What You Need to Know About Portable WiFi Hotspots

With the pace of society–and the rate at which humans move in general–the demand for WiFi has never been greater. Thanks to Vic Hayes, the “Father of WiFi,” it is virtually impossible to be in a location where internet access is unavailable. The invention of the hotspot further emphasizes this point.

For those thinking about buying a portable WiFi hotspot, this blog is for you. We will cover what they are, how they work, and the different types.

Hotspots are physical locations that enable people to connect their devices to the internet. Like a mobile phone, a hotspot connects to the internet and produces a secure WiFi connection.

A portable WiFi hotspot is beneficial to different people with different purposes. Students can do homework in the quad; CEOs can host Zoom meetings from their non-tech-savvy in-laws’ house; people cut from every cloth can access the internet while traveling internationally.

What is a Portable Wifi Hotspot?

Portable WiFi hotspots use 3G, 4G, and 5G internet connections to produce a WiFi network. This allows you to connect your devices and take the Web with you. These hotspots are just like your router at home–just pocket-sized.

Hotspots come in two forms: a device solely dedicated to providing this service and your mobile phone. But they both perform the same function.

Compact–and the size of a deck of cards–portable hotspot devices enable you to connect to the internet anywhere you have cell service. This dedicated device uses your mobile data and rebroadcasts it into a secure WiFi network.

Mobile phones also have the ability to function as hotspots. As with an actual device, all you need is service.

How Does a Portable Hotspot Work?

Portable hotspots connect to the internet through your mobile phone and then transmit a WiFi network. Security is always a concern when it comes to the potential threat of your personal information landing in the wrong hands. A portable hotspot feels your pain. More secure than a public coffee shop network, portable hotspots require a password to gain access.

The battery life of portable hotspots is also an important factor when deciding to buy one–they aren’t beneficial when they’re dead. How long a hotspot stays charged is mostly dependent on the brand, however, the network–3G, 4G, or 5G–also has an impact.

Through a 4G network, most hotspot devices will have nine hours of battery life. Downgrading to 3G will extend this; upgrading to 5G will decrease it.

Do Portable Hotspots Work Everywhere

Portable hotspots are great, but they don’t work everywhere. Similar to being in the middle of nowhere with no cell service, your hotspot device can have the same fate.

To create a hotspot network, you will need a cellular data plan from a network provider. This only ensures that you get coverage in places the specific carrier has coverage. No mobile phone service means no hotspot.

Terms to Know About Portable WiFi Hotspots

There are a few terms owners–or soon-to-be owners–of portable hotspots should know.

Wireless Access Point – The WAP creates a wireless local area network (WLAN) that allows WiFi devices to connect to a wired network. A hotspot needs an access point to become a hotspot in the first place.

Wi-Fi – This technology enables laptops, tablets, phones, and other gadgets to connect wirelessly to the internet within a given area. Your hotspot uses your wireless data and converts it into WiFi.

5G Hotspot – Working over a 5G cellular network, this hotspot provides low latency and incredibly fast speeds.

Travel Hotspot – For those who have felt the wanderlust calling, travel hotspots–as opposed to mobile–create a private network out of a public internet connection.

Types of Hotspots

Hotspots typically don’t come in many different shapes and forms, however, different types serve specific purposes. Depending on what you want from your hotspot–streaming services, gaming, or work–some portable hotspots will cater to you more than others.



Cell Phone Hotspot

Using your phone as a hotspot is best for those who only occasionally use this feature. The cell phone hotspot is the easiest and most affordable option since you can turn it off and on with the touch of a button.

The three giants of the wireless network industry–Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile–offer plans ranging from $75 to $85 per month. Additionally, data caps from 15 to 40 GB.

Mobile Hotspot

Mobile hotspots are more expensive than cell phones, however, they are made for strenuous use. These dedicated devices allow you to connect more devices while maintaining speed.

Prices start around $100 bucks and go up from there. Data caps for mobile hotspots top out at around 100 GB.

5G Hotspot

5G hotspots are new to the arena; only a few are available on the market now. These fast devices give you a connection over 5G networks–capable of hitting speeds of 1,000 Mbps.

5G hotspots are mobile hotspots with prices beginning at 350 dollars.

Travel Hotspots

All hotspots provide the benefit of being able to travel with them–that’s kind of the point–but there are certain hotspots specifically designed to see the world.

What to Consider Before Getting Your Own Portable WiFi Hotspot

It’s not buying a house. But purchasing a portable WiFi hotspot should be viewed as an investment. It’s one of those “it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it” situations.

Considering the following would benefit you before taking the leap:

Service or Wireless Network Availability

A hotspot is useless without service or a network. The importance of knowing your carrier’s availability map cannot be overstated. These maps show the 4G LTE and 5G availability in specific locations.

The Number of Connected Devices

Another key component in determining which type of hotspot best suits you is the number of devices that can connect to it at once. It’s also important to note that your data speed will decrease as the number of connected devices increases.

This largely depends on the specific device you choose. But in general, cell phones and portable hotspot devices allow you to connect 15 to 20 devices. Travel hotspots top out at 10, while 5G networks can reach up to 30.

4G and 5G Capabilities

The connectivity capabilities of hotspots vary, and the choice will be between 4G and 5G. With max speeds of 30 Mbps, a 4G network can do the job without hassle. A 5G connection, however, can deliver speeds ranging from 50 to 1,000 Mbps. The quality of your connection is contingent on your location. This is where another look at the availability map comes into play.

The cost of your device or monthly plan will also vary depending on which option you choose. 5G is still somewhat new, so this coverage or device can be expensive.

Battery Life of the Wi-Fi Hotspot Device

The battery life of a hotspot device is, in some ways, an extension of having network availability–meaning it just takes up space if you can’t use it. Choosing a hotspot with long-lasting battery life is essential to connect to the internet wherever you are.

Wireless Carrier Limitations

You will need to take in and consider all of the above information when choosing a wireless carrier that works for you. Plans with hotspot devices come with a wide range of features.

It’s important to be aware of the area coverage, how many devices you plan to connect, how much data you plan to use, and your plan's data cap. It sounds like a lot of work, but it’s not. You can find the best wireless carrier in your area with a click of a button.

The Bottomline

There’s so much to consider when choosing a portable WiFi hotspot. But it will be worth it in the long run. The different features of a hotspot should cater specifically to your needs–not the other way around.

Network availability, battery life, and 4G or 5G are critical points to examine in choosing a hotspot that will work for you in every corner of the globe.