There isn’t really a “best hotspot device”, because it all comes down to two things: your needs and your budget.
Tested and Approved: Inseego MiFi X Pro 5G UW
The Inseego MiFi X Pro 5G UW (that’s a very long name!) is the device we ship with our plans when you choose a hotspot.
Why we picked it
We like it because it satisfies the needs of our customers at an affordable price:
- Affordable: MSRP $349.99 – it’s one of the best value device available… and it’s even more of a good value when we bundle it for ONLY $99 with our 800GB Data Plan;
- Lightning fast: it’s 5G UltraWide (5G UW/5G+) Ready and capable of Wi-Fi 6, the fastest wireless connection available now;
- Ethernet port: if you need some extra stability, you can skip the Wi-Fi and plug it directly to your computer;
- Connect up to 32 devices: chances are that you won’t need to connect that many devices, but just in case you do, you can;
- Strong battery life: the device is USB-C Quick Charge ready, and powered by a 5050mAh battery – that’s more than an iPhone 16 Pro Max’s battery;
- Portability: at 3x6, it’s smaller than a postcard;
- Flexibility: it also works with every major US carrier (AT&T, Bell, rogers, T-Mobile, Verizon) on their highest available speed and EZ Mobile Data, naturally;
- Easy set-up: we test the devices before shipping them out, so they’re already good to go, but if you need to tweak, the Inseego app is very handy
Who is it for
Most people! If you already know it’s not good enough for you, then it’s not for you – for example, the lack of Wi-Fi 6E may be one of the reasons why it’s not for you.
If you don’t understand and/or don’t care about the technical specifications of the device, it’s more than good enough for you, don’t worry.
Our second pick: Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro
We also offer the Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro for some of our customers, but considering it’s a (very) high-end mobile hotspot, most customers don’t need it – and most of the features available on the Nighthawk M6 Pro are also covered by the Inseego MiFi X Pro 5G UW we picked for you.
The MSRP for this mobile hotspot is at a staggering $999 – it is a powerhouse, and power users will find a use for the Nighthawk M6 Pro but we mean it: most people won’t need it.
What if I chose a router instead?
A 5G router and a mobile hotspot essentially serve the same function, with two big differences: price and portability. 5G routers tend to be pricier than mobile hotspot, and they are not battery powered, but instead have to be plugged at all time.
They offer more powerful network features which most users won’t need, and better Wi-Fi connectivity since they are equipped with antennas. Hotspots being portable can stay close to whichever device they are providing Wi-Fi to.
We’d usually recommend a router for rural homes and keep the more affordable hotspots for trucks or RVs.
Why choose a hotspot over using mobile tethering?
While it’s true that most smartphones have a network sharing functionality, it tends to be limited:
- Feature locked: some mobile plans may block the use of tethering;
- Data usage: some carriers may restrict the use of data to a few GB per month;
- Speed cap: most mobile plans will cap the Internet speed;
- Functionality: you will not be able to connect many devices to your smartphone at the same time
- Stability: phones aren’t designed to provide access to the Internet for a prolonged period of time – we recommend tethering to be used in cases of emergency as you will feel the phone overheating, and this will damage the battery life of your phone!
Is a hotspot good enough to work?
It’s more than good enough – nowadays, you can even stream or play games with a mobile hotspot. Unless you work with a lot of 4K video editing, chances are that mobile Internet will be sufficient for any of your needs.
You only need to make sure you are within network coverage: the farther you are from a tower, the slower your speed will be.
Check out our guide on how to start working remotely from your van!
Is there a truly unlimited hotspot?
Yes, of course! EZ Mobile Data offers an Unlimited Data Plan for only $139.99/mo, no contract, no string attached, with a device bundled in.
However, while our unlimited data plan offers unthrottled Internet access with no speed cap, the carrier may reprioritize your access in times of congestion to avoid degradation for all customers, regardless of your location. Speed may be variable due to this reprioritization.
What’s the difference between a “mobile hotspot” and a “Wi-Fi hotspot”?
You’ll find a lot of “Wi-Fi hotspots” in towns, stations and airports – you can connect your devices to these hotspots, but they won’t move with you as opposed to the “mobile hotspot” (or sometimes called “portable hotspot”) which is… mobile!
The obvious advantage is that a mobile hotspot will move with you and provide you with an Internet connection as long as you have network coverage, whereas a regular Wi-Fi hotspot will require you to move towards them to get better connectivity.
Wi-Fi hotspots, especially public hotspots, are also usually very limited in speed, use time and security.
Can portable hotspots replace home Internet?
Yes, but we’d recommend using a 5G router instead for this purpose. The reason is simple – if you’re not on the move, your router will be on 24/7, and your devices will also be used longer.
Mobile hotspots, on the other hand, are battery-powered and while you could just keep them plugged in, it’s not recommended for the battery life to do so.
With that being said, it’s absolutely possible to use a mobile hotspot at home. If you need portable Internet because you are expecting a service shortage in your area for example, a hotspot will safely keep you connected!
Are portables hotspots worth it?
If you’re thinking of traveling a lot in a vehicle like a truck or an RV, or considering working remotely, yes, absolutely!
If you need a backup plan for your satellite Internet, yes, it’s also worth it to keep connected as much as possible, especially if you’re working on the road.
If you are home most of the time, unless you live in a rural area where broadband / fiber coverage is poor or doesn’t reach, yes, it can be worth it, but we’d recommend a 5G router instead.
If you don’t fit in any of these categories, it might not be worth it: just stick to accessing the Internet via your smartphone / tablet.
