One of the biggest benefits of working remotely is to be able to do so from wherever you want, including while traveling the world as a digital nomad, all you need is a laptop, a reliable WiFi connection and you can work from anywhere.
The laptop bit is easy enough, in fact, we have a guide going through the best laptops to work remotely – but what about a reliable and secure Internet connection to work from when traveling the world?
There might not always be a suitable coffee shop offering WiFi with a fast internet speed to have a video conference call or to send big files, and there may be times that you might want to connect with privacy, or somewhere from where you might be more comfortable working from during longer hours, instead of a cafe or a temporary coworking space… ideally, you want to have Internet with you all the time.
A good, reliable, secure, fast portable Internet connection that allows you to work on the go independently on the country you are, with a reasonable price is critical for a digital nomad. A great option is hiring a dedicated hotspot solution, a ‘MiFi’ – internet via a mobile hotspot.
Let’s go through them and see what are the best mobile hotspots services to work remotely internationally for digital nomads!
- What is a Mobile Hotspot and How Does it Work?
- Using a Mobile Hotspot
- Price Ranges for Mobile Hotspots
- Criteria to Select a Mobile Hotspot
- The Best Mobile Hotspots in the market for Digital Nomads
What is a Mobile Hotspot, and How Does it Work?
You might hear mobile hotspots referred to as “portable hotspots.” Unlike a traditional WiFi hotspot that ties to a location, like your home or office building, a mobile hotspot can go anywhere with you! Using the data connection, you can create a mobile hotspot by connecting your laptop or tablet to your smartphone.
Though you can create a hotspot using your phone alone, plenty of options encourage digital nomads and remote workers to connect via a device (like the hotspots mentioned in this article). However, you’ll still have to purchase a WiFi plan to connect.
Mobile hotspots are a must-have if you travel and work. They can keep you connected where internet options are limited, allowing you to work from the most beautiful places on Earth.
Using a Mobile Hotspot
Using a mobile hotspot is relatively easy, depending on your chosen brand. Some devices are more accessible to operate than others, but most digital nomads and remote workers should be familiar enough with the technology to figure it out. If that doesn’t sound like you, start with simple, reliable hotspot technology and work your way up as your needs and knowledge expand.
To use most mobile hotspots, you’ll have to open and connect them to your phone data or purchased WiFi plan. After the first sync, they should connect immediately. Some hotspots hold a charge longer than others, so it’s crucial to know how long your hotspot can maintain its battery life.
Your hotspot should have a comprehensive dashboard that displays aspects like battery life and connection strength on your phone, laptop, or tablet. Hotspots are pretty straightforward when it comes to use, and the biggest problem they present is losing battery life or the owner forgetting to recharge.
Price Ranges for Mobile Hotspots
Price ranges and monthly fees can potentially vary considerably regarding mobile hotspots. It’s essential for consumers to fully prepare to pay for the price of the hotspot as well as an uptick in the monthly fee for additional cellular data.
Generally, the upfront cost of a mobile hotspot will be anywhere from $200 to $300. If you don’t want to pay upfront, you can consider purchasing a used or generic brand, which could be slightly less. Also, many tech retailers offer pay-in-four options, which allow you to pay for your hotspot in four equal payments.
Whatever way you pay for your mobile hotspot, most of the good ones, including those on this list, are in the same general price range. The monthly fee you’ll have to pay depends on your wireless carrier, but it typically falls between $10 and $25 per month in addition to the cost of your hotspot. This is another cost that you might be able to negotiate.
When it comes to paying for a mobile hotspot, they can be costly initially, but they tend to pay for themselves over time. They add a whole new layer of convenience to the lives of digital nomads and remote workers by providing a reliable internet connection wherever you go.
The following hotspots are suitable for many different types of remote workers, whether you travel constantly or you like to set up shop at your local beach.
Criteria To Use When Selecting a Mobile Hotspot
Before going through some of the best known mobile hotspots, it’s important that you have the criteria to take into consideration to assess them:
- Countries support: it should be able to provide you Internet coverage to the countries you’ll visit.
- Internet Speed: How fast do you need to connect? Check the speed you’ll have with each mobile hotspot.
- Sharing Options: Can you connect many devices at the same time? Check up to which number of devices you can connect at the same time.
- Battery Life: Up to how many hours can the hotspot work without having to recharge? Can you recharge it by connecting to your laptop?
- The Size: it should be small and light enough to carry without issue.
- The Price and Plan type: How much will you pay for Gigabyte? Does it have a time limit? Can you recharge and/or pay on the go?
- Support Service: Will you have access to a customer support in case something goes wrong?
Once that you know the top criteria to use to select the best mobile hotspot option for you, let’s go through them!
The best Mobile Hotspots in the market for Digital Nomads
1. Skyroam Solis
The Skyroam Solis offers unlimited LTE data with access to the internet in over 100 countries. It’s the latest hotspot gadget from Skyroam, and the premise behind it is quite simple. Instead of paying ludacris fees to connect to the internet in other countries, Skyroam gives digital nomads and traveling remote workers access to the world wide web for only $8 for 24 hours of consistent connection.
The Solis is one of the simplest products to operate that has ever come out of Skyroam. All you have to do is connect it, and you’ll see the dashboard. This screen allows you to see the battery life, as well as how many passes you’ve got left. If you’re running short, day passes can be purchased from this screen as well.
The battery life is decent, typically offering 14 hours of internet access when fully charged. The most irritating part of owning a Skyroam Solis is the fact that the capture screen (dashboard) is not really formatted for a desktop and it only has one USB port, but this doesn’t affect the performance of the hotspot.
Overall, it’s a good product at a decent price point, and it will get you connected when you need to be.
Pros
- WiFi Anywhere: Connect locally & in 130+ countries
- Secure, Fast data: Encrypted network, 4G LTE speeds
- Flexible WiFi plans: WiFi by the Day, Month or GB. No contracts
- Share on 10 devices: Connect your laptop, phone, tablet, or share with others
- Easy and transparent: No SIMs, simple design, patented vSIM technology
- Fast 4G LTE WiFi Starting at 5€
Cons
- Day passes cost €8, so it’s more expensive than a fixed connection or getting WiFi from a cafe (but still cheaper than data roaming)
- The connection may not be fast enough to stream video content
See Skyroam’s reviews and analysis for further information.
2. GlocalMe G4 4G LTE
Those who travel a lot are always on the hunt for a reliable, fast WiFi connection, and the GlocalMe G4 4G LTE is able to provide that. Working from home allows people to work wherever they are in the world, and the GlocalMe hotspot understands that a fast connection is imperative.
The GlocalMe is pocket-sized, which means you can take it anywhere in the world with you, and as long as you have cellular coverage, you can connect to the internet. This feature is wonderful for anyone that works on the road, but particularly desirable for influencers and travel bloggers, allowing connection from some of the most beautiful places on Earth.
GlocalMe offers internet coverage in over 140 countries, doubles as a power bank, and has a pay-as-you-go plan that most people find affordable and reasonable. The GlocalMe supports 4G LTE with high speeds and has a long, 18-hour battery life. The GlocalMe does not require a SIM card, and it can connect up to 10 devices at once. The only cons of GlocalMe are struggles when it comes to finding a data package that suits your needs. It can be a confusing process to select one that will work for your specific needs, and it can also feel a bit heavy when carrying it in your pocket.
Pros
- No SIM necessary as it uses special Cloud SIM technology to find and connect to the best network available
- Also has two SIM card slots in case you want to use it as an unlocked WiFi device – great if you find a cheaper deal with a local SIM
- 4G high-speed internet
- Free roaming in over 100 countries
- 15-hour battery and doubles as a power bank so you can charge your devices
- Connect up to five devices at a time
- 1GB initial free data and then manage your data through an app
- Pay-as-you-go for what you need, with 1GB data packages starting at €5
Cons
- The device itself is on the pricey side, at around $150.
3. TP-LINK M7350 V4 4G LTE MiFi
The TP-LINK M7350 V4 is a functional hotspot with a generally easy-to-operate interface. The web configuration is actually really great and the wireless performance is just as good as the USB connection, which is pretty spectacular. You can comfortably keep the TP-LINK M7350 in your pocket without it overheating.
The battery life for the TP-LINK isn’t as long as other competing devices, coming in at only 6 to 8 hours of constant use before it needs recharging. In optimum condition, the battery will last for 10 hours, but this is not the norm. Also, it’s important to note that the battery life of the TP-LINK depends heavily on the strength of the signal.
Overall, the TP-LINK is a well-made MiFi that gets the job done. There isn’t anything spectacular about it, but it is a durable and reliable hotspot that will assist you in getting your work completed and to virtual meetings on time. The interface is good, it’s just the battery life that is questionable.
Pros
- Fast download speeds so you can stream HD movies, download files quickly and use video chat
- Works in most countries
- Connect up to 10 devices at a time
- Screen displays useful information such as battery life remaining, data usage, signal strength and number of devices connected
- Micro SD card slot enables you to store up to 32 GB
Cons
- Needs a 4G SIM card, so you’ll need to buy one locally in each country you visit
- Battery life of 8 hours at full capacity, but you can recharge it by connecting it to your laptop
4. TravelWifi (or Tep Wireless)
TravelWifi is a company that offers various options of mobile hotspots for digital nomads and remote workers. They have more than one choice, ranging from the popular Sapphire to the Cloud Router and WiFi rental daily rental. Travel WiFi gives a ton of freedom to those that need it, with successful connections around the globe.
The company has a wide selection of products and services available, all dedicated to providing wireless service on both a personal and business level. If you’re headed out on an international trip, and you don’t see the need to purchase a hotspot device, you can easily rent one for as low as $7 per day.
Travel WiFi gives their clients reliable 4G LTE speed and flexible data options. You can choose your coverage by destination, the length of time you’ll be there, and how much data you think you’ll use while you’re away. If you’re working remotely, it might be a wise idea to purchase a hotspot to own. The Sapphire is a good option from Travel WiFi, as it has extensive data options, long-lasting battery life, and comes preloaded with 1GB of free global data.
Pros
- The Travel Wifi service offers pricing packages that make sense for your location
- You can gain access to coverage and connectivity in more than 100 countries
- European options include speeds of up to 5G which makes their services very attractive when the rate is an issue
- Locations outside of Europe can achieve speeds of up to 4G
- Travel Wifi carries a reputation for responsive customer service and international accommodation
- There is no speed throttling if you are traveling within France since they are based in this specific geographic market
Cons
- You can’t purchase their mobile hotspot device; it must be rented
- If you are requesting their services outside of France, shipping rates will markedly increase
- Your speed will throttle to 256K if you reach your daily limit which can really slow things down where speed is critical
See TravelWifi’s reviews and analysis for further information.
5. Keepgo
The Lifetime World Hotspot is probably the best product from travel WiFi company Keepgo. The data for the Lifetime World Hotspot works in The Americas, Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Essentially, it has high speed 4G internet in over 100 countries, making it the perfect companion for many digital nomads and remote workers that love to travel. The data on the Lifetime World Hotspot by Keepgo remains valid for a lifetime as long as you spend $3 on data every year.
With global coverage and the ability to connect up to 15 devices, it’s the best device that Keepgo has for traveling the world and successfully connecting to WiFi wherever your travels take you. It’s so important to have a reliable hotspot, and Keepgo gets the job done here.
The battery life lasts for around 7 hours when constantly using the internet, which isn’t terrible but it’s also not overly impressive. If you’re on standby and connected to WiFi, your LWH will last for around 13 hours. The hotspot is easy to use, turning on and connecting with just the touch of a button. It’s super small, which means you can keep it comfortably in your pocket everywhere you go!
Pros
- Keepgo recently reduced their cost of services in August 2019 which makes them responsive to the needs of the market
- They offer free shipping on all of their mobile hotspots to 38 different countries
- Price points are right on the nose at $99 for mobile hotspots and $49 for SIM cards
- Data is bundled for flexibility with prices starting at $26 per gigabyte
- Keepgo can provide you with customer service when you need it most – 24/7 via live chat or telephone
Cons
- They currently do not offer unlimited data plans to the market which can be an issue for budget-conscious consumers.
- You must purchase a mobile hotspot device since they do not provide rentals.
See KeepGo’s reviews and analysis for further information. (Get 10% off with the Coupon Code remoters.net)
6. Google Project Fi
Google Project Fi (Get a $30 credit to your Google fi account here) is quickly climbing to the top of the hotspot industry, offering zero hidden fees and no contract plans. Google Fi is a bit different in that instead of an actual hotspot, most people that use Google Fi are using their actual phone as the hotspot. Depending on which Google Fi plan you choose, you may have access to unlimited hotspot use, which comes in handy for those that travel.
It’s pretty easy to connect your device to the Google Fi hotspot, but if you’re headed into a meeting, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve connected before. There are a few steps to take, including searching for your hotspot from your device and entering the password. These steps don’t take much time, but be sure to do it in advance so you’re not late.
There are some cons to Google Fi, mostly being that you cannot use it as a hotspot if you don’t commit to a phone plan. However, Google Fi works on various cellular carriers, including Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular. When it comes to Google Fi, it’s all about what works for you. The connectivity availability is stellar, and the battery will last for as long as your phone.
Pros
- Most substantial coverage on the market in terms of cellular connectivity
- Since you pay by the gigabyte, 4G speeds are never throttled
- Flat rate services fees that start at $10 per gigabyte of data
- Unlimited plans are available at a low price point beginning at $60 per month
- You are guaranteed the fastest possible speeds for the particular country you are traveling in
Cons
- You can’t access their services via mobile hotspot
- Access to Google Fi can only be accomplished through specific devices
- If you are going outside of the United States, you are charged a rate of $0.20 per minute if you exceed your plan
7. Inseego MiFi M2000 Hotspot
The Inseego MiFi M2000 Hotspot is 5G perfection. The connection is nearly flawless, and it has rave reviews from users around the globe that can attest to how well it works to connect you to the digital world whenever you need it.
The Inseego is a little pricey, depending on your phone provider. However, it has outstanding features that are hard to compete with, even in a well-saturated Hotspot market. From fast download speeds to a 2.4-inch color touchscreen, the Inseego MiFi is perfect for anyone on the go and gives you a connection when needed.
The M2000 allows you to connect up to six devices at once, which is perfect if you need to access your laptop and tablet simultaneously or if you work on more than one screen. The gateway of the new 5G Inseego is groundbreaking and protects your connections with out-of-this-world built-in security.
In fact, the security is one of the best things about the Inseego 5G MiFi M2000. Yes, the connection speed is fantastic, but the security is enterprise-level and includes hacker prevention, advanced encryption, VPN pass-through, password protection, and a guest WiFi network for your convenience.
Despite how advanced the Inseego MiFi is, it has an easy-to-use intuitive interface that even digital nomads that aren’t too technically advanced can handle. The management tools make set-up a breeze and work well for corporations, allowing IT teams to input settings and lock them in so they cannot be changed.
A fast charge from empty to full battery life is essential, primarily because that battery lasts all day. The MiFi can amp up your work performance, helping you connect faster to the applications, meetings, and projects that require your valuable input.
Pros
- Connects up to 30 WiFi enabled-devices
- Six WiFi-enabled devices can connect simultaneously
- Quick-charge technology
- All-day battery life, up to 24 hours
- Incredible security features
- Admin password lockout
- Supports Windows 10
Cons
- The device is expensive at around $200
- Connection speeds depend on mobile service
8. Nighthawk M6 Pro 5G WiFi 6E Mobile Hotspot
The Nighthawk M6 is the mobile hotspot and router you’ve been waiting for. The Nighthawk is all about maximizing the time you spend connected via your mobile device. When paired with 5G WiFi, the Nighthawk M6 will take your connectivity to new heights, and you’ll work faster than ever.
This mobile pro router is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X65 5G modem. Introduced by Netgear, the Nighthawk is one of the most advanced mobile hotspots available, and dedicated digital nomads and remote workers will find it incredibly valuable to their daily work routine.
This great router isn’t only for connecting to work projects but is entirely suitable for talking with family and friends while you’re traveling or away for work. It’s only four inches wide, but the power it packs is astounding; you’ll have to pay for that level of connection.
At $459, the Netgear Nighthawk is not an investment to take lightly, but it’s worth it for those that need this intense level of speed and connectivity. You will no longer struggle to get your device to connect to last-minute meetings, as the Nighthawk will ensure you’re present when necessary.
With 5G and C-band frequencies, this little router boasts an ethernet for your wired devices. There’s almost nothing that Netgear hasn’t thought of here. If you’re out and about working, perhaps from the beach or lakeside, the Nighthawk has a Type C USB charging port to keep your phone or headphones up and running.
The 2.8-inch touchscreen display is easy to navigate and a little sensitive to the touch, but it’s what you might expect from such a pricey gadget. However, the M6 pro falls short regarding battery life, as Netgear promises only 6 hours of YouTube action, and many user reviews report even less.
If you find it odd that one of the most expensive mobile hotspots on the market struggles with battery life, you’re not alone. It’s important to remember that aspects like charging devices directly from the router will drain the battery faster, and everyone will have a different experience.
The Nighthawk is perfect for digital nomads and remote workers that cannot take a chance on available connectivity. If you must be present, it’s worth the upfront cost.
Pros
- Amazing connectivity speed
- Charging capabilities
- Intuitive user interface
- Touchscreen operated
- 5G and C-band frequencies
- Ethernet capabilities
- Small and portable
Cons
- Poor battery life, especially when compared to competitors
- Sensitive touchscreen
9. Mighty WiFi Mobile Hotspot
While Mighty WiFi may not be the best-known name in the mobile hotspot business, its mobile hotspot is well worth mentioning in this article. Mighty WiFi is responsible for connecting people worldwide for work or personal reasons. One of the best aspects of the Might WiFi hotspot is that you can rent one if you’re not prepared to invest.
Mighty WiFi offers free shipping, which adds to the already-fantastic customer value of the product. Because Mighty WiFi has global connections, it can successfully service millions of customers worldwide. Offices exist in the United States, South Korea, China, Singapore, Japan, Europe, and Thailand, creating a solid connection in many popular digital nomad locations.
Mighty WiFi allows users to connect locally in over 200 countries, so you’ll have the connection you need right when you need it. You can connect your friends, family, and coworkers as Mighty WiFi allows ten device connections. Consumers love that there aren’t any contracts with Mighty WiFi, and you’ll only pay for the data you use. Because you pay for your use, Mighty WiFi does not have to charge overage fees.
The data plans are flexible and highly customizable, which suits many users, especially those who travel or work remotely intermittently. Without a contract, you can pay as you need the services and cut them off when you don’t. The Mighty WiFi mobile hotspot doesn’t have a SIM card like most of the hotspot devices on our list, and you’ll find a generally hassle-free experience with top-of-the-line connectivity that most users love.
It’s important to note that if you’re connected all the time and rely on that connection to be solid and steady in remote areas and during travel, Mighty WiFi may not live up to your expectations. The speed is decent, but the connectivity can be spotty, which is one of the most frustrating components of working remotely. It’s not to say that the Mighty WiFi is always spotty, but when it decides it’s not going to work, it’s hard to achieve and maintain a connection.
The Mighty WiFi is suitable for those who plan to travel abroad but return home within a reasonable time. It’s not great for those who plan to spend months overseas, but it works perfectly for a vacation where you still intend to operate within your regular hours. The app that pairs with the device is easy to use, and a customer service member can walk you through any set-up problems.
Overall, the Mighty WiFi doesn’t stand out too much from the others, but it’s convenient as heck, and you don’t have to purchase one if you’d rather rent. It’s lovely for work trips and mini-holidays, but if you need to make your mobile hotspot something you invest in, this isn’t the correct hotspot for you.
Pros
- You can rent the device through Mighty WiFi
- Fast shipping times
- Small and easy to travel with
- Decent speed and connectivity for shorter trips or workations
- Accessible customer service team
- Pay as you go
- No overage fees or contracts
- Straightforward, user-friendly model
Cons
- Connection speeds aren’t as fast as competitors
- Not suitable for long trips abroad
- Not many advanced features
If you found this article useful you might also like:
- 7 International Data SIM Cards for Digital Nomads & Global Travelers
- How to Have Reliable Internet Connection to Work While Traveling Abroad
- The Top VPN Services for Remote Working Professionals and Digital Nomads
- How to Keep Your Data Secure When Working Remotely
- Best Mobile Banking Apps and Online Services for Digital Nomads
- Best International Travel Insurance Plans For Digital Nomads
- Best Remote Based Working Companies Hiring Now
- The Best Countries to Incorporate a Remote Based Company for Digital Nomads
- Best Virtual Mailboxes for Digital Nomads & Remote Professionals
- Best Places to Live For Digital Nomads: Top 10 Cities Today
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