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Best WiFi hotspot solutions for business in 2026
A guide to WiFi hotspot for business, comparing traditional devices with modern eSIM options.
Keeping teams connected while traveling or working remotely is key, but choosing the right WiFi hotspot for business can be confusing. Companies need reliable, cost-effective connectivity without administrative burden or surprise costs.
This guide outlines what business WiFi hotspots are, compares traditional devices with modern eSIM alternatives like Holafly for Business, and helps you choose the right option.
Business travel made easy
What is a business WiFi hotspot?
A WiFi hotspot for business converts a cellular signal (4G or 5G) into a private WiFi network that multiple devices can use simultaneously. It creates a secure internet access point that works anywhere with cellular coverage, without relying on public WiFi.
There are two main types of business WiFi hotspots. Dedicated hotspot devices share a cellular connection with multiple users, typically supporting 10–20 devices. Smartphone tethering uses a phone’s mobile data connection to create a WiFi network, but it usually supports fewer devices and places a greater strain on the phone’s battery and performance.
Businesses use WiFi hotspots to keep teams connected where fixed internet is unavailable or unreliable. Common use cases include: sales teams and field workers visiting client or construction sites; conference attendees needing secure connections; food trucks and pop-up shops without fixed lines; temporary work locations; and remote employees working from various places.
Benefits of using WiFi hotspots for business
A WiFi hotspot for business offers a dependable way to connect without relying on public networks or fixed infrastructure.
- Security: A business WiFi hotspot provides an encrypted connection with password protection, creates a controlled environment for VPN connections, and helps teams follow company security policies without relying on public WiFi.
- Flexibility: Business hotspots deliver internet access anywhere with cellular coverage, eliminate reliance on venue WiFi, and serve as backup connectivity when the primary internet connection fails.
- Cost control: Hotspot plans offer predictable monthly costs, reduce spending on hotel WiFi and roaming charges, and scale better for teams than individual phone tethering plans.
- Productivity: Employees stay connected during travel, access cloud tools such as CRM systems, email, and video conferencing, and work with a professional-quality connection.
Types of business WiFi hotspot options
Businesses can choose from three hotspot categories:
- Dedicated hotspot devices: These are portable routers (e.g., Netgear Nighthawk and AT&T/Verizon business hotspots) that share a cellular connection via WiFi. They offer longer battery life (8–24 hours), support 10–20 connected devices, and are available with 4G LTE or 5G, but require an upfront hardware cost of $200–500 in addition to a monthly data plan.
- Smartphone tethering (hotspot mode): This option uses an existing phone’s cellular connection to create a WiFi network, usually supporting 5–10 devices. It avoids additional hardware costs but drains the phone battery quickly and can affect device performance during heavy use.
- Modern eSIM solutions: These use a digital SIM in compatible smartphones and tablets, require no separate device, activate instantly, work in 170+ countries, and support hotspot sharing.
Challenges with traditional hotspot devices
Device and battery management
Traditional hotspots require physical hardware that must be purchased, tracked, and maintained. Battery life typically lasts 8–12 hours, requiring frequent charging. Devices can be lost, damaged, or stolen, adding another item for employees to carry and manage.
Data plan limitations
Most hotspot plans include monthly data caps, typically between 15GB and 175GB, before throttling or overage charges apply. These plans are tied to a single carrier with contract commitments. Once the data threshold is reached, reduced speeds can slow productivity.
Upfront costs and deployment
Dedicated hotspots require an upfront hardware investment of $200 to $500 per device, plus monthly service fees that often range from $50 to $100. Physical SIM activation and device setup take time and coordination, as IT teams must handle provisioning, tracking, and firmware updates.
International travel complications
US carrier hotspot plans often trigger expensive roaming fees when used abroad. Teams must buy local SIM cards in each country or face high international rates. Coverage gaps and complex pricing make cross-border connectivity harder to manage.
eSIM-enabled hotspots: A modern alternative
A business eSIM is a digital SIM that provides mobile data on compatible smartphones and tablets without a physical card. It works like a traditional hotspot but removes most hardware and carrier constraints.
Key advantages over traditional hotspots
- No additional hardware needed, as teams use devices they already carry.
- Instant activation in minutes, not days, without physical SIM management.
- Connection to local networks in 170+ countries without roaming charges.
- Pay-as-you-go or subscription options with no long-term contracts.
- Hotspot sharing is included on compatible devices.
- Lower hardware costs and IT administrative burden.
How eSIM hotspot sharing works
The eSIM provides cellular data to the smartphone. The phone’s WiFi radio then broadcasts this connection as a private network. Other devices connect by entering a password, just as they would with any WiFi network.
Best use cases for business eSIM
- International business travelers who need reliable connectivity abroad.
- Remote teams working from various locations.
- Companies focused on reducing hardware costs and IT overhead.
- Businesses with BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies.
- Teams that scale up or down often.
When traditional hotspots still make sense
Traditional hotspots remain practical when more than 20 devices must connect at once, when teams’ hardware doesn’t support eSIM, or when data usage exceeds 100GB per device each month.
They also suit businesses that need a dedicated backup device separate from an employee’s phone.
Popular business eSIM providers
Business eSIM providers vary in coverage, pricing, and management features.
What to look for in eSIM providers
- Coverage in your key destinations.
- Data plan options that match usage patterns, including unlimited or capped plans, and daily or monthly billing.
- Centralized management tools that reduce IT effort
- Transparent pricing without hidden roaming fees.
- Excellent customer support
Holafly for Business
Holafly for Business offers unlimited data plans in 170+ destinations with instant activation via the app and 24/7 support. Holafly Plans for business cost up to $64.90 per month for long-term business use and are managed through a centralized management hub (a dashboard where admins can deploy, monitor, and control all employee business eSIMs from one location). Hotspot and data-sharing capabilities allow teams to connect laptops and other work devices without additional hardware.
Other eSIM options
Other providers may better suit your needs based on your key destinations, data limits, pricing structures, and team deployment management tools.
Choosing the proper connectivity solution for your business
The right connectivity setup depends on team size, travel patterns, and the level of control IT needs over costs and deployment.
Small teams (1–10 employees)
- Business eSIMs offer cost savings and flexibility.
- No hardware investment or device tracking is required.
- Scaling is as simple as the team grows.
Medium teams (10–50 employees)
- A mix of eSIMs for frequent travelers and dedicated hotspots for shared use often works best.
- This approach balances costs with different connectivity needs.
- Evaluate options based on usage patterns and travel requirements.
Large enterprises (50+ employees)
- Enterprise eSIM solutions or a managed hotspot fleet provide better control at scale.
- Centralized management platforms support volume pricing and oversight.
- Integration with existing IT systems and security policies is key.
Key evaluation criteria
- Team size and structure.
- Travel frequency and destinations.
- Data usage requirements per user.
- Budget constraints and total cost of ownership (TCO).
- Device compatibility, including eSIM support.
- Security and compliance requirements.
Simplify business connectivity with Holafly for Business
Holafly for Business solves traditional hotspot problems by eliminating hardware management, data caps, and international roaming fees. Teams activate a business eSIM instantly, access unlimited data options in 170+ destinations, and manage everything through a centralized management hub.
Businesses can choose from three flexible Holafly Plans with no contracts. Always On (9.95€/year) covers basic needs, Unlimited (€57/month per eSIM) supports frequent travelers with higher usage, and Enterprise (custom pricing) delivers bespoke solutions for larger organizations.
Request a demo to see the Holafly Business Center platform and evaluate the total cost of ownership.
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I am a Liverpool-based SEO content specialist with years of experience crafting content that connects. I combine my love for clear communication with a passion for travel and languages (currently diving into Japanese!). At Holafly, I'm here to help you understand everything about staying connected abroad, turning technical jargon into straightforward advice you can actually use.
