The Best RV Internet For Every Camper

T-Mobile AWAY is a version of its 5G Home Internet service that can be used to connect wherever the carrier’s vast network reaches. It’s ideal for long RV trips and camping excursions. It’s even handy for business travel or working in a remote location away from the office. 

Like fixed-wireless home internet, T-Mobile AWAY connects to a 5G network via cellular towers. It even uses the same gateway device as T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet; the main difference is that it’s not tied to a single address and can be used anywhere the network is available. You’ll get the best signal the closer you are to populated areas, and it will get weaker the more remote you get. You need to be in the range of T-Mobile’s cellular towers, so if you’re not getting a phone signal, it’s unlikely your AWAY gateway will get a signal.

While T-Mobile AWAY is much more expensive than a hotspot plan, there are no equipment fees, saving you from spending up to $300 for a hotspot device. Plus, it’s available with unlimited data, something that hotspot plans rarely offer. Since it works off the same technology as T-Mobile’s Home Internet service, it’s also expected to provide faster, better quality service. 

Residential customers have been able to get 5G home internet from the big carriers for a while, with speeds that rival wired internet connections like cable and fiber. These internet plans are limited to a fixed address and will not work if you take your home router with you in the RV. However, T-Mobile is the first major carrier to let you take its home internet on the road with you.

Speed - 4.6

T-Mobile AWAY gave me pretty fast download speeds. Unfortunately, its latency was much higher than a wired internet connection. My speed tests would usually fall between 150 and 300Mbps. However, the higher speeds recorded required clear weather. During a rainstorm, my speed would drop, but it was still usable.

Reliability - 3.2

Once the gateway device was able to connect, it would maintain a consistent link to the network, even if I’m driving around with it. I was even able to take it up a high canyon, far from the city, and make a Zoom call to a coworker with surprising quality. So while speeds vary due to location and weather conditions, I was always able to connect to the web.

Portability - 4.5

The gateway device is small and lightweight, and perfect for mounting to the inside of an RV or van. With just an AC power cord required, it’s easy to plug into an RV. It’s also easily powered with a DC power inverter for older vehicles. The device can be powered with a portable power bank, but since it's a version of T-Mobile’s home gateway device, it’s not as portable to take with you on the trail. 

Value - 4.5

T-Mobile AWAY is a great value for weekend warriors that need a reliable internet solution for RV roadtrips to keep the family entertained, work on the road, or ensure a line to emergency services. T-Mobile AWAY monthly plans are much pricier than T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, but still inexpensive when compared to providers that require an upfront fee.

As of 2025, the only portable satellite internet access for RVs is Starlink Roam (once called Starlink RV). Starlink Roam connects to SpaceX’s constellation of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet pretty much anywhere, no matter how far from civilization I went.

It’s the only satellite internet provider that requires an upfront equipment charge rather than leasing it like most other providers. The service’s performance depends on my location, network congestion, and the status of the continually growing Starlink constellation.

While Starlink is currently the only game in town for RV satellite internet, Amazon is working to get its rival service online sometime in 2025. Learn more about Project Kuiper here.

Starlink currently offers three different kits, all compatible with Roam plans. The right one will depend on your internet usage needs and how much you’re willing to spend. Customers can use the same dishes for Roam and fixed-residential service.

The Starlink Standard is the most common and currently the most affordable. It’s $349 when signing up with a Mobile plan. The dish is easy to set up on the go, so I didn’t need to install it to my vehicle. However, there are optional attachments you can buy if you want it mounted to your home on wheels, but I recommend keeping it separate so you can readjust it on the fly for a better signal without moving your whole rig.

The Starlink Mini is half the size and weight of the standard dish and includes built-in Wi-Fi, so you don’t need a separate router or gateway device. Its regular price is $499. You can also use it in motion. Perfect for backpacking excursions or if you’re trying to save space in your RV.

The Flat High-Performance dish is Starlink’s top-of-the-line hardware. For $1,500, the larger dish is said to provide a stronger signal and needs minimal positioning to catch the best connection. It’s primarily marketed to businesses that need a reliable, mobile internet solution. The dish connects from anywhere on the globe while it’s moving on land or the ocean.

There’s no annual contract on Starlink’s Roam plans, only a month-by-month payment you can pause at any time—a huge pro for those who travel part-time.

Speed - 4.4

I tested the Starlink Mini dish with the 50GB Roam plan. Starlink is also known for its low-latency internet connection, allowing for faster browsing and streaming. I was able to seamlessly download and stream while connected to Starlink Roam, including while I was driving. While it’s rated for 30 to 100Mbps, I was able to get speeds that far surpassed that, the highest being up to 220Mbps. 

Reliability - 4.0

Its reliability was particularly impressive. Its signal never cut out after hours of use on the road. I’ve also been impressed by its ability to keep a strong signal even during times of heavy overcast or stormy weather. 

Portability - 3.5

Starlink’s Standard dish, while lightweight, still requires some DIY when mounting it to your RV. It requires installation on the roof of your vehicle, especially if you plan on using it while driving, since it needs a clear view of the sky. Unless you have a vehicle with an electrical outlet, I found it could be challenging to power the dish when you’re taking it on the road. The more expensive Mini dish is more than half the size and weight of the Standard and has a built-in Wi-Fi router, making it easy to travel with a portable power bank.

Value - 3.5

Starlink, along with a Roam plan, is an expensive investment for travel. I would recommend it for those who travel more frequently and have plans for long-term use. It does have a budget version for $50 per month, but it’s the initial upfront cost for the equipment that would give me pause before deciding on a solution for my RV.

Verizon offers the most variety and value with its hotspot plans compared to other major carriers. It offers more data for lower prices, but only if you’re already a Verizon mobile customer. Its plans can be used with any modern hotspot device, although Verizon also sells its recommended devices on payment plans added to your monthly plan.  

The device I recommend to go along with a Verizon hotspot plan is the Inseego MiFi X PRO. It’s an affordable hotspot device on a payment plan of $9.72 per month. It’s no bigger than a smartphone and has its own rechargeable battery that lasts up to 13 hours unplugged. It has Wi-Fi 6, which has extended reach and can connect to up to 32 devices. 

Nearly every modern smartphone comes with a tethering feature that allows it to function as a hotspot. So why use a device and a separate plan? Phone hotspot data is often very limited, and going over your plan’s cap can result in hefty overage charges. A phone’s Wi-Fi reach is very limited and can only connect a few devices at a time. Plus, frequently using your phone rapidly drains its battery and shortens its lifespan. 

Using your phone’s tethering to connect your laptop for a short time once in a while is fine, but for frequent travel, especially with multiple users, a dedicated device is much more efficient. It provides better Wi-Fi for better signal and more devices. Plans for hotspots are more flexible since they’re prepaid and easily cancellable.

Speed - 3.5

According to Verizon’s broadband facts label, its hotspot service on 5G has speeds of 35–143Mbps. All of its plans, with the exception of the Essential tier, can also access its 5G Ultra Wideband service, which is located in a handful of major cities but can provide speeds up to 634Mbps. When traveling cross country, you’ll likely only be on standard 5G, and when really off the beaten path, you’ll likely use 4G LTE, which provides speeds up to 75Mbps. 

Reliability - 3.0

Like all devices and services that are powered by 5G, your hotspot’s reliability and signal will entirely depend on your proximity to Verizon’s cellular towers. Luckily, Verizon’s network covers a majority of the U.S., though it’s mostly 4G LTE. Verizon doesn’t have an unlimited data option for its hotspot plans, but the tiers of data are plenty for RV travelers on a long weekend road trip. The amount of data will likely depend on your typical usage and how many passengers you have. 

Portability - 4.8

Most modern hotspots are small enough to fit in your pocket, and the Inseego MiFi X PRO is no exception. It’s lightweight, no bigger than a smartphone, and has a battery life of up to 13 hours. If you’re traveling in an RV, then keeping it charged should be no problem. The strong Wi-Fi 6 of the Inseego will ensure that your RV and the surrounding campground will be covered.

Value - 3.3

Verizon Hotspots are for travelers who need a decent internet connection but don’t need or want to pay for an expensive high-speed internet solution like Starlink Roam or T-Mobile. However, to take advantage of its best prices, you’ll need to already be a Verizon customer. Its plan prices are incredibly affordable, but you need to take into account the added cost of the hotspot device. Whether you get one from Verizon or another source, any adequate device can be quite expensive. Ones with decent battery life and Wi-Fi typically cost $200 to $300, which is why I recommend going with one you can buy through a payment plan like Verizon’s.

T-Mobile has the most comprehensive 5G coverage of any cellular network hotspot plan. Their base plan is also very affordable, at only $10 per month for 2GB of data, and its bigger data tiers are also priced competitively. Because of its availability, we recommend T-Mobile for RV life since you’ll likely get the best coverage anywhere in the country.

AT&T has the second-best coverage in the U.S. Its prepaid, data-only plans are a one-time purchase and an excellent option to avoid overpaying for data you won’t use. However, its highest-tiered plans with the most data are among the most expensive. 

Verizon has the least coverage but has the most affordable plans, with its Essential plan starting at $10 per month for 15GB. However, the catch is that you must be a Verizon mobile customer to qualify for the low prices; otherwise, the hotspot plans on their own are much more expensive.

I appreciate that all three options do not hold the customer to a contract, and can be canceled anytime for those who only plan to use it for the short term. 

Starlink Roam will provide you with the most reliable and high-quality connection closest to wired broadband, and it will work anywhere there’s a clear sky. It’s compatible with the Starlink Mini dish for added portability if your adventures lead you away from the RV. It’s the more expensive of the solutions, but your best bet for the strongest possible internet connection for your RV.

T-Mobile AWAY is a more economical option that provides speeds to match Starlink, but just with less availability when traveling off the grid. Its level of portability makes it a good option for RV roadtrips, providing you and your passengers with a reliable signal even when you’re on the move. Its included hardware already makes it a better short-term value, and I think the 200GB plan is better than Starlink’s 50GB plan.

Verizon 5G Hotspot devices can be a useful, more affordable option if you have the right equipment, but less powerful than the other solutions that are more comparable to broadband.