- Budget
Start with a budget. Think of how much you are capable of spending. Generally, hotspot devices cost around $100 to $250, but there are cheaper or more expensive options too. When checking out products, more expensive products doesn’t immediately mean they are better. There are a variety of brands out there that can provide your needs at a fair price, so find one that suits you with your budget in mind.
- Battery Life
Running out of battery without a way to recharge it immediately can be annoying, especially if you’re in the middle of a game. A reliable hotspot device that can last one whole day is reasonable enough to purchase. To last over a day, a strong battery life like a 5000 mAh battery will suffice; but if you can only afford a 1800 mAh one, you can use a powerbank to charge it on the go.
- Compatibility
Majority of hotspot devices work only with a specific SIM card. Select a device that’s compatible with your current smartphone service, for convenience’s sake. But if you don’t mind having separate bills, you can choose a separate service provider.
- Transmission Speed
Currently, 5G’s transmission speed boasts the highest, but only few areas have 5G integration which means you can’t fully use it in most areas. The ideal data transmission speed is 4G and 4G LTE. Just like home internet connection, you should look out for a service provider that can provide fast data speed for your needs.
- User-friendly
One reason why people are discouraged in buying mobile hotspot devices is the technical work involved in setting it up. You don’t need to fret, there are better user-friendly devices designed for ease of access. Make sure to learn the proper steps in using the device before buying it.
- Visual Display
Careful monitoring of mobile hotspot devices is important especially when it faces connectivity issues while traveling due to low signal or other discrepancies. Mobile hotspot devices can have information on the signal strength, internet issues, and device condition be displayed on your device as a visual feature. Other necessary details can be tracked like data usage, battery level, and number of recipients. Select the device that can display information that matters to you.
- Weight and size
You need to consider both weight and size when buying a mobile hotspot device. Make sure it’s something lightweight and you can easily pack around, especially if you plan to travel a lot.