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 modems (Cat-6 and below) 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

Review: Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro Mobile Hotspot MR7400 (Mobile Hotspot)

Review: Orbic Speed 5G Hotspots (Mobile Hotspot)

Review: RG2100 Series 5G Mobile Hotspot by Franklin (Mobile Hotspots)

Review: M3000 Series MiFi X Pro 5G by Inseego (Mobile Hotspot)

Review: Linkzone 5G UW by TCL (Mobile Hotspot)

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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. 

Cellular Data Devices: Smartphone, Hotspot, Router or Tablet?

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

Activating & Moving Data Plans on Cellular Devices – Compatibility, APNs & Configuring

All About Cellular SIM Cards – Swapping, Resizing, Multi SIM, eSIM, Cloud SIM, Virtual SIM & More

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

Mobile Hotspot Device – Selecting and Understanding MiFis, Jetpacks & AirCards

Mobile Hotspot Batteries – Protecting from Heat, Preventing Swelling, Prolonging Life & Replacement

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