It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. Charles Dickens could have been talking about wireless internet when he penned those famous lines in A Tale of Two Cities. On the one hand, we can't imagine life without portable WiFi; on the other hand, we're often frustrated by how slow and unreliable it can be.
In these days of instant gratification, a slow or nonexistent internet connection can be a real pain. But whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, there's no need to put up with a subpar connection. There are plenty of great portable WiFi options available, and this article will help you choose the one that's right for you.
Best Portable WiFi
Best Portable WiFiIf you're a business traveler, chances are you need to be online and connected at all times. That means you need a portable wifi option that's both fast and reliable. Here's a look at six of the best portable wifi options for business travelers.
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk M1
NETGEAR's Nighthawk M1 Portable Wifi is a great way to share internet access with up to 20 devices. The device is unlocked to accept all SIM cards, and it works best on AT&T and T-Mobile.
You will need a Nano SIM card from your carrier, and you will need to activate a compatible BYOD data plan that meets your data needs. The download speeds can reach up to 1Gbps. However, speeds may vary depending on the service and your proximity to the nearest cell tower.
With its 5040mAH rechargeable battery, it can provide all-day power for continuous use, and it can also charge other USB devices. The large 2.4-inch LCD screen provides clear and concise data usage information, allowing you to monitor your usage and manage your network with ease.
In addition, the Nighthawk M1 is backed by a 1-year limited hardware warranty, ensuring that you can use it with confidence. Overall, the Nighthawk M1 Portable Wifi is a great option for those who need to share internet access with multiple devices.
Pros
- Can connect up to 20 devices
- Fast download speeds
- Rechargeable battery
- Large LCD screen for clear data usage information
Cons
- Must purchase a compatible data plan from your carrier
2. Huawei E5576-320
If you're looking for a fast, reliable portable WiFi option, the Huawei E5576-320 is a great choice. It offers 4G LTE Cat4 150 Mbps download and 43.2 Mbps 3G download speeds, meaning you can browse the web, stream videos, and download files quickly and easily. Plus, it supports up to 16 different WiFi devices, making it perfect for large families or groups traveling together. The 1500 mAh battery provides up to 6 hours of working time, meaning you can stay connected even when on the go.
The Huawei E5576-320 Portable WiFi is a great travel companion that supports barcode scanning for easy connection and LTE/3G/Wi-Fi auto shutdown. Whether you're looking to stay connected on your next business trip or want to be able to access the internet while traveling, this portable WiFi mobile hotspot has you covered.
With compatibility with HUAWEI WiFi App, it's easy to connect and manage your connection on the go. Plus, the sleek design means it's easy to take with you wherever you go. And since it's unlocked and comes without any carrier logos, you can use it with any service provider. However, please note that this device is NOT supported with 4G LTE in Canada, USA, or Mexico. It is only for use in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Pros
- Can connect up to 16 WiFi devices
- 4G LTE Cat4 150 Mbps download speeds
- 6 hours of working time
- HUAWEI Mobile WiFi App for easy connection and management
- Sleek, portable design
Cons
- Not supported with 4G LTE in Canada, USA, or Mexico
3. GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2
Have you ever been in a café, airport, or other public place and needed to get some work done, but the Wi-Fi was just too slow or unsecured? Or maybe you've been on vacation and wanted to stream your favorite shows, but there was no Wi-Fi available. If any of these scenarios sound familiar, then you might want to consider investing in a portable Wi-Fi router.
The GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 is a great option for anyone who needs a fast and reliable Wi-Fi connection while on the go. Not only does it create a private Wi-Fi network, but it's also open source and programmable.
Plus, with 128MB of RAM and 16MB of flash ROM, it has plenty of storage for all your devices. And if that's not enough, you can always extend its storage with a USB disk. The GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Portable Wifi is a mini router that comes with a pre-installed OpenVPN client. It is compatible with 30+ VPN service providers and includes a USB cable, Ethernet cable, and User Manual.
This router is perfect for those who want to stay connected while on the go. It is small enough to fit in your pocket and can easily be set up in minutes. Whether you are at home or on the road, the GL-MT300N-V2 Portable Wifi will keep you connected without any hassle.
Pros
- Open source and programmable
- 128MB of RAM and 16MB of flash ROM
- Compatible with 30+ VPN service providers
- Easy to set up and use
- Small and portable
Cons
- Short battery life (around 4 hours)
4. NETGEAR Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot
The NETGEAR Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot is perfect for anyone who needs fast, reliable Wi-Fi on the go. The mobile hotspot router offers up to 400 Mbps download speed, so you can stream HD video, download large files, and stay connected without any interruption. You can also create your own secure WLAN whenever you travel, so you always have access to the internet. Plus, the hotspot can connect multiple devices, so everyone in your family or group can stay productive.
The best mobile hotspots are becoming more and more popular as people look for ways to stay connected while on the go. The NETGEAR Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot is a great option for anyone who needs reliable internet access while away from home or the office.
This hotspot works with any network and includes a 2930 mAh rechargeable battery, meaning it will stay powered for up to 11 hours of use. The large 1.8 inches LCD screen makes it easy to keep track of data usage, signal strength, and network management information, and the hotspot can even be used to create your own personal Wi-Fi network.
Pros
- Up to 400 Mbps download speed
- Can connect multiple devices
- 2930 mAh rechargeable battery
- 1.8 inches LCD screen
- Can be used to create your own personal Wi-Fi network
Cons
- No 4G LTE support in the USA
5. TP-Link AC750
If you're looking for a handy, travel-sized portable WiFi device, the TP-Link AC750 is a great option. It's small and light enough to take with you on the go, and it can create a Wi-Fi connection through Ethernet. Plus, the dual-band AC750 builds a powerful, fast connection for high-quality streaming on all devices. And with the one-switch multiple modes, you can easily switch between different modes to find the perfect Wi-Fi solution for your needs.
The best portable WiFi device hotspot plugs into any standard outlet and can extend the reach of your existing network. TP-Link AC750 Wi-Fi Hotspot also includes a Micro USB port for flexible power options. You can plug the hotspot into an adapter, laptop, or portable charger for easy portability. The hotspot includes an industry-leading 2-year warranty and unlimited 24/7 technical support.
With their own Cloud SIM technology, TP-Link AC750 Wi-Fi mobile hotspot device is a great way to extend the reach of your existing network and bring Wi-Fi to any area in your home or office. Whether you're at home, in a hotel room, or on the road, the TP-Link AC750 Wi-Fi Hotspot is a great choice.
Pros
- Small and light
- Can create a Wi-Fi connection through Ethernet
- Dual-band AC750
- One-switch multiple modes
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- With lower size, sometimes the range is also reduced
6. ZTE MAX Connect
The ZTE MAX Connect is a great way to stay connected while traveling. With high-speed LTE connectivity and support for multiple global networks, it's perfect for keeping in touch with family and friends around the world. The dual-band Wi-Fi link ensures a reliable connection, and they also provide fast tethering speeds. You may even get 150 MBps downloads and 50 MBps uploads if you connect your system with this wonderful hotspot.
The ZTE MAX Connect is a versatile and easy-to-use Wi-Fi hotspot that offers a variety of features to keep you connected on the go. The straightforward display and easy-to-use online interface make it a snap to manage your connection, while the WPA and WPA2 security protocols help to keep your network safe and secure.
In addition, the unique encryption keys for each wireless connection ensure that your data is always protected. Whether you're streaming movies or checking email, the ZTE MAX Connect has you covered.
Pros
- High-speed LTE connectivity
- Supports multiple global networks
- Dual-band Wi-Fi link connection
- Download speeds up to 150 MBps
- Upload speeds up to 50 MBps
Cons
- The security protocol is not the latest WPA3
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Portable Wifi
There's a lot to consider when choosing the best portable wifi for your needs. Below, we'll go over some of the most important factors to keep in mind.
1. Connection Speed
One of the most important considerations is connection speed. After all, what's the point of having a portable Wi-Fi hotspot if it's going to be slow? When choosing a hotspot, be sure to check the maximum speed that it can reach.
2. Device Management
Another important consideration is device management. If you plan on using the hotspot with multiple devices, you'll want to make sure that it can support them all. Some portable wi-fi hotspots can only connect to a limited number of devices, while others can support an unlimited number.
3. Battery Life
Another key consideration is battery life. After all, you don't want your hotspot to die in the middle of a long day of use. Be sure to check the battery life of any hotspot you're considering to be sure it will meet your needs.
4. Wireless Network Compatibility
You'll want to make sure that the hotspot is compatible with the wireless networks you plan on using it with. Some hotspots only work with certain types of networks, so be sure to check before you buy.
5. Ease of Use
Finally, you'll want to consider ease of use. Some hotspots are easier to set up and use than others. If you're not tech-savvy, you'll want to choose a hotspot that is easy to use.
These are just a few of the things to keep in mind when choosing the best portable wifi for your needs. Be sure to consider all of these factors before making your final decision.
FAQ
Is portable WiFi any good?
Yes, portable WiFi can be a great way to stay connected while traveling. However, it's important to consider factors such as connection speed, device management, and battery life before making your final decision.
How fast is portable WiFi?
The speed of portable WiFi can vary depending on the hotspot you choose. Some hotspots can reach speeds of up to 150 Mbps, while others may be limited to 50 Mbps.
Is there a monthly charge for portable WiFi?
Yes, there is usually a monthly charge for portable WiFi. However, some providers may offer discounts for longer-term use.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a way to stay connected while traveling, a portable WiFi hotspot is a great option. Be sure to consider factors such as connection speed, device management, and battery life when choosing the best hotspot for your needs. From our list, the ZTE MAX Connect is a great option for those looking for a fast and reliable connection. And, for those who need to manage multiple devices, the GlocalMe G3 Pro is a great option.
EDM Sauce is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here.
Recommended Reading:
