If you’ve ever traveled abroad, you’ve probably had the dreaded “How do I stay connected?” moment. Do you rely on spotty public Wi-Fi? Buy an overpriced international roaming plan? Rent a pocket Wi-Fi? eSIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi? Find out below!

For years, pocket Wi-Fi seemed like the best solution. You could rent a little portable device, connect your phone, and boom—instant internet. But in 2024, there’s a much better, easier, and more affordable option: eSIMs.

If you’re still carrying around a pocket Wi-Fi (or thinking about renting one), this blog is for you. Let’s break down why eSIMs are the superior choice for staying connected abroad—without the hassle or extra costs.

1. No Extra Devices to Carry (or Lose!)

Let’s start with the obvious: pocket Wi-Fi requires you to carry yet another gadget. When you’re already juggling your phone, passport, luggage, and maybe a coffee, the last thing you need is a tiny router to keep track of.

And let’s be real—if you’ve ever used a pocket Wi-Fi, you know the stress of not losing it. These things are small, easy to misplace, and if you do lose one? The rental company will charge you a ridiculous replacement fee.

eSIMs, on the other hand, live inside your phone. No extra device. No charger. No bulky rental case. Just seamless internet, built right into your phone.

2. No More Battery Anxiety

Pocket Wi-Fi devices are notorious for running out of battery at the worst times. You’re out exploring, using Google Maps to find your way, and suddenly—your pocket Wi-Fi dies. Now what?

Sure, you can bring a power bank, but that’s just another thing to carry (and charge).

eSIMs eliminate this problem entirely. Your phone is already running, and as long as you have a battery, you have internet. No separate gadget means no separate battery stress.

3. Setup is Ridiculously Easy

One of the biggest myths about eSIMs is that they’re complicated to set up. But trust me, they’re not.

With a pocket Wi-Fi, you have to:
✅ Rent it or buy it in advance
✅ Pick it up at the airport or have it shipped to you
✅ Charge it before you can even use it
✅ Set up a password and connect every device manually

With an eSIM, you just:
✅ Scan a QR code or download an app
✅ Activate your data plan in minutes
✅ Start using the internet immediately

That’s it. No airport pickup. No physical SIM swapping. No tech headaches.

4. Pocket Wi-Fi is Expensive (Even When You Think It’s Cheap)

At first glance, pocket Wi-Fi rental prices might seem reasonable. You’ll often see rates like $5-$10 per day. But let’s do the math.

Say you’re on a two-week trip:

• Pocket Wi-Fi rental: $7 per day × 14 days = $98
• Insurance (because you don’t want to risk losing it): $20-$30
• Extra battery rental (because they die fast): $10
• Data overage fees (if you stream too much): $10+

Total cost? Easily $130+ for just two weeks.

Now, let’s compare that to an eSIM. Many providers offer regional eSIM plans for as low as $20-$50 for an entire month. That’s less than half the cost of a pocket Wi-Fi, with zero hidden fees.

Plus, some eSIM plans let you pay for exactly the data you need—so you never overpay.

5. eSIMs Work Instantly (No Pickups, No Returns)

One of the worst things about pocket Wi-Fi is the logistics. You either have to:
✅ Pick it up at the airport when you land (hoping the kiosk is still open)
✅ Have it shipped to your home before you leave (which is risky if there are delays)
✅ Find a store in the country you’re visiting (when you just want to start exploring)

And then, at the end of your trip, you have to return it. If you forget? You’ll probably get hit with a late fee.

eSIMs skip all of this. You can activate one before your flight even takes off and land with data already working. No lines. No kiosks. No return headaches.

6. Better Connection and More Data Options

Most pocket Wi-Fi devices connect to a single carrier in whatever country you’re in. If that network has bad coverage? Too bad—you’re stuck with it.

eSIMs, on the other hand, often use multiple networks. Many eSIM providers automatically switch between the best available carriers, so you always get the strongest signal.

And when it comes to data, pocket Wi-Fi rentals usually limit you to 1-3GB per day before they slow you down. eSIMs? You can choose a plan that fits your actual needs—whether that’s 500MB a day or unlimited data.

7. Security: No Risk of Getting Hacked on Public Wi-Fi

One of the biggest risks of using free public Wi-Fi (especially in airports and cafes) is hacking. Public networks are not secure, and if you connect to the wrong one, hackers can steal your personal info.

Pocket Wi-Fi is safer than public networks, but it’s still not as secure as an eSIM. Why? Because pocket Wi-Fi devices can sometimes be hacked if they don’t have strong security settings. Plus, if multiple people are using the same rented device, there’s always a small risk.

With an eSIM, you’re directly connected to a local mobile network, just like a normal SIM card. That means better encryption, more security, and no risk of connecting to a shady public Wi-Fi.

8. You Can Keep Your Primary Number (Great for WhatsApp & Banking)

If you’ve ever swapped out your regular SIM for a local SIM, you know the struggle:

• You stop receiving texts from your bank.
• You get logged out of WhatsApp.
• People trying to reach you can’t get through.

With an eSIM, you don’t have to give up your primary number. Most phones support dual SIM, meaning you can keep your usual SIM active while using an eSIM for data.

That means you can:
✅ Stay connected on WhatsApp with your original number
✅ Receive verification texts from banks or apps
✅ Keep your regular number while using cheap local data

No missed messages. No hassles.

eSIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi Final Verdict: Ditch the Pocket Wi-Fi, Get an eSIM

Pocket Wi-Fi had its time, but in 2025, eSIMs are the clear winner. They’re cheaper, more convenient, and way easier to use.

With an eSIM, you get:
✔ Instant activation (no airport pickups)
✔ No extra device to carry (or lose)
✔ No battery worries
✔ Better data plans at lower prices
✔ Secure, direct mobile network connections
✔ The ability to keep your primary number

If you’re planning your next trip, do yourself a favor—skip the pocket Wi-Fi rental and try an eSIM instead. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you. eSIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi?

Ready to make the switch? Check out popular eSIM providers like BNESIM, Airhub or Saily or your local carrier and get connected before you even step on the plane.