Best Portable Wi-Fi For Overseas Travel
Work-leisure trips that can stretch for weeks or longer are becoming more common these days as some of us embrace a new norm of “workcations”. Thus, whether it's due to work commitments, a constant need to stay updated with news, or the urge to regularly update your Instagram followers, a dependable internet connection becomes essential. In such scenarios, many of us seek a reliable portable Wi-Fi device to get us through many of our daily tasks as we travel.
Here’s our round-up of the best portable Wi-Fi devices which you can rent or buy (separately or part of a broadband plan bundle), how to pick the right ones with the Wi-Fi speed you need, and the pros and cons of having them instead of purchasing pocket Wi-Fi devices or routers.
Best Portable Wi-Fi To Try Out For Trips
| Changi Wi-Fi | Yogofi by Travelwifi | TP-Link EX510 WiFi-6 router | Singtel AX5400 WiFi 6 Device | ASUS ZenWiFi XD4s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network Coverage | 100+ countries | 150+ countries | Dependent on ISP and environment | Dependent on ISP and environment | Dependent on ISP and environment |
| Streaming Data Limit | Varies by region (generally 1GB - 10GB daily) | Varies by region (generally 1GB - 10GB daily) | Unlimited (depends on ISP plan) | Unlimited (depends on ISP plan) | Unlimited (depends on ISP plan) |
| Battery Life | 12 hours | 12 hours | Not applicable (mains powered) | Not applicable (mains powered) | Not applicable (mains powered) |
| Cost | $3.16 - $15 per day | $4 - $12 per day | MyRepublic 1Gbps Broadband bundle ($39.99/mth) includes this Wi-Fi router | Singtel 1Gbps Enhanced bundle ($53.40/mth) includes this Wi-Fi device | 2Gbps ASUS ZenWiFi XD4s Mesh Plan ($66.99/mth) includes this Wi-Fi device |
| Global Compatibility | Yes | Yes | Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands | Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands | Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands |
| Security Features | WPA/WPA2 encryption | WPA/WPA2 encryption | WPA3 encryption | WPA3 encryption | AiProtection, WPA3 encryption |
| Best for | Short-term travellers arriving/departing from Changi Airport | Budget-conscious travellers with moderate data needs | Travellers who prefer the convenience of owning the device without returning it | Travellers who prefer the convenience of owning the device without returning it | Travellers who prefer the convenience of owning the device without returning it |
*Note that the above is just a general comparison, and specific coverage details may vary for each portable Wi-Fi service and provider. Please refer to the respective Wi-Fi provider's website/agents for the complete and accurate list of network coverage benefits, global compatibility, inclusions, exclusions, and other related information. The information above is not exhaustive and other Singapore Wi-Fi providers who offer different types of Wi-Fi services. All data last updated in December 2023.
Is Renting Or Owning A Portable Wi-Fi Better?
A Wi-Fi device goes by many names, some of which that you have heard of are portable Wi-Fi hotspot, mobile hotspot, portable Wi-Fi, pocket Wi-Fi, and portable Wi-Fi router, and there is a wide variety of choices available, plus you can choose to rent or own one. Before you make a decision, let’s weigh the pros and cons first.
Wi-Fi Devices for Rent
- Generally lower cost for short trips
- Limited daily data plans
- Flexible data plans for each trip
- Wi-Fi data and device service provider owns the devices
- Limited responsibility in terms of maintenance and storage
- Convenient pick-up and return
- Access to the latest devices and technology
Pocket Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi Routers for Purchase
- Higher initial investment, cost-effective in the long run
- Unlimited data or local SIM cards
- More freedom and use on multiple trips
- Own the device and can resell it
- Can be more value-for-money when bought together in a broadband plan bundle
- Full responsibility for maintenance and storage
- May not be ideal for occasional travellers
- May become outdated in terms of keeping up with the latest technology
Looking for a home broadband plan instead?
We've listed the best fibre broadband plans in Singapore to help you find the one that best suits your needs.
Tips On Choosing The Best Wi-Fi For Overseas Travel
Determine your internet needs
Assess how much data you'll likely use, based on your planned activities. Streaming, video calls, and heavy browsing consume more data than basic web surfing and emailing.
Research on network coverage
If you’re bringing along a Wi-Fi router, double check that it is compatible with the Internet Service Provider in the destination country. This usually involves configuration settings like Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE), or others.
Consider data speed and limits
Look for devices that offer high-speed internet, especially if you plan to stream videos or use bandwidth-intensive applications. Be aware of any data limits to avoid extra charges.
Check battery life
A long battery life is crucial for travellers. Choose a device that can last at least a full day on a single charge, or consider carrying a portable battery pack.
Consider size and portability
Opt for a lightweight and compact device that's easy to carry around. It shouldn't take up much space in your luggage or be a hassle to transport.
Ensure cost-effectiveness
Compare the costs of renting vs. buying a portable Wi-Fi device. For infrequent travellers, renting may be more economical. Also, watch out for hidden fees like late return charges or high data overage fees.
Check global compatibility
Make sure the device is globally compatible, especially if you're visiting multiple countries. Some devices may support various frequency bands and require different SIM cards for different regions.
Review security features
Choose a device with strong encryption to protect your online activities from unauthorised access, especially on public networks.
Check reviews and recommendations
Look for customer reviews and recommendations, particularly from travellers who have visited the destination you’ll be heading to. First-hand experiences can provide valuable insights.
Plan for alternatives and bring adapters/converters
Have a backup plan, like roaming data on your mobile phone or identifying public Wi-Fi hotspots, in case of issues with your portable Wi-Fi device.
Additionally, be sure that the power supply of the router is compatible with the electrical standards of the country you're visiting, including voltage and plug type.
Purchase international data plans in advance
If you decide to use your own mobile device for internet access, consider buying an international data plan from your service provider to avoid exorbitant roaming charges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rent a portable Wi-Fi or buy a portable Wi-Fi device?
- Yes and no. It really depends on what your travel needs are, and some key considerations include how frequent you travel and how often you’ll need to use it whether it is for short trips or long trips, level of access to the latest devices and technology, whether you prefer limited or more flexibility for daily data plans, how much responsibility you want in terms of maintenance and storage options for your portable Wi-Fi, etc.
How much does a portable Wi-Fi cost?
- The price can vary depending on whether you choose to rent or own a portable Wi-Fi device. It can range from $3.16 per day to $200 per device or more as per our round-up (refer to the above table) of the best portable Wi-Fi devices to rent or own.