When planning international travel, two popular options for staying connected are eSIMs and portable Wi-Fi hotspots. Both have their merits, but which one is right for you?
Portable Wi-Fi devices (pocket Wi-Fi) are small battery-powered routers that connect to local cellular networks and create a personal Wi-Fi hotspot. You typically rent them from airports or have them delivered to your hotel.
eSIMs, by contrast, are entirely digital. There's no extra device to carry, charge, or return. Your phone connects directly to local networks through the eSIM profile, giving you native mobile data speeds.
Cost comparison: portable Wi-Fi typically costs $8-15 per day, plus a deposit for the device. eSIM plans from Hypr eSIM can cost as little as a few dollars per day depending on the destination and data amount.
Convenience: eSIM wins hands down. No pickup or return logistics, no extra device to charge, no risk of forgetting the hotspot at a restaurant. Your data is always with you because it's on your phone.
The only area where portable Wi-Fi has an edge is connecting multiple devices without eSIM support. If you're travelling with a group or have devices that don't support eSIM, a pocket Wi-Fi can serve them all. However, most modern phones support tethering from an eSIM, making this advantage increasingly marginal.