eSIM vs. Pocket WiFi: What’s the Best Option?

When you’re travelling, having a reliable internet connection is a must so you can view maps, stay connected with loved ones, and research local spots to check out. Two popular options are eSIM and Pocket WiFi. With an eSIM, you can instantly connect to local networks without swapping physical SIM cards. Pocket WiFi, on the other hand, offers shared internet access for multiple devices, for which you need to carry an extra gadget. Both have their advantages, so which one is best for you? It depends on your travel needs and how you prefer to stay connected.

Travel eSIM: The Digital Solution

Travel eSIMs provide a modern, digital alternative to Pocket WiFi, giving you instant internet access without the hassle of needing to get a SIM card for the country you’re visiting. All you need to do is activate it on your smartphone, and you’re connected to local networks wherever you go. They’re handy, lightweight, and perfect for today’s tech-savvy voyager.

Advantages of a Travel eSIM

A travel eSIM like Saily is a convenient, stress-free option that keeps you connected while you’re on the go without the usual SIM or gadget juggling. One of its best features is the instant setup — you can connect to a local network as soon as you land without having to wait in line for a SIM card at the airport or hunt for a reliable local telecom provider. Since it’s digital, there’s no need to carry around extra devices like Pocket WiFi. Plus, eSIMs offer flexible plans, so you can choose the right amount of data for your trip without committing to long contracts.

Disadvantages of an eSIM

While eSIMs are great for solo globetrotters with specific phones, they may not always be the best fit for group trips or shared access. First, they’re only compatible with certain devices, so if your phone doesn’t support eSIM, this won’t be an option for you. Another drawback is that eSIMs only provide internet for one user at a time, unlike Pocket WiFi, which can connect multiple devices. So this could be a limitation if you’re travelling with others or need to share your connection across your gadgets.

Pocket WiFi: A Portable Internet Hub

Pocket WiFi is a handy little device that you can rent or buy to stay connected while you’re on the move. It works as a portable internet hub that creates a WiFi hotspot for your phone, tablet, or laptop. All you need to do is turn it on, and you’ve got internet connectivity wherever you go. One of the biggest perks is that it allows several devices to connect at once, making it perfect if you’re on a trip with friends or have many gadgets. It’s worth noting that you’ll need to carry it around and keep it charged throughout your trip.

Advantages of Pocket WiFi

Whether you’re on a road trip or exploring a new city, Pocket WiFi gives you plenty of data and flexibility, making it a reliable option for staying connected during your adventures. Its biggest strength is its ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously, so you and your travel buddies can all share the same internet connection. It also offers larger data plans, which is perfect for those who need lots of internet for streaming, work, or staying in touch. Additionally, Pocket WiFi often provides broad network coverage, ensuring a stable connection even in remote areas.

Disadvantages of Portable WiFi

Pocket WiFi is useful, but it comes with a few downsides. First, it’s an extra device to carry around, which can be a hassle when you’re trying to pack light. If you’re travelling by air, Pocket WiFi is another device you’ll need to remember to remove from your hand baggage during your pre-flight security check. It also has limited battery life, which means you’ll need to recharge it frequently, especially during long days out. If you’re renting a Pocket WiFi, there’s the added inconvenience of having to pick it up and return it, which may not always be easy depending on your location.

Is Pocket WiFi or Travel eSIM better for your trip?

Choosing between Pocket WiFi and a travel eSIM depends on various factors, such as how light you want to pack, whether you’re travelling solo or in a group, and how much convenience matters to you.

For Solo Travellers

eSIMs are a game-changer for solo adventurers as they save you the trouble of juggling extra gadgets, like Pocket WiFi. You can set up them up quite easily, and you don’t need to worry about charging them as they’re embedded in your smartphone. They’re also particularly useful if you don’t want to add an extra device to your hand baggage. This way, you can focus on exploring exciting new destinations, rather than managing equipment during your travels.

For Frequent Travellers

One of the biggest plus points of eSIMs is that they allow you to easily switch between local data providers without the bother of handling physical SIM cards or managing an extra device like Pocket WiFi. You don’t need to search for local SIM cards or rely on potentially unsecured WiFi networks. If you’re heading to multiple destinations during your travels, you can use the same eSIM for different countries — all you need to do is change to another plan, and you’re set!

For Data-Heavy Users

Pocket WiFi can be a great choice for data-heavy users since it usually offers larger data limits. This makes it perfect for streaming or attending video conferences without worrying about running out of data. However, eSIMs provide flexibility, letting you switch between networks easily when you need more options. With eSIMs, you can also get several data plan options with varying validity periods, depending on your needs.

Short Trips vs. Long Stays

eSIMs are super convenient for short trips — you just activate them on your smartphone and set off on your journey, without needing to return rented devices like Pocket WiFi at the end of your trip. But Pocket WiFi can actually be more cost-effective for longer voyages, especially when you’re sharing it with your travel buddies. It gives you plenty of data without worrying about maxing out, making it a solid option for extended stays or group expeditions.

In the end, the best option depends on your travel style. If you’re a solo traveller on a short trip, eSIMs offer flexibility and convenience — you have no devices to return, and you can swap data plans easily. But for longer trips or group excursions, Pocket WiFi might be less pricey, especially for data-heavy activities like streaming or video calls. While Pocket WiFi handles bigger data loads, eSIMs win when it comes to ease and flexibility.