Pocket Wi-Fi for traveling in Europe: Pros, cons, and best alternatives

Pros of using a pocket Wi-Fi for traveling in Europe

A pocket Wi-Fi hotspot is a great choice for traveling to and across Europe. After all, the device emits the internet straight from your pocket, and that's only one of its many perks. What else do portable hotspots offer?

A family-size device connection 

That’s right, your pocket Wi-Fi can provide internet connection to at least a few devices at the same time, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and similar gadgets. If you’re planning a family trip to Europe or going there with a group of friends, a portable hotspot is a lovely choice.

Trusted reliability and coverage

Pocket Wi-Fi offers stable and fast connections in many of Europe’s countries. And it doesn’t require multiple SIM cards to send strong and reliable signals, even in remote locations. So whether you’re in the center of Rome or in a village in the South of France — you’ll be able to upload your favorite pictures to your IG stories in seconds.

A polished alternative to unsecure public Wi-Fi hotspots

While pocket Wi-Fi hotspots aren’t as advanced as other encrypted browsing options, they still might be much safer than public Wi-Fi networks. Compared to unsecured open Wi-Fi hotspots, pocket Wi-Fi can offer greater security, allowing more control over authentication management. Additionally, pocket Wi-Fi’s are typically faster than open Wi-Fi networks, making it the undeniable favorite amongst the traveling Wi-Fi options.

Swedish buffet of data

It’s true, a typical pocket Wifi is a real Smörgåsbord of data. With unlimited amounts of data (if you choose such a plan) available, you’ll never run out of internet — unless you run out of money, of course. 

Cons of using a Pocket Wi-Fi for your trip in Europe

It’s true that while pocket Wi-Fi is great, it can also mess up your holidays with some mildly infuriating inconveniences. 

Eiffel tower-high prices 

Pocket Wi-Fi isn’t cheap. Whether you rent or buy the hotspot from your carrier, it’ll cost you a pretty penny. And you'd better not lose, damage, or forget to return it because the extra charges will hurt your wallet even more. 

Neapolitan convenience

Even if the pocket Wi-Fi hotspot is small, it’s still a device you have to carry around. And since its range is limited, you’ll have to stick together with the rest of the users if you want a stable connection. In addition, picking up the hotspot and returning it can also be a hassle, especially if you’re too lazy or busy to deal with these logistics.

Disappointing battery life

Yup, pocket Wi-Fi hotspots have batteries. And most of them are quick to go to sleep unless charged regularly. Depending on the model and usage, an average pocket Wi-Fi router can survive 6-10 hours of continuous use, which is not great if you’re going on a holiday in the countryside or in the wild.    

Finn-ite roaming capabilities

Even with the great coverage, the pocket Wi-Fi hotspot can sometimes come with data limits, especially in remote or rural areas. Depending on the carrier, it could also be slower than local SIM cards or eSIMs, which is super frustrating if you want to stream a movie or share high-quality pictures.

Alternatives to a portable Wi-Fi to travel across Europe

If you’re not a fan of portable Wi-Fi hotspots, you can check out the alternatives. They work just as good, and you won’t have to lug around yet another device!

International roaming connection

If you want to stick with your carrier even when you travel, you might want to use an international roaming connection. It definitely provides a stable, fast, and reliable access to mobile data whenever you need it, but there’s a catch — it’s quite expensive. Data roaming charges can add up quickly, especially if you enjoy surfing the web non-stop. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, consider getting an eSIM.

The best option: An eSIM for your trip to Europe

Rather than overspending on pocket Wi-Fi or international data roaming, just get an eSIM! Unlike a regular SIM card, an eSIM is digital, so you can simply download it on your phone. Once you download an eSIM data app (such as Saily), you can pick the best local data plan for you and start browsing as soon as you activate it.

What’s cool about eSIMs is that they’re easy to set up, and are usually cheaper than roaming. Additionally, you’re free to switch between physical SIM and other eSIM profiles or carriers whenever you want, even if it’s for a short time. For example, if you download Saily eSIM data app to use in Europe, you’ll have access to short-term and long-term data plans in at least 45 European countries and territories. It makes eSIM for Europe an affordable and attractive alternative to pocket Wi-Fi.

Pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM: Which one should you pick?

Choosing a browsing option is entirely up to you. While pocket Wi-Fi might be expensive, it’s still a good choice. An eSIM, on the other hand, offers cheaper and easier browsing in different countries, but it also has its downsides (for example, not all cell phones and carriers support eSIM connections).

If you travel a lot, you’ll get more from an eSIM than from a portable Wi-Fi. On the other hand, pocket Wi-Fi is a great alternative for travelers with multiple devices or those who love remote places that don’t have good internet access.

FAQ

How can I get internet access while traveling across Europe?

If you need internet access in Europe, you can use international roaming, eSIM data plans, local SIM cards, pocket Wi-Fi hotspots, or public Wi-Fi networks. But we don’t recommend using open Wi-Fi networks because they are often poorly protected, so malicious actors might intercept your information.

Is it better to use a pocket Wi-Fi or an eSIM for my European trip?

It depends on what you need. Both pocket Wi-Fi and eSIMs are great options for internet access. However, they differ in price, connection capabilities, and the need for additional gadgets. If you travel a lot, you might prefer eSIMs. If you’re more of a nomad who uses multiple devices, pocket Wi-Fi might be the better option.

Is it convenient to use a pocket Wi-Fi when traveling in Europe?

If you don’t mind carrying a Wi-Fi device in your pocket, then yes, pocket Wi-Fi is very convenient while traveling in Europe. It supports multiple device connections, works in different European countries, and offers a quick, safe, and stable connection. But it has to be close to you to work, so you'll have to carry it around to avoid losing internet connection.