Does it cost money to use a hotspot is a great way to stay online on the go, especially if insecure public Wi-Fi slows down your lifestyle. But does a hotspot cost money? It depends on your device, data plan and location. You may also incur additional costs like taxes or regulatory fees. By assessing your needs and comparing different devices, carriers and plans, you can avoid unexpected charges.

The type of device and data plan you choose are the biggest factors in determining how much your mobile hotspot will cost. For example, some wireless carriers offer hotspot devices that are optimized for their networks and can’t be used with other devices. These devices are typically pricier and offer faster speeds and larger coverage areas. Similarly, some MVNOs offer unlimited tethering on their plans and don’t throttle speeds after you use up your monthly data allotment.

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As for data, every byte that is consumed by the hotspot and any connected devices counts towards your overall data usage. This can quickly add up, especially if you’re on a capped data plan and exceed your allowance. The size of a downloaded file roughly equals how much cellular data is used to download it, so be sure to avoid downloading large files like video content and hard-drive backups on your mobile hotspot.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, T-Mobile offers an inexpensive hotspot with a 4.3-inch touchscreen display and capable of connecting up to 15 devices at once. The Franklin T10 also includes a generous 100GB of high-speed mobile data a month for an affordable price.