Having wifi in the car moved from luxury to real need. Between real-time maps, music and video for passengers, online classes or meetings while travelling (as passenger, of course) and laptop work tasks, stable Internet inside the vehicle saves time, stress and mobile data. This guide explains all the ways to get WiFi in the car, with clear pros and cons, usage examples and a quick comparison so you pick what best fits your trip. Plus, we’ll show why the combination eSIM + hotspot is today’s most versatile choice.
Both in motorhomes and in family or company cars, a reliable access point lets you connect several devices simultaneously (laptops, tablets, consoles, cameras) without depending on the driver’s tethering or draining their battery. Distractions disappear, navigation improves (live updates and traffic alerts) and, if travelling abroad, you can avoid roaming with an international plan. In short: knowing how to get wifi in the car is no longer optional; it’s now part of the digital luggage for comfortable trips with everything under control.
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How did having wifi in the car become so essential?
Today the whole journey goes through the mobile. Between real-time maps, onboard entertainment and work/study while travelling, having WiFi in the car stopped being a luxury. On long journeys —whether for leisure or work— you need connection to update routes, coordinate stops, hold video calls and keep kids entertained without draining personal data. Moreover, many car services and navigation apps run better with stable Internet, so having your own WiFi became the most comfortable (and safest) way to travel.
Leisure and family trips: entertainment, maps and no more “are we there yet?”
On leisure trips, wifi in the car avoids fights over mobile data and keeps everyone connected. Real-time traffic maps, music streaming and kids’ tablet videos become key in motorhomes, getaways or long routes. With your own wifi, you don’t rely on the driver’s phone coverage or battery.
Work trips: productivity on the move (always as passenger)
On business routes, having wifi in the car lets you send files, review documents, use VPN and join video calls as passenger. Teammates can also connect to the same access point and share Internet without splitting personal data. Result: meetings on time and fewer emergencies upon arrival.
Safer driving and connected vehicle
Many navigation apps and car services work better with constant Internet. Having your own wifi makes map updates, traffic or weather alerts and IoT devices (cameras, sensors, etc.) easier. It also avoids distractions from “lending the phone” for improvised tethering: the car’s network always stays ready for use.
How to get WiFi in the car? The best options
We reference the most common market alternatives and their real performance on trips. Below you’ll see each option with advantages and disadvantages to decide without doubts.
USB modem: basic but economical
A “dongle” or 4G/5G USB modem connected to a laptop (or compatible router) offers fast Internet with low initial cost. It requires mobile coverage and, in practice, the laptop usually acts as a “bridge” to share wifi.
Pros
- Cheap and easy to find.
- Simple setup: just plug and browse.
- Useful if you already carry a laptop and only you connect.
Cons
- Depends on the laptop to create a hotspot.
- Coverage varies by country: you need a SIM/eSIM that works along the route.
- Not the most comfortable for several devices at once.
eSIM with unlimited data plan and hotspot: the most versatile option
The most flexible choice today is using a data eSIM on your phone and sharing Internet via hotspot with passengers and car devices. No physical cards: you activate it with a QR code and you’re ready.
Holafly Plans: unlimited data for WiFi and connectivity all the time
With Holafly Plans international eSIM you get unlimited data and unlimited hotspot, 100% digital activation and 24/7 English support. Plus, it offers global coverage in over 160 countries, so you don’t need to switch eSIMs when crossing borders. It’s the “set and forget” approach: your phone works as a stable router for the car, laptop and tablet.
- Check it here: Holafly Plans, how do they work.
Pros
- Unlimited data and unlimited hotspot: ideal for maps, music, video calls and work without checking counters.
- Global coverage in over 160 countries: perfect for international road trips (e.g., several destinations).
- QR activation and management from app: no paperwork in shops.
- 24/7 English support: crucial when travelling and needing real help.
- If you want to get an eSIM with an unlimited data plan and global coverage, you can do it here with Holafly Plans.
Cons
- You need a phone compatible with eSIM.
- You must activate the phone’s hotspot (we explain it below).
- Monthly cost: worth it for comfort and continuity, but consider it based on use.
If you’re driving across Africa, this specific guide may interest you: the best eSIM for Africa.
Is your route in Latin America? Check this: best eSIM for internet on your trip to Peru.
A MiFi device
MiFi are pocket routers with battery that share Internet via wifi with several devices. They work with SIM or eSIM (depending on model) and don’t rely on your phone.
Pros
- Shares with multiple devices without draining phone battery.
- Simple: a device dedicated to being a router.
- Usually has a better antenna than some phones.
Cons
- Another device to charge and monitor.
- Extra cost (purchase/rental) + data plan.
- If the route is international, you must check compatibility and coverage by country.
Installing Internet in the car
Some cars allow installing a fixed 4G/5G router (12V, OBD2 or manufacturer integrated). It’s a more professional setup for motorhomes, vans or company vehicles.
Pros
- Stable signal and permanent wifi for everyone.
- Better antenna/coverage and fixed power supply.
- Ideal for motorhomes and intensive use.
Cons
- Installation (sometimes technical) and higher initial cost.
- Needs a dedicated data plan.
- Less flexible if you change vehicle.
Old phone as modem (less recommended option)
You can recycle an old smartphone as a car router. It works, but isn’t ideal in heat, long journeys or extreme climates.
Pros
- Zero cost if you already own one.
- Useful as emergency backup.
Cons
- Battery and heat: performance and safety risk.
- Poorer antenna than a MiFi/dedicated router.
- Clumsy management if something fails on the road.
Comparison of options to get wifi in the car (or motorhome)
| Option | Installation | Initial cost | Fee/Plan | No. of devices | Own battery | Ideal for | Quick cons |
| USB modem | Very simple | Low | SIM/eSIM needed | 1–3 (with laptop) | No | Individual use with laptop | Depends on laptop; uncomfortable multiperson |
| eSIM + hotspot (Holafly Plans) | Very simple (QR) | None | Unlimited data | 5–10 (depends on phone) | Yes (phone’s) | Trips and work with several devices | Needs compatible phone; monthly fee |
| MiFi (pocket router) | Simple | Medium | SIM/eSIM needed | 5–15 | Yes | Motorhome / family | Another device to charge; device cost |
| 4G/5G “car router” | Medium/high | High | SIM/eSIM needed | 10–30 | No (runs on 12V) | Dedicated vehicles / companies | Installation and cost; less flexible |
| Old phone as modem | Simple | None | SIM/eSIM needed | 3–5 | Yes (limited) | Occasional/emergency use | Heat, battery, limited stability |
Worried about usage? Check our guide “How much data does your mobile hotspot use?” to estimate GB per hour for video calls, YouTube, Netflix, etc.
Conclusion: what’s the best option to get wifi in the car depending on the trip type
The most balanced choice for most travellers today is an eSIM with unlimited data and hotspot. Specifically, Holafly Plans stands out as the “plug & play” option: unlimited data + unlimited hotspot, QR activation, 24/7 English support and global coverage in more than 160 countries. You don’t worry about borders or topping up different cards; your phone becomes a reliable router and everyone connects in seconds.
- Weekend getaways and holidays: eSIM + hotspot for simplicity and no queues at airports.
- Motorhome, camper van or large family: MiFi or 4G/5G router if you want an always-on network; still, an unlimited eSIM on your phone solves 90% of cases with less equipment.
- Business trip (as passenger): unlimited eSIM for video calls, VPN and cloud without watching gigabytes; the hotspot connects laptop and tablet.
- International route (Europe + Asia, for example): Holafly Plans for global coverage and continuous support.
- Tight budget and occasional use: USB modem or old phone may help, knowing their limits.
If you’d like to understand the vision behind travel data plans, this analysis may interest you: international data eSIM for a CEO or executive.
- If you’re looking for an eSIM with unlimited data plan, hotspot that works as WiFi and with global coverage, you can get it here with Holafly Plans
Frequently asked questions about wifi in the car
A data plan that works along your route and a device to share the internet: your smartphone with eSIM + hotspot, a MiFi, or a 4G/5G car router. With Holafly Plans, you can activate your eSIM by QR code in minutes and create a hotspot from your phone right away.
A data plan that works along your route and a device to share the internet: your smartphone with eSIM + hotspot, a MiFi, or a 4G/5G car router. With Holafly Plans, you can activate your eSIM by QR code in minutes and create a hotspot from your phone right away.
It depends on what you do on your laptop or tablet. Video calls and HD streaming consume a lot; browsing and email use very little. For detailed figures by app, check our guide “How much data does mobile hotspot use?”.
Yes, more than normal usage, because the radio works continuously. Practical solution: charge your phone with the car’s USB/cigarette lighter while using the hotspot.
Yes, they use your phone’s data. If your phone has an eSIM with unlimited data, everything runs smoothly and you can connect more devices to the hotspot at the same time.
It depends on the smartphone or MiFi. Many smartphones support 5–10 devices; some MiFi/routers allow 10–30. For family or work, an unlimited eSIM plus MiFi is a very robust combination.
With a travel eSIM you don’t use your local carrier’s roaming; you use data from the international plan. Holafly Plans offers global coverage in more than 160 countries, without unexpected charges on your bill.
Lower video quality (720p). Turn off autoplay on streaming apps.
Download playlists/series offline before the trip.
Disable automatic updates on mobile data.
Check each app’s data usage regularly.
- Would you like to explore more eSIM options? Read the followinf articles: Review of Nomad eSIM, Review of Airalo eSIM, Airalo vs Holafly.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This will cost you nothing but helps us offset the costs of paying our writing team. All opinions are our own. Thank you for your support 🙂 .
Bonus: how to activate the hotspot (two taps)
- iPhone: Settings > Mobile data > Hotspot > How to allow others to connect
- Android (may vary): Settings > Network & Internet > Go to Settings > Mobile Hotspot/Share Internet and activate the hotspot.
If it’s your first trip with onboard wifi and you want concrete consumption numbers per app (Zoom, YouTube, Netflix, etc.), remember to check our guide “How much data does your mobile hotspot use?”. If you want the simplest and most reliable choice, what works best in almost any scenario is an eSIM with unlimited data and hotspot. With Holafly Plans you activate by QR, switch your phone into hotspot mode and that’s it: the car gains stable WiFi for maps, music and work without relying on plugs or one-off top-ups.
That said, if you’re travelling with family or in a motorhome, a MiFi or 4G/5G router with a good data plan helps share the connection across many screens for hours; still, carrying an unlimited eSIM as backup gives you an immediate “plan B” when the router runs out of coverage or battery. If you travel solo with a laptop, a USB modem may work for occasional tasks; but once there are video calls or cloud services, the unlimited eSIM again proves the most comfortable choice for speed, autonomy and ease of use. And if your route is international, it’s smarter to choose Holafly Plans, with global coverage in more than 160 countries and 24/7 English support, to cross borders keeping your car’s WiFi without changing settings. With this choice, your car always travels connected and you forget the headaches.
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