Pay 
Language 
Currency 
No results found
What is the best hotspot for streaming?
Is it better to use a mobile hotspot or a pocket WiFi for streaming? Read our comparison, with pricing and detailed features to help you choose.
A reliable internet hotspot makes watching your favorite TV shows on Netflix or live streaming a Yankees game possible at home or abroad. But with many options available, how do you choose the best hotspot for streaming?
We’ve prepared pricing, connectivity, hotspot data plans, and availability comparisons for different internet connection options..
Mobile phone vs. dedicated devices: Which is the best hotspot for streaming?
You’ll have two options for streaming content: a dedicated pocket WiFi or your mobile phone.
- Pocket WiFi: These portable devices are available for renting or purchasing and usually include a limited amount of mobile data. You can create a personal hotspot to connect your mobile, computer, laptop, or tablet. Most devices use a 4G connection; a few options include a 5G connection.
- Mobile: Your mobile can safely turn on a hotspot to share data with other devices. This simplifies things as you can change your current plan to an unlimited one, and with most devices now including 5G connectivity, you’ll get a better streaming speed.
This is just a short view of how each device works. Let’s dive into more specific features for each:
| Device | Pocket WiFi | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Data plans | Usually data-limited; some offer unlimited | Both limited and unlimited plans |
| Pricing | Anywhere from $80 a week for renting and starting at $30 for purchasing. 5G devices can cost over $300 | From $100 to over $1,000 based on your preferences |
| Delivery costs | Range from $15 to over $40 | Doesn’t apply |
| Connectivity | Mostly limited to 4G. Some options might include 5G | 4G/LTE/5G |
| Security | Allow the creation of a password on a private network | Allows modifying WPA security and hiding SSI when necessary |
| Battery life | Up to 20 hours (4G); 8 to 13 hours (5G) | Up to 20 hours on 6,000 mAh batteries or higher |
How to choose the best hotspot for streaming?
Let’s see how these features can help us choose the best hotspot for streaming.
- Data speed: Devices with 4G/LTE data speeds work fine when streaming in SD and HD video quality. Faster speeds, like 5G, are required to stream at 4K quality.
- Signal strength: The better the coverage, the better the quality of your streaming. Checking the coverage map in your area can help you avoid issues like buffering or prolonged interruptions.
- Data limits: Rented pocket WiFi devices are capped at 1GB per day, which, based on how much data streaming use, can be depleted in just an hour. Choose an unlimited data plan instead to avoid streaming limitations.
- Delivery times: When renting a pocket WiFi, you must consider the delivery and return times and pricing. The same goes for purchasing one, but a mobile plan can be activated quickly.
- Activating a plan: The easier you can activate a plan, the faster you’ll stream content. Mobiles and personal pocket WiFi are top options, but adding additional data to a rented device will take longer.
- Pricing: Most pocket WiFi plans with limited high-speed data cost an average of $84, while options like Holafly Connect cost $64.90 and have better features.
Holafly Connect: The best mobile hotspot for streaming
Holafly Connect is your go-to option whether you’re looking for the best mobile hotspot for streaming or watching live TV.
This service is available in over 170 destinations with up to 5G connectivity, providing travelers with the best mobile hotspot for streaming and a reliable internet connection.
There are two available plans to share data with other devices. Here’s what each one includes:
- Unlimited: For $64.90/month, you’ll get unlimited data, unlimited hotspot, 5G connectivity when available, and 24/7 customer support.
- 25 GB: For $49.90/month, you’ll get 25GB of data and 25GB of data sharing, plus the other unlimited benefits.
With any of these plans, you can share internet with your Holafly plan and stream your favorite series or shows, with the unlimited plan being the best option.
Pocket WiFi: The best alternative for non-eSIM phones
Pocket WiFi devices are the best hotspots for streaming abroad if you don’t have an eSIM-compatible phone.
Renting a pocket WiFi limits how much you can stream, as these plans are mostly limited or will lower the speed after a particular data usage.
Some devices, especially those with 5G, can give you extra power and a strong connection, but these are pricier, and plans aren’t cheap.
Here are some options to help you choose:
- SolisWiFi: Offers a variety of 4G and 5G pocket WiFi devices for purchase, ranging from $159.99 to $379. These usually include a power bank and data deals. However, most plans are sold separately for $7.65/day to $84.15/month.
- TravelWiFi: Offers different 4G and 5G devices for purchase. Devices range from $109.99 to $319.99. Plans range from $53 (3GB) to $135 (10GB) for 30 days.
- TravelersWiFi: A rental company offering coverage in 150 destinations. Plans range from 1 to 3GB per day with unlimited 3G. Pricing for a week ranges from $12.12/day to $17.54/day. Delivery and additional costs are not included.
While helpful for streaming, these are pricier and more limited compared to using a smartphone as a hotspot.
Which service provides the best hotspot for streaming?
The best hotspot for streaming depends on your needs. If you don’t want to use your phone as a portable hotspot, that’s fine.
However, comparing how much a portable hotspot device costs and how pricey their data plans are, it’s fair to consider using a mobile hotspot as a better option.
The most complete Holafly Connect plan provides benefits that other companies can’t match, and that’s just $64.90/month.
You’ll be able to stream movies for as long as you want while you stay connected abroad without paying more than you should.
So, forget about hotspot data costing money and expensive hotspot data plans when using a pocket WiFi and go for an unlimited plan to stream whatever you please in over 170 destinations.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
Make sure you have travel data that's there when you need it most.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
