Verizon Orbic Speed 5G UW Mobile Hotspot: Speedy Indeed

The first hotspot that supports Verizon’s C-band 5G

- SASCHA SEGAN

Verizon’s fresh C-band network showed up about 20% of the time in our recent Best Mobile Networks tests and generally unlocked speeds at least twice as fast as the rest of the carrier’s 5G nationwide coverage. But older phones with a hotspot mode can’t take advantage of those mid-band speeds as well as a dedicated hotspot such as the Orbic Speed 5G UW can. This device is currently the only one that can handle the carrier’s new 5G network, and that support should make a big difference in network performance for those who live in a C-band zone. We’re not fans of its bulk or middling battery life, but those issues are worth working around to get the best possible network speeds. Because of its unrivaled network performance (for now), the Orbic Speed 5G UW is an Editors’ Choice award winner.

PROS

• Only hotspot that works with Verizon’s latest 5G

• Clear, simple on-screen interface

• Ethernet port for network output

CONS

• No external antenna ports

• Big and heavy

• Battery life is short on fastest 5G

THE BOTTOM

LINE Despite relying on a lastgen modem, Verizon’s Orbic Speed 5G UW hotspot can get up to 30 devices online via the carrier’s latest mid-band 5G network.

LARGE AND (MOSTLY) KEEPS A CHARGE