Newark Airport Wi-Fi: How to connect and safer alternatives

How to connect to the free Wi-Fi at Newark Airport

Getting online at Newark Airport is simple, and you don’t even need a password. But what is the Newark Airport Wi-Fi name? The official wireless network, which is operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, is called _FreeERWWiFi. Looks a bit clunky, sure, but that’s the one. Follow these Wi-Fi instructions to get connected.

1. Open your device’s Wi-Fi settings.

2. Select “_FreeERWWiFi” from the list of available networks.

3. Your device should automatically open a login portal. If not, open your browser and try visiting any website — you’ll be redirected to the portal page.

4. Read and accept the terms and conditions. 

5. Start browsing — you’re online!

Easy, right? A word of caution, though. Public spaces like airports are popular hunting grounds for hackers, who often set up rogue Wi-Fi hotspots that pretend to be official networks. If you use them, you might unwittingly expose your private data, and your devices could be infected with malware. 

That’s why it’s vital that you double-check (and then check again) that you’re choosing the right network. If you see Wi-Fi network names that look similar to _FreeERWWiFi, maybe with slight spelling or formatting changes, steer clear. 

Coverage area at Newark Airport

Does Newark Airport have free Wi-Fi in all three terminals? Yes, it does! Just remember that Newark is a large airport, so Wi-Fi coverage can vary depending on where you are. The Wi-Fi signal may be poorer in certain corridors and bathrooms. Overall, though, you can expect a stable connection throughout most of the complex. 

If you’re in busy public areas like TSA checkpoints, departure lounges, food courts and cafes, and the baggage reclaim areas, you’re unlikely to have any problems getting online. If you do (for example, if the connection times out) try “forgetting” the network and connecting again. If problems persist, try to use the Wi-Fi on a different device to test — if it still doesn’t work, you’re probably in a dead zone and should move elsewhere.

Coverage is one thing, but speed is another. We’ll look at how fast the Wi-Fi in Newark Airport is next. Spoiler alert — it’s not great. 

Is the Wi-Fi at Newark Airport free? How fast is it?

Yes, Newark Airport does have free Wi-Fi through the _FreeERWWiFi network. You can connect without paying, setting up accounts, or seeking out passwords, which means most travelers who pass through the terminals are likely to use the network at one time or another. As a rule, the more people who are on a network, the slower it is. 

The Newark Airport connection tends to be fast enough for browsing, sending emails, and communicating through text-based messaging. Thinking of making video calls or downloading large files? That’s where you’ll struggle.

According to anecdotal reports from users online, the airport’s network is functional but slow. Some travelers complain about buffering on videos and very sluggish download speeds. Poor performance seems to be a particular problem in the mornings and evenings, during rush hours.

If you’re just checking your flight status or sending a few messages, Newark’s free network should get the job done. Need a faster, more reliable connection? Well, it might be time to look at some alternatives to free airport Wi-Fi.

Safer and faster alternatives to airport Wi-Fi

You can get free unlimited Wi-Fi in Newark Airport, but it won’t be much use for making calls, watching video content, or performing tasks  beyond sending emails and social media scrolling. Let’s explore some faster, safer alternatives.

An eSIM for Newark

For fast, secure, and affordable internet access, an eSIM app is a great way to go. But what is an eSIM? These apps connect your device to local cell networks in a specific destination, like the US, without you having to run up costly roaming fees.  

Just pick your eSIM provider, buy a data plan, and download the app — most eSIM companies offer a range of packages with different data allowances and coverage periods. Instead of worrying about slow Wi-Fi and scammer hotspots, you can set your eSIM up before you travel, and it will activate when you arrive in Newark. 

Most eSIMs work across one country as a whole, so you don’t need to get an eSIM for New York, New Jersey, or any other specific area within the US. With Saily, for example, one US eSIM covers every state except Alaska, while its North America plans keep you connected throughout the entire continent. 

Local SIM cards

A local SIM card is a bit like a physical eSIM. You insert the card into your device, and then you can use whatever cell network the SIM is linked to. You can buy local SIM cards from kiosks and stores around Newark Airport and, after an eSIM, it’s probably one of the most affordable connectivity solutions on the market. You should be aware of the drawbacks here, though.

Local SIM cards can be expensive, often requiring additional activation fees on top of the card’s base price. A prepaid SIM card may come with more data than you need (something reflected in a higher price point) so it might not be the most cost-effective option for shorter trips. You also have to deal with the physical aspect of the card. Opening your phone’s SIM tray with one of those little pins, storing your old card somewhere safe, swapping cards whenever you want to use your old phone number — small inconveniences add up.

Pocket Wi-Fi

You can rent a pocket Wi-Fi device to use in the US. No prizes for guessing what this is — it’s a small network router that can fit in a pocket or a bag. Like the rest of the solutions on this list, pocket Wi-Fi lets you use local cell networks in your chosen destination, generating a personal hotspot. You can get multiple devices online at once, so pocket Wi-Fi is particularly useful when traveling with a group.

Unfortunately, pocket Wi-Fi devices come with a few notable drawbacks. In most cases, you need to rent the hardware, adding extra costs on top of the price of data. The device needs to be carried with you and charged regularly, and if you lose or damage it, you’ll incur even more charges. When the trip is over, the responsibility of returning the pocket Wi-Fi falls to you, which could involve posting the hardware back to a supplier, or seeking out a physical drop point, like a store. All told, it’s a lot of hassle for a hotspot. 

International roaming

Your home carrier probably offers roaming plans to get you online while abroad. These can work when you’re on a very short trip — perhaps just a quick layover in Newark before flying elsewhere — but roaming fees add up fast. Unless your provider has an exceptionally affordable roaming deal, with no hidden fees, it’s usually best not to rely on data roaming for most trips.

Comparing connection methods at Newark Airport

We’ve given you five different ways to get online at Newark Airport — the airport’s free network, eSIM apps, local SIM cards, pocket Wi-Fi, and roaming — but which one is right for you? 

We’ve compared all of these options in the table below, but remember, this analysis is a matter of opinion. Some services and products might differ in speed, cost, or suitability beyond what this overview covers. Making the “right” choice really comes down to how long you’ll be at Newark and in the US, how much data you need, and what you’re willing to spend.

The best way to stay connected at Newark Airport

Newark Airport offers free Wi-Fi, but the network is likely to be slow, and you run the risk of accidentally connecting to a malicious hotspot by accident. Using an eSIM app is probably a safer, faster, and more reliable way to get online, wherever in the US you happen to be.

With a Saily eSIM, you can get all the benefits of a local SIM, pocket Wi-Fi, and roaming combined — affordable rates, flexible data plans, and the ability to turn on a hotspot for multiple devices. The best part? You don’t have to worry about swapping physical SIM cards or keeping track of a Wi-Fi device, and while using a Saily eSIM, you’ll keep your regular cell number.

The Saily eSIM app also comes with extra security features to boost your online safety. While you’re using a Saily data plan, you’ll see fewer internet ads, avoid online trackers, and have the option to shield your virtual location from prying eyes. Saily comes from the team behind NordVPN, a very established VPN (virtual private network) brand, so cybersecurity is a key part of the company’s mission. 

Set up an eSIM for the USA before you travel, and when you touch down in Newark Airport, your device can get online instantly. No slow public Wi-Fi networks, no lining up to buy a physical SIM — no stress.