Welcome to the world of travel routers! If you're a frequent traveler or digital nomad looking for a reliable and efficient way to stay connected on the go, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will explore the 8 best travel routers for 2023. These compact devices have revolutionized the way we stay connected while traveling, offering enhanced security, faster speeds, and the ability to share internet connections with multiple devices. Whether you're in a hotel room, a coffee shop, or even on a remote beach, these travel routers will ensure you stay connected effortlessly. So let's dive in and discover the top travel routers that will make your adventures as seamless as possible!
Overall Score: 8/10
The GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router is a compact and lightweight router designed for travel. It features AC1200 dual-band wireless technology, allowing for simultaneous dual-band connections with wireless speeds up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) and 867 Mbps (5GHz). The router also offers full gigabit ports, including 2 LAN ports and 1 WAN port, making it ideal for connecting wired devices. With support for IPv6, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Tor service, this router ensures a secure internet experience. It can also function as a repeater for public WiFi networks, creating a private and secure connection. Overall, the GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) is a great option for travelers who need a reliable and secure WiFi router.
Key Features
- AC1200 dual-band wireless technology
- Compact and lightweight design
- Full gigabit ports for wired device connections
- Supports IPv6, Open VPN, Wire Guard, and Tor service
- Can function as a repeater for public Wi Fi networks
Specifications
- Color: Opal
Pros
- Compact and lightweight, perfect for travel
- Fast and reliable dual-band wireless connection
- Full gigabit ports for wired device connectivity
- Strong security features like IPv6 support and VPN compatibility
- Can extend public Wi Fi networks for secure surfing
Cons
- Lack of visual feedback on device status
- Instructions for setting up as a bridge could be clearer
- Occasional difficulty in connecting to certain networks
The GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) is a highly versatile and secure travel WiFi router. Its compact size and lightweight design make it convenient for travelers, while its powerful features, such as dual-band wireless technology and gigabit ports, ensure fast and reliable connectivity. The router’s support for IPv6, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Tor service provides advanced security for internet browsing. Additionally, its ability to function as a repeater for public WiFi networks adds an extra layer of privacy. Although the device lacks visual feedback and may have some setup challenges, overall, it is a reliable and effective solution for travelers in need of a secure WiFi router.
Overall Score: 8/10
The TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router is the perfect companion for travelers who need a reliable and convenient Wi-Fi network on the go. It features a travel-sized design that is small and light, making it easy to pack and take with you wherever you go. With dual-band AC750 Wi-Fi, you can enjoy a strong and fast connection for HD streaming on all your devices. The router supports multiple modes, including hotspot, bridge, range extender, access point, and client modes, making it versatile for use at home, in hotel rooms, or on the road. It also has a built-in USB 2.0 port and flexible power options, such as using a micro USB port to an adapter, portable charger, or laptop. With an industry-leading 2-year warranty and unlimited 24/7 technical support, you can trust in the reliability of this travel router.
Key Features
- Travel Sized Design: Conveniently small and light
- Dual Band AC750 Wi-Fi: Strong, fast connection for HD streaming
- One Switch for Multiple Modes: Perfect for Wi-Fi at home or on the road
- Flexible Power: Micro USB port for various power options
- Industry leading 2 year warranty and unlimited 24/7 technical support
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 2.64Lx2.91Wx0.87H
- Size: AC750
Pros
- Convenient and compact design for portability
- Strong and fast Wi-Fi connection for HD streaming
- Versatile with multiple modes for different needs
- Flexible power options for on-the-go use
- Reliable with a 2-year warranty and 24/7 support
Cons
- Short USB power cable connection issue reported
- Low power CPU with limited Ethernet and USB capabilities
- Some issues with client mode connection to certain networks
The TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router is a highly versatile and reliable travel companion for those in need of a portable Wi-Fi solution. Its compact design, strong dual-band AC750 Wi-Fi, and multiple modes make it suitable for various situations, whether you’re at home, in a hotel room, or on the road. The flexibility in power options adds to its convenience. While it may have some minor drawbacks like the reported USB power cable connection issue and limited CPU capabilities, its overall performance and value make it a worthwhile investment. With a competitive score of 8, this travel router earns its place as a top choice for travelers seeking reliable Wi-Fi connectivity on the go.
Overall Score: 9/10
The GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Gigabit Travel Router is a powerful and versatile networking device designed for travel and public network use. With Wi-Fi 6 technology, it offers high-speed dual-band connectivity and supports up to 120 simultaneous device connections. It features advanced security measures such as OpenVPN and WireGuard encryption, ensuring fast and secure browsing. The router also allows for easy file sharing with its NAS feature. Running on the latest OpenWrt 21.02 operating system, users can customize and install applications according to their preferences. The GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 is the perfect companion for travelers, offering reliable and secure connectivity on the go.
Key Features
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with speeds up to 1800 Mbps
- Supports up to 120 simultaneous device connections
- Advanced security with Open VPN and Wire Guard encryption
- Easy file sharing with NAS feature
- Customizable with Open Wrt 21.02 operating system
Specifications
- Dimension: 4.92Lx3.23Wx1.42H
Pros
- High-speed Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
- Advanced security measures for secure browsing
- Easy file sharing with NAS feature
- Customizable and flexible with Open Wrt OS
Cons
- May overheat and experience performance issues
- Bulky power adapter
The GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Gigabit Travel Router is a feature-packed networking device that offers fast and secure connectivity for travelers. With its Wi-Fi 6 technology, advanced security measures, and customizable operating system, it provides a reliable and flexible solution for on-the-go internet needs. While it may experience overheating and performance issues, its overall performance and functionality make it a worthwhile investment. Whether you need to connect multiple devices, share files, or enhance your online security, this travel router has you covered.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Travel Gigabit Router is a versatile and powerful travel router for those on the go. With dual-band network capabilities and Wi-Fi 6 technology, it offers high-speed and reliable connections. It supports OpenVPN and WireGuard for secure VPN connections, and runs on OpenWrt 21.02 firmware with over 5,000 ready-made plugins for customization. The router also features advanced network security measures like WPA3 protocol, DNS over HTTPS & DNS over TLS, and IPv6 support. It can act as both a VPN server and client simultaneously, allowing for remote access to local resources and secure browsing. The GL-MT3000 is compact and portable, making it an ideal travel companion for frequent travelers. With its robust features and reliable performance, this travel router is a must-have for anyone in need of a secure and convenient Wi-Fi connection on the go.
Key Features
- Dual-band network with Wi-Fi 6 technology
- Open VPN and Wire Guard pre-installed
- Runs on Open Wrt 21.02 firmware
- Supports WPA3 protocol and DNS encryption
- Capable of hosting a VPN server and client simultaneously
Specifications
- Dimension: 4.53Lx3.15Wx1.18H
Pros
- High-speed and reliable connections
- Secure VPN connections with multiple protocols
- Customizable firmware with a wide range of plugins
- Advanced network security measures
- Simultaneous VPN server and client functionality
Cons
- Requires networking knowledge for VPN setup
- Slow login to router's Wi-Fi network
- Faulty Wi-Fi network scanning feature
- Lower internet speeds in repeater mode
- No built-in battery for portable use
The GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Travel Gigabit Router is a feature-packed and reliable travel router. It offers fast and secure Wi-Fi connections with support for popular VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. The router’s OpenWrt firmware allows for easy customization and access to thousands of plugins. It also incorporates advanced network security measures for added protection. While it may require some networking knowledge for advanced setup, its versatile functionality and compact design make it a great travel companion. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or in need of a secure portable Wi-Fi solution, the GL-MT3000 is a top choice.
Overall Score: 7/10
The TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router is a pocket-sized wireless N router that is perfect for travelers. It allows you to quickly create a secure Wi-Fi hotspot to share with family and friends. The router offers a Wi-Fi speed of 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, making it suitable for lag-free video streaming and online gaming. It is compatible with Chromecast and has a micro USB port for powering via an external adapter or USB port. The router supports multiple operation modes including router, access point, client, repeater, and WISP. With its pre-encryption function and industry-leading 2-year warranty, this travel router is a reliable and convenient choice for people on the go.
Key Features
- Pocket sized Wireless N router Travels effortlessly
- Quickly create a secure Wi-Fi hotspot to share with family and friends
- 300 Mbps Wi-Fi speed on 2.4 GHz band for lag-free video streaming and online gaming
- Compatible with Chromecast
- Micro USB port for powering via an external adapter or USB port
- Supports Router, AP, Client, Repeater, and WISP operation modes
- Pre-encryption function sets initial SSID and password protection
- Industry-leading 2-year warranty and unlimited 24/7 technical support
- Extend existing Wi-Fi to improve signal strength and maximize coverage
Specifications
- Color: Basic
- Dimension: 2.20Lx2.20Wx0.70H
- Size: N300 Nano Travel Router
Pros
- Portable and pocket-sized design
- Easy to set up and use
- Good Wi-Fi coverage for hotel rooms
- Can be powered via USB port
- Supports multiple operation modes
- Comes with pre-encryption function for added security
- Industry-leading 2-year warranty
Cons
- Limited speed capability
- Not suitable for home use with fast internet
- Difficult to connect to certain public Wi-Fi networks
The TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router is a convenient and reliable companion for travelers. Its compact size and multiple operation modes make it versatile for various use cases. While it may not have the fastest speed, it offers good Wi-Fi coverage in hotel rooms and can be easily powered through a USB port. The pre-encryption function provides added security, and the industry-leading 2-year warranty ensures peace of mind. However, it is not recommended for home use with fast internet, and connecting to certain public Wi-Fi networks may be challenging. Overall, the TP-Link N300 is a functional travel router that offers great value for its price.
Overall Score: 8.2/10
The GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) is a powerful and compact wireless VPN encrypted travel router. It offers dual-band network with wireless speeds of 400Mbps(2.4G) and 867Mbps(5G) and is compatible with tethering. With the latest OpenWrt 21.02 operating system, the router allows for customization and application installations. It comes with pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard for easy VPN client and server setup, providing added security for your internet connections. The GL-A1300 also supports network storage, allowing you to create a private network storage with an external USB hard drive. It is small and lightweight, making it perfect for travel and use in various public places. The router offers features like VPN internet kill switch, separate private and guest Wi-Fi networks, and encrypted DNS with Cloudflare for enhanced security. Overall, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) is a versatile travel router with powerful features and easy setup.
Key Features
- Dual-band network with wireless speeds of 400Mbps(2.4G) and 867Mbps(5G)
- Customizable and programmable with Open Wrt 21.02 operating system
- Pre-installed Open VPN and Wire Guard for VPN client and server setup
- Network storage support for creating a private storage network
- Compact and lightweight design for easy travel and use in public places
- VPN internet kill switch for all internet traffic
- Separate private and guest Wi-Fi networks for increased security
- Encrypted DNS with Cloudflare for privacy and security
Specifications
- Dimension: 4.65Lx3.35Wx1.18H
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Powerful VPN functionality
- Compact and portable design
- Customizable and programmable
- Supports network storage
Cons
- Limited Wire Guard speeds
- May experience occasional hiccups with 5G
- Compatibility issues with some devices
The GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) is a highly versatile and reliable travel router. It offers excellent wireless speeds, powerful VPN functionality, and a range of security features. The ability to customize and program the router based on personal preferences is a major advantage. The compact design and portability make it convenient for travel and use in various public places. While there may be occasional hiccups with the 5G connection and some compatibility issues with certain devices, overall, the GL-A1300 delivers outstanding performance and security. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or simply looking to enhance your internet security at home, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) is a top choice for a wireless VPN encrypted travel router.
Overall Score: 8/10
The GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2(Mango) Portable Mini Travel Wireless Pocket VPN Router is a compact and versatile router that allows you to convert a public network to a private Wi-Fi for secure surfing. It is lightweight and pocket-friendly, making it ideal for travel. The router comes with OpenWrt pre-installed and has programmable features such as USB disk extendability and dual Ethernet ports. With an OpenVPN client already installed, it is compatible with over 30 VPN service providers. The GL-MT300N-V2 also has 128MB of RAM, 16MB of Flash ROM, and various ports available for hardware DIY. Overall, it is a powerful and convenient travel router for secure and reliable internet access on the go.
Key Features
- Wireless mobile mini travel router
- Open source & programmable with Open Wrt
- 128MB RAM and extendable storage
- Open VPN client compatible with 30+ providers
- Portable and pocket-friendly design
Specifications
- Dimension: 2.30Lx2.30Wx1.00H
- Size: V2 (MTK7628NN So C)
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Open Wrt pre-installed for advanced customization
- Supports multiple VPN service providers
- Ample RAM for smooth performance
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- Limited VPN bandwidth
- Requires external power source
The GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2(Mango) Portable Mini Travel Wireless Pocket VPN Router is a highly recommended device for frequent travelers seeking secure internet access. With its compact design, OpenWrt support, and compatibility with various VPN service providers, it offers great flexibility and convenience. Although it has some limitations in terms of VPN bandwidth and requiring an external power source, these drawbacks can be easily overlooked considering its portability and powerful performance. Whether you need to convert public networks to private Wi-Fi, extend existing networks, or access VPN services on the go, this mini router is a reliable companion. Overall, it’s an excellent investment for improving internet security and connectivity while traveling.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The GL.iNet GL-AR300M16 Portable Mini Travel Wireless Pocket Router is a versatile and compact device that allows you to convert a public or hotel network into a private Wi-Fi for secure surfing. It is powered by any laptop USB, power banks, or 5V/2A DC adapters, making it highly portable and ideal for travel. With OpenWrt pre-installed, this router is open source and programmable, allowing for USB disk extension. It also comes with VPN client and server capability, supporting OpenVPN and Wireguard VPN, and is compatible with over 30+ VPN service providers. Additionally, the GL-AR300M16 offers larger storage and extensibility with 128MB RAM and 16MB NOR Flash, as well as dual Ethernet ports and UART and GPIOs for hardware DIY. With its easy installation and packed features, this mini router is a great solution for secure and flexible internet connectivity.
Key Features
- Converts public/hotel networks to private Wi-Fi
- Powered by USB or DC adapters
- Open Wrt pre-installed with USB disk extension
- Supports Open VPN and Wireguard VPN
- 128MB RAM, 16MB NOR Flash, dual Ethernet ports
- Easy installation and packed with features
Specifications
- Color: Black
Pros
- Extremely portable and pocket-friendly
- Open source and programmable
- Compatible with various VPN service providers
- Allows for hardware DIY with larger storage
- Includes USB cable and user manual
Cons
- May not provide full speed connection
- Uses micro USB instead of USB-C
- Limited power capacity for connected devices
- Some users encountered setup difficulties
The GL.iNet GL-AR300M16 Portable Mini Travel Wireless Pocket Router is an excellent solution for those in need of a secure and flexible Wi-Fi connection. Its compact size and portability make it perfect for travel, and its open-source nature allows for customization and expansion. With the ability to convert public/hotel networks to private Wi-Fi, support for various VPN service providers, and larger storage for hardware DIY, this mini router offers great features. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations in terms of speed and power capacity. Overall, this router provides a convenient and reliable solution for creating a private Wi-Fi network wherever you go.
Buyer's Guide: Travel Router
Traveling can be an amazing experience, but staying connected during your trips is often essential. Whether you're a digital nomad or just want to have reliable internet access while on vacation, a travel router can be your best companion. Compact, portable, and powerful, these handy devices can help you stay connected and productive wherever you go. To help you make an informed decision, we've put together this buyer's guide for travel routers. So, fasten your seatbelt (or just sit back comfortably) and let's explore the world of travel routers!
Choosing the Right Travel Router: A Buyer's Guide
- Portability Matters: When it comes to travel routers, compactness and lightweight are key. Look for a device that easily fits into your bag or pocket, allowing you to carry it around effortlessly.
- Dual Band for Flexibility: Opt for a travel router that supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. This will give you the flexibility to connect to different types of networks while ensuring a fast and stable internet connection.
- Strong Battery Life: Ensure that the travel router offers a sufficient battery life to last through your trips. A long-lasting battery will keep you connected without the need for a constant power source.
- Wired and Wireless Connectivity: Look for a travel router that offers both wired and wireless connectivity options. This versatility allows you to connect to hotel Ethernet ports or create a Wi-Fi hotspot in areas where only wired access is available.
- Multiple Ethernet Ports: If you frequently need to connect multiple devices via Ethernet, make sure your travel router has multiple Ethernet ports. This feature can come in handy when you're working with colleagues or traveling with friends.
- VPN Support for Security: If you prioritize privacy and security, consider a travel router that supports VPN (Virtual Private Network) functionality. This feature encrypts your internet connection and protects your sensitive data from potential threats.
- Easy Setup and Configuration: Go for a travel router that is user-friendly and doesn't require technical expertise for setup and configuration. Look for routers that offer intuitive smartphone apps or browser-based interfaces for hassle-free management.
- Signal Strength and Range: Check the travel router's signal strength and range to ensure it covers a sufficient area. This is particularly important if you're staying in larger hotel rooms, conference centers, or shared accommodations.
- Additional Features: Some travel routers offer extra features like SD card slots, USB ports for device charging, or built-in media servers. Consider your specific needs and look for these additional features if they enhance your travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about 8 Best Travel Router for 2023
Yes, travel routers usually work with various devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles. They create a Wi-Fi network that can be connected to by any Wi-Fi-enabled device.
Travel routers are specifically designed for portability and come in compact sizes. They often have built-in batteries for wireless operation and offer additional travel-centric features that regular routers do not provide.
While hotel Wi-Fi is convenient, it’s not always secure or reliable. Using a travel router adds an extra layer of security and allows you to have a personal Wi-Fi network, reducing the risk of potential cyber threats.
Yes, many travel routers support media streaming. However, streaming performance may vary depending on the router’s specifications and the quality of the internet connection provided by your service provider.
To connect to a public Wi-Fi network, you can configure your travel router to act as a Wi-Fi client. This means the router connects to the public network and creates a secured and private network for your devices to connect to.
