The Solis Pro 5G Personal Hotspot Is a “Much Have” Gadget for Acquiring Secure Wi-Fi Internet Access Almost Anywhere in the World

These days, most cellular data plans for a smartphone include a personal Wi-Fi hotspot feature, but it seldom offers unlimited cellular data access without eventually throttling. Plus, for between $10 and $15 per day, a smartphone user can often purchase a global day pass that offers unlimited calling, texting, and cellular data pretty much anywhere. However, for someone who doesn’t have access to a Wi-Fi hotspot via their smartphone, travels frequently, or considers themselves to be a digital nomad, the Simo Solis Pro 5G portable hotspot offers an affordable way to generate a personal Wi-Fi hotspot anywhere in the United States, or in more than 140 countries around the world.

Simo Solis Pro 5G Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot

$329.99 from Amazon $359.00 from Simo

In addition to fitting in a pocket and having a long battery life, one of the best things about the Solis Pro 5G is that it includes 1GB of U.S. cellular data per month forever. However, if you need more data, you can purchase a daily or monthly pass that works throughout the USA, or pay per gigabyte as you need it. For international travelers, the Solis Pro 5G automatically connects to the fastest cellular data network where you are, and allows you to connect up to 20 devices to your personal hotspot. You can pay a flat fee for an unlimited global day pass, or purchase a monthly global pass, or pay per-gigabyte in whatever country you’re in.

Over the years, I have used older versions of the Solis hotspots in various cities across the USA, and in several countries around the world. What I like most about this company’s hotspot devices is that you simply turn them on, purchase the cellular data you need as you need it, and the device just works with any smartphones, tablets, laptops, portable gaming devices, digital cameras, and other devices that require Wi-Fi for internet connectivity. The cellular data connectivity options are sold directly by Simo via the Solis mobile app or website, so you never have to deal with local cellular service providers, mess around with eSIMS, or purchase a SIM card that works in whatever country or region you’re in. The cost of cellular data and options available are explained shortly.

Recently, Simo introduced a redesigned 5G portable hotspot. It offers faster wireless connectivity with a stronger battery that lasts longer. It’s called the Solis Pro 5G. To enjoy the enhanced benefits of this device, I purchased it from Amazon and decided to review it. Once the hotspot device was charged up and powered on, I discovered it works even better than the company’s older personal hotspot devices. 

Keep reading to learn more about how the Solis Pro 5G performs, and why it could make sense to own one as a backup internet connectivity option at home, or as a more secure and reliable option when working from hotels, cafes, or airports anywhere in the USA. It also works anytime you’re traveling abroad.

Who Will the Solis Pro 5G Portable Hotspot Appeal To?

Based on my testing, I believe there are three types of users who can benefit the most from owning a Solis Pro 5G. First, there are people who need a reliable backup internet connectivity option when at home, if their regular Wi-Fi network stops working for whatever reason (such as a power outage). This device will also appeal to frequent domestic travelers, since the Solis Pro 5G can provide a mobile personal Wi-Fi hotspot with 5G speed for up to 20 devices. This means you can use it in a moving car, bus, train, or RV, as well as from a hotel, airport, cafe, or just about anywhere else. The benefit to using the Solis Pro 5G instead of a public Wi-Fi network is that it’s typically more secure and reliable. Keep in mind, it does not work on an airborne airplane or aboard a cruise ship while it’s at sea.

The third type of user who could benefit the most from owning a Solis Pro 5G is an international traveler. Once you purchase global day passes or another connectivity package that works internationally, all you need to do when you arrive at your destination is turn on the device, activate the cellular data pass, and connect your mobile devices or laptop. A global day pass that offers unlimited cellular data for 24 hours is priced at $9 each (or less). The more day passes you pre-purchase at once, the cheaper this option becomes. And, while your mobile devices are connected to the internet via Wi-Fi, you can participate in Wi-Fi (Voice-Over-IP) voice calls or video calls, send/receive text messages, surf the web, manage your email, take advantage of your smartphone’s GPS navigation capabilities, and much more.

The Solis Pro 5G Portable Hotspot’s Best Features

Compared to older iterations of the Solis portable hotspots, this one has a rectangular shape that easily fits in a pocket, purse, backpack, or waistpack, so it’s easily accessible while on the move. I also like that there are no eSims or SIM cards to deal with. When turned on, the device automatically connects to the cellular service with the strongest and fastest wireless signal, no matter where you are.

Among other things, the integrated touchscreen display is clearly visible. It offers information about available data, how many devices are currently connected to the wireless hotspot, and the upload/download speed currently offered. If you’re using a day pass, the display shows how much time in the 24 hour period you have remaining. For people who plan to use the Solis Pro 5G domestically, having 1GB per month of free cellular data service for the life of the device is a nice feature. In a pinch, you can use the Solis device as a portable power bank to recharge your smartphone or tablet, too. This is done using the USB Type-C port located on the bottom of the device.

This latest hotspot device is more rugged than previous models, and you now get all-day battery life. Most importantly, what the Solis Pro 5G offers is peace of mind, knowing that wherever you happen to be, you can have a secure internet connection for all of your devices. While I would still use a virtual private network (VPN) running on my smartphone, tablet, or laptop when working from public spaces, a cellular data connection unto itself is considerably more secure than relying on a public Wi-Fi hotspot, especially one that’s offered within a busy hotel, airport, or cafe.

Choose Between a Pay-As-You-Go, Daily, or Monthly Cellular Data Plan 

The trick to getting the best value out of the Solis Pro 5G hotspot is to choose a cellular data plan that meets your specific needs, based on where you will be traveling, and what your anticipated wireless data needs are across all of the devices you’ll be connecting with the Solis Pro 5G. Be sure to pay attention to where each plan can be used, and what each plan’s limitations are. 

Also, keep in mind that the Solis Pro 5G comes with 1GB of domestic data per month for the lifetime of the device, so any additional data you purchase would be used after that initial 1GB is used up. The device also comes with a one-time use pass for 10GB of global data, which can be used within the first three months of activation.

As someone who relies heavily on wireless data when traveling abroad, I’ve found that the unlimited data global day passes work best for me. I typically pre-purchase five global day passes at a time for the savings and convenience. When traveling domestically, I choose the USA Pay-Per-Gigabyte plan that offers 10GBs at a time. However, I do not recommend any of the pay-per-gigabyte plans if you will be streaming video, podcast, or music content, using your smartphone’s GPS for navigation, or uploading/downloading large files, since these tasks rely on a lot of wireless data.

Domestic Cellular Data Pass Options

These data plan options for the Solis Pro 5G work exclusively within all 50 of the United States.

North America Wi-Fi Plans

The following data plans work across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Global Cellular Data Pass Options

Simo offers a handful of global cellular data options for use with a Solis Pro 5G hotspot. These work in any of more than 140 countries (outside of the USA). Choose the option that best meets your needs, based on the reason for your trip and anticipated wireless data needs. Any of these options can be purchased before or during your trip via the Solis mobile app running on your smartphone or tablet, or by visiting the Solis website.

Using the Solis Pro 5G Portable Hotspot

Simo has done an excellent job making the Solis Pro 5G simple to set up and use. After removing it from its packaging, charge up the battery using the supplied USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable, then turn on the mobile hotspot by pressing and holding the power button for several seconds. The device then seeks out and connects to the cellular data service that offers the strongest and fastest connection. This connection could take up to two or three minutes. It will seek out a 5G connection first, but default to a 4G LTE connection in areas where 5G isn’t available.

Part of the initial set up process includes customizing the password for the Wi-Fi hotspot being generated. The network will be called SolisPro, and then include a series of numbers and letters, followed by either 5GHz or 2.5GHz. Access the Wi-Fi menu on the device you’re using, select the Solis Pro network, and when prompted, enter your password. This only needs to be done once. In the future, the mobile device or computer you’re using will remember the network and password, so you can connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot automatically when it’s active.

Whether you’re connecting one device or several to the Wi-Fi hotspot, keep in mind that each will utilize cellular data. So, unless you have an unlimited data pass or plan, pay attention to your data consumption. If available, an unlimited data day pass typically offers the best deal. While the Solis Pro 5G can be managed using the device’s touchscreen, I found that it’s just as easy to use the Solis smartphone app, especially when it comes to buying day passes or changing the Wi-Fi network’s password.

My Final Thoughts: Is the Solis Pro 5G Personal Hotspot Worth It?

While working from home, I’ve been using a Solis portable hotspot as a backup during power outages when my home internet service goes down. Using the hotspot device in conjunction with my laptop, smartphone, and tablet, along with an external powerbank, I can keep working for several full days without needing external power. When I travel domestically or abroad, I rely on my Solis hotspot as my primary Wi-Fi connection for all of my devices, since it’s efficient, inexpensive, and the day passes are affordable. 

Now that I have the Solis Pro 5G, I will be replacing my older model to take full advantage of this device’s faster connectivity speed, longer battery life, and its ability to simultaneously connect more devices to its Wi-Fi signal. I discovered that the Solis Pro 5G is also more durable than older models, yet maintains a small and easy-to-carry size and weight.

For anyone who wants 5G wireless data connectivity without having to tinker with eSIMs or physical SIM cards, or commit to a cellular data subscription, owning the Solis Pro 5G personal hotspot offers excellent value and convenience. My advice, however, is to choose your cellular data option wisely, so you don’t overpay for cellular data you don’t need or that will expire. 

This is one of the few portable hotspot devices that does not tie you to a specific wireless service provider, which is another great feature that ensures you can access the fastest cellular data network, with the strongest signal, wherever and whenever you’re using it. One of the few competing products that is similar is the GlocalMe Numen Air 5G. It’s about the same price as the Solis Pro 5G and offers connectivity in more than 200 countries, but only allows for up to 16 devices to be connected to the internet at once. Another differentiator is the cost of the cellular data, which is available by region of the world. No unlimited day passes are offered.

Simo Solis Pro 5G Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot

$329.99 from Amazon $359.00 from Simo

The original price of the Solis Pro 5G was $409, which was a bit steep for this type of device. However, it’s since been discounted to $359 on the company’s website. On Amazon, you can typically find it on sale for $300, which makes it a great deal, especially compared to similar devices on the market (several of which offer 4G LTE, but not 5G connectivity).