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In the USA, free coffee refills are easy to find, but free WiFi is not. Pocket WiFi rentals give you secure, private internet on the go, whether you are exploring big cities, driving cross-country, or working remotely. This guide compares the top Pocket WiFi providers in the USA for 2025, highlights their pros and cons, and explores eSIM alternatives like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad so you can choose the best option for your trip.
Pocket WiFi in USA: Your Complete 2025 Guide
In the USA, coffee refills may be free, but WiFi rarely is. Pocket WiFi makes sure you’re never offline between stops.
Traveling in the USA without a solid internet connection can quickly turn into a headache. Roaming charges pile up fast, public Wi-Fi is spotty and unsafe, and if you’re working remotely or relying on maps and apps, a bad signal simply isn’t an option.
That’s exactly why you need a Pocket Wi-Fi. It’s a small portable device that taps into local 4G or 5G networks and creates your own private, secure hotspot for all your devices wherever you go.
The appeal is simple: predictable costs, strong coverage, and peace of mind. And it’s not just a nice-to-have, 80% of travelers now say Wi-Fi is essential or very important to their trips.
Pocket WiFi is a small, portable device that uses local mobile networks to create your own personal WiFi hotspot. Wherever you go, as long as there’s 4G or 5G coverage, the device connects to the network and shares that internet with you.
For travellers, this means you don’t have to rely on roaming or sketchy public WiFi. You just turn it on and your phone, laptop, tablet can all connect at the same time, just like at home. It’s secure, reliable, and the speed is usually the same as what locals get on their phones.
The beauty of pocket WiFi is flexibility. You don’t swap SIM cards, so your phone number stays active for calls and texts, while your data runs through the hotspot.
You can even manage data more efficiently: one pocket WiFi can handle multiple devices, so instead of each person in a group buying separate data plans, everyone shares one.
If you’re traveling to the USA and need reliable internet on the go, pocket WiFi rentals are a practical alternative to roaming charges or relying on public hotspots.
Below are six leading providers, their prices, and highlights:
Cello Mobile is a USA-based company offering international pocket WiFi rentals with strong worldwide coverage. The daily rental charge is $49.99 for unlimited data, which works out to $349.93 per week for a seven-day rental.
Their devices can connect up to five WiFi-enabled devices at once and run on high-speed 4G networks, though there is no mention of 5G support. Battery life is described as “long,” but no exact duration is given.
Delivery is available only to USA and Canadian addresses, so travelers receive their device before leaving home, with no airport or hotel pick-up options.
Extra fees include a $3.99 per day late return charge after a 48-hour grace period, full equipment replacement costs if lost or damaged without protection, and a $75 deductible option if Theft & Loss Protection is purchased.
TravelWiFi is a global portable WiFi rental company with coverage in more than 130 countries, including the United States. Customers can choose from four daily pricing options:
For heavy users, the Go Unlimited Plan provides unrestricted data at €26.46 per day ($215 per week). In all capped plans, once the daily allowance is exceeded, you continue on unlimited reduced-speed data instead of being cut off.
The devices operate on 4G LTE networks with automatic carrier switching for the strongest signal available. Each hotspot can connect 5 to 10 devices at once, though the connection speed is shared and may slow down if too many are online at the same time.
Battery life runs 6 to 28 hours on a full charge when connected to one device. Standard shipping takes 2–3 business days and costs about €20, depending on distance. However, there are no details on late fees or replacement costs.
MioWiFi is a pocket-sized hotspot that provides unlimited 4G internet in more than 150 countries. Rentals cost $8 per day or $56 per week (tax included), and you only pay for the actual days of use.
Delivery and return days are not charged, and rentals run on a calendar-day basis ending at midnight local time. The service is promoted as unlimited, though in some destinations a fair-use policy applies with throttling after 500 MB per day.
However, in major countries including the USA, Mexico, Canada, UK, and France, throttling does not apply, so you enjoy uninterrupted 4G speeds. The devices support up to five connections at once and feature a battery lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge.
Shipping is available worldwide, with devices usually sent out 3–5 business days before your trip. Depending on the country, you can also pick up your device at an airport or office. Shipping costs are simply added at checkout.
For protection, MioWiFi keeps a $200 guarantee on your credit card as security for loss, theft, or damage. This is not a charge, only a retention, and is released once the device is returned.
If you rent Wifio’s Global pocket WiFi for use in the USA, you can choose between 3 GB/day of 4G data with unlimited 3G afterwards, or 10 GB/day of 4G with unlimited 3G afterwards.
Once the allowance is used, unlimited data continues at 1 Mbps, keeping you connected for browsing, social media, and messaging. Each device can support up to 5 connections (worldwide).
For a 7-day rental, the base cost is €23.12 per day. Adding a €15.20 prepaid return envelope fee (for example, if ordering from Spain) brings the total to around €49 including VAT.
Battery life lasts 12+ hours on a full charge. Devices can be shipped directly to your home or hotel worldwide. Loss or damage is billed at CHF 200 for the full set, or itemized as CHF 150 for the device.
TravelersWifi rents portable hotspots for use in the USA, Europe, and worldwide. Pricing varies by trip length. For example, a 7-day U.S. rental costs about $41 per week, or roughly $5.85 per day.
All plans include unlimited data, with high-speed 4G/LTE service followed by throttled speeds (around 256 kbps) once the daily high-speed allowance is reached.
Each device supports 5–10 simultaneous connections. Battery life is advertised at around 12 hours of continuous use on a full charge, and the hotspots run on 4G/LTE networks (no 5G option currently listed).
Delivery and pick-up options are flexible. Worldwide, the device can be shipped to your home, hotel, or Airbnb. Returns are handled with a prepaid envelope, which you can drop into designated locations.
Extra fees include late return charges (an extra rental day if returned more than one day late), and loss/damage fees: CHF 180 for a complete set, CHF 150 for the device.
GlocalMe is a global WiFi hotspot rental and sales company with coverage in over 200 countries, including the United States. Their USA rental service offers multiple North America DayPass options with 5-day minimum bookings.
For USA rentals, prices range from $6.99 to $15.99 per day, depending on the data allowance.
Each hotspot can connect up to 16 devices simultaneously and the battery lasts up to 15 hours on a single charge. The devices automatically switch to the strongest available local carrier and are compatible with both 4G and 5G networks.
Delivery is handled in advance of travel, with the device shipped to your USA address (home, hotel, or office). Failure to return on time incurs a $9.90 per day late fee.
Policies on loss or damage aren’t explicitly detailed, but the device must be returned in good condition.
| Provider | Price per day | Devices supported | Battery life | Late return policy |
| Cello Mobile | $49.99/day | Up to 5 devices; | “long” battery | $3.99/day after 48-hour grace period |
| TravelWiFi | €8.25–26.46/day | 5–10 devices | 6–28h battery | Not specified |
| MioWiFi | $8/day | Up to 5 devices; | up to 18h battery | No late fee noted; $200 deposit held until return |
| Wifio | $23.12/day | Up to 5 devices | 12+ hours battery | Not specified |
| TravelersWifi | ~$5.85/day | 5–10 devices | ~12h battery | Extra rental day if late |
| Rent’n Connect | $6.99 to $15.99/day | Up to 16 devices | up to 15h battery | $9.90/day late fee |
Using a pocket WiFi device in the United States comes with some clear advantages, especially for travelers who value convenience and connectivity.
That said, pocket WiFi does have its drawbacks, and cost is the most obvious one. Daily rentals typically range from $7 to $50, which means a week of service can easily cost between $40 and $350 dollars.
By contrast, many eSIM providers offer USA data packages starting around $15 to $30 for a week, often with 5–10 GB included, far cheaper than most hotspot rentals.
Another drawback is logistics. Unlike an eSIM, which can be activated instantly on your phone, pocket WiFi requires delivery, pick-up, and return, with penalties if you miss a deadline.
And, of course, it is one more piece of equipment to manage on the road. Hotspots need charging every day, usually lasting 12 to 15 hours, and they add just enough bulk to be noticeable in your bag.
If you don’t want the hassle of renting, carrying, and returning a pocket WiFi device, an eSIM is the smartest alternative.
These digital SIM cards install instantly on your phone, give you regional data packages, and often work out cheaper than pocket WiFi rentals.
Here are three of the best eSIM providers for travelers in the USA:
Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM marketplaces, offering affordable pay-as-you-go data plans.
Holafly is known for its unlimited-data eSIMs, making it a favorite for heavy users.
Nomad provides highly competitive pricing and flexible regional/global options, all managed through a sleek app.
| Provider | Strengths | Best for |
| Airalo | Affordable pay-as-you-go plans, wide country selection | Budget-conscious travelers looking for short-term or multi-country plans |
| Holafly | Unlimited data in 160+ countries, hassle-free setup | Frequent travelers who rely heavily on data abroad |
| Nomad | Competitive pricing, affordable regional and global plans | Travelers who want flexible options and reliable performance across continents |
Traveling outside the USA? Check out Roami’s guides on Pocket WiFi in Japan, Pocket WiFi in China, and Pocket WiFi in Thailand.
What is the cheapest and best WiFi option in the USA?
For solo travelers, an eSIM is usually the cheapest option, starting around $15–$30 per week for 5–10 GB of data. Pocket WiFi rentals, by contrast, cost $7–$50 per day.
Is eSIM better than pocket wifi in the USA?
For most solo travelers, yes. An eSIM is cheaper, easier to set up, and you don’t have to carry or return any extra equipment.
Is there pocket WiFi in the USA?
Yes, pocket WiFi is widely available from providers like Cello Mobile, TravelWiFi, GlocalMe, and Rent’n Connect.
What is the best pocket WiFi rental in the USA?
TravelersWifi and MioWiFi are among the cheapest weekly options. For group travel, GlocalMe stands out with support for up to 16 devices, while Cello Mobile is best for unlimited daily data.
What is the disadvantage of pocket WiFi?
The main drawback is cost. Daily rentals are usually more expensive than an eSIM, especially for solo travelers.
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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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