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The Best Wireless Travel Routers of 2024

Pocket routers for Wi-Fi networking on the road

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Frequent travelers battling poor cell service, dubious security, and excessive hotel and airport Wi-Fi fees can benefit from a good travel router when working away from home.

The best wireless travel routers avoid these hassles by letting you set up a private bubble of Wi-Fi anywhere you happen to land, whether in a conference center, hotel room, or airport lounge. 

Most people should buy the TP-Link TL-WR902AC  - it's small enough to chuck in a backpack and can even double as a Wi-Fi range extender. If you also want a cellular connection as backup, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 is for you, as it doubles as a mobile hotspot for your hotel room or car.

What to Look For in a Travel Router

Best overall, tp-link tl-wr902ac travel router.

 Amazon

Compact size is ideal for frequent travelers

Doubles as a Wi-Fi extender

Included cables are short

TP-Link's TL-WR902AC is one of the fastest travel routers we've seen, which is especially impressive at this size and price. Measuring 2.64 x 2.91 x 0.9 inches and weighing in at only 8 ounces, it's small enough to carry in a pocket, briefcase, or backpack, so you'll be ready to set up your own Wi-Fi bubble anywhere.

For such a small device, the TL-WR902AC offers impressive dual-band Wi-Fi performance. It's also really versatile since it can be not only be used as a router or access point to create a wireless network but also as a range extender, private Wi-Fi hotspot, or even as a bridge to connect a wired device to a Wi-Fi network by using its built-in Ethernet port in the opposite direction. 

A built-in USB port lets you share files and media from a removable USB storage device, and it can also provide up to 2A of passthrough power to charge your smartphone or tablet. The only real downside is that the port layout can be awkward since the USB and micro USB power ports are on the opposite side of the Ethernet port. 

Wireless Spec: 802.11ac | Security: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: AC750 | Bands: Dual-band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 1

Best Splurge

Netgear nighthawk m1.

Great choice for heavy internet users

Supports up to 20 Wi-Fi devices at once

Long battery life

Doubles as a mobile hotspot

Very expensive

Can occasionally overheat

While it's not the most affordable option on our list, it's well worth the splurge if you need to get several devices onto the internet anywhere at blazing-fast speeds.

With support for up to 20 simultaneous devices, Netgear's Nighthawk MR1100 can quickly handle your whole family or project team, and unlike most travel routers on this list, the one works as a 4G LTE mobile hotspot too. This means you'll be able to connect to its Wi-Fi network and get online even when there's no other Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. It's also the first mobile hotspot to support Gigabit LTE , with 4X4 MIMO and four-band Carrier Aggregation. Hence, it can provide internet speeds rivaling your home broadband connection.

It's not just about LTE, though—the MR1100 also works as a traditional portable router. Just plug a standard internet connection into the Ethernet port to share access to your Wi-Fi devices. A large 2.4-inch color LCD screen also ensures that you can keep track of the router's status and how much data you're using. The rechargeable battery can keep you going for up to 24 hours before you need to charge it, and in a pinch, you can also use some of that capacity to charge your smartphone or other mobile devices. 

Wireless Spec: 802.11ac / 4G LTE | Security: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: AC750 | Bands: Dual-band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 1 

TP-Link TL-WR802N N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router

Fast single-band Wi-Fi performance

No USB port

Not the fastest internet speeds when connected to multiple devices

TP-Link’s TL-WR802N is an older single-band router that offers a surprisingly great range in its small package. While the single-band N300 rating won’t break any speed records, it still provides enough performance for lag-free 4K Netflix streaming and uninterrupted video conferences on Zoom. 

Like most travel routers, the TL-WR802N is designed for use by one or two users when you’re on the go, and the 300Mbps 802.11n speeds will likely be faster than the internet connection at most hotels and conference centers you find yourself in. This little pocket-sized router offers exceptional coverage, so you won’t need to worry about staying connected while roaming the boardroom. 

The N300 draws its power via a micro USB port that can connect directly to a wall charger or laptop, so you won’t have to worry about how to power it. It can also function as a repeater, Wi-Fi client, or extender for a public WISP hotspot. The only downside is that, unlike its dual-band sibling, the TL-WR902AC, it lacks a USB port, so you won’t be able to use it for sharing files. 

Wireless Spec: 802.11n | Security: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: N300 | Bands: Single-band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 1

Best for Road Warriors

Gl.inet mudi gl-e750.

Works as a 4G LTE mobile hotspot

Open source

Excellent VPN support

No external antenna

The GL.iNet GL-E750 router is an excellent choice for road warriors who must stay connected securely and reliably anywhere they land.

With WireGuard encryption, support for multiple Open Source VPN protocols, and even Tor anonymous network routing, this router ensures that you can always have a secure and private connection to the internet if you're a relatively advanced user. Whether that's over your hotel's shared network or your carrier's LTE network, all your traffic will be encrypted, and you can even have an always-on tunnel back into your home or office network. 

It's not just for mobile LTE access, however; it's also a capable Wi-Fi access point, with dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz support with 733Mbps throughput across both bands, along with a built-in battery that offers up to eight hours of use and a USB port and microSD card slots that can be used for sharing files with your connected devices. Since it's designed to be used from anywhere, it also features a built-in rechargeable battery that promises up to eight hours of use on a single charge. 

Lifewire / Andy Zahn

Most of the routers on the market are big and bulky devices. If you're parking them in a corner at home, this is a manageable problem, but they're not suited for taking the road with you.

This has given rise to a whole new category of travel routers: devices that are specifically designed to be highly portable—often small enough to be carried in a pocket—and run from internal batteries or a simple USB-powered connection that lets you plug them into a laptop or portable battery pack to create your own personal Wi-Fi network. 

Most importantly, since public Wi-Fi hotspots are usually insecure, a good travel router can also offer additional peace of mind by providing a private, encrypted Wi-Fi network for your traffic, securing the connections not only between your devices and the router but also making sure the traffic leaving the router is also encrypted. 

This means that you can take them just about anywhere you happen to land, whether it's between your home and the office, to a coffee shop where you might want to have more secure Wi-Fi, or on the road with you to use in hotels, conference centers, and airport lounges.

Bandwidth and Performance

When shopping for a router for your home, you're looking for enough range to blanket your home with the strong Wi-Fi signal you need to support streaming and gaming from multiple devices. 

Travel routers are different. You may find that even an entry level router—one that offers 802.11n support at 150Mbps speeds—is more than enough.

Wireless Frequencies: Single-Band vs Dual-Band

Like other wireless routers, travel routers come in single or multi-band versions, which refers to their frequencies. A single-band router works only on the 2.4GHz frequency, while a dual-band router offers both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies on two separate bands. 

Security and Privacy

As a bare minimum, every modern wireless travel router should include support for the Wireless Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption standard. This is even more important in a travel router you'll use in more public spaces.

While this probably isn't such a big deal if all you want to do is stream movies from Netflix, if confidentiality is essential, we strongly recommend using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when connecting through a travel router. While you can do this directly from your devices, you'll probably find it even simpler to pick up a travel router with built-in VPN support so that your connection is automatically encrypted as soon as you plug it in.

Connectivity

Almost all travel routers offer the same connectivity as your home router—turning a wired connection into a Wi-Fi network. However, as more hotels offer guest Wi-Fi networks instead of Ethernet jacks, you'll probably find getting a travel router that can also connect to a public Wi-Fi network is more beneficial.

There's also a category of travel routers that can act as mobile hotspots to offer internet access for your mobile devices over an LTE cellular network.

Even though most hotels already offer free Wi-Fi, it’s often struggling under the load of many people using it, so having a travel router can provide better performance, especially if you can plug it into a wired connection in your room. Plus, most public Wi-Fi hotspots are completely insecure, allowing your traffic to be easily intercepted by anybody else on the same Wi-Fi network. Using a router plugged into ethernet will also often save you money as you won't have to pay for the usable 'premium' internet package.

The best travel routers offer industry-standard WPA2 encryption—the same type of security used by your home router—which means that all of your wireless traffic is safe from prying eyes. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are open networks that use no encryption at all but keep in mind that if you’re using a travel router as a wireless extender for a public Wi-Fi hotspot, your traffic will still be unencrypted between your travel router and the hotspot. For the best security, use a wired connection or a VPN wherever possible.

Even if you use your travel router in your hotel room, internet traffic still travels over the hotel’s network. While most sensitive sites and services like email and online banking use SSL encryption, this won’t prevent the hotel or other public hotspot provider from seeing where you’re going; they just won’t be able to know what you’re doing. If you want to ensure your connection is as private and secure as possible, we recommend using a travel router with built-in VPN support.

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Specifications

/ 8 Download

AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router

• Faster Dual-Band AX1500 WiFi 6: Reaches incredible speeds up to 1.5 Gbps (1201 Mbps on 5 GHz band and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz band) for no-lag AR/VR gaming, uninterrupted 4K streaming, and smooth video calls. †‡
• 24/7 Secure Surfing with VPN Encryption: Supporting OpenVPN and WireGuard®, TL-WR1502X can keep your network private and secure from anywhere in the world, whether you‘re working remotely abroad, or browsing on the public WiFi.
• Enjoy Reliable Network Anywhere: With versatile modes including Router, USB Tethering, 3G/4G USB Modem, Hotspot, Access Point, Range Extender, and Client, TL-WR1502X enables flexible WiFi setup for homes, hotel stays, and travel.
• One-Step Captive Portal Authentication: Easily connect all your devices to the internet without repeated logins. Simply complete the captive portal authentication in one step during the router setup process.  
• Portable and Durable Design : TL-WR1502X is a pocket-sized travel router compactly designed for your next trip or adventure. Its small size is designed for travel-friendly storage. 
• Full Gigabit Ports for Reliable Connections: 1× Gigabit WAN port + 1× Gigabit LAN port provide reliable, warp-speed connections for high-intensive wired devices such as your smart TV, game console, NAS, and more.  △
• Power It with a Power Bank: With a Type-C interface, you can flexibly turn it into a mobile router with a power bank.*
• Easily Access Your Files From Anywhere:  By plugging an external USB hard disc into the router, you can easily share files between connected devices.
• Easy Setup Anywhere  - Quickly set up and manage your TL-WR1502X with the TP-Link Tether app. Connect your devices just once, and they will automatically reconnect every time.

Travel Light. Surf Fast.

Enjoy flawless connection everywhere.

TL-WR1502X, with its versatile modes including Router, USB Tethering, 3G/4G USB Modem, Hotspot, Access Point, Range Extender, and Client, enables flexible WiFi setup for homes, hotel stays, and travel.

Impressively Fast. Impossibly Light.

Merging WiFi 6 technology, TL-WR1502X delivers 1.5 Gbps Wi-Fi speeds for uninterrupted video streaming, downloading, and online gaming all at the same time. ‡

Powerful WiFi, Pocket-sized

Type-C Power Port (PD/QC-compatible)

Convenient power supply

One-Click Switch

Quickly switch modes

Enables file & USB internet sharing

2× Gigabit Ports

Connect multiple devices

24/7 Secure Surfing with VPN Encryption

Vpn clients and server supported.

Supporting OpenVPN and WireGuard®, TL-WR1502X maintains your network's privacy and security, whether you're working remotely abroad or using public WiFi. This device can simultaneously run a VPN and regular internet connections, offering protection and flexibility.

Learn more about VPNs >

Your Tacit Companion on the Road

Say goodbye to messy files and cable clutter.

Your Digital Filing Cabinet

By plugging into an external drive, keep all your important files in one secure hub accessible to every device on your network.

Your Flexible Mobile Router

The Type-C interface let you flexibly turn it into a mobile router with a power bank. And, you can charge other devices with the same cable you use to charge the router.

† Maximum wireless signal rates are the physical rates derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual wireless data throughput, wireless coverage and number of connected devices are not guaranteed and will vary as a result of network conditions, client limitations, and environmental factors, including building materials, obstacles, volume and density of traffic, and client location.

‡ Use of 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) and its features require clients to also support corresponding features. 

△ Actual network speed may be limited by the rate of the product's Ethernet WAN or LAN port, the rate supported by the network cable, internet service provider factors, and other environmental conditions.

*The power bank needs to support the PD/QC protocol. It is recommended to use the supplied power adapter. If you use other power adapters, there is a risk of damaging the device.

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The 7 Best Travel Routers

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• Brand Netgear
• Wi-Fi Bands 2.4GHz, 5GHz
• Ethernet Ports 1
• Brand TP-Link
• Brand ‎TP-Link
• Wi-Fi Bands 2.4GHz
• Brand GL.iNet
• Brand RoamFi
• 9.40 /10 1. Premium pick: Netgear Nighthawk MR1100-100NAS
• 9.20 /10 2. Editors choice: TP-Link TL-WR902AC
• 9.00 /10 3. Best value: TP-Link N300 TL-WR802N
• 8.80 /10 4. GL.iNet GL-E750 Router
• 8.60 /10 5. RoamWiFi Router
• 8.40 /10 6. MIGHTYWIFI Router
• 8.20 /10 7. GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext Router

In this modern world, staying connected to the internet, even when you are on the go is an essential part of life.

The best travel routers can enable you to connect several devices while providing you with a secure, fast, and reliable internet connection anytime you’re on the move. Pair it with a Cat 8 Ethernet cable , and you have one fast travel setup.

They perform like other home Wi-Fi routers, only that they are compact for portability. However, buying a travel router can be a daunting task since there are many distinct features to consider such as wireless frequencies, size, bandwidth, speed, and security protocols.

Here are the best travel routers available today.

1. Netgear Nighthawk MR1100-100NAS

Reliable and aesthetically pleasing, the Netgear Nighthawk MR1100-100NAS is an excellent pick if you’re always on the move. It achieves a blazing-fast download speed of up to 1Gbps, enabling you to hold uninterrupted video calls and play games without experiencing buffering. Speed isn’t the only standout feature in this router, so something else you’ll love is its long battery life.

The 5,040mAh battery can power you for a whopping 24 hours when browsing from one device, so you don’t need to carry charging cables when traveling for a quick business meeting. The router delivers a safe and speedy internet connection to 20 devices, so family members on vacation can browse and chat online effortlessly.

Instead of featuring the typical rectangular shape in most routers, Netgear Nighthawk MR1100-100NAS goes for a cube-like look with rounded edges. It blends well with the surrounding, plus there’s a 2.4-inch screen for viewing essential information. You can check the total amount of data used, signal levels, and more.

• Qualcomm MDM9x50 chipset
• Requires a nano SIM card
• Comes with one Gigabyte ethernet port
• 2.4-inch LCD screen
• Brand: Netgear
• Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
• Ethernet Ports: 1
• USB Ports: 2
• MU-MIMO: No
• Mesh Network Compatible: No
• Excellent battery life
• Nice-looking design
• LCD screen displays valuable information
• Enables 20 people to connect their devices simultaneously
• Relatively bulky

2. TP-Link TL-WR902AC

Compact and versatile, the TP-Link TL-WR902AC is an exceptional solution for anyone who needs a secure and ultra-fast network connection when traveling. The router supports dual-band Wi-Fi, allowing you to enjoy fast connections on both demanding and less demanding devices.

The 5GHz band achieves a wireless speed of up to 433Mbps and 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz, so you can stream and download movies seamlessly. Measuring ‎2.64 x 2.91 x 0.87 inches, the TP-Link TL-WR902AC is designed with traveling in mind. You can position it on your lap when commuting without feeling uncomfortable.

Setting up the TP-Link TL-WR902AC is quick and easy, requiring you to follow the prompts in five steps. You can also access the advanced settings to set up device connectivity, connection schedules, and more. There’s a multi-functional USB port that lets you charge your smartphone or share files via the internet browser to other devices.

• Pocket-sized design
• Multi-functional USB
• Brand: TP-Link
• USB Ports: 1
• Mesh Network Compatible: Yes
• Sturdy body
• Quick setup process
• Useful USB port
• Fast wireless connection
• Included cables could be longer

3. TP-Link N300 TL-WR802N

Despite its compact design, the TP-Link N300 TL-WR802N delivers excellent wireless performance to cater to your frequent streaming needs. The router provides you with a consistent speed of up to 300Mbps when on the 2.5GHz frequency band. There are minimal chances of encountering network interruption, so you can play online games, video call clients, and stream videos seamlessly.

Security is top-tier since the router includes the WPA2-PSK, WEP, and WPA-PSK protocols. They add more robust encryption and authentication to your network, protecting your most critical information from intruders. The Repeater, Bridge, Access Point, Client, and Router modes have different network functionalities, enabling you to pick one that matches your needs.

This router occupies less space when tossed in a slim clutch bag as it only measures 2.2 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches. Parents who frequently travel with their kids will appreciate the parental control mode. It lets them block access to inappropriate websites for their kids’ safety.

• Compatible with 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi routers
• Works with 2.4GHz devices
• Advanced security protocols
• Brand: ‎TP-Link
• Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4GHz
• Easy to carry
• Parental control feature
• Delivers seamless internet connection
• Limited range

4. GL.iNet GL-E750 Router

If you want a travel router that delivers top-notch speed without compromising security, consider the GL.iNet GL-E750 Router. This travel router ensures travelers have a safe internet connection as it supports multiple open-source VPN protocols, which come in handy when handling sensitive data.

Its WireGuard encryption also utilizes the latest encryption protocols, like Curve25519 and SipHash24, ensuring fewer security vulnerabilities. The dual-band Wi-Fi frequencies with 733Mbps throughput enable you to enjoy a lag-free internet connection on various devices. Battery life is impressive as the GL.iNet GL-E750 Router comes with a 7,000mAh battery. It powers you for up to eight hours when on the move.

You can also turn on the standby mode to put the screen into sleep to extend the battery life. The Mudi app features a highly responsive and user-friendly web control interface. It lets you enter your credentials when connecting to different VPN services and access other valuable settings.

• DDR2 128MB RAM
• Combined Wi-Fi Speed networking
• Eight hours battery life
• Supports over 30 VPN service providers
• Brand: GL.iNet
• USB Ports: No
• WireGuard encryption
• 4G LTE support
• Ideal for frequent travelers in need of a highly secured network
• Delivers speedy performance
• Small display easily attracts smudges

5. RoamWiFi Router

The RoamWiFi Router easily outperforms its counterparts with its incredible battery life and speedy internet connection. Speed-wise, the travel router has a download speed of up to 150Mbps and 50Mbps upload to cover your unique needs. Business colleagues and family members traveling together will love the convenience this router offers. It allows five people to connect their computer or smartphone simultaneously for maximum productivity.

Besides featuring an elegant design, the RoamWiFi Router is highly portable. It measures 2.68 x 0.57 x 4.96 inches, so you can comfortably tag it along with your other traveling essentials. You get around 18 hours of continuous internet surfing, thanks to the 5,000mAh built-in battery.

Such power makes it easy to watch live broadcasts, attend zoom meetings, and watch shows without worrying about low battery. The RoamWiFi Router provides reliable network speed and protection in over 160 regions. As such, you won’t have a problem communicating with family members back at home when you travel.

• Connects up to five devices
• 5,000mAh in-built battery
• Covers over 160 regions
• Supports the RomaWiFi App
• Brand: RoamFi
• High-speed performance
• Allows you to pay as you go
• Only connects to five devices

6. MIGHTYWIFI Router

The MIGHTYWIFI Router performs incredibly well, making it a great pick. Onboard is a Qualcomm processor which enables the router to pick signals from a local network, resulting in fast network performance. The dual-band frequency support is an invaluable feature that saves you from interference seen in a single band.

You get up to 150Mbps download and 50Mbps upload speeds for a seamless experience when surfing the web. With the MightyWifi app, you can manage data usage and access other helpful settings. There’s an in-built 5,000mAh battery that powers you for around 12 to 14 hours on a single charge. It saves you from the inconvenience of looking for a power outlet when relaxing in open fields.

10 of your friends or family members can connect to this router and enjoy an uninterrupted wireless connection. Compact and slim, this travel router fits well in your pockets, or you can toss it in your clutch bag.

• Works in over 150 countries
• Versatile Qualcomm processor
• 5,000mAh battery
• Brand: MIGHTYWIFI
• Great battery life
• Easily portable
• Easy to use

7. GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext Router

The GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext Router addresses the eavesdropping network layers and pay-by-device Wi-Fi annoyances experienced in hotel rooms. With its compact design, only measuring 3.9 x 2.7 x 0.9 inches, this router fits nicely in your pockets. It also delivers incredible Wi-Fi speeds.

The available 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals provide a rate of up to 300Mbps and 433Mbps, respectively, allowing you to enjoy seamless connection in various devices. The GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext router comes with two foldable routers, which increase the router’s capacity to receive and transmit data. It operates on the OpenWRT operating system, ensuring you access better security features and configuration options.

The 16MB of NOR flash and an added 128MB NAND flash for OpenWRT enable you to install torrenting clients, ad blockers, and other packages. The custom web interface makes it easy to see new features after a firmware update.

• 2.4GHz and 5GHz signals
• 16MB of NOR flash
• Three customizable LEDs
• DDRII 128MB memory
• Ethernet Ports: 3
• Simple setup
• Incredible VPN support
• Useful OpenWRT operating system
• Total bandwidth is pretty low

Q: How Do I Fix Common Problems in Travel Routers?

Resetting your router is one of the first steps you should take after experiencing connection issues. You’ll only need to press and hold the reset button for around 15 seconds to allow the router to restore its default settings.

Most travel routers cover small ranges, so the Wi-Fi network may only reach the corners of your room. Such routers struggle to deliver reliable connections because of physical distractions like metal and electric devices. Always place the router in a central location free from such gadgets and walls to avoid signal dropouts.

Like most electronic devices, travel routers overheat after continuous use, causing instability. If the router gets extremely hot, power it off to let it cool down for some minutes. Additionally, check whether the Ethernet cable is damaged or loosely connected before visiting a technician.

Q: How Do Travel Routers Work?

Although travel routers have distinct features, their primary role is to increase the range of existing wireless networks. Travel routers allow you to connect to a network you had difficulties connecting to, like in a hotel. They pick weak signals and amplify them, allowing you to enjoy fast internet connections.

Unlike Wi-Fi networks in hotels which limit you to connect only one device, travel routers let you use multiple gadgets, even with a single login. You only need to log in once through the provided smartphone app or web browser, and then all your devices will connect to the created network.

Q: Are Travel Routers Worth It?

Yes, they are. Well, most airports, hotels, Airbnb’s, and coffee shops give you access to Wi-Fi connections that require no password. However, such networks are insecure since they don’t have encryption protocols, making your crucial data and information vulnerable to hackers. The best travel routers feature top-tier security encryptions like WPA2 and WEP, which are similar to what your home router offers.

They also have built-in VPNs which secure and isolate your communication, so you can confidently handle sensitive tasks. Besides offering you a secure network, most travel routers are pocket-sized, making it easy to carry them when on the go.

The 3 best travel routers on Amazon

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

If you travel frequently, a portable router is a worthwhile investment — and the best travel routers allow you to stay connected to reliable wireless internet wherever you are and without compromising on security. When shopping for a travel router, you’ll want to choose a model that’s small enough to pack in your bag. They will also come in a range of prices to suit your budget.

What criteria to consider when shopping for the best travel routers

Speed & connectivity.

When selecting a travel router, speed and ease of connecting to the internet are important, and there are several factors that will affect its performance.

• First, choose one that supports current Wi-Fi standards , such as 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) or 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), that have been established by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). If you’re shopping on Amazon, you’ll find that most travel routers that have been widely rated and reviewed support the latter.
• You’ll also want to pay attention to the router’s data transfer rate , which is usually listed in megabits per second (Mbps) . A router that operates anywhere from 50 or 100 Mbps is sufficient for streaming videos in 4K or online gaming; however, if you’ll be using the internet heavily for work and leisure, you might want to opt for one with a Mbps of at least 100 Mbps.
• You’ll also want to shop for a router that supports 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) and 5 GHz bands . This will offer a faster speed and increased bandwidth to support multiple devices while minimizing lag.
• The option of being able to connect to the internet via an Ethernet cable can also come in handy when a wireless connection won’t cut it — you might want to look for a router that has at least one Ethernet port to plug directly into your devices.

When you’re traveling, you might use a public network to connect to the internet, and if you want to keep your sensitive information private, a router with WPA3 or WPA2 encryption is a good option . As an alternative, you can also opt for a router that supports VPN services. (Another option is to use a mobile hotspot device instead of a router so you can access the internet using your cell service instead of a public network.)

Portability and compatibility

Finally, you probably want to opt for a router that has small enough dimensions to comfortably stow in your luggage. These picks are also powered by a USB-A or USB-C port, so you can plug them into your device or a travel-friendly adapter to keep them running while you’re traveling, whether out of state or overseas.

Shop for the best travel routers

In a hurry? These are the best travel routers you can find on Amazon:

• The overall best travel router: GL.iNet GL-MT1300 Wireless Router
• The runner-up : GL.iNet GL-AR750 Travel AC VPN Router
• The budget-friendly option : TP-Link Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router
• Also great: A mobile hotspot for travel: NETGEAR Nighthawk 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot

With all this in mind, you’ll find four of the best routers for taking with you wherever you might head.

1. The overall best travel router

With a 4.5-star overall rating after more than 1,700 reviews, this travel-friendly router is a well-tested option. It can support up to 40 wireless devices at once, plus runs at speeds of up to 400 Mbps on a 2.4 GHz connection and up to 867 Mbps on a 5 GHz connection. It comes with three Ethernet ports so you can directly connect multiple devices to the unit. It offers WPA3 encryption , plus it’s compatible with more than 30 VPN providers to help keep your information private. Just keep in mind that using a VPN service may come at an additional cost. The router comes with a USB-C-compatible power adapter and an Ethernet cable.

Positive Amazon review: “This product was purchased to serve as a travel router for my RV. I shopped around extensively, reading multiple reviews and specifications. In short, I am extremely pleased with the product, especially with the OpenWRT-based software. Easy plug ‘n’ play, but also highly configurable. The USB2.0 port is a bit weak for powering an external hard drive, but that is to be expected (no issues with flash or NAND drives). The compact size, configurability, and price point make this a great choice.”

Wi-Fi standard: 802.11ac | Bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz | Data transfer rate : Up to 867 Mbps | Ethernet connection: Yes (1 WAN and 2 LAN ports) | Security: WPA3 | Size: 4.6 x 3.3 x 1.2 inches (length x width x height)

Also available on: Walmart , $72

2. The runner-up

Like the previous option, this travel router has three Ethernet ports to connect your devices, in addition to a USB-A port to keep it powered up. It supports WPA2 encryption and has pre-installed OpenVPN, and it supports over 30 other VPN service providers. The main contrast to the above option is that it has a lower data transfer rate, which maxes out at 300 Mbps at 2.5 GHz and 433 Mbps at 5 GHz. But on the plus side, the router comes with a USB cable and power adapter, plus an Ethernet cable, so you can use it straight out of the box.

Positive Amazon review: “I travel all over the world and at the majority of accommodations I’m forced to use the room computer cable for internet. I need Wi-Fi for my phone, tablet & laptop… and this travel router worked great. Easy setup and has yet to fail me. Great product.”

Wi-Fi standard: 802.11ac | Bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz | Data transfer rate: Up to 433 Mbps | Ethernet connection: Yes (1 WAN and 2 LAN) | Security: WPA2 | Size: 3.5 x 2.7 x 0.9 inches (length x width x height)

Also available on: Walmart , $45

3. The budget-friendly option

Those looking for a budget-friendly but quality option might appreciate this wireless travel router . The dual-band unit supports speeds of up to 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 433 Mbps on 5 GHz bands. It is WPA2 encrypted, so you can securely surf the web on a public Wi-Fi network. Like the previous option, it is powered via a micro-USB source and includes a power adapter to plug into a power outlet — but it only has one Ethernet connection, so you can only connect one device at a time using the included Ethernet cable.

Positive Amazon review: “This worked perfectly for me while traveling and staying in hotels. I followed the very simple instructions they provide and I was connected within minutes. I used this to secure my connection to the public Wi-Fi within a hotel. It also extended my coverage for my phone which was needed because I could not connect to T-mobile within the hotel room.”

Wi-Fi standard: 802.11ac | Bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz | Data transfer rate: Up to 433 Mbps | Ethernet connection: Yes (1 WAN/LAN port) | Security: WPA2 | Size: 2.6 x 2.9 x 0.9 inches (length x width x height)

Also available on: Walmart , $42

Also great: A mobile hotspot for travel

If you want a mobile hotspot , this is a prime choice. It’s compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, and can provide up to 13 hours of use before it needs to be charged. The device has one Ethernet port, so you can connect your device directly to it, plus a USB-C port for charging it between uses (a USB-C cable and AC adapter are included) — as well as other compatible devices that might be in need of some juice. Whether operating on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, it runs at up to 150 Mbps, which is lower than other options on this list, but it should still be sufficient for surfing the internet and streaming videos in 4K. Keep in mind that it is a splurge, but several Amazon reviewers who travel frequently have reported that it’s well worth the cost.

Positive Amazon review: “I travel with the family from the US to our home in Croatia every other year. Instead of tethering my iPhone this time, I opted to get a dedicated hotspot. This thing is amazing. Works with both A1 and Hrvatski Telekom SIM cards without issue. (You do have to make a phone call to activate these cards from a secondary phone, then insert the sim into the hotspot, however this may be with only these providers). I can stream both from my FireTv in HD as well as Google Music while surfing the internet. This all on multiple devices at the same time. All this whilst in a stone home over 100 years old. Also took this thing on a sailboat while traveling from Split to Hvar and Brać. No issues. Must have for travelers who travel for extended periods AND do not want to set up year long internet service.”

Wi-Fi standard: 802.11ac | Bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz | Data transfer rate: Up to 150 Mbps | Ethernet connection: Yes (LAN port) | Security: N/A (uses cell network) | Size: ‎4.15 x 4.15 x 0.8 inches (length x width x height)

Also available on: Office Depot , $430, and Staples , $430

About the recommender

Danielle Calma is a commerce writer who researches and recommends products for shoppers, and she has covered topics related to tech and gadgets for publications including Inverse , Bustle , and Elite Daily .

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TP-LINK Travel Router - AC750 WiFi 5 Dual-Band Gigabit Wireless Router

Key Features

• WiFi 5 (802.11ac), WiFi 4 (802.11n), 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a
• 1 x Fast Ethernet Wan/LAN Ports
• Single-Core Processor
• 2 Internal Fixed Antennas
• Dual Band (2.4 GHz/5 GHz), AC750

Protect and Support Info about service plan

• --> No Service Plan