Pocket Wi-Fi in the UK: Pros, cons, and the best alternatives

How does portable Wi-Fi work in the United Kingdom?

Portable (or pocket) Wi-Fi allows you to create your own Wi-Fi network wherever you go. First, you’ll need a pocket Wi-Fi device. You can buy one online or rent it for a shorter trip. Pocket Wi-Fi uses mobile data from a cell phone network, and often, when you rent a pocket Wi-Fi device, it will come from a specific provider and have a SIM card ready to use.

The pocket Wi-Fi device creates a wireless network so you can connect several devices to the internet at the same time, making it a great option for traveling with a group of friends or family.

You can buy or rent a pocket Wi-Fi device once you arrive in the UK. Or you can also snag one before your trip. Some companies will even deliver it to you in your home country, so you can use a familiar network and get support in your language.

How to get pocket Wi-Fi at London Airport

One of the best things about ordering pocket Wi-Fi in advance is that you can arrange to have it delivered to the airport. This way, you’re online immediately — perfect if you’re waiting for an important email or have work to do.

Many companies ship pocket Wi-Fi devices straight to London’s major airports, where you can pick them up at their shop, post office, or any other designated shop or kiosk. Then, you’ll need to follow the instructions that came with the device to activate it. Once you do, you can connect your phone, tablet, laptop, or anything else you want to the internet.

Before ordering, remember that London has several different airports. The four biggest ones are Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton. Make sure you are getting your device delivered to the correct airport because these airports are very far apart.  

• Heathrow. Heathrow Airport has a post office in Terminals 3 and 5. You can arrange to have your pocket Wi-Fi device sent there before you fly.

• Gatwick. Gatwick Airport has a post office on the ground floor near the train station where you can receive packages.

• Stansted. Some pocket Wi-Fi companies may deliver to the airport information desk at Stansted, so you can pick up your device there.

• Luton. Depending on the company you get your device from, you may be able to pick it up at the airport information desk.

Pros of using pocket Wi-Fi in the United Kingdom

Using a pocket Wi-Fi has several advantages over using your cell phone network or searching for free public Wi-Fi:

• Multiple device connectivity. Pocket Wi-Fi lets you connect several gadgets at once, making it handy for groups or families.

• Broad international coverage. It all depends on the provider and the plan you get. Still, most pocket Wi-Fi devices give you Wi-Fi access wherever they have network compatibility, without needing separate SIM cards — perfect for a multi-country Eurotrip.

• Enhanced security. Pocket Wi-Fi is usually way safer than public Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, or airports, which can be a magnet for hackers.

• Convenience. Portable Wi-Fi UK offers a reliable and consistent internet connection, which can be more dependable than hotel Wi-Fi and eliminates the need to purchase local SIM cards or incur roaming charges. 

Cons of using pocket Wi-Fi in the United Kingdom

Convenient as it is, pocket Wi-Fi in the UK has drawbacks, too.

• Cost. Not only do you have to buy or rent the device, but you also need to pay for network coverage. While it is usually cheaper than roaming charges, it’s still not the most affordable option.

• Data limits. Most pocket Wi-Fi devices come with data limits. If you plan to use a lot of data, this can be a major problem.

• Battery life. Pocket Wi-Fi devices usually have good battery life, but you still must charge them regularly. When you’re traveling, you probably already have a lot of devices to worry about, so pocket Wi-Fi will simply add to the list.

• Inconvenience. You not only have to pick up your device at the airport, but you also need to remember to return it afterward.

• Extra charges. When you rent pocket Wi-Fi, you promise to look after the equipment until you return it. If you lose or damage the device in any way — which is easy to do while traveling — you may be hit with extra charges. The same is true if you return it later than agreed.

• Speed. Often, pocket Wi-Fi devices are slower than local SIM cards.

How much does pocket Wi-Fi cost in the United Kingdom?

The price of a pocket Wi-Fi device can vary quite a lot. Here's a comparison of the most popular pocket Wi-Fi providers in the UK:

Note:

• Hippocketwifi gives you reliable internet with a backup SIM option, and the longer you rent, the cheaper it gets!

• Rent 'n Connect keeps it simple with quick pickups at major UK airports. It’s also perfect if you’re hopping between countries and need to stay connected.

• My Webspot gives you fast 4G+ internet with flexible delivery to your home or hotel. Plus, the prices are super competitive, especially for longer trips.

Alternatives to pocket Wi-Fi in the United Kingdom

Pocket Wi-Fi is handy for staying online in the UK, but with the UK’s super competitive mobile industry, you have plenty of other options.

A prepaid SIM card for the UK

Vodafone and EE are two of the top networks that offer prepaid SIMs. Before your trip, you can grab these at airports, retail stores, or even online. Packages start at around £10 and give you data, calls, and texts for 30 days. These SIMs usually come with the flexibility of top-ups, which can be done online or through vouchers available at various retail locations.

Three is another operator that offers a “pay-as-you-go” SIM card. It is popular among tourists for its cost-effectiveness and good coverage across the UK. Packages start at around £15, perfect for data-hungry travelers who need the occasional call or text.

You can even grab these prepaid SIMs from vending machines at big airports like Heathrow, but heads up — they’re pretty costly.

Free Wi-Fi in the UK

Free Wi-Fi is all over the UK, usually available at airports, train stations, and big café chains like Starbucks and McDonald’s.

But free Wi-Fi can be slow, especially when it’s crowded with users. Even worse, public Wi-Fi is risky because it typically might lack protection, which makes it a great stomping ground for hackers.

The best alternative: An eSIM for the United Kingdom

The best solution for staying connected on a trip to the UK is undoubtedly using an eSIM for the United Kingdom. It hooks you up with local networks, giving you fast speeds at the same prices locals pay. Since you download an eSIM straight to your phone, there’s no extra hardware to handle, unlike with pocket Wi-Fi. 

You can also avoid the security risks of a public Wi-Fi network by using the data provided by your eSIM plan. If you download your eSIM before your trip, you can go online as soon as you arrive.

With an eSIM, you skip all the headaches of pocket Wi-Fi or public networks. You can use your phone as you would at home — securely, reliably, and affordably.

Stay connected in the UK with an eSIM

The easiest way to stay connected in the UK is to download an eSIM from Saily. Our affordable plans offer super-fast speeds and excellent coverage so you can stay connected while you explore the UK.

With simple installation and no additional hardware, an eSIM is the most accessible and affordable way to stay connected wherever you go.