Top 5 Prepaid Mobile Hotspots
Mobile hotspots are proving to be the latest, and perhaps most practical way that people connect to the internet when on the go. These hotspots are considered a cross between cellular data modem and Wi-Fi, allowing users to get online when and where they want without the restrictions that typically come with traditional Wi-Fi service. New devices like the iPad, don't have a USB port, so the only easy way to get online when you're out of range from you home or businesses WiFi is to create your own portable WiFi zone that's powered by the new 4G or 3G networks. The one thing that has kept many people from going with a mobile hotspot has been that most consumers do not want to have yet another long-term contract with their cellular company. Now they don't have to, now, consumers today can enjoy the benefits of the mobile broadband hotspot in a prepaid setting, eliminating the need for the long term contract. Now to find out what the top 5 prepaid mobile hotspots are.
5. T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspot
T-Mobile has offered a 4G Mobile Hotspot with their contract plans for a while now, but they've also just recently released a set of prepaid plans for the T-Mobile 4G mobile hotspot. This device provides users with 4G speeds over T-Mobile's HSPA+ network. The average reported download speeds are about 4 to 8 Mbps, decent for surfing the web or downloading media. Unfortunately the ZTE manufactured mobile hotspot has a couple of hardware glitches that result in lowered 4G signal strength, making it great when it works but a nuisance when it doesn't. The good things about this device is that it is lightweight and company with up to four hours of battery life making it highly mobile anywhere there is 3G or 4G cellular service.
4. DataJack MiFi
Datajack is a relative newcomer to the mobile broadband market that seem intent on shaking up the prepaid mobile market. DataJack provides prepaid broadband users with a wireless alternative to the standard USB internet devices. Coverage is available in most areas using Sprint's nationwide map although the service itself remains through DataJack. Customers will find a monthly plan that will fit any need, with data limits as low as 200MB and as much as 5 Gig as well as plans for any budget starting at $10 per month and as much as $50 per month.
3. Cricket Crosswave Wi-Fi Hotspot
Cricket has always been known for providing customers with reliable and affordable prepaid wireless. Now Cricket offers a mobile broadband hotspot that, like their cellular phones, are used on a prepaid basis. While this device is less expensive than other prepaid devices, it is also slower with only 3G speeds and available in few areas. The CrossWave sports a number of features that are found on more expensive devices such as on-board micro-SD memory storage, LCD status display, and USB tethering capability. This device ranks number 3 because of the cost element as well as the fact that it is available in areas where mobile broadband is not usually readily available.
2. Verizon Jetpack 4G
When Verizon chose to offer their flagship mobile hotspot, the Jetpack (MiFi) 4260L as a prepaid package in the Spring of 2012, it generated a lot of excitement. This was the first real 4G LTE device that could be purchased for a reasonable cost and enjoy the incredible 4G speeds on Verizon's 4G LTE network without committing to a 2 year contract term. The Verizon Jetpack 4G is one of the top rated mobile hotspots ever sold, with an array of features like front panel controls and LCD display which comes in handy for prepaid users who need to keep a watchful eye on their data allowance. With Verizon's prepaid mobile broadband hotspot you can enjoy 4G speeds and mobile broadband plans that start out at only $30 a month. Combine the low monthly rate with a low purchase price of $120 and you have the number 2 prepaid mobile broadband hotspot.
1. Virgin Mobile MiFi
Virgin mobile takes the top spot in the prepaid mobile hotspot field. This device provides only 3G speeds but with a low purchase price of only $109, the low price and lack of a two year contract or high dealer make up for the 3 instead of 4G speeds. Monthly rates with Virgin mobile will vary depending on the plan that is chosen, ranging from $10 for 10 days with limited access up to unlimited access for the entire month for less than $50. This mobile hotspot is based on the Novatel MiFi 2200 portable hotspot, which is the best-selling and most tried-and-true mobile hotspot of all time. This MiFi is the slimmest device on the prepaid hotspot market and can easily fit into any purse or shirt pocket, making it the most portable hotspot. While the Virgin mobile MiFi may not be the fastest nor least expensive prepaid mobile hotspot, it's excellent balance of reasonable costs, solid hardware, and a wide array of data plans for all type of needs and budgets make this device a winner. Combine the low costs and the mobility if this device with the added bonus of the extensive coverage area and you have why this device is in the top spot.
