Product Line-Up: Entry-Level Mobile Hotspots (Mobile Hotspots)

The major carriers frequently come out with what we consider basic, entry-level mobile hotspots that are typically priced at around $100 or less.

We categorize these as being LTE-only mobile hotspot devices with a low-end Category 3 or 4 modem and no antenna ports. These are simple, inexpensive devices that are really only suitable for basic needs.

These basic mobile hotspot devices typically support cellular bands optimized for a single carrier, and sometimes only the major bands used by that carrier. Multi-carrier support is usually minimal.

Since we typically don't review these low-end devices and they tend to frequently come and go in the market, we have consolidated them in this single Gear Center entry.

Basic Hotspot Listing by Carrier

This is a list of basic mobile hotspot devices available for each of the major cellular carriers. 

News, Video & Status

Review Status: 

As our focus is on hotspots suited for our members who want robust and more capable gear, we don't typically test entry level ones.   

However, there are a few that have crossed our desks. Check out these videos on the Franklin T10, Linkzone 2, Orbic Speed, and the ZTE Max.

News Stories:

• T-Mobile Releases Franklin T10 Entry Level LTE Hotspot Posted on: March 4, 2022
• Recalled: Verizon Ellipsis Jetpack Mobile Hotspot Due to Fire and Burn Hazards Posted on: April 9, 2021
• Product Release: ZMax Connect - A T-Mobile Compatible Hotspot With Antenna Ports by ZTE Posted on: August 26, 2020
• Orbic Speed Mobile Hotspot, New Entry Device Available for Verizon and Verizon Prepaid Posted on: August 14, 2020
• New Moxee Mobile Hotspot Released - Available for AT&T Business and Cricket Wireless Posted on: June 19, 2020

Alternatives to Consider

For other popular mobile hotspots on the market - here are our featured options:

Learn more about Selecting Hotspots

Netgear Nighthawk MR1100 - AT&T / T-Mobile

$299-$429

Inseego MiFi 5G M2000 - T-Mobile

$220-336

Quanta 5G Hotspot for T-Mobile

$198

Netgear Nighthawk M6 & M6 Pro 5G Hotspot - AT&T and Dish

$310-$460

Entry Level Mobile Hotspots - Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile

~$100

Multi-Carrier Cloud-Based Virtual SIM Plans

Orbic Speed 5G UW - Verizon

$299

Inseego 8800L - Verizon

$199

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Current mobile hotspot devices are usually purchased directly from the cellular provider. Obsolete devices may be found at other retailers, prepaid brands, data plan resellers or second-hand sources like Amazon or eBay. 

Further Education on Mobile Hotspots Cellular Mobile Hotspots (Jetpacks & MiFis)

Mobile hotspot devices are small, self-contained units that receive a cellular data signal and transform it into an internet connection. They are a cellular modem and router combined. Most can create their own personal Wi-Fi network.

They are typically designed with a specific cellular carrier in mind and require a suitable cellular data plan of their own to operate. You might see them called Jetpacks (Verizon's term for them) or MiFi (Inseego's name for them).

Here's a quick video going over the features of a hotspot, and what makes one better than another:

The guides below have been hand-picked to help further your education about selecting mobile hotspots and best utilizing them in your mobile internet setup. 

Understanding Cellular Modem Specifications (Mobile Hotspots, Routers, Phones)

Battery Health for Mobile Hotspot Devices – Preventing Swelling, Prolonging Life & Replacement

All About Cellular SIM Cards – Swapping, Resizing, Dual SIM & eSIM

Using a Carrier Specific Cellular Device on Another Carrier – Compatibility, APNs, & Configuring

Understanding & Selecting Mobile Hotspot Devices (MiFi, Jetpacks, AirCards)

Optimizing & Understanding Cellular Data Performance – Getting Better Speeds & Reliability

Top Cellular Data Plans for RVers & Cruisers – Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile

Ways to Use Cellular Data To Get Online: Mobile Hotspot, Smartphone, Tablet or Router?