Mobile Internet
I’ve used pocket WiFi for years, especially when I’m traveling with family and friends. In my experience, they’ve proven reliable, especially BeFreeTour, Roamingman, and MIOWIFI, but definitely not as convenient as using eSIMs.
I’ve tried several ways to stay connected in Shanghai, and a pocket WiFi has always been reliable, especially if you’re traveling with multiple people. In this guide, I share my experience with some of the best pocket WiFi options in Shanghai, including coverage, costs, battery life, and rental info.
I also list down some eSIM alternatives in case you need them. In my experience, eSIMs are just the superior choice in terms of convenience and value, especially for small groups and solo travelers like me.
Verdict: Roamingman is the best pocket WiFi for Shanghai in this comparison thanks to its long battery life, access to multiple local networks, and flexible 4G and 5G plans. It’s especially convenient for travelers departing from Malaysia.
That said, I still prefer using an eSIM. There’s no device to carry, charge, or return, and you can activate your plan before your trip and connect as soon as you land. For solo travelers and small groups, eSIMs are usually the more convenient choice.
To make things easier for you, I’ve rounded up some of the best pocket WiFi options for China. When comparing providers, don’t just look at the price or pickup and return options.
It’s also important to check the network coverage, whether it supports 4G LTE or 5G, battery life, and how many devices can connect at the same time.
Travel tip: China plug types may be different from those used in your home country. Bring a plug adapter so you can charge your pocket WiFi and other devices during your trip.
BeFreeTour is a travel agency that also rents out pocket WiFi devices. It provides high-speed 4G LTE internet across Mainland China, but coverage does not extend to Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan. Rentals have a minimum duration of three days.
To pick up your device, you’ll need to present your passport and take a photo of yourself holding it at the airport service counter.
Roamingman is a brand owned by NASDAQ-listed uCloudlink and provides connectivity services in more than 150 countries and regions. If you’re traveling from Malaysia to China, you can rent either a 4G or 5G pocket WiFi device. Rentals require a minimum booking period of two days.
Coverage is available throughout Mainland China and uses multiple local networks to help provide reliable service. Customer support is available from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon (Malaysia time).
MIOWIFI is a pocket WiFi provider with coverage in more than 150 countries. It offers unlimited high-speed 4G internet across Greater China, including Mainland China. The minimum rental period is five days.
One thing to keep in mind is that MIOWIFI requires your credit card information as a guarantee in case the device is lost or damaged.
If you ask me, I’d choose an eSIM over a pocket WiFi any day. It’s simply more convenient since there’s no extra device to carry around or keep charged. Here are some of the best eSIMs for China that I’ve personally tried and found reliable, along with the key details you need to decide which one works best for you.
Holafly offers unlimited data plans for Shanghai with options ranging from 1 to 90 days. All plans include up to 5G coverage through the CMCC network and the Always On benefit, which gives you 1 GB of data per month at no extra cost. You can also request a Holafly refund within six months if eligible.
Nomad, like Airalo, offers both per-GB plans (1 GB to 50 GB) and unlimited data plans with validity periods ranging from 7 to 45 days. It provides up to 5G coverage through multiple networks, including China Unicom and China Telecom.
You can request a Nomad refund within 30 days of purchase. While this gives you a month to submit a request, it is less flexible than some competitors that offer longer refund periods.
Airalo offers both per-GB plans (1 GB to 50 GB) and unlimited data plans valid for 3 to 30 days. All plans include up to 5G coverage through the China Unicom network.
The Airalo refund policy is more limited than some competitors. You can request a refund if you withdraw your purchase within 14 days, or report a service issue or an incorrect charge within 30 days of the issue.
Pocket WiFi rental prices vary by provider. In this guide, prices range from about USD $4–8 per day for MIOWIFI to RM12–58 per day for Roamingman. Some providers may also require a refundable deposit.
Yes. WiFi is widely available in hotels, airports, cafés, restaurants, shopping malls, and many tourist attractions throughout Shanghai. However, public WiFi can be inconsistent, which is why many travelers use a pocket WiFi or eSIM for more reliable internet access.
Yes. Several providers offer pocket WiFi rentals for use in China. Depending on the provider, you can pick up the device at an airport, have it delivered before your trip, or arrange courier delivery.
It depends on how you use your phone. For basic navigation, messaging, and web browsing, 1–2 GB per day is usually enough. If you regularly stream videos, upload photos, or use social media throughout the day, an unlimited data plan may be a better option.
Based on the options compared in this guide, Roamingman is the best overall pocket WiFi for Shanghai because it offers long battery life, access to multiple local networks, and flexible 4G and 5G options.
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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