Pocket WiFi Italy: Best Rental Options, Costs & Alternatives

The blog explains how travelers in Italy can stay connected through pocket WiFi, eSIMs, and local SIM cards. Pocket WiFi offers fast, private internet for multiple devices, ideal for families or groups, but comes with daily rental fees, charging needs, and return hassles. It typically costs between €3.95 and €15 per day, depending on the provider, data limits, and speed, with budget options like Hippocketwifi (€3.95/day) and premium ones like WiTourist or ExpressoWifi (€15/day). eSIMs, on the other hand, provide an instant, affordable, and setup-free way to get connected, perfect for solo or short-term travelers.

When you travel, mobile internet becomes an integral part of daily life, allowing you to check routes, translate menus, upload photos, or book trains. Most of us rely on mobile data or connect to public Wi-Fi at cafés and hotels. But free Wi-Fi spots often come with limits, slow speeds, login issues, and weak security. Even mobile data plans can struggle when coverage drops or speeds are throttled.

That’s where pocket WiFi Italy makes sense. It provides travelers with a compact, personal internet device that they can carry anywhere in the country. Whether you’re walking through Rome’s old streets or driving across Tuscany, a portable WiFi for travelling device ensures you stay connected without depending on public networks.

This blog explains what pocket WiFi is, how much it costs, the best pocket WiFi for Italy, and when it’s smarter to choose an eSIM for Italy instead.

What Is Pocket WiFi Italy?

A pocket WiFi Italy device, sometimes called portable WiFi, is a small, battery-powered router that connects to local mobile networks and creates a private Wi-Fi hotspot. You can connect your phone, laptop, or tablet to it just like home internet.

It’s ideal for travelers who want:

Faster and more stable data than public Wi-Fi.

Internet access on multiple devices at once.

A secure connection for work, navigation, and streaming.

Pocket Wi-Fi devices use 4G or 5G signals, so the speed depends on your location and provider. They’re lightweight, easy to carry, and can support between 5 to 10 connected devices, good for couples, families, or groups.

Most companies offer pocket WiFi rental services. You can order one online, pick it up at the airport, or have it delivered to your hotel. Prices depend on duration, speed, and data limits, but they’re generally cheaper than paying roaming charges from your home carrier.

Pocket WiFi for Italy: Pros and Cons

Before renting a device, it helps to know both sides. Pocket WiFi Italy is practical for many travelers, but it’s not perfect. Here’s a quick look at what works well and what might not.

Pros

1. Reliable connection across cities

Pocket Wi-Fi connects to Italy’s local 4G or 5G networks, giving you faster and more consistent speeds than most public Wi-Fi zones in hotels or cafés.

2. Works for multiple devices

You can connect your phone, laptop, tablet, or even another person’s device at the same time. It’s ideal for couples or families who need internet for navigation, work, or streaming.

3. No need to swap SIM cards

Unlike local SIMs, you don’t need to remove your personal SIM. Just power up the pocket Wi-Fi and connect via password. It’s convenient if you’re not comfortable changing SIMs or managing the eSIM Italy setup.

4. Safer than public Wi-Fi

Public networks in airports and cafés aren’t secure. A private hotspot gives you safer access to emails, payments, and personal accounts.

Cons

1. Cost adds up quickly

While convenient, a pocket WiFi rental usually costs around €5–€10 per day. Over a two-week trip, that’s €70–€140 ($75–$150), often more than an eSIM for Italy or a local SIM.

2. Battery life is limited

Most devices last 6–10 hours on a full charge. You’ll need to carry a power bank or remember to recharge it every night.

3. Needs pickup and return

Some companies deliver to hotels, but you’ll still need to handle drop-off or return shipping before leaving Italy. Forgetting to return it can mean extra fees.

4. Extra gadget to carry

It’s another device in your bag, small but still one more thing to charge, track, and keep safe.

Insight: A portable WiFi Italy device is great if you need constant coverage for multiple users or business trips. But for solo travelers or short visits, an eSIM for Italy or a local SIM usually offers the same reliability at a lower cost.

Understanding Pocket WiFi, eSIM, Local SIM & Roaming in Italy

Before choosing how to stay connected, it helps to understand the main options travelers use in Italy. Each has its benefits depending on your trip length, device, and budget.

Pocket WiFi Italy

A pocket WiFi Italy device gives you a private, portable Wi-Fi hotspot that connects multiple devices. It’s ideal for families, groups, or travelers who carry laptops and tablets. It offers strong 4G or 5G coverage but comes with rental costs and battery limitations.

Good for: Shared use, consistent signal, secure browsing.

Downsides: Needs charging daily, extra cost per day, and must be returned after the trip.

Local Italian SIM Card

Buying an Italian SIM card is another option for travelers staying more than a week. Local providers like TIM, Vodafone, and WINDTRE sell prepaid plans with 20–100 GB of data for €10–€30 ($11–$33).

Good for: Long stays, heavy data users.

Downsides: Requires a physical SIM swap and ID registration; not ideal for travelers uncomfortable changing cards.

eSIM for Italy

The eSIM for Italy is a digital SIM that installs directly on your phone, no physical card or store visit needed. It connects you instantly once you land and often costs less than a pocket WiFi rental.

Good for: Solo travelers, frequent flyers, or anyone who values simplicity.

Downsides: Works only on eSIM-compatible phones (like iPhone XR and newer, Samsung S20+, Google Pixel 3+).

If you want reliability without managing hardware, Jetpac offers the best eSIM for Italy, prepaid, flexible, and connected to multiple local networks.

International Roaming in Italy

Using your home carrier abroad is convenient, but it’s the most expensive way to stay connected. U.S. carriers charge $10–$15 per day (€9–€14) for roaming, and other regions can be even higher. It’s fine for emergencies or short trips, but not sustainable for longer travel.

Good for: Short business trips or travelers who need their original number active.

Downsides: High daily costs and possible speed limits.

Portable WiFi for Travelling vs eSIM Italy

If you only need data for one or two devices, an eSIM Italy is easier and cheaper. If you’re traveling with family or multiple devices, pocket WiFi Italy gives you one shared connection, but you’ll pay for that convenience.

Practical takeaway:

Short trips: eSIM or local SIM.

Group travel: Pocket Wi-Fi rental.

Frequent travelers: Jetpac’s global plan, one of the best pocket WiFi for international travel.

What Is the Cost of Pocket WiFi in Italy?

When it comes to staying connected in Italy, you can choose between Pocket WiFi options (renting or buying a portable device) or mobile data options (using a local SIM or eSIM).

The cost of pocket WiFi Italy rentals depends on how long you stay, how much data you need, and which provider you choose. On average, you’ll pay between €3.95 (~$4.30) per day for budget models and €15 (~$16) per day for premium services.

Short-term travelers often find budget rentals or prepaid SIMs more cost-effective, while frequent flyers might prefer a global Wi-Fi device they can reuse on future trips. For comparison, prepaid Italian SIM cards cost around €9.99–€30 per month ($11–$33) depending on data volume and duration.

Best Pocket WiFi Providers in Italy

Budget Options (€3.95–€7/day)

Hippocketwifi: Starts from €3.95/day, includes unlimited 4G/5G data, supports up to 10 devices, and offers home, airport, or hotel delivery.

Standard Options (€6.95–€11/day)

Wifivox: 1GB/day for €6.95, 5GB/day for €7.95, or 10GB/day for €10.95. Supports up to 5 devices with daily data resets.

Travel WiFi: Offers weekly packages (€7.86–€11.95/day) with data allowances between 1GB and 10GB.

Premium Options (€10–€15/day)

WiTourist: PRO 4G, PRO 5G, and OFFICE 5G plans with unlimited data. The PRO 5G plan uses TIM’s top-tier network and supports up to 10 devices.

ExpressoWifi: Unlimited 4G/LTE on TIM’s network, speeds up to 70 Mbps, and supports up to 10 devices.

US-Based Premium Option

Cello Mobile: $49.99/day or $349.93/week with unlimited data, shipped within the U.S. It’s convenient but costly, better suited for American travelers who prioritize setup ease over price.

How to Rent Pocket WiFi in Italy (Pre-Order, Pickup, Return)

Renting a pocket WiFi Italy device is simple:

Pre-order online: Book 3–5 days before departure for home delivery or airport pickup.

Pickup options: Available at major Italian airports like Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, and Venice Marco Polo, or via hotel delivery.

Returns: Drop off at airport counters or mail back using a prepaid return envelope.

Rental duration: Most companies require a 3-day minimum, with weekly or monthly rates offering better value.

Extra fees: Expect possible shipping (€3–€29), refundable deposits ($10–$20), or damage fees (up to $200).

Device Limits, Battery & Practical Tips

Device limits: Most rentals connect 5–10 devices, while higher-end models support up to 16.

Battery life: Portable 4G/5G models usually last 8–12 hours on a full charge. Some, like Solis, double as power banks.

Data speeds: Even “unlimited” plans can slow down after heavy usage due to fair usage policies.

Network coverage in Italy:

• TIM: Widest coverage, excellent 4G, expanding 5G.
• Vodafone: Strong 5G network, especially in major cities.
• WindTre: Stable and reliable for urban areas.
• Iliad: Budget-friendly option with growing coverage.

5 Money-Saving Tips for Internet in Italy

1. Use Free Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available in most cafés, hotels, train stations, and airports. It’s great for quick browsing, but avoid logging into personal or banking accounts on public networks.

2. Go Offline When You Can

Download Google Maps and key travel info before you go offline. Use WhatsApp or FaceTime Audio for calls instead of using mobile data.

3. Skip Rentals if You’re Solo

For single travelers, prepaid SIMs or eSIM Italy plans are cheaper than renting pocket WiFi Italy devices. You’ll still get strong coverage from TIM, Vodafone, or WindTre.

4. Pick Smart Long-Stay Plans

For longer visits:

TIM Tourist SIM (€9.99/month): 100–200GB data.

Vodafone Dolce Vita (€14.90/month): 200GB 5 GB data plus calls and SMS.

5. Avoid Roaming Charges

Turn off mobile roaming unless you’re on a fixed-rate plan. Roaming can cost around $10–$15/day (€9–€14), much higher than prepaid or eSIM options.

Alternative Options to Pocket Wi-Fi in Italy

Pocket Wi-Fi isn’t the only way to stay online while exploring Italy. Depending on how long you’re staying and how many devices you need to connect, you have several reliable alternatives.

1. Public & Free Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi in Italy is easy to find in cafés, hotels, airports, and train stations. Major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence also have city-wide hotspots in public squares and transport hubs.

• Pros: Free and convenient for quick browsing or messages.
• Cons: Speed and reliability vary, and public networks aren’t secure for banking or sensitive data.

Tip: Use a VPN for safe browsing on public Wi-Fi, and download offline maps before heading out.

2. Prepaid SIM Cards

If your phone is unlocked, buying a local Italian SIM card is a simple, budget-friendly choice.

TIM Tourist SIM (€24.99/30 days): 200GB data, unlimited local calls, and 100 minutes international.

Vodafone Dolce Vita (€14.90/30 days): 200GB data with local calls.

WindTre (€14.99–€24.90): 100GB–200GB valid for 30–60 days.

Best for: Solo travelers who want strong data coverage and don’t need to share connections.

3. eSIM for Italy

For a modern, no-hardware solution, go for an eSIM for Italy. It installs digitally, so there’s no need to visit a store or swap SIMs.

Average cost: €4–€25 ($5–$27), depending on plan size and duration.

Coverage: Connects automatically to Italy’s leading networks, TIM and Vodafone.

Jetpac offers the best eSIM for Italy with quick setup, prepaid pricing, and strong 4G/5G coverage. Activate it before you fly and enjoy instant data once you land.

Best for: Travelers who prefer a no-hassle setup and don’t want to carry extra devices.

4. Device Purchase Option (Global Wi-Fi Hotspots)

For frequent travelers or remote workers who visit multiple countries each year, buying your own portable Wi-Fi for traveling device might be worthwhile.

Solis Portable Wi-Fi: One-time cost of $159.99–$359.99, plus $9/day for unlimited data. Works in 130+ countries and connects up to 16 devices.

Best for: Frequent flyers or teams that travel together and need secure, shared internet access across multiple destinations.

Ditch the Rentals, Explore Italy with Jetpac eSIM by Your Side

If you’d rather skip delivery delays, deposits, and bulky devices, go digital with Jetpac eSIM Italy, the simpler way to stay connected.

With Jetpac, you can activate your plan before boarding, and your phone connects automatically once you land. No paperwork, no setup, and no return process at the end of your trip.

Why Travelers Prefer Jetpac eSIM

Instant setup: Activate in minutes, no physical SIM required.

Global coverage: Works in over 200 destinations, perfect if your trip extends beyond Italy.

Strong local networks: Connects automatically to TIM and Vodafone for reliable 4G/5G speeds.

Transparent pricing: 100% prepaid with no roaming surprises and 70% cheaper data plans than roaming charges.

Unlimited hotspot sharing: Share your internet with other devices without any data restrictions..

24/7 support: Real human help through WhatsApp or email.

With Jetpac, you stay connected from the moment you land, whether you’re checking into your hotel in Rome or sharing photos from the Amalfi Coast. For most travelers, it’s a more flexible and affordable alternative to pocket WiFi Italy, and arguably the best eSIM for Italy overall.

FAQs

Do you need a pocket WiFi in Italy?

If you need fast internet for multiple devices or are traveling with family, pocket WiFi Italy rentals are useful. Solo travelers, though, can easily manage with a prepaid SIM or an eSIM for Italy instead.

Is pocket WiFi worth it in Italy?

Yes, if you’re staying more than a few days or traveling with others. It’s reliable and secure, but can be more expensive than local or digital options. For single-device use, an eSIM Italy plan like Jetpac gives you the same speed without the rental hassle.

Which is better for internet access in Italy, a pocket WiFi or a local SIM card?

For shared use, a pocket WiFi Italy device makes sense. For personal use, a prepaid Italian SIM or best eSIM for Italy is cheaper and easier. eSIMs activate instantly and don’t require any physical setup.

Can I rent a pocket WiFi at the airport upon arrival in Italy?

Yes, most major airports like Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, and Venice Marco Polo have counters for pocket WiFi rental. You can also pre-order online and collect it upon arrival.

How much does it cost to use a pocket WiFi in Italy?

Prices range between €3.95 and €15 per day ($4–$16) depending on speed, data limit, and rental length. Budget travelers often find eSIM plans in Italy or prepaid SIMs to be more affordable alternatives.

Which eSIM is best for Italy?

There are plenty of eSIM options available for travelers, but among them, Jetpac stands out. It offers one of the best eSIM plans for Italy with fast setup, reliable 4G/5G coverage on TIM and Vodafone, and fully prepaid pricing with no hidden roaming fees. It’s ideal for anyone who wants instant connectivity without the hassle of visiting a SIM shop or renting extra devices.

Disclaimer:

All plan details, data limits, and prices mentioned in this article are approximate and based on publicly available information as of 2025. Rates for pocket WiFi Italy, eSIM Italy, and local SIM cards may change depending on carrier promotions, exchange rates, or location. Travelers should confirm the latest offers directly with service providers before purchase or activation.