LTE Hotspot vs. WiFi Hotspot: Key Differences Explained

This article explores the differences between LTE hotspots and WiFi hotspots. We’ll cover what each technology entails and help you understand which one might be better suited for your needs.

What is a Hotspot?

A “hotspot” generally refers to a physical location where you can access the internet. This is achieved through a router that’s connected to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Both LTE and WiFi networks can be used to create a hotspot. A hotspot device incorporates routing functionality, allowing multiple devices to easily connect to the internet. These devices are particularly useful for travelers or those in remote locations who want to conserve their smartphone’s battery.

LTE Hotspot

LTE hotspots utilize LTE (Long-Term Evolution) technology to provide internet access.

Figure-1 depicts LTE hotspot Jetpack MiFi 6620L from Verizon.

The Verizon Jetpack MiFi 6620L, shown in Figure 1, is an example of an LTE hotspot. These devices often offer:

• Long battery life: Designed to last throughout the day.
• Reliable LTE connectivity: Leveraging the robust LTE network.
• Multi-device support: Ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously (up to 15 in the case of the MiFi 6620L).
• Dual-band Wi-Fi: Compatibility with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi devices (though not simultaneously).

Verizon’s LTE hotspot has advantages over those offered by AT&T and T-Mobile. AT&T supports fewer devices (up to 10), while T-Mobile’s hotspots don’t support the 5 GHz frequency band.

WiFi Hotspot

WiFi hotspots, on the other hand, use WiFi or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) technology.

Figure-2 depicts velocity wifi hotspot from AT&T.

The AT&T Velocity WiFi hotspot (Figure 2) is an example of a WiFi hotspot that also supports 4G LTE. This type of device offers:

• 4G LTE support: Connects to the internet via the 4G LTE network.
• Wi-Fi network creation: Acts as a Wi-Fi network, allowing up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices to connect.
• Dual-band Wi-Fi: Supports dual-band Wi-Fi technology for better performance.
• Decent battery life: Offers up to 10 hours of battery life.

LTE Hotspot vs WiFi Hotspot: Key Differences

In essence, an LTE hotspot is the internet connection, while a WiFi hotspot shares an existing internet connection.