The Best Mobile Hotspots for Remote Work

A mobile hotspot is a portable device that broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal, allowing other devices to access the internet through cellular data—an essential tool in any digital nomad's portable setup.

While smartphone hotspots are cost-effective and easy to use, dedicated mobile hotspots are better suited for remote work. They don’t drain your phone’s battery, can connect multiple devices simultaneously, and support the latest Wi-Fi and cellular technology for reliable connections. Plus, they offer stronger security with advanced encryption.

So, which portable Wi-Fi devices are worth it? We’ve reviewed the top options on the market to help you find the best fit. Ready? Let’s dive in!

7 Best Mobile WiFi Hotspots For Remote Work

1. Simo Solis Lite - Best for Portability and Performance
2. Nighthawk M6 Pro 5G - Best for Speed and Multi-Device Connections
3. GlocalMe G4 Pro - Best eSIM Hotspot for Ease of Use
4. Keepgo - Best Pay-As-You-Go Hotspot for Flexibility
5. Netgear Nighthawk M1 - Best Value Unlocked Hotspot
6. Roam-ON R10 Mifi - Best eSIM Hotspot for Flexibility and Coverage
7. Sapphire 3 by TravelWiFi - Best Design and Battery Life

1. Simo Solis Lite

Best for Portability and Performance

The Simo Solis Lite is a pocket WiFi device with an eye-catching bright orange cover. It's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and light enough to carry around in your pocket or backpack.

With its 4G LTE connectivity, built-in 4700 mAh power bank, remote camera, and intelligent assistant, the Solis Lite is an all-in-one solution for remote workers and digital nomads who are always on the go. This device allows you to purchase daily or monthly WiFi packages, which work in over 135 countries.

Compared to many devices on this list, the Solis Lite is reasonably affordable, and its versatility and features make it a popular choice for location-independent workers.

2. Nighthawk M6 Pro 5G

Best for Speed and Multi-Device Connections

The Nighthawk M6 Pro is a cutting-edge 5G mobile hotspot with a sleek black exterior and a user-friendly touchscreen. Thanks to its WiFi 6E technology, it offers ultra-fast internet speeds, making it an excellent choice for remote workers who need a high-performance device.

It supports up to 32 devices and is compatible with multiple carriers worldwide (including most US and Canadian carriers), providing incredible flexibility for a mobile hotspot.

However, its outstanding performance comes at a higher price, which should be taken into consideration when considering it. During our tests, we also found that the battery lasted less than the advertised 13 hours. There are also some limitations: the 6 GHz Wi-Fi only functions when the device is plugged in and the battery is removed. While using 6 GHz, devices that rely on 5 GHz will automatically switch to the 2.4 GHz band, which is not great. Still, this pro device is outstanding and a top-notch WiFi hotspot for heavy mobile internet users.

3. GlocalMe G4 Pro

Best eSIM Hotspot for Ease of Use

The GlocalMe G4 Pro is a pay-as-you-go portable Wi-Fi device with a shiny black design and a 5-inch, high-resolution touchscreen display. It's slim and not particularly heavy, making it an interesting alternative for work-from-anywhere workers.

Thanks to its integrated Cloud SIM technology, the G4 Pro offers 4G LTE connectivity in over 140 countries without needing a local SIM card. You can connect it to up to 10 devices and it doubles as a power bank. It even comes with Google Maps and TripAdvisor installed, which is a nice feature we appreciate as digital nomads.

It's not the fastest device in our list and has daily hotspot data caps, which might be limiting for heady-data users. But if you value convenience and versatility it might be worth a shot in our opinion.

4. Keepgo

Best Pay-As-You-Go Hotspot for Flexibility

Keepgo is a pocket-sized device with a clean and minimalistic design, featuring a smooth white exterior and a small LED display. It's straightforward to set up and use, making it an excellent option for remote workers who want to go for the pay-as-you-go and do not want to pay for contracts or monthly fees.

This device offers 4G LTE connectivity in over 100 countries and supports up to 16 devices. Although the data speed may be limited after reaching the daily cap and the battery is not particularly great, the convenience of having a data plan with no expiration date makes Keepgo an attractive choice for location-independent workers who value flexibility.

5. Netgear Nighthawk M1

Best Value Unlocked Hotspot

The Netgear Nighthawk M1 is a sleek, modern-looking mobile hotspot with the most robust build on our list. , but its impressive 4G LTE connectivity allows for up to 1 Gbps download and 150 MBs upload speeds.

It's larger than other options on our list, but if you consider its long-lasting battery life and the useful Ethernet port that allows you to connect to existing wired or wireless networks, you see why many remote workers consider it worth the extra size.

With this mobile hotspot, you can connect up to 20 devices, making it incredibly versatile for remote workers with multiple devices – like laptops and tablets – or remote teams working in diverse time zones and locations. Although not the newest model from Netgear, it still offers a powerful performance, making it a top contender for remote professionals who demand reliable connectivity.

6. Roam-ON R10 Mifi

Best eSIM Hotspot for Flexibility and Coverage

The RoamWiFi R10 is another super compact portable WiFi device that offers impressive flexibility and coverage for remote workers. Thanks to its built-in virtual SIM technology, the R10 provides stable and secure internet access in over 150 countries without needing physical SIM cards or complex settings.

It's a powerful mobile hotspot that supports 4G LTE speeds up to 150 Mbps in downloads and 50Mbps in upload, can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously, and features a generous 5000mAh battery.

One unique aspect of the RoamWiFi R10 we love is its additional SIM card slot, giving you the option to use a local SIM for even greater flexibility. On the other hand, data plans might be expensive for heavy users, and it has some limitations such as the lack of auto-renewal option and daily data caps. When testing it, we also noticed it takes 2-3 minutes to connect to the local network (not a big deal, but something to keep in mind).

7. Sapphire 3 by TravelWiFi

Best Design and Battery Life

The Sapphire 3 portable hotspot brings an ultra-slim and lightweight design and fast connectivity to the table, making it perfect for digital nomads and work-from-anywhere workers who are always on the move. Its minimalist exterior houses an array of features, making it a top choice if you seek a reliable, hassle-free WiFi hotspot.

With coverage in over 130 countries and the ability to connect up to 10 devices, this portable hotspot is a dream come true for remote workers and frequent business travelers alike. They also offer you 4GB of free global data as soon as you purchase it, which is another thing we appreciate. Only downsides? The app could definitely be improved, and the connection is not always reliable everywhere, especially if you are not in the most popular destinations.

---

Why Should I Get a Portable WiFi Hotspot as a Remote Worker?

Here's why a portable hotspot is a great tool for remote work:

• Work from anywhere, no limits. If you work remotely, a portable hotspot lets you work from practically any location with a cell signal.
• Stress-free nomad travels. You can stop stressing about finding decent WiFi when you're out exploring. With your own hotspot, you have reliable internet for planning your trips, updating your digital nomad blog, or just getting directions.
• Security matters. We've all heard horror stories about the security risks of public WiFi. A hotspot gives you a private, encrypted connection that's way safer.

What To Consider Before Buying a Wi-Fi Hotspot Device For Remote Work

Now that you have a pretty good idea of the best mobile hotspots for working remotely out there, make sure to consider these factors below before making your decision.

Data Plans and Cost

First, take a good look at their data plans, and weigh up the cost, any limitations, and how flexible they are.

You'll find some offer pay-as-you-go, while others want you to commit to a monthly subscription or even a contract. To get the best bang for your buck, think about your usage habits and find a plan that fits like a glove without emptying your wallet. Plus, check if the device lets you switch plans easily, just in case your data needs to change from month to month.

Coverage and Compatibility

Next, ensure it's compatible with your favorite carriers and can tag along to the countries on your travel list.

Different gadgets support various networks and frequencies, so do some detective work on coverage areas to ensure you stay connected no matter where you roam. And if you're a frequent traveler and digital nomad like us, go for a portable WiFi device that plays well with multiple regions.

Battery Life

As a remote worker, you also need a portable WiFi device with a battery that won't quit. Look for one with enough juice to keep you connected during your travels without constantly hunting for a power outlet.

If you can find a replaceable or external battery device, even better! But remember, battery life can vary depending on things like signal strength and how many devices are connected.

Speed and Connectivity

We know that fast and reliable internet is like the Holy Grail for remote workers. So, when checking out portable WiFi devices, pay attention to their max speeds and how many devices they can handle at once.

If you're part of a distributed team or have a bunch of gadgets to connect, make sure the device can cope with it. Just keep in mind that actual speeds can change depending on network traffic and coverage where you're at.

Security Features

You've gotta keep your connection safe and secure while working remotely. So, pick a portable WiFi device that's got your back with solid security features like password protection, VPN compatibility, and automatic updates. With these security measures, you can work and travel with peace of mind, knowing you're protected from cyber security threats.

Size and Portability

Last but not least, size matters when working remotely from one country to the other. So, packing light is an absolute necessity. Go for a compact, lightweight mobile hotspot device that's easy to slip into your backpack or pocket without weighing you down. Find also a tough yet user-friendly design to enjoy stress-free connectivity wherever you travel.

Are There Any Alternatives to Dedicated Mobile Hotspots for Remote Work?

While a mobile hotspot can be a great solution, other options are available to you if you know where to look. Below are some alternative connectivity options to consider.

International SIM Cards

International SIM cards can be used in multiple countries, preventing you from buying a new SIM card when you cross a border. In addition to international roaming plans, many companies offer affordable data plans that can be activated for a certain amount of time or data usage.

This option can be helpful for remote workers who stay in one location for an extended period or prefer to use their cell phones only as a hotspot. Some companies that offer international SIM cards are OneSIM Card and TravelSIM.

eSIMs

If you're putting together your essential digital nomad gear and equipment, then eSIMs are a must-have. With an eSIM, you can easily activate a new plan through your phone data settings without the hassle of visiting a local store or waiting in line at the airport to buy physical SIM cards.

eSIMs can be super useful if you are like us and you value convenience and flexibility over anything else. Nowadays, many great providers such as Holafly offer reliable eSIMs worldwide, giving you the chance to stay connected wherever you are.

Local Prepaid Data Plans

Another option is to purchase a local SIM card or prepaid data plan in the country you're working remotely from.

This option can be more affordable than using an international SIM card or a dedicated mobile hotspot device, and you can take advantage of local discounts or promotions. However, this option is also more time consuming and requires research to find the best plan every time you land in a new country.

Coworking Spaces and Cafés with Free WiFi

If you're looking for a temporary solution, you can always rely on co-working spaces or cafes with free WiFi.

Many cafés offer free WiFi, and co-working spaces allow you to get your own dedicated workspace with fast internet speeds. These options can be ideal for remote workers who only need to work a few hours or want a change of scenery. However, keep in mind that not all cafes or co-working spaces offer reliable internet access, so it's best to research beforehand.

Ready To Get a Mobile Hotspot?

If you want to receive digital nomad guides like these, sign up for our free newsletter and get upcoming articles straight to your inbox!

You can also follow us on Instagram and join our Facebook Group if you want to get in touch with other members of our growing digital nomad community!

We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads!

Freaking Nomads is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free, helpful content. Learn more