- High-End 5G Hotspots Rival Wired Broadband: The latest mobile hotspots (MiFi devices) support 5G speeds up to multi-gigabit levels and broadcast Wi-Fi 6/6E networks, effectively creating a portable broadband router techradar.com nascompares.com. In real-world tests, they’ve delivered hundreds of Mbps (and even higher in ideal conditions) – enough for HD streaming, video calls, and gaming on the go.
- Dedicated 5G Routers for Home/Office: Specialized 5G Wi-Fi routers with SIM slots can replace home internet, supporting dozens of devices (often 32–64 simultaneously) and offering Ethernet ports, external antennas, and advanced security features nascompares.com nascompares.com. They require AC power but provide stronger Wi-Fi coverage and stability, making them ideal for rural broadband or office backup nascompares.com nascompares.com.
- Wi-Fi 6E and 7 Are Here: Cutting-edge hotspots like Netgear’s Nighthawk M6 Pro introduced Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5 Gbps LAN, and 16-hour battery life nascompares.com nascompares.com. Now the first Wi-Fi 7 mobile router (Netgear M7 Pro) has arrived, boasting up to 6.4 Gbps wireless throughput and support for 64 devices – essentially a pocketable multi-gig router netgear.com netgear.com. These next-gen devices use the latest 5G modems (e.g. Snapdragon X75) ready for 5G-Advanced networks sonimtech.com sonimtech.com.
- Mobile Hotspots vs. Smartphone Tethering: While any modern smartphone can share a 5G connection, dedicated hotspots are purpose-built for continuous use. Phones often limit tethering (e.g. 5–10 devices max) and may throttle or overheat during prolonged hotspot use ezmobiledata.com bestbuy.com. Dedicated devices have larger batteries (5,000+ mAh), better antennas, and no carrier-imposed speed caps on data-only plans, ensuring faster and more reliable service for multiple devices.
- Rave Reviews (and Caveats): Power users praise top-tier hotspots like the Nighthawk M6/M7 for delivering “one of the fastest and most versatile mobile routers” available techradar.com, enabling remote work and 4K streaming virtually anywhere. Customers love the easy setup and strong signal that keeps them connected even in fringe coverage areas bestbuy.com. However, these premium units are expensive (~$700–$1000 unlocked) techradar.com, and some users note shorter battery life and heat build-up under heavy use (especially on 5G mmWave) bestbuy.com.
- Upcoming Tech and Devices: The industry is moving fast – rugged 5G Wi-Fi 7 hotspots like the Sonim H700 are debuting for first responders and outdoor use, featuring military-grade durability, removable 6000 mAh batteries, and even external antenna ports for connectivity in remote areas sonimtech.com sonimtech.com. On the phone side, new flagships (e.g. Galaxy and iPhone Pro models) are adopting Wi-Fi 6E/7 and advanced 5G modems, which will further boost tethering speeds and capacity. Expect more Wi-Fi 7 and 5G-Advanced capable routers in late 2024–2025, promising even faster and more efficient mobile broadband sharing.
Introduction: Sharing Blazing-Fast Cellular Internet
The era of gigabit mobile internet is here – 5G networks (and advanced 4G LTE) now deliver speeds once only seen on wired connections. This has fueled demand for devices that can share that ultra-fast data with multiple gadgets via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Whether you’re a digital nomad needing Wi-Fi on the road, a family connecting laptops and tablets, or a small business using cellular as backup, there’s a range of devices to keep you online:
- Mobile Hotspots (MiFi): Pocket-sized, battery-powered units that convert 4G/5G signals into Wi-Fi, ideal for travel or on-the-go use.
- Dedicated Cellular Routers: Larger router/modem units with SIM slots, antennas, and Ethernet ports – often used in homes, offices, vehicles or rural areas as a primary or secondary internet source.
- Smartphones with Hotspot/Tethering: High-end phones can double as 5G hotspots, leveraging their built-in modems to share internet in a pinch.
Each category has its pros and cons. We’ll compare the most popular and best-performing devices in each, looking at specs, real-world performance, battery life, network compatibility, security features, pricing, and more. We’ll also weave in expert commentary, user feedback, and the latest news on upcoming releases and technologies.
Let’s dive into the lineup of 2025’s top devices for sharing the fastest mobile internet…
Best Mobile Hotspots (MiFi Devices) for 4G LTE & 5G
Mobile hotspot devices – sometimes called MiFi (a generic term from a popular brand) – are compact, rechargeable gadgets designed purely to share a cellular data connection over Wi-Fi (and sometimes via wired links like USB or Ethernet). The latest 5G models are remarkably powerful, essentially miniature routers that can rival home Wi-Fi performance. Here are some of the standout options:
Netgear Nighthawk M6 & M6 Pro – Portable 5G Powerhouses
Netgear’s Nighthawk series has long been a benchmark for mobile hotspots, and the Nighthawk M6 Pro is its current flagship. This device is packed with high-end tech: 5G connectivity (including mmWave in the U.S. version) with theoretical downloads up to 8 Gbps, and Wi-Fi 6E networking to broadcast on the 6 GHz band for extra bandwidth techradar.com nascompares.com. It’s essentially a dual-purpose unit – a travel router and a 5G modem – featuring a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet LAN port so you can tether it to a desktop, switch, or existing router for even faster wired links nascompares.com nascompares.com. The M6 Pro’s 5,040 mAh battery is rated for about 13–16 hours of use on default settings techradar.com nascompares.com, and reviewers managed to get a full workday of continuous connectivity out of it techradar.com.
In testing, the Nighthawk M6 Pro has delivered impressively solid performance. TechRadar’s review found it “performed well” once connected – in a dense urban area with middling 5G coverage, it held a steady ~60 Mbps download while walking around, basically matching the phone’s own speed rating for that network techradar.com techradar.com. In areas with strong 5G signal (especially C-band or mmWave), users report hundreds of Mbps to over 1 Gbps on the Wi-Fi hotspot – easily handling 4K streaming and large file transfers. The unit can support up to 32 devices connected at once via Wi-Fi, which is double what many older hotspots or phones could manage ezmobiledata.com. Despite its cutting-edge capabilities, there are a few caveats: it’s very expensive (around $899–$999 unlocked retail) and truly aimed at power users or enterprise folks techradar.com. Netgear and carriers do offer it on contract/instalment plans to soften the blow. Also, not everyone will benefit from Wi-Fi 6E – only the newest laptops and phones support 6 GHz Wi-Fi – but it “future proofs” the device techradar.com. If you just need basic connectivity, this might be overkill. But for those who demand the fastest and most feature-rich hotspot, the Nighthawk M6 Pro is a class leader. (Netgear has even launched an M7 Pro on AT&T with the next-gen Wi-Fi 7 standard – more on that in the “Upcoming” section.)
User feedback: Owners of the M6 Pro love its performance but do note a few practical issues. In customer reviews, it earned high marks for easy setup, strong and reliable signal, and portability, allowing people to stay connected from remote job sites to road trips bestbuy.com. On the downside, some have observed that it can run hot during extended use and when charging, especially if pushing a lot of data on 5G UW (mmWave) bestbuy.com. The battery can drain faster under those conditions as well – Netgear provides options in the settings to trade off speed vs. battery life (you can lock the Wi-Fi to 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz only, reduce the range, etc. to extend uptime) techradar.com techradar.com. There’s even a setting to bypass the battery when plugged in (preserving battery health during 24/7 operation). Overall, the consensus is that the Nighthawk is “a fast and versatile mobile router” with features that justify its premium for those who truly need them techradar.com techradar.com.
Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G (M3000/M3100) – Carrier-Grade Hotspot at a Value
Inseego has a long history of building hotspots (they made the popular Verizon Jetpack devices), and the MiFi X PRO 5G is one of the best all-around 5G hotspots on the market in 2025. In fact, it’s the go-to device bundled by several carriers (Verizon’s MiFi X Pro 5G UW, T-Mobile’s 5G MiFi M2000, etc.) and by specialty mobile internet providers because it hits a sweet spot in price and performance ezmobiledata.com ezmobiledata.com. This unit typically retails around $350 (and can be much less on contract or bundle deals), yet it delivers true 5G with support for both sub-6 GHz and mmWave bands (in the “UW” version) and dual-band Wi-Fi 6 networking ezmobiledata.com. It can connect up to 32 devices via Wi-Fi at once, similar to the Netgear ezmobiledata.com, and even includes a gigabit Ethernet LAN port for those who need a wired connection or want to plug into a router/switch ezmobiledata.com ezmobiledata.com. The battery is a beefy 5,050 mAh – Inseego touts all-day use, and it’s Quick Charge 3.0 capable for faster recharges ezmobiledata.com ezmobiledata.com. (One anecdote: 5,050 mAh is actually larger than the battery in an iPhone 14/15 Pro Max, to put it in perspective ezmobiledata.com.)
Real-world experience: The Inseego X PRO may not have Wi-Fi 6E or 2.5G ports, but in everyday use most people won’t miss those. It’s lightning fast on 5G – up to 1 Gbps throughput in ideal conditions per Inseego’s specs static.inseego.com – and reviewers consistently report solid, reliable connections. An ISP comparison site picked it as the “best overall” hotspot of 2025 for its combination of Wi-Fi 6, strong antennas, and use on major 5G networks highspeedinternet.com. Users appreciate that it’s unlocked and works with every major US and Canadian carrier (and many international), including on their latest 5G “Ultra Wideband” or “5G+” tiers ezmobiledata.com. In practice, this means you can take an unlocked unit and pop in a SIM (or eSIM) from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc., and it will connect to the provider’s fastest available 5G/LTE network without issue ezmobiledata.com. The device’s range and signal are quite good thanks to internal 4×4 MIMO antennas, and it even supports 24/7 usage – it’s rated for continuous operation if you leave it plugged in as a home router replacement static.inseego.com.
One limitation to note is that the MiFi X PRO 5G does not have Wi-Fi 6E, so it only uses 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands (Wi-Fi 6/ax). For most users and client devices, that’s perfectly fine (and actually can save power), but extremely heavy local traffic or future Wi-Fi 7 gadgets might tax it. Inseego likely prioritized maximizing the 5G performance and battery life at this price. For the vast majority, this hotspot “is more than good enough,” according to one provider, which is why they bundle it as the default choice for customers ezmobiledata.com. Only if you know you need Wi-Fi 6E or other niche features would you need to jump to a pricier unit ezmobiledata.com.
Other Notable Hotspots: D-Link, HTC, and Global Options
While Netgear and Inseego largely dominate the 5G hotspot space in North America, there are a few other devices worth mentioning:
- D-Link DWR-2101 5G Hotspot: A sleeper hit among tech enthusiasts, the DWR-2101 was lauded as “the best portable 5G router I have ever used” by one reviewer nascompares.com nascompares.com. It supports sub-6 5G and Wi-Fi 6, with a colorful touchscreen and even a full Gigabit Ethernet port. Uniquely, it packs a 14-hour battery life in testing – one of the longest of any 5G hotspot nascompares.com nascompares.com. This unit is a bit harder to find (D-Link released it a couple of years ago in select markets), but it’s a stellar performer for those who can get it.
- HTC 5G Hub: An innovative device that’s part hotspot, part smart display. The HTC 5G Hub has an Android-powered touchscreen and doubles as a media hub or even a basic streaming device. It was one of the first 5G hotspots (launched with Sprint’s 5G network) and supports up to 20 users. However, it only uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and is showing its age now. Newer options with Wi-Fi 6 will outperform it, but it’s a quirky option that some still use as a combo hotspot/mini-tablet.
- Unlocked Global Hotspots (Travel Wi-Fi): If your goal is to have internet on international trips, you might consider hotspots like the GlocalMe Numen Air 5G or Skyroam Solis 5G. These devices come unlocked and often offer the option of on-demand data via virtual SIMs (so you can purchase data packages without swapping physical SIMs in each country). They typically focus on broad band support over absolute speed – for example, the Numen Air 5G works in 100+ countries but does not support mmWave and in user tests it delivered only about one-third the speed of the Inseego 5G MiFi in the same location reddit.com. The upside is flexibility: no contract, easy setup via an app, and you only pay for the data you need when abroad. These are great for travelers, but if pure performance is the priority, carrier-tied devices usually have the edge in their respective networks.
- Budget 4G Hotspots: It’s worth noting that not everyone needs 5G. There are plenty of inexpensive 4G LTE hotspots (often $50–$100 range) like the Alcatel LinkZone, older Netgear Unite series, or Huawei E series. They usually offer ~150 Mbps to 300 Mbps LTE speeds and connect 10-15 devices travelandleisure.com travelandleisure.com. For basic connectivity or if you’re on a tighter budget, these can still get the job done for email, standard-definition streaming, and web use. Just be aware they will struggle with high-bandwidth tasks or many concurrent devices. As 5G coverage expands and the tech matures, the price of 5G hotspots is gradually coming down – making it more sensible to invest in a 5G-capable gadget for future-proofing if you can.
Security & Wi-Fi features: Modern mobile hotspots typically include up-to-date security like WPA2 encryption (and many now support WPA3 for Wi-Fi, which is the latest standard). The network name (SSID) and password can be customized, and you’ll often have admin controls through a web UI or companion app. High-end models like the Nighthawk and MiFi X Pro also allow setting up guest Wi-Fi networks, viewing data usage, VPN passthrough, and other router-like settings. Always change the default admin password on your hotspot and use a strong Wi-Fi password to prevent unwanted users – these devices are essentially tiny routers, so treat them with the same security hygiene as home equipment.
Dedicated 5G Routers (SIM Routers) – Home and Office Solutions
For users who want to share a fast cellular connection in a fixed location (or in a vehicle/remote site), a dedicated 4G/5G router is often the best choice. These devices are not limited by battery size or ultra-portable design constraints, so they tend to have better antennas, stronger Wi-Fi signals, and more ports than mobile hotspots. They plug into AC power and often resemble standard Wi-Fi routers. Many integrate full-fledged router operating systems with firewall, NAT, VPN, and others, just with the addition of a SIM card slot (and cellular modem) inside. Here are some of the leading options and features in this category:
ZTE MC888 5G CPE – Affordable Home 5G Broadband
One highly regarded unit is the ZTE 5G CPE MC888, which one tech site crowned “one of the best value home SIM routers on the market” nascompares.com. Priced around $250–$300, it meets all the key criteria: 5G support (up to gigabit-class speeds), unlocked for any provider, and Wi-Fi 6 (AX3600) capability nascompares.com nascompares.com. The ZTE has two Gigabit Ethernet ports which can serve as LAN outputs or one can be repurposed as a WAN input (if you want to attach a secondary internet source or mesh system) nascompares.com. Notably, it can handle up to 64 simultaneous device connections over Wi-Fi, far beyond what a typical battery hotspot or phone could manage nascompares.com nascompares.com. This makes it suitable for a family home or small office. Because it’s a mains-powered “CPE” (customer premises equipment), it’s not meant to be portable – it’s more of a fixed wireless access router. Many cellular providers actually rebrand this ZTE model and provide it with their home 5G internet plans nascompares.com, which is a testament to its capability. By buying it outright unlocked, users have the freedom to use a data SIM of their choice without being locked into a lengthy contract nascompares.com.
In use, devices like the ZTE CPE are usually plug-and-play: insert SIM, power on, and connect your devices to its Wi-Fi network. They often have internal antennas (the ZTE has 6 internal antennas covering 5G and Wi-Fi) and sometimes external antenna ports for those in weak signal areas. Speeds will depend on your 4G/5G coverage, but these routers can maximize throughput thanks to better reception – they can be placed by a window or high location for optimal signal. The ZTE MC888, for example, is known to be used in offices where wired broadband is unavailable; it’s delivered reliable 100–300 Mbps service for many, effectively replacing cable/DSL. For heavy use, it’s also built to run 24/7 without concerns about battery wear. Security-wise, it supports the usual WPA2/WPA3 encryption and has a full web management interface with features like firewalls, port forwarding, and device management nascompares.com nascompares.com. It’s a great entry point for those looking to cut the cord for home internet.
Zyxel NR5101 – Small Biz Workhorse
Zyxel’s NR5101 is another popular 5G Wi-Fi 6 router, often aimed at small businesses or power users. It’s a bit more expensive (around $350–$400) but brings some extra features: for instance, it has two LAN ports, with the ability to handle 2 Gbps of combined wired traffic, and a USB 3.0 port for network storage or backup connectivity nascompares.com nascompares.com. It also allows hooking up external antennas (two connectors) if you need to boost 5G reception in low-signal areas nascompares.com. The Wi-Fi is dual-band AX4200 (theoretical 4.2 Gbps), plenty for typical needs nascompares.com nascompares.com. Like the ZTE, it supports 64 concurrent devices and all the expected router features (NAT, DHCP, port filtering, etc.). Zyxel is a well-known brand in networking, and this unit has found favor among folks setting up temporary offices, construction site trailers, or rural homes. One review noted it’s often sold by carriers in Europe in very pricey contracts – but purchasing it outright can save a lot in the long run nascompares.com. Once set up, it delivered a “solid internet solution” able to handle dozens of devices sharing a 5G connection nascompares.com nascompares.com.
GL.iNet Spitz AX (GL-X3000) – Feature-Packed Enthusiast 5G Router
For networking geeks who want maximum control, the GL.iNet GL-X3000 “Spitz AX” is a standout. This compact 5G router (~$500) runs on OpenWrt, an open-source router OS, which means you can customize it extensively – install VPN servers/clients, run scripts, even add packages. It literally has an integrated 8 GB flash storage and a microSD slot to support applications or file sharing nascompares.com nascompares.com. The hardware is packed: Wi-Fi 6 (AX3000), dual-SIM slots (with automatic failover between two carriers), one 2.5 Gbps LAN/WAN port + one 1 Gbps port, and six external antennas (4 for 5G, 2 for Wi-Fi) for maximum range nascompares.com nascompares.com. It even has a USB 3.0 port that can support a tethered phone or modem for a third WAN option, or for sharing USB storage. In terms of capabilities, “it might be one of the most impressive feats of network engineering” seen in a mobile router, as one expert put it nascompares.com. In short, it combines the full features of a high-end wired router with the flexibility of 5G.
The Spitz AX is great for tech-savvy users – for example, an RV traveler or remote office worker who wants redundancy (multiple SIMs or WAN inputs), robust VPN and firewall options, and maybe the ability to tinker. It doesn’t have an internal battery (it’s meant to be plugged in), but you could pair it with a DC power source or battery pack if mobility is needed. Because it’s based on OpenWrt, it has things like WireGuard and OpenVPN built-in, with a physical toggle switch that can activate a VPN on demand nascompares.com nascompares.com (great for privacy when on public networks). The presence of dual SIM and multi-WAN failover means you can ensure nearly 100% uptime – if your primary 5G network drops, it can auto-switch to the backup (or even a USB tethered phone) within seconds. This kind of device goes beyond typical consumer needs, but it’s a dream for those who want ultimate flexibility. The only downsides: it’s expensive and not as polished or “plug and play” as something like the ZTE or Zyxel. But if you have the budget and know-how, the GL-X3000 is almost in a class of its own.
Other Dedicated Router Options:
There are many other 4G/5G router models out there. A few honorable mentions:
- Cudy P5 5G Router: A relatively affordable dual-SIM 5G Wi-Fi 6 router that has garnered praise for its strong connectivity and security features at a mid-range price. It supports up to 2.4 Gbps 5G downloads and includes built-in VPN server support (OpenVPN, WireGuard) and even Cloudflare DNS over HTTPS for privacy cybernews.com cybernews.com. The Cudy P5 is cited as having “impressive speeds, stable signal, and robust build quality” in customer reviews cybernews.com. It lacks a battery and is a bit bulkier than hotspot devices, but for home use it’s a solid contender, especially in areas where bigger brands are costly.
- MikroTik Chateau 5G: MikroTik (a respected router manufacturer) has a line of LTE/5G routers like the Chateau series. These run RouterOS, a very powerful OS favored by networking professionals. The Chateau 5G model supports Wi-Fi 5 (ac) on current versions – a newer AX model is coming – and is known for its excellent signal handling and advanced QoS capabilities. It’s an option for those who might already be in the MikroTik ecosystem.
- Carrier-Specific 5G Gateways: Providers like Verizon, T-Mobile, etc., offer their own 5G home internet gateways (often included with the service). Examples include the T-Mobile High-Speed Internet Gateway (by Nokia or Askey) and Verizon’s 5G Home Router. These are typically locked to the carrier and optimized for simplicity – you plug it in and it auto-connects to the assigned 5G network. They can be great if you’re sticking with one carrier’s home plan, but they are not as flexible (no SIM swapping). Under the hood, they usually have similar specs (Wi-Fi 6, multiple LAN ports). One interesting note: Netgear’s Orbi line even has a Orbi 5G Mesh system, which combines a mesh Wi-Fi router with a 5G modem for whole-home coverage using cellular backhaul techradar.com.
Security and Management: Dedicated 5G routers generally offer router-grade security – WPA2/WPA3 Wi-Fi encryption, firewall settings, guest networks, etc., as mentioned. For example, the Zyxel and GL.iNet options allow things like MAC/IP filtering, DHCP reservations, port forwarding, and even DMZ hosting just like a normal router sonimtech.com sonimtech.com. Some devices (Cudy, GL.iNet) have easy toggles for VPN connections to encrypt all traffic. One thing to watch is that a few budget imports might lack WPA3 or have older firmware, so stick to reputable brands. Always update the router’s firmware when you can, for the latest security patches and band support.
Smartphones with Advanced Hotspot Tethering
Sometimes the best hotspot is the one you already have in your pocket: your smartphone. Modern 5G smartphones come equipped with very capable modems and can often share connections with multiple devices via Wi-Fi, USB, or Bluetooth tethering. High-end phones like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Google Pixel 7 Pro, or Apple iPhone 15 Pro can achieve remarkable speeds on 5G and then redistribute that to your laptop or other devices. That said, there are some important considerations if you plan to use a phone as your primary hotspot:
Performance: In terms of raw network capability, flagship phones use the same top-tier 5G chips that dedicated hotspots do. For instance, many late-2023/2024 phones use the Snapdragon X65 or X70 modem (or equivalent), supporting multi-gigabit throughput. In ideal conditions, a phone can absolutely pull down over 1 Gbps on mmWave 5G and several hundred Mbps on mid-band 5G, then feed that to your laptop over Wi-Fi. Phones today also have Wi-Fi 6 or 6E radios, meaning the local hotspot link can exceed 1 Gbps if using 5 GHz or 6 GHz Wi-Fi. Samsung’s recent models even let you choose the hotspot frequency band – 2.4 GHz for compatibility, 5 GHz for speed, or 6 GHz (“Wi-Fi 6E”) for the newest, fastest option eu.community.samsung.com. This can make a noticeable difference: on congested 2.4 GHz, your tethered speeds might be modest, but on 5 GHz or 6 GHz, the phone can fully utilize its bandwidth. For example, one user noted that using the 6 GHz hotspot band on a Galaxy phone made the connection “super fast,” as it avoided the interference common on other bands eu.community.samsung.com. So, in pure capability, smartphones are no slouch – a top phone plus a top cellular plan can indeed rival a dedicated hotspot for speed.
Limits and Throttling: The caveat is that mobile carriers often impose restrictions on phone tethering. Many consumer plans have a tethering data cap or will deprioritize hotspot data after a certain amount (e.g. 20 GB or 50 GB) even if they advertise “unlimited” smartphone data. For instance, T-Mobile’s Magenta Max plan offers 40 GB of high-speed hotspot use; beyond that, speed may be reduced highspeedinternet.com. Some plans outright block hotspot use unless you pay extra. By contrast, a data-only plan with a dedicated hotspot device might allow higher usage or not trigger throttling as quickly. It’s important to check your plan’s fine print. There’s also the point that some carriers restrict the devices that can be used – a few MVNOs and prepaid carriers detect certain phone models and won’t allow hotspot or will route it differently. In practice, many people use phone tethering for light or backup usage and it’s fine, but if you intend to use hundreds of gigabytes through a hotspot, a dedicated plan/device is usually more suitable ezmobiledata.com.
Battery and Heat: Using a smartphone as a hotspot is one of the more demanding tasks for it. The phone’s radio is actively transmitting data and its CPU is managing network address translation for multiple clients – in short, the phone is working hard. This leads to rapid battery drain and potential overheating. Most phones will get noticeably warm when tethering for long periods. If you’ve ever used your phone’s hotspot for, say, an hour-long Zoom meeting on your laptop, you might have seen the battery drop significantly. Some phones and plans allow you to tether while plugged into a charger (recommended to slow the drain), and USB tethering can charge the phone while in use. But be aware: constant heat is not great for a phone’s battery longevity. A mobile internet provider even cautioned that phones “aren’t designed to provide internet for a prolonged period” and should be used in hotspot mode only short-term, otherwise you risk shortening your phone’s battery lifespan ezmobiledata.com. If you need all-day hotspot usage regularly, you’ll either want a dedicated device or perhaps a spare phone dedicated to this purpose.
Connection limits: Smartphones typically limit the number of devices that can connect via hotspot. iPhones often allow up to 5 devices at once (this has been anecdotally confirmed on recent models) apple.stackexchange.com. Many Android phones allow more – often 10 devices is the default max, and some UI shows how many are connected reddit.com apple.stackexchange.com. A few Android phones or carrier-specific firmwares might allow 15 or 20, but that’s rare. Practically, even 5-10 devices can heavily load a phone. By comparison, dedicated hotspots regularly handle 15–30 clients, and routers 30–60+. So if you need to share with a whole team or family, a phone could be a bottleneck in terms of client count.
Advanced phone hotspot features: On the plus side, phones have gotten smarter about tethering. Both iOS and Android support Auto Hotspot features (for example, Apple’s Instant Hotspot allows your other Apple devices to automatically connect without entering a password). Some Android phones let you share not just cellular data but also extend a Wi-Fi network (though generally enabling hotspot will turn off Wi-Fi, a few custom ROMs/OEMs offer a repeater function). Security-wise, your phone’s hotspot will use WPA2 by default (some newer ones may use WPA3 if the clients support it). It’s a good idea to set a strong hotspot password (don’t use the easy default).
A few phones are even marketed for their hotspot abilities. For example, certain rugged smartphones or niche models have larger batteries and software optimized for hotspot use. The Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) got a shout from some users as a great budget tethering phone due to its big battery and low cost (so you wouldn’t mind running it 24/7) reddit.com. Another example: the Asus ROG Phone series (gaming phones) have huge batteries (6000 mAh) and advanced cooling – they could double as heavy-use hotspots without overheating as quickly. And of course, if you carry a high-end phone like a Galaxy S or iPhone Pro, know that it can serve in a pinch for high-speed tethering. In fact, one travel writer noted that a dedicated travel hotspot (TravelWifi Sapphire 4G) provided a “noticeably better connection than our phone in hotspot mode” during an international trip travelandleisure.com – implying that phones might not always maximize connection stability. However, with strong 5G signal, a phone can be extremely capable.
Bottom line: Using your smartphone as a hotspot is perfect for occasional or emergency use, or even regular light use (checking email on your laptop, etc.). If you’re a person who only needs to tether a tablet or PC once in a while, there’s no need for extra hardware – just enable your phone’s hotspot and go. But if you’re relying on a hotspot for work every day, or need to support many devices or constant high-bandwidth uptime, you’ll quickly feel the strain on the phone (and possibly run into plan limits). That’s when stepping up to a dedicated hotspot or router pays off, as outlined above.
Latest News and Upcoming Devices in 2024–2025
The world of mobile connectivity never stands still. Here are some of the trends and new developments on the horizon that anyone interested in sharing internet over cellular should know about:
- Wi-Fi 7 Hotspots Arrive: 2024 saw the launch of the first Wi-Fi 7 capable hotspots. Netgear’s Nighthawk M7 Pro (model MR7400) was introduced for AT&T, marking the world’s first mobile hotspot with the Wi-Fi 7 standard netgear.com. Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) brings even wider channels (320 MHz) and multi-link operation, enabling wireless LAN speeds up to ~5–6 Gbps on a device like the M7 Pro netgear.com netgear.com. In practical terms, the M7 Pro can blanket a 2,000 sq. ft. area with coverage for up to 64 devices – it’s powerful enough to serve as a primary home router, yet small enough to toss in a bag for travel netgear.com netgear.com. It’s also rocking the latest Snapdragon X75 5G modem, which is 5G-Advanced ready. The X75 supports newer 5G features (like better carrier aggregation and uplink 4×4 MIMO) and very high peak speeds (Netgear quotes up to 6 Gbps on sub-6 5G) netgear.com netgear.com. We expect other manufacturers to follow with Wi-Fi 7 hotspots in late 2024 and 2025, especially as more client devices (laptops, phones) begin to support Wi-Fi 7. This will reduce local wireless bottlenecks and allow multiple high-bandwidth devices to use a hotspot simultaneously without slowing down. Of course, these will be premium devices, but as history shows, today’s “Pro” features tend to trickle down to mainstream in a couple of years.
- Rugged and Specialty Hotspots: An interesting development is the emergence of ultra-rugged hotspots for enterprise and public safety. In October 2024, Sonim Technologies debuted the Sonim H700 mobile hotspot in partnership with Telstra (Australia) – calling it the “world’s first rugged Rel 17 5G + Wi-Fi 7 hotspot” sonimtech.com. This brick of a device is built to MIL-STD-810H and IP68 standards (water, dust, shock resistant) for use in harsh conditions sonimtech.com. It features the same Snapdragon X75 and Wi-Fi 7 combo, but also adds things like external antenna ports, a removable 6000 mAh battery, and even a mode to run without battery for extended periods while plugged in (to preserve battery health) sonimtech.com sonimtech.com. It supports up to 32 Wi-Fi clients (plus two more via wired tethering) sonimtech.com sonimtech.com. The H700 is clearly targeted at first responders, construction sites, remote industrial use – basically, scenarios where a standard consumer hotspot might not survive. Its introduction shows how 5G is expanding into niche use-cases. We might see similar rugged hotspots or “Pro” variants from others, especially as 5G becomes mission-critical in more fields.
- 5G Advanced and Beyond: On the network side, carriers are rolling out updates that will improve hotspot performance. 5G Advanced (3GPP Release 18) is the next evolution beyond current 5G, slated for 2024–2025 deployments. Devices with newer modems (like Snapdragon X75) will be ready to leverage features like better carrier aggregation (combining more frequency bands for speed), improved uplink throughput (useful if you’re uploading large files via hotspot), and lower latency modes. We don’t have to dive into tech specs, but the takeaway is that the infrastructure is getting an upgrade and the latest hotspots will be able to take advantage automatically as carriers enable these features. Additionally, more mid-band 5G spectrum (like C-band and 3.45 GHz in the US) is coming online, which will increase coverage and speeds for existing 5G devices. So even your current hotspot might perform better in 2025 than it did in 2022, simply because the network got stronger.
- Satellite Integration: A horizon item – not directly “GSM/5G”, but worth a mention – is satellite connectivity in mobile devices. Some smartphones now offer satellite SMS/SOS features (Apple’s Emergency SOS, etc.), but looking ahead, technologies like NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) could allow standard 5G phones and hotspots to connect to satellites for basic data in remote areas. Early steps are being taken (e.g., Starlink’s direct-to-cell service planned for T-Mobile). While satellite data will be much slower than 5G, the fusion of cellular and satellite might mean your future hotspot or phone could fall back to a satellite link if no cell towers are around. That could be a game-changer for truly global coverage, albeit at low bandwidth. It’s something to watch beyond 2025.
- New Entrants and Models: Keep an eye out for new hotspot models from both well-known and upstart brands. For example, Inseego may release a successor to the MiFi X series with Wi-Fi 6E or 7. Huawei (outside the U.S.) continues to make 5G CPEs and portable hotspots (their 5G Mobile WiFi Pro series packed big batteries and even power bank functionality). Smaller brands from the networking world, like AVM (Fritz!Box in Europe) or OPCOM, might introduce 5G versions of their LTE routers. And of course, as mentioned, mainstream phone makers will make tethering even faster: the Samsung Galaxy S24 series and other 2024 flagships are expected to support Wi-Fi 7 hotspot capabilities and come with new modems that can handle better 5G carrier aggregation. An enthusiast on Reddit imagining the S24 Ultra’s tethering setup pictured using USB 3.2 tethering plus Wi-Fi 7 hotspot simultaneously to feed an AR/VR headset – a use-case that wasn’t even conceivable a few years back reddit.com. We really are reaching the point where wireless broadband can do almost anything a wired link can.
In summary, the landscape for sharing internet over cellular is brighter than ever. Whether you choose a pocket-sized hotspot, a beefy home 5G router, or just your 5G phone, you have options to get fast, secure Wi-Fi anywhere you have a cell signal. By comparing the devices and considering your specific needs (portability, number of users, budget, carriers, etc.), you can pick the solution that will keep you connected at high speed. And with new devices and technologies on the way, expect your mobile internet sharing to become only faster and more seamless in the coming years.
Sources:
- Cliff Joseph, TechRadar – “Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro Review” (May 31, 2023) techradar.com techradar.com
- EZ Mobile Data – “Best Hotspot Device in 2024?” (provider blog) ezmobiledata.com ezmobiledata.com
- HighSpeedInternet.com – “Best Hotspots 2025” (Feb 2023) highspeedinternet.com highspeedinternet.com
- NASCompares – “Best 5G SIM Routers 2023/2024” (review guide) nascompares.com nascompares.com
- Netgear Blog – “World’s First WiFi 7 5G Mobile Hotspot (M7 Pro)” (2024 announcement) netgear.com netgear.com
- Sonim Press Release – “Introducing the Sonim H700 (Rugged Wi-Fi 7 Hotspot)” (Oct 28, 2024) sonimtech.com sonimtech.com
- Best Buy Customer Reviews – Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro (summary of user feedback) bestbuy.com
- Reddit – User feedback on GlocalMe Numen Air vs. MiFi X Pro (2023) reddit.com
- Travel+Leisure – “Tested: Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots 2025” (TravelWifi hotspot review) travelandleisure.com
