Best Pocket Wifi in France: What are the best options?

As a seasoned traveler, I’ve learned that staying connected is a non-negotiable aspect of any journey. During my recent adventure in the picturesque landscapes of France, I found that the key to a fast travel experience lies in choosing the right pocket WiFi. 

This travel companion perfectly combines speed, coverage, and user-friendliness. Navigating through Parisian streets or capturing moments in Bordeaux became a breeze. With impressive battery life, I can freely explore without worrying about recharging. So, in this article, let me share with you guys the top 5 best pocket wifi France, making sure you stay connected throughout your adventure.

The 5 best pocket wifi for France travel

Selecting a Pocket WiFi service in France can be challenging. To find the best option, we’ll closely examine each company and their offerings to make the decision-making process simpler.

1. My Webspot

Consider My Webspot as my preferred choice for a Pocket WiFi during my recent trip. Established in 2014 with a global presence, including offices in France, Mexico, Thailand, and Hong Kong, My Webspot stood out for its extensive internet access at reasonable costs.

Opting for a 7-day rental of a France Pocket WiFi at $75.38 proved to be a worthwhile investment. The plan included 1GB per day at a high speed of 4G, coupled with unlimited access at a reduced speed of 512 kbps. Should my data needs surpass this limit, the option to upgrade to unlimited high-speed data daily for an additional $3 was a practical solution.

What impressed me beyond mere connectivity was My Webspot’s additional enhancements to the experience. The flexibility to rent extra accessories such as car chargers, power banks, travel adapters, and the option for device loss insurance provided added convenience and peace of mind.

In terms of pricing, My Webspot offered reasonable costs for the features included, making it a cost-effective choice for reliable and high-speed internet access during my travels. The stability of the connection and the consistent 4G speed throughout my usage further validated My Webspot as a top-notch option for Pocket WiFi solutions.

What I like:

• With offices in various countries, My Webspot provides reliable services internationally.
• The option to upgrade to unlimited high-speed data daily for a small fee caters to diverse connectivity needs.
• The availability of accessories and insurance offers a well-rounded solution for travelers.

What I don’t like:

• Penalty for device loss: Similar to other providers, there’s a significant penalty for losing the device, although it can be reduced with insurance.

2. Hippocket WiFi

In my quest for the best pocket WiFi France, Hippocket WiFi emerged as a standout choice. As a French-based company, they offer diverse plans tailored to different needs, positioning themselves as a top service provider.

What caught my attention were the notably affordable rental prices, ranging from $47 to $62.93. Opting for the higher-priced plan provided the perk of unlimited connectivity throughout my stay in the country.

While the rental prices were reasonable, it’s crucial to consider shipping costs. For those within Europe, shipping might be free or come at a cost of around $10. However, for users on other continents, the price could increase to approximately $20. The flexibility in payment methods, including credit cards, added to the convenience.

One significant advantage of choosing Hippocket WiFi was their assistance in the equipment return process, ensuring a hassle-free experience. However, like any service, there are considerations. In case of a lost device, users should be aware of the penalty, ranging from $153.63 to $170.70.

What I like:

• Affordable plans catering to different needs.
• Option for unlimited connectivity.
• Convenient return process facilitated by the company.

What I don’t like:

• Shipping costs can escalate for users on other continents.
• Significant penalty for a lost device ranging from $153.63 to $170.70.

3. Travelers WiFi

In my search for a hassle-free portable Wi-Fi service in Europe, Travelers WiFi, a Swiss-based company, proved to be a reliable and reasonably priced option. For approximately $80.23 USD, I enjoyed their service for an entire week, finding the cost justified considering the quality and practically unlimited usage.

What stood out for me was the competitive delivery prices, ranging from $5.69 to $34.03 USD. This added flexibility to the overall cost and made the service more accessible. I appreciated the convenience of being able to use credit and debit cards for Pocket Wi-Fi rentals, providing hassle-free payment options.

While Travelers WiFi offers flexibility in payment methods, it’s essential to be aware of the $159.32 penalty in case of a lost device. Despite this consideration, I found Travelers WiFi to be a reliable choice, offering a seamless and reasonably priced solution for portable Wi-Fi services in Europe.

What I like:

• For around $80.23, Travelers WiFi offers a budget-friendly week-long service.
• Enjoy reliable and practically unlimited connectivity throughout your trip.
• Accessible delivery rates range from $5.69 to $34.03.
• Accepts credit and debit cards for flexible payment.

What I don’t like:

• Be cautious of the $159.32 penalty in case of a lost device.

4. Travel WiFi

Moving down the list of European companies providing Pocket WiFi services in France, we encounter Travel Wi-Fi.

It stands out with competitive pricing, providing a cost-effective option for travelers. The rental rate of $48.65 is notably affordable, making it a compelling choice compared to other alternatives.

When it comes to equipment shipping, the fees range from $3 to $30, depending on the distance. Travel Wi-Fi accommodates various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal, ensuring flexibility for users and making the rental process convenient.

However, it’s important to be aware that, like many other services, there’s a penalty for losing the equipment. The penalty ranges from $149 to $199, with the higher fee applicable if the device is lost along with additional accessories.

In my experience, Travel Wi-Fi offered a budget-friendly solution with transparent pricing and convenient payment options. The competitive rates and flexibility make it a recommended choice for travelers seeking Pocket WiFi services in France.

What I like:

• The affordable rental rate at $48.65.
• Supports credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
• Based in Spain, well-positioned for services in France and Europe.

What I don’t like:

• Subject to a fine of $149 to $199, higher if additional accessories are lost.

5. Cello Mobile

Next, Cello Mobile emerged as my preferred choice for the best pocket wifi France, especially as an American traveler. The one-week rental cost of $104.93, applicable to all destinations, including France, provided reliable and seamless internet access on the go.

What pleasantly surprised me was the relatively reasonable shipping cost, ranging from $10 to $30, making it an affordable option. However, it’s worth noting that for countries outside America, the shipping price may vary.

Cello Mobile exclusively accepts credit cards as a payment method, which adds to the convenience of the rental process. Despite the higher rental cost, I found that Cello Mobile imposes a relatively lower penalty of $75 in the event of equipment loss before its return. This penalty is notably more affordable compared to rates charged by other companies, adding to the overall value of the service.

Overall, Cello Mobile provided a reliable and convenient solution for Pocket WiFi, ensuring continuous connectivity during my travels. The combination of reasonable pricing, acceptable shipping costs, and a lower penalty rate makes it a favorable choice for American travelers seeking a reliable internet connection on the go.

What I like:

• Ideal for American travelers needing continuous Pocket WiFi service.
• Reasonable shipping costs.
• Imposes a $75 penalty for equipment loss, comparatively more affordable.

What I don’t like:

• The one-week rental is $104.93, slightly on the pricier side.
• Limited payment options as Cello Mobile exclusively accepts credit cards.

Renting a pocket wifi in France: What to consider

For those familiar with pocket WiFi, certain features are essential. However, for occasional users, here’s a quick guide on what to look for in the best pocket WiFi for your French adventure:

Daily data usage

When on the hunt for the best pocket WiFi for your French escapade, make sure to focus on a crucial feature – daily data usage. While many providers offer unlimited access, the real deal is the high-speed data envelope. A top-notch pocket WiFi for France should provide a generous 1 GB per day at high speed, ensuring you maintain a swift connection until you reach the limit.

Since the data package renews daily, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted high-speed connectivity throughout your entire stay. To put it in perspective, the average daily data usage for smartphone users in their home country back in 2016 was approximately 200MB. With 1 GB per day, you’ll have more than ample data to keep you seamlessly connected, no matter where your French adventures take you.

WiFi speed

Another feature you need to consider is Wifi speed, it’s a crucial factor. The best pocket WiFi for France should offer 4G LTE and reliable coverage. In larger cities like Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Nice, you generally get good coverage from all network operators.

While major cities have robust coverage from all operators, if your travels take you to the French countryside, choose a pocket WiFi provider that relies on top-notch network operators. In France, Bouygues Telecom and Orange are the major players, ensuring a dependable connection wherever your exploration leads you.

Battery life

When it comes to battery life, the best pocket WiFi for France should ideally last around 7 hours of continuous use. This duration makes sure you stay connected throughout the day while exploring the city. 

Opting for a longer battery life would require a larger battery, affecting the device’s portability. So, a 7-hour battery life strikes a perfect balance, allowing your Pocket WiFi to easily fit into your pocket for convenient and uninterrupted connectivity.

Number of users at the same time

Considering the number of users is important when choosing the best pocket wifi France. In the past, they typically supported up to 5 users simultaneously, but now the best ones can handle up to 10 connections at once, making them great for group travel.

However, it’s crucial to note that the WiFi speed depends on the number of connected devices since the bandwidth is shared among them. For heavier internet users, it’s advisable not to exceed 6 connected devices simultaneously. If your usage is lighter, like checking emails or sending texts via WhatsApp, you shouldn’t encounter any issues.

FAQs

1. Does pocket wifi work in France?

Yes, pocket WiFi works in France, offering convenient and reliable internet access for travelers. These pocket WiFi devices are portable, fit in your pocket, and provide a high-speed internet connection for your devices. Make sure of compatibility with local networks and consider data plans for reliable internet connectivity during your stay.

2. How much does it cost to rent a pocket wifi in France?

The cost of renting a pocket WiFi hotspot in France can vary depending on the rental period, data limit, and rental provider. On average, you can expect to pay around €5 to €10 per day for a standard pocket WiFi rental with a moderate data plan. However, prices can fluctuate, so you should check with different suppliers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

3. What are the pocket wifi alternatives?

There are several alternatives to pocket WiFi available for accessing the Internet while traveling. Options include using local SIM cards, international roaming plans, hotel WiFi, public WiFi networks, eSIM technology, mobile hotspots, and tethering. Consider your specific needs, device compatibility, and data requirements when choosing the most suitable option.

4. Can I pick up a pocket WiFi in Paris airport?

Yes, you can pick up a pocket WiFi at Paris airports. Many airports, including Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY), have rental services or kiosks offering portable WiFi devices for travelers. These services provide a convenient way to stay connected upon arrival in Paris. Prices, providers, and pickup points vary, so you should check specifics based on your preferences.

Wrap up

After thorough research on the best pocket WiFi options in France, it’s clear that finding the right device is important for a smooth travel experience. The top choices offer reliable connectivity, wide coverage, and affordable plans. Consider factors like data speed, battery life, and customer reviews to make an informed decision. 

Whether you’re a tourist exploring picturesque landscapes or a business traveler attending meetings, having the best pocket WiFi France makes sure you stay connected effortlessly. Make sure to choose a device that suits your specific needs and enjoy hassle-free internet access during your time in this beautiful country.