Staying Connected in Japan: Pocket Wifi vs Esim — Which Wins?

We break down the pros and cons, along with a quick decision matrix to help you make the right choice for your needs!

Staying Connected in Japan: Pocket Wifi vs Esim — Which Wins?

Staying connected to the net is essential for all travelers traveling to Japan, but choosing the right option can be confusing. Two of the most popular choices are Pocket Wifi and eSim. Both offer internet access, but which one is better suited to your needs? Let’s compare Pocket Wifi and eSim to help you make an informed decision.

What is Pocket WiFi and what is it for?

Pocket Wifi is a portable device that allows you to connect to the internet using a wireless network. It’s like having a wireless router in your pocket that multiple users can easily connect to. It works as a mobile router by creating a secure Wi-Fi hotspot that you can use to connect multiple devices. This means that you can stay connected wherever you go, without relying on public Wi-Fi networks.

Advantages of Pocket Wifi for Travel in Japan

Pocket Wifi offers several advantages for travelers in Japan, specifically for those traveling with multiple devices they want to connect.

The primary advantage of pocket wifi for travelers to Japan is that it easily allows you to connect numerous devices. Our Diamond JapanWifiBuddy allows up to 10 device connections. So after turning it on, users can connect their devices in the same way they would connect to any other wifi network. This is fabulous for small groups of travelers or those looking to connect, for example, their phone, their tablet and their laptop.

Pocket Wifi devices require the least amount of setup and preparation. While the other options for staying connected, sim cards and esim plans, aren’t complicated or difficult, the pocket wifi is dead-simple to connect to. If you know how to connect your device to a wifi network, you’re ready to go! (And if you don’t, we include instructions, haha.)

Another major advantage of pocket wifi for travel to Japan is the flexibility of rental plans. Most sim card and esim plans have incremental lengths, such as 10-days, 15-days or 30-day plans. But if you only need a plan for 25 days but need to pay for the 30-day plan, it feels a bit like you’re wasting money. Most pocket wifi providers offer plans with custom length so you’re only paying for what you need.

Disadvantages of Pocket Wifi for Travel in Japan

While Pocket Wifi is a popular choice and we’ve served tens of thousands of clients with WifiBuddy rentals, it does have some downsides.

The major downside is that you’ll need to carry the device with you after picking it up. We do offer the most flexible shipping options available, from the airport, to your hotel, to any particular local shipping office you may prefer. But this is still an extra step of labor you wouldn’t have to take with an esim plan.

We include a handy carrying case and padded pouch for the WifiBuddy, along with all the necessary cables and a dual-usb A/C adaptor, along with a free backup battery too. But if you like to travel light, this isn’t the easiest or cleanest way to do that. An eSim adds zero grams of weight to your pack in comparison.

Next, let’s take a look at how the eSim compares.

What is an eSIM and what is it for?

An eSim, also known as an embedded Sim card, is a digital Sim card that is embedded within your device. It allows you to connect to a cellular network and access the internet without the need for a physical Sim card. After you place your order, we send you an email with a QR code in it. Scan that and follow a couple of steps, and you’re basically ready to go.

Advantages of eSim for Travel in Japan

eSim offers several advantages for travelers in Japan.

Setup is super quick and simple. Once you place your order on our front page, using our industry-leading order system, and paying in any of the 135 currencies we accept, you’ll receive a QR code via email. Following the instructions provided, most of our clients are able to complete their setup in about 1 minute. Once that’s ready, you just turn the esim on in your settings menu as your plan lands in Japan, and you’re ready to go!

Comparing pricing, eSim tends to offer the superior bang-for-buck compared to any other options. Shipping isn’t required, so prices tend to be significantly cheaper. Plans start at a much lower price as well, with some being as low as only a few dollars, for those coming on shorter trips.

As for data allowances, in some cases, a pocket wifi may be overkill for your needs. If you just want to stay in touch with family and friends back home using some texting, with a bit of map usage here and there, a really simple and affordable esim plan might fit the bill perfectly.

Finally, eSim plans have a wider range of plans on offer. Most Pocket Wifi plans only have 1 or 2 or 3 “grades” of plan available for your data needs. eSim plans on the other hand have a wide variety of options. Check out our plans after entering your visit dates here.

Disadvantages of eSim for Travel in Japan

The biggest drawback for esim plans is that many older phones simply don’t support eSims. Most phones offered after about 2019 do offer esim compatibility though. For example, the Iphone XS, XS Max and and XR which went on sale in 2019.

Another potential disadvantage of esim is that depending on the carrier, some eSim plans don’t deal well with tethering. So if you’re hoping to connect numerous devices or share a connection with a group of friends or family, a JapanWifiBuddy might be a better choice.

How to Choose for Yourself — eSim vs Pocket Wifi in Japan

Here are the simple questions you need to ask yourself to determine which of these two options suits your needs the best.

1) How many devices do I want to connect?

If you’re only looking to connect yourself and your own device(s), an eSim might be the right choice. Groups or families should probably lean towards a Pocket Wifi.

2) Is my phone esim compatible?

If you’re unsure, just Google “(model name) esim compatible or not?” and you should be able to find out quickly. Many phones offered after 2019 include esim compatibility, but many do not.

If your device isn’t esim compatible, a sim card or pocket wifi are your only options!

But for 90%+ of our users, answering those two questions will tell you whether or not an eSim is the best option for you.

If you’re traveling solo and your device has eSim compatibility, then eSim is probably the right choice!

If you’re still not sure and would like a bit more customized guidance, feel free to email us and a real, English-speaking agent will respond to you soon.

What about Free Wifi in Japan?

While Japan offers free Wi-Fi in certain areas, it may not be as reliable or readily available as having your own connected device. Relying solely on free Wi-Fi may restrict your internet access and limit your ability to stay connected throughout your trip. Additionally, there are numerous security risks associated with public, open networks, which is why we usually recommend against relying on them.

What About Sim Cards in Japan?

Sim cards are another connectivity option for Japan. JapanWifiBuddy’s sim card plans offer tremendous data allowances, at 30GB of LTE/4G speed per 8-day card. That being said, they’re a bit more expensive than eSim plans, and you will need to make sure your device is unlocked by the carrier to make sure you can use them.

What About my home country provider’s data plan / International Roaming?

Using your home country provider’s data plan or international roaming services while traveling in Japan may work for some travelers, but it can be expensive and may not offer the same level of convenience as Pocket Wifi or eSim. In our research, we find that most international roaming packages only provide a small amount high-speed data per day (despite the “unlimited!” monicker…!) and can often end up being 5 or 10 times more expensive when calculated over the duration of the trip, especially compared to eSim plans!

Conclusion

When it comes to staying connected in Japan, both Pocket Wifi and eSim offer their own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your needs and preferences, one may be a better fit for you than the other. Consider factors such as data usage, device compatibility, and the level of convenience you desire. Whether you choose Pocket Wifi, eSim or Sim card, please let us here at JapanWifiBuddy help you stay connected during your time here!

Setting up your JapanWifiBuddy eSim: