Your Guide to the Best Portable Internet Options

Portable internet services offer respectable speeds that allow you to stream HD video, make video calls, download large files, and send emergency communications. That said, don't expect the same performance you’d typically get from a home internet connection.

Starlink Roam advertises speeds up to 232Mbps. Less than Starlink’s fixed residential plan, but you can't take these services on the road. Plus, it's possible to get even faster speeds with a Priority plan.

Wireless internet is rated faster, especially if you can get 5G coverage. However, these speeds are highly variable and depend on your provider's coverage at your location. T-Mobile AWAY service advertises speeds up to 361Mbps, which gives you a decent idea of what to expect in high-coverage areas.

Most portable internet plans either come with an allotment of high-speed data or unlimited data. The latter is much more expensive, so you'll really need to determine how much you'll need. A small allotment of a few gigabytes is enough for a long weekend trip. Still, an unlimited plan may be worth it for an extended journey or nomadic living in general. Read our guide to help you determine how much data you need. 

Typically, if you run through your allotment of high-speed data, most providers reduce your speed to the bare minimum without cutting you off completely, allowing you to purchase more.

Portable internet solutions are built to be easy to transport and set up, but they still require a reliable power source. It’s an aspect that people often don’t think about, and can be an obstacle to efficient portable internet. 

Before selecting a portable internet solution, it’s important to know the hardware’s power requirements and that you have the right method to power it. Most equipment I’ve tested works off a simple AC power outlet, but it’s a bit trickier when you’re in a vehicle or in the wilderness. When a power outlet is out of the question, solutions like 12-volt power sources or portable power banks are the answer. 

Satellite internet remains one of the best options for high-speed, portable internet access. This is especially true if you need to use your internet in remote areas that may not have cell service. Currently, the best (and only) portable satellite internet service is Starlink Roam.

Portability - 3.5

Starlink is a portable, easy-to-set-up satellite internet solution. Its residential service requires its equipment to be used at a fixed address, but with a Roam plan, you can connect it to the internet nearly anywhere. It can be used while in motion, so it’s a great solution for RVs and other vehicles if you need internet while on the move. 

Starlink’s Standard dish, while lightweight, is still bulky and hard to travel with and requires a proprietary router. However, there is the Starlink Mini dish, which is roughly the size of a small laptop. It has a built-in Wi-Fi router, making it easy to travel with a portable power bank. The Wi-Fi signal was pretty decent, but it can be improved with a third-party router if you so choose.

Speed - 4.4

While Starlink Roam is rated for 30 to 100Mbps, I was able to get speeds up to 220Mbps. Its reliability was also impressive. Its signal never cut out after hours of use on the road. I’ve also been impressed by its ability to keep a strong signal even during times of heavy overcast or stormy weather, which slows down most satellite services. 

Reliability - 4.0

The signal never cut out once after hours of use while I was driving during a brief road trip. It also worked well during times of heavy overcast and stormy weather.

Value - 3.5

Roam comes in two main plans—one with 50GB per month, and another with unlimited data. The 50GB plan is an affordable option for a weekend trip. It’s enough to stream some movies and music and make video calls. Plus, if you need a little bit more, you can purchase more for $1 per gigabyte.

Overall Rating: 3.9

T-Mobile AWAY is the mobile carrier’s solution for high-speed internet on the go. It’s wireless internet that requires little equipment and setup, making it ideal for easy plug-and-go internet, whether you’re on the road or resting at a hotel.

Portability - 3.5

All you need for T-Mobile AWAY is a router-like device placed near a window. With just an AC power cord required, it’s easy to plug into an RV or hotel room. I could also easily power it with a DC power inverter in my vehicle and a portable power bank. It’s the same device used for T-Mobile’s Home Internet, so it’s designed to be stationary, but I did hike with it in my backpack and easily connected to the web.  

Speed - 4.4

Since it runs off the same 5G network as its home internet and mobile, it can connect anywhere there is coverage. However, the AWAY plan is deprioritized behind home internet and mobile. I was able to get pretty fast speeds that fall between 150 and 300Mbps when it was a clear day and few obstructions around. Though I did notice its latency was typically higher than Starlink's.

Reliability - 4.0

It kept a reliable signal, but speeds were inconsistent—they would vary between times of day and location. Speeds dropped when I took it to areas that were more remote with obstructions, like in the mountains or in a forest.

Value - 3.5

Despite those limitations, I was overwhelmingly satisfied with its performance and ease of use. I could easily see myself traveling cross-country with it and relying on it for my internet needs, like entertainment or work. It’s a great solution for frequent travelers who need a faster and more secure internet connection than the hotel Wi-Fi. For anyone who isn’t planning on exploring the most remote parts of the world, T-Mobile AWAY is a much better value than Starlink, especially for short-term travel. 

Overall Rating: 4.1

Most smartphones have built-in hotspot functionality, and many (though not all) cell plans include at least some hotspot data. You likely already have portable internet in your pocket. Verizon is my preferred pick for hotspot plans as it offers the best variety of data plans for the right price. 

Portability - 4.8

Most modern hotspot devices are no bigger than a mobile phone and are rechargeable, making them among the most portable internet solutions. However, they lack the power of high-speed portable internet solutions. 

Speed - 3.5

According to Verizon, its hotspot service on 5G provides speeds of 35 to 143Mbps. Only in major cities can you get speeds up to 634Mbps with its 5G Ultra Wideband service, which isn’t helpful if you’re traveling cross-country.

Reliability - 3.0

Verizon hotspots’ reliability and signal depend on your location in relation to its cellular network. Verizon’s network covers a majority of the U.S., but it’s mostly 4G LTE.

Value - 3.3 

If you only use phone tethering occasionally or are the only person connecting to it, using your onboard hotspot data is typically good enough for travel. However, if you use it a lot or need to connect multiple devices simultaneously, you may have a better experience with a dedicated hotspot device.

Verizon sells these devices, but there are plenty on the market that are compatible with its plans, since all you need is a SIM card. Hotspot devices come in different varieties with varying prices, Wi-Fi strength, and provider compatibility. Read our guide on hotspot devices.

Overall Rating - 3.6

RVs present an interesting situation for the internet. You may want access in remote locations, but you also need access while moving, which requires specific equipment. Wireless 5G and mobile hotspots work well while moving, but coverage in remote areas can be spotty. On the other hand, Starlink is ideal for use in remote locations, but it needs to be mounted to your vehicle for the best signal. It is also significantly more expensive. 

For this reason, we have a few different recommendations for RV owners to consider:

When going with Starlink Roam, remember it's not the same as Starlink Standard, so be careful when you choose the right one when you sign up. Once you're signed up, you'll need the Starlink app to guide you through installation. Most people say it's relatively easy, but check out our Starlink Customer Service guide if you encounter any problems.

For hotspots plans like Visible’s, just make sure you have an unlimited plan with enough high-speed data for your needs. And, of course, your provider allows you to turn your phone into a hotspot that other devices can attach to. You may also want to add a Wi-Fi extender for extra reach on your wireless network.

Many, if not most, Airbnb rentals will have Wi-Fi access. Ultimately, it’s up to the hosts of the Airbnb whether they want to offer it or not—often, the listing will highlight if they do.

That said, using these networks could pose a security risk—the host has the password as well, and could therefore see the activity on the network. For this reason, bringing your own hotspot could be a good idea.

Yes, with the right plan. In fact, many mobile providers are now offering home internet packages that use 4G LTE or 5G data.

The speeds are often more than fast enough—the main consideration is data usage. If you use your home network heavily, such as for frequent video streaming, you may want to opt for an unlimited plan.

Many cell phone providers now offer home internet, including Verizon and T-Mobile. This is essentially a hotspot for your home, feeding high-speed 4G LTE or 5G data to your devices. The prices are often quite reasonable, too. For example, T-Mobile’s plans start at just $30 per month.

Essentially, nothing—mobile data and Wi-Fi work more or less the same. You may see a speed difference if you’re in an area without high-speed mobile data coverage. The main thing to watch for is accidentally using up a limited mobile data plan—Wi-Fi won’t count towards that limit.