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Best pocket WiFi for the USA: Which one should you choose?
Planning on using a Pocket WiFi in the USA? Learn everything about how the service works and other alternatives to use there!
In the past, using a pocket WiFi device was the easiest way for people to stay connected while traveling. These devices made access to mobile internet easy and they can still be seen around the world nowadays. But do they still hold up as the best option for travelers? If so, what’s best pocket WiFi for the USA?
With plenty of services to choose from, picking one isn’t always easy. Follow along as we clear things up on which service is the best option for visiting the USA.
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What is pocket WiFi?
Pocket WiFi is essentially a travel router that shares mobile internet from a data SIM card rather than an ethernet cable. It allows you to connect your mobile phone and other devices to the WiFi it shares whenever you’re on the go.
While you can buy the router itself, it can cost a pretty penny, and you’ll still need a data SIM card that works in the country you’re traveling to. Therefore, most people stick with renting a pocket WiFi device that’s already prepared to be used.
With the card inserted, your pocket WiFi essentially works like a regular roaming service. The key difference is that it shares the mobile data via WiFi, so you can connect multiple devices at once.
Most larger airports in the USA have places that rent such devices, so you can get one set up as soon as you arrive and enjoy having a connection throughout your stay. There’s also an option to order pocket WiFi in advance and have it delivered to you, just keep in mind that it may take a few days to arrive.
What’s the best pocket WiFi for the USA?
As with all things, the best pocket WiFi is the one that suits your personal needs. There are plenty of options for the USA, so all you need to do is choose one that’s easy to get and doesn’t break the bank with its pricing.
In some cases, renting a pocket WiFi device can end up being quite expensive, but not all of them are equally as expensive. Let’s take a look at some of the top options, how you can get them, and how much they cost.
TravelWiFi
While TravelWiFi is a European company that allows you to rent and use its devices in the USA. You can rent the device online and have it shipped to you wherever you are. The company ships from its warehouses in the USA, France, Chile, and Spain. If you order before 3 PM, your TravelWiFi device will be shipped out on the same day.
The plan pricing ranges from $9.10 a day to $13.50 a day, depending on how much data you need. The cheapest plan offers 1 GB of data daily, while the most expensive plan includes 10 GB of bandwidth. All plans offer a connection speed of up to 4G LTE and allow you to connect up to five devices at once.
Now, there’s something we haven’t mentioned yet — the delivery prices. While TravelWiFi can ship their devices to pretty much anywhere in the world, the cost of delivery isn’t included in the plan price. The shipping prices can add another $25-50 to your total, depending on where you are and the shipping method you choose.
If you fail to return the device or return it damaged, the company will charge a fixed fee for the device.
How to rent a pocket WiFi with TravelWiFi
Other than a few physical locations in Spain and France, all TravelWiFi devices must be delivered and returned via postal or courier service. You need to make a purchase online, complete with delivery and return details, and wait for your pocket WiFi to arrive. Thankfully, the purchase process is pretty straightforward, so it shouldn’t cause any issues.
Once your plan runs out, you’ll need to give it back to a courier, who will come to the return location you specified when purchasing your plan.
MioWiFi
MioWiFi is a company located in Argentina. This makes it a great option for those traveling from Latin America since delivery prices in the region are normally cheaper.
Other than that, they have a static price of $8 a day for their services. This includes unlimited data and the rental price of the device itself.
For example, renting out MioWiFi for a week in the USA would cost $56 plus delivery fees. If you need to extend your plan, you can do so by paying for the extra days you need. Deliveries typically take three to five working days and can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 for delivery and return depending on where you’ll be receiving and returning the device.
In case of loss or damage to one of their devices, the company charges up to $250, so it is better to take good care of the device while using it.
How to rent a pocket WiFi with MioWiFi
The rental process is pretty straightforward. You select the number of days that you’ll be using the device for, complete with the exact dates. The start date should be at least a week away, to allow time for delivery. The company only offers one plan, so you don’t have to choose anything else.
As a final step, you enter your contact information and the delivery address for the device. MioWiFi will give you a shipping rate depending on your location. Once you make your payment, you should receive your device in up to five business days.
Skygo
If you don’t want to wait for your portable WiFi device to arrive, or if you simply want to save money on delivery fees, Skygo is a good option to consider. It has physical pick-up locations in Los Angeles and San Francisco airports as well as a number of other locations within the United States.
There’s only one plan on offer with Skygo, which includes unlimited data and connections for up to five devices at once for $10/day. You also have the option of paying an insurance fee of $2/day, which protects you in case you damage or lose the device. With insurance, you’ll only have to cover $50 for any damages, without it, you’d be charged $300.
Pick-up and return on location are free while shipping to other locations in the USA is $20 ($10 shipping and $10 for return). The company asks you to book at least seven days in advance for shipping, so it can make sure the device reaches you on time.
How to rent a pocket WIFI with Skygo
Even though Skygo has physical pick-up locations, it’s recommended that you book your portable WiFi device in advance. That way, you ensure that there’s a device waiting for you whenever you arrive at your destination.
To do so, simply choose the destination and dates when you’ll need the device on the website and make your purchase. Once done, you’ll be able to pick up the device on the designated date.
You can also make a website purchase for the device to be delivered to an address of your choosing. In this case, make sure to buy it at least a week in advance, as the delivery may take a few days.
My Webspot
The last option on this list is My Webspot, another company located in Europe that delivers pocket WiFi devices all over the world, including the USA.
You can book a device for a minimum of three days, with a weekly cost of $86.98, which translates to $12.42/day. This includes unlimited data and the ability to connect up to five devices at once. The shipping costs range from $10 to $30 dispensing on where you’ll be receiving and returning your device.
You also have the option to rent out a car charger, a power bank, a travel adaptor, or purchase insurance which reduces the cost of losing or damaging the device. You can expect to pay $204 without insurance and $102 with insurance if you fail to return the device in the same condition as it was when you received it.
How to rent a pocket WIFI with My Webspot
Much like with TravelWiFi or MioWiFi, you have to order the pocket WiFi device online and have it shipped to your location. Select the dates for your rental, pick any additional devices or insurance, and make your purchase. Your device will be shipped to you within a few business days and you’ll be able to enjoy having an internet connection on the go.
Pricing table for portable WiFi in the USA
For a quick pricing summary of the providers mentioned above, take a look at their cost of their devices, as well as any other costs associated with the service.
| Provider | Cost of service | Damage Policy | Shipping cost | Speed |
| TravelWiFi | 63.70-94.50$/Week | 170$ | 5$ to 35$ | 4G LTE |
| MioWiFi | 56.00$/Week | 250$ | 10$ to 50$ | 4G LTE |
| Skygo | 70.00$/Week | 300$ | 20$, free pick-up | 4G LTE |
| My Webspot | 86.98$/Week | 100$ to 200$ | 10$ to 30$ | 4G LTE |
Pocket WiFi alternatives
While pocket WiFi is a great option for staying connected on the go, other alternatives such as eSIM cards or travel SIM cards that arguably have pocket WiFi beat both in terms of pricing and convenience. Let’s take a closer look at some of the alternatives you might want to consider.
eSIM for the USA
An eSIM is essentially a virtual SIM card that allows you to stay connected without having to buy or rent any additional devices or cards. All you need is an eSIM-compatible device, which shouldn’t be an issue, as most modern phones support eSIM technology nowadays.
You can buy, set up, and activate your eSIM in a matter of minutes and enjoy an instant internet connection without even having to get up off the couch.
The Holafly eSIM for the USA offers unlimited data, up to 1 GB of data sharing daily, and has 24/7 customer support ready to help you out. All for an affordable price that starts at $5.90 for a one-day plan. The value for money increases if you choose a longer plan, with flexible options ranging from 1 to 90 days.
USA Prepaid SIM Card
If you prefer using regular SIM cards or don’t have an eSIM-compatible phone, you can get a prepaid SIM card for the USA. Most big local carriers, such as T-Mobile or AT&T, sell these cards in their physical stores, and they often have stands at airports to ensure you can enter the country fully prepared.
Some companies also offer the option of shipping travel SIM cards to your door, so you can order a card to be delivered to you before your trip. That way, you can start using it as soon as your plane lands.
Free International WiFi
Using public WiFi hotspots is a popular method for having internet access, but it does come with its downsides. First, you always need to be in close proximity to a business that’s willing to share the WiFi for free. Second, public WiFi is notorious for being a cybersecurity threat, as fake hotspots are often set up by cybercriminals.
So, make sure to use free WiFi in moderation and choose one of the other methods above if you need to stay connected all the time.
eSIM vs. Pocket WiFi
Let’s take a closer look at two of the most popular alternatives for maintaining internet access while traveling.
When it comes to connection speed, most portable WiFi devices are only capable of reaching a 4G connection. Holafly’s virtual SIM card for the USA supports 5G, meaning that you’ll have faster internet wherever 5G is available. Many pocket WiFi devices also limit the amount of data you can use, while Holafly offers unlimited data with all its plans.
eSIMs also have a clear edge in convenience. An eSIM is delivered immediately after your purchase, no matter where you are. You’ll get a QR code in your email that’ll lead you to the activation process, which only takes a minute or two. The internet is added straight to your phone and doesn’t require any additional devices.
Pocket WiFi requires a company to send a portable router to you, which can take several days. On top of that, you always have to carry the device with you to have an internet connection. You end up paying extra for shipment, and for the device itself in case you damage it or lose it.
Is pocket WiFi the best option available?
As internet technology evolves, some connectivity options become outdated, and it seems like the popularity of portable routers has entered a decline. This is largely due to the rise of eSIMs, which offer the same connection quality without any of the inconveniences of renting a physical device.
Unless you absolutely must have multiple devices connected to the same network at all times, an eSIM card is the best mobile internet option when traveling in the USA.
FAQs
Yes, there are multiple providers that offer pocket WiFi rental services in the USA. You can either pick up a portable router from dedicated physical locations or have it delivered to your door in advance.
The prices of pocket WiFi rentals depend on the provider you choose, however, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $400 a month when renting out a pocket WiFi device. This ends up being significantly more expensive than alternatives such as eSIM or travel SIM cards.
