Review: Verizon U620L by Novatel (USB Cellular Modem)

This Product Discontinued or Obsolete

While current owners of this device or plan may continue to find performance to be adequate for the foreseeable tech-future, we do not recommend upgrading to or purchasing it.

Consider Alternatives

The Novatel Global Modem U620L was Verizon's flagship USB cellular modem, released in July 2015.

Specifications

Networks supported:
Verizon LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 13
Global Roaming on LTE Bands: 3, 4
4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz - Global roaming supported.
3G: Verizon CDMA EVDO Supported
2G: GSM EDGE - Quad band global roaming.
LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes (2x 10MHz channels)
LTE Performance Category: Category 4
(Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
Cellular Antenna Ports: Single unofficial "test port" - TS9 connector.
Dimensions: 3.27" x 1.38" x 0.45" / 1.77 oz
SIM Card Type: 4FF / Nano SIM
Retail Price: $199 (original price)

Review & Testing Status

Novatel sent us a modem for evaluation, and we have spent some hands-on time testing it.

Members can follow along with our testing here: Cellular Equipment Field Testing Results – Netgear Modems / USB730 (Late 2017)

Alternatives to Consider

For other popular mobile hotspots on the market - here are our featured options:

Learn more about Selecting Hotspots

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Review: RG2100 Series 5G Mobile Hotspot by Franklin (Mobile Hotspots)

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Purchasing Options

The U620L has now been replaced by the Novatel USB730L, which is more modern and advanced device.

Verizon is still selling the U620L - but there is probably no good reason to purchase the older device any longer.

Further Education on Mobile Hotspots Cellular Mobile Hotspots (Jetpacks & MiFis)

Mobile hotspot devices are small, self-contained units that receive a cellular data signal and transform it into an internet connection. They are a cellular modem and router combined. Most can create their own personal Wi-Fi network.

They are typically designed with a specific cellular carrier in mind and require a suitable cellular data plan of their own to operate. You might see them called Jetpacks (Verizon's term for them) or MiFi (Inseego's name for them).

Here's a quick video going over the features of a hotspot, and what makes one better than another:

The guides below have been hand-picked to help further your education about selecting mobile hotspots and best utilizing them in your mobile internet setup.