Language 
Currency 
No results found
Best portable WiFi for international travel in 2025: Costs, devices, and alternatives
Looking to get a portable WiFi for your next international trip? Learn everything you need to know about the devices and the top companies in the post below.
For a while, using portable WiFi was one of the most popular ways to stay connected abroad. While many have since switched to eSIMs and physical travel SIM cards, portable WiFi routers still have a role in the mobile communications market today.
Follow along to learn which is the best portable WiFi for international travel in 2025, how to use a portable router, and whether or not it’s the right fit for you.
Choose the more convenient option, get an eSIM
Buy an intGet connected in a matter of minutes. Buy an international eSIM from Holafly with 5% off by using the code: MYESIMNOW5 at checkout.
+1M
Unlimited data
Limitless data plans in more than 170 destinations
With Holafly, you save +30% compared to roaming fees
Plans that may interest you
What is a portable WiFi?
Portable WiFi, or pocket WiFi, is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a portable router that creates a WiFi network that you can connect to. The key difference from the router that you have at home is that portable routers have a battery and don’t need to be plugged into a power outlet to work.
Many such devices are only capable of 4G connection speeds, which is a step behind the 5G offered by most eSIMs. However, they make it easy to keep multiple devices connected at all times, which is why pocket WiFi is favored by groups of travelers nowadays.
Some frequent travelers do own these devices, though renting them is the more popular option overall.
Advantages of portable WiFi for travel
- You can rent pocket WiFi for as long as you need.
- There are different data plans, so you can adjust the data allowance to your needs.
- The portable WiFi device can be delivered to your location.
- Once you’re done using the device, simply send it back to the company.
- Some companies will add perks, such as extra batteries and other accessories.
- There’s an option to buy insurance for the portable WiFi to avoid extra fees in case the device gets lost or damaged.
Disadvantages of portable WiFi
- Pocket WiFi rentals tend to be more expensive than eSIMs or buying a local SIM card.
- If you lose or damage the device, you’ll be subject to pay a fee of up to $200.
- Some providers only offer very limited data plans, only enough for basic internet access.
- Delivery can take up to a week.
- You need to constantly monitor the device’s battery and charge it when not in use.
How much does a portable WiFi hotspot cost?
There are a number of things you need to consider when we’re talking about the price of portable WiFi routers. The rental price is just part of the total cost. You might also need to pay for the delivery, device insurance, and any accessories you may need.
This can end up ballooning the end cost, which is why such devices are rarely used by solo travelers anymore.
Daily rental costs range from around $5 to $15/day, but once you add shipping costs, additional devices, and optional insurance fees, you can easily end up paying more than $100 for a week of coverage.
3 best portable WiFi devices in 2025
If the upfront price and the possible additional costs are alright with you, let’s take a look at some of the best portable WiFi option available today.
Solis WiFi
If you’re a frequent traveler in constant need of a mobile internet connection, Solis WiFi might be a good option for you. The company sells its devices instead of renting them, so you only pay a one-time fee for the device itself.
That said, all portable WiFi devices need a mobile data plan to work. So, while you’ll only need to pay once for the device, you’ll need to purchase data plans whenever you want to use the device.
There are currently two Solis devices to choose from. Solis Lite, priced at $159.99 USD, is a cheaper version only capable of up to 4G connection speeds. Solis 5G, priced at $399.99, is the flagship device capable of 5G speeds.
The price of data varies depending on the duration of the plan and the countries where you need coverage. The prices start at $6 for a day of coverage and go up to $99 for a month, with 20 GB of high-speed data included in the monthly subscription price.
TravelWiFi
TravelWiFi is a pocket WiFi rental company based in Spain and one of the top portable WiFi providers in Europe. They do sell their devices and separate data plans as well, but they’re best known for their rental service.
Travel WiFi devices work in more than 100 countries, where you get the option of different data plans with 1 GB, 5 GB, and 10 GB of data daily. The devices are only capable of speeds up to 4G, though, so don’t expect a lightning-fast connection.
The rental prices differ depending on the country or region where you need coverage in and the amount of data you need. You should expect to pay somewhere between $7 and $11.50/day for the rental, with better prices available in some destinations if you rent for 30 days or more.
Extra delivery fees also apply and differ depending on where the device needs to be delivered to. If you lose or break the device when using it, the company charges a fixed fee of $140.
Travelers WiFi
Another option for people to use is Travelers WiFi. This is similar to TravelWiFi in how the service works due to the different data plans they offer.
The company also offers 1 GB, 5GB, and 10 GB/day data allowances and the devices are only capable of speeds up to 4G. Once you use up the data limit, you’re subject to unlimited data at 3G speeds. But if you’ve tried loading anything on 3G lately, you’ll know that it’s almost the same as having no internet at all.
The prices start at $7.50/day, though they can be more expensive depending on the country or region where you’ll need coverage. Shipping isn’t included in the price, so expect to pay anywhere between $10 and $30 for the total price of delivery and return. You can also pay an extra $10 each for a car charger or a portable power bank to keep your battery life up.
If you lose or damage the device, expect to pay a fee of up to $200 to compensate the company for the damages.
eSIM: The most convenient way to stay connected
Does the process of renting, buying, and simply using a portable WiFi device sound a bit too much for you? eSIMs offer you the most convenient way to stay connected during your travels. Using an eSIM doesn’t require any additional devices. This means you can get online within minutes instead of waiting days for delivery.
Holafly offers you unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and up to 5G connection speeds with all eSIM plans. All for as little as $1.55/day, depending on the plan and its duration.
You also get up to 1 GB of data sharing daily. So you can turn your phone into a portable WiFi hotspot and keep your travel buddies connected as well. No other connection method can compare to eSIMs when it comes to convenience. And it’ll end up costing way less than a pocket WiFi rental.
Connectivity made easy
Activate your Austrian eSIM in a few simple steps and manage your plan through our dedicated app.
Plans that may interest you
A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
