The 7 best pocket wifi devices in 2021 and how they work

Last updated July 23 2021 by Josh Koerpel

With all the freedom that a remote lifestyle affords these days, it’s dependent on one thing: the wi fi hotspot.

Imagine it — internet access anywhere! Blazing fast 5G wifi right in your pocket! And to top it off, something that also works with any carrier in the world and comes at an affordable price.

But just like anything, you’ve got options.

In this blog post, we will outline 7 different pocket WiFi devices that have been rising in popularity in 2021.

We’ll talk about how they work, what their specifications are, why people buy them and why some people avoid them – all in an effort to help you make the right decision for your needs.

Let’s dive in!

What Are The Best Pocket Wifi Devices?

We live in a world where having a remote job is becoming increasingly common. For those people, pocket WiFi devices make the connection possible.

Here are the best pocket wifi devices for 2021 in no particular order:

  1. Skyroam Solis X
  2. Netgear Nighthawk 5G Mobile Hotspot Pro
  3. Inseego 5G MiFi M2000
  4. Jetpack 8800L
  5. Nighthawk LTE Mobile Hotspot
  6. Franklin T9 Mobile Hotspot
  7. Inseego MiFi M2100 5G UW mobile hotspot

We will go over each of these in detail below.

When comparing different options, keep these things in mind – the price, the network, and the size.

  • Price: Pocket WiFi devices tend to come at an affordable price. Even if they don’t come with a contract, pocket WiFi devices are still relatively cheap when compared to other options.
  • Network: Another perk of pocket WiFi devices is that they are lightweight and easy to carry. Many pocket WiFi devices are so small that you can put them in your pocket or slide them into a small backpack.
  • Size: Another perk of pocket WiFi devices is that they are lightweight and easy to carry. Many pocket WiFi devices are so small that you can put them in your pocket or slide them into a small backpack. Some come bulkier than others, but they are all built to travel well and make sure you stay connected.

Now, let’s get into the wi fi hotspots!


1) Skyroam Solis X

This is the device I use personally.

The Solis X (along with the Solis Lite) is a bite-sized device that gives you unlimited access to WiFi in 130+ countries. No additional software or sim card to use, simply buy the device, charge it up, turn it on and BAM! You’re connected.

The Skyroam Solis X is a great wi fi hotspot
Behold. The Skyroam Solis X.
[photo credit: Skyroam]

Specifications:

  • Price: Starts at $119
  • How you use it: Single button on the top, plus an app that gives you more control
  • How it connects to a signal: Comprehensive array of international cellular bands
  • Size: 3.5 x 3.5 x 0.9 inches
  • Weight: 5.46 ounces
  • How long does the battery last?: Up to 16 hours

What I like about it:

  • Skyroam gives you a few plans to choose from, whether you only need a little data or you simply want to go unlimited.
  • You can also just RENT a device instead of making a purchase, which can be an interesting option to consider.
  • Customer service is pretty helpful (in my experience).

What isn’t so great:

  • Depending on where you are, the signal can be weak.

My recommendation about the Skyroam Solis X

I’ve used this thing to connect from busses and trains all over the US. Only a few times it’s been problematic, but for the majority of the time, it’s worked like a charm.


2) Netgear Nighthawk 5G Mobile Hotspot Pro (AT&T)

If you do a lot of traveling in areas that have AT&T, this is a great option for a mobile 5G hotpot.

The Netgear Nighthawk 5G mobile hotspot pro is a great portable device to stay connected
Small, light, and perfect for remote work.
[Photo credit: Netgear Blog]

Specifications:

  • Price: $509
  • How you use it: Via a 2.4” color touchscreen
  • How it connects to a signal: AT&T — 5G, LTE, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • Size: 4.14 x 4.14 x 0.85 inches
  • Weight: 8.64 ounces
  • How long does the battery last?: Up to 8 hours of use, 11.3 hours of standby

What I like about it:

  • It works great with AT&T’s nationwide 5G and 5G Plus network
  • You can connect up to 32 different devices!

What isn’t so great:

  • The battery life is relatively short (less than a day!)

My recommendation about the Netgear Nighthawk 5G Mobile Hotspot Pro

A bit too pricy for my taste, but if you work remotely in situations where it’s beneficial to connect multiple people at once, this could be a great option.


3) Inseego 5G MiFi M2000 (Verizon)

The Inseego 5G MiFi M2000 replaces the earlier M1000, as Verizon’s network relies heavily on mmWave-based technology. This little hotspot works with both 5G and can also operate in the 4G LTE spectrum.

The Inseego 5G M2000 is a great choice for a reliable internet connection
Need wifi on a bench in a park? You got it.
[Photo credit: PCMag]

Specifications:

  • Price: $399
  • How you use it: Via a 2.4” color touchscreen
  • How it connects to a signal: Verizon — 5G, LTE, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • Size: 5.9 x 2.8 x 0.7 inches
  • Weight: 7.4 ounces
  • How long does the battery last?: Up to 24 hours

What I like about it:

  • You have more flexibility as you can operate on both 5G and 4G
  • A full 24 hours of battery life

What isn’t so great:

  • Depending on where you are traveling, Verizon’s network is limited.

My recommendation about the Inseego 5G MiFi M2000:

You can connect with up to 30 devices with this bad boy! If you’re a die-hard Verizon fan and need 5G, this is the wi fi hotspot for you.


4) Jetpack 8800L (Verizon)

The Jetpack 8800L is the follow-up to Verizon’s Jetpack MiFi 7730L, which was previously rated as the best hotspot around. An interesting feature of the 8800L is the Qualcomm modem, which pulls together up to 5 carrier signals and strengthens the connection in most places.

The Jetpack 8800L is a great portable hotspot for high speed data
The perfect pocket wifi hotspot to compliment a blue shag carpet.
[Photo credit: PCMag]

Specifications:

  • Price: $199.99
  • How you use it: Via a 2.4” touchscreen
  • How it connects to a signal: Verizon — LTE, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • Size: 4.3 x 2.6 x 0.7 inches
  • Weight: 5.4 ounces
  • How long does the battery last?: Up to 24 hours

What I like about it:

  • It allows international roaming, making it suitable for travel out of the USA
  • You can connect up to 15 devices

What isn’t so great:

  • If you’re not a Verizon customer, you will have to open an account with Verizon.

My recommendation about the Jetpack 8800L:

If it was just me and I was already familiar with Verizon (as in, I already had an account), I would consider this hotspot for sure.


5) Nighthawk LTE Mobile Hotspot (AT&T)

Capable of supporting up to 20 devices, the Nighthawk LTE is a great hotspot for AT&T. Plus, sign up for a 30-month agreement with AT&T, and you can pay off the Nighthawk LTE in monthly installments of $6.95.

The Nighthawk LTE hotspot is a great high speed portable option
Muffin? Check. Laptop? Check. Wifi? Double-check.
[photo credit: NETGEAR]

Specifications:

  • Price: $249.99
  • How you use it: Via a 1.4” color screen
  • How it connects to a signal: AT&T — LTE, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • Size: 4.1 x 4.1 x 0.75 inches
  • Weight: 8.5 ounces
  • How long does the battery last?: Up to 24 hours

What I like about it:

  • The battery life is great
  • You can connect via an ethernet cable

What isn’t so great:

  • It doesn’t have a touchscreen, and adjustment options must be done through a web browser while you’re connected to the hotspot.

My recommendation about the Nighthawk LTE Mobile Hotspot:

If you’re not worried about getting 5G, this is a good hotspot. With the integrated ethernet port, it makes it easy to use the Nighthawk paired with any traditional router (for instance, for home internet).


6) Franklin T9 Mobile Hotspot (T-Mobile)

This little guy can support up to 15 devices at once and is one of the smallest, lightest hotspots on the list.

Stay connected with a portable internet connection with the Franklin T9 mobile hotspot
Need some wifi on a bowling lane? T-Mobile has you covered.
[photo credit: facebook]

Specifications:

  • Price: $99
  • How you use it: 0.9 inch OLED
  • How it connects to a signal: T-Mobile — LTE, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • Size: 4.1 x 2.6 x 0.5 inches
  • Weight: 2.63 ounces
  • How long does the battery last?: Up to 48 hours on standby

What I like about it:

  • It’s small and light
  • Relatively inexpensive compared to others on the list
  • Lots of standby time

What isn’t so great:

  • It’s got a small touchscreen
  • You can’t use it with 5G

My recommendation about the Franklin T9 Mobile Hotspot:

If you’re looking for a nice, inexpensive hotspot, this is a good choice. Also, it helps that you can either purchase it outright or pay it off in monthly installments of $3.75.


7) Inseego MiFi M2100 5G UW mobile hotspot (T-Mobile)

Similar to Verizon’s 5G hotspot, the Inseego can support up to 30 internet connections and has some fantastic battery life. It also connects to T-Mobiles coast-to-coast 5G network, which is a huge plus.

For a great internet connection at high speed, the Inseego MiFi 2100 is one of the great wi fi hotspots
Get wifi anywhere. Even a lavender room.
[Photo: PCMag]

Specifications:

  • Price: $336
  • How you use it: Via a 2.4” color touchscreen
  • How it connects to a signal: AT&T — 5G, LTE, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • Size: 5.9 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches
  • Weight: 7.4 ounces
  • How long does the battery last?: Up to 24 hours

What I like about it:

  • 24 hour battery life
  • Works with 5G
  • You can charge your other devices with this

What isn’t so great:

  • You are restricted to T-Mobile’s network

My recommendation about the Inseego MiFi M2100 5G UW mobile hotspot:

With the advent of 5G, this is one of those wi fi hotspots that you can use for anything…from streaming to video chats to everything in between. And, you can pay off the hotspot for $14 per month if you pay in 24 months.


What Is A Pocket Wifi Device?

Wifi is a wireless technology that was invented in the 1970s. It allows you to connect to the internet and is found on pocket WiFi devices.

A pocket wifi device is a small device that will allow you to connect your devices (like phones and laptops) to the internet.

It’s important to know what kind of wifi is available in different areas before deciding on pocket WiFi. For example, if you’re visiting a foreign country, it’s wise to find out whether or not there are public hotspots that support your pocket WiFi device before purchasing one.


Common Questions About Pocket Wifi

What is mobile hotspot and how does it work?

A pocket wifi device is a pocket-sized, portable router that you can use to connect to the internet. The pocket-sized connection means that it’s perfect for anyone who is always mobile but needs high-speed internet access.

However, it still requires an active data plan from your wireless provider.

How much is a hotspot per month?

Monthly pocket wifi plans vary depending on a variety of factors and wireless providers. Generally, pocket wifi plans will cost either $10-$20 or $30-$50 depending on the features and specifications desired.

Can I use a mobile hotspot as my home internet?

Yes, pocket WiFi can be used as your home internet.

One potential option is to use your mobile hotspot to connect to the internet and then plug your hotspot into your home router. This will provide a stronger wireless signal to all the devices in your home.


I love being able to get internet everywhere.

Final Thoughts

One of the most convenient things about having pocket WiFi is that you can work remotely from any location in the world. Virtually anywhere you have an internet connection, you can work remotely with pocket WiFi devices.

For digital nomads and remote workers, the benefits are numerous.

Personally, I love having pocket wifi. I love the ability to set up a laptop from the side of a pool, or from a rooftop bar, or a little coffee shop, crack open the laptop and get some work in? I love the freedom.

And as a final thought, if you’re looking for some ideas on how to use these hotspots, here are the 7 best digital nomad jobs and how to get started with each of them.

To life, amigos.

Josh


Josh Koerpel

Josh has spent the last 15 years working from the road as a ship captain, wilderness guide, mechanical engineer, marketing director and software developer.

He currently lives aboard his 32′ sailboat “Albatross” in Key West, Florida.

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