Quick Answer: For individual travelers, eSIM almost always wins — it's cheaper, takes up no space, and doesn't need charging. Portable WiFi makes sense if you're traveling in a group (3+ people) or if your devices don't support eSIM.
What is portable WiFi and how does it work?
A portable WiFi (also called pocket WiFi, MiFi, or travel router) is a physical device the size of a lighter that creates a local WiFi network using the mobile data network of the destination country. It works just like your home router, but uses a local or international roaming SIM to connect to the internet.
The device acts as a hotspot: you carry it in your pocket, it connects to the local 4G/5G network, and shares that connection via WiFi with up to 10-15 devices simultaneously. Your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, and any other device connect as if it were hotel WiFi, without needing to change any settings.
There are two main options: buying the device with an included data SIM card (a permanent solution for frequent travelers) or renting it at the airport or through home delivery before your trip (a temporary solution). Rental typically costs several tens of euros per day, depending on the destination and operator.
The technology is mature and works in virtually any country in the world. Modern models offer 4G LTE connections with 4G/LTE download speeds, sufficient for HD streaming, video calls, and remote work.
Advantages of portable WiFi over eSIM
Pocket WiFi has real advantages in specific scenarios that are worth knowing before deciding:
Connects multiple devices simultaneously. This is its big differential advantage. A single device can provide a connection to the entire group: each person's mobile phone, a laptop, a tablet for the kids, and a camera with WiFi. With an eSIM, each device needs its own card.
Compatible with any device. It doesn't matter if your mobile phone is old, if it's a low-end Android, or if you have a laptop without an integrated SIM. Any device with WiFi can use the pocket WiFi connection. eSIM, on the other hand, requires compatible hardware (devices older than 2018-2019 rarely support it).
Centralized data management. On a group trip, everyone shares the same data allowance. There's no need to buy multiple eSIMs or coordinate who has data and who doesn't. A single plan covers everyone.
Useful as a backup. If you carry the pocket WiFi as a secondary device, it gives you a safety net when the eSIM fails or when you are in areas with poor coverage from your eSIM operator but good local coverage.
Advantages of eSIM over portable WiFi
For most individual travelers, eSIM wins for several compelling reasons:
No additional hardware to carry. Portable WiFi has its own battery that needs to be charged daily (6-10 hours of typical autonomy). If it runs out at 3 PM, you lose your connection. With eSIM, you use your mobile phone's own battery — which you're carrying anyway.
Significantly lower price. Renting a pocket WiFi can cost between €6 and €12 per day. A cheap eSIM for Europe can cost €15-€25 for 30 days with 10-20 GB of data. On a one-week trip, the difference can be €50-€70.
Instant installation, no waiting. eSIM is activated in minutes from the app or via a QR code. There's no need to go to the airport to pick anything up, or wait for a package at home. You can buy the eSIM in a taxi on the way to the airport if you need to.
No risk of forgetting or losing it. Pocket WiFi is a physical device that you can leave in the hotel, lose in a taxi, or have stolen. The eSIM is integrated into your phone — if you have your phone, you have your connection.
Direct connection to the local network. Your mobile phone connects directly to local operators with the maximum available speed. With pocket WiFi, there's an additional WiFi hop that introduces latency and can degrade speed in congested areas.
No pending return. When you rent a pocket WiFi, you have to return it at the end of the trip (at the airport, by mail, etc.). With eSIM, you simply stop using it or delete it from your device.
You can explore the available options in our collection of international eSIMs to find the one that best suits your destination.
Cost comparison by destination
Prices vary considerably depending on the destination. Here is a representative comparison for a 7-day trip with moderate data usage (5-10 GB):
| Destination | eSIM (7 days) | Pocket WiFi rental (7 days) | Savings with eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe (Schengen) | €12-€20 | €42-€70 | ~€50 |
| Japan | €15-€25 | €56-€84 | ~€55 |
| United States | €18-€30 | €49-€77 | ~€45 |
| Mexico / Latin America | €10-€18 | €35-€63 | ~€40 |
| Thailand / Southeast Asia | €8-€15 | €42-€56 | ~€40 |
Estimated prices for June 2026. Pocket WiFi often includes management fees and basic insurance from many providers.
The scenario where pocket WiFi can be economically worthwhile is when it's shared by 4 or more people: the cost per person drops drastically, and it can be cheaper than buying 4 individual eSIMs.
When to choose eSIM and when to choose portable WiFi?
Choose eSIM when:
- You're traveling alone or as a couple (each with their own compatible mobile phone)
- You want the most economical solution for individual use
- You prefer not to carry additional devices
- You'll be moving around a lot and don't want to worry about charging another device
- You need to activate the connection immediately, without waiting
- Your trip lasts more than 10 days (the economic savings amplify)
Choose portable WiFi when:
- You're traveling in a group of 3 or more people and want to share a connection
- You have devices that don't support eSIM (laptops, cameras, older tablets)
- Your mobile phone is not eSIM compatible
- You need to connect several of your own devices simultaneously (mobile + laptop + tablet)
- The destination has very fragmented coverage and you prefer to choose the optimal local operator
If you're not sure if your mobile phone is eSIM compatible, check our complete guide to eSIM for travel, where we explain how to check on iOS and Android.
Conclusion
The comparison between eSIM and portable WiFi has a clear winner for most cases: eSIM is cheaper, more convenient, and more practical for individual travelers or couples. It eliminates rental logistics, takes up no pocket space, and doesn't rely on an additional battery.
Portable WiFi still has its niche: groups of travelers who want to share a connection without buying multiple eSIMs, or users with devices without eSIM support. In these cases, pocket WiFi can be the most rational option.
The good news is that both options are significantly cheaper than your usual operator's roaming. Whichever you choose, you'll benefit compared to using your Spanish plan's data abroad.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM vs portable WiFi
Is eSIM faster than portable WiFi?
In most cases, yes. eSIM connects your device directly to the local operator's network, without intermediaries. Pocket WiFi adds an additional WiFi hop that introduces latency (generally 5-20 ms extra) and can reduce maximum speed, especially in environments with a lot of WiFi interference. For everyday use, the difference is not noticeable, but in speed tests, eSIM usually wins.
Can I use eSIM and portable WiFi at the same time?
Yes. Many travelers use eSIM on their personal mobile phone and pocket WiFi to connect a laptop or share with companions who don't have eSIM. There is no technical incompatibility between both solutions.
Does portable WiFi work in every country?
It depends on the device and the contracted plan. Rental pocket WiFi usually includes coverage in specific destinations; if you travel to several countries on the same trip, make sure the plan covers all of them. Multi-country eSIMs also have this limitation, although there are global options that cover more than 100 countries with a single plan.
What happens if the portable WiFi runs out of battery?
You lose connection on all your devices until you recharge it. Typical autonomy is 6-10 hours with active use. If you plan long days out of the hotel, you need to carry an additional portable charger or remember to charge it every night. With eSIM, this is not a problem — you use your own mobile phone's battery, which you would carry charged anyway.
Is it worth buying a portable WiFi instead of renting it?
If you travel more than 3-4 times a year to the same destination or region, buying can pay for itself in 3-6 months compared to renting. However, given that eSIMs are now cheaper and more convenient than a few years ago, many frequent travelers are abandoning purchased pocket WiFi in favor of eSIMs. The investment in hardware no longer makes sense when the digital alternative is so competitively priced.
