Best pocket WiFi for India: How much does it cost?
A pocket WiFi for India will allow you to stay connected to the Internet during your trip, but at a high cost. Learn about other alternatives!
Traveling to India means you’ll need an internet connection, so why not choose a pocket WiFi for India to take with you? Whether you plan to visit the Taj Mahal, walk around the markets, or need to translate something into English, having an internet connection can go a long way.
But how much does pocket WiFi cost, and are there any better, cheaper alternatives? Below, we discuss the best portable WiFi devices and other alternatives, such as SIM cards, eSIMs, and free WiFi, to help you choose the best option for you!
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What is a pocket WiFi?
Pocket WiFi devices are small routers you can use when traveling. Like your WiFi router at home, it allows you to connect multiple devices at once, making it a popular option for travelers looking for a strong connection for their mobiles, tablets, and laptops.
With these devices, you’ll get a small and light router that provides different amounts of data at up to 4G speeds, some including unlimited plans. However, after certain data usage, your pocket WiFi device will reduce its data speed.
Lastly, since a portable WiFi device is rented before traveling, remember there are T&Cs when using one, such as delivery and damage fees.
How much does pocket WiFi for India cost?
One thing you need to keep in mind is that using a pocket WiFi is expensive. Depending on which company you use, prices range from $87 to $104 for a week of usage, similar to using roaming in India.
You also need to add other charges to the weekly rate, such as delivery fees, additional accessories, terms of usage, and more.
4 top India pocket WiFi providers and their prices
Let’s talk about My Webspot, Rent n’ Connect, Travel WiFi, and Cello Mobile and see what each one offers and how much these costs.
My Webspot
My Webspot is a company founded in 2014 that offers pocket WiFi devices in over 150+ destinations worldwide, including India.
Here’s what you need to know about their service:
- For a week of usage, you’ll be charged $86.98 USD
- You get access to 1 GB of 4G speed per day and unlimited data at 512 kbps
- You can add car charges, power banks, travel adapters, and insurance to your purchase
- The delivery service is only available in Europe for $15 USD
- The damage/loss fee is $205 USD without insurance and $102.42 USD with insurance
Rent n’ Connect
Rent n’ Connect is another option for renting a pocket WiFi in India. It offers unlimited data in most of its locations.
Here are some additional points you’ll need to keep in mind:
- Rent n’ Connect has a $8.99 USD daily rate
- Rent n’ Connect offers 1 GB at high speed and unlimited data at 512 kbps
- Shipping costs an additional $12 US
- There’s no information about the loss or damage fees, but they should range from $145 to $210 USD
Travel WiFi
Travel WiFi is another option for renting a pocket WiFi when visiting India. Depending on your necessities, you can choose from a variety of data plans.
Here’s what you need to know about this pocket WiFi service:
- There are three data plans: Adventure, Escape, and Voyage plans, each one ranging from $7.95 to $11.95 USD with 1 GB to 5 GB of mobile data
- Depending on the shipping destination, it will cost around $4 to $22 USD and this is a worldwide service
- There are no add-ons with Travel WiFi, such as power banks or insurance
- There’s an additional fee of around $150 to $210 USD for loss/damage
Cello Mobile
Our last option is Cello Mobile, a US-based company that primarily targets travelers from Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
If you plan to use Cello Mobile, here’s what you need to keep know about their service:
- There’s no daily fee; you’ll have to pay $349.93 when traveling to India
- Cello Mobile includes a 1.2 GB daily limit for high-speed internet and unlimited data at a lower speed
- Delivery varies from $15 to $45 USD in Canada, Mexico, or the USA, while for the rest of the world, it costs $75 UD
- There are different add-ons, such as chargers, insurance, and some others you can add
- There’s a loss/damage fee of $75 USD if the pocket WiFi insurance is paid
Pocket WiFi alternatives
Leaving the pocket WiFi for India aside, it’s time to talk about SIM cards, eSIMs, and free WiFi, which are other options to stay connected abroad. That way, we’ll choose which one is the best to get seamless connectivity in India!
Holafly eSIM for India
If you prefer to save some money and avoid expensive portable WiFi devices, eSIMs for India are your best call. The best thing about these is you can buy them before traveling and they will cost less than other services.
In this case, the Holafly eSIM for India is the best option due to its additional features. With Holafly, you’ll ensure your connection in the country with the Airtel local network.
But you’ll get access to other features while using the eSIM for India:
- 24/7 customer support in 19 languages
- Unlimited data plans from 1 to 90 days
- Connection to 5G local networks with Airtel
- Simple purchase through the website or mobile app
- Easy activation with a QR code on Android and automatic installation on iOS
- Data-sharing for up to 500 MBs per day
India prepaid SIM card
If you prefer to wait until you arrive in India, don’t want to get a pocket WiFi, and don’t have an eSIM-compatible phone, you can stay connected using local prepaid SIM cards.
While in India, you can look for SIM cards from Jio, Airtel, or Vodafone India in kiosks or retail stores. Remember that compared to an eSIM, a SIM card has fewer benefits and data to use while traveling.
Free international WiFi
It’s common to find different public WiFi hotspots for internet access across India.
Just keep in mind that using public WiFi in India is not the best idea since it isn’t safe. Try to use free hotspots only when necessary or to avoid international roaming charges, but don’t take them as your reliable companion.
Which service is better to get mobile internet in India?
After examining the different alternatives available to get an internet connection in India, it’s time to choose which is best for international travelers.
Using a pocket WiFi to get internet access is an expensive solution overall. Just thinking a week of internet can cost up to $344 is mind-blowing, but that’s where other alternatives are better.
For us, the Holafly eSIM for India is better than the best pocket WiFi to stay connected in the country. Based on prices, data plans, and additional features, Holafly is an excellent alternative.
However, the final decision is up to you, depending on the needs you have during your trip.