att hotspot for travel

Contact Sales

• My AT&T Manage your account Pay without logging in
• Premier Manage your wireless accounts Pay without logging in
• Business Center Manage many of your AT&T accounts and services conveniently online
• See all AT&T Business portals

All products

Wireless services.

• Business wireless plans
• Business cellphones and devices
• Mobile hotspots
• All Wireless services

Networking services

• Business Wi-Fi
• VPN for business
• Switched Ethernet
• All Networking services

Cloud connectivity

• Managed cloud connect
• Cloud connections on-demand
• Cloud consulting services
• All Cloud connectivity

Business internet

• Business fiber internet
• Wireless internet
• Dedicated internet
• All Business internet

Internet of Things

• Fleet complete
• IoT fleet management
• IoT control center
• All Internet of Things

Consulting services

• Network consulting services
• Mobile consulting solutions
• IoT consulting services
• All Consulting services

Voice and collaboration

• Business phone service
• Unified Communications (UCaaS)
• POTS replacement
• All Voice and collaboration

Business 5G solutions

• Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC)
• Cell booster for business
• 5G DAS solutions
• All Business 5G solutions

Cybersecurity

• AT&T Dynamic Defense
• AT&T ActiveArmor
• Secure Access Service Edge
• All Cybersecurity

What's trending

• Bring your own device
• Cell phone accessories
• Device trade-in
• International business plans
• Business fiber reward card
• All In One bundle

View all bundles

Shop all offers, industries & solutions.

• Connecting clinical and business operations
• Connecting patients to care
• Enabling digital transformation
• Cybersecurity for retail

Financial Services

• Cybersecurity for financial services
• Advanced security solutions
• Enhanced customer experience
• Operational efficiency

Transportation

• Connecting the distribution center
• Optimizing logistics

Hospitality

Manufacturing.

• Connecting the factory
• Enhancing supply chain visibility

Energy and Utilities

Professional services, sports and entertainment, small business, at&t global business, public sector, at&t partner solutions, smart climate solutions, business continuity solutions, remote and hybrid workforce solutions, network transformation, why at&t business.

• The AT&T Business difference
• Delivering guidance and advice
• What customers are saying
• All Why AT&T Business

Customer stories

• The right vehicles at the right time
• Building communities is fueled by fiber
• Fiber in hard-to-reach neighborhoods
• All Customer stories

AT&T Business Insights blog

• The Leader’s guide to hybrid work
• The ROI of network modernization
• Which internet plan to choose
• All AT&T Business Insights blog

Research reports

• Business sustainability whitepaper
• All Research reports

AT&T Business Support

• Self-service and training
• AT&T Premier support
• AT&T Business Center support
• All AT&T Business Support

Trending resources

The network of the future is here, at&t cybersecurity insights report: 2023 edge ecosystem, subscribe to at&t business newsletter, account login, my at&t, business center, what’s a portable wifi hotspot, what’s a portable wifi hotspot and how can it help my business stay connected.

What is a portable WiFi hotspot?

Where can portable WiFi hotspot devices be used?

How is a portable wifi hotspot different than phone tethering, what devices are available from at&t, the newest wireless hotspot routers.

Netgear’s Nighthawk Mobile Hotspot Router is the world’s first commercial Gigabit Class LTE Mobile Hotspot Router to achieve maximum download speeds of 1 Gbps on the AT&T 5G millimeter network*, bringing the fastest possible internet connection to businesses on the go. Combining ultrafast download speeds, and support for the latest networks into one device, this premium mobile hotspot router provides the best internet connection experience possible whether it is used on-the-go, at home, or during your travels. With a very large 5,040mAh battery, the Nighthawk boasts all-day battery life, so businesses are always connected, even when away from the office.

*5G+ millimeter mobile network where available with compatible plan, powered by AT&T.

Compact 4G LTE Wireless Hotspots

The affordable, pocketable business WiFi hotspot from AT&T features 11 hours of battery life to get you through the work day while connecting up to 15 devices on the AT&T high speed LTE network. A sleek design and color display make it a breeze to use virtually wherever your business takes you.

The bottom line

Video title, we use cookies.

AT&T uses necessary cookies and similar technologies to make our sites work for you. We offer additional cookies to enhance your experience, improve our sites, or offer specific services on your request. This data gives AT&T feedback on how you use our products and services, helps us develop promotional and marketing materials relevant to you, and allows us to connect you with appropriate content from third parties. You can read more about the cookies we use in our AT&T Most of World Website User Notice .

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Tech Essentials

The 6 Best Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots of 2024

These handy devices keep you connected with ease.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

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."

Best Overall

Skyroam solis lite.

The device comes with a free lifetime global data plan.

1GB of monthly data will go by very quickly; you'll have to pay up for more.

There are many things the Simo Solis Lite does well, but the real showstopper here is the company's lifetime global data plan that gives you 1GB of data each month for as long as your device functions. And this plan truly is global, as the device works in 135+ different countries . That said, 1GB isn't much data at all. Depending on your usage, you might need to upgrade to a more robust data package, which typically costs anywhere from $6 to $109, or potentially more, per month. On the plus side, you don't need to change SIM cards in this hotspot — you can add those plans via an app.

As for the other stats with this device, the 16-hour battery life is well above average. We love that you can charge other devices with this hotspot — although that will reduce its battery life, of course. Up to 10 devices can be connected to the Solis Lite, which is likely suitable for most users, but it's an unremarkable number compared to other products on the market. Similarly, 4G connectivity is serviceable but doesn't earn any special accolades. If you're traveling with a large group of people, you may want to consider other options depending on how connected you need to be.

One other standout feature of this Wi-Fi hotspot is true 24/7 customer support — this is especially valuable for travelers who need internet access at all hours across various time zones. 

The Details: 16-hour battery life | 10 devices | 4G connectivity | 5.98 x 4.69 x 1.73 inches | 10.2 ounces

Best for SIM Cards

Netgear nighthawk m6 pro.

It has Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.

13 hours of battery life is good, but not great.

If you need a fast and reliable internet connection just about anywhere, Netgear's Nighthawk M6 Pro might be the solution. It's compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon in the U.S., and it works in more than 125 countries when swapping in a new SIM card, supporting both 5G and Wi-Fi 6E. You can connect up to 32 devices simultaneously, allowing an entire team of remote workers to stay connected. And if you're on the move, you'll enjoy a more secure connection with the Nighthawk than public Wi-Fi. 

Beyond its uses for remote work around the world, the Nighthawk M6 Pro could even replace a standard internet connection at your home or office. Because it can function with both a wired and wireless connection, you won't lose connectivity due to internet or electricity outages. And with 13 hours of battery life, you'll have time to wait for the outage to end. That said, increased battery life would be ideal, especially for remote workers and travelers. But whether you're in a home office or off the grid, it's hard to beat this product's speed.

The Details: 13-hour battery life | 32 devices | Wi-Fi 6E connectivity | 4.1 x 4.14 x 0.85 inches | 0.56 pounds

Most Versatile

Glocalme numen air 5g.

There's no SIM card required.

The battery life and number of devices could be better, but are likely fine for most users.

The GlocalMe Numer Air 5G works in more than 140 countries on more than 100 operator networks — that means you'll be covered just about anywhere. It doesn't need a SIM card to work, thanks to its CloudSIM technology. Upon purchase, you'll automatically receive 1GB of global data for a 90-day period, and additional data can be added easily via the mobile app. There are thousands of flexible data plans from which to choose, including pay-as-you-go options with no contract. In other words, this is a convenient mobile hotspot to take with you while you travel, since it's designed to be useful in a wide variety of cellular settings and situations.  

Stat-wise, we consider the 12-hour battery life to be good, but not especially impressive. That said, it may be plenty of time depending on how you intend to use the device. You can connect up to 16 devices, which is probably plenty for most users but may not be ideal for an office setup. 

The Details: 12-hour battery life | 16 devices | 5G connectivity | 6.1 x 2.8 x 0.6 inches | 6.8 ounces

RoamWiFi Portable WiFi Device

It's not just the device that's a good value — some data plans are fairly low-price.

Only five devices can connect to the hotspot at a time.

This 4G LTE mobile hotspot router delivers a surprising amount of power and flexibility inside an affordable package. The device itself is priced under $200, and a variety of data plans are available at all price points, ranging from a $3 day pass to a $299 90-day pass. No SIM card is needed, and the device works in more than 160 countries (there's a complete list about halfway down the Amazon product page). The whopping 18 hours of battery life outperforms every other battery-powered hotspot on our list. 

That said, there are some limitations that come with the lower cost. The device does not connect to 5G networks, so internet speeds won't necessarily be the fastest. Also, you can only connect five devices to this hotspot which is plenty for the average solo user, but may not be suitable for groups or families. 

The Details: 18-hour battery life | 5 devices | 4G connectivity | ‎4.96 x 2.68 x 0.57 inches | 6.3 ounces

Best Unlocked

Netgear nighthawk m1.

It works on all major domestic carriers, including GoogleFi.

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 AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and GoogleFi in the United States, and can serve as a backup internet connection while not traveling. 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 data 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. 5G connectivity may not be necessary for most travelers.

The Details: "All day" battery life | 20 devices | 4G connectivity | 4.15 x 4.15 x 0.8 inches | 8.5 ounces

Best Router

Gl.inet gl-mt3000 wireless travel router.

It creates a more secure internet connection for your devices.

Routers like this one are not capable of providing internet on their own.

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 a vacation rental where the Wi-Fi is strong in one room but not another, a router can help.

This portable router is compatible with more than 30 VPN service providers and can accommodate up to 70 different devices, making it one of the best devices for securely accessing high-speed internet while traveling or on the move. The AdGuard feature helps to protect your devices from malware, phishing, ads, and online trackers. This is an especially important safety feature for using unfamiliar WiFi connections.

The Details: 70 devices | Wi-Fi 6 connectivity | 4.53 x 3.15 x 1.18 inches | 6.9 ounces

Tips for Buying a Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot

Consider where and when you'll use it.

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).

Check with your phone carrier

"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.

Think about voltage and battery life

For the most part, portable Wi-Fi hotspots use a relatively low amounts of power (about five to seven 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.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

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:

• Thomas Walker , Best Buy mobile supervisor
• Peter Holslin , senior staff writer at internet comparison site HighSpeedInternet.com
• George Koroneos , Verizon spokesperson
• Jeff Howard , AT&T's vice president of hardware and partner solutions

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

• Compare Providers
• Review Providers

Everything You Need to Know About AT&T Hotspots

We’ve got the scoop on AT&T’s best hotspots, data plans, and more.

• Excellent 4G LTE speeds
• Connectivity for 20 devices
• Ethernet port for direct connections
• Lots of data for fair price
• No contract requirement
• Large nationwide network
• Lots of data included
• Unlimited high-speed phone data
• Lower price for family plans

Data effective 3/2/23. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

AT&T is a great source for hotspots. The cell carrier supports a range of excellent mobile hotspots for both 4G LTE and 5G networks, and it has affordable hotspot data plans that give you a ton of gigabytes for a fair price. If you want to keep things simple, get one of AT&T’s unlimited phone plans to get hotspot data for phone tethering.

Read on for all the details on AT&T’s best hotspots, data plans, and mobile plans for your phone’s hotspot.

• Best AT&T hotspots, hotspot data plans, and cellular hotspots
• What to look for in an AT&T hotspot

Best AT&T hotspots

Best at&t hotspot data plans.

• Best AT&T cellular plans
• 5G Home Internet

Your hotspot starter pack: The best AT&T hotspot, best hotspot plan, and best hotspot-friendly cellular plan

Mobile hotspots are typically locked to specific cellular carriers, so you have limited choices about what you can use—which is pretty annoying, to be honest. But AT&T’s wireless network supports a handful of fast and dependable hotspot devices. Plus, AT&T has been improving its hotspot plans and hotspot data on mobile plans to stay competitive with T-Mobile and Verizon.

Here are your best hotspotting options from AT&T

The best hotspot: NETGEAR is AT&T’s go-to hotspot manufacturer, and the Nighthawk M1 4G LTE Mobile Router is a versatile device. Outfitted with a gigabit Qualcomm MDM9x50 modem, it gets you reliable speeds over 4G networks (which are still far more widely accessible than 5G) and features extra ports for direct Ethernet connections and phone charging.

The best hotspot data plan: AT&T’s Prepaid 100 GB plan gives you 100 GB of data to use in a month for a flat fee of $90. It’s hard to find a hotspot plan that gives you that much data upfront. Plus, you don’t have to sign up for a contract term or recurring monthly payments, making this plan perfect for short-term vacation rentals and work trips.

The best cellular plan for your phone’s hotspot: AT&T Unlimited Premium costs $85 for one line, and with that you get totally unlimited cellular data and 50 GB of high-speed hotspot data. All the major cellular companies have ramped up their hotspot data options in the last year, and this robust plan makes it a lot easier and more cost-effective to use your phone’s hotspot on a regular basis in lieu of investing in a pricier hotspot device.

Download our speed test app to see what kind of performance you’re getting on your hotspot. If you’re on a phone hotspot, a mobile hotspot device could give you a major boost.

Take our speed test to see what kind of performance you’re getting on your hotspot. If you’re on a phone hotspot, a mobile hotspot device could give you a major boost.

*Price at time of writing

*Amazon.com prices (as of 3/2/23 17:35 MST). Read full disclaimer .

The Nighthawk M1 is a powerful device that can cover most anyone’s hotspotting needs. But NETGEAR’s Nighthawk M6 Pro really kicks things up a notch with its 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. The M6 can hit much faster speeds and support a lot more users, making this the hotspot to get for big groups, intensive work trips, and vacations on which you anticipate a lot of streaming movie marathons.

ZTE’s MAX Connect MF928 and Alcatel’s LINKZONE are budget hotspots better suited for occasional use and fewer devices. They don’t get the most out of AT&T’s wireless network—there’s no 5G, for example, and you can expect 4G LTE speeds to be slower than normal. But these hotspots cost a fraction of what you’d normally pay for a hotspot and work in a jiffy.

Want the fastest and most secure hotspot around? Take a look at the best 5G hotspots for the most innovative designs and greatest Wi-Fi firepower.

What should you look for in an AT&T hotspot?

You should get an AT&T hotspot that has current Wi-Fi standards, supports enough connections for your needs, and meets your budget.

AT&T sells a few mobile Wi-Fi hotspots on its website, but you can also find unlocked hotspots on Amazon that work with AT&T’s 4G LTE and 5G networks. The most expensive of these devices are meant for hitting extremely fast speeds and serving lots of users. Lower-tier hotspots still work great for vacation rentals or work trips, but the cheapest ones have relatively slow speeds and get sluggish as they support more Wi-Fi devices.

Here’s what you can expect from different kinds of hotspots

What you can do with a 5G hotspot

• Get wireless speeds ranging anywhere from 30–300 Mbps, depending on your location and 5G availability
• Maintain a consistent connection for up to 32 users at a time
• Enjoy functionality and ease of use with the help of a touch screen
• Boost security and improve connection with extra features and ports
• Charge your phone or tablet with USB-C port

What you can do with a high-end 4G LTE hotspot

• Get wireless speeds of 10–40 Mbps for up to 20 users
• Improve speeds with wired Ethernet connection
• Boost signal range when using it as a travel router over hotel and other Wi-Fi networks

What you can do with a budget 4G LTE hotspot

• Get wireless speeds of 1–25 Mbps for up to 16 users

Take a look at the best hotspots you can buy for more details on what to look for—even if you don’t have AT&T, you can still find a great deal.

Data as of 3/2/23. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

*Per connected device with AutoPay. Plus Taxes & fees.

AT&T offers a few prepaid data plans that let you buy a chunk of data in 30-day increments. If you run out of data, you can add another 5 GB for $10. We recommend the 100 GB plan the most because, well, that’s a ton of hotspot data for a pretty good price.

If you’re a monthly hotspot user—say, you regularly travel for work or spend a few days a month in your vacation cabin—then you might want to go for the 20 GB plan. You have to pay a $300 lump sum up front, but it costs you less in the long run, shaking out to $25 a month.

Get a prepaid data plan instead of AT&T DataConnect

In addition to the prepaid plans mentioned above, AT&T also advertises a monthly DataConnect plan—but we advise against it because that plan costs a lot more for less data than AT&T’s prepaid data plans. Stick to a prepaid plan for the best deal.

Best AT&T cellular plans for hotspotting

Data effective as of 3/2/23. Pricing and speeds are subject to change. Not all offers available in all areas.

‡ Unlimited talk, text, and 15GB high-speed data. Taxes and fees extra.

While a phone hotspot can’t connect as many devices or hit the same speeds as a standalone mobile hotspot, your phone is still super easy for tethering and hotspot functions. You can get a ton of hotspot data from AT&T’s flagship Unlimited Premium plan. Or you can save money with AT&T’s prepaid 16 GB plan, which comes with 16 GB total of high-speed data—you can use it for both cellular data and hotspot tethering.

Looking for a hot new phone to set up a hotspot? Take a look at the best 5G phones .

Best hotspots and data plans from MVNOs

MVNO stands for “mobile virtual network operator,” which is a complicated way of referring to budget-friendly cellular brands like Cricket Wireless and Boost Mobile that give you phone service over AT&T’s network.

Phone and data plans from MVNOs are often cheaper than those from major cell companies, and they don’t require things like contracts or credit checks to sign up. Unfortunately, with those lower prices you also get somewhat inferior service, since your cell service always takes a back seat to that of AT&T’s customers. But these plans are worth looking into if you need a quick and easy data plan for occasional hotspottery.

Best MVNO hotspot data plans

Best mvno hotspots.

Amazon.com prices (as of 3/2/23 17:35 MST). Read full disclaimer .

Depending on the MVNO carrier, you may have restrictions on which hotspot you can use with your MVNO hotspot plan. Double check with your carrier to see which hotspots work on its network.

Hotspots can’t replace home internet—but 5G Home Internet can

Data effective as of 05/30/23. Pricing and speeds are subject to change. Not all offers available in all areas.

Read disclaimers.

Cellular companies have ramped up their hotspot options over the past year, but hotspots still aren’t an adequate replacement for home internet—you simply can’t get the same speeds or amount of data from a mobile plan.

But if you’re looking for a wireless solution to home internet, consider 5G home internet. AT&T’s rivals, Verizon and T-Mobile, both offer affordable 5G internet service with unlimited data and respectable speeds at a flat monthly rate—no need to worry about contracts or extra fees. (AT&T has no plans to release a 5G internet service of its own, but we’d be intrigued if it did!)

5G internet is still pretty new, so it might not work for everybody—you may experience occasional internet disconnections or other bugs. But a 5G home internet plan T-Mobile or Verizon is well worth trying out, especially if you’re looking to get away from traditional fiber or cable internet providers.

More about AT&T hotspots

• What Are Hotspots and How Do They Work?
• Best Mobile Hotspots
• Best 5G Hotspots
• Best Hotspot Data Plans
• Best Unlimited Data Hotspot Plans

AT&T hotspot FAQ

Can you get unlimited data from an at&t hotspot.

You can’t get truly unlimited data from an AT&T hotspot—but you can get a lot of data. The prepaid 100 GB plan gives you 100 GB per month for $90, and you can add on an extra 5 GB for $10 at any time.

Looking for a new internet plan? Use your zip code below to find providers in your area.

*w/ Auto Pay. Available in select areas.

† w/ Auto Pay. Regulatory fees included in monthly price for qualified accounts. See full terms.

‡ Price includes $5 Auto Renew discount, starting on the second month. 5G service not available in all areas and requires a capable device.

#Available in select areas only. Price per month with Auto Pay & without select 5G mobile plans. Fios plan prices include taxes & fees.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. HighSpeedInternet.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

Author - Peter Holslin

Peter Holslin has more than a decade of experience working as a writer and freelance journalist. He graduated with a BA in liberal arts and journalism from New York City’s The New School University in 2008 and went on to contribute to publications like Rolling Stone, VICE, BuzzFeed, and countless others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on covering 5G, nerding out about frequency bands and virtual RAN, and producing reviews on emerging services like 5G home internet. He also writes about internet providers and packages, hotspots, VPNs, and Wi-Fi troubleshooting.

Editor - Rebecca Lee Armstrong

Rebecca Lee Armstrong has more than six years of experience writing about tech and the internet, with a specialty in hands-on testing. She started writing tech product and service reviews while finishing her BFA in creative writing at the University of Evansville and has found her niche writing about home networking, routers, and internet access at HighSpeedInternet.com. Her work has also been featured on Top Ten Reviews, MacSources, Windows Central, Android Central, Best Company, TechnoFAQ, and iMore.

Related Posts

• South Africa
• Turkmenistan
• South Korea
• Philippines
• Timor Leste
• Afghanistan
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Northern Ireland
• Isle Of Man
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Czech Republic
• Antigua And Barbuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Martin & Sint Maarten
• Trinidad And Tobago
• Turks And Caicos
• US Virgin Islands
• Falkland Islands
• French Guiana
• El Salvador
• United States
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Cook Islands
• French Polynesia
• Accessories
• Bags & Backpacks
• Horseback Riding
• Photography
• Maintenance
• Airport Hotels
• Bed & Breakfast
• Budget Hotels
• Business Hotels
• Family Friendly Hotels
• Gay Friendly Hotels
• Luxury Hotels
• Pet Friendly Hotels
• Pool Hotels
• Romantic Hotels

13 Best AT&T Portable WiFi Hotspots

• Travel Gear
• 13 Best AT&T Portable WiFi…

Planning your next vacation, but you want to stay connected? Then, you ought to pack an AT&T portable WIFI device with you. AT&T mobile hotspot devices can provide internet connection at the remotest places. Thus, your family and friends will never miss you, and you won’t pay a million bucks for roaming charges.

How To Choose The Best AT&T Portable WIFI Hotspots

As the internet is now a must for all travelers, there’re hundreds of AT&T mobile hotspot devices. So, before making up your mind, here are some of the key factors to check for every device.

Wireless speed

Are you going to stream videos and music? Or you need to stay connected and browse your social media accounts? So, according to your needs, you might choose the best product for you. There’re AT&T portable WIFI hotspots that provide up to 2Gbps and others which only offer 150mbps.

Supported network

There’s more than one portable WIFI for traveling . However, they don’t necessarily support AT&T. If you’re traveling to a country covered by AT&T connections, you need one of the below devices. You may need to check each AT&T portable WIFI device as well for the covered countries as some devices work in specific countries only.

Since it’s a portable device, it needs to be small enough to take everywhere during your trip. Most AT&T mobile hotspot devices are compact and small. However, they vary in how small they are.

Battery life

One of the most important points to consider is how long this AT&T portable WIFI device will work. In the end, you don’t want a hotspot that cannot withstand a day trip or camp.

Since we now agreed it’s one of the must-have  travel gadgets , you need to operate it seamlessly. Thus, check whether the AT&T portable WIFI box needs configuration or not. Also, check the admin portal and the particular features it provides to control your internet usage. 

Hotspot Router Link M7

If you need an acceptable internet connection while traveling abroad, the Hotspot Router Link M7 is your choice. You have up to 150 MBPS internet speed. Further, it can accommodate up to 10 devices. As for the battery, it’s a 2000mAh Lion battery that works for 5-8 hours. So, it’s suitable for train or bus trips. When you purchase this AT&T portable WIFI box, you get a battery, USB cable for charging, and a manual telling you how to setup. Speaking of setup, it’s a few minutes to get everything ready to work. Hence, M7 AT&T portable WIFI hotspot is what everyday travelers need.

What we love

A small AT&T portable WIFI device at an affordable price for short trips. Therefore, it serves its purposes without breaking your budget.

• Connects up to 10 devices
• Cheap price compared to similar products
• Easy setup and connection
• Compact size
• Relatively low internet speed
• Short battery life

GlocalME FirstG Mobile Hotspot (404)

GlocalMe FirstG Mobile Hotspot will deliver reliable internet connection for 8 devices at the same time. Moreover, the battery can work for continuous 14 hours, which is a pretty long time. Also, with 24/7 customer service, you’ll never have issues operating this device. In fact, GlocalME has many smart devices that customers were always satisfied with.

In addition, you’ll be able to view and control your data usage through their application or web portal. Luckily, both are very easy to use. So, even those with zero technical experience won’t struggle with this device. When it comes to price, GlocalME AT&T portable WIFI hotspot is on the affordable side.

A high-quality, reliable device that is suitable for long trips.

• User-friendly application
• Affordable price
• Battery can work for 14 hours
• Supports most network carriers
• 24/7 customer support
• Usage fees are a bit high
• Doesn’t work in all countries

KuWFi 4G LTE Mobile WiFi Hotspot

Still with the same inexpensive AT&T mobile hotspot devices. KuWFi offering is a perfect one to slide in your pocket and share the internet connection to a 50m distant user. Furthermore, you can connect 10 different devices at the same time. So, just put it somewhere in your hotel room and connect every smart device you have. Also, you can see how many devices are connected to the portable WIFI screen. Additionally, the screen shows the strength of the signal, the WIFI SSID, and the password.

KuWFi 4G LTE Mobile WiFi Hotspot has a 2400mAh Lithium battery which works for up to 8 hours. Similar to the first product, the battery life is not the longest. However, it’s good enough for short trips and outings.

A sleek and small AT&T portable WIFI box similar to portable chargers that fit pants’ pocket

• Inexpensive
• Small in size
• Has an SD card slot
• Supports up to 10 devices
• Has a screen to show the number of connected devices
• Password shows on the screen
• Different models work in different countries

AT&T Sierra Wireless Mobile Hotspot

No matter where you’re traveling, this AT&T portable WIFI device will work almost everywhere. With the AT&T Sierra Wireless Mobile Hotspot , you can connect to the network you prefer. Either LTE, 4G, or 3G, all are supported. Even more, if you’re traveling to a location with poor connectivity, this mobile hotspot will save your life.

Also, AT&T Sierra cares about your connection security. Thus, you can change your password from the admin console and hide it from the device’s screen. Moreover, there’re several security features as restricting the number of users and enabling secure connections only. Not to forget that AT&T Sierra accepts a maximum of 5 devices at a time and works for 5 hours without charging as well.

Extra security features that keep all the connections secure.

• Works in many countries
• Connects to all major carrier networks
• Screen displays data usage and connectivity strength
• Advanced security features
• Has a MicroSD slot
• Connects 5 devices only

Alcatel LINKZONE MW41TM

If you want a small AT&T portable WIFI device with moderate internet speed and high coverage, here is Alcatel LINKZONE MW41TM . The AT&T portable WIFI hotspot can provide an average 150Mbps. Although it might seem less than what other devices provide, it’s acceptable considering its size and price.

On the other hand, 15 devices can connect to this small device. However, it’s not recommended as more devices mean more streaming which will drain the battery. When it comes to set up, it a very seamless process, create a profile on the admin portal, and you’ll figure everything out yourself.

A small yet, functional AT&T portable WIFI box with moderate speed and good price.

• Fast and easy setup
• Supports 15 devices
• Doesn’t provide very high speeds
• Needs charging every 6 hours of use

Netgear AirCard 797 (AC797)

Coming in a half-inch thickness, this AT&T portable WIFI box will fit into small bags and pockets with no issues at all. Netgear AirCard 797 (AC797) provides a moderate internet speed at a price much lower than other Netgear products. For this particular product, you can get up to 400Mbps download speed. Moreover, it accepts up to 15 devices. However, the more devices, the less speed each one will enjoy.

Perhaps, one of the most significant features of Netgear AT&T mobile hotspot devices is the long battery life. With a 2930mAh battery, you may need to charge the device after 11 hours of use. Finally, the screen has more to do rather than showing the data usage and strength. You can adjust the settings on the device screen itself.

A device with long battery life and a controllable display in addition to a moderate internet speed at an affordable price.

• Can adjust network settings on screen
• Compact design
• Connects up to 15 devices
• Long battery life
• Internet speed is not very high

Huawei E5783B-230

Want something fancy that looks stylish in your hands? Then get the Huawei E5783B-230 AT&T portable WIFI box with its slim and nice design to satisfy your desires. To operate the device, you need to install HUAWEI Mobile WIFI App. Thus, everything becomes easy to configure.

As for the features of the device provide 300 Mbps internet speed on a 4G network. Also, it can connect to 3G and other networks. However, the outstanding feature here is the ability to connect up to 16 devices simultaneously.

A slim, lightweight device that is convenient for travelers in addition to its practicality.

• Small size and lightweight
• Supports up to 16 devices
• Has a mobile app
• Supports 3G and 4G LTE networks
• Battery doesn’t last long
• Not very high internet speed

Huawei E5577Cs-321

Huawei is well known for its high-quality AT&T mobile hotspot devices. Huawei E5577Cs-321 is one of its reliable portable hotspots as it has a download speed of 150 Mbps on a 4G LTE network. Also, 10 users can connect to the WIFI, which provides a relatively high internet speed even on 3G. It has a touch LCD screen where you can adjust some of the settings.

Furthermore, there’s a barcode on the screen to scan and download the mobile application of HUAWEI WiFi. Thus, setting the AT&T portable WIFI hotspot to work takes minutes. In brief, this model from Huawei is a suitable product for travelers who want a good connection at an affordable price.

It’s an AT&T portable WIFI device with all the basic features you want for your next trip.

• Works on 4G LTE and 3G
• Connects 10 devices at the same time
• Touch screen
• Barcode to install mobile app
• Battery life is short

RoamWiFi R10

If the number one priority for you is the battery life, then you should get RoamWiFi R10 . This AT&T portable WIFI box can provide over 18 hours of work with no need to charge, thanks to its 5000mAh battery. In fact, this is one of the most powerful batteries for AT&T mobile hotspot devices on this list.

Not only that, but also the R10 hotspot supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz. So, you can choose your preferred settings using the RomaWIFI application. Regarding the number of devices, it supports a maximum of 5 devices. Whereas the internet speed it’s capable of providing is around 400Mbps.

An AT&T portable WIFI hotspot that works in many regions and doesn’t need too much charging time.

• Powerful battery
• Covers many regions and countries
• Supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Uses much data
• Supports 5 devices only

Netgear Unite Explore AC815S

We are sure that travelers will find Netgear Unite Explore AC815S a perfect portable WIFI hotspot for different reasons. First, its battery life is a long one that lasts for almost a day. Further, it supports 15 devices. More importantly, the internet speed reaches 450Mbps, which is good enough to watch your favorite movies or play video games.

Similar to most Netgear AT&T mobile hotspot devices, it’s not a hectic job to get it to work. In fact, there’re no configuration setups required at all. If all you need is a practical AT&T portable WIFI box that provides a reliable internet connection, then this product is for you.

It supports 2.4G for everyday use and 5.8G for a high-speed connection, making it a perfect option for all travelers.

• Long-life for the battery
• Provides reliable connection
• Supports different networks
• Charging takes time

Netgear Nighthawk MR1100

A one-for-all device; an AT&T portable WIFI hotspot, a home WIFI router, and a WIFI connection booster. This is the Netgear Nighthawk MR1100 . If you don’t mind paying extra money to get a more professional service, get the Nighthawk MR1100 from Netgear.

With a 5040mAh battery and above 100Mbps internet speed, you can use this WIFI hotspot all day long. Even more, you don’t need to recharge it for almost a day. But what makes it stand out among others is the security features you have with this device. For example, you can filter certain content or block certain devices.

Professional WIFI hotspot with advanced features and high capabilities to suit heavy internet users.

• Connects up to 20 devices
• Advanced security and control features
• Can connect to a router to enhance internet connectivity
• Reliable internet speed and connectivity
• Device screen doesn’t provide many features

Netgear Orbi 4G LTE Mesh (LBR20)

Are you on a business trip and need a reliable internet connection for the whole group? Don’t think too much. Here is the answer; Netgear Orbi 4G LTE Mesh (LBR20) . Orbi model can cover an area of 2,000 sq. ft. and accepts more than 20 devices. Moreover, the internet speed can reach 2.2Gbps. Want more? Netgear offers a cyber-protection at additional prices for your network. So, no attackers can invade all the connected prices.

If you use this device at home or office, you can plug in the nearest devices as it has Ethernet ports. On another side, you can schedule the internet connection of this WIFI hotspot to prevent useless streaming. Also, you may filter some websites and set limitations for other devices. However, all come with additional prices.

Powerful capabilities and internet speed suitable for business travelers and groups.

• Very high internet speed
• Connects more than 20 devices
• Everything is controllable on the Orbi app.
• Has Ethernet ports
• Additional cyber-protection features
• Expensive price
• All features are paid

Netgear Nighthawk M1

When you want all the features in one product without trying several ones, go for Netgear Nighthawk M1 . Whatever your needs are, we guarantee this AT&T portable WIFI device will cover all these needs. M1 model hosts 20 devices at a time and offers 1Gbps speed. Further, the battery lasts for a day. Even when it needs charging, it recharges in no time as it’s compatible with Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0.

Other features include the Ethernet port to offload other WIFI connections. Additionally, the USB port allows for connecting other hard drives to share files. Finally, the display shows some useful information where the controls are available on the Netgear application.

A comprehensive WIFI hotspot can connect 20 devices at high speed and stable internet connection.

• USB and Ethernet portals
• High internet speed
• Connects 20 devices
• Low time for recharging
• Relatively large size

Author:  John P

As a blogger, I have had the pleasure of exploring some of the most exclusive destinations, indulging in the finest cuisine, accommodations, and experiences that the world has to offer. From the chic streets Paris to the scenic beauty of the Amalfi Coast, readers luxury. my, tips on the most exclusive hotels restaurants, and activities, giving you a glimpse into the world of high-end travel. But luxury travel is not just about extravagance - it's also about immersing yourself in the local culture and experiencing the true essence of a destination. With a passion for art, history, and architecture, I seek out the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences that make each destination truly unique. So whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, my blog is your guide to the ultimate European luxury travel experience. Join me on my journey as we explore the best that Europe has to offer, one luxurious destination at a time.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Home » Mobile

Best AT&T Hotspot Plans: Stay Connected on the Go

Get up to 50GB of hotspot data to use with an AT&T hotspot.

AT&T offers three unlimited plans with designated hotspot data ranging from 3GB with the base Unlimited Starter plan and maxing out at 50GB with the Unlimited Premium plan.

If you plan on using your hotspot data frequently, steer clear from the Unlimited Starter plan and its 3GB hotspot data allotment. There’s only a $20 per month difference between 3GB of hotspot data and a whopping 50GB of hotspot data. That’s about 16x the hotspot power for only about 1.3x more of the base price.

Off the bat we should mention that all of these cost significantly less when bundled together with a family plan. 

Quick guide to this article:

Unlimited Starter: 3GB of hotspot data

Unlimited extra: 15gb of hotspot data, unlimited premium: 50gb of hotspot data.

The first AT&T hotspot plan comes in at $65 a month and hooks you up with only 3GB of hotspot data each month. As a rule of thumb, one gigabyte of data translates to about an hour of internet usage –so, if you see yourself using your Wi-Fi hotspot for more than three hours a month, this plan likely isn’t going to work for you.

For $10 more per month than the Unlimited Starter plan, you get triple the amount of hotspot data. For most folks, 15GB of hotspot data likely hits the sweet spot where you have enough hotspot data to comfortably use it without stressing too much about hitting a data cap.

Every month, you can estimate about 15 hours of Wi-Fi hotspot usage, though that number could reduce dramatically if you use a Wi-Fi hotspot to download big files or install video games. But if you plan on using your hotspot for basic work activities like sending out emails, working out of your Google Drive, and the occasional Zoom meeting , you shouldn’t have too much trouble stretching your hotspot data all month long.

AT&T’s hotspot plans max out at 50GB of mobile hotspot data every month. This much hotspot data only makes sense for folks who routinely need a Wi-Fi connection while out and about. This hotspot plan can’t quite replace a home internet connection (check out T-Mobile 5G home internet if you wish it could), but it comes pretty close. Rest assured, with 50GB of mobile hotspot data, you can run Zoom meetings, play games online, and work from your laptop for hours on end from anywhere your phone can get a connection.

Along with the 50GB of hotspot data, this plan comes with a bunch of extra security features , including public Wi-Fi protection, that will make your hotspot connection safer. Your hotspot connection gets another layer of protection to make sure nobody can hack into your computer via your hotspot connection.

Going the family plan route pushes the price down to $50 a month per line:

Recap: AT&T hotspot plans

You’ve got three options for mobile hotspot data with your unlimited AT&T plans:

• AT&T Unlimited Starter : 3GB of mobile hotspot data for $65 per month or $35 per month with four or more lines.
• AT&T Unlimited Elite : 15GB of mobile hotspot data for $75 per month or $40 per month with four or more lines.
• AT&T Unlimited Premium : 50GB of mobile hotspot data for $85 per month or $50 per month with four or more lines.

Related Articles

Our Methodology

Go to Reviews.org AU edition

Internet in your area

Internet in Los Angeles

Internet in New York City

Internet in Atlanta

Internet in Houston

Stay updated on the latest products and services anytime, anywhere.

By signing up, you agree to our  Terms of Use  and  Privacy Policy .

All content © 2023 Reviews.org. All rights reserved. Disclaimer

• Electronics
• Computers & Accessories
• Networking Products

Add to your order

• No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
• Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty. Power surges covered from day one. Real experts are available 24/7 to help with set-up, connectivity issues, troubleshooting and much more.
• Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. We will send you an e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product. In some instances, we will replace or repair it.
• Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
• Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
• Buy a lot of stuff on Amazon? Tons of items eligible for coverage, from the latest tech like laptops, game consoles, and TVs, to major appliances, sporting goods, tools, toys, mattresses, personal care, furniture, and more.
• Accidents happen. That’s why for your portable products we cover accidental damage from handling such as drops, spills and cracked screens. We also cover electrical and mechanical malfunctions, power surges, and wear and tear.
• Past and future purchases covered. 30 days after you are enrolled, all eligible past purchases (up to 1 year prior to enrollment) and future eligible purchases made on Amazon will be covered by your plan as long as you are enrolled.
• Fast, easy claims. Frustration-free claims, with most filed in minutes. We will fix it, replace it, or reimburse you with an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your product (excluding tax). File at Asurion.com/amazon.
• No hidden fees. For just $16.99 a month + tax you’re covered for up to $5,000 in claims per 12-month period. *THIS PROGRAM IS MONTH-TO-MONTH AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL CANCELED* Coverage for all products ends 30 days after the plan is canceled. Cancel any time.

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

• Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
• Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
• Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
• A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
• Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
• Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Return this item for free

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges

• Go to your orders and start the return
• Select the return method

3 Year Office Equipment Protection Plan

4 year office equipment protection plan, asurion complete protect: one plan covers all eligible past and future purchases on amazon.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

AT&T Wi-Fi Turbo Hotspot 2, 256 MB, Black - Prepaid Hotspot, dual band

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• Long-lasting 3000mAh battery up to 15.5 hours
• Online web tool to block devices, filter websites and customize security
• Perfect for students and working at home
• Memory Capacity 256 Megabytes
• Parental Controls

Consider a similar item

Frequently bought together

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)

Pre-owned Certified: Electronics products are inspected, cleaned and (if applicable) repaired to excellent functional standards. Buying Pre-owned extends a product's life, reducing e-waste and raw material extraction.

Top Brand: AT&T

Compare with similar items, what's in the box, looking for specific info, product information, warranty & support, videos for this product.

Click to play video

How Well Does This Turbo Hotspot Work?

Reliable Internet! It's Been Great!

Top Tier Reviews

Wi-Fi for the car!

ATT Hotspot Turbo 2

Merobin Stephon

Cheap hotspot that works well for WFH

Whitney Allen

Product Description

Don’t let lack of a reliable Internet connection slow you down. Take the power of Cricket’s 4G LTE network with you wherever life may take you with the Turbo Hotspot 2. A convenient way to keep your laptops, tablets, and other Wi-Fi enabled devices connected, so you can enjoy life in the fast lane! Setup is simple – just power on, connect up to 15 Wi-Fi enabled devices and start surfing. Dual-band Wi-Fi means quicker downloading, streaming, and emailing along with reliable coverage. And unlike public Wi-Fi, the Turbo Hotspot 2 offers the peace of mind of a highly secure, password protected connection. And with a long-lasting battery that offers up to 15.5 hours* on a single charge – you can be sure to stay connected no matter what your day has in store.

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like how easy it is to use the router. They say it is simple and easy to set up. However, some customers have reported issues with the battery life of the router, saying it stopped charging after one day. Opinions are mixed on value and performance.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the networking router easy to use and set up. They also say it works great in rural areas and is simple to use.

" Easy to set up and works very well." Read more

"Works great, is wireless, and easy to set up once I got a SIM card and hotspot subscription." Read more

"...it tells you too...it says it's an unsafe site...... no instructions on how to set up device ......very, very disappointed with this" Read more

" Easy set up with Cricket and a very reasonable price. Used during our travels to the Great Smokey Mountains, worked great!" Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the performance of the router. Some mention that it works well, is easy to set up, and is great for on the go. However, others say that the website was not working, the signal was weak, and the hotspot stopped working in a few days.

"...Battery lasts pretty well despite how often we use it and it keeps very good signal ." Read more

"...It drops connection at least once a day ...." Read more

"... Everything went perfectly . The transaction was smooth, quick shipping and product exactly as advertised. I’m very pleased." Read more

"...The wi-fi is slower than when I used my phone as my hot spot, I'm thinking about ditching this and going back to having the hotspot from my phone -..." Read more

Customers are mixed about the value of the networking router. Some mention that it works perfectly and saves them money, while others say that it's twice a waste of money and not good at all.

"This is a great price for the turbo hotspot device . I had no problems at all activating at the AT&T store...." Read more

"...In all ways and forms this is a waste of your money . Save up and buy a better product. This is of such poor quality...." Read more

"...It runs great for the price however, better with only one connection." Read more

"Easy set up with Cricket and a very reasonable price . Used during our travels to the Great Smokey Mountains, worked great!" Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the battery life of the networking router. They mention that it stopped charging after one day, the battery has started to fail, and it won't hold a charge. The range and battery life are poor. Some customers also report that the battery is defective and never really would charge well.

"...different SIM cards, the tech at the store advised me that the unit was defective and could not detect the SIM card..." Read more

"I almost returned it because I couldn't get it to charge , like others mentioned. After playing around, I realized it's the plug that didn't work...." Read more

"We bought this a few months ago and it never really would charge well . We would have to remove the battery and put back in to get it to charge...." Read more

"This hotspot is simple, easy to use and works well. The battery has started to fail , but the seller has offered a credit of 20 percent so I can..." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the speed of the router. They mention that it is slow and not reliable. They also say that it takes a while to charge and loses charge quickly.

"...It still takes a bit to charge all the way, and it looses the charge quickly...." Read more

"...Worked well for the first few days and then slowed down --barely 2 mb of data moved...." Read more

" Speed was not any better ." Read more

"Worked great for a week then became slow and now will not turn on. Seems like a waste of money and time." Read more

Reviews with images

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Android Police

At&t vs. google fi: how much is unlimited data worth.

Google Fi takes the fight to AT&T with affordable data plans and international data

AT&T's unlimited plans and vast network coverage make it a solid choice for heavier users, but its high prices make it worse value for lighter users.

• Truly unlimited data on most postpaid plans
• Discounts for mulitple lines as well as military, teachers, nurses, and physicians
• Mix-and-match available for plans
• Expensive for a single line
• The 4GB SM plan is a bad value
• SD-quality streaming on most plans

Google Fi stays focued on international usage for the most part, but also offers fairly cheap options for lighter users and those that need less than 35GB per month.

• Excellent international support on Flexible and Unlimited Plus
• Smartwatch and data-only SIM support
• Excellent T-Mobile 5G coverage
• All lines need to be on the same plan
• Data isn't truly unlimited
• All plans limited to SD-quality streaming

When it comes to mobile, AT&T is one of the first names to come to mind with excellent nationwide coverage and plenty of data on its postpaid plans, but it's one of the most expensive options for a phone plan. Google Fi, on the other hand, is a lesser-known, but well-regarded carrier with a solid range of plans that will work for most people. While Google Fi is hampered by less-than-ideal iPhone support and high-speed data caps, it’s still gained a ton of popularity among the nerdier crowd and international travelers.

Two of Google Fi’s plans support data roaming in 200+ destinations without needing to activate travel passes or contact the carrier. Google Fi also includes some freebies like free smartwatch data if you’ve got a Google or Samsung smartwatch, and hotspot support on all plans. With multi-line discounts, it’s even a solid pick for families. Despite this, AT&T still stands out for heavier users thanks to truly unlimited high-speed data. And if you don’t need hotspot data or international support, AT&T’s prices aren’t that far off.

Mobile carrier features

Compared to Google Fi, AT&T’s biggest standout feature is unlimited data. While it’s worth keeping in mind that most people don’t need any more than Fi’s Simply Unlimited plan's 35GB, heavier users will appreciate that AT&T won’t throttle speed if you use too much data. Some of AT&T’s plans feature prioritized high-speed data, previously called premium data, but if you use all of that up, your connection is still unlimited, just at a lower priority.

On its top three plans, AT&T includes some high-speed hotspot data. The top plan comes with 60GB of hotspot data, which is quite a lot for a consumer plan. If you’re on the road a lot and want to keep your other devices, like a tablet, laptop, or handheld gaming system, this hotspot data can be very handy.

The top AT&T plan, called Unlimited Premium PL, includes support for unlimited talks, text, and high-speed data in 20 Latin American countries. All unlimited AT&T plans come with unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. This top plan is also the only unlimited AT&T plan to support 4K streaming video quality. The other plans will be limited to just 480p, or 2Mbps on 5G and 1.5Mbps without. Similarly, Google Fi limits all streaming video on its service to 480p. It’s worth keeping in mind that you can bypass this limit on either carrier by using one of the best VPNs on your phone. Keep in mind that some video streaming apps block access while using a VPN, so it’s not a perfect solution.

One of Google Fi’s top features is its international coverage. You can roam in over 200 destinations with Google Fi without any extra cost, though it’s only included with the Unlimited Plus and Flexible plans. Google Fi also makes it easy to share your data with other devices thanks to hotspot data on all plans and free smartwatch data for compatible watches. If you’ve got Unlimited Plus or Flexible, you can also request a data-only SIM for other devices. The data-only SIM shares your data though, so be careful about large downloads.

Google Fi’s top plan, Unlimited Plus, comes with six months of YouTube Premium service, as well as a 100GB Google One membership. Fi also includes a VPN for your phone so you can connect to public Wi-Fi without worry. This is not to be confused with the r ecently discontinued Google One VPN .

Coverage and reception

AT&T builds and maintains its own mobile network with LTE and 5G coverage nationwide, so AT&T postpaid customers can get some of the best speeds available on the network. AT&T’s coverage map still has a lot of LTE on it, especially outside of cities, but its LTE is fast enough for most of what people do on their phones anyway. Low-band nationwide 5G coverage is available alongside mmWave and mid-band coverage called 5G+. AT&T’s 5G+ has made its way to a lot of major cities across the country and if you look at its coverage maps, it’s starting to make its way to smaller towns and rural areas.

Most of AT&T’s 5G coverage uses low-band spectrum or shared spectrum that can deliver LTE-like speeds. Even so, outside of a speed test app, the network should be plenty fast for streaming video, browsing the web, or scrolling through social media.

Google Fi’s network uses T-Mobile for the vast majority of its coverage. While it has other carrier partners, most of your time will be spent on the T-Mobile network, which isn’t a bad thing. T-Mobile gives carriers like Google Fi full access to its 5G speeds, so you’ll be able to use T-Mobile’s fast mid-band 5G no matter which Google Fi plan you pick. Google Fi also has some coverage from public Wi-Fi providers it’s partnered with. This shows up as a W+ icon, rather than 5G or LTE, and counts towards your data usage just the same as 5G and LTE.

Phone compatibility

Phone compatibility is a strength of both AT&T and the T-Mobile network behind Google Fi. Since AT&T is one of the largest carriers in the world, most phone manufacturers make sure their North American models will work with AT&T’s full network. When it comes to 5G, AT&T uses band n5 for its nationwide coverage, band n77 for mid-band, and n260 for mmWave. For the most part, you just want to make sure your phone supports band n5 and n77 for the majority of AT&T’s coverage area, which most 5G phones do.

AT&T keeps a list of currently supported phone models (PDF), so if you’re bringing your phone with you to the carrier, you can check to see if it’s supported. The list includes common models like the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24, but also less common models like the OnePlus 12R, Nothing Phone 2, and Asus Zenfone 10. As you might expect, AT&T’s current network works with any iPhone newer than the 6.

Google Fi’s interesting network setup means that it doesn’t support as many phones as AT&T, though it still supports the most popular models. Fi uses T-Mobile’s network, so you’ll want bands n71, n41, and n66 for 5G coverage. Band n71 is a low frequency band and makes up T-Mobile’s Extended Range 5G while n41 is used for most of its Ultra Capacity 5G footprint.

Google Fi works with a large range of Android phones that support T-Mobile’s network, but it doesn’t support all phones to the same degree. If you check Google Fi’s compatibility tool , you’ll find that some devices are labeled as designed for Fi, while others are simply compatible with Fi. Designed for Fi phones support network switching so they can use the W+ network. Access to the built-in VPN, spam detection, and more are available on phones compatible with Fi.

If you’re bringing an iPhone, it’s compatible, but you need to know a few things. First of all, you’ll need to manually set up the phone for SMS and MMS to work. You’ll miss out on network switching, and you’ll get no end-to-end encryption on calls. Your voicemail will also show up in the Google Fi app, rather than the phone app. If you’re bringing an iPhone, it technically works on Fi, but not as smoothly as AT&T.

When it comes to plans, AT&T has a wider range of options than Fi, but often works out to be more expensive. Both carriers add taxes and fees at the end, so you’re price will be a bit higher than the advertised plan price. AT&T’s prices also assume a $10 discount for auto-pay and paperless billing, so if you want a paper copy of your bill, you’ll be charged $10 a line for the privilege.

AT&T’s plans can be mixed and matched, so you can pick the plan that makes the most sense for each person on your account. Google Fi, on the other hand, requires that all lines on your account be on the same plan.

AT&T's plans

AT&T’s cheapest plan is the 4GB SM plan starting at $50 for a single line. If you’re a light user who needs less than 4GB of data in a month, you can save a lot of money with one of the best smartphone data plans instead, even if you qualify for signature program discounts. This plan supports mobile hotspot sharing your data and restricts video streaming to 480p. If you get two lines, the price comes down to $45 each, and $40 each with three or more lines. For $10 less, you can get a 10GB plan on AT&T-owned Cricket Wireless .

A much better deal is the appropriately named Value Plus VL plan. This plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and data with 5G access included. Like all AT&T postpaid plans, you get usage in Mexico and Canada as well. Streaming is limited to 480p and there is no hotspot data. For a basic unlimited plan, the starting price of $50.99 isn’t bad, and it even comes down to just $30.99 per month with four lines. If you’re bringing the family and looking to save, Value Plus could be the right choice.

Moving up, Unlimited Starter SL is a very similar plan to Value Plus, but it gets an upgrade to include 5GB of hotspot data. While the steeper $65.99 starting price for a single line is high, the price comes down with each line you add settling in at $35.99 with four lines and $30.99 with five lines.

Unlimited Extra EL is the sweet spot for most heavy users with 75GB of higher-priority data. It comes with 30GB of hotspot data, but still only streams video at 480p. For most people, the 75G of premium data is more than adequate, but even if you run out, you still get unlimited data with no speed cap on AT&T. Once you use that 75GB, your speeds will be similar to the best of Unlimited Started SL and Value Plus VL. You also get an upgrade to AT&T Active Armor which includes a VPN for public Wi-Fi and identity monitoring. This plan isn’t cheap at $75.99 for a single line, and down to $40.99 per line with four lines.

AT&T’s top plan, Unlimited Premium PL, further expands on Unlimited Extra by making all data full speed all the time. Hotspot data also gets a bump to 60GB, which is one of the biggest hotspot plans available without an add-on. Streaming is unlocked to 4K UHD, about 25Mbps, and unlimited talks, text, and data in 20 Latin American countries are included. This plan also qualifies for up to $10 in savings if you or your employer is a Signature program member.

Further savings are available for those serving in the military, veterans, teachers, nurses, and physicians, so if you qualify, make sure to get all the savings you deserve.

Google Fi's plans

Google Fi’s cheapest plan is called Flexible, but depending on your usage, it can also be Fi’s most expensive plan. With Flexible, you pay $20 per month for unlimited talk and text with data coming in at $10 per gigabyte. If you’re a light user who keeps your average data use under 2GB per month, it’s a decent value but gets expensive quickly as you use it. This plan does feature bill protection at 6GB, but that’s still $80 for 6GB of data, which is a lot.

Still, Flexible can be a good option for a second phone line that doesn’t need much data, or as a travel SIM since this plan works in 200+ destinations. Multi-line discounts are available with a larger bill protection threshold. If you’re bringing the family, however, make sure they’re using Wi-Fi as much as possible.

Simply Unlimited starts at $50 for a single line but comes down to $25 per line when you bring four. This plan gets 5GB of hotspot data and 35GB of high-speed data per month. This high-speed data isn’t like AT&T’s and after you use it, your speeds are cut to just 256Kbps. Still, for most people, this is plenty of data. This plan doesn’t come with international usage, apart from Canada and Mexico, so if you’re traveling overseas, make sure to upgrade your plan.

Unlimited Plus takes the high-speed data amount up to 50GB and allows you to use it all as mobile hotspot data if you please. This is Fi’s most complete plan and comes with international roaming in the same 200+ countries as Flexible, but adds calling to 50 destinations. This plan also gets a 100GB Google One membership and six months of YouTube Premium.

Google Fi also includes smartwatch connectivity with all of its plans, though not for the Apple Watch. If you’ve got a Pixel Watch or a Galaxy Watch with LTE, you can get it connected on Fi for free. Furthermore, Flexible and Unlimited Plus users can request a data-only SIM to get another device online with shared data.

Which should you pick?

Overall, Google Fi comes out on top for the needs of most people. Even if you’re not traveling abroad, its multi-line savings and cheap Simply Unlimited plan make it a good choice for many. While 35GB of high-speed data is stretching the meaning of unlimited, it’s plenty for most people and with a home Wi-Fi connection, is likely plenty even for heavier users. Google Fi works on most Android phones without issue and even offers some savings on new devices purchased through its store.

If you’re looking for an affordable plan for your whole family, Simply Unlimited from Google Fi will more than likely fit your needs. You’ll even get fast 5G speeds from T-Mobile with data for your smartwatch. Finally, if you’re leaving the country, you can upgrade to Unlimited Plus to get plenty of data on your trip.

Google Fi makes a lot of sense for international travelers with Unlimited Plus, and with a cheap option on the same carrier for those sticking closer to home with Simply Unlimited.

AT&T still has a lot to offer with truly unlimited data on its four unlimited plans. While AT&T is more expensive than Fi, the extra data will be worth it to some heavier users. AT&T also offers some high-end features that Fi simply doesn’t match, like 4K streaming and 60GB of hotspot data on the top plan. It’s also nice that AT&T allows you to mix and match plans with multi-line discounts intact.

AT&T’s unlimited plans and mix-and-match plans make it a good pick for heavy users bringing multiple lines.