What is portable WiFi hire?
Portable WiFi hire (sometimes called a "MiFi" or pocket WiFi) is a small battery-powered router you take with you when travelling. It connects to local mobile networks at your destination and creates its own private WiFi hotspot, which your phone, laptop or tablet can join just like you would join home WiFi.
How you get one
Most UK providers let you order a unit online before you travel, either for home delivery or airport collection. You return it in a prepaid envelope or drop-off point after your trip. Data is either included in a flat rate or added as a bundle, depending on the provider and destination.
Why groups and families use it over eSIMs
The main advantage of WiFi hire over an eSIM is that one unit covers multiple devices at once — typically 5 to 10 simultaneous connections. For a family of four, that means one rental instead of four separate eSIM plans, which is usually the cheaper and simpler option when everyone needs data at the same time.
What to check before renting
- Coverage in your specific destination — not all providers cover all countries equally well, so check the exact country list, not just the region
- Data caps and speed throttling — some plans slow down after a set amount of data rather than cutting off entirely
- Battery life — most units last a full day of moderate use, but heavy streaming will drain them faster
- What happens if it's lost or damaged — most providers charge a replacement fee, so check this before you travel
WiFi hire vs eSIM — which is right for you
If you are travelling solo with one device, an eSIM is usually simpler and just as cheap. If you are travelling with family or a group and want to share one data connection across several devices without juggling multiple SIMs or eSIMs, a WiFi hire unit is typically the better and more cost-effective option.