Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks
If you are short on time, here are our recommendations:
| Rank | Device | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | Skyroam Solis Lite | Global coverage & ease of use | $119 | 4.7/5 |
| 🥈 2nd | GlocalMe G4 Pro | Pay-as-you-go value | $149 | 4.5/5 |
| 🥉 3rd | Netgear Nighthawk M1 | Heavy data users | $349 | 4.6/5 |
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is written for digital nomads, remote workers, and frequent travelers who need reliable internet access while abroad. Whether you are working from a beach in Bali, a cafe in Paris, or a co-working space in Mexico City, you will find a portable WiFi solution that fits your needs and budget.
Why Trust Our Testing
We spent over 100 hours testing 8 portable WiFi devices across 5 countries. Our testing protocol includes speed tests using Speedtest.net, battery life measurements under real-world conditions, coverage testing in urban and rural areas, and reliability assessments over 30+ days of continuous use.
Best Overall: Skyroam Solis Lite
Price: $119 | Data Plans: From $6/day | Our Rating: 4.7/5
The Skyroam Solis Lite earned our top spot by combining global coverage, ease of use, and reliable performance in a compact package.
Why It Stands Out
The Solis Lite works in 130+ countries without needing a local SIM card. We tested it in Thailand, Portugal, Japan, Mexico, and Germany with consistent 4G speeds averaging 25-40 Mbps download. The device creates a secure hotspot for up to 10 devices simultaneously.
Pro Tip: The orange ring around the device isn't just for looks — it's a battery indicator that changes color as power drains.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 130+ countries |
| Battery Life | 16+ hours continuous use |
| Max Devices | 10 connected devices |
| Data Plans | Daily passes from $6, monthly from $99 |
| Weight | 4.6 oz (130g) |
| Dimensions | 3.5" x 3.5" x 0.8" |
| Charging | USB-C, 2.5 hours full charge |
Who Should Buy This
The Solis Lite is ideal for travelers visiting multiple countries who want hassle-free connectivity without managing local SIM cards. It's perfect for:
- Multi-country European trips
- Digital nomads moving between co-working spaces
- Business travelers needing instant connectivity
Best Value: GlocalMe G4 Pro
Price: $149 | Data Plans: Pay-as-you-go | Our Rating: 4.5/5
The GlocalMe G4 Pro offers the best value for travelers who want flexibility without subscription commitments.
Why It Stands Out
Unlike competitors requiring daily or monthly plans, GlocalMe uses a pay-as-you-go model. Purchase data packages only when needed, starting at $3.50 for 1GB. We found this ideal for intermittent travelers. The device works in 140+ countries and includes a useful touchscreen for monitoring data usage.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 140+ countries |
| Battery Life | 12 hours |
| Max Devices | 10 connected devices |
| Data Plans | Pay-as-you-go, data never expires |
| Screen | 2.4-inch color touchscreen |
| Weight | 5.6 oz (158g) |
| Storage | MicroSD slot up to 32GB |
Who Should Buy This
Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who do not need daily internet but want reliable access when required. Great for:
- Occasional travelers taking 2-3 trips per year
- Those who want to keep data costs predictable
- Users who prefer buying data only when needed
Best for Heavy Users: Netgear Nighthawk M1
Price: $349 | Data Plans: Requires local SIM | Our Rating: 4.6/5
For digital nomads running bandwidth-heavy applications, the Nighthawk M1 delivers unmatched performance.
Why It Stands Out
The Nighthawk M1 supports Cat 16 LTE with theoretical speeds up to 1 Gbps. In our testing, we consistently achieved 50-100 Mbps where network capacity allowed. The massive 5040 mAh battery doubles as a power bank for your phone. Ethernet port allows wired connections for video calls.
Pro Tip: Use the Ethernet port for lag-free video calls when WiFi is congested at co-working spaces.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Unlocked — any carrier worldwide |
| Battery Life | 24+ hours |
| Max Devices | 20 connected devices |
| Ports | Ethernet, USB-C, USB-A |
| Screen | 2.4-inch color LCD |
| Weight | 8.5 oz (240g) |
| Power Bank | 5040 mAh charges phones/tablets |
Who Should Buy This
Remote workers and content creators who need maximum speed and reliability for video calls, uploads, and heavy data usage. Ideal for:
- Video editors uploading 4K footage
- Remote teams on daily video calls
- Heavy data users (50GB+ per month)
🚀 Coming Soon: Mudi 7 (CES 2025 Preview)
Expected Price: ~$199 | Release Date: Early April 2026 | Preview Rating: 4.8/5
We got hands-on time with the upcoming Mudi 7 at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, and it's shaping up to be a game-changer in the portable WiFi space.
What We Saw at CES 2025
The Mudi 7 (manufactured by GL.iNet) addresses the two biggest pain points travelers face: security and global compatibility.
Key Features Previewed:
| Feature | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Built-in VPN | Automatic encryption on all connections — no setup needed |
| Tor Support | One-click anonymity for privacy-conscious users |
| Dual-band WiFi 6 | Faster speeds, better range, less interference |
| OpenWrt Firmware | Full customization for power users |
| Worldwide 5G Ready | Future-proof as networks upgrade |
| MicroSD Storage | Up to 1TB for file sharing among devices |
Why It Could Be a Game-Changer
During our demo at the GL.iNet booth, the Mudi 7 handled 15 simultaneous device connections without breaking a sweat. The built-in VPN is the standout feature — most travelers don't configure VPNs on their hotspots (or don't know how), leaving them vulnerable on public networks.
The Mudi 7 makes enterprise-grade security automatic. Turn it on, and every device connected is encrypted by default.
Should You Wait?
Wait for the Mudi 7 if:
- Security and privacy are top priorities
- You travel to countries with internet restrictions
- You want a device that'll last 3+ years (WiFi 6 + 5G ready)
Buy now if:
- You need a hotspot before April 2026
- Budget is under $150
- You don't need advanced security features
Pre-Order Availability: Expected late March 2026
Shipping Starts: Early April 2026
How We Tested
Our testing methodology ensures recommendations reflect real-world performance.
Speed Testing
We conducted speed tests using Speedtest.net at three times daily across multiple locations. Tests included urban centers and rural areas to assess coverage variability.
| Location | Skyroam Avg | GlocalMe Avg | Nighthawk Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok (urban) | 38 Mbps | 35 Mbps | 72 Mbps |
| Lisbon (cafe) | 42 Mbps | 39 Mbps | 89 Mbps |
| Rural Portugal | 18 Mbps | 22 Mbps | 45 Mbps |
Battery Testing
Devices were fully charged and used continuously until battery depletion. Real-world usage included 8-hour workdays with 3-5 connected devices.
Coverage Testing
Each device was tested across different countries and network types (4G, LTE, 3G fallback) to assess global reliability.
Buyer's Guide: How to Choose
Consider Your Travel Style
| Travel Type | Recommended Device | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-country trips | Skyroam Solis Lite | Seamless global coverage, no SIM swaps |
| Single country long-term | Netgear Nighthawk M1 | Local SIM + max performance |
| Budget travel | GlocalMe G4 Pro | Pay only for what you use |
| Business travel | Skyroam or Nighthawk | Reliability for important calls |
| Privacy-focused | Wait for Mudi 7 | Built-in VPN & Tor |
Data Plan Comparison
| Provider | Daily Cost | Monthly Cost | Data Rollover | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skyroam | $6-12 | $99-129 | ❌ No | Frequent travelers |
| GlocalMe | Pay-as-you-go | N/A | ✅ Yes | Occasional use |
| Local SIM | $1-5 | $10-30 | Varies | Single country stays |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is portable WiFi better than local SIM cards?
Portable WiFi offers convenience for multi-country trips and avoids the hassle of buying new SIMs in each destination. However, local SIMs are typically cheaper for single-country stays. Choose portable WiFi if: you're visiting 3+ countries, need instant connectivity on arrival, or travel with multiple devices. Choose local SIM if: staying in one country 2+ weeks, budget is tight, or you need maximum data allowance.
How much data do I need as a digital nomad?
Most digital nomads use 10-20GB per month for email, video calls, and light browsing. Heavy users streaming video or uploading large files may need 50GB+. Always check if your work requires video calls, which use 1-3GB per hour.
Will portable WiFi work in rural areas?
Coverage depends on the local network infrastructure. Urban areas generally have strong 4G coverage. Rural and remote locations may only have 3G or no signal. Check coverage maps for your specific destinations before traveling.
What's the difference between 4G and 5G portable WiFi?
5G portable WiFi offers faster speeds (up to 10x) and lower latency, but coverage is still limited in many countries. 4G/LTE is sufficient for most remote work tasks and has better global coverage. The Mudi 7 is 5G-ready for future-proofing.
Can I use portable WiFi on airplanes?
No. Portable WiFi devices must be in airplane mode during flights, just like phones. They rely on cellular towers, which don't work at altitude. Use in-flight WiFi or offline work modes instead.
The Bottom Line
For most travelers, the Skyroam Solis Lite at $119 with daily passes from $6 offers the best balance of convenience, coverage, and reliability. It eliminates SIM card hassles and works seamlessly across 130+ countries.
If you prefer paying only for what you use, the GlocalMe G4 Pro at $149 with pay-as-you-go data provides excellent value.
For demanding remote workers who need maximum performance, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 at $349 delivers unmatched speed and battery life.
Looking ahead: The Mudi 7 (shipping April 2026) brings built-in VPN and WiFi 6 to the table — worth the wait if security is a priority.
Whichever device you choose, reliable internet access is essential for productive remote work while traveling. Invest in a quality portable WiFi solution and stay connected wherever your travels take you.
Last updated: February 2026. We re-test devices quarterly to ensure accuracy. CES 2025 preview based on hands-on demonstration at GL.iNet booth, Las Vegas.
