What is Verizon MiFi in 2024? The Complete Guide

Verizon MiFi is one of the most popular portable WiFi hotspot devices thanks to fast speeds from Verizon’s expansive 4G LTE and 5G networks. With download speeds averaging 182 Mbps nationally on their 5G network in 2022 according to RootMetrics, Verizon continues leading the way on network performance.

The latest Inseego MiFi M2100 5G UW mobile hotspot connects to Verizon’s fastest 5G Ultra Wideband network where available, as well as 4G LTE nationwide. It enables you to create a personal WiFi network to connect laptops, tablets, smartphones, and up to 15 WiFi-enabled devices.

Below we’ll explore how Verizon MiFi works, pricing and plan options in 2024, how it compares to home internet, pros and cons, and help you determine if paying for MiFi service is worthwhile for your connectivity needs.

How Verizon MiFi Creates a Personal WiFi Hotspot

Verizon MiFi takes the cellular connection from Verizon’s 5G or 4G LTE network and broadcasts it as a personal WiFi network. Available nationwide, Verizon 5G now covers over 230 million people across nearly 16,000 cities. 5G Ultra Wideband is available in parts of over 100 cities delivering blazing fast speeds.

Here’s an overview explaining how Verizon MiFi works:

• Step 1: Turn on your MiFi device and connect it to the Verizon 5G or 4G network
• Step 2: Connect your WiFi devices like laptops and tablets to the MiFi’s wireless network name
• Step 3: Access and share Verizon’s network connectivity across devices over WiFi up to 30 feet away
• Step 4: Manage connections and check data usage in the MiFi web interface

With the latest MiFi M2100 5G model, Verizon claims you can expect download speeds of nearly 4Gbps in select 5G Ultra Wideband coverage areas. More typical download speeds on Verizon’s nationwide 5G network average around 182 Mbps based on recent RootMetrics testing.

While connected device speeds will never match the capabilities of the actual network, the MiFi 5G leverages the fastest connectivity available from Verizon where supported.

Monthly Pricing and Plans for Verizon MiFi in 2024

Verizon offers several MiFi data plans to meet different usage needs and budgets:

You‘ll also need to pay a one-time $349.99 device fee to purchase the Inseego MiFi M2100 5G, or spread payments over a 24 month installment plan plus $35 activation fee and taxes.

Unlimited data is supported when you already have Verizon unlimited on your smartphone account for no added monthly fee. However,Verizon may slow unlimited data speeds after 50GB of device usage based on network congestion.

Compared to purchasing a dedicated home internet plan, using Verizon MiFi allows convenient internet access anywhere covered by their 5G and 4G LTE networks. Those already paying for Verizon phone service can add unlimited MiFi data at no extra monthly cost.

Can MiFi Truly Replace Your Home Internet?

Reliance on mobile networks makes MiFi an attractive home internet alternative for rural users not well served by traditional cable or fiber options. Early 5G adopters are also embracing MiFi as faster-than-fiber home internet.

For moderate home internet users that average 50GB of data or less monthly, Verizon’s MiFi plans provide data allowances comparable to what many fixed home internet plans offer.

However, families streaming lots of Ultra HD and 4K video could easily exceed 150GB per month. These high-bandwidth use cases will require Verizon’s unlimited data plan for MiFi to avoid overages or slower data.

Let’s compare the pros and cons of using MiFi as your home internet solution:

Advantages of Replacing Home Internet with MiFi

• Leverage speed/coverage of Verizon mobile network
• Avoid slower rural DSL/cable internet options
• Convenience of connectivity anywhere in coverage areas
• Unlimited data available (with smartphone plan)
• Compact for frequent travelers

Disadvantages Compared to Fixed Home Internet

• Monthly data caps could impact heavy usage
• Higher latency than cable/fiber impact gaming/streaming
• Battery powered (not always-on connectivity)
• Less cost effective for multiple devices needs

As the performance of 5G networks continue improving with expansive coverage, we expect many more home internet users will find MiFi plans suit their daily needs both around home and on-the-go. Verizon’s network capabilities certainly make their unlimited MiFi plans up to the task in 2024.

Is Paying for Verizon MiFi Worthwhile For Your Needs?

Verizon MiFi makes an ideal connectivity supplement for professionals and consumers needing internet access across laptops, tablets, and other WiFi devices at home or wherever work takes you. Performance on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE network provides lower latency and faster speeds compared to previous generations of mobile network technology.

Their MiFi data plan options now support data allotments comparable to what moderate home internet usage typically demands. Paired with the new MiFi M2100 5G device, you really unlock next-generation network capabilities for reduced delay streaming video calls or accessing cloud services away from home.

If you rely on always-on internet connectivity across numerous devices at home, MiFi response times may still fall short of fixed cable or fiber optics networks. For road warriors not needing "hyper connected" solutions under one roof, but faster and more reliable service in covered regions, Verizon MiFi brings immense flexibility.

Consider your typical monthly data needs and mobility requirements, but for many professionals and rural residents, paying a monthly Verizon MiFi service charge better enables productivity, education, and access to information wherever work or passions take you!