In one way or another, all of us rely on the internet for a great number of things, even when we’re camping in the woods. That said, when you’re camping, chances are the connection might be unstable. I’ve been in a situation like this numerous times. Thankfully, I always have WiFi for camping with me. By having this gadget, I always can stay up to date with the latest news, text my friends, and share the internet connection with my camping buddies. It’s also a great way to keep your laptop, tablet, and other devices online without draining your smartphone’s battery and data plan. Today, I’m going to show you some of the best options available on the market and help you pick which one suits you best. So, let’s take a look at what I have in store for you!
Table of contents
- MightyWiFi Mobile Hotspot
- SIMO Solis Lite Mobile WiFi Hotspot
- Alcatel LINKZONE WiFi Hotspot
- Verizon Wireless Jetpack 8800L Mobile Hotspot
- GlocalMe Triforce 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
- NETGEAR Unite Explore WiFi Hotspot
- NETGEAR AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
- Huawei E5576-320 Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Verizon Jetpack 4620L Wi-Fi Hotspot
- TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Hotspot
- GlocalMe G4 Pro Mobile Hotspot
- NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 Wi-Fi Hotspot
- HUAWEI E5577s-321 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot
- Out Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Wi-Fi Gadgets for Camping
- How can I get WiFi while camping?
- Is portable WiFi worth it?
- Can I watch Netflix while camping?
MightyWiFi Mobile Hotspot
13
If you love visiting other countries for camping, the MightyWiFi Mobile Hotspot might be the WiFi you need. The reason for this is its incredible data package. You’ll get 50GB of data in the US and 10GB globally immediately after activation. If that’s too much, there are other packages you can explore, too. Apart from that, it’s tried and tested to work in over 140 countries worldwide. Pretty impressive, right?
To ensure worry-free use, this hotspot comes with a high-capacity 3,600mAh battery. I was able to use it for about eight hours. And once the power was low, all I had to do was charge it using the included USB-C cable. Furthermore, this device can connect to pretty much any network that you come across. Plus, it can use both 2.4 and 5GHz to make sure you get optimal performance when emitting the signal.
Pros
- It’s a nice choice for world explorers.
- There are many awesome data packages to choose from.
- This WiFi is reasonably priced.
Cons
- It’s a bit too thick for some people.
Buy on:
SIMO Solis Lite Mobile WiFi Hotspot
12
Want something gorgeous? Take a look at the SIMO Solis Lite Mobile WiFi Hotspot. This good-looking WiFi works all around the world. Instead of using a SIM card, it provides you with several data packages. The company uses a pay-as-you-go business model so you don’t have any contracts, activations, or similar nuisances. You pay for how much you want to use, and that’s it!
Yes, this isn’t the smallest device on this list. However, it’s still pretty compact. I’ve used it before and it was able to easily fit inside the pocket of my jacket. It packs a powerful 4,700mAh battery, so you can count on it for extended periods before it needs to be recharged. Plus, this portable WiFi hotspot for camping boasts a 16-hour battery life on one charge.
Pros
- The design is both lightweight and compact.
- It works in over 135 countries.
- You can share the connection with up to 10 gadgets at the same time.
Cons
- There’s no LCD screen on it.
Buy on:
Alcatel LINKZONE WiFi Hotspot
11
Are you looking for reliable and portable WiFi for when you’re out in the woods? Look no further than the Alcatel LINKZONE WiFi Hotspot! This unlocked device weighs a tad more than 3 ounces, and it’s smaller than a deck of cards, so you can easily slide it into your pocket. Despite its size, this tiny monster can deliver impressive WiFi connectivity to up to 15 devices at the same time by utilizing GSM networks. I’ve tried connecting it with my phone, tablet, and my friends’ gadgets, and it did connect to 15 devices.
What makes this product a must-have is its price tag. Unlike other devices that can cost you hundreds of dollars, this one is less than 50 USD. Of course, this means there are some sacrifices. For example, the 1,800mAh battery is slightly smaller than other hotspots. But if you don’t mind charging it every now and then, it won’t be a big deal.
Pros
- A great option for budget-conscious campers.
- It’s backed by a one-year warranty.
- It’s both lightweight and portable.
Cons
- The battery life isn’t as competitive as others.
Buy on:
Verizon Wireless Jetpack 8800L Mobile Hotspot
10
Besides camping snacks, WiFi is important, too! That said, the Verizon Wireless Jetpack 8800L Mobile Hotspot is top-shelf WiFi with robust LTE connectivity and intuitive touchscreen controls that won’t disappoint. I love its huge 4,440mAh battery, which was able to gave me mobile internet for the whole day during testing. The battery is also removable, so you can get additional batteries for some extra juice.
This WiFi can connect up to 15 devices at once, which is perfect for big families and groups. By the way, if you’re camping in a large group, check out the best camping tents for 10 people. Moving on, it outputs both 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals, and it uses WPA2 encryption. It also has a convenient guest option, so you can always keep your main password private. That’s not all, as it works as a backup battery pack and keeps your other devices charged as long as they recharge with a USB-C port. What can’t it do?
Pros
- A nice choice for Verizon users.
- It has a removable battery and can double as a charger, too.
- I love how fast the internet connection is.
Cons
- The touchscreen sometimes isn’t responsive.
Buy on:
GlocalMe Triforce 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
9
Best Battery. With the GlocalMe Triforce 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot, you can take your internet with you almost anywhere in the world. The unique thing about this WiFi is that it works without a SIM card. You can instantly get both domestic and international data once you pay for the data plan directly from the manufacturer. Also, it comes with 8GB of data in the US and 1GB worldwide.
Of course, when it comes to this kind of device, we want it to be compact and lightweight, right? Thankfully, this device is far from big. It easily fits into almost any pocket, which significantly adds to the convenience. I was also shocked by its built-in 7,000mAh battery considering its size. Thanks to that, you can use this WiFi for up to 28 hours non-stop. Learn about how this device works by watching its official YouTube video!
Pros
- You don’t have to have a SIM card to use it.
- It also doubles as a power bank.
- The battery life is impressive.
Cons
- It only offers 1GB of international data.
Buy on:
NETGEAR Unite Explore WiFi Hotspot
8
Rugged, well-made, and with an excellent signal, it’s so hard not to like the NETGEAR Unite Explore WiFi Hotspot. Best for campers who go hard on their mobile hotspot devices, this item comes complete with a waterproof battery cover. That way, it’ll be protected from water splashes and smaller impacts, too. I’ve tried pouring water into the device and it worked completely fine after that.
This portable WiFi packs a 4,300mAh battery that can deliver up to 22 hours of consistent runtime. For someone like me, it’s more than enough. Cover yourself with your beloved wool blanket at night and you can surf the internet for as long as you like! As for charging, you can do it by using either a USB or the included wall adapter. That’s not all, as this great hotspot can also double as a power bank.
Pros
- It has a user-friendly UI.
- A great option for clumsy campers who need a rugged device.
- The battery is removable.
Cons
- Some people find it pricey.
Buy on:
NETGEAR AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
7
The NETGEAR AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot is a popular option that delivers fast speeds no matter what your carrier is or where you are. During testing, even though I was deep in the woods, there were no such things as bad connections. Plus, this WiFi hotspot for remote areas supports up to 32 simultaneous connections, is password-protected, and reaches speeds up to 400Mbps, which is insane!
At 4 inches long and a half-inch thick, this hotspot is incredibly portable. It’s as small as my electric hand warmers. However, it’s still equipped with a useful display so I could easily monitor data usage and signal strength, and adjust the network settings conveniently. Meanwhile, its 2,930mAh rechargeable battery can power up to 11 hours of use. For the full specifications, visit its official product page!
Pros
- You don’t have to worry about safety as it’s password-protected.
- The internet speed is insane.
- I find the 1.8-inch LCD display to be really useful.
Cons
- Some people expect it to have a bigger battery capacity.
Buy on:
Huawei E5576-320 Wi-Fi Hotspot
6
Aside from making advanced smartphones, HUAWEI also produces amazing hotspots, like the HUAWEI E5576-320 WiFi Hotspot. The best feature of this WiFi is its speed. It provides up to 150Mbps of download speeds in 4G, making it one of the fastest mobile hotspots you can get without spending a fortune. However, you should note that the SIM card isn’t included.
Furthermore, this hotspot can connect to up to 16 different devices simultaneously, so everyone can take advantage of that extra bandwidth. Also, thanks to the sleek and lightweight design, I was able to easily keep it inside my pocket or bag during testing. Despite the small dimensions, you’ll still get up to 6 hours of battery life. In a pinch, you can even charge your phone or other USB devices from the hotspot.
Pros
- It’s one of the most lightweight options on this list.
- I’m a huge fan of the sleek and minimalist design.
- It’s compatible with almost all devices.
Cons
- The battery life is a bit underwhelming.
Buy on:
Verizon Jetpack 4620L Wi-Fi Hotspot
5
Best Budget. Another WiFi that’s worth your attention is the Verizon Jetpack 4620L WiFi Hotspot. This hotspot offers superior connectivity and speedy internet access no matter where you are. With the ability to connect to up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices, I think this is one of the most effective options on the market. Plus, it’s ridiculously cheap!
This device is compatible with all major operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS. After I was handed this WiFi, I was able to quickly connect my gadgets to this hotspot. While there are many fun games for camping, this hotspot allows you and your friends to play online games together. Plus, the interactive OLED display will show when you’re connected, as well as the connection status and how many users are connected. It can even alert you when you receive new text messages!
Pros
- It’s one of the cheapest options on the market.
- The OLED display is highly interactive.
- It only weighs 3 oz.
Cons
- It can get pretty hot when doing extended heavy downloads.
Buy on:
TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Hotspot
4
TP-Link is known for providing top-notch networking accessories and gadgets, and when it comes to hotspots, the TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Hotspot is probably its best model. This pocket-sized camping WiFi was able to offer me a fast internet connection even when I was in the middle of the woods. Thanks to the 300Mbps internet speed, I was able to stream and watch my favorite series even though I wasn’t home.
In addition to that, this WiFi is powered by either a wall outlet or a USB port. Better yet, it’s compatible with most devices and operating systems, making it a versatile model. And when it comes to the design, I really love its simple and compact body. Plus, the blue surface makes it easy to spot the device. Best of all, it’s backed by a generous two-year warranty. Learn more about this device here!
Pros
- Though affordable, it doesn’t sacrifice internet speed.
- It has a simple and modern design.
- Compatible with Chrome cast.
Cons
- Some people think its battery life could be better.
Buy on:
GlocalMe G4 Pro Mobile Hotspot
3
Best Touchscreen. Up next is the GlocalMe G4 Pro Mobile Hotspot, one of my favorites. One of the highlights of this hotspot is its streamlined design. It’s made to provide you with a reliable internet connection in 144 countries using its proprietary data packages. Plus, I love how it doesn’t require any contract. Better yet, users will get free 1GB of international data that can be used within 90 days.
That’s not all, though. This WiFi is also highly customizable. If you feel the SIM card isn’t fast enough, you can replace it with your local provided. Furthermore, during testing, I was with my fellow reviewers, and we were able to connect this WiFi to up to 10 different devices simultaneously. Best of all, it could stay powered up for up to 12 hours. No matter how long you stay in your pop-up tent and stream your favorite movies, this hotspot won’t run out of battery!
Pros
- It’s a reliable option that can be used in 140 plus different countries.
- The LCD screen is big, clear, and responsive.
- The overall construction is pretty durable.
Cons
- It’s on the pricier side.
Buy on:
NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 Wi-Fi Hotspot
2
Most Versatile. For those who want to use a WiFi hotspot on AT&T, we recommend getting the NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 WiFi Hotspot. This WiFi can host up to 20 devices at once via 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi. It’s also equipped with a 5,040mAh battery that lasts for nearly a day. Don’t worry; it recharges quickly as it’s compatible with Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0.
This is one of the few options that come with a built-in Ethernet port, which you can use to offload your traffic to limit your cellular usage. As a popular portable hotspot, it has a USB port for charging other devices as well. On top of that, I was also able to use the USB port to connect an external hard drive and share files to connected devices. Even better, it comes with a complimentary app that allows you to manage the WiFi connections for all of your devices, adjust settings, check usage, and view media files.
Pros
- It’s an incredibly versatile option that can do it all.
- It’s backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.
- There’s a USB port for charging devices.
Cons
- It’s larger than many of its competitors.
Buy on:
HUAWEI E5577s-321 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot
1
Best Overall. Not all hotspots should be expensive. If you’re hunting for affordable WiFi for camping that offers amazing value for money, the HUAWEI E5577s-321 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot is the answer. First of all, this unit is so compact that you won’t even notice it in your pocket or camping backpack. But despite its weight, it’s still a pretty powerful device, able to deliver speeds of up to 150Mbps.
“This portable WiFi is a game-changer. Both the upload and download speed is fast, and the battery life is more than impressive. I seriously can’t think of my next camping trip without it.”
WOW Travel
On top of that, this portable WiFi hotspot comes with a powerful 3,000mAh battery. It allowed me to use it for around 11 to 12 hours, which was super long. Additionally, it also comes with a neat screen and user-friendly UI, making this device a piece of cake to set up. The screen also offers various information about the performance and battery life, so you know when it’s time to charge.
Pros
- It’s a reliable WiFi that offers good value for money.
- This hotspot is unlocked to all networks.
- There’s an informative display screen with a user-friendly UI.
Cons
- The screen is too small for some.
Buy on:
Out Verdict!
I think it’s not a surprise for the HUAWEI E5577s-321 4G LTE WiFi Hotspot to be my number one pick considering its price tag, internet speed, and ease of use. What about the rest? Of course, they’re also a great option. I’ve categorized some of them according to the following criteria, so make sure to give them a look.
- Most Versatile: NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Best touchscreen: GlocalMe G4 Pro Mobile Hotspot
- Best Budget: Verizon Jetpack 4620L Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Best Battery: GlocalMe Triforce 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
How To Choose The Best Wi-Fi Gadgets for Camping
WiFi is one of the most important camping accessories. When searching for the best hotspot, there are several essential features to keep in mind. They include:
Speed
First, make sure you pay attention to the hotspot’s internet speed. If you have an old hotspot, it might limit the potential speed that you can get from the carrier. For example, if the network allows download speeds of 300Mbps, but the hotspot has a limit of 50Mbps, you’re not using the network’s full potential. Get a device that can keep up and follow new technology.
Compatibility
The best WiFi hotspot for camping should be compatible with any device that picks up the WiFi signal, be it a smartphone, laptop, tablet, console, or anything else. Many high-end hotspots also come with an ethernet port that allows you to link them to a laptop directly. Meanwhile, some have USB ports that have multiple functions like charging and data transfer.
Battery life
Your WiFi should have long-lasting battery life. Even though hotspots are much more energy-efficient than phones, you can’t expect a 2000mAh battery to last very long. So, if you’re camping in a remote area with no charger, you’ll want a high-capacity battery of around 4,000mAh or more.
Portability
We also recommend getting WiFi that’s lightweight and compact and fits easily into your pocket. Avoid models that are sized as your home router, as this will be a problem to pack and carry.
How can I get WiFi while camping?
There are several ways to get WiFi while camping. The easiest one is using your cell phone. Or, you can purchase a portable WiFi router, use an internet USB, or even better, get a portable WiFi!
Is portable WiFi worth it?
Of course, it is! It’ll give you full access to the internet without draining your phone’s battery. Plus, it’s also small and lightweight, making it super comfortable to carry.
Can I watch Netflix while camping?
Why not? As long as you have good WiFi with fast internet speed, you can watch Netflix even when you’re camping.