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How to choose the best mobile hotspot for remote work
Organizations that support remote work should understand how personal hotspots and dedicated hotspot devices differ. Compare these mobile hotspot options.
Organizations that support remote and hybrid work often rely on mobile hotspots to maintain connectivity for employees who are traveling, working from temporary locations or responding to network outages. For IT teams, understanding the strengths and limitations of different hotspot options is important when deciding how to support remote workers.
There are two types: dedicated hotspot devices and personal hotspots. Dedicated devices are hardware specifically made to provide a hotspot connection, and they come with their own data plans. A personal hotspot is a common smartphone feature that allows the phone to act as a wireless router, broadcasting a wireless network name -- service set identifier, or SSID -- and enabling devices such as laptops and tablets to connect to it. Remote workers who lack reliable Wi-Fi can enable a smartphone's hotspot and connect laptops or tablets to restore internet access.
Personal hotspots also have several limitations:
- Using a personal hotspot can quickly drain the smartphone battery, so users should plug their device into a power source while using it.
- While it can effectively support two or three devices, depending on network usage, using it to support an individual device will provide the best performance.
- The mobile phone hosting the hotspot must support the latest cellular and Wi-Fi technology.
- Hotspots use up a lot of cellular data.
Because of these limitations, dedicated hotspot devices might be a better fit for certain use cases. While using a smartphone's hotspot feature is more cost-effective, there are features and capabilities that can make a mobile hotspot device more advantageous. Organizations should evaluate these options and their capabilities when deciding between personal hotspots and dedicated hotspot devices. For many organizations, the best strategy might be a combination of the two.
IT managers should assess organizational needs to determine which tools to use. The following table outlines the differences between personal hotspots and dedicated hotspot devices.
| Feature | Personal hotspot | Dedicated hotspot device |
| Individual use | Cost-effective. | Usually too costly for an individual. |
| Multiple users | Can handle a few users, but performance might be an issue. | Many devices offer 10-30 connections, making it excellent for groups or team collaboration and remote meetings. |
| Battery life | Drains the smartphone's battery. | Offers 6-24 hours of continuous use for multiple users, depending on the device. |
| Data plan | Usually built into the phone's data plan, but some plans exclude hotspot access. | Wide variety of data plans, with some that come built into the device. More robust offerings than phone plans. |
| International access | Use the carrier's SIM. Unlocked to ensure local country SIM is often available. | Some devices are locked to a carrier, but most are unlocked. Some devices only work in certain global areas. |
| Cost | Included in the cost of the phone. | Range in cost from $20-$1,000. Some are pocket-sized for individual use; others are large devices connecting 32 users. |
| Versatility | Limited but simple to set up, and easier to use than a separate device. | Some include Ethernet ports, external antenna ports, management software, or advanced security options. Various devices support Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6. Flexible based on carrier network. |
For sales staff who operate on their own, the smartphone might be the best option. But for a team of auditors that need stronger security, an external hotspot device with multiple connections and more management would be best. If a user's smartphone doesn't have a hotspot feature or if their data plan excludes it, they might consider purchasing an inexpensive hotspot device. Overall, the choice should match the need.
Key factors when choosing a mobile hotspot device
When selecting a dedicated hotspot device, IT teams should evaluate several factors, including cost, battery life and available features.
Cost of the device and data plan
Costs can range anywhere from $20 -- such as with small pocket hotspots for individual users -- to nearly $1,000 for hotspots that can connect over 30 devices and offer several additional features. These hotspots come with their own data plans as well. Some have plans built into the device, while others have separate plans.
Wireless standard connectivity
When purchasing a Wi-Fi hotspot, note which of the following wireless standards it supports:
- 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6). This is the newest standard with the fastest speeds.
- 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5). This standard has slower speeds and is found on most 4G LTE hotspots.
- 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4). This standard has the slowest speeds and is not ideal for connecting multiple devices.
Compare the network frequencies of the device with the network provider. Note that wireless speeds vary based on the carrier's availability in certain locations. Speeds might also vary across a country, but a Wi-Fi 6 device will connect to a Wi-Fi 4 network at the Wi-Fi 4 speed. Download speeds depend on the carrier's network in a given location.
Battery life
Battery life varies greatly, generally ranging from 6 to 24 continuous service hours. If the device is only used intermittently, battery life will be longer. Users should realistically be able to keep the device plugged in most of the time, so battery life isn't a top issue in many cases.
SIM card lock
This is one of the most important hotspot considerations. A locked device comes with a SIM card from a carrier, and the customer is bound to that carrier. Thus, when using it internationally, it's not possible to shop around for a local SIM card to get a better rate. Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile all provide locked versions that are available on Amazon or through the carrier. Unlocked devices do not come with a SIM -- or they come with a replaceable one -- so customers can purchase a SIM and separate data plan, which many manufacturers offer with their device.
International connections
This aspect is complicated, as international capability can mean different things. Some Huawei hotspots, for example, are built for Europe, Africa and parts of Asia, and they actually won't work in the U.S. If users need support for uncommon countries, check the list of countries the device supports.
5G range
There are three ranges for 5G: low-band, mid-band and high-band. These bands operate at specific frequencies and provide varying speeds and areas of coverage. Low-band 5G has the best coverage of the three but the slowest speed. High-band 5G has the fastest connection speeds but at a cost of limited coverage. Mid-band 5G provides a balance between the two, offering good speed and coverage. C-band, which the Federal Communications Commission granted licenses for in 2021, is a frequency range on the mid-band spectrum that offers the best performance. Because it is new, however, few hotspot devices currently support it.
IT administrators should also ask the following questions:
- Is the hotspot device commonly available? Devices should be easy to obtain for replacement and expansion.
- How many devices can the hotspot support simultaneously?
- Does the hotspot include a TS-9 port or other external antenna support? An antenna provides better coverage.
- Does the hotspot include an Ethernet port? This provides additional connectivity.
10 mobile hotspot devices to consider
It is important to review and compare the capabilities of mobile hotspot devices to determine which one fits an organization's requirements. The following table highlights key specifications for several mobile hotspot devices commonly used in enterprise and remote-work deployments.
| Device model | Cellular standard | Wireless standard | Devices supported | Battery life | SIM / Carrier flexibility | Notes |
| Alcatel Linkzone 2 | 4G LTE | Wi-Fi 4 | Up to 16 | Up to ~24 hours | Unlocked; nano SIM | Budget LTE hotspot widely used for basic connectivity |
| Franklin JEXtream RG2100 | 5G, 4G LTE | Wi-Fi 6 | Up to 30 (carrier limits may vary) | ~12 hours | Carrier variants available | Commonly offered through enterprise mobility programs |
| GlocalMe U50 Numen Air 5G | 5G, 4G LTE | Wi-Fi 5 | Up to 16 | ~12-15 hours typical | CloudSIM plus nano SIM | Designed for global connectivity and international travel |
| Inseego MiFi X Pro 5G | 5G, 4G LTE | Wi-Fi 6 | Up to 32 | Up to ~10 hours (battery); supports continuous AC-powered operation | Carrier variants available | Includes Ethernet port and enterprise management/security features |
| Keepgo Lifetime World Mobile Hotspot | 4G LTE | Wi-Fi 4 | Up to 15 | Up to ~7 hours | Global SIM / prepaid data | Designed for international use with prepaid data bundles |
| Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro | 5G, 4G LTE | Wi-Fi 6E | Up to 32 | Up to ~13 hours | Unlocked; nano SIM/eSIM | High-performance hotspot with 2.5 GbE Ethernet port |
| Netgear Nighthawk M7 | 5G | Wi-Fi 7 | Up to 32 | Up to ~13 hours (estimated) | eSIM plus nano SIM | Next-generation hotspot designed for high-performance deployments |
| Orbic Speed 5G UW | 5G | Wi-Fi 6 | Up to 30 | Up to ~12 hours | Carrier locked (Verizon) | Designed for Verizon Ultra Wideband network |
| SIMO Solis 5G | 5G, 4G LTE | Wi-Fi 6 | Up to 16 | Up to ~24 hours | CloudSIM global data | Global hotspot with flexible international data plans |
| SIMO Solis Lite | 4G LTE | Wi-Fi 4 | Up to 10 | Up to ~16 hours | CloudSIM global data | Lower-cost global hotspot that can also function as a power bank |
Analyzing where the device will be in use, necessary features and performance expectations can help IT managers match up user requirements with devices. However, the cost of the data plan will be a key factor in determining the strategy that is the best fit. Consider existing corporate data plans and any benefits that might come with current network carriers to make a cost-effective decision. Pre-owned hotspot devices or hotspots that don't offer international capability are also affordable options to look into.
The following devices illustrate several types of mobile hotspot deployments, including budget LTE models, enterprise-grade 5G hotspots and globally focused connectivity options.
Alcatel Linkzone 2
Alcatel's Linkzone 2 is a budget-friendly LTE hotspot widely available through carriers and third-party sellers. It's designed for long runtimes, with a 4,400 milliampere-hour (mAh) battery rated for up to 24 hours of use in some scenarios, and it can connect up to 16 devices.
Franklin JEXtream RG2100
The Franklin JEXtream RG2100 is a portable 5G hotspot designed for mobile and remote connectivity. It supports 5G and 4G LTE networks and uses Wi-Fi 6 to share internet access with up to 30 devices. Carrier variants are commonly offered through enterprise mobility programs.
GlocalMe U50 Numen Air 5G
GlocalMe's U50 Numen Air is a portable hotspot that supports 4G LTE and 5G connectivity and can share access with up to 16 devices. It uses an integrated CloudSIM approach and also supports a physical nano SIM card for situations where organizations prefer to supply their own carrier plan.
Inseego MiFi X Pro 5G
The MiFi X Pro 5G is built for business use cases that require higher performance and stronger management/security features. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and up to 32 connected devices, and it includes a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connectivity. Carrier variants are available through major providers.
Keepgo Lifetime World Mobile Hotspot
Keepgo's Lifetime World Mobile Hotspot is aimed at travel and distributed workforces that need flexible, prepaid connectivity. Keepgo markets it as a compact device (3.2 oz; 4.1 x 2.5 in) that can connect up to 15 devices and work across 100+ countries, with "lifetime"/valid-forever data bundles that require periodic top-ups to remain active.
Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro
Netgear's Nighthawk M6 Pro is a premium hotspot designed for high-performance deployments. Netgear specifies Wi-Fi 6E support, connectivity for up to 32 devices and a 2.5 Gig Ethernet port for wired use cases.
Netgear Nighthawk M7
The Nighthawk M7 is a newer-generation hotspot that Netgear positions around emerging Wi-Fi 7 performance and flexible connectivity via eSIM plus physical SIM support. Netgear also markets it for global use and specifies support for up to 32 devices.
Orbic Speed 5G UW
The Orbic Speed 5G UW is a carrier device offered through Verizon, which specifies that it can connect up to 30 Wi-Fi devices and run for up to 12 hours of continuous use.
SIMO Solis 5G
SIMO's Solis 5G is positioned as a global hotspot that supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6, connectivity for up to 16 devices and up to 24 hours of battery life, with flexible data plan options.
SIMO Solis Lite
The Solis Lite is a smaller, lower-end hotspot that SIMO also markets as a power bank. SIMO specifies up to 10 connected devices and a 16-hour battery life.
Choosing the right mobile hotspot deployment strategy
Organizations that support remote work should evaluate how employees use hotspot connectivity and what level of reliability and security is required. For individual users who occasionally need backup connectivity, a smartphone's personal hotspot might be sufficient. However, teams that depend on consistent mobile connectivity -- such as field staff, auditors or traveling professionals -- might benefit from dedicated hotspot devices with stronger performance and management capabilities.
When selecting hotspot options, IT teams should consider factors such as device capacity, wireless standards, carrier compatibility, battery life and data plan costs. In many organizations, a combination of personal hotspots and dedicated devices can provide the flexibility needed to support remote workers while maintaining reliable connectivity.
Editor's note: This article was originally published in 2024 and updated in March 2026 to reflect newer mobile hotspot devices, updated specifications and current remote work connectivity practices.
Gary Olsen has worked in the IT industry since 1983 and holds a Master of Science in computer-aided manufacturing from Brigham Young University. He was on Microsoft's Windows 2000 beta support team for Active Directory from 1998 to 2000 and has written two books on Active Directory and numerous technical articles for magazines and websites.
