Plan to game on the go while you're away from home? Have you been frustrated with your connection options when mobile?
You're not alone. Many gamers have this same issue. But don't worry; we've got you covered.
In this article, we will discuss five of the best gaming hotspots out there. Whether you're strictly a mobile phone, handheld, or even console gamer, we've got you covered.
Don't lose any more games because of a poor internet connection. Find the best gaming hotspot for your needs and be able to game on the go without any frustration.
Read on to find the best mobile hotspot for you!
We hope you find just what you're looking for from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to fiddle with, but all opinions in this article are our own. Oh, and FYI — BestToGet may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy finding what’s best for you!
How We Choose The Best Hotspots For Gaming!
You're on the go a lot, but you don't want to miss out on your favorite online games.
It's tough to find a good gaming mobile hotspot that can handle all of your gaming needs. You need one that is fast, stable and has enough battery power to keep you going for hours on end.
After reading through hundreds of user reviews and doing our own research, we've found the best mobile hotspots for gaming. We've included a variety of models for various needs so you can choose the perfect one for you.
What We Love
Looking for a mobile hotspot that can keep up with your gaming? Look no further than the NETGEAR Nighthawk M1.
This hotspot is built for speed and reliability, with support for up to 20 connections and download speeds of up to 1Gbps.
Plus, the battery life is stellar – you can use it for an entire day on a single charge. And with Ethernet connectivity, you'll receive the fastest, most reliable connection possible.
The Nighthawk M1 also features a large 2.4-inch LCD screen that provides data usage monitoring, mobile signal strength, and network management information.
So if you're looking for a mobile hotspot that can handle your gaming needs, the NETGEAR Nighthawk LTE mobile hotspot is a perfect choice.
What You Should Know
NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 is one of the fastest mobile routers on the market. It can reach speeds of up to 1Gbps, making it ideal for gaming and other high-bandwidth activities.
The router is unlocked, so it can accept all SIM cards (excluding Sprint legacy network). However, it works best with AT&T and T-Mobile.
The NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 requires a Nano SIM card from your carrier and activation of a compatible BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) data plan. The M1 also has an Ethernet Port, USB C Port, and Dual TS-9 external antenna ports.
The only downside is that the router is a bit pricey. However, if you need the speed and flexibility that NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 offers, it is definitely worth the investment.
What We Love
If you're looking for an affordable, unlocked GSM hotspot that works with any carrier, the Alcatel LINKZONE is a great option.
This compact little device supports up to 15 devices, making it perfect for gaming and staying connected on the go. Plus, if you're on Verizon and their LTE now using the GSM standard, you'll be able to enjoy high-speed internet no matter where you are.
Keep in mind however, if you do plan on using this hotspot with Verizon, you should double-check compatibility before purchasing just to be safe.
What You Should Know
Alcatel LINKZONE is a good mobile hotspot for gamers who need internet access sporadically.
It has 4G LTE speed and WiFi 802.11b/g/n – 2.4 GHz. The rated battery life is up to 6 hours which is ok for getting a good amount of gaming going, but you won't be having any gaming marathons with it.
In addition, the weight of 87g and the removable 1800 mAh Lithium-Ion capacity make it portable and convenient to carry around.
There are some cons that the Alcatel LINKZONE has.
First of all, the short battery life may be a problem for some gamers.
Secondly, there is no screen and therefore, no indicator of network strength or usage, which means you have to be careful about the data used.
Lastly, the very limited mobile application could be improved for a more user-friendly experience.
But overall, Alcatel LINKZONE is a great mobile hotspot for gamers on a budget.
What We Love
Introducing the T-Mobile Inseego 5G MiFi M2000, a pocket-sized powerhouse built for speed and performance. With multi-gigabit 5G support, this device is capable of delivering blazing-fast speeds, making it perfect for gaming, streaming, and downloading.
The all-day battery means you can enjoy hours of uninterrupted use, while Qualcomm Quick Charge support means you can charge fast and keep your devices tapped up on power while on the go.
With the ability to connect up to 30 devices at once, you'll never have to worry about being left out of the action.
Plus, enterprise-grade security features keep your data safe and secure. And if that wasn't enough, the M2000 can also be used as a power bank to charge your smartphone.
So if you're looking for a top-of-the-line 5G device that can keep up with your demanding lifestyle, look no further than the T-Mobile Inseego 5G MiFi M2000.
What You Should Know
T-Mobile Inseego 5G MiFi M2000 is a T-Mobile exclusive and uses their latest Wi-Fi 6 technology to connect up to 30 devices with fast, seamless connections and 4G LTE fallback. Its Battery is 5050 mAh which should be enough for hours of gameplay.
On the downside, it has a basic interface, and the T-Mobile Inseego 5G MiFi M2000's price tag might turn some people off.
Also, this model is a T-Mobile exclusive. So those on other carriers need not apply.
What We Love
Introducing the Verizon Jetpack 8800L, the perfect device for anyone who needs an on-the-go connection.
This powerful hotspot provides amazing coverage and 4G LTE signal in many places across the United States.
Plus, with tons of features and an impressive 24 hours of battery life, the Jetpack 8800L is perfect for gaming, streaming, and staying connected wherever you are.
And if you need even more power, the Jetpack comes with an additional battery. So don't go anywhere without the Verizon Jetpack 8800L.
What You Should Know
Verizon's Jetpack 8800L is one of the more popular 5G hotspot devices. It's well-rounded with data transfer rates of 50-60 Mb per second, the ability to connect up to 15 WiFi devices, and a decent 4400 mAh battery.
However, it's not perfect. One con is that it's pricey. Another is that its build looks cheap and outdated compared to some of the other devices on the market. Nevertheless, it's a solid choice for anyone in need of a 5G hotspot device.
What We Love
The GlocalMe G4 Pro is a high-speed WiFi hotspot that gives you access to 4G LTE internet in over 140 countries. It's perfect for travelers who want to game, stay connected while abroad, or for anyone who wants to have a reliable backup internet connection.
The G4 Pro comes with 8GB of data for use in the US, and 1GB of data for use in other countries, with no contract or roaming fees. You can also use your own SIM card with the G4 Pro, which means you can choose your own data packages and stay on top of your usage.
The GlocalMe app makes it easy to track your data flow and signal strength, so you're always in control of your connection.
Whether you're seeking reliable internet access on your next vacation, have a few hours to game while waiting in an international airport, or looking for a backup plan for your home network, the GlocalMe G4 Pro has you covered.
What You Should Know
GlocalMe G4 Pro is a great device if you need freedom and to be able to connect up to 10 smart devices.
However, it comes with only US 8GB & Global 1.1GB Data, and the data plans can be confusing.
So let's be clear, this is not the best if you plan to game for hours and use lots of data. But the global pay as you go plans are great if you need that freedom and to be ready in a pinch wherever you are.
The GlocalMe app can be used to purchase more data if you need it. The power bank functionality is great for connecting and charging additional devices and gadgets. And the 3,900 mAh fast-charge battery lasts for up to 12 hours of continuous connectivity and use.
Overall, the GlocalMe G4 Pro is a great device for gamers who need freedom of contracts and want more choices for connections on a global scale.
Mobile Hotspots for Gaming FAQs
You want to know more about gaming with a mobile hotspot, but you're not sure where to start.
Gaming on the go can be a lot of fun, but it's hard to know which mobile hotspot is right for you. Do you need one that's specifically designed for gamers? What kind of features should you look for?
We've got you covered. In this FAQ section, we'll answer the most common questions about using a mobile hotspot for gaming. We'll help you choose the perfect hotspot for your needs and show you how to get the most out of your gaming experience.
Are hotspot devices good for gaming?
Yes, hotspot devices can be good for gaming, but there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, make sure that the device has a good connection and is up to date with the latest software patches.
Second, try to find a device that has a large data cap or an unlimited data plan. And finally, be aware of any potential security risks associated with using public Wi-Fi networks.
How long does 100GB of hotspot data last for gaming?
It depends on how you use it. If you're streaming videos or music, then it'll last for around 4 hours. But if you're using it for gaming, then it'll last for around 8 hours.
Is a 5G hotspot good for gaming?
It should be, yes.
5G hotspot offers much faster speeds and lower latency than 4G, which is important for gaming.
However, the extent to which 5G hotspot will improve gaming performance compared to 4G will depend on a number of factors, including the specific game being played, the quality of your internet connection, and your device's hardware.
Also, keep in mind that 5G data usage charges and possible limits may cut your playing time short and worse yet burn a hole in your wallet or purse.
How many Mbps do I need for gaming?
It depends on the type of gaming you're doing.
For multiplayer online gaming, you'll need at least 10 Mbps to ensure a smooth gaming experience. For single-player games or games that are streamed from the internet, 5 Mbps should be plenty.
How do I make my gaming hotspot better?
There are a few things you can do to make your mobile gaming hotspot better.
First, try to find an area with good reception. If you're in a place with poor reception, your hotspot will probably be slow and laggy.
You can also try disabling or turning off features on your phone or laptop that you don't need while you're playing games.
For example, if you're not using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, disable those features so they won't drain your battery. You can also turn down the brightness of your screen to save power.
Finally, make sure you have a good data plan with plenty of bandwidth. If you run out of bandwidth, your hotspot will slow down or stop working.
Is unlimited data good for gaming?
Yes, it most often is.
Having an unlimited plan means you can play for much longer without worrying that you will run out of data on your plan. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Some plans and providers will downgrade your connection after a certain amount of data has been used.
So don't expect to enjoy the same speeds indefinitely. Also, unlimited data plans usually do not carry over out of your regular coverage area. So be wary of where you connect.
Is a mobile hotspot strong enough for Xbox Live?
It depends on what type of mobile hotspot you are using.
If you are using a phone-based mobile hotspot, then the strength of the signal will depend on the strength of your phone's signal.
If you are using a dedicated mobile hotspot device, then the strength of the signal will depend on the strength of the device's signal.
Generally speaking, most mobile hotspots should be able to support at least one Xbox Live connection.
However, if you are trying to connect multiple devices or if you are playing games that require a lot of bandwidth, then you may need a stronger mobile hotspot device or a better signal.
Is 100GB enough for 1 month of gaming?
100GB is enough for 1 month of gaming if you're only playing single player games. However, if you're planning to play online multiplayer games, then you'll need a much higher bandwidth cap.
Online multiplayer games tend to require a lot more bandwidth because they involve streaming data from the game server to your computer. This can quickly add up if you're playing a game with a lot of other players.
For example, the popular online game Fortnite requires around 3GB of data per hour when played with max settings.
So if you plan on playing Fortnite or any other online multiplayer games, then you'll need a broadband connection with a higher bandwidth cap or one with a pay-as-you-go plan like the Nommi mobile hotspot.
Is 5G better than 4G for gaming?
Yes, 5G is better for gaming than 4G because it has higher bandwidth and lower latency.
Latency is the amount of time it takes for a packet of data to go from one point to another, and lower latency means faster response times and less lag.
Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred over a certain period of time, and higher bandwidth means that more data can be transferred at once, which is important for gaming.
Is USB tethering faster than a hotspot?
USB tethering is faster than a hotspot because it uses the phone's data connection instead of the wireless network. This means that there is less distance for the data to travel, and therefore it will be faster.
Can you play PlayStation on a hotspot?
Yes, you can play PlayStation on a hotspot.
However, the quality of the connection may not be as good as if you were playing it on a wired connection. Additionally, there may be some lag time if you are playing online.
Why is my 5G hotspot so slow?
There could be a number of reasons why your 5G hotspot is slow.
One possibility is that you're in an area with low 5G coverage. Another possibility is that the device you're using isn't capable of reaching peak speeds on 5G networks.
If you're having trouble getting good speeds on your 5G hotspot, try contacting your service provider or the manufacturer of the device to see if they can help troubleshoot the issue.
Is Bluetooth tethering faster than a hotspot?
There is no definitive answer to this question since it depends on a variety of factors, such as the quality of the Bluetooth connection, the strength of the hotspot signal, and how many devices are connected to each.
However, in general, it is likely that Bluetooth tethering will be somewhat faster than using a hotspot since there is less data being transmitted through the air.
Is a mobile hotspot better than a phone hotspot?
There are pros and cons to both mobile hotspots and phone hotspots.
With a mobile hotspot, you can have internet access anywhere there's cellular service. This is great for streaming videos or music, working on the go, or staying connected with friends and family. However, mobile hotspots tend to be more expensive than phone hotspots.
Phone hotspots use the data plan that comes with your phone service.
This can be a cheaper option than using a mobile hotspot, but it may not be as fast or as reliable. Additionally, you can only use your phone's data plan for up to five devices at once, whereas most mobile hotspots can connect up to 10 devices.
Does unlimited data mean unlimited hotspots?
Yes, it does. An "unlimited data" plan from a wireless carrier typically includes unlimited hotspot usage.
This means you can use your phone as a hotspot to connect other devices (such as laptops, tablets, or gaming consoles) to the internet.
Of course, there may be some restrictions on how much data you can use in a given month, but overall, you should be able to tether as many devices as you want.
The Best Gaming Hotspot For You!
Now that you know what these mobile hotspots provide and what to look for in the best mobile hotspots for gaming, go ahead and make your purchase so you can start playing on the go!
We’ve read through thousands of reviews from verified customers on Amazon to find the best hotspot for gaming and listed them above. We are sure that one will meet your needs. Tap the check price on Amazon button to find the best deals.
Thank you for stopping by. Please come back soon, and happy gaming.
You may also like some of our other articles: