What is pocket WiFi and how does it work

A stable and convenient internet connection is a basic need for travelers and nomads. But what could be a convenient way to access a data connection throughout travel? It's a pocket WiFi, a portable small device that connects your smartphones, laptops and other devices to the internet via a mobile telephone network.

Portable WiFi is a small device that can fit into pockets, and you can carry it throughout your international travel. It works like other home WiFi and provides a stable connection at a specific radius.

In this article, I will go through how Pocket WiFi is the best solution to avoid connectivity issues for travelers and remote workers.

How Does Pocket WiFi Work?

Pocket WiFi is a router that allows multiple devices to connect to the internet. The device runs on battery and doesn't require a plug or cables. It is known worldwide by multiple names, such as Portable WiFi router, mobile WiFi, portable WiFi and WiFi hotspot. It offers a faster and more convenient internet connection than international roaming. 

Compared to traditional mobile data, it offers cost-effective data coverage throughout your travel area. When it connects to the support network, it acts like a personal WiFi hotspot. Similar to your mobile phones, a portable router uses SIM cards or eSIM to connect to the 4G LTE and 5G networks. 

Benefits of Using Pocket WiFi

• Portable for Travel: Pocket WiFi is a portable device, easy to carry in your pocket during travel. Like your smartphones, you can keep it with you to access the fastest and uninterrupted internet connection.
• Security: A WiFi hotspot is more secure than public WiFi. Connecting to the public WiFi can lead to security issues. It's easy for hackers to access your personal information. With pocket WiFi, you don’t need to rely on public WiFi. You can securely share your data with other devices. 
• Flexible Connection: Multiple users can connect with a single WiFi hotspot. It helps you avoid the hassle of buying multiple devices. 
• Consistent Connectivity: These portable WiFi devices offer consistent connectivity whether you visit a beach, travel on a road, or are in a remote area. It offers the best coverage to access a stable internet. 
• Cost-Effective: Pocket WiFi avoids the hassle of buying multiple SIM cards for each device. Therefore, it is a convenient and cost-effective solution to get seamless connectivity.
• Hassle-free Setup: Setting up eSIM is straightforward. Like your mobile phones, you can set up SIM cards in these portable devices. 

Pocket WiFi vs. eSIM: Which is Better for Travelers?

Portable WiFi is a device that ensures internet availability for the device via cellular networks. On the other hand, eSIM or embedded SIM is a small chip embedded into the device and ensures seamless connection. Both these technologies are the best for internet provisioning for international travelers, nomads, and remote workers. Let's discuss the pros and cons of eSIM and pocket WiFi to know which is better for travelers. 

Pros Pocket WiFi  

• Pocket WiFi offers consistent connectivity for multiple devices. You can share your data with your travel companions.
• Offer a stable internet connection throughout your travel. The device offers the best coverage in multiple countries.
• Pocket WiFi offers unlimited data packages. Therefore, you don't need to worry about data running out.
• Compared to physical SIM cards, it offers cost-effective data for multiple users.   

Cons of Pocket WiFi 

• You will be required to buy or rent the device, which can add more to your travel expenses. 
• Pocket WiFi will be an extra device to carry in your luggage.
• Pocket WiFi runs on battery; therefore, it could be a limitation for you. The battery life varies from device to device. You need to charge it regularly. 

Pros of eSIM

• Embedded offers a flexible internet connection for travelers. Many eSIM providers like Phonico eSIM offer unlimited data, voice, and text plans of eSIM for USA travelers. The plans for eSIM are cost-effective for getting international connectivity.
• You can enjoy the travel without data roaming charges.
• Embedded SIM allows you to save multiple eSIM profiles that help to improve connectivity issues.
• Electronic SIM offers a remote setup. You can easily install and activate eSIM on your device.

Cons of eSIM

• You can’t connect multiple devices to the eSIM hotspot. Therefore, if you are traveling with your family or a group of friends, it will be difficult to share data with the other devices. You are required to buy multiple eSIMs for different devices.
• Not every device is compatible with the eSIM technology. Only the latest models of smartphones support eSIM cards. If your device is older, you should confirm whether it supports eSIM or not.  

Best Pocket WiFi Devices for Travel

Here is the list of some top Pocket WiFi available in the market.

1. Verizon Inseego MiFi X Pro 5G UW: The device offers the best internet speed for the users. The device is specialized for a long enough battery time and 5G internet performance. It shares bandwidth via the 2.4GHz to 5GHz band. Inseego MiFi X Pro 5G UW can share hotspots with 32 devices.  

2. Netgear Nighthawk M6: The portable device works with multiple carriers and supports sub-6GHz/mid-band 5 G. It has good battery life with a vibrant screen. Users have the flexibility of swapping. The main drawback of the portable device is that it costs higher on the market than the others.

3. Franklin Wireless JEXtream RG2100 5G Mobile Hotspot (T-Mobile): It offers fast and consistent internet with full coverage. It provides excellent speed with easy setup and an impressive battery. It works in places with stong T-Mobile 5G singnals.

4. Orbic Speed 5G UW Mobile Hotspot: It provides a hotspot with Verizon 5 G. Orbic Speed 5G UW Mobile Hotspot can share the data with 30 devices. The device is easy to use, with instructions and an interface. Its size is relatively larger, and it has a short battery life.

How to Set Up and Use Pocket WiFi? 

Setting up a pocket WiFi is an easy process. Check whether your device has a pre-installed SIM or not. You can also buy the eSIM-integrated portable device. The steps to set up a portable WiFi include.

• Insert the SIM card into the device.
• Find the power on button and press it until it turns on.
• Now, choose the WiFi network name and match it with your device.
• Enter the password of your device to unlock it.
• Now, scan the QR code for instant activation.
• Set a new, strong password to enhance security.

Your hotspot device is ready to provide the internet; enjoy the effortless connection. 

Is Pocket WiFi Worth It in the USA? 

Using pocket WiFi to travel in the USA is with it. It is a good option to access a fast internet connection. It allows multiple devices to connect at a time. However, I prefer eSIM over pocket WiFi. Embedded SIMs are much more affordable than portable routers.

A router with enough battery life and coverage area costs high in the market. Therefore, buying an eSM plan for travel is much better. You can remotely set up an eSIM without any hassle. The main limitation of using eSIM, it doesn’t share data with multiple devices like a pocket router.

Best Pocket WiFi for Japan, Europe, and the USA

1. Netgear Nighthawk M1 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot: The device offers the best coverage with AT&T or T-Mobile SIMs in the USA. It is compatible with most of the popular compatible with most carriers globally.  

2. Travel WiFi: Travel WiFi offers rental pocket devices for travel to the USA. The company ships the devices to the USA, France, Chile, and Spain. The per-day rent of the device ranges from 9.10$ to 13.50$. Its bandwidth ranges from 1GB to 10 GB. The plans include a connection speed of 4G LTE and allow five devices to connect.

3. NINJA WiFi: NINJA WiFi is the highly recommended pocket WiFi for travelers to use in Japan. The communication speed is fast whether you travel in the rural or urban areas of Japan. It is easy to carry in your smartphone. While reaching Japan, you can take it from the airports or the NINJA office. 

How secure is the pocket WiFi?

Pocket WiFi offers the convenient internet connection than the other local SIM cards. However, like other public or private networks, it is not more secure. Users can encounter the risk of misplacing the device. Some of the potential risks of using pocket routers include.

• Hackers can position your device and intercept your data. 
• The weak security settings of portable WiFi can lead to data interruption. 
• Weak passwords on portable devices can cause security issues.
• If multiple devices use the hotspot data, it can lead to unexpected charges. 

Tips to Enhance WiFi Security

• Enable WPA3 encryption in the device to enhance security.
• Consider a VPN while using a hotspot WiFi because it authenticates your security.
• Check your daily data use to avoid unexpected high charges.

Alternatives to Pocket WiFi 

• Embedded SIM: eSIM is a chip embedded into compatible devices. It ensures to provide a stable internet connection for your travel. Unlike pocket WiFi, eSIM offers free international data roaming. You can store multiple eSIM profiles on your device and switch between them to avoid connectivity concerns. 
• Data Roaming: You can use data roaming as an alternative to Pocket WiFi. You use your existing data for international travel. You do not require additional devices to carry with data roaming. Data roaming costs are higher and add more to your travel expenses. 
• SIM Card: A SIM card is another alternative to access the internet without data roaming. You can buy a local SIM for your travel destination.