The best mobile hotspots for gaming - Top 4 picks of 2021

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Having the right internet connection ensures an optimal online gaming experience. This guide highlights the best mobile hotspots for gaming devices, how they work and ways to enhance having one.

These devices represent the best hotspots for gaming available:

Finding the best mobile hotspot for gaming has never been easier with our guide as a resource, check out a few of our favorites.

Device	Price	Best for	Special features
Nighthawk LTE Mobile Hotspot Router	$$$	For overall performance	Connect up to 20 users concurrently
ZTE ZMax Connect MF928	$	For budget	Use with a variety of prepaid mobile providers
T-Mobile Inseego 5G MiFi2000	$$$	For plans and speed	Receive speeds up to 5G with a 100GB plan for $50/mo.
Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L	$$	For customer satisfaction	Fast download speeds, data monitoring, and a touchscreen for easy use

Why do you need a mobile hotspot?

A hotspot works by connecting a computer, gaming console or other electronics to a cellular network through a mobile hotspot device or smartphone. Your phone can act as one. Once activated, you can use the high-speed connection to power other devices for gaming. When you go this route, your issuer deducts the usage from your overall internet plan.

Another option is to buy a hotspot device. Once you have a hotspot, you can do a pay-as-you-go option with some providers. With others, you have a monthly plan. It allows you to access their network’s high-speed internet up to a specific usage.

How we choose the best mobile hotspot for gaming

We examined criteria like price, speeds, customer reviews and other features.

We examined criteria like price, speeds, customer reviews and other features. Then, we broke them down into categories like best overall, great value, fast internet speeds and customer satisfaction.

Best overall:

Nighthawk LTE Mobile Hotspot Router
Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L
T-Mobile Inseego 5G MiFi M2000
Skyroam Soils Lite

Best budget mobile hotspot

ZTE ZMax Connect MF928
Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L
Alcatel LINKZONE2
Skyroam Soils Lite

Best for plans and speed

T-Mobile Inseego 5G MiFi2000
Skyroam Soils Lite
Nighthawk LTE Mobile Hotspot Router
Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L

Best for customer satisfaction

Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L
Nighthawk Jetpack MiFi 8800L
Inseego MiFi M2100 5G UW mobile hotspot
Alcatel LINKZONE2

Learn more about our methodology

Best overall mobile hotspot for gaming : Nighthawk LTE Mobile Hotspot Router

The Netgear Nighthawk LTE Mobile Hotspot Router can support up to 20 connections at one time. You also gain access to AT&T’s robust network, with download speeds timing out around 40 Mbps. Keep this in mind if your gaming requires more bandwidth, as you might experience some latency.

Meanwhile, the battery life for the hotspot is stellar. It allows you to use the device for an entire day on a single charge, a must-have for gamers. And with Ethernet connectivity, you receive the fastest, most reliable connection. While the price is a little steep, you can make monthly installment payments of less than $10 to break up costs with a 36-month contract if you purchase directly from AT&T. Overall, it is a versatile unit capable of handling some gaming demands.

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Best budget mobile hotspot: ZTE Z Max Connect MF928

If you are on a budget, the ZTE Z Max Connect MF928 is a wise deal for you. It offers connectivity to a wide variety of prepaid providers, allowing you to choose the deal that best fits your needs and budget.

Moreover, users note the compact device is so convenient it can fit into your pocket. Another user remarked it worked well for his smart TV, though he does recommend upgrading to the unlimited data plan with whichever carrier you select. Overall, it is a powerful device that allows you to access fast speeds at a price that won’t break the bank.

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Best mobile hotspot for plans and speed: T-Mobile Inseego 5G MiFi2000

Best hotspot for plans and speed: T-Mobile Inseego 5G MiFi2000

A bit pricier than the other options, the T-Mobile Inseego 5G MiFi2000 is not available anywhere other than at T-Mobile. However, you also receive the plan and internet speeds you need for optimal gaming. With this device, you can access T-Mobile’s 5G network (availability varies) with 100GB of data for only $50.

To keep your data private, it features Enterprise-Grade Security, with a virtual private network and WPA3. Furthermore, you can connect up to 30 devices at once, giving you the ability to game with a larger party.

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Best mobile hotspot for customer satisfaction: Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L

The greatest mobile hotspot for customer satisfaction: Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L

The 2.4-inch touch screen of Verizon’s Jetpack MiFi8800L allows you to control the device with a press of a button. It also is capable of connecting 15 users concurrently to take advantage of Verizon’s 4G LTE network. And for peace of mind security, Verizon protects your data with data monitoring, advanced VPN, and a self-created guest network.

One user notes the speeds they receive with the device are faster than their smartphone hotspot. Another owner indicates you use the touch screen to discover internet speed, battery levels and more. Overall, it is a compact device capable of delivering the speeds you need for gaming and other online activities.

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What are the benefits of a mobile hotspot?

Here are some of the benefits you receive with a mobile hotspot:

Versatility: Game from a hotel room, coffee shop or your home. Your mobile hotspot offers a strong signal, provided there is a cellular tower nearby. If so, ensure your device or smartphone has full power, and you can plug and play pretty much anywhere.
Connectivity: With a hotspot, you can have multiple users connect to the same network concurrently. It allows you to play games with your roommates, family and friends.
Ease of use: Connecting to a mobile hotspot is simple. Access the hotspot feature on your phone under Settings, then find the network key and passcode. Go to the device you want to connect to the network, find the network name, enter the key and passcode. It is also easier than scouring the area for a free Wi-Fi hotspot.

Mobile hotspot for gaming buying tips

When shopping for a device, here are some considerations:

Plan offerings: Gaming requires a lot of bandwidth, so finding an internet plan that offers fast download speeds and generous data usage is essential.
Network reliability: What are the coverage speeds in your area? Do other users experience latency regularly? Answering these questions provides insight into whether it is the right choice for you.
Security tools: Does the device offer data monitoring, WPA3 or VPN to protect your data?

The bottom line on gaming hotspots

Mobile hotspots are perfect for gamers on the go or those living in areas where reliable, fast internet options are minimal. Keep in mind that for you to receive the optimal gaming experience, finding the best internet options near you is essential.

Need a faster internet plan?

To enhance your gaming experience, having a fast internet plan is vital. Find all the internet options in your area to determine the one that fits your needs.

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Written by:

Sean Jackson

Sean Jackson is a contributor to the Allconnect.com team, focusing on broadband topics. He’s also written broadband and entertainment articles for CNET, TV Guide and other news outlets. Sean enjoys improv, playi… Read more