Ask three full-time van lifers how they get internet and you’ll get three different answers. One swears by a dedicated mobile router with an external antenna. Another uses nothing but their phone’s hotspot. A third carries a ConnectPls portable WiFi device and an eSIM as backup. They’re all right — the best setup depends on your specific situation: how much you’re working remotely, how much you’re moving, and how important internet reliability is to your van life.

Option 1: Phone Hotspot — Free but Limited

Every smartphone can share its mobile data connection as a WiFi hotspot. It’s free (if you have a data plan), requires no additional hardware, and works anywhere you have phone signal. The limitations: your phone battery drains rapidly while hotspotting, the phone gets warm, most carriers throttle hotspot speeds after a daily limit, and having your phone tied up as a router makes it harder to use simultaneously. Fine for occasional laptop use; not a full workday solution.

Option 2: ConnectPls Portable WiFi — Best for Most Van Lifers

A ConnectPls portable WiFi device is a self-contained unit that creates a private WiFi network from mobile data. It doesn’t drain your phone battery. It connects multiple devices. It can run from your van’s power supply continuously. And it’s managed separately from your phone. For van lifers who need reliable multi-device internet without complexity, a ConnectPls portable WiFi subscription is the simplest solution. Monthly subscription, cancel when you change setup. Coverage across 100+ countries means it works across European borders without plan changes.

Option 3: Mobile Router with External Antenna — Best for Rural Areas

A dedicated mobile router paired with a roof-mounted directional or omnidirectional antenna is the highest-performance option for van life. External antennas capture significantly more signal than internal device antennas — making the difference between 2 bars and 4 bars in rural areas. Best for full-time van lifers who work remotely and regularly park in low-signal rural locations. A ConnectPls SIM card in the router slot gives you the network access.

Option 4: eSIM — Essential for Phone Connectivity

Regardless of which router or hotspot setup you use for your laptop, a ConnectPls eSIM on your phone is essential for van life. It ensures your phone always has data for navigation, messaging, and emergencies. It switches between networks automatically as you cross country borders without any physical SIM swapping.

The Recommended Van Life Stack

For most van lifers who work remotely: ConnectPls portable WiFi device for laptop connectivity, ConnectPls eSIM on phone for personal data and navigation, and a saved co-working space day pass for video call-heavy days. This stack covers every scenario without over-engineering.