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.
Verizon
Current Hotspots
Obsolete Hotspots
- Ellipsis MHS900L by Franklin
- Novatel MiFi 6620L
- Pantech MHS291L
- Ellipsis MHS800L / MHS815L by Franklin
- Ellipsis MHS 700L by Franklin
- Novatel 5510L
- Novatel 4620L
AT&T
Current Hotspots
- None
Obsolete Hotspots
- Moxee Mobile Hotspot by KonnectONE
- Unite Pro 781S by Netgear
- Velocity MF923 by ZTE
T-Mobile/Sprint
Current Hotspots
- ZMax Connect by ZTE
- Franklin T10
- LINKZONE 2 by Alcatel
Obsolete Hotspots
- Franklin T9
- Arch 4G by ATEL
- LINKZONE by Alcatel
- Coolpad SURF / MetroSMART
- Falcon Z-917 by ZTE
- Falcon Z-915 by ZTE
- R910 by Franklin (Sprint)
- R850 by Franklin (Sprint)
- Fuse AC779S by Netgear (Sprint)
- Zing AirCard 771S by Netgear
News, Video & Status
Review Status:
We don't normally test this level of device, as our focus is more on devices suited for our members interested in more robust and capable gear.
News Stories:
Alternatives to Consider
For other popular mobile hotspots on the market - here are our featured options:
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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.
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.
Mobile Internet Resource Center is founded by Chris & Cherie of