Why it's best: Autonet Mobile's service is a unique proposition: this is the only car ISP around. While other companies may offer mobile broadband solutions that vary from being inconvenient to completely unsuited for in-car use, Autonet Mobile focuses solely on bringing internet to your car. The connection is highly stable, and Autonet Mobile offers 3G coverage for the vast majority of the continental US with very few no-service pockets. The monthly fees vary depending on how much data per month that you want, though none of the packages are cheap. Even then, you have to buy the modem and activate it with a 1-year contract with Autonet Mobile to start receiving service. Despite the high prices, Autonet Mobile does not impose overage fees or surcharges (including tax) so the advertised prices are what you pay. This is an elegant solution which, at a premium price, will allow you to access the internet for whatever purpose whether you're on the road or away from your home or office. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Sporting compact dimensions in roughly the shape of a credit card, the Verizon MiFi 2200 is a mobile router that can connect up to 5 different devices to Verizon's far-reaching wireless network. Though meant to be used as a mobile hotspot, it works equally well for bringing an internet connection to your car. Transfer speeds are roughly on par with low-end or 'basic' DSL connections, and you have the option of WEP and WPA encryption and MAC filtering to curb unauthorized usage of your data. There is, however, one glaring drawback: the price. Signing a 2-year contract gets you a discounted price for the modem itself, but the monthly fees are borderline extortionate for a reasonable data cap. Even so, this is one of the few ways to bring a workable internet connection to your car without equipping each device with its own network card. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: While at first glance the Sprint MiFi 2200 may seem identical to Verizon's offering of the same name, there are a few key differences that warrant a closer examination. First, the current pricing put out by Sprint allows you to get the MiFi 2200 for free after instant and mail-in rebates, provided you sign up for a 2-year contract. The Sprint MiFi 2200 also offers built-in GPS, which can be used for basic but useful operations like finding nearby restaurants and attractions. Sprint's version of the Novatel MiFi 2200 unit features brushed metal trim as opposed to the glossy plastic used by Verizon, and this could possibly have an effect on wireless reception. Otherwise, this compact device functions as a full-fledged mobile router, bringing Sprint's 3G network to up to 5 devices at once. Both WEP and WPA encryption are available, as well as MAC address filtering to prevent others from draining your monthly data allowance. This model is a great choice if you prefer Sprint and their network, though you should be fully aware of the monthly dues and usage allowances before signing any contract. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
