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Video games have been around for many years, but gone are the days wherein you need to invite a friend over to play a multi-player game. Thanks to the internet, you can easily play online with people from another part of the world. To have a smooth gaming experience, you need fast internet service at home. It’s common for people to invest in a Wi-Fi plan and router, but did you know that you can make use of the existing data plans you have on your phones? All you need to do is buy yourself a mobile hotspot device. Some devices are locked into a specific network, but there are also unlocked options compatible with different networks. Here are some of the best gaming mobile hotspots on the market that are perfect for those who are always on the go or hesitant to buy a home internet plan.
You can’t go wrong with the NETGEAR Nighthawk LTE mobile hotspot router because of its overall quality and performance. Some Nighthawk LTEs on the market are locked to a specific network, but you can get an unlocked one on Amazon. Sources say that AT&T and T-Mobile are what works best with the router. You will need to insert a nano sim card inside the device and avail a data plan on your own. Depending on where you are, the Nighthawk LTE can reach speeds up to 1 Gbps. You can share the hotspot with your family members and friends because the router allows up to 20 connections simultaneously. You can play games the entire day without worrying about the device losing juice because it features a 24-hr battery life. One feature of the Nighthawk LTE features that shouldn’t be left unnoticed is its elegant and modern design that will look aesthetically pleasing wherever you put it. The only downside that might make people want to go for another option is its price. $300 might be too much for some, but there’s no doubt it would be worth every single penny.
Can reach 1 Gbps24-hour battery lifeAllows up to 20 connectionsElegant and modern design
Not so affordable
If inconsistent network coverage has been an issue for you, you might want to check out the Verizon Wireless Jetpack 8800L. It’s the perfect mobile hotspot if you plan to go to places far from well-developed cities. It can get 4G LTE signals in many places across the United States, thanks to the impressive network of Verizon. The Jetpack boasts a Qualcomm X20 modem with features like 5 GHz frequency and Licensed Assisted Access. The device has two USB ports, two antenna ports, and a responsive touch screen. It has a firewall, VPN, and GPS capabilities, but more unique features are its MAC filtering, port filtering, and port forwarding. Around 15 gadgets can connect to the hotspot simultaneously, and it’s possible to make different Wi-Fi networks. For the Jetpack’s battery life, you can leave it unplugged for about 15-24 hours. Everything you just read sounds good, but the device also falls short in some areas. Its interface isn’t as modern and advanced as others, and it’s pretty expensive for a mobile hotspot with a simple design.
Excellent network coverageImpressive modem capabilitiesDecent battery life
Outdated design
Those who want to experience a whole new level of speed with their mobile hotspot should invest in a 5G device like the T-Mobile Inseego 5G MiFi M2000. You won’t be disappointed with its internet speed because T-Mobile claims they have the largest 5G network in America. When the multi-gigabit 5G capabilities underperform because of the area you’re in, it automatically switches to a fast 5G LTE coverage. The M2000 features Wi-Fi 6 technology, making it possible for as many as 30 devices to connect in one session. Don’t worry about your data getting exposed online because the device features WPA3 and Enterprise Grade VPN. Thanks to his 5050 mAh battery, you can expect the battery to last for an entire day, and you can even use the M2000 as a power bank to charge your smartphone. Thanks to the Qualcomm® Quick Charge feature, charging the M2000 when it runs out of juice wouldn’t be an issue. This mobile hotspot isn’t the most beautifully-designed option on the market, nor does it have the best interface, but it does its job. Let’s face it; you’ll mostly be on your gadgets while you enjoy the 5G coverage.
5G coverageQualcomm® Quick ChargeConnect up to 30 devicesEnterprise Grade Security
Basic interfacePricey
The Nommi Mobile Hotspot is the perfect option for people looking for a device that works well in different countries. It’s the ideal travel companion because you can use different kinds of sim cards on it, and you can avail yourself of hassle-free, pay-as-you-go data plans that you can find in more than 150 countries. Upon purchasing, you get free 10 GB of data in the United States. The Nommi Mobile Hotspot is also like a power bank because of its powerful 10000 mAh battery. You can expect one full charge to provide juice for your device for up to 48 hours. The device also promises security because it comes with a built-in VPN. The company selling the product can improve how they market it because you will need to download their app and create an account if you want to see details about pricing and technical specs. They also don’t include any instructions in the box, so you’ll have to figure things out yourself or look for tutorial videos online.
10000 mAh batteryBuilt-in VPNWorks in more than 150 countriesPay-as-you-go data plans
Doesn't come with instructionsNeed to download company's app to see pricing and specs
Those looking for a mobile hotspot that won’t hurt your pockets should check out the Huawei E5577s-321. It’s a 4G LTE device that can reach a download speed of 150 Mbps. It’s another option for tourists because it works the best in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It falls short in its services in the United States, so this will only benefit those who plan to travel. The ZE5577s-321 helps you save on data because when there’s public WiFi available, it will automatically switch to the free network instead of exhausting your data. The device’s battery is about 3000 mAh, so you can expect it to last for 12 hours unplugged. Its screen is far from complicated, and the device even has a 2D barcode that makes the first-time setup quick and easy. A total of 10 devices can connect to the hotspot in one sitting. The ZE5577s-321 is more affordable than others on this list, but you get what you pay for. Those who want to use their hotspot both in and out of the United States might want to go for another device, but there’s no doubt that Huawei’s hotspot is a good budget option for travelers.
Portable size12-hour battery lifeYou can connect 10 devices at once
Doesn't work well in the USSimple design
If you don’t want to spend on the NETGEAR Nighthawk, you can go for the more affordable option: the NETGEAR 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot. For its price, it’s a bang for the buck. You can connect as many as 32 devices simultaneously, and its max speed goes up to 400 Mbps. It has dual-band 802.11ac capability like the Nighthawk, so you can go on a 2.4ghz or 5ghz network. It will only last 11 hours on a single charge because of its 2930 mAh battery. Fortunately, you can easily remove the battery, so you can buy extra batteries for the device to last longer throughout the day. The device has a small screen, but you can easily connect it to the NETGEAR app. The hotspot promises customizable network settings, like the DNS, DMZ, and Firewall. The AC797 doesn’t have a microSD slot, and the lack of physical buttons means you can only change settings through the app. If you’re okay with such compromise, then this device is the perfect budget option for you.
Connect up to 32 devices11-hour battery lifeFast connection
You can only change setting through an appNo physical buttons or touch screen displayNo SD card ports
Another great choice if you prefer more affordable devices is the Alcatel LINKZONE Mobile 4G LTE router. Up to 15 devices can make use of the hotspot’s maximum speed of 150 Mbps, which is an eye-catching feature since pricier options on the market can only accommodate ten users. You can use different carriers with the LINKZONE because it features an unlocked GSM hotspot. The device isn’t appealing in terms of battery life because it only promises 6 hours of usage with its 1800 mAh battery. It won’t be the best option for people who need their routers to last an entire day without charging, but you could always recharge it with a power bank while you’re out. You only get four status lights instead of a screen, and while some are okay with this, you won’t be able to tell how strong your device’s network signal is. The LINKZONE also doesn’t have the best app, but some say adjusting the settings through a browser is better. This device is desirable for those who need a budget hotspot for playing games occasionally.
Very affordableCan connect to 15 devices
Weak battery lifeCan't tell how strong network signal isApp needs major improvements
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