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8 Best Phone For Hotspot 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 Pro Mobile Hotspot 5G mmWave, 8Gbps, Unlocked, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon International Roaming 125 Countries, WiFi 6E, Portable Device for Travel, Modem Wireless Router (MR6550)

The NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 Pro Mobile Hotspot offers robust performance with its 5G mmWave compatibility and WiFi 6E technology, making it a top choice for fast, secure internet on the go. It is unlocked and works with major US carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, and can be used in over 125 countries, providing exceptional versatility.

The device supports up to 32 simultaneous connections, which is ideal for business use or large families. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon X65 5G modem ensures high-speed internet with up to 8Gbps, and its dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11ax) ensures stable connections. The touch screen interface makes managing settings and monitoring data usage straightforward.

The ability to replace the battery and use an AC adapter to extend Wi-Fi coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. is a plus, but the device's weight and size might be less convenient for those seeking a more compact solution. It is especially suited for those needing a reliable backup internet solution for home or office, as well as those who travel frequently and need secure, private connectivity without relying on public Wi-Fi networks.

#2

NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 5G Mobile Hotspot, Router with Sim Card Slot, Modem, Portable WiFi Device for Travel, Unlocked with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, WiFi 6, 2.5Gbps (MR6150)

Rating
9.4
Network Compatibility
Battery Life
Wi-Fi Standards

Most important from
492 reviews

Network Compatibility
Switching SIM cards between different carriers is seamless, making it highly adaptable for travel and various data plans.
Battery Life
Battery life is as advertised, and the option to run the device without the battery using various power sources is very convenient.
Wi-Fi Standards
WiFi coverage is robust, providing adequate signal strength inside and within about a hundred feet of an RV.
Hotspot Features
The setup was straightforward and quick, with the device finding the proper APN automatically and running smoothly within minutes.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 5G Mobile Hotspot is a versatile device that excels in providing a secure and high-performance internet connection, both at home and on the go. One of its standout features is its compatibility with major US carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, allowing users to easily swap SIM cards and data plans. This makes it very adaptable for different usage scenarios, whether traveling or as a backup for home internet.

The device supports WiFi 6 technology and can connect up to 32 devices simultaneously, making it ideal for families or small businesses needing reliable internet access. Additionally, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 5G Modem enables speeds up to 2.5Gbps, ensuring fast and efficient connectivity.

Battery life is impressive, providing up to 13 hours of usage on a single charge, and it offers the option to remove the battery and use a power adapter for extended WiFi coverage up to 2,000 sq.ft.

Rating
9.4
Network Compatibility
Battery Life
Wi-Fi Standards

Most important from
492 reviews

Network Compatibility
Switching SIM cards between different carriers is seamless, making it highly adaptable for travel and various data plans.
Battery Life
Battery life is as advertised, and the option to run the device without the battery using various power sources is very convenient.
Wi-Fi Standards
WiFi coverage is robust, providing adequate signal strength inside and within about a hundred feet of an RV.
Hotspot Features
The setup was straightforward and quick, with the device finding the proper APN automatically and running smoothly within minutes.
#3

GlocalMe Numen Air 5G Mobile Hotspot, Portable WiFi Hotspot for Travel in 200+ Countries, Ultra High Speed Pocket Hotspot Device with Speed Up to 2.5Gbps, No SIM Card Required, 16 Connected Devices

Rating
8.2
Network Compatibility
Battery Life
Processor

Most important from
307 reviews

Network Compatibility
The physical SIM card option works flawlessly with Google-Fi 5G, providing reliable speeds that match a smartphone's 5G performance.
Battery Life
The device boots quickly and maintains a strong battery life, ideal for on-the-go use without frequent recharging concerns.
Processor
The device boots quickly and maintains a strong battery life, ideal for on-the-go use without frequent recharging concerns.
Hotspot Features
The hotspot supports multiple devices and offers global coverage with CloudSIM technology, but also allows use of local SIM cards for flexibility.

The GlocalMe Numen Air 5G is a strong choice if you want a portable hotspot that works almost anywhere in the world without needing a traditional SIM card. It supports 5G networks across 90+ countries and connects up to 16 devices, making it great for travel or group use. The built-in CloudSIM technology is convenient because it automatically chooses the best network and offers flexible data plans, so you don’t get locked into long contracts or roaming fees.

Its dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) ensures a stable connection and reduces interference, which is useful in crowded places. The device’s screen is user-friendly, allowing you to easily check your data usage and connection status. Another handy feature is the power bank function, letting you charge your phone or tablet on the go. While it supports fast 5G speeds (up to 2.5Gbps), actual speeds might vary depending on location and network quality.

The device includes a SIM card slot too, giving you the option to use local SIMs if you prefer. With a mid-range price, it suits travelers and remote workers who need reliable internet access worldwide. For those seeking a simple, flexible hotspot capable of handling multiple devices and fast speeds, this is a solid option.

Rating
8.2
Network Compatibility
Battery Life
Processor

Most important from
307 reviews

Network Compatibility
The physical SIM card option works flawlessly with Google-Fi 5G, providing reliable speeds that match a smartphone's 5G performance.
Battery Life
The device boots quickly and maintains a strong battery life, ideal for on-the-go use without frequent recharging concerns.
Processor
The device boots quickly and maintains a strong battery life, ideal for on-the-go use without frequent recharging concerns.
Hotspot Features
The hotspot supports multiple devices and offers global coverage with CloudSIM technology, but also allows use of local SIM cards for flexibility.

Buying Guide for the Best Phone For Hotspot

Choosing a phone for hotspot usage involves considering several key specifications to ensure you get the best performance and reliability. A phone that serves as a hotspot should have strong connectivity features, good battery life, and sufficient processing power to handle multiple devices connected to it. Here are the key specs to focus on when selecting a phone for hotspot purposes.
Network CompatibilityNetwork compatibility refers to the types of cellular networks the phone can connect to, such as 4G LTE or 5G. This spec is crucial because it determines the speed and reliability of your internet connection. For hotspot usage, a phone that supports 5G is ideal as it offers faster speeds and better performance, especially in areas with good 5G coverage. If 5G is not available in your area, a phone with strong 4G LTE capabilities will suffice. Consider your location and the network coverage when choosing the right phone.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the phone can operate before needing a recharge. This is important for hotspot usage because sharing your internet connection can drain the battery quickly. Phones with larger battery capacities, typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), will last longer. Look for phones with at least 4000mAh battery capacity for extended hotspot use. If you plan to use the hotspot feature frequently or for long periods, prioritize phones with higher battery capacities.
ProcessorThe processor, or CPU, is the brain of the phone and affects its overall performance. A powerful processor ensures smooth operation and can handle multiple devices connected to the hotspot without lag. Look for phones with at least a mid-range processor, such as those from Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek. High-end processors will offer better performance but may be more expensive. Consider how many devices you plan to connect and choose a phone with a processor that can handle the load efficiently.
RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is the phone's short-term memory that helps it run applications and manage tasks. More RAM allows the phone to handle multiple connections and applications simultaneously without slowing down. For hotspot usage, a phone with at least 4GB of RAM is recommended. If you plan to use the phone for other demanding tasks while using it as a hotspot, consider phones with 6GB or more RAM for better multitasking performance.
Wi-Fi StandardsWi-Fi standards refer to the technology the phone uses to connect to Wi-Fi networks. The latest standard, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), offers faster speeds, better performance, and improved efficiency, especially in crowded environments. A phone with Wi-Fi 6 will provide a better hotspot experience, allowing connected devices to enjoy faster and more reliable internet. If Wi-Fi 6 is not available, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) is still a good option. Consider the Wi-Fi standard supported by the phone to ensure optimal hotspot performance.
Hotspot FeaturesHotspot features include the ability to create a secure and stable internet connection for multiple devices. Some phones offer advanced hotspot settings, such as the ability to limit the number of connected devices, set data usage limits, and manage network security. These features can be useful for controlling and optimizing your hotspot usage. Look for phones that offer customizable hotspot settings to better manage your internet sharing needs.

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