Is a portable hotspot better than phone tethering?

Yes for international travel. Hotspots avoid roaming fees, provide better battery management (your phone stays charged), and connect multiple devices. For domestic travel, phone tethering works fine.

Do I need 5G for travel?

Not yet. 4G LTE provides 20-50 Mbps in most countries — plenty for all travel needs. 5G is a bonus where available but shouldn't be the deciding factor.

Best Travel WiFi Hotspots 2026