A portable Wi-Fi hotspot is a handy device to have. Suitable for a range of people, from those who travel regularly to frequent commuters. Digital Trends explains that it’s a way to stay connected on the go without draining your data or phone battery.
Unlike traditional Wi-Fi options, portable hotspots work by connecting to mobile networks and can be set up and used from anywhere. Planning a staycation somewhere remote? Then they can help you stay connected while you’re there. Wanting to work during your daily train journey? They can handle that too.
The only problem is that there are so many great options on the market. In this article, we look at how to choose the best one for you.
Article Breakdown
5GHz Wi-Fi support
Portable Wi-Fi hotspots are a great solution for those who like to work, blog, or game on the go. ExpressVPN lists them as an essential component in any good tech survival kit, alongside power banks, prepaid SIM cards, and satellite phones. Handy for getting you out of any kind of bind, they ensure you can connect to the internet in situations where standard Wi-Fi falls short.
Not all of the options on the market are created equal though, with many offering a mere 2.4GHz support for users. To ensure the hotspot you choose is up to the task and can handle whatever you throw at it, you’ll want to look for a router with at least five GHz. This will allow you to email, chat, live call, and more without a second thought.
A 5,000 mAh battery
The option you choose must have a good battery life too. The entire point of portable Wi-Fi is that you can take it with you wherever you go, regardless of whether there are plug sockets available or not. For this reason, we recommend looking for options with at least a 5,000 MaH battery. This should last for a day or more even during continual use and can also act as a power bank.
An SD card reader
Whether you want a mobile hotspot so you can work on the go or stay connected while traveling, there’s a strong likelihood that you’ll have important information you don’t want to lose. In the event you misplace or break your camera or smartphone, you’ll probably have your information backed up on an SD card. To keep this safe again, look for a hotspot with a card reader. This will allow you to safely store data and guard against loss.
Visual troubleshooting
One thing you don’t want to happen is for your hotspot to stop working when you need it. For this reason, make sure you read plenty of reviews to help you source a reliable model. If the worst does happen, though, you’ll want a router with visual troubleshooting. Having an interface or display means you can easily find out what the problem is. If you can also see battery life, data usage, and internet speed, even better.
Tom’s Guide has a handy article on choosing the best portable Wi-Fi hotspot, but it comes down to knowing what to look for. Use this article to help you pick wisely.