Chances are, you’ve got broadband in your home. Mobile broadband is very similar. The key difference is that it sends data through 4G or 5G mobile networks rather than fixed cables. These mobile signals are transformed into a unique Wi-Fi network to which other devices can connect. This is a different process to using mobile data on your smartphone – your phone won’t automatically give you access to mobile broadband.

A mobile hotspot is where you share your phone’s data with another device, such as a laptop. This can be a useful hack if you need to get a gadget online and have no alternative, but we don’t recommend making a habit of it. In the short term, hotspotting drains your phone’s data and battery. In the long term, regularly tethering devices to your phone via a hotspot can permanently damage your handset’s battery health. If you often need the internet on a laptop or tablet when you’re out and about, use a dongle or pocket hotspot instead.

A pocket hotspot is a small device that creates a Wi-Fi hotspot using a mobile network. Often multiple devices can securely connect to some pocket hotspots simultaneously, so your friends and family can use it to get online too. It’s a great option if you’re travelling, working in a group or moving house and will be without Wi-Fi for a while. Pocket hotspots let you avoid using unsecured Wi-Fi networks, which can pose a security risk while on the go. They also feature USB ports, allowing you to charge smartphones and small USB devices. They’re bigger than dongles but still lightweight and portable.