There are many reasons to get yourself a portable or pocket hotspot. A mobile Wi-Fi hotspot will give you a quality connection while keeping it reliable wherever you go. So whether you’re on the road, camping or in a hotel room, a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot will help you stay connected.
Table of Contents
Best overall – GL.iNET GL-MT300N
Top features:
- 300 Mbps high speed
- Pre-installed OpenWrt/LEDE
- Fast OpenVPN encryption
- Four modes
The GL.iNET GL-MT300N, also known as the GL Mango, provides internet speeds of up to 300Mbps. It comes with pre-installed OpenWrt/LEDE (Linux Embedded Development Environment) and a few IO ports reserved for function extension.
These grant absolute power to users and developers alike, who can consequently enjoy the full features that the router comes. It also affords them the ability to customize the operating system. The result? Hand-picked advantages without unnecessary complexity.
The Fast OpenVPN encryption ensures a user retains total control of their valuable data as it travels across the Wi-Fi network (all-out security). The four modes give a user four unique ways of connecting to the internet through their router. These are through an ethernet cable, Wi-Fi, 3G/4G modem, and USB tethering.
The GL.iNET GL-MT300N is thus one of the few unlimited mobile hotspot devices that will give you a fantastic experience that guarantees satisfaction – maximum value for money.
PROS
- Features 128 MB RAM and 16 MB flash ROM that provides ample storage capacity for the various applications and processes that the router depends on to function.
- It is equipped with advanced security encryption that keeps the network and your information safe from would-be hackers.
- Supports both LAN and WAN, providing coverage for both small and more expansive areas around a user.
CONS
- May not stay connected for extensive periods
User Reviews
According to most users, the GL.iNET GL-MT300N is excellent as a travel router and will work wonders as a VPN router. Many different users also notably liked it for working well with captive hotel portals.
Some users complained about having problems with tethering and its inefficiency when using it as a Wi-Fi and VPN router at once. A few users had so many mixed feelings, while others seemed to have had a bad experience. However, pointing out what the exact problem was is impossible since each was a unique complaint.
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Runner Up – TP-Link N300
Top Features:
- 300 Mbps Wi-Fi speed
- Secure Wi-Fi hotspot
- Five user modes
- 2-year warranty and unlimited technical support
The TP-Link N300 uses a 2.4 GHz band with a transmission rate of up to 300 Mbps. When used as WAN/LAN, it transmits at a rate of up to 100 Mbps. It has one port supporting both WAN and LAN; these provide broad and close-range Wi-Fi distribution.
The TP-Link N300 provides multiple WiFi encryption options such as WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x). Its multiple Operating/user Modes, including; the Router, Client, Repeater, Access Point, and Bridge, give a user diverse ways of connecting to the internet.
The main advantage here is that the router will serve you for a long time even if one or two suddenly stop working. Three of these modes aid connection within the home (Access Point, Wi-Fi & Ethernet) while the other two modes guarantee an efficient connection while on the road.
PROS
- It comes in an ultra-small pocket-friendly size. Some routers do not fit in a pocket and won’t serve you well if you want to stay connected while on the road
- Equipped with a micro-USB port that allows flexible powering via an external adapter or USB cable
- The router (Bridge connection mode) enables you to connect to existing home networks and extend them to dead zones like the basement or attic.
- The pre-Encryption feature sets preliminary SSID and PIN protection, guaranteeing user information security
- Industry-leading 2-year warranty and infinite 24/7 technical support in both English & French
- There’s a dedicated button for easy user-mode switching; users have instant control of the connection method they choose
CONS
- May disconnect frequently
- No USB tethering option
- May not connect instantly
User Reviews
Most users were happy with the TP-Link N300 because of its reliable and robust network. Its multiple connection modes were also features that resonated well with users. Some users complained of the router either not connecting instantly or disconnecting repetitively. While other groups could not settle on what issue they had with it.
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Fastest Internet Speed – NETGEAR Nighthawk
Top Features:
- Blistering internet speed (up to 1 Gbps)
- SIM card slot (Universal Mobile Carrier & LTE network Support)
- 1-Gigabit Ethernet port
- 5040 mAh battery
The NETGEAR Nighthawk is a genuinely revolutionary Portable Wi-Fi hotspot device that will rock the Canadian scene for a good time to come. With the knowledge that tech constantly evolves, users can expect even bigger things from Netgear.
With its superfast internet download speeds of up to 1 Gaps and upload speeds of up to 150 Mbps, the router stands out.
The 1-Gigabit Ethernet port allows users to access the internet at the same blistering speeds they enjoyed through Wi-Fi. The NETGEAR Nighthawk’s efficiency is also unparalleled as it enables data streaming through Micro SD, USB, and External Hard Drive. Imagine connecting your Hard Drive and accessing its content from any device that’s connected to the Wi-Fi; cool, right?
PROS
- Multifunctional USB 2.0 port and one micro USB for power
- Dual-band connection (2.4 GHz and 5GHz) for blistering Wi-Fi speed & additional range
- 2.4’’ Color LCD Screen that gives a user more visual control of navigation through functionalities and settings.
- Netgear App that offers complete router control, extending the functionality control that’s limited through the single button and LCD screen.
- Dedicated data and battery usage indicators that help a user to regulate their usage habits
- Dedicated password reminder and reset interface
- Double External Aerial Connecting provision for remote signal boost
- Up to 20 devices (simultaneous connection)
- Guest Wi-Fi setting for additional connection control (in case you do not want to share the password with guests)
- Text Message feature through the App
CONS
- It does not fit in a pocket and may not be if you intend to walk around with it
- The LCD screen is not a touch-screen
- Connecting to power via the USB-C doesn’t work with the battery inserted (any power outage implies loss of Wi-Fi connection)
User Reviews
The majority of the NETGEAR Nighthawk users found the router worth its purchase price in terms of value given. Its unbelievably fast live streaming, Sim Card support capabilities, and a long-lasting battery that made it double as a power bank were the most notable mentions. For better reception we recommend using this external MIMO antenna.
A few other users cautioned other potential buyers to be selective about the supplier they chose to purchase from. A few users who seemingly liked the device also complained about, notably, its tendency to reboot.
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Most Reliable – TP-Link AC750
Top Features:
- 2 USB ports (one micro USB for power and another USB 2.0)
- It supports modems via the USB 2.0 port
- Speeds of up to 433 Mbps
- Five operation modes (Router Mode, Access Point Mode, Range Extender Mode, Client Mode, and Hotspot Mode)
The TP-Link AC750 creates fast AC750 Wi-Fi over dual 2.4 GHz (300 Mbps) and 5 GHz (433 Mbps) bands. This provision makes it reliable despite the network in the area you are in. The travel router also comes with a multifunctional built-in USB 2.0 sharing port.
The TP-Link AC750 can connect a USB storage drive to share access to files, download movies, and back up recent photos. It can also connect a smartphone cable while also doubling as a 5V/1A charging station for one device. The router comes with WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryptions for network security.
PROS
- Multifunctional USB 2.0 port
- Dual-band frequencies (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz) for fast Wi-Fi speed and more comprehensive coverage
- The range extender mode allows maximum Wi-Fi coverage and eliminates dead zones within a location
- It comes in a compact pocket-size design that makes it easy to carry around
- 2-year and unlimited 24/7 technical support
CONS
- Client mode may not work
User Reviews
Most users gave the TP-Link AC750 a thumbs up because of its dual-band feature that allows them to connect over a wide area without compromising speed. Its multiple usage modes also made it ideal for traveling users. A few other users were irritated by its lack of a sim card slot.
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Most Versatile – TP-Link TL-MR3020
Top Features
- Three user modes; Access Point Mode, 3G Router Mode, and Client Mode.
- It supports 3G and 4G modems
- Wi-Fi extender
The TP-Link TL-MR3020 is ideally travel-sized to fit in a pocket or bag. It can be powered through a USB cable connected to a power bank or laptop. Not forgetting the 5V adapter to a wall socket.
The TP-Link TL-MR3020 also provides three user modes, including Router, Client, and AP mode, giving users various ways to connect. Its good internal antenna and button for mode switching make it a consideration that will fit many scenarios.
PROS
- Supports multiple security protocols (64/128 bit WEP, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, and Wireless MAC Filtering)
- Dual-band for both speed and range
- Easy to use
- Button for switching user modes
- Supports modems through its USB 2.0 port
CONS
- No SIM card interface
User Reviews
The TP-Link TL-MR3020’s users found it easy to set up with its ‘plug-in and go’ nature. Its compatibility with Verizon, Virgin, and others also massively won the hearts of many users. Some users complained that its coverage radius is small.
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How we picked the best products for this article
While buying a mobile hotspot, you will need to consider portability, bandwidth, performance, wireless frequencies, security and privacy, and connectivity. These, among others, helped in coming up with this list and might help you decide on which device is best for you.
Connectivity Options
Mobile hotspots have a number of connectivity options. Our Runner up pick, the TP-Link N300 for instance does not have the ability to connect to a cellular network. It can only connect to a wide area network over wired Ethernet. This is how it accesses the internet. Users can access the network via Wi-Fi. Our top pick on the other hand is more versatile as it can connect to the internet in any one of four different ways:
- Using an Ethernet cable to connect to a network
- Tethering to a phone or tablet
- 3G or 4G wireless USB modem
- As a repeater by connecting to a WiFi network
Portability
When choosing a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, the more portable, the better for the user; therefore, a small and light device should be ideal. However, keep in mind that a mobile hotspot that comes with a battery may be slightly heavier.
Portable Wi-Fi devices that do not come with a battery can be plugged into a power socket at home or on your laptop. They can also be plugged into a power bank when on the move.
Bandwidth And Performance
Considering how you are hoping to use the Wi-Fi hotspot should determine which bandwidth you should look for in a mobile hotspot. Keep in mind that having a hotspot with a high bandwidth even for light use is an advantage.
If you are looking to connect only your phone, tablet, or laptop, even the basic N150 that provides 150Mbps would be okay. But someone looking to share the hotspot, say, with your friends or family when on a trip, the ideal hotspot should not be less than the AC750, which provides dual-band performance with up to 750Mbs.
Range And Coverage
Since the hotspot is portable, you ought not to worry about the range and coverage. Over 70% of mobile Wi-Fi hotspots have no external antennas because they don’t need extensive coverage.
They will offer enough range to cover a large suite or condo. That’s enough to connect all your devices. Having too much coverage will only leave you broadcasting your Wi-Fi to everybody around you, especially for routers that offer no control.
Wireless Frequencies:
Portable Wi-Fi hotspots work either in single-band or multi-band frequencies. A single-band router functions only on the 2.4 GHz frequency, whereas a dual-band router provides both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies on two different bands.
Tri-band frequency Wi-Fi hotspots are not available in portable Wi-Fi hotspots. Therefore, a dual-band router is ideal because it can offer one significant benefit if you intend to use it in busier locations like hotels and airports.
The 2.4 GHz frequency is typically a lot more congested since more people (and devices) use it for Wi-Fi. The 5GHz band, though, is generally pretty free of anything except other 5 GHz Wi-Fi devices, which are still significantly less common than those that use the 2.4 GHz band.
Security And Privacy
At least every portable Wi-Fi hotspot has a minimum of a Wireless Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption standard. The Security and privacy features are even more important in a travel router that you’ll be using in more public spaces.
Public Wi-Fi hotspots are usually prone to hacks because a hacker can intercept your traffic between your travel router and the public hotspot. While using a wired connection, the chances of being hacked reduce but monitoring your traffic is still possible when using a hotel’s network.
In this case, you will need a portable Wi-Fi hotspot with built-in Virtual Private Network support. This functionality enables your connection to encrypt as soon as you plug it in, automatically.
Connectivity
As most places leave ethernet jacks to offer Wi-Fi networks instead, having a portable Wi-Fi hotspot connected to a public Wi-Fi would be ideal. Most public Wi-Fi networks aren’t encrypted at all; this has the advantage of giving you your own WPA2-secured Wi-Fi network. The hotspot can also sometimes offer a performance boost over the hotel’s Wi-Fi since the portable Wi-Fi hotspots also act as range extenders.
There are portable Wi-Fi hotspots that can fill in as mobile hotspots for internet access to your mobile devices through an LTE cellular network. This is usually accomplished by including their built-in LTE modem that you can activate with a SIM card or simply supporting a third-party LTE modem through a USB connection.
Additional Features
The sole purpose you need your portable Wi-Fi hotspot for is to provide you with a Wi-Fi network while on the move. However, some go the extra mile, offering features such as integrated USB ports or microSD card slots that share media and other files with your other devices.
Other routers even act as a portable battery pack to recharge your smartphone while on the go. However, all these are just bells and whistles. A mobile Wi-Fi hotspot with a battery large enough to be a power bank will be bulkier.
Conclusion
An excellent mobile hotspot should provide you with convenient wireless internet speeds while maintaining a secure network. All the great features should not be at the expense of the other items on your budget.
It is common knowledge that expensive does not always equate to good, so consider all variables before making a suitable choice.
- Best overall: GL.iNET GL-MT300N
- Runner Up: TP-Link N300
- Fastest Internet Speed: NETGEAR Nighthawk
- Most Reliable: TP-Link AC750
- Most Versatile: TP-Link TL-MR3020