Pocket Wi-Fi for Europe: How it works and the best options

How does pocket Wi-Fi work in Europe?

Pocket Wi-Fi is a portable router that fits in your pocket. It works much like the Wi-Fi router in your home, but instead of connecting to broadband, it connects to local 4G or 5G networks.

The key things you should know about portable Wi-Fi:

• Multiple connections. Most devices let you connect 5-10 devices at the same time. That’s handy if you’re on a family trip to Europe or juggling a laptop, phone, and tablet.

• Battery-powered. Expect 6-12 hours of use before it needs a recharge. 

• Local SIM inside. The device contains its own SIM card that connects to mobile networks across Europe. Some plans include generous data, while others slow you down once you hit daily limits.

• Roaming in the EU. Because of EU roaming agreements, one SIM inside the device usually gets you connected anywhere in Europe, so you don’t need to swap it when traveling from France to Germany or Spain.

The best pocket Wi-Fi for Europe: Providers and pricing

If you need reliable internet while traveling, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot can be a great solution. You can either buy one if you travel often, or rent one for a short trip. Most people choose to rent them since the device usually comes ready to use with a SIM card and a data plan that lasts the entire trip.

Prices in Europe are fairly consistent — usually €7-10 (US$8-11) per day, sometimes with “unlimited” data that’s actually subject to a fair-use policy.

Let’s take a look at some of the main providers worth considering:

Hippocketwifi: The best option for groups

Hippocketwifi is one of the most established providers in Europe. It offers unlimited data (with fair use limits) and allows to connect up to ten devices at the same time. It’s slightly more expensive, but the stability and great coverage make it ideal for families or groups traveling together.

Travel WiFi: The best option for flexible travel

Travel WiFi is a popular choice across France, Spain, and other popular destinations. It offers flexible delivery (hotel, kiosk, or mail), which makes it convenient if your plans aren’t set in stone. The downside is throttling: After 2–5 GB per day, speeds drop.

MyWebspot: The best option for solo travelers

MyWebspot is a great choice for solo travelers thanks to its ease of use, flexible pickup options, and reliable urban coverage. Since you're traveling alone, convenience matters — and with MyWebspot, you can pick up the device at major airports or hotels, avoiding the hassle of mailing or long setup times. It’s easy to set up in minutes, even without tech experience. 

Rent ‘n Connect: The best budget option

Rent ’n Connect is one of the cheapest ways to get pocket Wi-Fi in Europe, with unlimited data included. It focuses heavily on urban coverage, so if you’re staying in major European cities, it’s great value. Additionally, it offers straightforward delivery to airports and hotels.

Solis: The best option for global coverage

Solisstands out for its worldwide reach. Its global day passes work not just in Europe, but also in Asia, the Americas, and Africa. If you’re bouncing between continents, Solis is the most flexible option, though it can be expensive if you’re only traveling across Europe.

If you’d like to learn more, check our country-specific guides:

• Pocket Wi-Fi Spain

• Pocket Wi-Fi UK

• Pocket Wi-Fi Italy

How to rent pocket Wi-Fi in Europe

Renting pocket Wi-Fi in Europe is straightforward, but the logistics matter. The process typically works like this:

1. Pre-book online. This is the most popular choice. Choose your provider and book the router ahead of your trip for cheaper prices. 

2. Receive the device. Pick it up at the airport, hotel, or have it delivered to your home before departure.

3. Use it during your trip. Turn it on, connect your devices, and recharge as needed.

4. Return it. Drop it off at a kiosk, leave it at your hotel, or send it back in a prepaid envelope.

A few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Deposits. Some companies require a refundable deposit, which can freeze a few hundred euros on your card.

• Late fees. Miss the return date, and daily charges continue to add up.

• Damage charges. Lose it or damage it, and you’ll pay for a replacement.

Pre-order online

Most travelers pre-order their routers before leaving. This solution is usually the cheapest one, guarantees device availability, and gives you options like hotel delivery.

Get pocket Wi-Fi at major airports

Major airports such as Paris Charles de Gaulle, Rome Fiumicino, Barcelona, and Frankfurt often have rental kiosks. Buying pocket Wi-Fi on arrival is quick, but you’ll usually pay more per day than if you had pre-booked online.

Rent it at your hotel

Some hotels keep pocket Wi-Fi units on hand, either as a paid add-on or included in the room rate. It’s convenient, but data is often limited, and the daily price is higher than renting from a provider directly.

Pros and cons of portable Wi-Fi in Europe

Pocket Wi-Fi can be useful in some cases, but it’s not perfect. Weigh these benefits and drawbacks before you book a router.

Pros of using pocket Wi-Fi

If you’re traveling with others or juggling multiple devices, pocket Wi-Fi offers some clear advantages:

• One hotspot covers a number of phones, laptops, and tablets at once, making it ideal for families and groups.

• 4G/LTE connections are strong in most urban areas in Europe.

• You avoid steep charges that come with international roaming.

• It’s simple to set up.

Cons of using pocket Wi-Fi

The trade-offs are mostly about cost and convenience:

• The device needs to be charged daily and takes up pocket or bag space.

• Rental costs add up quickly.

• “Unlimited” connectivity often isn’t truly unlimited because speeds usually drop after heavy use under fair-use limits.

• You must return the device, which is a hassle if you have a busy itinerary.

Bottom line: Pocket Wi-Fi is great for groups on short trips, but it’s rarely the best deal for solo travelers or long stays.

The best alternatives to pocket Wi-Fi in Europe

Pocket Wi-Fi isn’t your only option for staying connected on the go. Depending on your trip length and the number of devices you need to have online, choosing an eSIM or a local SIM card  might make more sense. 

Prepaid SIM cards

Buying a prepaid SIM card in Europe is one of the most straightforward ways to get connected. You’ll find them at airports, phone shops, and kiosks. SIM cards are cheap and reliable, but they only work on the device where you install them. 

Free Wi-Fi

Airports, cafés, and train stations often have free public Wi-Fi hotspots for travelers. They’re fine for checking messages or maps, but the signal is inconsistent, security is questionable, and they won’t cut it if you’re working remotely and need a stable, secure connection.

eSIMs for Europe: The best option

For most travelers, eSIMs are the simplest and most cost-effective way to stay connected.

• Easy to install. Just download an eSIM app, buy a plan, and activate it instantly.

• Instant connection. Connect as soon as you arrive, without the need to pick up a router or look for a SIM shop.

• Mobile hotspot. Use your phone’s hotspot to share data with other devices.

Conclusion: Do you need pocket Wi-Fi in Europe?

A rented hotspot makes sense if you need several devices connected to the same network at once. But if you mainly need data on your smartphone (with the option to share it), getting an eSIM or a prepaid SIM card is both cheaper and more convenient.