1. The Signal
  2. Category:Internet Help

Internet HelpCategory

Mobile Hotspot for Gaming: How to Keep the Action Going

9 min read
No matter where you roam, high-speed internet has gone from a luxury to necessity—whether it’s staying in touch with family and friends, working on the go, or just enjoying your favorite content when you travel. Staying connected is especially important for die-hard gamers who crave action no matter how off-the-grid they are.
Three individuals sitting down with laptops and phones connecting to the hotspot device in front of them

So, what happens when you go somewhere without Wi-Fi? Or you don’t have access to wired connection? That’s where mobile hotspots can be a game-changer. These handy devices can keep your gaming sessions alive when traditional connections go awry, or simply aren’t the best choice. Let’s take a closer look at what mobile hotspots are, how they can enhance your gaming experience, and a few of our favorite choices for staying connected.

What’s a mobile hotspot and why is it great for gaming?

A mobile hotspot is a portable device that provides connectivity using cellular data, allowing you to connect multiple devices (like your gaming console or PC) to the internet on the go. These devices are small, easy to carry, and can connect to high-speed networks like 4G or 5G, making them ideal for gamers who need reliable, fast internet while traveling or at locations where stable Wi-Fi or tethered connections are non-existent.

For gaming, a mobile hotspot can be a solution for delivering low latency and fast download speeds—critical factors for online multiplayer games where lag can quickly become a gamer’s worst nightmare. Instead of relying on public Wi-Fi that might be slow, unsafe, or unstable, using a mobile hotspot can help ensure that you’re connected and ready for action.

How does a mobile hotspot benefit gamers?

Here’s why gamers are turning to mobile hotspots on the go:

  • Low Latency: As a gamer, you know that lag can ruin your entire experience. Mobile hotspots using 5G networks, in particular, can deliver fast speeds and low latency, which makes a huge difference when playing multiplayer games. 
  • Portability: A mobile hotspot is compact and easy to carry, making it simple to stay connected virtually anywhere, whether you’re roughing it at campsite, or glamping it up in an RV for the weekend.  
  • Multiple Device Support: Most mobile hotspots allow you to connect more than one device, so you can game on your console while your friends or family can still access their favorite online activities. 

Which hotspot is ideal for gaming?

That depends. Before you buy a hotspot, make sure that it’s compatible with your go-to gaming device’s Wi-Fi standards, whether it’s a gaming console, or mobile, cloud, or PC gaming. You also should know the difference between an 4G LTE hotspot vs. 5G hotspot, so you can find the best device for your needs:

  • 4G Hotspot. May be sufficient for casual gaming, less demanding games, and single-player games with minimal multiplayer action. 
  • 5G Hotspot (Sub-6 GHz or mmWave). Ideal for modern multiplayer games, competitive gaming, and cloud gaming. The low latency is a huge advantage for smooth real-time gameplay. 

Keep in mind that a lot of factors, including things like network congestion or network instability (like latency or dropped connections) can impact gaming performance. Be sure to check your provider’s cellular coverage map to make sure the area you’re going to has good signal strength. 

Top mobile hotspot picks for gaming

Now that you know a little more about hotspots, let’s take a look at a few of our top picks for gamers: 

Excellent performance: INSEEGO MiFi® X PRO 5G

For the ultimate mobile hotspot experience, the INSEEGO MiFi® X PRO 5G is a powerhouse designed to handle the demands of online gaming. With 5G & 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi 6, it has the speed and exceptional coverage you need for gaming, even in high-intensity gaming scenarios. Key features include: 

  • 5G Support: Designed for some of the fastest internet speeds available, the MiFi® X PRO can keep your connection stable and smooth, even during the most competitive gaming matches. 
  • Powerful Battery: The 5,050mAh battery is built for long sessions, offering hours of continuous gaming without having to recharge. 
  • Connects Up to 32 Devices: When you need a full gaming setup, this hotspot can handle it, making it perfect for tournaments, marathons, or group play. Plus, it has an ethernet port for additional flexibility. 
  • High-Speed Data: Whether you're streaming gameplay or just connecting for online multiplayer, the 5G speeds make all the difference in providing a seamless experience. 

Budget-friendly: FRANKLIN T10 Mobile Hotspot

While it doesn’t offer 5G speeds or Wi-Fi 6, the FRANKLIN T10 is still a solid choice for casual gamers on a budget who want a simple, user-friendly setup. This 4G LTE hotspot is reliable and offers nice coverage, whether you’re in the middle of a city or in a more rural area. Key features include:

  • Reliable 4G LTE Connectivity: Generally fast enough for single-player or causal online gaming, offering a stable connection for less lag and interruptions. 
  • Decent Battery Life: With a 3,000mAh battery, it’s a solid choice for average gaming sessions, providing hours of use before needing a recharge. 
  • Compact and Portable: This hotspot is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry in your pocket or bag for gaming sessions on the go. 
  • Connects Up to 15 Devices: This means you can setup several devices without worrying about running out of connections. 

Great Mix of Both: JEXtream® RG2100 5G Mobile Hotspot

Equipped with 5G capabilities, this hotspot falls right in the middle of the other two options in terms of price and capabilities. It can handle heavy gaming sessions with ease, providing fast and reliable speeds for high-demand games. Key features include: 

  • 5G Connectivity: Designed for ultra-fast 5G speeds, the RG2100 minimizes lag and offers a seamless online gaming experience. Plus, it features Wi-Fi 6 Dual Band 2.4GHz & 5GHz technology, so the device can choose the best frequency depending on the situation. 
  • Long Battery Life: No need to worry about your hotspot running out of juice mid-game. The RG2100 is designed to keep you connected for extended periods with its 5,000mAh battery. 
  • Supports Multiple Devices: Easily connect up to 20 devices, including your gaming console, phone, and laptop to stay connected with friends or team members. 
  • Compact Design: This portable hotspot is small enough to take on the go, ensuring you have access to fast internet virtually anywhere you are. 

Benefits of using a mobile hotspot for gaming

Here’s why a mobile hotspot is a helpful tool for gamers: 

  • Less Buffering: With faster speeds, your gameplay will be more fluid and less interrupted by lag or buffering. 
  • Better Coverage: Whether you’re in the city or out in the countryside, a mobile hotspot can help you stay connected where Wi-Fi might be unreliable. 
  • No Need for Wi-Fi: With mobile hotspots, you don’t need to worry about finding a Wi-Fi network on the go. Just turn on your device and you’re ready to play. 
  • Flexibility: Whether you're on vacation, at a friend’s house, or in a hotel, you can have a reliable internet connection to keep gaming uninterrupted. 

Potential drawbacks of mobile hotspots

While mobile hotspots can be a great tool for gaming, there are a few things to keep in mind: 

  • Data Limits: Depending on your plan, using a mobile hotspot for gaming can eat up your data quickly. Make sure you have a good data plan or you may see higher usage charges. 
  • Speed Variations: No matter how great the hotspot is, the speed of your connection is only as good as the strength of your cellular network. So, in some areas, you may experience slower speeds. 
  • Battery Life: While most mobile hotspots are designed for long battery life, heavy use for gaming might still require frequent recharging. 

Optimize your hotspot for gaming

In order to make the most of your hotspot, here are some additional steps you can take:

  • Pick the strongest network (4G or 5G): While 5G is considered the fastest network, it may not be the fastest available network in your particular area. You can check coverage via your provider’s cellular coverage map and set your hotspot accordingly.
  • Location, location, location: Make sure your hotspot is in an open area, up high or near a window, and away from walls, microwave ovens, and electronic devices that may cause interference.  
  • Turn off data-hungry processes: If everyone is streaming, gaming, or having online video calls at once, it can bring things to a halt. Be sure to limit those activities and turn off any background processes that could slow things down. 
  • Protect your hotspot: Set up a strong password to keep your connection private. Be sure to enable WPA3 or WPA2 encryption and, if possible, use a firewall and VPN, too. 

Final thoughts: Is a mobile hotspot right for you?

Mobile hotspots are a good solution for gamers who need flexibility, reliability, and speed on the go when a strong wireless (or wired) internet connection isn’t available. Just be sure to choose one with features that fit your gaming needs, like baked-in Wi-Fi capabilities for a multitude of devices, on-board Wi-Fi 6 Dual Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz technologies, the ability to charge external devices, a long-lasting battery, etc. But remember, these Wi-Fi options likely come with data limits, so you may have to invest in a good data plan. 

Going off the grid for an extended period of time? T-Mobile has a Wi-Fi solution that may be a better fit than a hotspot. Learn more about AWAY™, our beyond-the-home internet plan that gives you the freedom to stream, work, and play on America’s largest 5G network just about anywhere you roam. 

Sources:

Tags