RVs are recreational vehicles that are modified to include all homely luxuries. As more and more individuals choose to travel throughout the USA in RVs, a completely different realm of RVing is emerging.
There was a surge in RV ownership by over 62% in the previous 20 years. 11.2 million households own RVs, and an astounding 9.6 million plan to purchase an RV over the next five years.
However, you will need an internet connection to keep your RV life moving. This blog will cover all the options for the internet for RV.
Internet Options for Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
If you decide to go on an extended vacation with your family or take a break from your routine, you will surely need a fast and secure internet for RV living to stay connected to the world. The internet is essential for booking a hotel or navigating while traveling.
Several internet service providers (ISPs) provide internet access through connections like satellite internet, cellphone networks, and portable Wi-Fi hotspots.
Here is a detailed overview of each option and the best Internet for RV.
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet is one of the best options for internet access while traveling since it is available almost everywhere in the United States.
It is an ideal internet service for RV because it provides comparatively faster speeds, lower latencies for gaming, and unlimited data at affordable rates.
The only satellite internet provider that offers connectivity in a moving RV is Starlink. However, HughesNet and Viasat offer satellite internet to RVs that are permanently parked on a land lot.
Mobile Hotspots
Telecom giants like Xfinity (by Comast) and Spectrum (by Charter Communications) offer millions of free out-of-home WiFi hotspots. However, they are public WiFi and pose data security risks.
Mobile hotspots are devices that use 4G LTE or 5G cellular data for wireless internet connectivity. These devices are often lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry onboard an RV.
Various ISPs, like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, offer 4G hotspot devices for mobile internet for RVs.
Cellular Data
Mobile data is another type of internet for RV that comes with your mobile phone plans without extra charges.
However, mobile network providers offer limited data for hotspot tethering plans, even if your phone plan is unlimited. When you run out of data limit, the internet will become slow, and the connection will be downgraded from 5G to 4G or slower.
Moreover, while using your phone’s hotspot, you must also be mindful of the number of devices that can be connected to the internet.
Fixed Wireless Internet
5G home internet providers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T offer high-speed wireless internet for parked RVs. However, the speed may be reduced to 4G LTE if the RV is parked far away from the network’s cellular tower or the provider decides to prioritize the 5G mobile data users.
Nomad Internet is an emerging internet service for RV living. It offers dependable fixed wireless internet in the countryside, RV parks, and while on the road, with speeds of up to 200 Mbps for as low as $99.95 per month. 4G and 5G cellular towers are used for wireless internet connectivity, and instead of the satellite dish, users only need to invest in a wireless modem-router gateway. The setup is as simple as plug-and-play.
Best Satellite Internet for RV
Satellite internet is the best alternative for rural areas and RVs where normal connections such as DSL or fiber are unavailable.
As more people follow the RV trend, satellite internet usage is also on the rise. Based on statistics from the U.S. census, the proportion of persons with access to satellite internet has climbed by 157% over the last seven years.
Satellite internet for RV works when an orbiting satellite sends a signal to your dish, which then sends a signal to your modem inside your recreational vehicle. The modem connects your laptop, mobile phones, tablets, TVs, and other devices to the internet.
The three satellite internet providers for RVs are Hughesnet, Viasat, and Starlink. Their speed and price ranges are shown below.
| Satellite Internet Providers for RV | Download Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Starlink | 25 – 220 Mbps | $50.00 – $150.00/mo. |
| Hughesnet | 50 – 100 Mbps | $49.99 – $94.99/mo. |
| Viasat | 25 – 150 Mbps | $99.99/mo. |
Although Hughesnet’s plans are more affordable, the ISP binds you to a 2-year-long term contract.
In contrast, Viasat and Starlink plans do not have data caps or contracts. While Viasat has slower speeds and higher latencies (up to 600 ms), Starlink bends the rules with its low-earth-orbit positioning. Its download speeds reach up to 220 Mbps, and the latency is less than 99 ms.
Hence, Starlink is the best satellite internet provider for RV, with its disruptive all-in-one ROAM deals.
Best Mobile Hotspot for RV
Another way to get internet service for RV is to use portable hotspot devices. Although some internet service providers offer free hotspots at various locations, there is always a threat of hacking as these connections are open-access and lack advanced security.
Hence, it is better to buy a portable hotspot device to create a secure, password-protected private Wi-Fi network and connect all your devices to it.
Various companies offer portable Wi-Fi hotspots with 4G and 5G cellular data. Here is a closer look at what each offers and how much it costs.
| Portable Hotspot Providers for RV | Device Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon Orbic Speed Mobile Hotspot | $79.99 |
| T-Mobile | RG2100 5G Mobile Hotspot | $198.00 |
| AT&T | FranklinA50 | $209.99 |
There are several portable Wi-Fi hotspot devices you can purchase from your mobile network operator’s website. Verizon Orbic is the cheapest option among other hotspot devices. However, it delivers a 4G connection through its Orbic Speed WiFi.
T-Mobile and AT&T offer portable 5G hotspot devices with 5,000 mAh Li-Polymer batteries that last the whole day, even with heavy usage. Both hotspot devices can support 20 connected devices at once.
However, despite similar features, T-Mobile is way cheaper than AT&T’s Franklin A50 and offers better WiFi coverage than AT&T.
Best Mobile Internet for RV
Mobile hotspot data is the easiest way to connect to the internet while traveling. You can always use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot instead of using a separate hotspot device.
You may not be able to connect more than 5 devices, and there will be limitations on the data usage. But it is the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to get internet for an RV.
All the Big Three mobile network operators – AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, offer mobile data plans with fixed and unlimited hotspot data.
The following plans are for the best mobile internet for RV.
| Mobile Internet Providers for RV | Data Cap | Price |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 5 GB – 60 GB | $35.99 – $50.99/mo. |
| Verizon | 15 GB – 150 GB | $10.00 – $60.00/mo. |
| T-Mobile | 200 GB – Unlimited | $110.00 – $160.00/mo. |
AT&T and Verizon offer cost-effective cellular data plans with limited data. Whereas, T-Mobile provides an unlimited data plan, T-Mobile Away™, which is 3x pricier than its competitor’s plans.
Overall, T-Mobile is the best cellular data plan as it comes with various perks like T-Mobile Tuesdays. Moreover, you can connect up to 64 devices at once on its portable 5G Wi-Fi Gateway device, which is included (for free) in the plan.
Best Fixed Wireless Internet for RVs
RVs that are parked for longer durations (months or years) and serve as primary homes for their residents have several options for 5G home internet, as shown below.
| 5G Home Internet Providers for RV | Price | Speed | Data Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon 5G Home | $50.00 – $70.00/mo.* | 100 – 1,000 Mbps | Unlimited data |
| T-Mobile 5G Home | $50.00 – $70.00/mo.* | 72 – 245 Mbps | Unlimited data |
| AT&T Internet Air | $60.00/mo.* | 75 – 225 Mbps | Unlimited data |
| Nomad Internet | $99.95 – $149.95/mo. | 100 – 200 Mbps | Unlimited data |
However, Nomad Internet is undoubtedly the best fixed wireless internet for RVs. Unlike AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile’s 5G home internet service, Nomad Internet offers seamless wireless internet connectivity in a moving RV.
The unlimited internet service for RVs starts at $99.95 per month. You get download speeds of up to 200 Mbps for 4K HD video streaming, online gaming, heavy file sharing, and more. Plus, the service is contract-free and you get a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Choosing the Best Internet Option for RV Living
When selecting the best internet for RV, you should consider the following metrics.
Speeds
Make sure that the upload and download speeds of your chosen provider, plan, or device are fast enough to support your everyday online activities like video streaming, web surfing, social media browsing, online gaming, etc.
The downside of internet for RV is that you will always get asymmetric speeds. The upload speeds will be slower than download speeds whether you choose a mobile data plan, a hotspot device, or satellite internet.
Latency
Latency rate or ping is the most important specification for online gaming. The lower the latency, the smoother the gameplay. So, if you are an avid gamer and do not want your gaming sessions to come to a halt while living in an RV, opt for an internet connection that promises the lowest latency.
Satellite internet will be the worst option in this case because its typical latency ranges between 99 and 600 ms.
Data Limits
If most of your online activities are data-intensive, look for an RV internet option that offers unlimited data. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with 0 GB on your ‘available data’ bar.
Some cellphone plans come with an unlimited hotspot data allowance. But if you want to escape their exorbitant prices, you can invest in a portable hotspot device or satellite internet connection (Viasat or Starlink) for unlimited monthly data allowance.
Coverage
Coverage or network availability should be another important consideration when choosing the internet for an RV. Although wireless internet connections like satellite and 4G/ 5G have nationwide coverage, there can be some dead zones in mountainous areas or national parks.
However, satellite internet availability is better than 4G or 5G connections. So, if blanket coverage is your priority, opt for satellite internet rather than a mobile phone plan or hotspot device.
Final Verdict – Best Internet for RV
There are various options for internet for RV living. You can use free public WiFi hotspots from companies like Spectrum and Xfinity, portable 4G or 5G devices, satellite internet, or your cellphone’s hotspot data.
Although public WiFi is free to use, threats, such as security breaches, are attached to it as anyone can access it.
For mobile internet for RV, you have two options – mobile data packages and portable WiFi devices. Mobile internet data comes with your mobile plans. Usually, there is a limit on the amount of data you can use over hotspot tethering.
In comparison, mobile hotspot devices from vendors like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon do not have data caps, and you can connect several devices simultaneously.
But if you are looking for the best internet for RV living, you should consider satellite internet, especially Starlink’s Roam service. For almost the same price, it provides nationwide coverage, higher speeds, low latency, and a secure connection. Moreover, its Starlink Mini easily fits into a backpack and is a convenient option for adventurers and RVers.
