Best Portable WiFi Options for Travelers 2024

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WRITTEN BY

NETGEAR Team

In the past, people travelling with laptops and tablets relied on public WiFi hotspots and smartphones for internet access, but there is a better way. A portable WiFi hotspot, such as the NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 or M6 Pro, can deliver unsurpassed travel router speeds, adaptability, and security for all your WiFi-enabled devices.

What makes a Portable WiFi Hotspot the Right Option?

Although a portable WiFi hotspot can be suitable for home internet connections, most people use them when away from home. Portable WiFi hotspots provide on-the-go mobile WiFi flexibility with unlimited or prepaid plans, making them ideal for local and international travel for business or leisure. All you need is access to an cellular internet service provider (ISP) for a WiFi connection that can provide complete peace of mind wherever your travels take you. The best NETGEAR portable WiFi systems of today are as capable as their contemporary wired networks and WiFi router.

Use Cases for Portable WiFi Routers for Travel

  • • Portable WiFi for Work Travel: Stay connected and boost productivity with portable WiFi on business trips, ensuring seamless access to cloud services, video conferencing, and secure file sharing anywhere you go. Even share your WiFi connection with travel companions, or even a conference room.
  • • Portable WiFi for RV’s and Van-life: Transform your RV or van into a mobile office or entertainment hub with reliable, on-the-go internet, making remote work and streaming services accessible in the most remote locations.
  • • WiFi for Camping and Outdoors: Keep your devices connected to the internet even in the heart of nature, allowing for GPS navigation, weather updates, and emergency access while enjoying the great outdoors.
  • • Portable WiFi for Field Reps & Job Site access: Enable instant data reporting, access to construction plans, or customer information for field representatives and construction sites, ensuring efficient workflow and client communication.
  • • Portable WiFi for Family Hotels: Make travel with family smoother and secure with a portable WiFi router, offering entertainment on the go and easy planning for your next adventure, from booking to navigation.
  • • Portable WiFi Airbnb & Vacation Rentals: Enhance your vacation rental experience with your own secure WiFi network, guaranteeing high-speed internet access for streaming, remote work, or online gaming, and avoiding the pitfalls of shared connections.

How do Portable WiFi Hotspot Devices Work?

The most advanced NETGEAR portable WiFi hotspot devices connect to the 5G network. These dedicated mobile hotspot routers provide a secure WiFi network on par with the best home WiFi systems. They avoid the risk of security breaches associated with public WiFi hotspots in libraries, airports, and other locations where people gather in large numbers. NETGEAR Nighthawk M6, M6 Pro, and earlier Nighthawk M1 4G LTE hotspot routers are powerful enough to stream your favorite shows and stay in touch with family and friends from the comfort of your Airbnb or hotel accommodations.


Whereas a smartphone battery will quickly become depleted with data-hungry applications, the best dedicated WiFi hotspots have powerful long-lasting batteries to ensure you stay connected at all times. A extra battery can also be swapped into the unit if you expect an extended time away from a power outlet. NETGEAR hotspots allow you to connect up to 32 devices concurrently, meaning everyone in your circle can share the same connection. Here are some important considerations when buying a WiFi hotspot device.

  • • Mobile WiFi router data plans – Unlimited data would be best
  • • Service or wireless network availability in your expected travel area
  • • The number of connected devices
  • • 4G and 5G network capabilities
  • • Battery life of the WiFi hotspot device – do you need an extra battery?
  • • Additional features needed such as Ethernet ports and USB ports
  • • Wireless carrier limitations

Benefits of 5G mmWave Technology

5G mmWave mobile hotspot technology is a recent development that is transforming the WiFi industry. It makes multi-gigabit speeds and MIMO functionality a reality for portable hotspot access points. 5G mobile technology delivers wireless router capability for streaming content, gaming, and conferencing. It is also great for business-critical applications, healthcare providers, mobile first responders, and a host of other industrial, educational, and entertainment uses. Learn more about 5G mmWave technology.

Reasons to Choose a Nighthawk Mobile Hotspot

Nighthawk M6 and M6 Pro mobile hotspots offer multi-gigabit speeds and low latency even in crowded WiFi areas. Nighthawk hotspots are the ideal companion while on the road. Here are 11 good reasons to choose a Nighthawk 5G mobile hotspot for your next journey.

  1. 1. WiFi 6/6E 24/7 mobile connectivity at the resort, Airbnb, or while on the road.
  2. 2. International roaming for streaming, conferencing, working, or posting on social media.
  3. 3. mmWave cellular technology and Ultra-fast WiFi in over 125 countries. (M6 Pro)
  4. 4. 5G mobile security to protect sensitive data and files.
  5. 5. Adaptable performance modes with seamless connectivity at home and while away.
  6. 6. Extended WiFi range and coverage with the optional omnidirectional 5G MIMO external antenna.
  7. 7. More options for wireless or wired connections with high-speed USB and 2.5gb Ethernet ports.
  8. 8. Unlocked Flexibility that gives you the freedom to select the carrier of your choice.
  9. 9. Suit your specific needs with a prepaid SIM card or mobile hotspot data plan.
  10. 10. Choose a preferred carrier such as AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon.
  11. 11. Highest Performance Capabilities to deliver powerful and secure WiFi every time.

Nighthawk M6 and M6 Pro for Travelers

Nighthawk M6 5G WiFi 6 provides up to 1,000 sq. ft. of coverage – perfect for your holiday. For vacation rentals – you can also switch to In-Home Performance mode with up to 2,000 sq. ft. coverage for the best of both worlds. Nighthawk M6 Pro supports both 5G mmWave and Sub-6GHz. It and can seamlessly switch to 5G Sub-6 GHz and 4G LTE for optimal coverage inside large buildings. Here is a closer look at some features that make NETGEAR portable WiFi stand out from the competition.

Nighthawk M6 Pro 5G mmWave WiFi 6E Mobile Hotspot 5G Router


• The fastest available 5G mobile network speeds ever for work and play.
• A perfect travel companion for business trips and holiday rents. vacation rentals.
• Swap SIM cards and data plans Use in up to 125+ countries.
• 5G mmWave and WiFi 6E technology for blazing-fast 5G speeds up to 8Gbps.
• Seamless and secure connectivity for up to 32 devices in your private network.
• Ultra-fast 2.5 Gig Ethernet port for data-hungry applications.
• Up to 2,000 sq. ft. WiFi coverage wherever your travels take you.
• Private encrypted security to protect your valuable information.
• Effortless setup, activation, and monitoring with the intuitive 2.8″ LCD touchscreen.
• Up to 13 hours of battery life for all-day performance.
• Powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ X65 5G Modem-RF System.
• Omnidirectional Antenna for a WiFi performance boost.

Nighthawk M6 5G WiFi 6 Mobile Hotspot 5G Router


• Seamless WiFi with blazing-fast 5G speeds up to 2.5Gbps.
• Certified with AT&T and T-Mobile SIM cards and data plans.
• High levels of security with a safe, private connection.
• Powerful WiFi 6 speeds and connectivity for up to 32 devices simultaneously.
• Up to 1,000 sq. ft. of coverage, or 2,000 sq. ft. with In-Home Performance mode.
• 1 Gig Ethernet port to ensure you always have a reliable priority connection.
• Effortless setup and WiFi monitoring using the 2.4″ color LCD touchscreen.
• USB adapter port for battery charger convenience.

NETGEAR portable WiFi for travelers is as fast and powerful as most home router systems. With the M6 and M6 Pro, you can connect to dozens of WiFi devices simultaneously on the 4G LTE, 5Ghz, and 6GHz wireless networks. NETGEAR hotspot routers are for people who enjoy ultimate comfort and network connectivity wherever, whenever.