Renting Pocket WiFi In The UK & Alternatives: Ultimate Guide For Tourists

Renting a pocket Wifi in the UK is one of the ways for tourists to navigate the destinations, use travel apps, and keep in touch with their loved ones. This portable Wifi hotspot allows wireless Internet access anywhere within range. This guide will help you understand the ins and outs of pocket Wifi in the UK, like costs and coverage. We will also explore alternatives to help you pick the best plan for your UK trip. 

I. What is Pocket Wifi for the UK?

Pocket Wifi for the UK is a pocket-sized portable device that provides mobile Internet access. It creates a Wifi network that lets phones, tablets, and laptops to connect to the Internet.

• How pocket Wifi for the UK works: It uses an UK SIM card to access cellular networks for an Interent connection. This connection is then shared via Wifi for connected devices within a short range.
• When to use: It is useful for traveling in the UK. When visiting from abroad or for a domestic trip, it helps tourists access the Internet without relying on high data roaming charges.
• Suitable for: families or groups traveling together. As up to 10 devices can share the connection, everyone can stay online to look up maps, watch videos, and much more while on the move.

II. Why Rent a Pocket Wifi for the UK Travel?

Getting a pocket Wifi for your UK trip is one of the easiest ways to stay online.

Benefits of pocket Wifi in the UK

• Internet sharing: One pocket Wifi may be used by multiple tourists at the same time so you and friends or family can all get online together using different devices.
• No roaming charges: No need to pay expensive charges from your mobile carrier for using data while abroad in the UK.
• Simple to set up and use: Just power it on, enter provided password and connect your devices to the Wifi network.
• Affordable: Renting a pocket Wifi in the UK works out cheaper than paying daily roaming fees.
• Reliable connection: Tourists may access a robust and private Wifi signal to use rather than public hotspots which are not always secure.

Pocket Wifi vs. Other Connectivity Options

Here we look at the differences between pocket Wifi and other connectivity alternatives, including: UK SIM card/ eSIM, UK free Wifi, and UK roaming services.

Criteria	UK Pocket Wifi	UK SIM card/ eSIM	UK free Wifi	UK roaming
Number of devices	Multiple	1	1	1
Number of users	Entire team	1	1	1
Data	Unlimited or large options	Depending on plan option	Limited daily/ hourly	Expensive charges
Setup ease	Easy, just power on and enter password	Insert physical SIM/ download apps	Find locations, enter password	Use existing number
Connection reliability	Reliable	Reliable	May be unsecure sometimes	Works like at home
Costs	Rent for whole trip, pretty affordable	Affordable	Free	Expensive

► Our recommendation:

Pocket Wifi in the UK is a suitable choice if you are traveling in a group. It allows easy Internet shaaring between multiple devices at the same time.

UK eSIM will be the best choice if you need Internet for a single device and have an eSIM-embedded device.

III. UK eSIM – Alternative to Pocket Wifi to Get Internet in the UK

If you only need Internet for your phone, a UK eSIM could be the most cost-effective choice. As long as your smartphone works with eSIM, download and activate an eSIM plan for the most affordable and reliable data. Here are reasons why eSIM is one of the most preferred connectivity choices among tourists visiting the UK:

• Simple download and set up: No need to insert a UK physical SIM, just download the UK eSIM plan and activate online.
• Cost-effective: eSIMs are cheaper than daily roaming fees if using your existing number.
• Easy to switch plans: If you need more data, it is no problem to change eSIMs from your phone.
• No wasting physical SIMS: eSIMs are better for the environment as there is no physical card to throw away.

Buying a UK eSM plan from a trusted provider like Gigago does not necessitate any ID check.

UK eSIM packages offered by Gigago are diversifying, starting at 1GB for 3 days with only $3.50 and varying between $3.50 – $125.98 . Thus, there is always a suitable option for you with Gigago, regardless of how much GB of data you want and how long your UK trip is.

IV. How to Get a Pocket Wifi for Visitors to the UK?

Travelers to the UK can rent a pocket Wifi for their trip in two ways:

• renting online before departure or
• renting directly at UK airports.

Order online before departure

This is a popular and cost-effective way to rent a pocket Wifi in the UK. Many companies allow you to pre-book your rental online and then visit their service desk upon landing to collect it. Once your trip is over, drop the device at the designated spot before catching your flight back home. 

Pros:

• Time to check various providers and plan options in advance
• More budget-friendly than getting on-site

Cons: 

• Pick up when you reach the UK
• Delays may occur if the flight falls behind schedule

Rent directly at UK Airports

Many of the biggest UK airports, such as London Gatwick International Airport, Heathrow International Airport, and Manchester International Airport have service desks where you can rent UK pocket Wifi. When you arrive, simply stop by one of these counters to choose the data plan that best suits your trip. 

The staff can set you up with the pocket hotspot and show you how to connect all your devices like phones and laptops. Before departing at the end of your holiday, swing back by the same location to return the rental WiFi.

Pros:

• Straightforward, convenient
• No risk of late pickup

Cons: 

• Less time for comparing rental rates and package options
• A bit more expensive than pre-ordering online

► Our recommendation:

If possible, order your UK pocket Wifi device in advance since it is more cost-effective and saves you time picking and paying at UK airports.

V. How Many Devices can Connect to a Pocket Wifi in the UK

The number of mobile devices you can connect to one pocket Wifi in the UK depends on the provider and the pocket Wifi model. 

• Up to 5 devices for 1 or 2 users using tablets/ laptops/ cell phones.
• Around 10-12 devices works well for groups of 3-6 sharing connections.
• 15+ devices is great for larger groups with multiple phones/ tablets/ laptops.

VI. Best Wifi Pockets for the UK Travel and Costs

Deciding which UK pocket Wifi to rent lies on your needs, number of devices, and budget levels. This table compares the different UK Wifi pocket options and rental rates.

Pocket Wifi in the UK Options	Speed	Rate	Max devices	Delivery	Battery life
Travelers Wifi	Fast 4G	USD $90 per week, USD $260 per month	10	Any location, USD $4-34	8-10 hours
MioWifi	Fast 4G	USD $64 per week, USD $256 per month	10	International delivery option, 2-23 USD	10-12 hours
Travel Wifi	Moderate 4G	Start at USD $56 per week	10	Any location	7-9 hours
My Webspot	Moderate 4G	USD $82 per week for 1GB daily	10	Delivery worldwide	9-11 hours

VII. FAQs about UK Pocket Wifi Rental

VIII. Conclusion

In summary, if you are traveling in the UK in a group, renting a pocket Wifi will be the best way to stay online. This compact device offers reliable wireless internet that can be shared between multiple smartphones, laptops, and tablets. For those only needing a connection for their phone, eSIM plans are an affordable alternative to pocket Wifi in the UK. Overall, comparing features like speeds, device limits, and delivery options will help you pick the best portable Wifi for keeping in touch during your UK trip.