A USB 3G modem was plugged into a computer.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nSo you’ll be better off using a Wi-Fi hotspot if you travel a lot and need to connect multiple devices wirelessly on the go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These devices can hit speeds of 20-30Mbps, giving you decent streaming performance.<\/p>\n\n\n
Hotspot vs. Modem: Power<\/h2>\n\n\n Let’s eliminate the Wi-Fi router, cable modem, and wireless modem router in this comparison because these get their power from wall outlets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the USB modem, you must plug the device into a computer’s USB port to draw power. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So you’ll always have to keep your laptop on if on the road, which is inconvenient. This option might work if you occasionally connect to the internet to send emails or video call friends\/colleagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But if traveling as a group, you need a wireless hotspot to keep everyone online. Mobile hotspots can work but will drain your device’s battery. You can recharge the phone, but doing so regularly will reduce its battery life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So the best option for such a scenario is to use a separate mobile hotspot device. These units usually have a long battery life and can handle multiple devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nA Wi-Fi hotspot device<\/em><\/p>\n\n\nHotspot vs. Modem: Price<\/h2>\n\n\n Another critical factor to consider is the cost of the internet plan provided by each device. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, fixed internet is the cheapest option. So cable and wireless modem router combos have the best internet access pricing deals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plus, they deliver the fastest network speeds. But you can only use these options for fixed home internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nA cable modem<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nOnly USB modems, mobile hotspots, and Wi-Fi hotspots can keep you connected on the go. And unless you have an unlimited 4G data plan, you need to keep your internet usage in check to avoid overage fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mobile hotspots will be the most expensive because cellular phone plans are costlier than USB modem and Wi-Fi hotspot (Mi-Fi) data plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And Wi-Fi hotspots usually don’t have removable SIM cards, meaning you might not be able to switch networks to avoid expensive roaming charges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So USB modems with removable SIM cards might be the best option if you travel across borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, they enable network switching if you find a cheaper mobile network carrier.<\/p>\n\n\n
Hotspot vs. Modem: Setup<\/h2>\n\n\n USB modems are probably the easiest to set up because they are plug-and-play devices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plus, most are compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs. Wireless USB modems might require some setting up of the wireless network when new, but that’s it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You’ll only have to plug the device into your computer’s USB port afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nA USB modem with an antenna plugged into a laptop<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nPhone and separate mobile hotspot devices require some initial configuration, as well. But they’ll be easy to use afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, routers, wireless modem routers, and cable modems usually require more configuration to connect to your ISP.<\/p>\n\n\n
Hotspot vs. Modem: Portability<\/h2>\n\n\n We will consider the USB modem, mobile hotspot, and Wi-Fi hotspot for portable use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mobile hotspots are the most portable because we carry our smartphones everywhere. So there’ll be no addition to your hardware package when you travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, mobile hotspots gobble up expensive phone data plans and drain the battery quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So the USB modem and Wi-Fi hotspot are the two contenders left in this category. The former is more portable because it is tinier and lighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hotspots are slightly larger and heavier, primarily due to their internal batteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nA 4G Wi-Fi hotspot device<\/em><\/p>\n\n\nWrap Up<\/h2>\n\n\n As you can see, hotspots and modems compete on multiple levels, making it tough to choose the best one overall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You have to consider your unique requirements to pick the best device. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance, Wi-Fi hotspots are better for people traveling in groups, but a USB modem might work if you travel alone and work remotely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s all for this article. Thanks for your time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
About Hotspot vs. Modem, Terms like hotspots, modems, and routers often get thrown around today due to the abundance of portable internet-connected devices. These mobile internet devices have raised the hotspot vs. modem debate as people look for high download speeds on the go. But while most people are aware that hotspots and modems are … <\/p>\n
Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3934,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nHotspot vs. Modem: A Detailed Comparison<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n