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 standout models from GL.iNet and TP-Link. Both brands deliver travel routers that balance portability, performance, and user-friendly features, 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.

Buy on Amazon

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.

Buy on Amazon

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.

TP-Link TL-WR902AC

Best Budget Option

An affordable pocket-sized travel router with dual-band WiFi, multiple modes, and simple setup, perfect for basic on-the-go connectivity.

Buy on Amazon

The TP-Link TL-WR902AC is a simple and affordable travel 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.

This model supports dual-band Wi-Fi 5, which helps reduce congestion and ensures smoother performance for everyday activities. While it lacks the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, it still delivers enough speed for HD streaming, casual online gaming, and file downloads. For those who primarily use their router for browsing or entertainment on the road, the TL-WR902AC’s capabilities are more than adequate.

One of the key features is its flexible operating modes. It can be set up as a router, hotspot, or Wi-Fi extender, making it useful in different environments. The inclusion of a guest mode also provides added convenience, giving you the option to share your connection while keeping your main network separate.

The design is intentionally minimalistic, with portability as its main strength. It does not offer cellular connectivity or cutting-edge performance, and its range is more limited compared to larger or newer models. However, these trade-offs are expected at its price point and do not take away from its reliability for basic travel needs.

Affordability is where the TL-WR902AC truly shines. It comes in well below the cost of many competing travel routers, yet it still provides enough functionality to serve as a dependable travel companion. For those who simply need to connect multiple devices securely while traveling, it gets the job done without unnecessary complexity.

Although the design is older compared to newer releases, the router continues to be relevant because of its balance of price and performance. It remains one of the best entry-level travel routers available, especially for users who value straightforward setup and portability.

Customer feedback reinforces its strengths. With thousands of positive reviews, buyers consistently highlight the ease of setup and the convenience of its pocket-sized form factor. The TL-WR902AC is widely appreciated as a dependable, budget-friendly option that delivers what most travelers need without overcomplicating the experience.

All in all, the TP-Link TL-WR902AC is the best budget option for travelers who prioritize simplicity and value. It may not have the most advanced features, but its portability, affordability, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for basic browsing and streaming on the go.

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.