With LTE networks now nationwide, wireless Web surfing can be faster than your home connection. But you must still be wary: Get too addicted to high-speed, go-anywhere Internet, and you might rue the day your bill arrives.

Cellular modems and Wi-Fi hotspots can connect more than just laptops to the Web, anywhere. Hotspots will work just fine with an iPad Air 2, an Android-powered tablet like the Google Nexus 9, or any other device that's Wi-Fi-enabled. Depending on your hardware, plan, and usage, nationwide connectivity can be had for free for very occasional use, although prices can run well over $100 per month if you decide to download a lot of movies and games.

Here's what you need to know to pick the right service and hardware, along with the top-rated hotspots on each carrier, and even an international option:

First, Understand the Limits
Wireless broadband isn't for everyone. It costs much more per byte than a home DSL or cable setup. Plans range from "free" for 500MB/month with FreedomPop on Sprint's network, up to $50 or more for 5GB on all the major carriers; there are no truly unlimited plans any more. Since the average AT&T home broadband subscriber uses 35GB per month, wireless broadband just won't work for a primary Internet connection.

Hardware Types
There are two main types of modem: USB sticks and MiFi-style hotspots. 

USB sticks offer the fastest possible connections and are more portable than Wi-Fi hotspots. They're best for use with a single laptop. Typically, you must load special drivers and connection software onto your PC to use a USB stick. We're seeing far fewer new USB sticks lately, so this roundup focuses on hotspots.

Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots let you hook up multiple PCs, iPads, iPhones, and other mobile devices to the Internet via Wi-Fi. They're very easy to operate, and you typically don't have to load any special software onto your PC to connect with one. But they give you yet another gadget to charge, and translating a connection from 4G to Wi-Fi can bleed up to 20 percent of the connection's speed.

Choose Your Carrier

Verizon and AT&T have traditionally had an edge in coverage and speeds, but T-Mobile and Sprint are rapidly improving their respective networks. Inside major urban areas, all four typically offer solid service. As you move out, though, take special note of each carrier's regional strengths. For an in-depth look at specific coverage and speeds, head over to our Fastest Mobile Networks story, where we provide detailed analysis for each of the four major carrier networks.

There are also smaller carriers and virtual carriers offering hotspot solutions, but few of them really stand out except for very light users. FreedomPop and Virgin use a combination of Sprint's old WiMAX network and new LTE network to offer lower rates than comparable major carriers. Regional carriers like U.S. Cellular and Cellcom also offer hotspot deals in their limited coverage areas.

Can't get coverage where you live? WISPs (wireless ISPs) generally use larger, home-based modems, but they're available in many (though not all) small towns where traditional broadband or cellular service can't be found. What's more, they don't carry 5GB limits.

To Tether Or Not To Tether?
If you decide to make the jump, hotspots and cellular modems aren't the only option. Most smartphones also have integrated "wireless hotspot" modes, which let them connect other devices via Wi-Fi. Most higher-end wireless data plans now include hotspot use. This is a good solution for occasional use, but since it drains your phone's battery, it isn't an all-the-time solution. To help narrow down your decision, head over to our brief explainer on the tethering vs. dedicated hotspot debate.

Extras and Bonuses 
Many modems offer features beyond simple connectivity. Some add GPS functionality to your laptop, which I haven't found all that useful; the GPS radios in modems are less sensitive than those in smartphones, and it's a bit awkward to use your laptop for navigation. A more-useful feature, many modems have connectors for external antennas, which can really boost signal strength in rural areas. Sites like AntennaGear.net sell third-party antennas for various modems.

I also really like the displays on the front of many current hotspots, which can report the strength of your signal, your hotspot's name, and network password right on the device.

Beware: Overseas Surfing Will Cost You
Traveling abroad? Roaming can be insanely expensive, so we generally recommend renting a hotspot from XCom Global instead. XCom's plan covers nearly 200 countries including most of Europe, and charges a flat rate for unlimited use, which is much less than you'll pay with a U.S. carrier.

Before you commit to a modem or a plan, check out our most recent cellular modem reviews. 

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