In the twenty-first century, everyone depends on the internet for keeping in contact with other people, work, and school. Losing a connection is definitely something we can’t afford, so if you have a trip just around the corner but are worried about how you are going to get access to the internet during it, keep reading to get the right advice! Lets discuss about Best Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot For Travel.
You might have heard somewhere that you need a Wi-Fi Hotspot to go on international travel, but you don’t even know what it is. Well, here’s everything you need to know about mobile hotspots, how they work and what you should look for when buying one. Some of the best mobile Wi-Fi hotspots for international travel are also listed so take note and get one before you go!
What is a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot?
The term (also called Mobile Wi-Fi or MiFi) refers to a relatively small device designed to allow your phone to access the internet from different locations without a SIM card.
How Do Mobile Hotspots Work?
Mobile hotspots only work when there is a mobile phone network to which the device connects to create a local Wi-Fi network that enables other connected devices to access the internet.
With this in mind, you must know that mobile hotspots don’t work in every location in the world, so you’re encouraged to look for the network coverage map of the place you plan to visit to know in advance if a mobile hotspot will or not. Most cellular carriers have these kinds of maps on their website.
In Need Of A Mobile Wifi Hotspot for international travel
If you know in advance that you will visit a place without free internet to connect your devices, you are probably in need of a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Also, some people choose it to avoid looking for a Wi-Fi connection in an unknown place since it can be a slow and insecure task. Remember that when connecting to a local Wi-Fi network all your data is shared with it, so having a mobile hotspot is another way to keep your data safe. It is also more convenient than navigating your own way through buying a SIM card at the place of your destination.
What To Consider When Looking For A Mobile Hotspot
Besides considering the place you’re going to visit and the time of your stay as determinants of whether to buy a mobile hotspot or not, here are some really important features to look for when buying it.
- Cellular Network and Speed – This will determine both the availability and the maximum speed supported. You can expect to find network technologies such as:
- 2G: 237 kbit/s for download and upload.
- 3G: 1.6 Mbit/s for download and 0.5 Mbit/s for upload.
- 4G: 300 Mbit/s for download and 75 Mbit/s for upload.
- 5G: 3 Gbit/s for download and 500 Mbit/s for upload.
Also, consider that these numbers are the ideal speed, and in a real situation, speed can be affected by weather, trees, and where you are in relation to the mobile mast. Besides, new network technologies take some time to be installed in mobile masts around the world.
- Battery life – Sometimes traveling means enduring some inconveniences, like not being close to a source of power like you are in your home, so a device with good battery life is definitely more useful. An efficient mobile hotspot can work between 8 and 12 hours without charging.
- Security – Your mobile hotspot must have a password to guarantee that anyone without it can’t connect to your personal Wi-Fi network.
- Data Allowance – Data allowance is imposed by the company from which you buy a mobile hotspot. It can be fixed either for a day or a month (example: 1GB per day or 10 GB per month), but the real important thing is to know what happens if you exceed the limit.
Some devices start charging you although they still allow you to use the internet. Other devices’ data is shut off after reaching the data limit; if not, their speed starts decreasing (from 4G to 2G after reaching the data limit).
- The number of devices supported – This consideration depends on how many devices are you used to connect to the internet, or if you plan on traveling with your family and would like that everyone’s devices can be connected.
- Global roaming support – Some mobile hotspots only support specific bands that cellular carriers use to transmit cellular data. You might want to be sure that the device you buy supports the bands or frequency used by most cellular carriers at your destination location.
The Best Options For You
- GlocalMe G4 Pro (Works with data packages and/or SIM cards).
- Cellular network: 4G, 3G
- Battery: 18 hours
- Weight: 190 g
- Countries covered: 140+
- Devices supported: 10
- Solis Lite
- Cellular network: 4G, 3G
- Battery: 12 hours
- Weight: 156 g
- Countries covered: 130+
- Devices supported: 10
- MightyWifi M1
- Cellular network: 3G
- Battery: 12 hours
- Weight: 190 g
- Countries covered: 150+
- Devices supported: 10
- We.Stream Secure Mobile WiFi Hotspot
- Cellular network: 4G
- Battery: 15 hours
- Weight: 240 g
- Countries covered: 154
- Devices supported: 5
- Travel Wi-Fi Sapphire 2 (Works with data packages and/or SIM cards).
- Cellular network: 4G, 3G
- Battery: 12 hours
- Weight: 140 g
- Countries covered: 130+
- Devices supported: 5
Renting A Mobile Hotspot
Renting a mobile hotspot is probably the best option if you plan on going to a single location and, also, if it will last less than a month. Thus, renting a mobile hotspot will cost around $5-$12 (includes the device and data) per day. Some companies that offer this service are my webspot and GlocalMe.
On the contrary case: if you are planning on visiting different locations for a longer time, the best option is to purchase your own mobile hotspot.
Conclusion
Buying a mobile hotspot can be a great factor of differentiation during your international trip, especially if you’re a frequent traveler and/or hope to visit multiple locations. Don’t waste time finding a place to buy a SIM card locally, instead act in advance and choose the best device for you now.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a mobile hotspot more expensive than a SIM card?
Yes, it is. However, a mobile hotspot enables you to connect multiple devices and also comes in handier if you’re a regular international traveler.
- What does it mean that a mobile hotspot has more than one cellular network?
That they work at different speeds on different cellular bands. For example, one device may work at 4G speed on very specific bands but, on others, it works at 3G speed.
