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Are outdoor hotspots still worth buying in 2026?

Are Outdoor Hotspots Going Out of Style? | Users Considering Selling

By

Ravi Patel

Feb 18, 2026, 03:34 PM

Edited By

Clara Meier

2 minutes reading time

Individual sitting outside using a portable outdoor hotspot device

A growing number of people are questioning the viability of outdoor hotspots, sparking discussions about their resale value. As demand wanes, many appear ready to unload their devices, citing a shift in market interest.

Context of the Conversation

Months ago, outdoor hotspots seemed like a hot commodity for users looking to capitalize on the crypto influx through rewarding networks. Now, however, many users are contemplating selling off their devices, feeling they've lost their value. One user expressed doubts about retaining their hotspot: "I'm not even looking to get half of what I paid. At this point, I'd be happy with almost anything to just move onto something else."

Key Themes Emerging from Discussions

Limited Market Demand

A major sentiment among users is the declining demand for outdoor hotspots. Commenters pointed out that similar devices aren't fetching much on sites like eBay.

  • "No one is buying them on eBay for over $100 I'd definitely pick up a used one for around $80."

  • Another mentioned, "Anyone thinking of buying probably went for one of those after a recent 50% promo on new ones."

Hardware Insights

Some users showed curiosity about technical details regarding hotspots.

  • "I was curious what the internals look likeโ€ฆ"

  • Users are interested in potential software upgrades, mentioning the existing locked bootloader and possible alternative firmware builds.

Impact of Promotions

Promotional pricing was a hot topic. Users noted that recent discounts significantly impacted resale values.

"You are just thinking of selling after a 50% promo on new ones."

User Sentiment

Most comments reflected a negative outlook toward the current situation. While some maintain hope for upgrades, the market realities point toward a tougher sell.

Key Observations

  • โณ The market for outdoor hotspots appears weak, pushing sellers to reconsider pricing.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "Good news they have UART test points. Bad news, bootloader is locked," highlights the complexity of hardware modifications.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Many users express frustration with the lack of buyers, signaling potential shifts in market dynamics.

As conversations continue, outdoor hotspots seem less appealing to potential buyers, leaving many pondering their next move.

Anticipating Market Shifts

There's a strong chance that the outdoor hotspot market will continue to stagnate, with many people choosing to sell rather than hold onto their devices. Analysts predict that unless new technologies emerge or significant demand returns, prices may fall furtherโ€”perhaps by 20% or more over the next six months. Many factors contribute to this dim outlook, including high competition from emerging devices that offer better connectivity at lower costs and the lingering effects of recent promotional pricing. As consumers weigh the benefits of upgrading versus selling, the landscape seems poised for more downturns.

Reflections from the Past

Consider the VHS-to-DVD transition of the early 2000s. Many enthusiasts clung to their VHS tapes, believing they'd retain value due to nostalgia, only to face a rapid phase-out as DVDs became the norm. Similar to how VHS enthusiasts were left with obsolete technology when demand shifted, current outdoor hotspot owners may find themselves grappling with decreased interest and waning resale prices. This historical moment serves as a reminder that technology evolves quickly, often leaving past trends in the dust, just as outdoor hotspots face fading relevance in today's market.