The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing 4G LTE Dongle

Why We Love It

• This hotspot combines a reliable connection and impressive battery life with a compact, travel-ready design.

  Getspeed Product Page

What to Consider

• We feel that additional data plans are on the pricey side.

The Simo Solis Lite 4G LTE Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot impressed us from the start with its simple set-up process. All we had to do was download the Solis app and follow a series of step-by-step instructions, after which we could view everything from data usage to battery life and signal strength at a glance. After the initial pairing, reconnecting to the hotspot was seamless — although it does take around three minutes from switching the hotspot on to achieving full connectivity. The hotspot uses a network of over 300 carriers to provide high-speed, private internet in more than 140 countries, with no SIM card required. 

It’s possible to connect up to 10 different devices to the hotspot. When we tested three devices at the same time, we found that there was no impact on overall performance and speed. In general, connectivity was stable and superior to what we could get using our . That’s because the hotspot switches networks to achieve the strongest signal; on one test, the hotspot was able to provide a download speed that was more than twice as fast as that offered by our , while the upload speed was 14 times faster. It provides up to 16 hours of battery life and takes approximately four hours to recharge fully. 

The price includes 1GB of global data per month for the lifespan of the hotspot. If you need more than that, you can purchase additional data packages. These are fairly expensive, but we like that they’re flexible, enabling you to choose different packages to suit your needs from month to month. Finally, we like the compact, puck-like design of the hotspot, which fits neatly in a coat or backpack pocket. The exterior material is tactile yet strong and showed no signs of wear after several weeks of use. 

The Details: 16-hour battery | 4G LTE (eSIM) | 3.5 x 0.9 inches | 4.9 ounces

Why We Love It

• We were impressed with the hotspot’s ability to find a signal even in the most remote areas of Kenya.

What to Consider

• The need to purchase a SIM card can be inconvenient.

We tested the pocket-sized TP-LINK M on a safari in Kenya and were impressed with the signal strength it offered even in remote national parks where we weren’t able to pick up any connection using our ’s international data plan. The hotspot is capable of providing download speeds of up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds of 50 Mbps. We found that signal strength varied (it was inevitably better in cities than in rural areas) but we were still always able to upload and download photos and video even if we couldn’t always stream music. 

The hotspot works with a 4G SIM, which has to be purchased locally. This can be a bit tricky in countries that require SIM card registration; however, once we had procured the SIM, we found the set-up process simple. Previously paired devices reconnected easily and it usually took a matter of seconds to connect to the internet. We connected three devices simultaneously with no issues; apparently, it’s possible to connect up to 15. We found that the battery lasted between eight to 10 hours depending on usage, and we liked that we could view signal strength, battery life, and other statistics on the TFT LCD display. 

The Details: 10-hour battery | 2G, 3G, 4G (SIM) | 4.2 x 2.6 x 0.6 inches | 2.8 ounces

Why We Love It

• This hotspot stood out for its all-day battery life and versatile connectivity options.

What to Consider

• It works best for domestic use with an AT&T or T-Mobile SIM.

Marketed as the world’s first Gigabit-class LTE mobile router, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 4G LTE Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot offers 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, or 1G Ethernet connectivity. It requires a micro SIM card with a compatible data plan to work. Although it’s unlocked and should work with most carriers, it’s best with AT&T or T-Mobile SIMs. We tried ours with a prepaid AT&T SIM and found setup a little tricky because it involved having to enter the correct APN settings. Although we were able to look these up, some might find it easier to take the hotspot to their carrier’s store for initial configuration. 

Once this step was complete, connecting devices to the hotspot was easy, as was using the LCD display to monitor everything from data usage to battery life. The product description boasts download speeds of up to 1 Gbps via Ethernet and 150 Mbps via Wi-Fi 5. We found signal strength generally decent but struggled to stream high-quality video without Ethernet. The hotspot excels in two areas: the ability to connect up to 20 devices simultaneously, and its extended battery life. We used ours for more than 14 hours with two devices connected and still had a third of the battery life remaining afterwards. 

The Details: All-day battery life | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, 1G Ethernet | 4.15 x 4.15 x 0.8 inches | 8.5 ounces

Why We Love It

• Everyone in the family can connect to this compact hotspot, which allows you to pre-pay for data ahead of your trip.

What to Consider

• It only works in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The Travlfi Journey1 4G LTE Hotspot automatically connects to the strongest of multiple networks to provide 4G LTE internet anywhere there is cell signal within the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. It’s SIM card-free, which makes setup easy even for those with limited technical experience. We particularly liked that ours came with a complimentary 4GB of data so we could use it immediately. We found that once our device was paired, it took less than a minute to get onto the internet. Our connection remained stable throughout the testing period. 

With speeds of up to 150Mbps, we were able to attend a Zoom meeting with no connection issues although uploading video could take a few minutes. The advertised 10-hour battery life seems accurate, and it took around six hours to recharge the hotspot once the battery was fully depleted. Our favorite things about this hotspot? First, the ability for up to five devices to connect simultaneously, making it a great option for families who don’t want to buy separate data plans. Second was the wide variety of no-contract, monthly plans ranging from 2GB to unlimited data. The ability to tailor usage to your requirements makes budgeting easy. 

The Details: 10-hour battery | 4G LTE (no SIM) | 3.5 x 3.5 x 0.7 inches

Why We Love It

• This hotspot offers a reliable connection and impressive battery life, and can be used without a SIM in over 130 countries.

What to Consider

• We wish unused data rolled over from month to month.

The ideal choice for those that frequently travel overseas, the TravelWifi Sapphire 3 Mobile Hotspot downloads regional eSIMs from cloud-based servers to connect to the strongest 4G LTE signal in 130+ countries — without the inconvenience of having to purchase a physical SIM. It comes with 4GB of free global data so that you can scan the QR code on the back of the device, sign up for an account online, and choose a data plan. There are a variety of prepaid and pay-as-you-go data plans available. 

Set-up was simple, although we did have to reboot the hotspot to establish the initial connection with our laptop. Once paired, it took about 10 seconds to get onto the internet. We found the connection stable — we were able to attend an international Zoom call while simultaneously sharing video without any issues. The connection was noticeably better than that provided by our in hotspot mode. Best of all, the battery (which is said to last up to 18 hours) lasted for over 11 hours of constant use with two devices, including streaming music. 

The Details: 18-hour battery | 4G LTE (no SIM) | 5 x 2.6 x 0.4 inches | 4.4 ounces

Why We Love It

• Easy to set up and capable of working in more than 170 countries, this hotspot is ideal for international travel.

What to Consider

• We were not able to use the app because it refused to load.

Wherever your long-distance travel plans take you, it’s likely you’ll be able to use the RoamWiFi 4G LTE Portable Wi-Fi Mobile Hotspot since it offers dual-band connectivity in 170+ countries without the hassle of having to purchase and register a SIM at your destination. You can choose from a range of prepaid and no-contract, pay-as-you-go data plans, although be aware that there’s no rollover for unused data within a given time period. We found set-up incredibly easy using the included manual. Once paired, it takes between two and three minutes to connect to the internet after switching on. 

One problem we did have was that we weren’t able to get the hotspot’s app to load, which may be problematic when it comes to loading new data or contacting the 24/7 support team. The on-device display shows remaining data and battery life, and while we did find the battery depleted a little faster than expected, it easily lasts a whole day and only takes three hours to recharge fully. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. We found the signal strength better than our hotspot and could watch videos on our laptop with no interruptions. We did experience some lag when watching videos on our , however. 

The Details: 18-hour battery | 4G LTE | 5 x 2.7 x 0.6 inches | 6.2 ounces

Others We Liked

Although the hotspots listed below didn’t score highly enough to make our main list, they nevertheless have attributes that may make them a worthy alternative for some travelers. 

Verizon Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G UW: We were impressed with this hotspot’s easy set up and reliable connection. However, we feel it’s an expensive option at more than twice the price of our overall winner (and without any data). 

Are you interested in learning more about 4G LTE Dongle? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Verizon Jetpack Inseego WiFi 4G LTE MiFi L: This hotspot scored well for portability, ease of use, and quick, consistent connectivity. The only downside was how fast the battery drained, making it best for those who will have easy access to a power source. 

GlocalMe DuoTurbo 4G LTE Portable WiFi Hotspot: We gave this hotspot full marks for battery life and coverage, with no drops in service despite connecting to a and iPad simultaneously. We disliked the app, which was frustrating to navigate, and the fact that unused data does not rollover from month to month. 

GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Device with 30GB: Although we found the signal strength and speed sufficient rather than excellent, we liked this hotspot’s large, easy-to-use display and travel-friendly features including a currency converter and translator.

Our Testing Process

All of the hotspots listed in this article were tested by T+L staffers during trips. First, we set the hotspot up using the manufacturer’s instructions, confirming that we had done so successfully by connecting to at least one device. During this process, we noted how long it took to charge the hotspot as well as the ease of setup, user interface or app navigation, and any necessary troubleshooting. We also recorded our thoughts on the hotspot’s size, weight, portability, and durability. 

Each hotspot was used at least three times throughout the testing period. We connected multiple devices to it and used it to upload and download photos, stream video, and connect to a conference call. We also tried it in as many different environments as possible including urban and remote settings. This enabled us to evaluate the hotspot’s battery life, ability to connect to multiple devices, the time taken to connect to the internet, the consistency of the signal strength and speed, and whether these attributes were affected during peak network times. 

Testing is ongoing and this article will be updated as long-term results come in.

Tips for Buying a Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot

Evaluate the price vs. value when it comes to the hotspot’s data plan

When considering your budget for purchasing a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, don’t forget that the initial cost of the device itself is not the only outlay. You’ll also have to purchase data plans, which is why it’s well worth exploring the different options offered before settling on a specific make or model. For example, a high-end hotspot with better-value data plans will work out cheaper in the long run than a budget model with more expensive data plans. 

Of course, the right choice also depends on how much data you’re likely to need and how often you plan on using your hotspot. A well-priced data plan is less important for a hotspot that you’ll use for sending emails on occasional trips to remote areas than it is for one that you’ll be using continuously for high-consumption activities such as streaming or video calling. I personally think that for frequent use, plans that offer unlimited data offer a better value than monthly plans where any unused data is lost at the end of the billing period.

Consider usage

As well as considering how often you’ll be using your hotspot and for what purposes (i.e.  daily remote working versus maintaining contact with the rest of the world on a one-off vacation to a remote area), you should consider whether your use will be domestic or international. Some hotspots are only compatible with domestic carriers, while others can be used in neighboring countries only. Others are international, offering connectivity in destinations around the world. If you want a hotspot for overseas use, I recommend choosing one with an eSIM since purchasing a physical SIM can be a logistical nightmare in countries like South Africa or Colombia where SIM registration is both mandatory and complex.

Prioritize battery life

Generally speaking, a decent battery life is desirable in a hotspot since its primary purpose is often providing connectivity on the move or in remote areas where access to mains power may be limited. It’s especially important if you want a hotspot as a backup for your home Wi-Fi in case of a power outage. If battery life is a priority, look for a hotspot with a mAh battery and a usage time of 10 hours or more. Bear in mind that manufacturer estimates of battery life are not always accurate, so check reviews carefully to get a clear idea of what to expect before purchasing. Some hotspots also provide the option to swap in a backup battery for an even longer run time without access to mains power.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do portable Wi-Fi hotspots work?

  
  A portable Wi-Fi hotspot works a lot like your at-home broadband router, except that instead of relying on a wired connection, it connects to mobile network technologies like 4G LTE and, in some cases, 5G. This Wi-Fi signal is then broadcast so that you can connect to it from other Wi-Fi enabled devices such as your smartphone, laptop, or tablet. As long as the hotspot can establish a cellular connection, you should be able to use it to get online. Some portable Wi-Fi hotspots require a physical SIM card operated by a carrier like AT+T or T-Mobile to work; while others have an eSIM that picks up on the strongest signal across a multi-carrier network.
  
  

• How do I connect a portable Wi-Fi hotspot in a different country?

  
  To use a portable Wi-Fi hotspot in another country, it needs to be compatible with local network technology. In some cases, you’ll need to insert a physical SIM from a local carrier before it will work – these can sometimes be ordered in advance but most usually will need to be purchased on arrival. Other hotspots use an eSIM with a network that includes foreign carriers to automatically connect to one that works locally. If this is the case, you need to make sure that your hotspot is compatible with your destination before traveling.
  
  

• Why should I use a portable Wi-Fi hotspot instead of my cell data plan?

  
  Although I often use my cell as a hotspot for spontaneous, everyday purposes when I don’t have my portable Wi-Fi hotspot with me, the latter is infinitely preferable for traveling or extended use. That’s because portable Wi-Fi hotspots have larger antennae than most smartphones, meaning a better range and a stronger, more reliable connection. That means they’re the obvious choice for tasks that require a lot of data like video calling, downloading, or streaming. You’re also more likely to get a good connection with a portable Wi-Fi hotspot in remote areas. 
  
  

  Other reasons to choose a portable Wi-Fi hotspot include battery life (I find that my ’s battery depletes quickly when I’m using it as a hotspot), security, and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously without affecting performance. When traveling internationally, the ability to pre-pay for a data plan on your portable Wi-Fi hotspot makes it easier to budget than using your in international roaming mode. Data is typically much cheaper and you also eliminate the risk of accidentally exceeding your usage and being faced with a big bill when you get home.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Jessica Macdonald has been writing about travel tech and gear for more than 10 years. She has firsthand experience using a portable Wi-Fi hotspot for remote working while living in unreliable network areas across South Africa and Southeast Asia. The products on this list were chosen according to the results of real-world  tests carried out by T+L staff.

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The abundance of amazing gadgets has an unexpected downside: It becomes increasingly difficult to choose the one that is right for you. Whether you are buying a portable Internet device for travel or setting up a secure home network, you’ll face the barrage of terms like modem, router, and hotspot in all possible combinations. The habit of marketing people to create techy-sounding word salads doesn’t help the matters either. What follows is the rundown of the most common terms to help you untangle this mess once and for all.

What is a Modem?

A modem is perhaps the most misattributed term on the list, at least as long as we take into account its original meaning. Strictly speaking, a modem is a portable Internet device that converts the data into a signal suitable for transfer over lines or optical fiber cables, and vice versa. In fact, that’s where it got its name – “modem” is an abbreviation of “modulator-demodulator.” As the Internet evolved, new types of equipment became available, offering advanced features and compatibility with new standards:

• Dial-up modems
• Leased-line modems
• Broadband modems
• Satellite modems
• Optical modems
• Mobile modems

As you might expect, on a consumer level modems have become known as “the thing that lets you go online.” Nowadays, the most common type is a mobile modem – a small portable Internet device that connects to a laptop or a desktop PC. These gadgets have impressive lists of features and often combine the functionality of several devices.

Advantages of Mobile Modem

The main advantage of a mobile modem is portability: the use of a 4G LTE network makes it possible to have a fast connection from almost anywhere in the world. At the same time, mobile modems offer a far higher level of reliability and stability compared to hotspots set up with phones. Unlike mobile hotspots, the 4G modem can handle multiple connections effortlessly. Besides, it can be used to set up a home network.

What is a Hotspot?

Another tricky term that is used to refer to different, although related, things. Depending on the context, this word may refer to:

1. A physical location
2. A mobile
3. A portable 4G modem
4. A ’s feature
5. A WiFi router

Most of you will be familiar with WiFi hotspots – places with free access to the Internet set up in coffee shops, airports, or even municipal wide area networks. Such locations are actually the closest to the original meaning of the word – literally a spot with the wireless connection. As these hotspots are commonly set up with wireless technology, the WiFi network itself has also become synonymous with hotspots. While they have undoubtedly played a major role in the popularization of the Internet, public hotspots are gradually dwindling in popularity due to safety concerns and less-than-optimal connection speeds.

Aside from that, the term can also refer to the device, which provides access to the Internet – in other words, literally “creates a hotspot.” This can either be a gadget designed specifically for this purpose, like an LTE modem, or a device where this feature has been tacked on, such as a mobile . In the latter case, also known as mobile tethering, the feature itself is labeled as hotspot in the settings, adding to the confusion. The important takeaway here is that hotspot is a technology that can get you online from anywhere via some hardware or software means.

What is Hotspot? (Mobile Version)

There are two varieties of mobile hotspots – those set up using phones and those created by specialized gadgets. Under the hood, they are actually quite similar – a device connects to the mobile network, then shares the connection with a laptop. In both cases, the device operates at the cost of its data plan, which, depending on the situation, can be an advantage or a drawback. The main difference is the quality of the service. A -based hotspot is meant as an ad hoc solution created with little to no preparation at the expense of performance. For this reason, the discussions on how to speed up mobile hotspot proliferate on the web. A portable modem variety, on the other hand, is catered specifically for this task and will be superior in all regards.

Advantages of a Mobile Hotspot

To be clear, a -based mobile hotspot is not a great solution – aside from being an excellent fallback plan. So, this section will refer to the advantages of a hotspot created with a specialized device. The first benefit is autonomy – mobile hotspots usually come with their own battery, so you can turn them on at any time, slip them into your pocket, and go whenever you want instead of sitting close to an outlet.

Secondly, they will often handle several connections quite efficiently and take advantage of high-speed mobile hotspot plans – in the same way as portable modems. In fact, the list of advantages is more or less identical between the two (since manufacturers will make up their own definitions and apply them to very similar gadgets). For simplicity’s sake, one might say that a hotspot is a modem with its own power source, although the lack of proper definition makes it unverifiable.

What is a Router?

As the name suggests, the purpose of a router is to route the signal from a single source to several devices. This can be done either through cables or via a wireless connection. In most households and businesses, the latter is a more popular option, which is why routers are often called “the WiFi” – another term that got hijacked due to poor understanding of the technology behind it.

What is the Difference between a Router and a Modem?

Simply put, a modem provides access to the Internet while a router makes it possible to connect multiple devices simultaneously. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see devices that combine the functionality of both. The latest iteration, known as a portable modem, uses mobile networks via SIM cards or the eSIM technology. It also shares the connection via WiFi, essentially taking the best from both worlds.

Advantages of a Router

Routers are intended for setting up home networks, so their advantages relate to the number of devices they can handle efficiently. Modern routers are also outfitted with additional safety measures like a firewall and a VPN. While there are third-party solutions that do the same, having this layer of protection on the hardware level provides benefits for all connected devices regardless of their system.

What is a Dongle?

Similarly to other entries on the list, we are dealing with the term the meaning of which evolved over time. Initially, it referred to a device plugged into another device’s port to unlock or add certain functionality. Because dongles were manufactured as small as possible, the word became synonymous with the compact form factor (think USB flash drives). In the context of connectivity, it denotes a certain type of mobile modems that plug directly into a USB port and have a SIM card slot to use mobile networks. They usually don’t have a power source, are quite modest in terms of features, and won’t have wireless or eSIM capabilities. Essentially, a dongle is an adapter for a SIM card that gives support for mobile Internet to a device that doesn’t have it.

Advantages of Dongles

The bare-bones nature of dongles makes it difficult for them to compete with the rest of gadgets on the list. Their main advantage is accessibility – usually, all you need to make them work is plug them into your laptop. They are also quite reliable and won’t consume a lot of energy. Besides, you can find dongles with WiFi support, although those will be somewhat more expensive and may require additional configuration. In other words, they can be great as long as you understand their limitations and have reasonable expectations.

Hotspot, Modem, Dongle or Router: Making the Right Choice

As you can see, each of the options has its value and can be a lifesaver in certain situations. However, it can also let you down if you don’t understand what the portable Internet device can (and cannot) do. Here is a rundown based on the information above:

• Router: Equipment for setting up a secure home network.
• Hotspot: A device for sharing the connection with a laptop (usually wireless).
• Dongle: The simplest solution for enabling mobile Internet connectivity (plugged directly into a port).
• Mobile modem: A gadget that combines features of a hotspot and a router, usually more advanced and convenient than a dongle.

Final Thoughts

Abundance is only great when you know what your needs are. Once you set your goals and expectations, it actually becomes really easy to find the perfect fit. We hope that with this information on hand, you’ll be able to choose a portable Internet device that fully complies with your needs – or even realize the full potential of those gadgets you already own.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website WIFI Module Supplier.