Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I also work with other affiliate partners and may be compensated from the links below. Details here.
While the majority of phones have mobile hotspot capability, a dedicated mobile hotspot can be beneficial for gamers in both rural areas and traveling abroad.
Instead of tying up your phone, you can use a mobile hotspot to broadcast WiFi to all of your devices. These are great for those that travel often or in an area with limited internet options but still want to game online.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the 12 best mobile hotspots for gaming in 2023. We have provided a mixture of both unlocked and locked devices to provide options based on your personal needs and budget.
Best Mobile Hotspots For Gaming in 2023 Round-Up
The table below will give you a quick look at our selections for the 12 best mobile hotspots for gaming currently available on the market. To read a full review, simply click on ‘review>>’ in the respective row.
Product | Image | Rating | |
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 ''Best mobile hotspot for gaming in 2023 overall'' |  | 9.9 | |
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk M5 ''Best overall runner-up'' |  | 9.8 | |
3. NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 ''Best 4G mobile hotspot for gaming'' |  | 9.7 | |
4. Skyroam Solis X ''Most feature-stuffed pick'' |  | 9.6 | |
5. NETGEAR 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot (AC797) ''Affordable offering from NETGEAR'' |  | 9.5 | |
6. Nommi Mobile Hotspot Power ''Extreme battery life'' |  | 9.4 | |
7. Skyroam Solis Lite ''Editor's pick'' |  | 9.3 | |
8. Urozetta Cloud ''Best budget mobile hotspot for gaming'' |  | 9.2 | |
9. GlocalMe U3 ''Best budget runner-up'' |  | 9.1 | |
10. Huawei E5577s-321 ''Honorable mention'' |  | 9.0 | |
11. Alcatel LINKZONE ''Honorable mention #2'' |  | 8.8 | |
12. KuWFi 4G LTE Mobile WiFi Hotspot Unlocked ''Honorable mention #3'' |  | 8.5 |
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk M6
Speed: 5G, 4G LTE | Max. Number of Devices: 32 | WiFi: WiFi 6 Dual-band AX3600 Up to 3600 Mbps: 5GHz (2900 Mbps), 2.4GHz (700 Mbps) | Rated Battery Life: Up to 13 hours | Screen: 2.4” Touch LCD display | Weight: 252 g
REASONS TO BUY
- Supports 5G with up to 2.5 Gbps speeds
- 32 devices can be connected at the same time
- Convenient and easy-to-navigate touchscreen
- Security features (VPN + password protection)
- Unlocked
- 2000 sq. ft. coverage
- Excellent connectivity with 1G Ethernet port
- Long battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
- Premium price
- Fairly long time to charge to 100%
- Not as portable as some other hotspots
Our Rating: 9.9/10
The NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 is the latest and finest addition to a line of mobile hotspots that are primarily a cut above all competition. While not perfect, this beefy hotspot really shows its strength as the most powerful mobile hotspot available on the market in 2023.
While it’s got a price tag to match, if you’re serious about the quality of your mobile hotspot and are beyond budget concerns, the Nighthawk M6 could very well be the right fit for you.
The NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 is roughly 20% faster than its M5 predecessor, hitting speeds as high as 2.5Gbps for secure 5G internet as a primary connection.
Its Wi-Fi 6 integration pushes the very standard of mobile hotspot tech and offers speeds up to 3.6Gbps for a whopping 32 devices. This makes it a great fit for mid-scale businesses from home, relevant work events, and, most especially, things like LAN parties and gaming events.
With a 1-gigabyte ethernet port, there is also solid wired device support to ensure more consistent quality in a home or business network, and for mobile use, it also offers unlocked hotspot support for 5G and 4G LTE connections with certification from AT&T and T-Mobile for network coverage – though keep in mind you will need a SIM card to take advantage of the machine’s mobile data usage, and that’s a place you’ll really want to invest in to match the power of the overall hotspot.
With a Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 5G modem at its heart, its performance and capabilities surpass any other mobile hotspot on the market today. It also does so in a surprisingly compact shell weighing a little over a half pound, making it a remarkably easy setup for things like a hanging-wall installation.
This hotspot offers strong bandwidth support that you’ll rarely push past at scale even when playing the most technically demanding or fastest-paced games, and that’s whether you’re looking to lean more into its mobile device support for gaming on the move or using it as a router replacement at home.
If you’re looking to use this hotspot on the go frequently, it’s important to bring its charger, as this beefy machine does support an advertised 13 hours of battery life, which is an industry standard, but this could still come up short on longer travel sessions and extensive use, and your mileage may vary on how long this battery life holds up based on your use.
Once you’re stationary, either in a hotel or at home, it’s best to plug the Nighthawk M6 into the wall to maximize its power, reach, and avoid the loop of a dying battery and charging process interrupting your gaming session. One neat trick you can use is to have an extra lithium-ion battery to swap in when on the go and keep both batteries charged for long trips.
Another perk of the Nighthawk M6 is that its setup and connecting to it couldn’t be easier, as it offers a QR code on its screen for mobile devices.
With this user-friendly nature, the Nighthawk M6 is bringing top-of-the-line mobile hotspot tech to the average user and represents the future of the industry at the same time. While its price tag is steep and by far the largest on our list, it’s for very good reason–It provides extreme speeds and reliable connections and will allow you to avoid most of the hassles that come with playing on mobile hotspots.
- RELATED READING: Lightest gaming headsets
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk M5
Speed: 5G, 4G LTE, 3G | Max. Number of Devices: 32 | WiFi: WiFi 6 Dual-band AX1800 Up to 1800 Mbps: 5GHz (1200 Mbps), 2.4GHz (600 Mbps) | Rated Battery Life: Up to 13 hours | Screen: 2.4” LCD Touchscreen display | Weight: 240 g
REASONS TO BUY
- Supports fast speed of 5G
- WiFi 6 speeds up to 1800 Mbps
- Up to 32 devices can be connected at the same time
- Great connectivity with a 1G Ethernet port
- Long battery life
- Unlocked
- Responsive and large touchscreen display
- Mobile app included
REASONS TO AVOID
- Less range than its successor, the M6
- Not as portable as some other hotspots
- Pricey
Our Rating: 9.8/10
The NETGEAR Nighthawk M5, released a year ago, pushed mobile hotspot tech to new heights both in technical capabilities and in overall flexibility as an unlocked device that can be paired with most any mobile carrier (do note that the Sprint legacy network isn’t supported, however).
With incredibly fast speeds, reliable connections, a strong battery life, and support for a ton of devices, the Nighthawk M5 still stands up to the majority of the marketplace as a premier choice for your next mobile hotspot for gaming. So let’s dig into what exactly it offers.
Just like the M6, the Nighthawk M5 supports a whopping 32 devices simultaneously at speeds up to 1.8Gbps courtesy of the Wi-Fi 6 adapter.
For periods where you aren’t on the go and reliant on mobile connections, you can also take advantage of its Gigabit ethernet port for an even faster and more reliable wired connection. This wired connection feature is fantastic for areas with lower-quality internet resources and helps get around poor ISP experiences, which is a marketplace largely dominated by companies that are as close to monopolies as it gets.
That means you can wave goodbye to the days of packet loss or network maintenance periods plaguing your gaming experience. So if you’re coming off a particularly bad run of experiences with a Comcast, Optimum, or other ISP, the Nighthawk M5 can be your solution, largely relying instead on mobile data instead.
Do keep in mind that to utilize this mobile data, you will need your own Nano SIM card from the supported carrier of your choice (you can test if your carrier is compatible via a 15-digit IMEI number on the label), and NETGEAR recommends AT&T and T-Mobile for the best integration. With blazing fast 1.8 Gbps speeds, you’ll also need a plan that can match.
The battery life of the Nighthawk M5 is a maximum of 13 hours, but this will change depending on your level of use. This battery life is great for most trips, but keep in mind the device is most powerful when plugged in directly, and the device offers great overcharge protection to avoid degradation.
For trips that last longer than 13 hours on the go, you can also bring an extra lithium-ion battery to swap in, which NETGEAR offers at a fraction of the price of the machine itself.
Should you want to attach an antenna for better connection retention and consistency, NETGEAR also offers this option, but it certainly isn’t absolutely necessary to get a stable connection in supporting locations for gaming.
With the Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 at the heart of this beefy mobile hotspot, the Nighthawk M5 exists in the upper echelon of mobile hotspots and has only just been surpassed by the even more powerful Nighthawk M6. If you’re not looking to push power to the M6’s heights or just want to save a bit of money on this massive purchase, the Nighthawk M5 is still a great choice as one of the fastest and most reliable mobile hotspots available today.
- YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Best audiophile headphones for gaming
3. NETGEAR Nighthawk M1
Speed: 4G LTE | Max. Number of Devices: 20 | WiFi: Full Dual-Band/Dual-Concurrent WiFi. WiFi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz. WiFi 802.11 a/n/ac 5 GHz | Rated Battery Life: Up to 11 hours | Screen: 2.4” LCD display | Weight: 240 g
REASONS TO BUY
- Supports up to 20 devices
- Stable and fast connection
- Up to 11 hours of battery life
- Dual-band WiFi
- Can be used as a charger
- Features SD card reader, USB, and ethernet port
- Can be controlled via a mobile app
- Noticeably cheaper than its 5G cousins
REASONS TO AVOID
- Premium price
- No 5G connectivity
- Large, heavier
Our Rating: 9.7/10
Our number three pick for a gaming mobile hotspot is another NETGEAR product, this time a 4G LTE offering, the Nighthawk M1.
While it’s an older product, it’s still among the best 4G hotspots on the market. It can provide up to 1Gbps download speed (depending on carrier and quality of connection) for up to 20 devices.
It is also an 802.11ac dual-band hotspot, and it will allow you to create a 2.4 GHz network, a 5 GHz network, and even a guest network if desired. Dual-band isn’t found in a lot of mobile hotspots, so this is a great option for users that want flexibility from their mobile hotspot.
The ethernet port will also allow you to use the device as a standalone access point or extender at home or anywhere with provided internet.
On top of that, the Nighthawk M1 also features a respectable 5040mAh rechargeable battery, which is the same you’ll find in the much more expensive M5 and M6 models. It will provide you with all-day coverage and the option to charge your other mobile devices.
A microSD card slot or USB slot provides you with the option to use the hotspot as a media server. This is excellent flexibility for gamers and heavy users on the go.
Finally, it features a large 2.4-inch LCD screen that makes it easy to see network specs and makes simple adjustments. The mobile app is required to customize any advanced features or initial setup.
While we love the Nighthawk M1, it does have a couple of cons to it that we would be remiss not to mention. First, it is fairly large and heavy for a hotspot. At over 4 inches and half a pound, it might not be the most discreet hotspot if you have limited space in your travel bag.
While the large LCD screen is great, even the same size as both the M5 and M6 models, the M1’s screen is not a touchscreen. It only features a single button to navigate through the menus. If you want to do anything advanced, you will have to make use of the mobile app.
Granted that several other hotspots on this list don’t even have a screen, we did think it was an odd choice to use such a nice display but not offer touchscreen options.
While the M1 isn’t the newest and most advanced mobile hotspot as it once was, it will still provide you with the speed and customization necessary for advanced gaming. If you don’t need the 5G speeds and are on a tighter budget, the Nighthawk M1 is an excellent option–It’s still one of the best 4G LTE mobile hotspots on the market in 2023.
- READ ALSO: Best routers under $100
4. Skyroam Solis X
Speed: 4G LTE | Max. Number of Devices: 10 | WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) | Rated Battery Life: Up to 16 hours | Screen: None | Weight: 312 g
REASONS TO BUY
- Operates in over 135 countries
- Long battery life
- Fast and reliable internet connection
- Comes with a VPN
- Also a power bank
- Features a camera, mic, and a speaker
REASONS TO AVOID
- Camera raises privacy concerns
- No 5G connectivity
- Higher price
Our Rating: 9.6/10
Number four on our list of the best mobile hotspots for gaming is the Skyroam Solis X. The Solis X is a SIMless 4G LTE hotspot that will require you to purchase a data plan; there are several options available with Skyroam.
For online gamers, we would certainly recommend the monthly unlimited data plan. Their services are available in over 135 countries, so this means that you will likely be covered no matter where you travel.
The Solis X will allow you to connect up to 10 devices and comes with a built-in VPN. This VPN means privacy and convenience when away from home. It also features a 4700 mAh power bank, which should provide up to 16 hours of usage unless you use it to power your devices, which is a convenient option.
It also comes with built-in Bluetooth, a mic, and a speaker for added functionality. And on top of that, it is the only hotspot on this list with a camera. The 8MP 720HD camera, coupled with the app, makes for a convenient selfie and group picture camera when traveling.
The Solis X does have a couple of features that we didn’t care for, but we are admittedly being slightly nitpicky. But with a price this high, we think we should be.
One feature we didn’t like about the Solis X, and the Solis Lite for that matter (Number 7 on the list), is that it uses a proprietary cord. In 2023, we would expect to see a USB-C or a micro-USB charging port at the least. An extra cord that may be difficult to find if broken or lost in a foreign country–This just isn’t what we would expect from a modern device at this price point.
The other feature we don’t like is the privacy concern with a built-in camera. While the camera is a convenient feature, it defaults to being always on. The camera can be turned off in the app, thankfully, but it brings back memories of the first generation of the Xbox One.
Even with its odd features, we would still recommend this mobile hotspot for gamers that want to travel and not have to worry about setting up an international data plan with their current carrier. With unlimited data options and the ability to use it worldwide, it’s a great option for gamers who find themselves traveling often.
- YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Lightest gaming mice
5. NETGEAR 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot (AC797)
Speed: 4G LTE | Max. Number of Devices: 32 | WiFi: WiFi 802.11ac, 2 x 2 MIMO, Dual-Band 2.4/5 GHz, standalone or simultaneous | Rated Battery Life: Up to 11 hours | Screen: 1.8” LCD display | Weight: 136 g
REASONS TO BUY
- Supports up to 32 devices
- Dual-band WiFi
- Fast data transfer speeds
- Competitive pricing
- Up to 11 hours of battery life
- Highly compact and portable
- Large LCD display
REASONS TO AVOID
- Disappointing connectivity
- Settings can be changed only with an app
Our Rating: 9.5/10
The NETGEAR 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot (AC797) is a great GSM unlocked device that comes with a reasonable price tag for what it offers–With a maximum speed of 400Mbps, it is one of the fastest 4G LTE hotspots on our list. The AC797 is also compatible with any mobile carrier, including Verizon LTE, and can support up to 32 connected devices.
Similar to the premium hotspots, this one also has dual-band 802.11ac capability, allowing you to create both a 5 GHz and a 2.4 GHz network. It will even allow you to create a guest network. Combine that with a reasonable price point, this is one of our favorite hotspots.
Additionally, the AC797 comes with a 2930 mAh battery, which should provide you with 11 hours of usage. The added convenience of a removable battery means that it can be replaced as necessary. The 1.8” screen also provides important information on your network. Coupled with the Netgear app, you will be able to customize a range of settings on this device.
NETGEAR’s hotspots are probably the best devices on this list for advanced networking abilities, so we think they are a great option for gamers that need to fine-tune their network. Firewall, DMZ, and DNS settings are just a few of the many networking options that you can adjust with the AC797.
While the performance and versatility of this device is great, it does have some notable drawbacks. While it bears a lot of similarities to the Nighthawk M1, it does not come with the same USB, microSD, or Ethernet ports. This is certainly not a complaint applicable to all users, but the ability to host your own media server was an awesome perk of the Nighthawk line-up.
It also does not have a touch screen or any physical buttons. The screen is a nice touch, but the inability to change any settings without the app is slightly disappointing.
All in all, this is a great hotspot with high-end performance that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. There certainly are some drawbacks, but these balance out the lower price–With its level of customizability, we would recommend it to gamers that need a reliable, high-performing hotspot without breaking the bank.
- RELATED READING: Best Laptops under $1000
6. Nommi Mobile Hotspot Power
Speed: 4G LTE | Max. Number of Devices: 10 | WiFi: WiFi 802.11b/g/n | Rated Battery Life: Up to 48 hours | Screen: None | Weight: 240 g
REASONS TO BUY
- Operates in over 150 countries
- Up to 48 hours of battery life
- Can be used to charge your devices
- built-in VPN
- Comes with 10 GB of US data
- Offers pay-as-you-go data plans
- Decent connectivity
REASONS TO AVOID
- No instructions on how to set up the device
- Doesn’t support all carriers
- Single-band WiFi
- Heavier
Our Rating: 9.4/10
The Nommi Mobile Hotspot is a great 4G LTE device for gamers that want the convenience of both pay-as-you-go data plans and the ability to use a SIM card of any major mobile carrier. While the service coverage will depend on your carrier for the SIM card option, Nommi’s pay-as-you-go plans are available in over 150 countries.
The device also comes with 10GB of US data free right out of the box. None of the other hotspots on our list provide this level of convenience, so we think it’s a great option if you want flexibility.
In addition to that, this device sports a number of other features. First, it comes with a huge battery: a whopping 10000 mAH power bank that can last for 48 hours of dedicated use.
Better yet, you can use that massive battery to charge all of your mobile devices, eliminating the need to carry an additional power bank in your suitcase.
Second, it comes with a built-in VPN feature that is being constantly improved and updated. This is a layer of security and convenience that is needed for modern gamers.
Furthermore, the Nommi Mobile Hotspot makes a lot of promises and overall delivers on those promises. However, there are a few issues that warrant mention. The first issue is that Nommi is less than candid about their pay-as-you-go pricing and detailed specs on the device.
The only way to see their pricing is to download their app on your mobile device and sign up for an account, which is a pretty questionable approach.
The second issue we found is that there are no included instructions on how to set up the device. While it is not too difficult, this does make setup a chore for many users.
Overall, the Nommi mobile hotspot is a decent option. With long battery life and a reasonable price tag, it is one of our favorite devices for overall flexibility for gamers.
- READ ALSO: Best gaming chairs under $200
7. Skyroam Solis Lite
Speed: 4G LTE | Max. Number of Devices: 10 | WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4GHz+5GHz) | Rated Battery Life: Up to 16 hours | Screen: 1.77” LCD display | Weight: 154 g
REASONS TO BUY
- Supports up to 10 devices
- Reliable service in over 135 countries
- Has a built-in VPN
- Up to 16 hours of battery life
- Very affordable
- Highly portable
- Dual-band WiFi
REASONS TO AVOID
- No power bank
- No Bluetooth
- No speaker, mic, and camera
Our Rating: 9.3/10
Next up is another Skyroam hotspot: the Solis Lite. The Solis Lite is similar to the Solis X, but it is over $50 cheaper and still a great 4G LTE mobile hotspot.
Despite being a ‘lite’ version, it still features a built-in VPN and will allow you to connect up to 10 different devices at the same time.
Just like the Solis X, the Solis Lite is a locked router that will require you to use Skyroam’s data plans, but it does mean that you won’t need to worry about keeping track of another SIM card.
As mentioned before, Skyroam’s data plans are solid, and you’ll like them for the convenience they offer and the fact that they offer quality service in over 135 countries.
In addition, this hotspot also comes with a 4700 mAH battery, which will give you up to 16 hours of use for longer travel, plus a useful mobile app and easy first-time setup.
It is essentially as simple as pressing the power button, connecting to Skyroam’s WiFi network, signing up for an account, and choosing a data plan.
But keep in mind that with a lower price (compared to the Solis X model) comes fewer features. The Solis Lite does not come with a charging power bank. Neither does it come with a built-in speaker, mic, or Bluetooth. It also doesn’t feature a camera.
However, as the camera is an uncommon feature in mobile hotspots, we don’t mark this as a major loss.
Overall, the Skyroam Solis Lite is a reasonably priced hotspot, and it may be more attractive than the Solis X for a lot of users as the camera might be seen as an overpriced gimmick that raises some privacy concerns. We would certainly recommend it as a great option for gamers that are traveling both in the US and internationally.
- YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Fastest Gaming Routers
8. Urozetta Cloud
Speed: 4G LTE | Max. Number of Devices: 10 | Max. Download Speed: 150 Mbps | Max. Upload Speed: 50 Mbps | WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz / 802.11 a/n/ac 5 GHz | Rated Battery Life: Up to 15 hours | Screen: 2.8” LCD display | Weight: 190 g
REASONS TO BUY
- Over 150 supported countries
- Comes with 30GB of US data and 1GB of global data
- Up to 15 hours of battery life
- Supports up to 10 devices
- Large LCD display with touchscreen
- Durable and lightweight build
REASONS TO AVOID
- Data plans are catered toward each country
- Higher price
Our Rating: 9.2/10
Our number eight recommendation on this list is the Urozetta Cloud. It might be lesser known than many other hotspots, but we found it to be a quality option for both gamers in the US and those traveling internationally.
With 4G LTE network capability and 150 Mbps download speeds, the Urozetta Cloud offers competitive performance. It’s no 5G speed, but for gaming, 150 Mbps download speeds, and 50 Mbps upload speeds are more than enough.
In addition to that, the Urozetta Cloud comes preloaded with 30GB of US data and 1GB of Global data. Like the Glocalme U3, this preloaded data means convenience when traveling in over 150 supported countries or in the US.
It also comes with a large 5000mAh battery, which should give you close to 15 hours of average use. The large 2.8” touch screen will allow you to view network data and customize the hotspot as needed. There is also an app that will allow you to purchase data and further monitor and customize the device.
Now, the Urozetta comes with data plans that are catered toward each country or region. While this isn’t that big of a problem, it does make it slightly inconvenient if you plan on traveling to several countries in a single trip. Unlike other hotspots on this list, you will likely need to purchase a data plan for each country and region that you visit.
While this aspect is inconvenient, the Urozetta mobile app is fairly intuitive and easy to use. If you do run out of data, it is relatively easy to add more in a short amount of time.
All in all, the Urozetta Cloud is a quality hotspot that is highly rated and comes with included data right out of the box. It’s also fairly light and portable and features adequate internet speeds for gaming. Coming in with a fair price tag, the Urozetta Cloud is a respectable choice in the US and abroad.
9. GlocalMe U3
Speed: 4G LTE | Max. Number of Devices: 10 | Max. Download Speed: 150 Mbps | Max. Upload Speed: 50 Mbps | WiFi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz | Battery Life: Around 7 hours | Screen: None | Weight: 125 g
REASONS TO BUY
- Slim and portable
- Supports up to 10 devices
- Works in up to 144 countries
- Comes with 8GB of US data and 1GB of global data
- Fast internet speeds for gamers
REASONS TO AVOID
- Short battery life
- Limited data options in many countries
- Single-band WiFi
Our Rating: 9.1/10
Next up on our list of the best mobile hotspots for gaming is the GlocalMe U3. The GlocalMe is a slim and clean-looking 4GLTE mobile hotspot that honestly looks more like a battery back or external hard drive than a hotspot.
This hotspot will allow you to connect up to 10 devices and features a 3000mAh battery. This is certainly a smaller battery than several other hotspots on this list, but it should still provide you with enough power for an average day of use (around 7 hours).
Now, the GlocalMe U3 can make use of 38 different global bands and can work in up to 144 countries. Like many of the hotspots here, it does not feature a built-in screen, but the mobile app is easy to use and provides convenient monitoring of your data usage.
A great selling feature of the device is that it comes with 1GB of Global data and 8GB of US data. Combined with a budget price, this included data is a great feature if you are only planning on using it for a vacation weekend or a quick business trip.
On one hand, we would not recommend this hotspot for gamers that are planning on global travel as the international data plans are rather expensive and have limited data options in many countries.
Besides that, the data plans vary per country, so this is another layer of complexity to consider. If this is the use case for you, then we would recommend a Skyroam hotspot, as they have data plans regardless of country.
On the other hand, the US 50GB data plan is reasonably priced for a mobile hotspot and is a great option for traveling in the US. This could be a good hotspot for the growing population of long-haul trucker gamers or those simply in rural locations with limited internet providers.
10. Huawei E5577s-321
Speed: 4G LTE | Max. Number of Devices: 10 | Max. Download Speed: 150 Mbps | WiFi: WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n | Rated Battery Life: Up to 12 hours | Screen: TFT LCD | Weight: 112 g
REASONS TO BUY
- Supports up to 10 devices
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
- Affordable
- USB-C charging
- Light and portable
REASONS TO AVOID
- Slower data transfer speeds
- Questionable support for US users
Our Rating: 9.0/10
The Huawei E5577s-321 is next on our list, and this 4G LTE hotspot is another GSM unlocked device. What’s nice about this hotspot is that while you are in areas with public WiFi, the E5577s-321 can automatically switch to WiFi to help save your data.
This may seem redundant as there might not be a need for a hotspot in public WiFi, but the ability to use your hotspot’s network will offer you a greater level of security for your devices.
This Huawei hotspot will also get a maximum of 150 Mbps download speed, so it’s not as fast as the Netgear routers, but it is still more than adequate for normal use and online gaming. As with all of these hotspots: your carrier and coverage are far more important than the hotspot itself.
The 3000 mAh battery should provide you with 12 hours of use, even with 10 devices connected to the network. This is a doubling in the size of the battery from the E5577Cs-321 model. Plus, the TFT LCD screen offers a convenient network view and a simple menu layout. The 2D barcode (QR Code) allows for quick and easy first-time setup with your carrier and devices.
If you are looking for a decent overseas mobile hotspot in Africa, Asia, and Europe, the Huawei E5577s-321 is an affordable option, even for gamers. However, there is questionable support for US use, so we would advise against it if you plan to use it domestically.
This device only supports 802.11a WiFi, so don’t expect the speeds of an 802.11ac device. As mentioned previously, this may not matter if your carrier can’t support speeds over 150mbps, but it is worth noting for our advanced users.
All in all, this is a middle-of-the-road hotspot. It’s a decent budget option, and we would recommend it to gamers that want to travel and still have money to see the sights–whether it’s the sights in your games or outside the window.
11. Alcatel LINKZONE
Speed: 4G LTE | Max. Number of Devices: 15 | WiFi: WiFi 802.11b/g/n – 2.4 GHz | Rated Battery Life: Up to 6 hours | Screen: None | Weight: 87 g
REASONS TO BUY
- Supports up to 15 devices
- Affordable price
- Extremely lightweight
- Up to 15 devices at the same time
- Solid speeds for gaming
REASONS TO AVOID
- Short battery life
- No indicator of network strength
- No screen
Our Rating: 8.8/10
The Alcatel LINKZONE is an affordable option for mobile hotspots for gaming. This 4G LTE router will provide a maximum speed of 150Mbps download speeds. It can also connect with up to 15 devices, which is impressive considering that much more expensive hotspots are only able to connect to 10 devices.
The LINKZONE is an unlocked GSM hotspot that should work with any carrier now that Verizon LTE, as of 2023, is using the GSM standard. If you plan on using this hotspot with Verizon, it would be good to double-check compatibility before purchasing to be safe, but it should be compatible.
This hotspot also comes with a 1800mAh battery, so don’t expect all-day coverage without recharging. However, the 300-hour standby time is impressive and means that it’s a great option for gamers that only need internet access sporadically.
Furthermore, coming in way below the 100-dollar mark, the LINKZONE is a great budget mobile hotspot router. However, we did find a few issues that we didn’t care for. As mentioned above, the battery life leaves something to be desired. This would not be a great hotspot if you plan on being on the go all day.
Also, while the lack of a screen isn’t a dealbreaker, the status lights weren’t very helpful. The signal light is simply on or off, and there is no indication of network strength. This can make it difficult to determine why you might be having performance issues.
And finally, we also found the mobile app to be limited in functionality. It was easier, in many ways, to adjust the hotspot settings through the browser than in the app.
With all this being said, if you’re mainly looking to save money but want a hotspot for some occasional gaming, then the Alcatel LINKZONE is a great option for you.
12. KuWFi 4G LTE Mobile WiFi Hotspot Unlocked
Speed: 4G LTE | Max. Number of Devices: 10 | Max. Download Speed: 150 Mbps | Max. Upload Speed: 50 Mbps | WiFi: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n | Rated Battery Life: 6 – 12 hours | Screen: LED Display | Weight: 160 g
REASONS TO BUY
- Budget-friendly
- Small and discrete
- 4G LTE speeds
REASONS TO AVOID
- Short battery life
- Limited network range
- Not plug and play
Our Rating: 8.5/10
Our last choice for the best mobile hotspots for gaming in 2023 is the KuWFi 4G LTE Mobile Wifi Hotspot Unlocked. This is a budget hotspot that will cost you the least. The KuWfi is very small and discrete, making it perfect for those with limited pocket or suitcase space.
Even though the device is small, it comes with a suite of competitive features to keep it on this list. First, it is capable of 4G LTE speeds, so you can expect 150 Mbps download speeds for supported carriers.
Second, it comes with a 2000 mAh battery, providing you with 6 to 12 hours of usage and a standby time of 120 hours. This variance in usage depends on LTE versus UMTS networks.
At such a low price, you can expect there to be a few drawbacks to the device. The KuWFi has a limited network range, so don’t expect to broadcast the network over 10 meters with any level of reliability. The initial SIM card setup is also not plug-and-play. There is a fair amount of setup required for a simple mobile hotspot.
While it is not very difficult to set up, it’s less than accommodating for those in a hurry or with limited SIM card setup experience. Like the Alcatel LINKZONE, the KuWFi status lights have limited functionality: they’re either on or off if you have a signal or network.
The KuWFi is certainly an option for gamers on a budget or for those that plan to only use a hotspot a handful of times. If you have the money and plan to use a mobile hotspot heavily, then we would recommend some of the other listed hotspots, such as one of the Nighthawks or Solis X. However, if you have a limited budget or need for a hotspot, then the KuWFi could be the right option for you.
Final Words
Thank you for taking the time to read our article. We hope that you found it beneficial if you are looking for mobile hotspots that can handle gaming.
Mobile hotspots are certainly a niche item saved for those in rural areas or those that travel often, but they are handy when you need them. It’s no secret that international cell phone plans are astronomically priced.
Any of these hotspots can provide you with the convenience and cost-savings needed if you want to travel and play games at the same time.
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to us, and we would love to help you out with mobile hotspots or any other PC or gaming-related questions.
Be the first to comment