Linklan Portable Mobile Hotspot Review: eSIM Travel WiFi Tested

Staying connected while traveling internationally used to mean hunting for local SIM cards at airport kiosks or paying outrageous roaming fees. The Linklan Portable Mobile Hotspot promises a simpler solution: a pocket-sized 4G LTE device with eSIM technology that works in over 180 countries without swapping cards.

I tested this portable WiFi hotspot for several weeks to see if it lives up to its global connectivity claims. At $119.99, it’s positioned as a mid-range option for digital nomads, business travelers, and families who need reliable mobile internet abroad.

The core proposition is compelling: activate data plans through an app in minutes, share the connection with up to 16 devices, and never deal with carrier lock-in again. But real-world performance depends on signal conditions, and this is where things get interesting.

What I Liked

eSIM Technology Benefits

The biggest advantage of this mobile hotspot is its open eSIM platform. Unlike competitors that lock you into proprietary data plans, the Linklan hotspot works with over 500 GSMA-compliant eSIM providers including Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly. Just scan a QR code through the app, and you’re connected within minutes.

This flexibility means you can shop around for the best data rates in each country. No more paying premium prices because you’re locked into one carrier’s ecosystem. For frequent travelers, this adds up to significant savings.

Effortless Setup Process

Setup took me under five minutes from unboxing to connected. Power on the device, connect to its WiFi network from your phone or laptop, and use the Linklan app to purchase or install an eSIM. The interface is straightforward and the app handles everything without requiring manual APN configuration.

Multi-Device Support That Delivers

The 16-device simultaneous connection support proved valuable during group testing. Phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras all connected without noticeable performance degradation. For families traveling together or small teams working remotely, this eliminates the need for everyone to buy individual data plans.

Long Battery Life

The 5000mAh battery delivers impressive runtime. Under stable signal conditions with moderate usage, I consistently got 10-12 hours of active use. The 48-hour claim on the product page applies to ideal conditions with minimal devices connected, but the real-world performance is still strong for a travel day.

Power Bank Functionality

A feature I appreciated was the ability to use the Linklan as a power bank. When your phone runs low, plug it into the hotspot’s USB-C port. It won’t fast-charge at flagship speeds, but it provides useful backup power when you need it.

Compact, Pocket-Sized Design

Weighing around 145 grams, this portable WiFi router slips into a jacket pocket without bulk. The 1.8-inch LED screen shows battery status, signal strength, and connected devices at a glance. It’s genuinely portable in a way that some competing MiFi devices aren’t.

Physical SIM Fallback

If you prefer using a local SIM card you already have, there’s a nano-SIM slot available. You can’t use both eSIM and physical SIM simultaneously, but having the option adds flexibility for travelers who’ve accumulated local SIMs from previous trips.

What Needs Improvement

Battery Drain in Weak Signal Areas

The most significant limitation I encountered was accelerated battery drain when cellular signal was weak. In areas where my phone showed two bars, the Linklan hotspot worked noticeably harder to maintain a connection. The modem increases RF power output in poor coverage, which can cut battery life by half or more compared to strong signal areas.

Connection Stability Concerns

Some Amazon reviewers reported intermittent connection drops, even in areas with adequate cellular coverage. I experienced occasional disconnects during extended sessions, requiring a quick power cycle to restore connectivity. It’s not a constant problem, but it’s worth noting if you rely on uninterrupted connections for video calls.

No 5G Support

This is a 4G LTE device only. If 5G speeds matter for your workflow, you’ll need to look at higher-priced alternatives like the GlocalMe Numen Air 5G. For most travel needs—emails, video calls, streaming—4G LTE is sufficient, but power users may feel the limitation.

eSIM and Physical SIM Can’t Run Together

You have to choose one or the other. Inserting a physical SIM disables the eSIM functionality and even disconnects the Bluetooth app features. This limits flexibility for users who might want to switch between local SIMs and eSIM plans without reconfiguring.

Third-Party eSIM May Require Manual Setup

While Linklan’s own data plans work seamlessly, some third-party eSIM profiles from smaller MVNOs require manual APN configuration. The process isn’t difficult if you follow the documentation, but it’s an extra step that the marketing doesn’t emphasize.

How It Compares to Competitors

Linklan vs GlocalMe G4 Pro

The GlocalMe G4 Pro ($169.99) is a popular alternative that supports both physical SIM cards and their proprietary cloud SIM technology simultaneously. However, GlocalMe uses cloud SIM rather than genuine eSIM—meaning you’re routing through their servers rather than connecting directly to local networks.

The Linklan’s open eSIM approach provides more transparency about which carrier you’re using and allows switching between any GSMA-compliant provider. GlocalMe locks you into their ecosystem, though they do offer competitive rates in many regions.

Linklan vs Skyroam Solis

Skyroam Solis devices ($119.99-$179.99) are well-known in the travel hotspot category. They use vSIM (virtual SIM) technology that, like GlocalMe, ties you to Skyroam’s data plans. You can’t bring your own eSIM from Airalo or another provider.

If you prefer the simplicity of one vendor handling everything, Skyroam’s day passes ($9/day) and monthly plans work well. But if you want maximum flexibility and the ability to price-shop across providers, Linklan wins here.

Linklan vs EIOTCLUB Hotspot

For budget-conscious buyers, EIOTCLUB offers a $79.99 portable WiFi option with a 3000mAh battery and 10-device support. The catch: it’s US-only coverage with no international capability. If you only need domestic connectivity, this saves money. For international travel, Linklan’s 180+ country coverage justifies the price premium.

The Flexibility Advantage

What sets the Linklan apart from these competitors is the open platform approach. You’re not locked into any single provider’s pricing or coverage. This is particularly valuable for frequent travelers who visit different regions and want to optimize costs for each trip.

Final Verdict

The Linklan Portable Mobile Hotspot earns a 3.9 out of 5 rating. Its core strength is genuine eSIM flexibility—the ability to use any of 500+ providers without carrier lock-in is a significant advantage over competitors like GlocalMe and Skyroam.

The 16-device support, compact design, and reasonable battery life make it a practical travel companion. Speed performance is solid for 4G LTE, handling video calls and streaming without issues.

Where it falls short is battery endurance in challenging signal conditions and the lack of 5G support. If you travel mostly in urban areas with strong coverage, these limitations won’t affect you much. For remote area connectivity, factor in the battery trade-offs.

At $119.99, it offers good value for frequent international travelers who want maximum control over their data plans. The open platform approach saves money over time compared to locked ecosystems charging premium rates.