What’s the best way to get internet while traveling overseas? We’re still waiting on a universal answer. Until then, we’ll be testing out the options, starting with a global hotspot that puts the internet in the palm of your hand.
Staying connected abroad isn’t as straightforward as it should be. Should you pay in advance for a data plan you may not use? Opt for data roaming and sweat over the fees? Jailbreak your phone for a foreign SIM card? Hang around McDonald’s all day to access free WiFi? Before you turn your phone on airplane mode, consider Skyroam, a portable hotspot that promises unlimited WiFi in more than 80 countries for up to five devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) at at time.
The device works by sourcing internet from proxy SIM cards that are connected to actual accounts all over the world, allowing users to tap into foreign cell towers without using a local SIM. That’s good news for travelers with locked phones who don’t want to unlock their devices or rely on public or hotel hotspots for internet. Also good news for media fiends who can’t stand using old phones with local SIMs that lack essential apps for GPS, web-browsing, and social media.
Skyroam is also an option for data-hungry jetsetters who don’t want to worry about running out of bytes on their monthly data plans in the middle of a trip. The hotspot costs $99.99 and works with day passes purchased when needed for $10 each that provide unlimited WiFi for 24 hours at a time.
To put that into perspective, the alternative KeepGo costs $129 but charges $49 for 1 GB and $117 for 3 GB, a pricey spend for those who don’t know how much data they actually need. XCom Global International MiFi Hotspot, a rental unit ($15 daily) that provides WiFi in 175 countries, is a reliable option if shipping back and forth isn’t an issue, but it can get expensive over the long run for those that take extended trips.
I tested Skyroam on a recent two-week journey through Kyoto, Japan. The hardware was sturdy and fit best in big pockets and day bags. The interface was intuitive and setup was easy but required internet to log in and purchase the first day pass. Battery life was reliable (eight hours), though slightly shorter than advertised. Once day passes were activated, the hotspot locked onto local networks quickly and never lost connection, though it was slow on heavy usage days.
That was likely due to Skyroam’s daily data allowance. Though WiFi is unlimited, only the first 350 megabytes are delivered at 3G and 4G speeds, after which data slows to 2G speeds. It didn’t stop me from using maps, checking email, and posting to Snapchat. In fact, I only noticed throttling in super crowded areas (like Kyoto’s shrines on New Year’s Day), where cell tower overload was totally expected.
THE VERDICT
Skyroam is a clear and accessible alternative to SIM cards and monthly data plans for travelers who want to stay constantly connected and can live without lightning-fast internet. Having the option to rent hardware (instead of buying it outright) and pay a la carte for day passes gives users a chance to test the device’s speed — without making a big commitment or forking out a lot of cash.
Review by Fathomaway
Walt - April 24, 2019 @ 21:13
Had problems pairing an existing device with my account. Lem immediately identified the problem – a former employee had changed the pairing to their account before they left. Lem’s solution was quick and complete – I regained control of the account in no-time and was back in business.
Had problems pairing an existing device with my account. Lem immediately identified the problem – a former employee had changed the pairing to their account before they left. Lem’s solution was quick and complete – I regained contro
Mary - May 15, 2019 @ 06:07
Ram solved my problems like a boss!! I recently added another skyroam solis to my account and had a lot of problems having both show up to manage the subscriptions. Another person was helping me but we just didn’t solve the problem. In a moment of frustration I walked away from the previous customer service rep’s email thread and called the support number. Ram identified my problem, walked me through the solutions in registering both skyroams while I was on the phone and on my laptop, patiently waited while I typed with one hand, and waited to make sure the problem was solved before signing up. He was polite, efficient, professional and obviously knowledgeable. He took care of what needed to be done on his end quickly and then helped me make sure that the problem was truly solved. I had been working through this for 24 hours and Ram was the one that took charge like a boss! He is a total credit to the company and the reason I will be bragging up the skyroams to my friends, family, and business associates. We have tried other brands of hotspots through the years and nothing has compared to the reliability and price of service of the Skyroam Solis. While our experiences are mainly within the United States they are in very rural very unconnected parts of the Great Plains and Midwest. Not very exotic but remote and unreachable by our cellular carrier. We can’t be happier with the Skyroams and we are just as happy with the customer service of Ram (THE Man)!
Ram solved my problems like a boss!! I recently added another skyroam solis to my account and had a lot of problems having both show up to manage the subscriptions. Another person was helping me but we just didn’t solve the problem. In a moment
Etten - November 7, 2019 @ 17:31
I bought Solis X for my current trip. I just came from the Philippines and Solis X took 40 minutes to an hour to work and it was very slow connecting to any websites and on our layover in Vancouver International Airport the device did not work at all. But on our layover in Taipei International Airport, Solis X works and it was fast, when I used it online, as in Facebook, sending images, checking emails, browsing the news, etc.. I wish it works all the time. As for the App, Sometimes it doesn’t connect, although the device is working, what’s up with that!
I bought Solis X for my current trip. I just came from the Philippines and Solis X took 40 minutes to an hour to work and it was very slow connecting to any websites and on our layover in Vancouver International Airport the device did not work at all
Stuart - November 9, 2019 @ 12:47
I usually get a local SIM when I travel, and that is often a more cost-effective method. If you are going on a short trip, traveling to multiple locations, or will be using multiple devices the Skyroam is a good deal. It is easy to use and requires no real planning, just turn it on when you land and it works. After a long metro ride, it often needed to be reset, but that only takes a few minutes. In my opinion, it is better to go with the pay per gig plan rather than the daily pass. 1GB of data costs the same thing as a day pass, but the day pass throttles after 1GB making your internet painfully slow. If you are a light data user or remember to connect to local wifi when availible you can make 1GB stretch a few days for just $9. The camera is a pretty cool feature but the resolution could be better.
I usually get a local SIM when I travel, and that is often a more cost-effective method. If you are going on a short trip, traveling to multiple locations, or will be using multiple devices the Skyroam is a good deal. It is easy to use and requires n
Kindle - November 11, 2019 @ 15:03
I had high hopes for the Skyroam Solus X, but Skyroam didn’t work well in the areas I was trying to use it: the Caribbean and South America. Many times, the cellular provider that Skyroam was using in the area directed me to a page saying that there was insufficient balance for a data connection, so it seems like Skyroam isn’t paying their bills to the cellular companies. I initially signed up for a $99/month unlimited monthly plan, but canceled it before the renewal date, due to the poor service.
I switched to a Google Fi SIM for my cell phone instead. Google’s Fi service has been much better and more reliable, is cheaper per month, and Google has better customer service.
I had high hopes for the Skyroam Solus X, but Skyroam didn’t work well in the areas I was trying to use it: the Caribbean and South America. Many times, the cellular provider that Skyroam was using in the area directed me to a page saying that
Brick - November 14, 2019 @ 07:27
Set-up was a breeze and it works great. Worked very well while in the Philippines.
Kate - November 15, 2019 @ 17:08
I bought this to try out before my trip to Europe in Oct. I took it to Zion Park, Utah.
I know it is not for the mountain etc, but I tried because I stayed at the cabin with wifi at the lobby, I was hoping to gain some connection, but It didn’t work.
They gave a free 24 hr pass, but I didn’t get to use the free data. The minute you sign up it starts to calculate, and by the time I tried I had less than an hour to use the free data. As of now I am still not sure if I want to return? I feel like if I am in Europe where wifi is available in the city then why do I need this???
I bought this to try out before my trip to Europe in Oct. I took it to Zion Park, Utah.
I know it is not for the mountain etc, but I tried because I stayed at the cabin with wifi at the lobby, I was hoping to gain some connection, but It didn’t