How to Get WiFi in Your Car
To get WiFi in your car you can use a smartphone hotspot, purchase a dedicated mobile hotspot device, install an OBD-II wifi device, or install a modem/router.
Written by Kathryn Kurlychek
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
When you need high-speed internet on the go, there are several options available—from using your smartphone’s hotspot to purchasing a dedicated mobile broadband device or even a WiFi-enabled car. The costs and benefits of each solution vary by price, ease of use, and (of course) the quality of your internet connection.
Life in the digital age requires continual access to a high-speed internet connection, no matter where you go. Whether you’re
driving across the country
with friends and family or simply trying to stay on top of your emails, having WiFi in your car can make everything feel easier. That’s why
car insurance
super app Jerry
has compiled the top portable technologies to keep you covered wherever life takes you. If you’re looking to get new or better WiFi access in your car, read on to learn what options you can choose from and how to determine the right one for you. Option 1:Use your smartphone’s hotspot
Cost: Free to $600+, depending on the cost of your phone and carrier charges
Turning on your phone’s hotspot essentially transforms your device into a portable modem and router and enables other devices nearby (laptops, tablets, mp3 players) to connect to its network.
- Pro—easiest: Most smartphones have hotspot capabilities built right in, and you can usually turn on your hotspot in your phone’s settings. Phones that don’t will have an associated app that you can download to enable hotspot capabilities.
- Pro—cheapest: This method draws from your cellular data plan. If you plan on using your smartphone’s hotspot for regular on-the-go internet, it might be worthwhile to look into an unlimited data plan. You’ll also want to take note of whether your plan offers 3G or 4G for hotspot connections.
- Con—least reliable: One of the biggest drawbacks of using your phone’s hotspot is the reduced connection speed. Your smartphone isn’t meant to run as a full-time modem and router, so the devices connected to your hotspot may experience slower browsing speeds.
Key Takeaway Using your phone’s hotspot is the quickest and easiest way to get wifi in your car, but be sure to know the limits of your phone plan to avoid extra charges or slow connectivity
Option 2: Purchase a dedicated mobile hotspot device
Cost: $100-$300 for the device, plus possible recurring costs for a data plan
If you’re looking for something a little more reliable than just your phone’s hotspot but don’t want to break your bank, a dedicated mobile hotspot device may be the right option for you!
Also known as mobile broadband devices, these provide a more reliable network than your smartphone’s hotspot. That’s because they’re built to act solely as a portable modem/router– without all the other features of a smartphone.
- Pro—easy: Most mobile hotspot devices plug directly into a USB port. Once they’re set up on your laptop or desktop, they can be plugged in pretty much anywhere.
- Pro—more reliable: While the installation process is a little more complicated than hitting a button on your phone, in the long run, a mobile hotspot device will outperform your cell phone.
- Pro—supports multiple devices: Most models are built to support up to 10 devices with ease, meaning faster download speeds and stronger connectivity.
- Con—costly: Mobile hotspot devices typically range between $100-$300 with possible recurring costs for data plans starting at $20 and up. Many phone carriers—including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile—offer mobile hotspot devices directly or as an add-on to your existing data plan. Purchasing directly through a carrier tends to come with a higher price tag, but also a generally higher level of service.
MORE: 8 helpful tips for long car rides with kids
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Option 3: Install an OBD-II wifi device
Cost: $50- $250, depending on the device
Another option to get WiFi in your car is to use an OBD-II device. These devices plug into your car’s OBD-II port, which is the same port technicians use to run diagnostics on your car. OBD-II devices can be cheaper or the same price as mobile hotspot devices, but the two vary in key ways.
- Pro—functional: OBD-II wifi devices not only create a local network for your other devices to access, but can also provide diagnostic data on your car. Many devices boast associated smartphone apps that can be used to track your car in real-time, view your car’s history, and even provide emissions data and vehicle diagnostics.
- Pro—affordable: The majority of OBD-II wifi devices remain affordable and range between $50 and $200, making them at least as practical as dedicated mobile hotspot devices.
- Con—less portable: OBD-II wifi devices need to be plugged into your car’s OBD-II port to work, which means they’re less portable than mobile hotspots or your smartphone.
Key Takeaway Mobile hotspot devices and OBD-II wifi devices are similar in cost but differ in portability and function. OBD-II wifi devices offer a car-savvy bonus.
Option 4: Install a modem/router or purchase a wifi-enabled car
Cost: $200- $600, plus monthly data plan costs for a modem/router
If constant, reliable internet connection is your top priority, then installing a wireless modem and router directly in your car may be your best bet.
- Pro—highest quality: In this day and age, many cars come pre-equipped. WiFi-enabled cars have built-in units that are integrated into the car’s system. If you’re already in the market for a new car, a WiFi-enabled vehicle will likely give you the connectivity you’re looking for.
- Con—most costly: A modem/router unit can run upwards of $200 to $600—and installing one in a car that’s not already WiFi-enabled can be a difficult process. You’ll likely need a technician to carry out the work and the device won’t be portable outside the car. Similarly, WiFi-enabled vehicles can come with high price tags.
- Pro—most reliable: Despite the cost, installing a modem/router unit in your car will prove the most reliable way to access WiFi on the go. Once the installation is complete, there’s no hassle and no hardware—everything is integrated with your car and ready to connect!
How to find affordable car insurance
As the car owner’s super app,
Jerry
understands how important it is to stay up-to-date and protected in the digital age—and when it comes to your car, there’s no better way to protect yourself than with great car insurance.Whether you’re spending big on a WiFi-enabled car or upping your cellular data plan to “unlimited,” Jerry can help you save money where it counts: on your insurance policy. Just download the
trustworthy licensed broker app
, answer a handful of questions, and in less than a minute you’ll get competitive rates from the top insurance companies right to your smartphone.The average Jerry user saves $887 a year on car insurance!
“I’m 21 and my insurance rates have been really high for a while. In less than 30 minutes,Jerryswitched my car insurance and cut my costs in half! I recommend Jerry to my friends now!” –Liliana E.
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”
Patricia W.
Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
How much does it cost to get WiFi in your car?
Costs vary by device and data plan, but most range from $0-$300—though some can be as costly as $600+. You’ll want to consider your data needs when purchasing a device and/or plan, including network availability in your area, the amount of hotspot data, and data speeds (3G vs. 4G).
Is it worth having WiFi in your car?
For many people, it absolutely is! Having WiFi in your car not only fulfills professional and leisure browsing purposes, but can also come in handy for contacting emergency services in times of crisis.
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