For that reason, our recommendations note which hotspot works with which wireless carrier.įor example, Verizon customers will want to turn to the Orbic Speed 5G UW, which is able to connect to the carrier's nationwide 5G network as well as its faster C-Band and Ultra Wideband offerings. Mobile hotspots are generally offered through wireless carriers, so we'd suggest turning to your current carrier when you want to add a hotspot to your arsenal of connectivity tools.

And with 5G networks expanding, 5G hotspots are now more widely available with the promise of faster download speeds. Whether you're stuck someplace with dodgy Wi-Fi or you want to stay connected no matter where you happen to roam, the best mobile hotspots can keep you connected. That's why a mobile hotspot is a very important tool for mobile workers and frequent business travelers. If so, you're not going to want to burn up your cellular data allocation for anything other than personal use. What's more, that smartphone you're carrying around is likely your personal device.

If you don't want the potential disruption or bandwidth limitations of your phone's hotspot, a standalone hotspot can provide additional connectivity. While a phone can be perfectly adequate as a hotspot in a pinch, a standalone hotspot makes sense for more persistent connections.Your phone is often busy doing other things - making phone calls, sending and receiving email, catching up on Slack, Twitter, or the latest news.

Mobile hotspot bandwidth monitor