Stay connected on the go with these portable Wi-Fi hotspots.
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We're fortunate to live in an era where cell coverage reaches 95 percent of the population, according to the International Telecommunications Union. And that makes staying connected while traveling to most on-the-grid destinations a breeze. Many cell phone carriers offer some level of international data plans, which allows you to use your devices abroad — for a fee, of course.
But if you're working on the go, traveling in a group, or attempting to preserve your phone's battery, you might want to look into getting a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, which often provides more data to more devices. "Portable hotspots will use data just like cell phones do, and coverage will really depend on the carrier and the coverage they offer in the area," Best Buy mobile supervisor Thomas Walker told Travel + Leisure. "Since hotspots require data, they also require a plan, something to remember as you consider buying a portable hotspot."
It's an unlocked hotspot that can be used in 140-plus countries.
It doesn't support 5G.
What we like about the GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot is its flexibility and streamlined design — it's the ticket for travelers who are hopping across continents. The company has its own Cloud SIM technology, allowing you to connect to the internet in 144 countries around the world using its proprietary data packages, which are pay-as-you-go and require no contract. The hotspot also comes with one free gigabyte of international data, which can be used over the course of a 90-day period.
Also nice: you can also replace the SIM card with a local provider if the standard connection isn't fast enough for your needs, or if you run out of data in your prepaid plan and want to replace it with data provided by a local carrier. You can also connect up to 10 devices — and it'll stay powered for up to 12 hours before you need to recharge.
Price at time of publish: $170
The Details: 12-hour battery life | 10 devices | Android, iOS
You can connect up to 15 devices.
It has a short battery life.
Priced just above $50, the Alcatel LinkZone 4G Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot is one of the more budget-friendly hotspots available. This SIM card-operated pick is best matched with AT&T, T-Mobile, and other GSM carriers that use SIM cards for service (the specific device shown here is locked to T-Mobile, specifically, while unlocked versions are more expensive). But one of your tradeoffs for price is that it only offers up to six hours battery life when fully charged. That said, it does have a max download speed of 150 megabits per second (Mbps) for quick and continuous streaming, and it can be used for up to 15 devices at once.
Price at time of publish: $60
The Details: 10-hour battery life | 15 devices | Android, iOS
It's pocket-sized and extra-secure with an optional VPN.
It can only connect 10 devices at a time.
As an unlocked portable Wi-Fi hotspot, the Skyroam Solis Lite can connect to local cell networks in 135-plus countries, choosing the strongest network for your location. As for purchasing that data, there's no need to get a local SIM — you can do so from an app, choosing from pay-as-you-go data, daily passes, or monthly unlimited data subscriptions. You can also choose plans for specific geographies: the USA, Europe, Asia, or global. We love how small and lightweight this specific model is, though it can only support up to 10 devices at a time. But it does have a 16-hour battery life, which is pretty solid for such a small hotspot.
Price at time of publish: $140
The Details: 16-hour battery life | 10 devices | Android, iOS
It's not waterproof. (There's a difference!)
While many smartphones are waterproof these days, portable Wi-Fi hotspots typically aren't. So if you're traveling somewhere where there's a chance your device might get wet — say, on a camping trip — well, you're pretty much out of luck. But that's where the Netgear Unite Explore comes in. This hotspot is designed for more rugged conditions, so it's coated in rubber to protect against bumps and it's splash-proof. (Note: that does not mean waterproof, so don't submerge this hotspot!) Another boon for campers or RVers: the battery life on this hotspot, which can support up to 15 devices, is an impressive 22 hours.
Price at time of publish: $140
The Details: 22-hour battery life | 15 devices | Android, iOS
It makes Wi-Fi connections in hotel rooms and on cruises easier and more secure.
It's not a true portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
Technically, a Wi-Fi router is not a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. But what it does do is allow you to take one internet connection with a tricky login situation — say, hotel Wi-Fi that asks you to input your room number every time you connect — and streamlines the process for connecting additional devices. In a nutshell, you connect to Wi-Fi via the router, which then creates a more secure network for you to connect to from other devices. This router can also boost Wi-Fi signals throughout a space, so if you're in an Airbnb where the Wi-Fi is strong in one room but not another, a router can help.
Bite-sized and affordable, the TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router is the one to take on a trip with you. It delivers up to 300 Mbps of fast internet without any lagging, making it perfect for streaming, gaming, making phone calls, and more.
Price at time of publish: $30
The Details: Must be plugged in | 5 volts
This is a super high-speed device.
Netgear doesn't publish battery life.
Able to connect and share data with 20 devices at once, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 Mobile Hotspot can handle multiple tasks at once without sacrificing power or speed. It's an unlocked device that uses GSM SIM cards, compatible with most carriers. It's equipped with fast 4G LTE broadband and offers up to one gigabit per second (Gbps) of download speed. Worried about how much data you've used? Its LCD screen clearly displays how much storage is remaining, calculates when it will run out, and keeps count of the devices connected.
While Netgear doesn't publish the battery life of the Nighthawk M1, it claims it can last "all day" — and you can even buy a battery booster pack for more juice. There is an upgraded version of this hotspot that is 5G-compatible, but it's nearly double the price, which may not be necessary for most travelers.
Price at time of publish: $350
The Details: 11-hour battery life | 20 devices | Android, iOS
Not all portable Wi-Fi hotspots can be used everywhere. If yours is tied to a U.S.–based carrier (like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon), and you're planning on going abroad, you need to make sure you've paid for a data plan that includes international use. If you're only traveling for a short period of time, this might be the most convenient option.
But if you're planning on traveling internationally for an extended period of time, you might want to opt for an unlocked portable Wi-Fi hotspot — that is, one that isn't tied to a specific carrier. You can then buy a data plan from a company based in your destination, which usually is a more economical decision. "SIM cards are cheap and easy to get in lots of countries worldwide, and going this route ensures you get the strongest signal possible for the lowest price," Peter Holslin, senior staff writer at internet comparison site HighSpeedInternet.com, told T+L.
The duration of your trip should also inform whether you want to purchase an as-you-go data plan (better for shorter tips) or a monthly one (better for longer trips).
"When you use a portable hotspot you can choose the carrier it’s connected to, so if you want to maximize your coverage you can use one carrier for your phone and a different carrier for the hotspot," Walker said. It's often cheaper to buy a Wi-Fi hotspot to hook up to a local network while traveling versus paying for an international phone plan with your current carrier as well.
For the most part, portable Wi-Fi hotspots use a relatively low amount of power (about 5-7 volts, depending on the size and strength of the device). However, you should still utilize a power converter when plugging your hotspot in during international travels. Not all outlets around the world support the same power output, so using an adapter can prevent blowing a fuse or sparking your devices. If you want a more portable Wi-Fi hotspot that doesn't need to be plugged in, be sure to check its expected battery life to know exactly how long you can use it on the go.
"Wi-Fi hotspots work similar to phones, tapping into your cellular network to provide high-speed data for use with laptops, tablets, gaming systems, etc.," Verizon spokesperson George Koroneos told T+L. "What's more? You can give access to your travel companions, so they can use your dedicated hotspot, similar to a Wi-Fi network."
Yes, it does. "Mobile hotspots connect to cellular networks to provide internet connection allowing customers to connect anywhere," Jeff Howard, AT&T's vice president of hardware and partner solutions, told T+L.
It depends on what type of portable hotspot you have and what type of plan you have. If your hotspot plan is locked to a specific carrier, you'll need to make sure your carrier has an international plan. (Spoiler alert: most do.) It might be as simple as turning your device on and letting it automatically connect to a local cell network. But if your portable hotspot requires a local SIM card to work, you'll have to pick one up at the airport or at a store and insert it into your hotspot to connect to a local cell network.
Many cell phone providers have international plan options for travelers, and you can turn most smartphones into a mobile hotspot under that plan. Then you can connect devices to your cell phone for internet services. But that's not always the best solution.
"One thing to consider is carriers may limit the hotspot data amount on your phone, so you may see slower speeds at a certain point," Walker said. "You also don’t have to run your cell phone battery when you use a standalone hotspot." On the other hand, portable Wi-Fi hotspots require their own data plans, which costs additional money.
Stefanie Waldek is a freelance travel writer who has tested cell coverage on all seven continents. (Antarctica is by far the worst.) For this article, she poured over cell service coverage maps, and read dozens of customer reviews.
In compiling this list, she also interviewed telecommunications experts to discuss what to look for in a mobile hotspot. Experts she spoke to included:
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