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Modems & Hotspots: Buying Advice, Tips, and News

Latest Modem & Hotspot Stories

Why rely on public hotspots when you can bring a personal Wi-Fi network with you wherever you go? These are the best mobile hotspots we've reviewed for each major US carrier.

By Sarah Lord
Franklin Wireless JEXtream RG2100 5G Mobile Hotspot Review

Cellular signal boosters use big antennas to improve the coverage in your home or car. These are the top signal boosters for apartments, houses, and vehicles.

By Iyaz Akhtar & Sarah Lord
weBoost Home Studio
3.5

The TCL Linkport is a portable USB-C modem that easily and reliably connects a single device to T-Mobile's 5G network.

$96.00
at T-Mobile
By Iyaz Akhtar
TCL Linkport

MediaTek’s new 5G modem promises faster speeds, smarter connectivity, and satellite support for off-grid coverage.

By Iyaz Akhtar
MediaTek 5G illustration
4.0 Editors' Choice

The Franklin Wireless JEXtream RG2100's strong 5G support, long battery life, and ease of use make it the T-Mobile hotspot to beat.

$198.00
at T-Mobile
By Iyaz Akhtar
Franklin Jextream RG2100 leaning on coffee saucer
4.0

The sleek, easy-to-use HiBoost Sidekick cellular signal booster can improve 4G and 5G performance in your home for a reasonable price.

$259.99
at Amazon
By Iyaz Akhtar
HiBoost Sidekick Booster Unit

Calling all spring breakers and adventurers: Stay connected on the go with Walmart's collection of portable tech.

Checking emails during vacation - stock photo

Public Wi-Fi hotspots can be a hacker's paradise. Following these basic security tips can mean the difference between safe surfing and an ID theft or data-loss nightmare.

By Eric Griffith
Composite of woman using her laptop in a public place
3.5

The unlocked Netgear Nighthawk M6 mobile hotspot delivers strong 5G performance on AT&T and T-Mobile, but its battery life could be better.

$549.99
at Amazon
By Dave LeClair
4.5 Editors' Choice

If you're looking for a 5G hotspot on T-Mobile's speedy network, the Inseego MiFi X PRO 5G (M3000) is the one to buy.

$239.99
at Amazon
By Dave LeClair
4.0 Editors' Choice

Despite relying on a last-gen modem, Verizon's Orbic Speed 5G UW hotspot can get up to 30 devices online via the carrier's latest mid-band 5G network.

$299.99
at Verizon
By Sascha Segan

The first new nationwide carrier in 20 years is up and running.

By Sascha Segan

With widespread network coverage and fast data speeds, mobile cellular modems and hotspots are connecting more people than ever. Here's how we test the modems and hotspots we review.

By Sascha Segan

The Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro gets you all the flavors of AT&T's 5G, including its newest.

By Sascha Segan
Ethernet port
4.0 Editors' Choice

It isn't perfect, but the Netgear Nighthawk M5 is by far the most powerful and flexible 5G mobile hotspot currently available in the US.

$1,222.04
at Amazon
By Sascha Segan

The Netgear Nighthawk M5 is unlocked for AT&T, T-Mobile, and virtual carriers, giving you unusual flexibility.

By Sascha Segan
3.5

T-Mobile Home Internet, the first broadly available 5G home internet service, triumphs over DSL and can hold its own against cable, but it falls short of matching the speed and reliability of fiber.

$60/Month
at T-Mobile
By Sascha Segan
4.0

The weBoost Home Studio is a compact, convenient cell signal booster with a powerful outdoor antenna.

$349.99
at Amazon
By Sascha Segan & Rose Fox

The carrier has received over a dozen reports of the lithium ion battery inside Ellipsis Jetpack mobile hotspots overheating.

By Michael Kan
4.5 Editors' Choice

T-Mobile's first 5G hotspot delivers incredible speeds with an affordable $50/month 100GB service plan.

$79.49
at Amazon
By Sascha Segan