Best pocket WiFi Canada: How much does it cost?
Pocket WiFi in Canada offers a way to stay connected. However, it’s an expensive and inconvenient method compared to other alternatives like eSIMs.
Pocket WiFi has been a popular method of having internet connection abroad for a while now. And while it has since been beaten by eSIMs and travel SIM cards in terms of popularity, it still has a place in the world of mobile internet in Canada. Let’s take a look at the top pocket WiFi options for Canada, their pricing, and other things you need to know about.
What is pocket WiFi?
Pocket WiFi is essentially just a portable version of the WiFi router you have at home that creates a WiFi hotspot you can connect to. The key difference is that it uses prepaid SIM cards for data instead of an ethernet cable and doesn’t need to be plugged in to work.
It creates a WiFi network that can support several simultaneous connections. This makes it a good option for groups of travelers, as every person in the group can use the WiFi at all times while splitting the costs.
That said, pocket WiFi lacks convenience. It includes having to rent a mobile hotspot device, wait several days for it to be delivered, and carry it around all the time, only to send it back out again. In contrast, you can get an eSIM online within minutes. No extra devices or additional costs included.
How much does pocket WiFi for Canada cost?
As with all services, the price is one of the main things to consider when choosing a pocket WiFi for your trip to Canada. Keep in mind that the upfront rental cost is just part of the end price, as most pocket WiFi rentals add a delivery fee, insurance fee, and a fine if you lose or damage the device.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top pocket WiFi for Canada, as well as all the bells and whistles attached to them.
Travel WiFi
Travel WiFi is a well-renowned Swiss company which offers the possibility to rent a pocket Wi-Fi device for your travels. All you have to do is enter the rental period you need, delivery details, and finalize your purchase.
There are three Canada pocket WiFi plans to choose from, each with a different amount of daily data.
Plan | Price (USD0 | Data limit |
---|---|---|
Adventure | $7.95/day | 1 GB/day |
Escape | $9.95/day | 5 GB/day |
Voyage | $11.95/day | 10 GB/day |
Delivery and return to and from Canada will add another $31.42 to your end bill. You can also choose extra accessories, such as power banks and car chargers, for $10 each. If you lose or damage the device, Travel WiFi will charge a fixed fee of $160 to compensate for the damages.
Cello Mobile
Cello Mobile is a solid option for anyone in North America, since it’s located in the United States. This makes for quicker delivery and return, making it easier to manage if you’re tight on time. That said, it’s quite an expensive option, with a daily price of $49.99 or $349.93 for a week.
All Canada plans do include unlimited cellular data, so the price might be justifiable if you and your travel buddies are heavy data users. That said, the service will be too expensive for most travelers.
Delivery and return fees to Canada are only $10. Insurance for the device is optional. However, at $14.99, it might be worth adding. If you don’t get insurance, you’ll end up paying $250 if you lose or damage the device. Car chargers and extended battery packs are also available for $9.99 each.
MioWiFi
MioWiFi is an Argentina-based company offering relatively affordable pocket WiFi plans for Canada, priced at $8/day for unlimited data. The price balloons due to delivery costs, though, as delivery and return to Canada costs from $40 to $50 depending on your location.
The device features a long battery life lasting up to 18 hours and uses eSIM technology instead of regular SIM cards. Unfortunately, like others on this list, it only supports speeds of up to 4G, even in areas with strong 5G coverage. So don’t expect high-speed data when using the device.
If you damage or lose the pocket WiFi device, you will have to pay a fine of $250. Insurance isn’t offered at checkout, so be cautious and take good care of the device while in use to avoid unexpected costs.
Use eSIMs for convenient high-speed mobile internet connection
If you don’t want to fiddle around with additional devices and long delivery times, eSIMs offer a cheaper and much more convenient way to stay connected to the internet. There are plenty of eSIMs for Canada to choose from, so you’re sure to find a plan that suits your needs.
While pocket WiFi takes days to be delivered, you can buy, install, and activate an eSIM online in just a few minutes. All you need is internet access and an eSIM-compatible phone.
The Holafly eSIM for Canada is arguably the best eSIM out there, offering unlimited data and 24/7 customer support for as little as $3.21/day. The longer the plan, the better the value for money, but even the shortest plans are significantly cheaper than pocket WiFi since they don’t include any unexpected costs.
All plans also include 500 MB of data sharing per day, so you can keep other devices connected while enjoying unlimited data as well. This effectively eliminates the need for pocket WiFi unless you need to connect multiple devices at all times without limits.
If you plan to travel to the USA as well, you can simply get an eSIM for North America and stay connected across the entire continent with a single eSIM plan.
Which is better?
Considering the lack of convenience and the pricing offered by pocket WiFi providers, it’s only a good option for larger groups of travelers. Depending on how many devices you need to keep connected, you can split the cost of pocket WiFi in a group, and it ends up being reasonably priced.
If you’re traveling solo or with a single partner, using an eSIM is much cheaper, easier to use, and more convenient. Unlike most pocket WiFi devices, eSIMs are capable of 5G speeds, ensuring fast internet wherever 5G is available.