The Best Mobile Hotspots for 2026

The Best Mobile Hotspots We've Tested for 2026 | PCMag

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p~*:not(#readMore,#trust-badge,#commerce-group)]:!hidden" x-data="{ readMore: false }" :class="{ '[&>p:first-of-type~*:not(#readMore)]:!block': readMore }"> Mobile hotspots create a small Wi-Fi network that allows you to connect multiple devices to the internet anywhere you have a cell signal, but figuring out which to get can be confusing. PCMag has been reviewing mobile hotspots for more than 15 years, so you can trust that our coverage is accurate and informed. Our current Editors' Choice winners include the Franklin Wireless JEXtream RG2100 5G for T-Mobile and the Orbic Speed 5G UW for Verizon, thanks to their consistent performance and user-friendly interfaces. However, the other models on this list are also worth considering. Make sure to click through to our full reviews and read to the end for a detailed guide that explains everything you need to know about choosing a hotspot and deciding whether phone tethering is a viable option for your needs.

Our Top Tested Picks

div:nth-of-type(n+11)]:hidden" :class="{ '[&>div:nth-of-type(n+11)]:!flex': showMore }"> Best T-Mobile Hotspot Franklin Wireless JEXtream RG2100 5G Mobile Hotspot (T-Mobile) $174.99 at Amazon See It Bottom Line Editors' Choice 4.0 Excellent this.$refs.template.innerHTML, onCreate: (instance) => this.tippyInstance = instance, onShow: (instance) => { this.escapeHandler = (e) => { if (e.key === 'Escape') instance.hide(); }; window.addEventListener('keydown', this.escapeHandler); }, onHide: (instance) => { if (this.escapeHandler) { window.removeEventListener('keydown', this.escapeHandler); this.escapeHandler = null; } }, onMount: (instance) => { const closeBtn = instance.popper.querySelector('[data-tooltip-close]'); if (closeBtn) closeBtn.addEventListener('click', () => instance.hide()); }, }; }, }">   What Our Ratings Mean 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies. The Franklin Wireless JEXtream RG2100's strong 5G support, long battery life, and ease of use make it the T-Mobile hotspot to beat. Jump To See More Details product_name }} Review" x-track-ga-click>Franklin Wireless JEXtream RG2100 5G Mobile Hotspot (T-Mobile) Review Pros li]:leading-normal"> Consistent and fast network speeds Intuitive web interface Easy setup Sturdy build Cons li]:leading-normal"> No Wi-Fi 6E