In this buying guide, we have tested and then listed the best portable travel routers that are perfect for your next trip.
These portable Wi-Fi routers let you securely connect to public Wi-Fi networks and share them across your devices.
We at iOSHacker know what travel accessories one should carry with them and a travel router is certainly one of them. It gives you the flexibility of connecting to any public network and make it safe with built-in OpenVPN support. Not to mention ability to share your own iPhone’s personal hotspot with multiple devices and over LAN!
What is a portable travel router for Wi-Fi for?
A travel router works in a similar way as the traditional home or office router. It allows the user to connect to a public Wi-Fi and then share that public network with his or her devices with a LAN connection. It can also act as a repeater for a weak public Wi-Fi network.
Another useful feature of a travel Wi-Fi router allows the user to connect it to smartphone’s Personal Hotspot and then share that internet with multiple devices wirelessly or through LAN connection.
Many travel routers come with built-in OpenVPN & WireGuard support, which allows them to connect to VPN services and get fast speeds.
A travel router is a great travel accessory, however it isn’t the only one that should be in your bag. Here are some more must have travel accessories for iPhone users.
Best Travel Routers for Wi-Fi
We have gone through a bunch of travel routers and figured that the following six options are the ones to get.
Low on budget? You will also find a few budget options towards the end of this post.
1. GL.iNet Wi-Fi Travel Router
The GL.iNet Wi-Fi Travel Router – Slate AX gives your internet experience a turbo boost into the future! Imagine your online world blazing along at speeds of up to 1800 Mbps, delivering seamless streaming, gaming without a hitch, and downloads that feel like they teleport onto your device.
But hold onto your hat, because this one of the best travel routers in 2024 is more than just a speed demon. Think of it as your personal internet concierge, ensuring that every gadget in your home or office gets its fair share of the bandwidth pie. With features like MU-MIMO, OFDMA, and BSS color, it’s like having a traffic cop for your Wi-Fi network. And get this – it can handle up to 120 devices at once!
And when it comes to keeping your online world safe and sound, the Slate AX has your back. With support for IPv6, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Cloudflare encryption, your privacy is locked down tighter than a bank vault. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, streaming your favorite tunes, or sharing sensitive documents, you can do it all with peace of mind.
Buy GL.iNet Wi-Fi Travel Router for $112.90 here.
2. TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router
Are you ready to level up your Wi-Fi game on the go? Meet the TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router – your new best friend for seamless connectivity wherever you wander!
This little wonder creates its own Wi-Fi network via Ethernet, ensuring you’ve got a strong, fast connection wherever you roam. HD streaming? Piece of cake. Whether you’re catching up on your favorite series in your hotel room or setting up a mobile office at the local cafe, this one of the best travel routers has your back.
And can we talk about versatility? The TP-Link AC750 is not just for travel – it’s perfect for home use too. Plug it in at home for a reliable Wi-Fi boost, or toss it in your bag for on-the-go adventures. Plus, with its micro USB port, you can power it up with an adapter, portable charger, or even your laptop – because let’s face it, staying connected shouldn’t be a hassle.
Buy TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router for $37.90 here.
3. Cudy Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi
The Cudy Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi is a high-performance AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router designed to fit right in your pocket, unleashing powerful connectivity wherever you go – whether it’s at home or on your travels.
Powered by a lightning-fast 1.3GHz dual-core CPU, the TR3000 delivers blazing speeds of up to 3Gbps with the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology. That means you can enjoy seamless online gaming, crystal-clear HD video streaming, and effortlessly share large files across multiple devices without skipping a beat.
This pocket-sized powerhouse comes packed with features to enhance your online experience. With one 2.5Gbps Ethernet WAN port and one 1Gbps gigabit LAN port, you can maximize your internet speed for both wired and wireless connections. Plus, the inclusion of a USB 3.0 port adds versatility, allowing you to easily share files or connect additional devices.
Buy Cudy Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi for $89.90 here.
4. GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Travel Gigabit Router
The GL.iNet GL-MT3000, also known as Beryl AX – the travel gigabit router that’s about to revolutionize your on-the-go internet experience!
Equipped with a dual-band network boasting mind-boggling wireless speeds of up to 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and a whopping 2402Mbps on the 5GHz band, Beryl AX ensures you’re never left buffering, no matter where your adventures take you. And let’s talk ports – with a 2.5G multi-gigabit WAN port and a gigabit LAN port, along with a USB 3.0 port, this little powerhouse is ready to handle all your connectivity needs.
Beryl AX is not just your average travel router – it’s a fortress of digital security. Say goodbye to cyber worries with pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard compatibility, allowing seamless integration with over 30 VPN service providers. With a max VPN speed of up to 150 Mbps for OpenVPN and 300 Mbps for WireGuard, your data is protected at lightning speed.
Buy GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Travel Gigabit Router for $86.60 here.
Budget options
5. TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Router
Gone are the days of wrestling with complicated setups or being tethered to a single location. With the TP-Link N300, you can create a secure Wi-Fi oasis for you and your companions in mere moments. Whether you’re on a road trip, camping in the wilderness, or simply hanging out at a friend’s place, this router has your back.
Need to stream your favorite shows or engage in epic online battles without a hint of lag? No problem! With lightning-fast 300 Mbps Wi-Fi speed on the 2.4 GHz band, you can enjoy seamless video streaming and gaming experiences like never before. Plus, its compatibility with Chromecast opens up a world of entertainment possibilities.
And don’t worry about running out of power when you’re out and about. This travel router for Mac users comes equipped with a micro USB port, allowing you to power it up using an external adapter or even a USB port – perfect for staying connected wherever you are.
Buy TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Router for $29.90 here.
6. GL.iNet GL-AR300M16-Ext Travel Wireless Router
The GL.iNet GL-AR300M16-Ext Travel Wireless Router is a must-have for anyone who values security, versatility, and convenience while on the go.
Not only does this best travel router with VPN offer the convenience of creating your own private Wi-Fi network, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It’s compatible with tethering and supports 3G/4G USB modems, ensuring you stay connected even in areas with limited connectivity. Plus, it’s powered by a range of sources, including any laptop USB, power banks, or 5V/2A DC adapters (sold separately), making it the ultimate travel companion.
Weighing in at just 39g (that’s a mere 1.41 Oz!), this router is as lightweight and pocket-friendly as it gets. Slip it into your bag or pocket, and you’ll hardly notice it’s there. But don’t let its small size fool you—under the hood, it’s packed with impressive features.
Buy GL.iNet GL-AR300M16-Ext Travel Wireless Router for $31.90 here.
