Why rely on public hotspots when you can bring a personal Wi-Fi network with you wherever you go? These are the top mobile hotspots we've tested for each major US carrier.
Shop Best Buy for mobile hotspots. Access the Web from virtually anywhere with a portable Wi-Fi hotspot device. Get Mi-Fi with or without a cellular contract.
What Are Hotspots and How Do They Work? Wi-Fi hotspots are a way to get online when you’re traveling or working outside your home or office and don’t have access to a regular Wi-Fi network.
Simply put, hotspots are the physical places where users can wirelessly connect their mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to the Internet. A hotspot can be in a private location or a public one, such as in a coffee shop, a hotel, an airport, or even an airplane.
A complete overview of Wi-Fi hotspots, explaining what they are and how they function. Also covers setup, security practices, and troubleshooting tips.
Most hotspots work by using cellular data to connect devices to the internet via Wi-Fi (also sometimes spelled wifi or wi-fi). This enables users to quickly connect any of their mobile devices to the internet through a single access point.
Both wireless hotspots have the same design, with differences between the two being more on the side of added conveniences. We’ll go over these features in detail just ahead.
Compare the 10 best portable WiFi hotspots for 2026 with 5G speeds, all-day battery life, and global coverage. Includes carrier plan comparisons and buying guide.