2 best using a mobile hotspot for home internet

Using a mobile hotspot for home internet is a convenient way to access the internet when a traditional wired connection is not available or when you need a portable solution. Here's what you need to know about this approach:

Mobile Broadband Devices: A mobile hotspot is a device that provides internet access to other devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, by connecting to a cellular network. Mobile broadband devices are specifically designed for this purpose and are available from various manufacturers.
How It Works: Mobile hotspots work by creating a Wi-Fi network that other devices can connect to. The hotspot device itself connects to the internet via a cellular data connection, similar to a smartphone. When other devices connect to the hotspot's Wi-Fi network, they can access the internet through the cellular data connection.
Cellular Data Plans: To use a mobile hotspot, you'll need a cellular data plan from a mobile carrier. These plans come with a data allowance, which determines how much internet usage you can consume each month. It's important to choose a plan with sufficient data for your needs, as excessive data usage can result in overage charges or reduced speeds.
Coverage and Speed: The quality of your home internet connection via a mobile hotspot depends on the cellular network's coverage in your area and the speed of the network. It's essential to check the coverage map of your chosen carrier to ensure that you have reliable service in your location.
Portability: One of the advantages of using a mobile hotspot is its portability. You can take it with you wherever you go, making it ideal for travelers or people who frequently move locations. It's also useful in areas where fixed-line broadband options are limited or unavailable.
Device Compatibility: Most Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, can connect to a mobile hotspot. Some hotspots support a limited number of simultaneous connections, so be sure to check the specifications of your device.
Security: Just like any Wi-Fi network, it's important to secure your mobile hotspot with a strong password to prevent unauthorized access. Most hotspot devices allow you to set up security features, including WPA2 encryption.
Cost Considerations: While mobile hotspots offer flexibility, they can be more expensive than traditional home internet connections in terms of data costs. It's essential to monitor your data usage to avoid unexpected charges.
Limitations: Mobile hotspots may not be suitable for heavy internet users or households with multiple devices that require high bandwidth. Streaming, online gaming, and large downloads can quickly eat into your data allowance.

In summary, using a mobile hotspot for home internet is a viable option when traditional wired connections are not available or practical. It offers portability and flexibility but comes with data limitations and cost considerations.It's important to choose a suitable data plan, ensure coverage in your area, and secure your hotspot to make the most of this solution.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best using a mobile hotspot for home internet on the market

NETGEAR Orbi 4G LTE Mesh WiFi Router with SIM card slot (LBR20) | For Home Internet or Hotspot | Supports AT&T and T-Mobile | Coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. & 20+ devices | AC2200 (up to 2.2Gbps)

NETGEAR

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Orbi 4G LTE Whole Home Advanced Wi-Fi Router delivers up to 2.2Gbps high-performance Wi-Fi on 4G LTE networks. It has a sleek, modern design with high-gain internal antennas for up to 2,000 square feet of coverage. The Orbi 4G LTE Wi-Fi Advanced Router with integrated cellular modem is compatible with select Orbi AC Satellites to create a mesh Wi-Fi system, supporting seamless 4K streaming and gaming everywhere in your home.

WORKS WITH MAJOR 4G LTE PROVIDERS: Simply insert a Nano SIM card from AT&T, T-Mobile or others to get Internet speeds up to 1.2Gbps. Excludes Verizon & Sprint legacy network.
USE AS A PRIMARY OR BACKUP INTERNET CONNECTION: Provides high-speed Internet for rural homes where Internet service is weak or unavailable. Can also be used as a backup if your existing Internet service fails.
FAST WIFI PERFORMANCE: Covers up to 2,000 square feet and 25 devices with up to 2.2Gbps Wi-Fi speed. Expand coverage up to 2,000 square feet with additional satellites (sold separately).
EASY TO SET-UP AND MANAGE: Set up Wi-Fi in minutes with the Orbi app, manage Wi-Fi settings, test and monitor speed.
PARENTAL CONTROLS: Pause or schedule device Internet access, set online limits, view site history usage, filter websites and more for $4.99/month. (1st month free trial).
ADVANCED CYBER THREAT PROTECTION: NETGEAR Armor (powered by BitDefender) is network-wide anti-virus, anti-malware, fraud/phishing/ransomware security on an unlimited number of devices for a 30-day free trial ($69.99/year).
WIRED ETHERNET PORTS: Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players and other nearby wired devices with 2 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
SAFE, SECURE AND LOADED WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Designed with MU-MIMO and beamforming technologies. Supports WPA2 wireless security protocols. Includes Guest Wi-Fi access, DOS, Firewall, VPN and more.

Product features

High Speed 2.2Gbps WiFi for Everyone

Orbi WiFi router with built-in 4G LTE modem delivers high speed 2.2Gbps WiFi for up to 25 devices inside your home.

Expandable Tri-Band Mesh WiFi Maximizes Coverage and Speed for Larger Homes

Each Orbi mesh satellite easily expands high performance coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. Orbi tri-band mesh out performs all dual-band WiFi systems by using a third band dedicated to router-satellite communication, freeing up the other two bands for maximum speed to your devices.

Always-On Internet

Get instant 4G LTE Internet by inserting your cellular provider Nano SIM card. For backup Internet, Orbi will seamlessly switch over to 4G LTE whenever your existing Internet service fails.

Advanced Threat Protection & Smart Parental Controls

NETGEAR Armor multi-layer security protects devices with anti-virus, anti-malware, and data theft protection software. Use Circle smart parental controls to easily pause the Internet, set time schedules and filter websites.

Easy to Setup and Manage

Use the Orbi app to set-up your WiFi, customize settings, test/monitor WiFi speed, and control your WiFi anytime, anywhere, within minutes.

Gigabit Ethernet Ports for Fast Connections

Experience fast connections with 1 WAN/LAN + 1 LAN Gigabit Ethernet ports, eliminating the need for multiple products and multiple wires.

Alcatel LINKZONE | Mobile WiFi Hotspot | 4G LTE Router MW41TM | Up to 150Mbps Download Speed | WiFi Connect Up to 15 Devices | Create A WLAN Anywhere | GSM Unlocked

Alcatel

Based on 304 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Stay connected at high speeds wherever you go with the Alcatel LINKZONE mobile hotspot device. Browse the internet, stay updated on social media, and shop online using your own private Wi-Fi network. Enjoy reliable high-speed internet so you can get things done at home, on-the-go, in the car, or at the office. LINKZONE allows you to connect up to 15 devices simultaneously, letting the whole family join the action. Keep your devices connected all day long with an 1800 mAh capacity that gives you up to 6 hours of work time. Monitor all connected devices and manage everyone’s 4G LTE data usage using the Alcatel Web app, easily accessible from any web browser.

DOES THIS DEVICE NEED A SIM CARD: Yes it does Being that this device is GSM unlocked it will work on any GSM Network with a Micro size SIM Card The sim card does not come included, you will need to contact your Network Provider to acquire your complimentary Sim card (Free from most Carriers with activating of an account).
WHAT NETWORK FREQUENCIES ARE SUPPORTED BY THIS DEVICE: The Hotspot supports Bands FDD LTE: B2/4/12. WCDMA: B1/2/4/5 GSM: B2/3/5/8. Please contact your Network provider and inquire whether they support these bands in your area to ensure the device will work Properly
WELL, HOW LONG CAN IT LAST ME: A removable 1,800mAh battery that lasted for 6 hours of continuous streaming in our tests that's reasonable for a Small slick hotspot as well as a STANDBY TIME of 300 hours.
WHAT DOES UNLOCKED REALLY MEAN: Unlocked devices are compatible with GSM carriers the kinds that Use SIM Cards for Service like AT&T and T-Mobile as well as with GSM SIM cards (e.g. H20, Straight Talk, and select prepaid carriers) Unlocked Devices will not work with CDMA Carriers the kinds that don't use sim cards for service like Sprint, Verizon, Boost or Virgin (contact your network provider prior to purchasing for verification that they support GSM frequencies).
PSA: Max charging time is 10 hours. Do not leave device plugged in once it has been fully charged. Overcharging the battery may lead to overheating and battery malfunction. !!!NO CONTRACT NO COMMITMENTS!!!: This is your Hardware NO need to commit to any network (WILL NOT WORK ON VERIZON OR SPRINT),

User questions & answers

Question:	It works with T-mobile
Answer:	Yes. It works with T - mobile
Question:	Is there any recommendations on what type of SIM card to get for the hotspot
Answer:	I would recommend a GSM SIM card like AT&T and T-Mobile
Question:	Is this device read to use from out the box
Answer:	Need to put in sim card with date from provider
Question:	I want to use this as a hotspot at home for my laptop only..what is necsaasary
Answer:	Thank you for your question. Is necessary one simcard with data plan with the carrier that you prefer (T-Mobile, Verizon, Spring, A&T, etc) you can connect until 15 devices . The Hotspot is unlocked.