15 Best Travel Routers of 2023

The best travel routers can keep you in touch no matter where you are in the world.

Look, we all say on our out-of-office email auto-responders that we won’t have access to the internet due to traveling. But, the fact is we’re usually bringing several, if not all, of our devices along for our own convenience.

As far as access to the web? It’s almost impossible not to be connected. But, that’s exactly why you need to look at what travel wifi routers can do for you.

It’s not always secure or reliable to just join any old wifi that happens to be around. The internet can also be more spotty than we’d like in remote areas.

In travel situations like these, the solution is a travel wifi router which is a smaller, portable version of the wifi routers we keep at home. Dallas-based travel consultant Bryan Mondy never leaves home without one of his own travel routers, saying:

But with so many travel routers on the market, which one is really the best for you?

Best Travel Routers to Buy

If you are looking for a quick summary version of the best travel routers, here’s a table highlighting the key aspects of our top picks: There are many reasons people buy portable travel routers.

Some want the best possible internet access while they are in transit while others don’t want their kids to hog the limited bandwidth on the road by streaming Netflix all day long.

Our Favorite Travel Routers

Let’s get into our favorite portable wifi routers for travel. Here are the ones we like that will keep you in touch with the people most important to you.

These portable travel routers were selected based on standard and band, how it’s powered, available ports, and usage modes.

We used professional and end-user reviews to compare and ranked them based on versatility. The more convenient and powerful the travel router, the better!

Best Travel Router for Frequent Travelers

1. Best Overall: TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router

An excellent value for its capabilities, this may be the best portable wireless travel router for overnight travelers. It’s tiny but has several modes besides router mode that makes connecting to a hotel’s ethernet quick and easy.

Its lightweight and small size make this likely the best portable router available as you can slip it into your pocket. Once you’ve set up a password, the travel router will connect all your devices to the hotel’s wifi without needing additional logins.

For power, it offers a micro USB port for a charger or laptop and can function as a power bank. It’s fast too, so if slow hotel wifi makes you want to punch the pillows, this travel wi fi router may solve all your problems.

This product streams like a dream, offers speeds of up to 733 Mbps, and supports dual bands on top of everything else it can do. Buy one for the road and one for home as it’s such a small wireless router with a strong, fast connection.

• Pros: flexible modes for connection, lightweight and small, high speed
• Cons: unclear instructions and aggravating layout with manual switches

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2. RAVPower FileHub (RP-WD009) AC750 Wireless Travel Router

Our travel router review on this lesser-known brand favorably notes the half-pound weight and slim dimensions of this RAVPower unit that makes it simple to pack.

This device connects easily to hotel wifi and has an ethernet port for situations where you’d rather use the hotel’s wired internet.

The battery life is more than adequate, thanks to a 6700 mAh external USB battery, even when streaming to multiple devices. It also works well for transferring files.

With this dual-band travel router, you can get those Instagramable vacation photos and videos off your mobile phone each night at the hotel.

The full-size SD card slot handles several formats. Although not a hotspot, It’s a handy wifi network hub that you can connect to a mobile hotspot and then use as a bridge for your other devices.

• Pros: dual-band, long battery life, handles several devices at a time
• Cons: cumbersome to set up, slow transfer speed

Best Wireless Travel Routers

3. Best Wireless Travel Router: HooToo Tripmate Titan

The HooToo wireless travel router at a wee nine ounces can convert a network that is wired to one that is wireless. Once set up for connecting to an available wifi, it’s easy to link multiple devices.

The travel wifi router can also work as network-attached storage if you plug in a flash drive or other external storage. What also makes the HooToo router one of the best portable wifi routers is its ability to power your devices while you’re on the road with its massive 10,400mAh power bank.

Be prepared to read and re-read the instructions–they’re a little unclear and probably weren’t written in English originally. Supports 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency and has USB-A, micro USB, and ethernet ports. Weighs 9-ounces.

• Pros: compact, NAS capability, huge battery
• Cons: slow streaming, sort of ugly

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Best For Portable Wireless Access Point Use

4. TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (WR802N)

This inexpensive TP link travel router is small enough to carry on trips but powerful enough to reach speeds of 300Mbps with a 2.4 GHz band secure internet connection. Has multiple modes for functioning as a router, repeater, client, hotspot, and access point, and is powered through a micro USB port.

As a portable wireless router for travel, it’s light at a little more than 7 ounces. Set it up first thing as a wifi network and set your devices to remember it.

Despite its teeny-ness, it’s a fully functioning travel router and everything will connect automatically to your personal network.

Set up in this way, you can also use your Fire Stick or Chromecast in your hotel room because you only need to log in to the hotel wifi once with one of your devices.

And if you love your grandma, but hate how a visit to her house cuts you off from the rest of the world, this handy travel router may strengthen your relationship and your internet connection.

It’s not the fastest or has the widest range, but it still has the features and the small size that make it a solid portable wifi router.

• Pros: small, versatile, works as a signal booster
• Cons: slow, comparatively weak signal strength

5. GL.iNet GL-AR300M Mini VPN Travel Router

A portable wireless router workhorse, it has Openwrt firmware preinstalled and supports a long list of VPN service providers and hotspots. The Openwrt firmware makes 2000 packages available to you for any kind of customization you need.

It also features two WAN/LAN Ethernet ports and two USB ports (one USB 2.0 and a micro USB port). This wireless travel router has a data transport speed limit of 300Mbps with a 2.4 GHz band connection, but four types of connection modes.

While it’s a reliable wifi travel router, it does require a 5V/1A wall charger. If sending all your devices through a VPN client is important, you’ll like this one ready to protect your privacy right out of the box. This is definitely one of the best travel routers for secure internet access.

• Pros: fast wifi, supports a virtual private network, small but powerful
• Cons: not straightforward during setup, you will need your own USB wall adapter

6. RAVPower Filehub Travel Wireless Router N300

Tiny and weighing barely an ounce, the RAVPower Filehub wifi travel router is capable of turning a wired internet connection into a wifi network. It lacks an internal battery, but a battery pack can be connected through a mini USB port.

This is the best travel wireless router for those who don’t need many extras and like its portability. Works well for streaming photos and videos to a TV or laptop via built-in DLNA server.

Features one USB port for sharing media and one ethernet port to hook up to hotels, cruise ships, Airbnb treehouse, etc., wifi, and can even act as a wifi extender to strengthen signals. Supports 2.4 GHz band connection.

• Pros: super portable, USB port, has repeater mode
• Cons: no SD card slot, lacks an internal battery

7. TRENDnet Wireless N 150 Mbps Travel Wifi Router

Plugged into a wall outlet, this inexpensive travel wifi router also acts as a wifi extender. Included are swappable plugs so you can use them in North America, the UK, and the rest of Europe.

Why doesn’t everything need electricity to do this? Its data transport speed maximum is 150Mbps with a 2.4 GHz band connection and it has three connection modes: router through ethernet or wifi, repeater, and AP.

Choose whichever connection mode you need by sliding the button on the side. It also has an ethernet port and a couple of USB ports–one for sharing files and one for powering your other small devices. There is no streaming, however.

This is a good travel router for extending signals, charging devices via a USB port, and sharing files. You can turn off the network capability without disrupting the USB functions. Plug it where you need it permanently or throw it in your bag for your road warrior days.

• Pros: interchangeable plugs, great portability, versatile
• Cons: slow performance, limited range

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8. GL.iNet GL-AR150

Another serious contender for the best wireless router for hotel use, it allows private, secure web access from public networks and has a USB port for connection to laptops and power banks for charging.

It weighs less than two ounces too so it’s easy to travel with.

Offers preinstalled OpenWrt and VPN capability for terrific security and have dual ethernet ports. Since there’s no internal battery, this travel router needs to be charged via laptop, external battery, or at the wall.

As a portable travel router, it will transport data at a max speed of 150Mbps with a 2.4 GHz band connection. Hotel wifi can be dodgy, but having the ability to create your own personal wifi network should help you sleep easily.

• Pros: supports VPN, dual ethernet ports, secure and highly programmable
• Cons: not straightforward to set up, only supports 2.4 GHz

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9. NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 Mobile Hotspot 4G LTE Router

This may be the best portable wifi router for you if you have lots of money you don’t know what to do with as it’s on the pricey side. But it offers super fast internet speeds even in super remote areas.

That’s because this portable travel router is also a 4G mobile hotspot, and it supports Gigabit LTE. So no matter where you are, you’re going to get fast internet for up to 20 devices.

Definitely watch your data usage if your plan has limits. To help conserve data, you can also connect the travel router to a hotel or other facility’s wifi with the helpful Offloading feature.

The ethernet function is a bit slow and only uses the 2.4 GHz band. The data transfer rate for this traveling router unit is 150.0 Mb per second on dual bands. It has an app so the face of the thing can be programmed as you like.

It will show you, though, at a glance how many devices are connected, how much data is getting used, the unit battery level, and its network password.

Despite the comparatively large dimensions, this dual-band travel router still only weighs 8.5 ounces. Comes with a 19.78 Wh lithium-ion battery and additional batteries can be purchased and a charger is also included.

Other wireless travel router reviews report that depending on how much you’re doing with it, you can go through power pretty fast. But with moderate use, the NETGEAR portable wireless router for travel should last the day.

• Pros: Gigabit LTE access, dual-band, very customizable
• Cons: pricey, large

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10. TP-Link N150 Wireless 3G/4G Portable Router

Photographers love this battery-powered travel router for its ability to quickly transfer images directly from the camera for easy viewing.

If you’re a photographer out in the field shooting wildlife, families, scenery, brides, grooms, polka bands, or whatever, this will make displaying those precious shots a breeze.

You probably won’t have much choice in charging options either, so your best travel wifi router being battery-powered is a plus. As a small wireless router, it’s efficient and versatile. It provides a moderate range and can stream video quite well.

Transports data at a max speed of 150Mbps with a 2.4 GHz band connection.

• Pros: fast, easy-to-read lights on the top, sleek design
• Cons: only listed cellular modems are supported, battery drains quickly

11. GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext Gigabit Travel AC VPN Router

This unit may be the best travel wireless router for more advanced users who are looking for maximum power and flexibility. Features dual band wifi, three-gigabit ethernet ports and has OpenVPN pre-installed.

No matter what kind of hotel wifi you’re stuck with, this traveling router offers privacy and security. Can also be used as a portable wifi access point in your home. Data transfer comes at a rate of 750.00 MB per second.

After setting up your hotel, you should only have to log in to the hotel’s verification screen once. After that, all your devices will be connected, including Fire Stick and Chromecast.

• Pros: dual band wifi, three-gigabit ethernet ports, supports VPN
• Cons: not straightforward to set up, some configurations need solid technical knowledge

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12. GL.iNet GL-E750 (MUDI) 4G LTE OpenWrt VPN Router

A portable travel router that keeps you secure is important if you’re on the road more days than you’d like to admit (or maybe you love sleeping in a different city every night).

This travel router is also a 4G LTE mobile hotspot that protects you no matter where you are. OpenVPN and OpenWrt provide high levels of safety and security.

Also has dual-band support and the data transfer rate is 433.0 Mb per second. Easily transfer files between devices with a microSD card reader or USB port.

• Pros: TDR and VPN support, 4G LTE support, WireGuard encryption
• Cons: large, pricey

13. GL.iNET GL-AR150 Mini Travel Router

This small wireless router packs a lot of features inside, including built-in VPN support and dual ethernet ports. It’s tiny, weighing less than two ounces–similar to the GL.iNet GL-AR150 detailed above.

This version has an external 2bdi antenna. Use it to convert your smartphone’s 3 or 4G connection and create a private, secure wireless network for all the devices you’ve got with you.

Its data transport speed is 150Mbps. As far as wireless travel router reviews, it’s getting really good comments from users who love its versatility and the ability to connect multiple devices.

Think of bringing your voice-controlled virtual assistant (Alexa, Google Assistant) along on your travels for wake-up calls, music, reminders, and more. Pretty cool.

• Pros: supports VPN, dual ethernet ports, supports 4G
• Cons: not straightforward to set up, only supports 2.4 GHz

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14. GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 Portable Wifi Router for Traveling Wireless Mini 

This inexpensive travel router for hotel wifi is lightweight and works to protect your privacy while offering a good data transfer speed of a maximum of 300Mbps in 2.4GHz.

Log in with your smartphone and connect to the wifi in your room without already knowing a ton about configurations. Pack this portable wireless router for travel, and all your devices will be connected at faster speeds.

Features pre-installed OpenWRT offering more than 4000 packages and OpenVPN for security. Despite its whimsical color and light weight of 1.41 ounces, it offers all the functionality of a full-size router with dual ethernet ports and can serve as a gateway for Internet of Things (IoT) development.

Works well for families with a gazillion devices all needing room numbers, passwords, your blood type, and whatever else the hotel needs for internet access.

• Pros: inexpensive, nice, bright color, lightweight
• Cons: vague instructions, clunky user interface

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15. TP-LINK M7350 4G LTE Mobile WiFi Wireless Router / Hotspot 

This one may be last on our list of best portable routers, but it’s not for lack of features. It provides 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band wifi and comes with a 2550mAh battery.

The download speed is 150Mbps and supports 4G LTE. As a portable wifi access point, It’s not as small as the others on our list, but it’s still lightweight with rounded corners and seems to resist fingerprints.

The unit also has a screen that tells you speed and data usage as it’s working which is a pretty cool feature. It does not give you any diagnostics about your signal.

For reconfigurations to make it the best travel router for your needs, you’ll have to use its web interface as there’s no developed mobile app. Transfer files with the MicroSD card slot or USB port. The above is our list. If you want to check for more options. Take a look at the best sellers as ranked by Amazon.

• Pros: good performance, long-lasting battery, nice web interface
• Cons: bulky, pricey

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Tips for Buying a Travel Router

Whatever your reason is for buying a portable router, here are some tips on choosing the best one for you:

• Make sure that your data plan can handle tethering if you plan to use a mobile hotspot, especially with multiple devices
• Check whether or not the travel router is compatible with third-party networks
• If you plan to use a mobile hotspot, how much data do you need per day?
• Where do you travel to? If you travel internationally, you’ll need to ensure the travel router has maximum flexibility and a secure wireless network (consider using a VPN server).
• What devices will be connecting to your portable travel router?
• What Wi-Fi network speed do you want? 

If you’ll need to use your best portable WiFi for both business and personal purposes while on the move, select one that offers simultaneous dual-band transmission. The main difference between these types of wireless Internet devices is the networking capacity in terms of bandwidth.

Because single-band routers only transmit data on one channel, they offer lower speeds than dual-band or tri-band models (single-bands can achieve approximately 30% less lag than dual-band).

Since you’re going to use a gaming router for both work and play, it’s critical that it switches between two 5Ghz networks automatically when you play games.

What is a travel router?

Portable wireless connection points are known as routers. They can operate in the same way at home for years without interruption and may even be taken on trips. Consider having a portable router during your trip since you’ll require a Wi-Fi router to join the Internet at home.

It’s a small, portable wifi travel router pocket extender that may be used to connect any of your devices to a wireless network or an ethernet cable at any place where you might need to travel, either remote locations, hotels, resorts, etc.

Then, there are other travel routers that provide their own wireless networks without the need for an existing wifi network.

Do you need a travel router?

Many hotels and hotel restaurants can only be used with the same smartphone or computer in the wireless access point. Through a travel router, we can use all of our connected WiFi devices at once without additional charges or bandwidth issues.

We recommend getting a travel router that supports a VPN service to use public Wi-Fi on those overnight stays or length vacations, especially if you frequently use public wireless networks such as trains, hotels, buses, etc.

If you frequently travel to places with a wired network that you feel comfortable using such as a family or friend’s home, a travel router may not be necessary for you.

Or, if you simply only use your mobile devices that have a strong data connection, a travel router may be something to skip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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