If you are looking for some best MiFi devices options for international travel, this is the right post for you. In this article, we have added some reliable and portable mobile hotspots to keep you connected with your loved ones anywhere in the world. Those, who have less knowledge about such gadgets, must know what MiFi devices are and why they are used?
What is MiFi?
MiFi, also known as mobile hotspots or MiFi dongles, are portable compact wireless devices that connect many devices or users to a single internet connection. These are small devices containing only a SIM card and a router. It is used mainly while traveling, but you can buy it if you have fewer data demands for the online school or any other purpose. For domestic high data usage, a cable network is the best low-budget option.
MiFi is a brand name that describes a wireless router that acts as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Inseego Corp in the United States, Canada, and Hutchison 3G in the United Kingdom owns the MiFi trademark. These devices provide the user with a mobile hotspot in a radius of about 10m.
MiFi plans
There are two options available to the user while choosing a MiFi device.
1. Buy a low-cost or a free MiFi device. In this case, you have to pay a monthly subscription fee.
2. Buy an unlocked device and put a Sim card in it.
The devices that are provided by mobile operators are connected to that particular operator. So, the users can not choose deals much suitable to their budget. On the other hand, for an unlocked device, you can buy a data-only SIM which is a cheaper option.
Benefits of MiFi devices
Although mobile hotspots are not suitable for home use because they are more expensive than common cable setups. But during your International travels, these devices help you a lot to surf and stay connected with others. Some of the benefits of MiFi devices are:
· Multiple devices can connect simultaneously to an internet connection.
· You can place it in an optimum place to get better signals.
· MiFi devices maintain your internet connections even when you get a call or a text and don’t drain the battery of your electronic device.
Tethering vs Dedicated hotspot
Users can go for tethering but enabling the Wifi hotspot on your device lowers the battery life. The 5G phone is more efficient than the 4G ones but the internet may disrupt when many devices are connected simultaneously. The dedicated mobile hotspot device costs you less and provides trouble-free internet service to many devices simultaneously.
Many hotspots allow roaming in other countries but the rates may be higher. For short trips, GlocalMe 4G and Skyroam Solis Lite are good choices. You can also buy unlocked devices and put the local SIMS in them for cheap data packages.
Best MiFi devices for international travel
While buying a MiFi device for your international trip, check certain features in that device according to your need.
· Check which type of internet you will need in the country you are going to visit. 3G internet connections are a good option in many countries, but 4G internet is faster than it.
· Buy a pocket-sized MiFi device.
· If you want to use this device for large setups, buy one that allows a large number of connections.
· High download speed is required for streaming while for video calling and data sharing, you will need a device with a higher upload speed.
· Buy a MiFi device with good battery life because power sockets are not easily available everywhere. Battery lasting for more than 14 hours is great for full-day use. Now take a look at the best MiFi devices available in the market for international travel
1. NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 Mobile Hotspot 4G LTE Router
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 2.4 Inches
Internet connection: 4G LTE
Download speed: Up to 1 Gbps
Upload speed: Up to 50 Mbps
Number of connections: Maximum 20
Weight: 8.5 ounces
Dimensions: 4.2 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
Battery life: Up to 24 hours
Review
NETGEAR Nighthawk is a powerful mobile hotspot device that is best for your international travel. The download speed of 1Gbps is amazing for web surfing and streaming many videos at high quality. Maximum 20 devices can be connected to this device for up to 24 hours over a single charge. So, you don’t need to look for a power source every couple of hours.
It enables the user to enjoy unlocked 4G LTE internet access. You need to put a SIM card in the SIM card slot and choose the package according to your budget. All your data usage is visible on its 2.4 inches wide LED screen. Its small size and weight make it an easy-to-carry device.
The only drawback of this device is that it is going to cost you some extra money for providing such amazing features. But for your high internet demands, the strong connection it provides is definitely worth the price.
Pros
This device has a super-fast download speed and connects a large number of devices for an amazing business setting too. The battery lasts for up to 24 hours which is the basic requirement during traveling because you are not going to get power sockets everywhere. 4G internet connection is faster than other options.
Cons
NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 is expensive as compared to other MiFi devices available.
2. T-MOBILE INSEEGO 5G MIFI M2000
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 2.4 Inches
Internet connection: 5G on go with 4G LTE fallback
Download speed: Up to 2.7 Gbps
Number of connections: Maximum 30
Weight: 7.4 ounces
Dimensions: 5.9” x 2.2” x 0.70”
Charging: Type A to C cable
Battery life: Up to 24 hours
Review
Unlike many other devices that provide weak 3G and 4G internet connections, T-MOBILE INSEEGO 5G MIFI M2000 provides its user with faster 4G and 5G connection at a reasonable price. getting 100 GB of data for just 50 dollars per month is a great deal. For professional uses, it enables the connection of a maximum of 30 devices to a single internet connection. It makes it one of the best and faster MiFi devices on the list.
Its incredible download speed that is up to 2.7Gbps helps the user in smooth streaming of all the videos and web surfing without any fuss. Wi-Fi 6, WPA3, and Enterprise Grade VPN support keep all your data safe and secure. You can also tether your device using the type C port present in it. The battery life is amazing for a better traveling experience.
Wi-Fi 6 which is the latest wireless standard provides a strong and steady internet connection to its multiple users. For international travel, this device is best for its incredible speed and other features.
Pros
T-MOBILE INSEEGO 5G MIFI M2000 provides a cheap 5G internet connection. The Wi-Fi 6 support and touchscreen interface are its amazing features.
Cons
There is no unlocked version for non-T mobile customers. External antenna ports are unavailable.
3. Jetpack MiFi 8800L (Verizon)
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 2.4 Inches touchscreen
Internet connection: 5G on go with 4G LTE fallback
Number of connections: Maximum 15
Weight: 5.36 ounces
Dimensions: 7.1 x 2.64 x 4.29 inches
Ports: Type A to C and 2 antenna ports
Battery life: Up to 14 hours
Review
The Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L is well-known for its fast 4G LTE internet connection. It is a great device for your business trips to help you to stay connected and enjoy video calling, net surfing, or anything else without facing any error. The battery lasts for up to 14 hours over a single charge which is good enough for your travel experiences. You can charge it easily with a type C cable. Dual-layered high-grade PET keeps your screen safe from scratches, dust, and fingerprints.
This device provides you with a stable internet connection by connecting a maximum of 15 devices to a single connection. Its battery can also help you to charge your phone or tablet. An AC adapter from a USB type C laptop or an android phone can recharge it. The speed of this MiFi gadget can be increased by connecting an external antenna to the antenna port of the jetpack or using a mobile signal booster system.
Pros
The 2.4 inches wide touch screen makes it easy to use. The battery life is amazing for using it for many hours and the 4G LTE internet connection is amazing for a smooth working experience.
Cons
Sometimes the device slows down when connected to multiple devices.
4. Verizon MiFi M2100 5G UW
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 2.4 Inches
Internet connection: 5G with 4G LTE backup
Download speed: Up to 2.5 Gbps
Upload speed: Up to 316 Mbps
Number of connections: Up to 30
SIM card: Nano
Weight: 7.4 ounces
Dimensions: 5.9 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches
Battery life: Up to 10 hours
Review
Verizon MiFi M2100 5G UW is a 5G mobile hotspot device that provides its users with a reliable and strong internet connection. It can connect a maximum of 30 devices simultaneously making it incredible for professional uses. It provides the internet within a distance of around 80 feet. The Wi-Fi 6 technology minimizes the interference.
With the downloading speed of up to 2.5 Gbps and upload speed of 316 Mbps, users can go for trouble-free calling, streaming, and so on. This device weighs just 7.4 ounces making it the best portable device for national and international travel. The clear touchscreen displays data usage, number of connected devices, and other details. Although the battery of this gadget lasts for up to 10 hours which is average it is removable. You can bring extra batteries with you during long journeys to stay connected for many hours.
Pros
The Verizon MiFi M2100 5G UW provides its customers with reliable 4G and 5G internet connections. Many devices can be set up to this MiFi device without lowering the speed of the internet. Wi-Fi 6 prevents the disruption of connection.
Cons
5G coverage of the device is very limited and battery life is average. It does not support C band
5. Netgear Nighthawk M5
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 2.4 Inches
Internet connection: 5G
Download speed: Up to 2.5 Gbps
Upload speed: Up to 200 Mbps
Number of connections: up to 32
Weight: 8.64 ounces
Dimensions: 4.14 x 4.14 x 0.85 inches
Battery life: Up to 13 hours
Review
Netgear Nighthawk M5 is the only 5G hotspot that works on all the major carriers. So, you can access the internet anywhere at any time. It is the first C band hotspot that gives you faster internet. M5 provides the users with the least expensive and flexible plans that help you a lot during short international trips. Some additional features in this gadget make it a bit more expensive than other locked devices present in the market. But those devices are unable to support the C band.
This device is not pocket-sized due to its 8.64 ounces weight and 4.14 x 4.14 x 0.85 inches size. You can either put it in your bag or on a table near you. 2 antenna ports are present to the external antenna for increasing signal strength. The 2.4 inches wide screen allows you to keep a track of your internet connection and displays some other details like battery, date, and time. The range of Wi-Fi provided is 50 feet, which is less than other gadgets that provide Wi-Fi in the range of 100 to 120 feet. It is not preferable to use it in large conference rooms.
The battery lasts for up to 13 hours which is not a bad deal. By choosing an appropriate plan for M5, you can use it at home to get easy internet access. For short ranges, the M5 is one of the best devices for trouble-free working.
Pros
Netgear Nighthawk M5 works on all the major carriers and it is the US first C band hotspot. It is the most powerful 5G MiFi device available in the US.
Cons
The battery life of M5 is average and the Wi-Fi range is not much to use in large areas.
6. ZTE ZMax Connect MF928
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 2.5 Inches
Internet connection: 4G LTE
Download speed: Up to 150 Mbps
Upload speed: Up to 50 Mbps
Number of connections: up to 10
Weight: 3.63 ounces
Dimensions: 4.17 x 2.52 x 0.59 inches
Battery life: Up to 10 hours
Review
ZTE ZMax Connect MF928 is an unlocked MiFi device that allows its customers to stay connected during their international trips and provides budget-friendly services. Its performance is nothing better than the hotspots in our phones. During these COVID situations, the demands for this gadget have increased. It provides its users with some low-cost internet packages which are best for students too.
By spending a little amount as compared to other expensive gadgets you can get a small device that weighs just 3.63 ounces which is going to fit in small pockets too. This compact device does not show detailed information about battery or signal strength but 4 LED lights indicate the battery, network connection, and messages. You can see the default SSID and password printed on the bottom of the device.
The antenna ports are there to connect the external antenna for making the signal strength better. The battery lasts for just 10 hours. You can connect up to 10 devices to it for a safe and secure internet connection. It is a reliable gadget for the protection of your private documents. For the multiple users connected simultaneously, it may cause disruptions of the internet connection. The LTE speeds are average for your higher demands.
Pros
The antenna ports are present to connect the external antenna. It is unlocked and packages usually fit in the budget.
Cons
The battery life is average and LTE speed is not so good.
7. Skyroam Solis Lite
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 2.5 Inches
Internet connection: 4G LTE
Data speed: Minimum 512Kbps
Number of connections: up to 10 devices
Weight: 5.5 ounces
Dimensions: 4.8 x 4.8 x 1.73 inches
Battery life: Up to 15 hours
Review
The Skyroam Solis Lite is the best MiFi device for international travel because of its amazing battery life and range. It also offers unlimited LTE data at a reasonable price and allows the connection of up to 10 devices simultaneously. So, you can maintain your connection in 130 plus countries of the world. Unlike unprotected public WiFi networks, you can keep all your personal and business data safe using this reliable network.
You can get both global and domestic WiFi plans for your trips anywhere around the globe. You can subscribe for a daily, monthly, or any other high or low usage data plan according to your ease. You can also buy expensive data for the fast internet access if it suits your budget. 5.5 ounces of weight is easy to carry and needs a small space to fit in. The Solis lite is SIM-free and works with virtual SIM technology.
You can install the Solis WiFi app on your iOS or Android phones to control this gadget. The battery life is up to 15 hours over a single charge which is usually enough for 1-day usage. If you have to travel frequently, Skyroam is the best and durable solution for your data needs. Virtual SIM technology saves you from the trouble of buying new SIMS in every country you are visiting.
Pros
Skyroam Solis offers a wide range of data plans. So, users can buy any according to their requirements. The range of LTE data and battery life is incredible.
Cons
It does not work well in areas where there is no cellphone coverage.
8. GlocalMe G4 4G LTE Hotspot
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 5 Inches HD display
Internet connection: 4G LTE
Download speed: 150 Mbps
Upload speed: 50 Mbps
Number of connections: up to 5 devices
Weight: 14.6 ounces
Dimensions: 6.69 x 4.37 x 1.73 inches
Battery life: Up to 15 hours
Review
The GlocalMe G4 4G LTE Hotspot is commonly used by travelers because of its size and long-lasting battery. This gadget is going to keep you up with all your domestic and official internet demands. Reliable security protocols like WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK keep your data protected from hackers which is not possible while using public Wifi.
The 14.6 ounces weight and 6.7” x 4.4” x 1.8” size make you unable to carry it in your pocket every time but you can put it in your bag for easy internet access. The 4G LTE internet is working so well on this device. You can connect a maximum of 5 devices to it and use the internet without any interference. The 5 inches wide touch screen HD display shows all the necessary information on the screen.
It has global coverage in 140 plus countries so you can use it easily when you have to travel from one region to another frequently. There are no roaming fees and you can use a wide range of packages for your daily, monthly, or yearly demands. The packages cost you less than provided by many other MiFi devices in the market. Download the GlocalMe app to buy data packages or track data usage.
Pros
This device provides its users with amazing packages at reasonable prices. The battery lasts enough for a day’s use.
Cons
GlocalMe G4 can only connect 5 devices at a time. The weight is somehow heavy.
Final Words: Best MiFi devices for International Travel
In the above list, some of the best MiFi devices are added. Those are either locked or unlocked. You can buy any device according to your price range. The unlocked devices are a good option because the packages subscribed from local SIMS are cheaper than roaming. Before buying, remember to check the data plans and commit to a reasonable device.
