When it comes to getting data on the road, Apple have provided a myriad of options in both their iPad and iPhone products. Not only can they connect directly, but if you want to throw a laptop or non-SIM capable iPad (etc) into the mix you can do that too, using Personal Hotspot to run your device as a router. But with 3 different ways to connect to Personal Hotspot, which way is the best for YOU??

1. USB Tethering

Pros:

• It’s eeeeeeeasy – plug a USB cable into your laptop and stick the other end into your iPhone or iPad (SIM capable) and off you go
• It provides the fastest upload/download speeds of any of the tethering methods
• It’s the most power efficient option for the phone being used as a router – BUT it will drain your laptop battery as the phone charges off the USB port

Cons:

• Can only tether one device at a time
• Can only connect laptop/PC via this interface, can’t tether an iPad to an iPhone for example

2. Wi-Fi Tethering

Pros:

• Slower than USB, but faster than Bluetooth
• Can connect multiple devices
• Wi-Fi offers better range than Bluetooth

Cons:

• Consumes the most phone battery of all the options
• Connection can be very unstable (especially on old models) and requires manual reconnection every time it drops or you go out of range

3. Bluetooth Tethering

Pros:

• No time limit to tether, stays connected unless you move out of range
• Super quick to complete the tether

Cons:

• Can only connect one device
• Almost 10x slower download/upload than Wi-Fi tethering and less range too

So, really it comes down to personal preference, needs at the time, and tools available (eg cables). What’s your preferred method?