a basic email or Google something, but that's it.
- For reference, it's not much faster than dialup speeds, around 256-600kbps. That means it will take you over 8 hours to use 1GB of data!
- Your phone plan might charge you for using more allotment than what is given.
- This is typically common in business or enterprise plans, but please check your plan to confirm.
Best plans for portable Internet in 2024
The best way to get portable Wi-Fi is going through your mobile carrier. Although you'll deal with data and speed caps depending on the plan you choose, this would be the easiest way to get you up and running with a portable hotspot in no time. With fast 5G service, all three carriers offer several plans, but these are the best options as of 2024.
Keep in mind that all devices sold through a carrier would be locked to their service. In other words, it won't be able to be used at another carrier:
- AT&T: You can purchase 50GB plan for $55, or 100GB for $90 dollars under their prepaid service. You'll need a compatible hotspot, which can be purchased at a local AT&T. Their flagship device is the MR6500 Netgear Nighthawk.
- T-Mobile: In terms of ease, T-Mobile has the best option. You can get 200GB of data for just $110 a month with autopay with their AWAY plan. An unlimited version of this goes for $160 monthly with mobile router included.
- Verizon: If you already have a Verizon account, Verizon has the best value. If you add a hotspot with an existing smartphone line, you can get 150GB or premium data for just $60 monthly. You'll still need a hotspot, which currently is the Inseego X Pro M3100, retailing for $349.99.
- Starlink Mini: This satellite Internet option has a miniature version for just $50 a month, but the setup costs $599. This is not a very economical option and not very portable. This is excellent for someone who intends to be in areas with no cellular coverage. Note that you can use both cellular data and satellite Internet to have maximum coverage at any given time.
Our offer at EZ Mobile Data
Interested in a no hassle, unthrottled, high speed, unlimited plan with nationwide coverage? EZ Mobile Data has the best value on the market. No need to worry about speed caps, or trying to find the cheapest options on the market.
Our plans offer complete flexibility with no contract, prepaid service that fits your needs. We have a variety of data plans and hotspots that cater to your lifestyle.
We understand your needs better than any other provider: we cater specifically for life on the road, whether you're an RV enthusiast or a truck driver.
Call us at 866-441-3282, text us at that number or email us for a consultation at info@ezmobiledata.com.
The best Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots in 2024
Looking for the best hotspot for your needs?
Due to various consumer needs, budget, and carrier locking on portable hotspots, there is no single best device. That said, most hotspots and mobile routers have enough features and technology that makes their price worthwhile.
For simplicity, we will give a few names of highly rated portable hotspots and routers on the market, and where you can purchase them:
- Inseego X Pro M3000: Available at T-Mobile for $264.00
- EZ Mobile Data offers this device for just $99.99 with a bundled 800GB plan!
- Inseego X Pro M3100: Available at Verizon for $349.99
- EZ Mobile Data offers this device for just $120 with a bundled unlimited plan!
- Netgear Nighthawk MR6500: Available on Amazon for around $196.01. Their flagship device is the MR6550 if you're looking for the best
- EZ Mobile Data can supply unlimited data to these devices!
What makes the Inseego X Pro so special?
The powerful, secure hotspot device equipped with everything you need to work, create, and communicate.
Users can experience even faster Wi-Fi speeds, increased data throughput, and less bandwidth congestion thanks to the hotspot supporting 5G and the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology.
Connect up to 32 devices at the same time - not that you may need that many, but it's become rather common to have two to four devices per person, plus a TV, plus a gaming console or two, plus a Chromecast, plus a printer... it piles up very quickly!
Looking for more of a router? Look into these devices:
- MOFI6500: This specific mobile router has an x62 5G module with 4 cellular antennas and expanded WiFi antennas.
- Cudy 5G AX3000: Similar to the MOFI, this specific mobile router also contains a x62 5G modem but contains several features such as VPN, internet cellular backup failover, remote management, and more. This is the perfect router for cellular needs.
All of these devices can be serviced through us at EZ Mobile Data, since our amazing plans are also available without devices at the same unbeatable price!
Frequently Asked Questions about Portable Internet
Do Portable Wi-Fi really work?
Yes, they do!
Not only are they reliable devices, they use the same existing technology as your phone data plan without hurting the lifespan of your phone. Whether on the go, on the road, these devices are well worth your consideration.
Can a Portable Hotspot replace Home Broadband Internet?
It can, and it's rather commonly used!
Although not the ideal setup, if you live in an area with no traditional Internet options, a portable hotspot can fill that need. You'll get better speed and stability compared to slower options in your area, especially if you're off the grid.
Need guidance on this? Get in touch with us so we can help!
How much mobile Internet cost?
Regardless of whether you go with a hotspot, router, or somewhere in between, most mobile Internet costs around $50 on the lower end for 50GB up to 200GB or unlimited for $160 monthly, with satellite being the most expensive at $165 monthly or more.
At EZ Mobile Data, you can get the most bang for your buck, starting with 800GB of 5G data for just $120 monthly with no contract.
Can you get Internet in a vehicle?
Yes! Mobile hotspots are excellent for use within an RV, trucks, or boats.
You won't need any expensive or complicated setup. Just turn on your device and get connected!
Does portable Wi-Fi work without service?
Sadly, no.
Similar to your smartphone, if you don't pay for the monthly service, it just won't work. You can use public Wi-Fi, shops, or specific establishments that offer free Wi-Fi you happen to be near any of these.
The coverage and signal strength of the Wi-Fi may not be the best, but it's a small consolation for free Wi-Fi while on the go.
What's the difference between a router and a hotspot?
Simply put, price, portability and features.
A router is much more powerful than a hotspot, but not everyone needs a router.
On the other hand, a hotspot is usually very easy to setup and doesn't need to be plugged at all time.
