Which is better for your RV, a router or a hotspot?

It’s better to travel. At least I’ve believed so since the release of the 1987 Swing Out Sister album by the same name. Although, if you’re going to travel it’s definitely best to take the comforts of home with you. For many of us, traveling the country by RV is the ultimate in luxury.

Lately, people have asked a new question. It’s not about where you go, it’s about what you take with you. When you get away from it all, do you really want to get away from all of it? If you’re like most people, you don’t want to disconnect from your electronic life even though you’ve left your home or office. That means you want good, fast internet for all the devices in your RV.

The best way to connect

Now, if you’re just worried about your phone, getting good signal in your RV is easy. Just put in a cell phone signal booster. It’s an easy upgrade that will help you flood the entire RV with great signal. RVs aren’t necessarily built to give you good cell signal, and using a booster will help give you back the signal that’s lost. They’re easy to install and they last longer than the phone you have now. In fact a cell booster will probably outlast the next two phones you get, or maybe more.

But for some devices, a cell phone signal booster isn’t enough. If you want to stream on your TV, or use your laptop, you’ll need more. You’ll need a device to convert cell signal to usable Wi-Fi. And that means you have a decision to make.

Option 1: cellular router

Cellular routers are just like the router you have for your home internet, with one extra bit of magic. Instead of getting their internet connection from a wire, they use a cellular signal. From there it’s converted to Wi-Fi and all your devices can connect.

It’s a neat trick and something at people have been using a lot for the last couple years. After all we’ve relied on the internet as never before, right? Putting in a cellular router gives you fast internet practically everywhere and gives you the opportunity to work, play, and shop safely and conveniently.

You can add a cellular router to your RV and get the same kind of benefits while you travel. It’s just a smart move.

Option 2: Hotspot

There’s another choice: the hotspot. By now everyone’s heard of hotspots. They’re pocket-size devices that do it all. They pull in cell signals and put out Wi-Fi. Usually they have the option to run on battery so you can take them anywhere you want. With this one simple device you get the Wi-Fi you need for laptops, streaming devices, and more. Best of all they are easy to travel with.

Hotspots are usually pretty easy on the pocketbook, too, with prices that won’t make you think twice. If you’re outfitting a luxury RV, that probably isn’t your biggest concern. But, it’s never a bad thing.

Which is best, router or hotspot?

That’s the real question isn’t it. Both devices can make sense, but when it comes to an RV, most often you’ll choose a hotspot. The combination of small size and simplicity generally does the trick.

However, there are still some times when you’ll want to choose a router instead. Routers generally have Ethernet ports, and hotspots almost never do. Ethernet ports may not be important to you in your RV, but they might be something people want at home or in business because wired communication is still usually faster than wireless.

Routers also have advanced functions like VPN support and that might be something you need if you’re working from the road. You would need to check with your employer on that.

Solid Signal has you covered

Whether you need a router or hotspot, you can get what you need from SolidSignal.com. We carry the gotW3 line of routers and hotspots which give you ultimate flexibility. You can activate with AT&T or T-Mobile depending on where you plan to travel. Either way you’ll find generous data plans and fast internet!

For the ultimate experience, combine a cell phone signal booster with a router or hotspot! The cell booster will give you faster speeds on all your devices!

If you’re ready to upgrade your RV, call the experts at 888-233-7563 during East Coast business hours. You’ll get a real expert on the phone who’s ready to help! If it’s after hours, fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.

About the Author

Stuart Sweet
Stuart Sweet is the editor-in-chief of The Solid Signal Blog and a "master plumber" at Signal Group, LLC. He is the author of over 10,000 articles and longform tutorials including many posted here. Reach him by clicking on "Contact the Editor" at the bottom of this page.