The Best Travel Routers

When you’re traveling, a reliable internet connection can make all the difference. The best travel routers are designed to be compact, lightweight, and packable, so they won’t take up valuable space in your bag. More importantly, they’re easy to set up and provide dependable wireless and wired connectivity, ensuring you can stay online whether you’re in a hotel, an Airbnb, or working from a café overseas.

For frequent and casual travelers alike, a good travel router is more than a convenience, it’s a tool that simplifies connecting multiple devices, improves security, and makes managing public WiFi networks less of a hassle. Instead of fighting with clunky captive portals or unreliable hotel networks, the right router creates your own private, consistent connection with your preferred SSID.

After researching and testing a wide range of options, we narrowed down our picks to these three standout models from GL.iNet. GL.iNet is unmatched when it comes to delivering travel routers that balance portability, performance, and user-friendly features, while leveraging open-source standards like OpenWrt for unmatched customization and security, making them excellent choices for anyone who wants to stay connected on the go.

GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX)

Best Overall Option

A compact WiFi 6 travel router with dual-band speeds, VPN support, and simple setup, ideal for secure and reliable internet on the go.

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The GL.iNet GL-MT3000, better known as the Beryl AX, earns its spot as the best overall travel router thanks to its balance of portability, performance, and ease of use. Small enough to fit in a pocket yet powerful enough to handle demanding connections, it is well-suited for anyone who wants reliable internet access while traveling.

As a Wi-Fi 6 router, the Beryl AX provides faster speeds, lower latency, and greater efficiency when multiple devices are connected at once. It offers dual-band support, making it easy to separate streaming and browsing traffic, while also ensuring stronger performance on congested networks. The compact design houses fold-flat antennas for convenience, and setup is quick whether you’re plugging into hotel Ethernet or connecting through public Wi-Fi.

One of the most valuable features of the Beryl AX is its advanced security support. It comes ready for VPN services, including both OpenVPN and WireGuard, which can be configured directly on the device. This allows all connected devices to share a secure, encrypted connection without the need to install VPN clients individually. For travelers using untrusted networks, this is an important safeguard.

The router also supports built-in ad-blocking, reducing clutter and improving browsing speed. Like other GL.iNet devices, it runs on an open-source firmware foundation that gives users room to customize settings or add extra functionality. For those who want more than a plug-and-play router, this flexibility makes the Beryl AX stand out.

Beyond security and connectivity, the Beryl AX includes practical extras. It supports USB tethering, so you can share your phone’s data connection, and it has dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired setups. It also supports TF cards and USB storage, letting it function as a simple media server or file-sharing hub when needed. These small touches make it more versatile than most other travel routers.

The Beryl AX does not include a built-in battery, so it requires a power source, but it is highly efficient and can be powered by a standard USB-C charger or portable power bank. This makes it adaptable to a variety of travel situations, from working in hotels to setting up a quick hotspot at the airport.

At the end of the day, the GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) is the best choice for most travelers because it combines modern Wi-Fi 6 speeds, excellent security features, and portable convenience in one affordable package. It strikes the right balance between size, performance, and ease of use, making it the most well-rounded option for staying connected on the go.

GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX)

Best Upgrade Pick

A powerful WiFi 6 travel router with strong security, VPN support, and compact design for reliable connections anywhere you go.

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The GL.iNet GL-AXT1800, also known as the Slate AX, is a pocket-sized travel router that delivers an impressive mix of portability and power. Despite its compact design, it manages to pack in features normally reserved for larger home routers, making it one of the most versatile options for travelers who need reliable connectivity.

This dual-band router supports Wi-Fi 6, providing faster speeds and better efficiency when multiple devices are connected. It includes two Gigabit Ethernet ports along with a WAN port, which is particularly useful for setting up a secure network when plugging into hotel internet. The fold-flat antennas make it easy to slip into a backpack or carry-on, and once deployed it offers excellent coverage with the ability to handle up to 120 connected devices without congestion.

In terms of security, the Slate AX comes preloaded with AdGuard software for built-in ad blocking, along with support for OpenVPN and Tor. These features make it well-suited for users who want to maintain privacy and avoid unwanted interruptions while browsing. The ability to integrate VPN services directly into the router is especially helpful when using untrusted public Wi-Fi networks.

Beyond connectivity and security, the AXT1800 adds convenient extras that expand its functionality. It supports both TF card and USB storage devices, enabling media streaming or file sharing on the go. This effectively turns the router into a mini NAS hub, letting you access and transfer files between devices without relying on cloud storage.

One limitation is that the Slate AX does not include an internal battery. This means it needs to be plugged into a power source during use, though it works with most standard USB-C chargers and power banks. It also lacks cellular connectivity, but users can still tether their smartphone through the USB port to share a mobile data connection.

Even with these trade-offs, the value is hard to ignore. The Slate AX is positioned as a fairly priced router given the wide range of features it offers, from high-performance Wi-Fi 6 speeds to advanced VPN support. It balances convenience with capability, making it a standout choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Overall, the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 stands out as a feature-rich option that goes beyond basic travel router expectations. With strong wireless performance, extensive customization, and thoughtful extras like ad-blocking and file sharing, it provides an excellent blend of portability and functionality. For those who want more than just a simple hotspot, it’s a travel companion that delivers.

GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal)

Best Budget Option

A compact dual-band travel router with VPN support, gigabit ports, and secure Wi-Fi repeater mode, perfect for reliable on-the-go connectivity.

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The most affordable travel router of the GL.iNet lineup is the GL-SFT1200, also known as the Opal. The Opal is a simple router designed for travelers who want reliable basic performance without paying for extra features they may never use. Compact and lightweight, it easily slips into a pocket or bag, making it one of the most portable options available today. Designed with travelers in mind, it provides a dual-band wireless experience, advanced VPN compatibility, and a compact build that makes it easy to carry anywhere. Despite its small size and affordable price, the Opal doesn’t cut corners on performance or functionality, making it an excellent choice for those seeking reliable connectivity while on the move.

This router features AC1200 dual-band Wi-Fi, delivering speeds up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867 Mbps on the 5GHz band. The 2.4GHz band is ideal for lightweight tasks such as browsing or emailing, while the 5GHz band provides the power needed for streaming or bandwidth-heavy applications. This ensures smooth performance whether you’re working remotely, streaming entertainment, or managing multiple connected devices. Although real-world speeds vary based on your setup, the inclusion of dual-band flexibility keeps it versatile for a wide range of situations.

Travelers will also appreciate the lightweight design, weighing only 145 grams, which makes it easy to pack and carry without adding bulk. The retractable antennas enhance portability while still allowing for improved signal reception when extended. For optimal performance, positioning the antennas vertically ensures stronger coverage, making it easier to maintain stable connections in hotels, airports, or other shared environments.

Another advantage of the GL-SFT1200 is its full gigabit port support. With two gigabit LAN ports and one gigabit WAN port, it can handle high-speed wired connections for laptops or other devices that require stable, wired internet access. This is a feature not often found at this price point and adds versatility for users who want both wireless and wired connectivity options while traveling.

Security is another strong selling point of the Opal. It comes pre-installed with OpenVPN and WireGuard, supporting over 30 VPN service providers right out of the box. Cloudflare encryption and IPv6 support further strengthen its ability to protect user privacy. A physical toggle switch allows you to quickly enable or disable VPN features once configured in the admin panel, making it simple to secure your internet connection even on unfamiliar or public networks.

For those who frequently connect to public Wi-Fi, the GL-SFT1200 includes a Wi-Fi repeater mode. This allows you to convert public networks into your own private, secure Wi-Fi environment. It not only protects your devices from potential threats on shared networks but also provides a layer of reliability when dealing with time-limited or unstable public connections. Reconnecting is straightforward if a public hotspot enforces time restrictions, ensuring you remain online with minimal hassle.

All in all, the Opal combines portability, security, and performance in a budget-friendly package. Its dual-band speeds, VPN support, wired and wireless flexibility, and compact travel-ready design make it a practical companion for anyone looking for reliable internet access on the go. For those who value affordability without compromising on essential features, the Opal remains one of the best budget options in the travel router category.

A reliable travel router can make the difference between frustrating connections and a seamless online experience while you’re away from home. Beyond speed, the right device ensures security, simplifies setup on unfamiliar networks, and gives you the flexibility to connect multiple devices without relying on unstable public Wi-Fi. For anyone who works remotely, streams on the go, or simply wants peace of mind when logging in abroad, a travel router is an investment in convenience and stability.

As technology continues to evolve, travel routers are becoming more compact, more powerful, and more secure. Whether you need advanced features like VPN integration and file sharing or just a straightforward way to stay connected, there is a solution designed to fit your needs and budget. With the right router in your bag, you can travel with confidence knowing your connection will be as dependable as your itinerary requires.