The best RV WiFi plan for you depends entirely on what type of traveler you are—and you may need more than one system.
Take it from a full-time road traveler of more than one year: No RV WiFi system works everywhere. Nope, not a single one. While we are proud of what we’ve created here at TravlFi, we’d be remiss not to inform our network of travelers about other mobile internet solutions. The fact of the matter is that different systems work in different situations, and if you travel far and wide, you will likely find yourself in need of various solutions.
To help you understand the world of RV internet, we sat down with full-time traveler Amanda Capritto, who has driven her camper van from Miami to Anchorage to Cabo San Lucas and countless places in between—all while working remotely. She has tried all of the major RV internet options in an attempt to make working on the road go as smoothly as possible.
“After a year-plus of travel, I’ve realized that it’s nearly impossible to choose just one WiFi system if you want to work full-time while traveling and also have a lot of fun and freedom,” she says. “It took some time, but I’ve been able to streamline things and plan my work (and internet setup) around the area I plan to be in, since geography so greatly affects what functions and what doesn’t.”
Ahead, Amanda explains her four-part internet setup and when she uses each device.
Multi-Carrier Hotspot with eSIM
Best for: traveling closer to cities and anywhere with sky obstructions (treed areas, canyons, tall buildings)
Examples:
- TravlFi Journey1 4g LTE Hotspot
- TravlFi JourneyXTR 4G LTE Router
- TravlFi XTR Pro 5G Router
- Simo Solis 5G Mobile Hotspot
- Simo Solis Lite 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
- HomeFi Wireless 4G LTE Hotspot
- Redzone Portable WiFi
Pros:
- Works anywhere cell signal is available
- Pings multiple carrier networks
- Automatically picks up the strongest signal near you
- Some offer a signal scan function
- Most offer pay-as-you-go service with no contracts
- Some devices don’t need to stay plugged in
- Functions even when the sky is obstructed by trees or buildings
- Easy to setup with no installation required
Cons:
- Subject to throttling and network congestion
- Relies on cell coverage, limiting connection in remote areas
Why Travelers Love It
Like regular portable hotspots, eSIM-based multi-carrier hotspots connect to cellular networks. The difference is that multi-carrier hotspots connect to multiple networks, instead of just one. For instance, the TravlFi Journey1 hotspot utilizes the networks of the major cellular providers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico; a Verizon hotspot, however, only connects to the Verizon network (as is true with a T-Mobile, AT&T, or other specific provider hotspot).
“My phone provider is Verizon, so I started van life with a Verizon hotspot. It didn’t take long before I realized how significantly that limited my travels,” Amanda says. “I upgraded to a multi-carrier hotspot after just a couple of weeks, and it made working on the road so much easier.”
Cellular Booster
Best for: use in conjunction with a cellular hotspot
Examples:
- KING Extend™ Go - Multi-use Portable Cell Signal Booster
- weBoost Drive Reach RV II
- HiBoost 15K Mate Pro
Pros:
- Strengthens an existing cell signal
- Helps cellular-based hotspots provide a better local WiFi network
- No subscriptions required
Cons:
- Requires installation, including running wires
- Pricey up-front cost
Why Travelers Love It
A cell signal booster helps strengthen the existing signal that your cell phone or hotspot picks up. This is crucial when on the fringes of cellular networks, where signal exists but is spotty or weak.
For Amanda, her signal booster has enabled her to work in places like the backcountry of Big Bend National Park, where her phone had a weak one-bar signal without the booster. With it, she got two bars and was able to do basic tasks like clear her email inbox and respond to client messages after a day of hiking.
“I consider my cell booster an essential component of my van internet setup,” she says. “And it’s not just for remote areas. It can help even in cities, and is often the difference between dropped video calls and smooth conferences.”
Cell Phone Hotspot
Best for: quick, easy work and last-minute, on-the-go tasks
Examples:
- Tethering your smartphone to a laptop via an add-on of your phone plan
Pros:
- Doesn’t require a separate device
- If your phone works, the hotspot works
- Little to no setup
- Usually a small fee in addition to your phone bill
- No need to plug anything in or wait for a device to boot up
Cons:
- Subject to throttling and congestion
- Typically only supports a couple of devices
- Only works where your phone works
Why Travelers Love It
If you have an eSIM hotspot, you probably won’t find yourself in need of a cell phone hotspot very often. However, there are certainly times when having one comes in handy for adventurous travelers. For Amanda, her phone hotspot comes into play for last-minute, on-the-go internet needs. “Due to my van setup, I don’t travel with my TravlFi router or Starlink dish plugged into an outlet, so being able to connect my laptop to my phone in a pinch is helpful,” she says. “I also use it for a private connection when at airports, coffee shops, or other places away from my van.”
Starlink Satellite Internet
Best for: remote and rural areas where you have an unobstructed view of the sky
Examples:
- Starlink Mini
- Starlink Standard Kit
- Starlink Flat Mount Kit
Pros:
- Global coverage
- Works where cell signal doesn’t reach
- Typically provides fast upload and download speeds
- No data caps
- Roam plan eliminates the need for a residential tether
Cons:
- Expensive equipment
- Setup can be complex
- Performance is heavily affected by storms
- Requires a clear view of the sky
- Subject to satellite latency
Why Travelers Love It
According to Amanda, Starlink is the no-brainer choice for remote, mostly flat areas. Some of the places she’s utilized her Starlink Mini include Death Valley National Park in eastern California, the desert mountains of San Diego County, and the beaches and deserts of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico. Starlink allows nomads to travel beyond the bounds of cellular service and public WiFi networks, enabling them to work from quite literally almost anywhere. Even in incredibly remote locations, the low-orbiting satellites provide rapid upload and download speeds, leading to seamless video calling, entertainment streaming, and anything else.
The catch? For the system to work like this, you must have a clear view of the sky at all times. This means it’s not the best fit for travelers who spend the majority of their time in densely forested areas or cities. “I wouldn’t necessarily say its use is limited for most travelers, especially RV-ers and van-lifers who love the desert and chaparral areas like Southern California,” says Amanda. “It’s just something to be aware of if you’re planning on spending a lot of time in, say, the Pacific Northwest. You won’t get much use out of it there.”
Why TravlFi Is the Leading Option for eSIM RV WiFi
TravlFi is one of the best options for WiFi for RV travel thanks to its flexibility, affordability, and reliability. With devices designed to ping multiple carrier networks and the ease of pay-as-you-go service, TravlFi makes it simple to stay connected wherever your travels take you. Unlike many other options, TravlFi’s hotspots and routers don’t require installation or contracts, making them an ideal choice for RVers of all kinds.
“Though these devices are limited by the bounds of cell network coverage, with a cell booster, a TravlFi device enables you to travel further than you might expect,” Amanda says. “I’ve successfully used TravlFi in several places where it seemed that cell service shouldn’t exist. And yet, I was able to work, send iMessages, and check social media.”
FAQs
How much does Wi-Fi cost in an RV?
Costs for RV internet options can vary widely, ranging from $10/month for basic add-ons to $150+/month for high-speed, unlimited plans like Starlink Roam.
Can I use Starlink Residential in my RV?
Starlink Residential can work, but Starlink Roam is better suited for RV travel as it provides global coverage and mobility without being tied to a fixed address.
Can I put a WiFi router in my RV?
Yes! Many portable routers, such as the TravlFi JourneyXTR, are specifically designed for RVs and can provide a stable WiFi network.
Do RV WiFi boosters work?
Yes, boosters amplify weak cell signals, helping your hotspot or devices maintain stronger and more reliable WiFi for campers.
How do you get high speed Internet in an RV?
You can achieve high-speed internet using a combination of eSIM hotspots, Starlink satellite internet, and cellular boosters to maximize coverage and speed.
TravlFi Takeaways
RV WiFi doesn’t have to be complicated or unreliable. Here are the key points to remember:
- Different RV WiFi options suit different scenarios—many travelers use a combination of systems.
- Multi-carrier hotspots like TravlFi devices provide flexibility and ease of use with no contracts.
- Cellular boosters can enhance your WiFi setup by improving weak signals.
- Starlink delivers internet in the most remote areas, but it’s an investment.
- A mix-and-match approach ensures reliable internet access no matter where you roam.
Don’t let the fear of being disconnected be the reason you don’t live out your dreams of road life. It is 100% possible to work from an RV and have success as a full-time traveler with the right RV WiFi, like TravlFi’s 4G and 5G data plans.
