Some public Wi-Fi networks aren’t always safe and stable, and it can get expensive to keep buying new SIM cards with hotspot features. Wi-Fi networks in even the best hotels and Airbnb are often spotty and packed if you’ve traveled a lot. Buying a good portable router is one of the best and least expensive options to keep linked while traveling. Find out all about trip routers in this article, and then look through our selection of the best ones.
What to Look for in a Wireless Travel Router
1. Portability
To find the best compact router for traveling, you should consider how big it is. These travel items are becoming more and more common. They come in many sizes, some small enough to fit in your pocket or purse. You might be tempted by the ultra-sleek and simple routers, but if you need real speed, great connectivity, and advanced features, you might need to go with a slightly bigger device.
2. Frequency
Different travel routers have different radio bands that they work on. Some only work on 2.4 GHz, while others work on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Routers that are smaller and less expensive usually only have one band, which can slow down Wi-Fi.
3. Security
One of the best things about taking a portable router with you on trips is that it lets you turn public Wi-Fi networks into private ones. The routers on this list all support the WPA2 security standard, and most of them come with VPN and network security software already installed to keep your devices even safer.
4. Hotspot Capability
Some travel routers can also connect to LTE networks and can be used as portable hotspots by adding a SIM card and a data plan from your phone service. This could be very helpful since
Most routers can connect to a lot more devices than just your phone, and they have their batteries.
5. Extender Capability
A lot of routers for travel can also be used as range extenders to make Wi-Fi reception better. This is very useful for hotel Wi-Fi networks and other public networks that join, but aren’t strong enough or fast enough to get the job done.
6. Advanced Specs
Travel routers offer a range of Wi-Fi speeds and can connect to anywhere from two or three to over 100 devices at the same time. Some portable routers can also be used as portable file servers and have different amounts of storage space. This can be useful for remote workers who need to free up room on their phones or tablets. The more expensive travel routers will usually have the best specs, but based on how you plan to use them, a simpler model may be all you need for connectivity and storage.
1. Netgear Nighthawk M1 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot
Check out the Netgear Nighthawk M1 Wi-Fi Router if you want a solid portable router that can also be used as a mobile hotspot. This small, dual-band phone is unlocked and can be used with any major cell service provider. However, AT&T and T-Mobile’s internet plans work best with it. You can use it by getting a micro SIM card and a data plan from your provider, and then putting the SIM card into the device.
Now you can go anywhere with a fast, secure wireless link. This model is a little more expensive than most, but it has a powerful 5,040mAh battery that can last up to 24 hours, and it is regularly rated as one of the best LTE hotspot routers for travel. It has an Ethernet port, a USB-A port, and a USB-C port, and it can also be used as a portable charger for your phones. The Nighthawk router lets up to 20 devices join at the same time, and its slim, portable design makes it easy to throw in your bag or purse.
2. GL.iNet GL-MT1300 (Beryl) VPN Wireless Little Travel Router
This pocket-sized device from GL.iNet is another cheap wireless travel router that would be a great option for the Slate AX. This router doesn’t have as many features as its more expensive cousin, but it still has a lot of great ones that should meet most users’ needs for connectivity. The Beryl Router can connect to up to 40 wireless devices at the same time, and its dual-band Wi-Fi speeds can reach up to 867 Mbps, which is very fast.
The device comes with OpenVPN and WireGuard already installed and has 256 MB of storage space. This is a good amount of storage space, protection, and flexibility. The device has two antennas that fold down for easy storage and travel, as well as three Ethernet ports, a USB port, and a power port.
3. GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Gigabit Travel Router
These are the first items on our list. They are the best travel Wi-Fi routers that we have found. This high-tech dual-band router has Wi-Fi 6 access and can connect to up to 120 devices at the same time. Its connection is faster and safer than some other manufacturers. An 1800 Mbps dual-band Wi-Fi speed, easy file sharing, built-in ad blocking and network security software, and a repeater that turns a public Wi-Fi network into a private one are just a few of the advanced wireless features that the Slate AX router has to offer.
This device can connect to over 30 different VPN services thanks to the OpenVPN client that comes with it. This compact router has a strong connection and great performance, but it’s only five inches wide and weighs 8.5 ounces. A power USB-C port, a USB-3 port, one WAN port, and two LAN ports are on the front of the router.
4. Ravpower FileHub AC750 Wireless Travel Router
This stylish, compact router can turn any public Wi-Fi network into a private one right away. It has a fast 300 Mbps Wi-Fi speed on the 2.4 GHz band and up to 433 Mbps on the 5GHz band. You can store photos and videos on the router, and it also lets you quickly and wirelessly move data and large files between your mobile devices, SD cards, flash drives, and external hard drives.
This router lets up to five devices join at the same time, which makes it a great choice for digital nomads, photographers, social media addicts, and anyone else who travels with a lot of important data on a lot of devices.
5. TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router
Finally, we have a cheap choice that has a stylish and portable design, a low price, and high-tech features that make it one of the best routers for travel on the market right now. This amazing device is very small and light, which makes it perfect for people who want something that they can carry with them anywhere.
Strong and quick, the dual-band Wi-Fi works well with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz devices, like Amazon Fire Sticks and Chromecast adapters. The USB port makes it easy to charge and share files, and TP-link provides a two-year warranty and free technical help.
FAQ’s
Q1. Why do I need a wireless travel router for my adventures?
A wifi travel router is necessary for staying connected while you're flying. Your own personal Wi-Fi hotspot is created, so you can connect to the internet safely and reliably no matter where your travels take you.
Q2. What features should I look for in a wireless travel router?
Think about everything from how portable it is to how long the battery lasts, how far it can reach, what security features it has, and how easy it is to set up. To get a wide range of connections, look for routers that work with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
Q3. Can these travel routers be used with any device?
Most wireless travel routers do work with a lot of different devices, like laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other smart tools. To get the most out of the router, make sure that all of your gadgets can connect to Wi-Fi.
