I Tried Portable Internet Options — Here’s What Happened

So, I travel a lot and at the same time, I also work remotely for my clients. Obviously, internet connectivity is something that I direly need whenever or wherever I am traveling. However, that’s the only thing I was struggling to get into place for a long time.

Then came a suggestion, advice from my dearest friend — why don’t you use portable internet? I was like — whoah, whoah, whoah, why didn’t that come into my mind?

And that’s when I decided to get one.

After a bit of research, I narrowed down my options to a few portable internet devices: mobile hotspots, tethering my smartphone, and portable Wi-Fi routers.

Each had its own set of advantages, but I decided to try them all out over the course of my travels to really gauge what works best in various situations.

First, a Mobile Hotspot Device

I started with a mobile hotspot device. This little gadget is designed specifically for internet access on the go and it operates on cellular data.

The setup was straightforward: charge the device, purchase a data plan, and voila! I was connected. My first test was during a weekend getaway in a rural cabin.

The connection was impressively stable for emails and basic browsing, although streaming videos was a bit slow. The real perk was its battery life, lasting almost a full day on a single charge.

Next, I Tried Tethering My Smartphone

Next, I tried tethering my smartphone during a business conference in a bustling city. Tethering is convenient since it doesn’t require carrying an extra device — just activate the hotspot feature on the phone and connect your laptop or tablet.

The internet speed was fast, handling video calls and multiple open tabs with ease. However, it drained my phone’s battery quickly and used a significant chunk of my mobile data allowance.

Portable Wi-Fi Router (The Best Option in My Opinion)

Finally, I tested a portable Wi-Fi router on a group trip abroad. This device can connect to a local SIM card, providing internet to multiple devices at once.

It was a game-changer for keeping everyone online, from navigating maps to updating social media.

The speeds were comparable to home broadband, and like the mobile hotspot, it didn’t tie up my phone or its battery.

Each portable internet option has its merits. The mobile hotspot is ideal for solo trips and longer usage with its durable battery life.

Tethering is unbeatable for quick, high-speed connections when you’re okay with the trade-off in phone battery and data usage.

Meanwhile, the portable Wi-Fi router stands out as one of the best portable internet options for me.

My travels have become significantly smoother with these tools in my tech arsenal. Now, no matter where I go, reliable internet follows.

This newfound connectivity freedom has not only eased my work stress but also enhanced my travel experiences, making each destination feel a bit more like home.