best travel router for chromecast

Best Travel Routers – 2023 Round-up

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If you’ve ever found yourself using the free wifi at a coffee shop or logging into the connection at a hotel and wondered about how secure the connection is, you’re not alone.

These days, you can’t be too careful. That’s why having a travel router is essential for anyone who spends a lot of time online while away from home.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Travel Routers

• OUR TOP PICK: TP-Link TL-WR802N
• RUNNER-UP: GL.iNet GL-AR750
• GL.iNet GL-AR300M16 Portable Router

Comparison of the Best Travel Routers

What to look for when buying a travel router.

There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a travel router. Here are a few things to consider.

When it comes to the internet, speed is important. When you’re traveling, there’s a good chance you want to be able to stream movies or music, so you need a fast connection. Look at the specs of the router you’re considering and make sure it’s capable of doing what you need it to do.

• External power supply
• Pocket-sized for portability
• 300 Mbps wifi speed, 2.4GHz band
• 2-year warranty, 24/7 tech support
• JD Power Award for customer satisfaction
• Difficult to configure
• May not reach promised speeds

What Recent Buyers Report

Most users report that this router is effective and does what it promises. A lot of people mention they use this when traveling for work and that it works great in hotel rooms. That said, a few people - even those who claim to do IT for a living - had a difficult time configuring it.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We love how quickly you can use this router to set up a portable hotspot that you can share with family and friends. In addition to having multiple modes, it’s also fast enough to work with streaming video, including from a Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick. The security encryption is great, too, so you can rest assured that your data is protected.

It’s a travel router, so it’s going to be small, but we still love how easily it slips into your backpack or purse. This router also comes with a lot of useful accessories, including a power adapter, nano router, Ethernet cable, USB cable, resource CD, and installation guide.

Bottom Line

This is a great choice if you’re looking for a travel router that’s convenient enough to fit in your pocket. It has multiple modes, advanced encryption security, and is covered by a two-year warranty.

Runner-up: GL.iNet GL-AR750

• 1-year warranty
• Compatible with 3G/4G USB modems
• OpenVPN and WireGuard pre-installed
• Dual-band router with wireless speeds up to 300 Mbps
• 3 Ethernet ports, 128 MB RAM, USB port, and MicroSD slot
• Setup can be tricky
• Cannot handle too many devices at the same time

For the most part, people are pretty happy with this router. Setup can be a bit of a headache, but once it's up and running, users were satisfied. That said, there were a few complaints about service cutting out or slowing down when too many devices were connected.

This router converts either wired or wireless networks into a secure wifi signal that you can share with your friends and family. OpenVPN supports more than 20 service providers, and it has impressive data encryption so you can feel comfortable about your data and security.

We were impressed by this router’s external storage. It supports microSD up to 120GB and has 128MB of RAM and a 16MB Flash. There are three Ethernet ports, too, so you can attach multiple devices.

Another great thing about this router is that it can use a laptop or power bank as the power supply, a great feature to have when traveling.

This programmable router is a good choice for someone who wants something they can customize. With three Ethernet ports and a flexible power supply, this router is an ideal travel companion.

Best for the Money: GL.iNet GL-AR300M16 Portable Router

• Affordable choice
• Has 4 modes
• 300 Mbps data transfer speed
• Larger storage capacity
• Supports over 30 or more VPN providers
• Has only 2 Ethernet ports
• Compatibility issues at first setup
• Lesser-known manufacturer

According to recent buyers, the GL.iNet GL-AR300M16 Portable Router is one of the best travel routers in the market, and it can handle anything you throw at it. With 4 modes – Router, Repeater, HotSpot, and AP plus two Ethernet ports, this little device will keep you connected no matter where you are.

Why It Stands Out to Us

The GL.iNet’s GL-AR300M16 Portable Router boasts whopping data transfer speeds of up to 300 Mbps, which is an incredible feat for a travel pocket router with such as compact size.

This tiny powerhouse unit comes with a larger storage capacity of 128 MB RAM, making it perfect for busy households, dynamic travel vloggers, researchers, or small businesses. 

In addition, it supports over 30 VPN providers so that you can keep your browsing and streaming habits totally private. Whether you’re at home or outside, this router delivers anywhere you go.

This portable router is for anyone who wants a combination of affordability and high-quality performance. While a lesser-known manufacturer makes the GL-AR300M16, it's still one of the best travel routers on the market today for users who want to stay connected all the time.

Upgrade to the GL-AR300M16 to enjoy faster speeds plus more extensive and more reliable storage capacity. This router is tailored for professionals, small businesses, and travel vloggers who are always moving around and require a stable internet connection anytime and anywhere.

Best Travel Router for Hotels: TP-Link TL-WR902AC

• 2-year warranty
• 750 Mbps data transfer rate
• Unlimited 24/7 tech support
• Uses a micro USB adapter to charge
• Dual-band wifi for a reliable, fast connection
• Tricky to set up
• Poor instructions

For the most part, people are really happy with this product. The signal is great, and the speed is impressive. There were some mentions that the device didn’t work as a repeater as well as people had hoped. Some people also felt it was a little tricky to set up and that tech support wasn’t very helpful.

The small size and mini USB power supply are convenient and ideal for travel. It uses the fastest wifi technology which makes it a great choice for streaming and running multiple applications at the same time.

We also like that this router can work as a portable charger, splitting power so it’s easy to recharge multiple devices while on the go. It has multiple modes and functions as a range extender, access point hotspot, and, of course, a router.

It’s also covered by a two-year warranty, which is a good sign that the company is willing to stand behind its product.

Here’s another great option if you’re looking for something multifunctional, which is a safe bet when you’re traveling. It has multiple modes and works fast and reliably. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a two-year warranty.

Best Wireless Travel Router: GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2

• Works as a WiFi hotspot
• Compatible with 3G/4G modems
• Open source and programmable for versatility
• Pre-installed OpenVPN client compatible with more than 30 VPN providers
• Open VPN unreliable
• Unreliable customer service

A lot of people were honestly surprised by how well this product worked, especially considering how affordable it is. Setup is easy and most people agreed that it performs reliably. Others mentioned that it worked great for a while but didn’t have the longevity they were hoping for.

The thing that stood out to us the most about this product is the price tag. It’s extremely affordable, and better yet, it works. Since it has OpenVPN and Wireguard, it supports more than 30 popular OpenVPN service providers, making set up pretty easy.

This product is small, lightweight, and easy to use. You can connect it to public Ethernet, an existing wireless network, or an access point. It’s open-source and programmable so you can tweak it if you have some IT skills. Plus, it’s covered by a one-year warranty.

If you’re looking for a device that’s affordable and has all the basic features you’re looking for, this is a great product to try. We love that it’s open-source and programmable but also easy to set up at the same time.

Best Travel Router for Chromecast: TP-Link N300 Portable Router

• Budget-friendly option
• Supports a wide range of OS
• Chromecast-enabled unit
• Swift data transmission speeds
• Check device compatibility before buying
• Has only 1 Ethernet port
• Plenty of used items on sale

A consumer reported that this is a very versatile travel router. The device is so tiny that it can be packed away when not in use. It has an easy-to-use software program for switching between modes of operation, making this product perfect for traveling.

The TP-Link’s N300 Router is an excellent budget-friendly option for various users such as students, educators, professionals, and mobile gamers working within a target budget.

This device has incredible versatility as it can support a wide range of operating systems such as Linux, Windows, Mac, and UNIX, making it great for both personal and business use.

Additionally, it’s Chromecast-enabled, making it easy to stream from your smartphone to larger LED television screens for your favorite movies at home or professional presentations at work.

This tiny router is perfect for people on the go. It has a 2-year warranty and has only one Ethernet port, so you can be sure it will last. Whether you're using it at home or on the road, this router is an excellent option for anyone who needs internet access anytime and anywhere.

The TP-Link N300 Router is Chromecast-enabled, making it easy to stream your favorite shows and movies without any frustrating buffering delays. On the other hand, it is vital to check the portable travel router’s compatibility with your current devices before you buy.

What is a Travel Router?

A travel router is just like the router you use at home, only it’s smaller and meant to be taken with you for convenience. Instead of using the internet coming into your home from your internet service provider, a travel router is meant to use public wifi, providing you with an extra layer of security.

There are a lot of options for travel routers out there. Some perform the basic functions of a router while others are multifunctional and can come in handy while you travel.

When the tech company I worked for restructured and I ended up jobless, I decided to put the wealth of knowledge and management skills to use somewhere new. I’d checked out a few buyer’s guides on the site in the past and reached out to the previous owner. A few months later, here we are. Now, I get to be behind the scenes, helping people find the best tech.

Savvy Travel Advice

Best Travel Routers for Internet while Traveling

Last updated: June 1, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 229 Comments

These days most travelers want to be able to get online regularly while traveling to check email, get directions, check hotel and restaurant reviews, upload photos, update social media, and stay in touch with those back home. Travel routers can help with this.

It is definitely easier to stay connected as wireless Internet is now widely available in most parts of the world but there are still a number of situations when it can be tricky (or expensive) to connect.

As travel bloggers who regularly have to manage our business on the go, it is often really important for us to be able to get online on a regular basis while traveling and it can be very frustrating when we are in a hotel with weak Wi-Fi, we are being restricted from using multiple devices on one Internet connection, or we would like more security when using an unsecured public hotspot.

A travel router is a compact little device which solves these common Internet issues and offers a number of features to the on-the-go traveler who wants to stay connected. In this post we’re going to go through some of the best travel router options available on the market today based on real-world testing and personal experiences, so you can pick the right option for you.

Table of Contents:

Basic Information on what a Travel Router Does

If you are new to travel routers, also known as portable WIFI routers, this section will help you understand what they do and whether they might be a good fit for your travels or not.

We understand that a lot of the terminology can be somewhat opaque, so Laurence has put his years of experience as a software engineer to use to help explain everything you need to know.

What is a Travel Router?

A travel router is a wireless range extender designed for people who are on the go and need to connect to the Internet when they are away from home. It also performs the functions of a wireless access point.

Just like you would use a home WiFi router to connect your devices to the Internet at home, you may also want to consider having a portable router to use when traveling.

What does a Travel Router do?

Different wireless travel routers have different features, but the main feature is that they increase the range of existing wireless Internet networks. So for example, if you are in a hotel with a weak wireless signal that you are having difficulty connecting to with your laptop or phone, the travel router will amplify the signal so you can connect more easily.

Here is an overview of the main features of a travel router:

• A travel router can extend the range of wireless networks , meaning you can connect to a network somewhere that you might not have been able to connect to with your device because the signal is too weak. The powerful antenna of a travel router can pick up this weak signal and amplify it so your devices can connect to it.
• The travel router also creates a secure wireless network at a public hotspot to better protect your devices . Often when traveling the networks we connect to are unsecured and unencrypted, which means anyone could in theory grab hold of passwords or other data that we send to and from the internet. Travel routers feature a firewall which protects your personal devices from known DoS attacks and port scans from the Internet, giving you a more secure internet connection. However, it is still not recommended that you share sensitive information over a public connection. 
• A travel router allows you to connect multiple devices to a network , even with a single login. The travel router is seen by networks as a single device, so if you are only given one login, you can still use multiple devices. You just login once from the travel router via a web browser (or in some cases a provided smartphone app), and then all your devices can be connected to the network created by the travel router.
• Some travel routers can also be used as a WiFi bridge . These have Ethernet ports so you can connect Ethernet-enabled devices wirelessly to an existing WiFi network. These can include Internet-ready TVs, Blu-ray players, and gaming consoles.
• Other features of travel routers may include the ability to connect to a wired network and turn that into a wireless network, to provide USB charging power to devices such as phones. to work without power, and even to act as an SD Card reader or media hub.
• Some travel routers (including one on our list) can also act as mobile hotspots, but this is not common. See our guide to mobile hotspots for more options in this area.

How much do travel routers cost?

Travel routers range in price from about $20 to $130, although more expensive models with more features are available. We’d recommend that most people look at ones in the $30 to $70 range, as these will work for most users.

If you have a small budget, you can get a decent travel router for around $30. See our recommended travel router list later in the article; they are listed in order by retail price. But beware of ones that are really cheap as they may not work well as advertised.

If you need a travel router that also acts as a mobile hotspot or has other specialized features, then you will pay extra. Some of these can be upwards of $200.

The Best Travel Routers 2024

There are a number of travel routers on the market today, which range in price and features. All the below models would make for a good choice, and the model you choose will depend on your budget and required features.

We currently use a GL.iNet GL-MT1300 which replaces our previous and now discontinued Netgear Trek N300 (PR2000).

We also use the Netgear Nighthawk M1 on some trips when we need access to the Internet as this functions primarily as a mobile hotspot, but it can also be used as a travel router.

Below are our current favorite recommendations:

1. GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) Mini Travel Router

This is the first of a few GL.iNet routers that we recommend in this post. We like them for a number of reasons. First, they’re based on the OpenWRT software, which is a Linux based operating system that receives regular updates. GL.iNet keep on top of regular firmware updates, so the routers stay secure and get new features. This is unfortunately not as common as you might think, but it is super important to keep your devices safe.

As an example, the GL.iNet routers we list have all been upgraded to include support for WPA3, the latest wireless security standard. Regular updates and support for new features is definitely a benefit when it comes to a travel router, and means it will likely be more future proof.

Whilst this may all sound quite technical, the good news is that you don’t need to really worry about it if you’re not an advanced user. The devices have a simple interface and are easy to setup, and upgrades are just a single click option. If you want to dive into more advanced options you can, but the device works great out of the box, with setup via a simple web interface.

All the GL.iNet routers in our list also all support VPN credentials (see why you need a VPN for travel here ). This means that if you have a VPN account for more secure browsing like NordVPN , all your devices will connect through that when using this device.

The MT300N-V2 model, also known as Mango, is one of the more entry level options in terms of price and features, but if you’re looking for a small device that will do pretty much everything you are likely to need from a travel router, it’s a great option.

You get 300Mbps 2.4Ghz WiFi support, WPA2 and WPA3 support, and two 100 Mbps Ethernet ports for sharing a wired network. It’s also very privacy-focused. As well as the aforementioned VPN support, it also comes with built-in support for Cloudflare’s DNS over TLS. This basically means your internet connection is going to be pretty secure and hard for anyone to snoop on.

Another great feature is that if you have a smartphone with tethering support, or a 3G/4G data dongle, you can plug this smartphone into the USB 2 port on this router, and share the phone’s data over the router’s WiFi network.

The device is powered by USB, so any USB power source can power it, including a power bank or smartphone charger.

The reviews are positive and it’s available at a great price for a travel router that supports 300Mbps and only weighs 1.41oz. It is not as fully featured as some of the other options, in particular it only operates on the 2.4GHz band and the ethernet ports are 100Mbit rather than gigabit. However for most users this likely won’t make a significant difference.

If you are after a lightweight great value travel router with VPN support, this is a solid option.

Price: Check latest price on Amazon here

2. TP-Link TL-WR1502X Router

Released in 2024, the TP-Link TL-WR1502X wireless travel router offers impressive specifications in a small and relatively affordable package.

This weighs just 5.4oz, is powered by USB and supports up to the Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax standard. On the 2.4GHz channel you get up to 300Mbps, whilst the 5Ghz channel offers speeds up to 1200 Mbps.

These network speeds are more than enough for your travel needs as most networks you connect to when traveling are going to be slower than this.

It also has a USB port that you can connect a smartphone too for tethering purposes. So you can share the internet connection from your smartphone across the network your travel router creates. However this USB port can’t be used to connect a hard drive for file sharing.

There’s also a 1000Mbps ethernet port. It doesn’t have a built-in battery, so it does need to be powered from either a USB battery pack or a wall adaptor.

You also get VPN support, so if you have a subscription to a supported VPN service then you can put the details into the router and it will route all traffic through the VPN.

We think this travel router is an excellent option, as you get more future proof WiFi 6 support and gigabit LAN, as well as VPN credential support, in a well-priced package. It doesn’t have all the features of pricier models, but it’s certainly a compelling option.

Note, TP-Link also makes an older travel router, the TL-WR902AC Router . We wouldn’t recommend that one as it’s now quite an old model, but it is certainly a low cost option.

Price: Check the latest price on Amazon here

3. NewQ Filehub AC 750

If you’re after a travel router with a few more features and great functionality, then the NeqQ Filehub AC750 is a good choice. It may also allow you to replace some of the other devices you typically travel with to pack less.

As well as offering a fast 433Mbps network with support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, this device features a 6700mah battery so it works without needing power, and can also be used to charge your devices.

It also features an SD Card reader and a USB port, so you can transfer files from memory cards to your hard drives or computer. It also has DLNA compatible media serving capabilities, although it is missing built in VPN support.

The latter means you can plug in a hard drive or memory card with your movies on, and stream them directly to your TV, laptop, or mobile phone. There’s a lot of functionality for the price and it weighs under 7 ounces!

Price: Check the latest price on Amazon here .

4. GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Travel Router

The GL-A1300 from Gl.iNet is the latest version of the travel router we currently use. The GL-A1300 supports 400Mbps on the 2.4Ghz channel, and up to 867Mbps on the 5Ghz channel. It also supports up to 40 devices simultaneously, thanks to a relatively fast processor and lots of RAM.

Like the other GL.iNet routers it also gets regular updates and includes support for features like IPv6 and WPA3, as well as lots of other advanced features that make this perfect for both travel and at home use.

Now, to be honest, most WiFi networks you connect to aren’t going to offer internet speeds which this router can take advantage of. However, if you happen to connect to one that is that fast, this device will let you take full advantage of it! It also means when you’re not travelling you can use it at home as a fast network option to extend an existing network.

You also get three gigabit ethernet ports, a faster USB 3.0 port with media server capabilities, a micro SD slot for storage, and a USB-C port for power. As with the other GL.iNet devices in this list, If you have a smartphone that supports tethering, you can plug it into the USB port and share your smartphone data as well. Or, if you have a USB 3G/4G modem, you can plug that into the USB slot and share that data.

This router is also specifically designed to provide good support for a wide range of VPN services as well as support for IPv6, making this one of the most future proof travel routers we’re aware of on the market. It weighs 6.3oz, so it’s not the smallest option, but it’s still very compact and offers a lot of functionality for the price.

5. GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX)

Launched in December 2022, at the time of its launch this travel router took the speed crown from our previous fastest travel router, the GL.iNet GL-MT1300 (Beryl) . As the name suggests, it is an upgrade over the 1300 Beryl model.

If you want one of the fastest and most future proof travel routers on the market, this is the model to go for. With WiFi 6 support, you can get speeds of up to 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz channel and a blazing fast 2402Mbps on the 5Ghz channel.

It also has an incredibly fast dual-core CPU and double the RAM of the previous Beryl model, meaning it can support up to 70 connected devices simultaneously.

You also get a USB 3 port for tethering support and 2 LAN ports. One of those LAN ports offers gigabit speeds whilst the other is 2.5 gigabits, which is about as fast as you can get, and ideal if you also want to use this at home with a fibre connection.

It otherwise has the same features as the other GL.iNet products, so you get regular updates and support for VPN connectivity if you have a VPN account. If you do have a VPN, this router offers WireGuard speeds of up to 300Mbps, which is incredibly fast compared to other travel routers on the market.

To be honest, this router is probably a bit much for most general travel needs. However, If you have a lot of devices to connect, or just want the fastest option with all the features, and support for USB 3, this is the one to go for. At 7oz, it’s not the lightest option out there but you do get incredible performance.

Price : Check latest price on Amazon here .

6. Asus RT-AX57 Go

Launched in early 2024, the Asus RT-AX57 Go is another high end travel router offering very fast WiFi 6 speeds, up to 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 2402Mbps on the 5Ghz channel. That puts it on par with the GT-3000.

In terms of features, this travel router is packed. You get USB-C charging, a USB 3 port which supports tethering as well as file sharing from a portable drive, and 2 gigabit ethernet ports.

It also supports inputing your VPN credentials so you can secure your whole network, rather than having to run VPN software on each client device seperately.

It comes with a fast CPU and plenty of RAM so you will be able to connect multiple devices with no problem.  It’s not the smallest device out there, weighing in at 7.1oz (200g), but it’s still compact enough for travel.

In our opinion, this travel router makes the most sense for those of you who already have a home network WiFi router made by Asus. That’s because this little travel router has the same AiMesh features as its larger siblings, meaning you can use it when not traveling to extend and improve your home WiFi easily.

7. Netgear Nighthawk Range

If you are looking for a product that is both a mobile hotspot and a travel router, the Netgear Nighthawk range of devices, including the Netgear Nighthawk M1 (MR1100) which we discuss below, are an option to consider.

These are specifically for people who know they are going to be traveling in places without WiFi internet access.

As well as offering travel router capabilities like extending an ethernet or wireless network, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 also lets you put a 4G LTE SIM card into it, and use it as a mobile hotspot when you are away from wireless or ethernet.

It has a 5040mAH built in battery which you can use to charge your phone, media streaming support, can connect up to 20 devices, and supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11ac wireless networks.

Note that this can work on multiple bands around the world, but it doesn’t support all bands around the world. Check to make sure it will work where you need it to work before purchasing. The device should come unlocked and be able to work with any compatible SIM card.

This is definitely a more premium product, but may be a good option for more frequent travelers, those who work remotely, and those who need to get online in more remote locations like RVs or rural settings. For more convenient travel, there are cases you can purchase for it to keep the router and cords, such as this one .

If you are looking for an even faster mobile hotspot that also doubles as a travel router, then you might consider the newer versions which support 5G, including the Netgear Nighthawk M5 (MR5200) and the Nighthawk M6 (MR6150 & MR6500).

These offer 5G compatibility, a touchscreen interface, and can support up to 32 devices. They are significantly more expensive than the M1, but worth considering if you have a larger budget and want a more future-proof router that supports 5G. The M6 series additionally supports WiFi 6.

Note that there is also a M2 version of the router available in certain markets like the United Kingdom and Europe. This one also offers more features like a touchscreen interface but it doesn’t include 5G support.

Price: Check latest price here

You can see and compare most of the travel routers above in one place on Amazon here .

What We Like about Travel Routers

Our primary use for our travel router has been to extend existing Wi-Fi connections. We have often encountered the situation when we are happy to learn that a wireless Internet connection exists in a hotel, bus, cafe, or airport but are then disappointed that the connection is too weak to connect to or is very slow.

Our travel router can then be pulled out to help strengthen the signal so that we can get online using our phone, tablet, and/or laptops. Although not always possible, it is also great in those situations where you can extend a Wi-Fi range from a hotel lobby to your room or from an indoor space to a patio.

The device also partially helps with the security issue of using public Wi-Fi hotspots by providing a firewall and some protection from common Internet threats; however, you should still be cautious about providing sensitive personal information over a public connection.

Travel Routers are also great in other traveling situations beyond just extending an existing wireless connection. There are situations where you might only be given a password to connect one device at a time on a wireless network or may have to pay for additional devices. Obviously, since we are traveling as a couple with two cell phones, two laptops, and two Wi-Fi enabled cameras between us, one Internet connection is not enough and we hate to pay for Internet!

So by whipping out this device, it will allow you to connect multiple devices to a wireless network using a single login. You just login once from the travel router via a web browser or the provided smartphone app, and then all your devices can be connected to the travel routers network, where they should all work simultaneously.

Also, if you are in a hotel or other location that only offers wired Internet access in your room, you can plug the Ethernet cable into the travel router and create a wireless connection that can be used for all of your WiFi-enabled devices.     

Interestingly we have ended up using our travel router as much, if not more, at our apartment verses while traveling.  When we lived in California, we had a good wireless Internet connection in our apartment but it became weaker when trying to use a laptop or phone outside on the deck.

We’ve set up the travel router to extend the range of our home wireless network to be able to blog more efficiently on the deck which was one of my favorite spots to blog . We have also used the USB ports on our router to charge cell phones and other devices and to plug in our USB hard drive for use as a network attached storage device to be shared on our home network.

We also like that most of these travel routers are powered through a micro-USB port, so you can actually power them from a laptop or USB power bank if you don’t have easy access to a power point.

Limitations of Travel Routers

Most travel routers are not a mobile hotspot, so they cannot create an Internet connection if one does not already exist.

So if you are wanting to actually use the Internet in place where there is no or very poor WiFi internet, you’ll probably want to consider something like a mobile hotspot rather than a router or range extender product. However, some travel routers allow you to connect your smartphone via USB and share your mobile data over WiFi, which is a good option. 

The Netgear Nighthawk M1 is a combo router and mobile hotspot, and so this could be an option as well if you need a hotspot.

For those wondering how to get online or how to find an Internet connection while traveling, see our travel guide to getting online when traveling . It also covers things like mobile hotspots, SIM cards, international data plans, VPNs, etc.

Sometimes despite the power of a travel router’s antenna, the signal will still be too weak to connect. In a few situations we have spent too much time trying to get a connection to work when the signal is simply just too weak.  Some routers can also take a few minutes to connect to a network which can leave you wondering if it is just taking awhile or if it isn’t working. 

Be sure to check before you buy to make sure the travel router is compatible with your devices! This should not be an issue for most newer devices but some may not work as well with older devices or those using older operating systems.

Do you Need a Travel Router?

Overall, we have found travel routers to be a benefit to our travels. They are generally easy to use once configured, and are compact and easy to travel with.

Given that many hotels only allow you to join a network using one device at a time (or charge extra for multiple devices), having a travel router makes it possible for us to use all our WiFi enabled devices at once without extra fees.

We currently use ours both at home to extend the range of our own home Internet and while traveling to extend wireless Internet connections, to login multiple devices using one password, and to add a little security while using public WiFi hotspots.

What issues do you have related to using the Internet while traveling? Have you used or would you consider using a travel router? As always, we’d love to hear any advice, tips, or questions you may have!

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Andrew Scott Post author

April 13, 2024 at 6:37 am

I’m so overloaded with reviews and information that I decided I’m going to get something you use or recommend. Best review is one where someone recommends something they actually use. Now, you use the GL.iNet GL-MT1300 but Amazon says it’s no longer available. I think it said “try this instead” but I’m wondering if you’d recommend its apparent replace, whose model I can’t remember, or if you’d switch up/to one of the others you recommend/reviewed. Thanks in advance.

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

April 14, 2024 at 1:44 am

Yes, it looks like our Beryl router (MT1300) is showing as unavailable, so it looks like it is either out of stock or has been recently discontinued. GL.iNet has been updating and making new routers pretty regularly over the past several years. So based on that one, we would recommned the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) router . It’s offers pretty much the same feature set as the MT1300, but with improved VPN support. It’s also at roughly the same price point as the one we bought.

If you want support for more recent network technology, then the MT3000 (Beryl AX) would be the option to go for. The Beryl AX (MT3000) is the same model as we have with more advanced technology but at a higher price point. For most travel needs though, the A1300 should work fine.

Either of the above models should work fine for you. We have had good luck with our GL.iNet travel routers and they offer free customer support as well as free returns on Amazon. I would say they are the most reliable brand out on the market right now for regular travel routers. You can, of course, also ask us any questions you may have about routers and we are happy to try to help.

Hope this helps and wishing you happy travels!

Best, Jessica

April 28, 2024 at 7:15 am

Thank you for the full and helpful reply!! Had missed your reply before now.

Regarding “This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links it means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.” can you clarify if it’s any links you include in your webpages (e.g. the links in your blog text and those in comment replies)? I’m ready to purchase a router based on your blog and comment replies and I’d like you to profit from the help and guidance you provide so I want to follow the correct Amazon link. 🙂

Laurence Post author

May 2, 2024 at 4:56 am

You’re very welcome!

Most of our Amazon links included in our post are affiliate links. So if you click on one of those links and purchase the same day, then we get a small commission from that purchase as members of their affiliate program. I definitely appreciate you wanting to help support us!

Hope you enjoy your new travel router!

March 24, 2024 at 1:16 pm

This is a follow-up to my first comment but unable to reply to unapproved comments hence this one.

Just realised that since they are invariably powered via USB, rather than buying one with a built-in battery, you could just use a power bank to power them. The trick would be knowing what size of power bank you’d need for a given travel router.

March 25, 2024 at 4:25 am

Yes, Internet on cruises can be challenging. I think it will depend on the Wifi signal (if it is only available in the cruise cabins) if it will reach to other public areas or not.

The majority of the travel routers we recommend accept a USB input for power so many can be charged/powered by battery. The main thing is to check that the battery bank puts out an output that matches the input of the travel router. Most travel routers accept a 5V 2amp, 3amp or 4amp input, which should work with most battery banks. However, some higher powered routers require a higher voltage, so just check the specifications to be sure.

In terms of size, a 15,000 to 25,000 mah battery bank such as this one by INIU should provide many hours of operation.

Hope that helps and hope you have a wonderful cruise!

Best, Jessica & Laurence

May 5, 2024 at 8:50 am

Ended up purchasing the recommended one by INIU. Thought I’d come back to leave the comment that the GL.iNet Beryl AX router, which I also purchased, required 5V 3A power input. Looking at routers reviewed by Which? magazine, who also recommended the INIU router, it was the only that could provide the necessary power. “All” others were 2A and I didn’t want to risk wasting my time (sending it back) with an underpowered one. Anyway, sitting here quite happily connected to router powered by the powerbank. 😊

May 7, 2024 at 8:58 am

Great to hear your found a solution and that our advice was helpful. Just to clarify, I assume you mean that you got the GL.iNet Beryl AX travel router and a INJU powerbank (not a router from INIU?)? Glad to hear that the recommended INUI powerbank put out the correct amperage for the Gl.Inet travel router.

Yes, we have INIU powerbanks ourselves and have purchased them as gifts for friends so definitely recommend them!

May 7, 2024 at 11:17 am

Yes, gl.inet router and iniu powerbank.

March 24, 2024 at 1:06 pm

We’re looking at one for use on cruises since we learned we can’t hot-spot the WiFi each of phones will have access to. Thought we’d only be able to use it in our room until I read about the one that is battery powered. That would allow us to use it beside the pool or in some other public area. THAT would be extroflexible.

March 25, 2024 at 4:16 am

See our response to both of your comments above to your second comment.

Kelly Post author

December 28, 2023 at 9:24 am

Hi – we sure appreciate the great info!

I was hoping to learn if you thought a travel router would be a good choice to replace our router in Mexico so that we are able to access US streaming through our VPN? It would become our new permanent router there. And/or would we able to use 2 routers with the same VPN, one for other travel and one for our Mexico residence?

December 28, 2023 at 1:54 pm

Happy to try to help with your travel router and VPN questions. So it sounds like a permanent router would be best for your Mexico home and most home routers by GLiNet, Netgear, and many other brands will support a VPN. So for example, this one by GL.iNet should work find as a home router with a VPN service. A home router is going to be larger (so not ideal for travel) but is going to generally perform better overall than a small travel router and have more features, so best to stick to that for home use.

It sounds like you also want a more portable travel router for when you travel internationally to other locations outside of Mexico and the USA? And in that case, most of the midrange and above travel routers support VPN services. You just want to avoid the really cheap ones. Any of the GLiNet travel router options we recommend above such as the Slate or Beryl models should work fine with most VPN services and they are really good travel routers as well. Just see our recommended list above.

And yes, you should be able to use the same VPN service across your home and travel routers. If you stick to the same brand across your routers, it might be a bit easier with configuration but it probably doesn’t make too much difference.

It sounds like you probably already have a VPN service for traveling, but if not, Laurence made a guide and a list of VPNs for traveling here that might be useful.

Hope that helps but just let us know if you have any further questions!

December 28, 2023 at 4:49 pm

Big thanks, Jessica – all VERY helpful information to make my learning curve more bearable.

I will look further into supporting your sites.

Much appreciation,

December 29, 2023 at 6:32 pm

You’re very welcome, and just let us know if you have further questions as you do any further research on routers and VPNs!

Patricia Post author

September 18, 2023 at 9:00 am

Do I need any cabling to use these travel routers with an iPad Pro. Looking at the photos they seem to have Lan connectors and usb sockets , but at the moment at least iPads don’t have either of these. Please advise. I need the router to connect to Wi-Fi when the signal is weak but I would also like it to be as secure as possible thank you. Great reviews

September 18, 2023 at 9:55 pm

Hi Patricia,

No, you don’t need any cables to be able to use any of the recommended travel routers with your iPad Pro, they all can be used with WiFi with your devices. However, most also allow for LAN Ethernet connectivity if you need a wired connection and many also have USB ports. But most people just use their devices over WiFi so you would be fine with any travel router if you are just needing to mainly connect your devices for security, easier connectivity, and extending existing WiFi.

Bob Simmons Post author

July 2, 2023 at 10:05 am

Thanks for the great article. My issue is with WiFi that requires payment after entering password. Also each device requires payment. On a cell phone, after logging in, it pops up a window (browser?) where you enter the credit card info. Do any of these travel routers have that capability, to enter payment information? Reading the user manuals it appears the answer is no. In your travels maybe you have encountered this issue.

July 4, 2023 at 9:34 am

It’s our pleasure, and we will do our best to try to help you.

So the window that pops up to take payment is called a captive portal, and it’s the same thing you often encounter even with free Wifi where it might ask you to enter your name or e-mail address to access the internet. All the travel routers on our list support this, so you can log in and pay if necessary for internet access. A window will pop up on the first device you connect with where you can pay. A pop-up blocker or ad blocker might stop it from happening but in our experience a browser window normally just appears to log in with.

Let us know if you have any more questions!

Laurence & Jessica

Luke Post author

May 25, 2023 at 5:08 am

Just want to say thanks for the sharing informative article, very helpful in choosing the best travel router for our next trip!

June 2, 2023 at 4:39 am

You’re very welcome and glad to hear you found the best travel router for your upcoming travels! And thanks for taking the time to comment.

B.Balakrishnan Post author

May 19, 2023 at 4:04 am

This blog post on the best travel routers for the internet while traveling in 2023 is a lifesaver! Staying connected on the go is crucial, and these router recommendations are just what I needed. Thank you for the helpful insights!

May 21, 2023 at 9:50 am

Hi there, So glad you found our travel router review helpful. Just let us know if you have any questions!

Arnold Machel Post author

April 23, 2023 at 9:08 am

Thanks for the great article. I’ve used a travel router for years and found them super helpful, especially in situations where I want to use a portable Chromecast, but the hotel WiFi security settings won’t it allow to connect directly to the hotel WiFi.

I am now using a laptop that needs a high wattage charger (ideally 65 watts) and would love to finde a travel router with that kind of charging capability, but I can’t seem to find the technical stats on most of them. Any thoughts?

April 24, 2023 at 1:28 am

Glad to hear you have found a travel router useful on your travels. So it sounds like you are looking for a travel router that doubles up as a powerbank that you can use to charge your laptop? Unfortunately, we aren’t aware of any travel routers on the market which offer that level of output, most travel routers which have the facility to charge devices have fairly small batteries and don’t offer high wattage outputs. The ones that offer the ability to charge a device, are more designed to top up a smartphone rather than to power a laptop.

So if you want a portable device to help charge your laptop on the go, I would look at powerbanks like this one that are speciically designed to charge laptops.

Hope that helps! Jessica

April 24, 2023 at 6:34 am

Thanks Jessica. Too bad. Was just hoping to get one device to do both. Good luck with the blog.

April 26, 2023 at 2:19 am

You’re very welcome. Yes, unfortunately I don’t think there is a device that would be able to do both those things well. Feel free to come back and let us know what travel router and charging device you decide to use on your next trip as it may be helpul to furture readers wanting to do the same thing.

Sherry Duvall Post author

March 6, 2023 at 6:46 am

Thanks for this great article! I have just discovered travel routers and am intrigued as to whether this would be something that would work for my family. I would like to know if any of these would work on a cruise ship? We have to pay for each device, or log off and login on them which is such a pain. Cruise ships are huge so will it work when you are far away from your room, and if so, which one would you recommend? Thank you for any help!

March 6, 2023 at 8:44 am

Our pleasure! So to the first part of your question, yes, this should work to allow you to use multiple devices with a single login. The travel router will appear as one device to the cruise ship network, and then you would be able to connect your devices to the travel router’s network without needing to keep logging in and out.

For the second part of the question, travel routers have a variable range but it won’t cover a whole cruise ship unfortunately. It would work in your room and then nearby, but all the walls etc would reduce the range. So it wouldn’t cover the whole ship sadly. But any of the travel routers on the list work in a very similar way in terms of login and would cover your room.

Hope this helps!

March 6, 2023 at 9:41 am

Thank you very much…guess I will save my money!

QBM Post author

March 1, 2023 at 9:21 pm

This article from Independent Travel Cats’ blog is a comparison and review of the top portable WiFi routers for travellers. This post does a good job of researching and comparing the features, benefits, and cons of each router. Personal anecdotes and experiences from the bloggers’ travels are also included in the article. In sum, if you are a frequent traveller in need of a dependable and transportable router, you will find this article to be a gold mine of information.

March 2, 2023 at 4:14 am

Thanks so much for the very kind summary and recommendation of our travel router review article!! If you have any questions about portable routers, feel free to ask!

Daniel W Post author

February 24, 2023 at 8:33 pm

I appreciate what you did with this blog post, especially the way you keep it updated. It is the best online resource for people looking for information on travel routers, thanks!

February 27, 2023 at 7:12 am

Thanks for the kind words and glad you found our travel routers review article useful! If you have any questions about choosing the best travel router for you, just let us know. Happy to try to help!

Karen Arnauld-Bakelaar Post author

January 20, 2023 at 10:21 pm

This i8s so incredibly useful – thank you! Can you help me sort out which might be the best option for me? I mainly work in South Africa, which means we have long spells without power, so anything that runs on battery would be nice to have. I’m in a rural area, so even while working from home I often have trouble getting a wifi signal, especially in bad weather.

I need the signal to be strong enough for Zoom meetings, etc – and often it’s not.

I also need a portable option for when I travel, but I don’t know if I need something to boost a signal or to hotspot – can you help me with this?

All internet here is wifi – I have a home plug-in router with a SIM card in it, and a small portable router as well, but they don’t always do the job!

January 23, 2023 at 7:22 am

It’s our pleasure. So it sounds like you need a mobile hotspot rather than a travel router. A travel router can only extend an existing WiFi signal.

A mobile hotspot works over cellular networks (like a mobile phone). However this can be affected by bad weather, so would basically be the same situation as you are in as your plug-in router likely works the same way. The only difference is that a mobile hotspot has a built-in battery.

So in bad weather situations, there may not be anything more you can do as strong weather can affect the overall signal which could affect the signal for any kind of devices using WiFi or mobile signals. But you might try a hotspot to see if that helps as it works with a different type of signal (cellular signal versus WiFi).

Monte Post author

December 23, 2022 at 3:10 pm

Is there a travel router best suited for offline multiplayer gaming? My wife and I often wind up in areas with no internet. A normal home router constantly nags us with the “you aren’t connected” screen. We know! That’s why we’re playing Minecraft!

December 24, 2022 at 6:48 am

Happy to try to help. So I am guessing the home routers you are referring to are ones that are not your own but ones you stay in while traveling?

So none of the travel router models we recommend are specifically designed for offline gaming. However, we think any of the Gl.iNet routers on the list would work in this scenario, allowing you to create a local WiFi network that your devices can connect to without needing to connect to another WiFi network. However, we have not tried this specific scenario so it is hard to say if one or another router on this list would be better suited to the task. But the more advanced ones offer more features and more future proofing.

Another option to try might be to see if one of your computers (or smartphones if playing on them) allows you to set up a WiFi hotspot. Some Windows 10 and Windows 11 laptops for example have the option to allow you to set up a local WiFi network, which you could then connect your other device too. This may be another possible solutation you could check out.

Anyway, hope that helps and we’d love to know what solution you come up with that solves your issue as it may be useful to future readers.

Virag Post author

November 28, 2022 at 8:22 am

Hi, Thank you for this amazing article. I travel quite a lot and work at the same time and I would need something that I can use to boost the available public wifi (like in hotels or coffee shops). Which one would you recommend in this case?

Thank you in advance, Virag

November 28, 2022 at 9:38 am

Glad you found our travel routers guide useful. So any of the routers listed in our guide would work for that purpose but the GL.iNet routers with the antennas, such as the Slate, Beryl, or the Slate AX models, would have the best performance. We personally use the Beryl model . So I’d recommend any of those three models or a similar travel router to those.

I believe Amazon has been offering discounts on most of the routers for the past week so I would definitely compare prices as you can sometimes get one of the newer models for a good price when they are running discounts.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have further questions.

Steve Brown Post author

October 31, 2022 at 11:45 pm

Thank you for sharing the list. I really needed one. I have dead wifi zones with which the travel routers could help.

November 1, 2022 at 9:19 am

It’s our pleasure, glad you found our list useful. So whilst a travel router can work to resolve dead zones, you might prefer to purchase a WiFi extender instead, especially if you plan to use this at home. They tend to be a little bit cheaper because they don’t need as much functionality.

Another option to solve dead zones would be to upgrade to a mesh WiFi network – see our guide to the best home WiFi routers for ideas in that area. The mesh system can help make it so that the WiFi is able to extend throughout your home.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any questions!

AJ Post author

October 21, 2022 at 5:01 pm

I purchased two of these items ( #1 and #3) but since I am not tech savvy at all, they were impossible to use. I tried reading and rereading the instructions. I tried the company websites. I tried many youtube videos. I sat between Carls Jr and Walmart, who both have free wifi. I was able to scan each one with a success response. BUT NO WIFI.

This sucks. When someone in an actual store can hook me up and show me how to use it, and provide an actual phone number I can call when I am on the road (which I always am), then I’ll buy one. But reading reviews and going to amazon, and returning said items to amazon, is not my cup of tea.

October 21, 2022 at 5:09 pm

Sorry to hear that you are having issues with using your travel router while traveling. So most travel routers require a little bit of setup.

Have you tried using them inside where you know the WiFi was a good strength and working properly? If you were sitting outside the stores, the public signal might not have been strong enough for instance to really work.

If you have already gotten the manufacturer’s instructions (GL.iNet has some really detailed ones online you can get), you can also try contacting their customer support. If you want in-person support, you could also try going to a local tech store near you (or a chain like Best Buy) that sells travel routers and might be able to troubleshoot with you and help you.

Hope you are able to get it to work!

David Post author

October 1, 2022 at 10:31 pm

For travelers who need access to the internet while traveling, this device sounds very useful. In our everyday life we cannot think of going a day without internet. Thanks for sharing for your valueable information.

October 3, 2022 at 6:55 am

Yes, travel routers can be very useful for those who need to be connected while traveling. If you have any questions about travel routers, just ask!

Chris Post author

September 7, 2022 at 1:54 am

I’m having trouble backup my extender settings, it takes saying that backup is done but can’t find the file??!!

September 7, 2022 at 5:08 am

Many travel routers do allow you to back up their settings, and save the settings to a file. But you will want to check the manual for your specific travel router model to see if it has that functionality and how to do that.

When you backup something as you did, it should give you the option to choose the file location when you do so. So if you check your browser downloads folder it should be there where you set it to save. Or check your manual for the default location.

Hope that helps, Jessica

Jason Post author

August 1, 2022 at 7:32 pm

Hello. Thanks for all the great info. I have been researching travel router setup, but am not sure if it’s possible to do what I’m attempting. I hope you can help me out.

I have an “older” ASUS Dual-Band router that was replaced when we upgraded our home to Eero Mesh router. What I’d like to do is set up the old ASUS router with the same SSID & password as my current home router (the Eero), so that I can take the ASUS on family vacations, connect it to the hotel/condo/house/etc. WiFi, and then all of our devices will automatically connect to it (since they have the same SSID/pswd already saved from our Eero router), without having to sign in all of our devices to the hotel/condo/house/etc. WiFi.

I’ve found some articles that explain how to set up 2 routers with the same SSID & pswd, but they all require connecting the router to a laptop for the initial setup/configuration. So, the real question/problem is: I don’t want to take my laptop on vacation, just to connect my old ASUS router to the vacation home’s WiFi. So, is it possible to set up my old ASUS router at home, and then plug it directly into the vacation hotel/condo/home router via ethernet cable, or will I need to bring my laptop to open a web browser and complete the setup?

August 2, 2022 at 12:10 am

It’s hard to really give specifics without knowing the type of router and equipment. But if the main step that is required is to connect to the Asus router via a web browser over the WiFi connection, then you shouldn’t need a laptop specifically to do that as you can just use the web browser on your smartphone to achieve the same thing. So that part of it should work.

I would definitely test this setup at home first to see if you can extend your existing network with your old Asus router to see if it works as you intend. If you can’t get it to work at home, I would not recommend taking it on vacation. If you can’t get it to work, I would just recommend getting a new travel router that will do what you need it to do for your trip.

Best, Laurence

David Paker Post author

July 4, 2022 at 1:34 pm

Wow! You guys are doing an amazing job. Following your tutorials, I learned so much !!

July 5, 2022 at 2:38 am

So glad you found our articles helpful. If you have any questions about travel routers, just ask!

May 12, 2022 at 10:42 pm

Thanks for the review. I’ll definitely look into it. It really is frustrating if the signal is slow. . I’ll be willing to carry extra weight if it would boost connection,.

May 13, 2022 at 2:07 am

Yes, a travel router may definitely be able to help with that. It does require packing something extra but travel routers are designed for travel and many of the models are pretty small and lightweight these days so won’t add a lot of extra weight! But I would recommend keeping the dimensions and weights of each model in mind when choosing the best travel router for you.

Ryan J Post author

May 11, 2022 at 6:19 am

Thank you for such a thorough and informative writeup! I also read your Best Mobile Hotpots review and was inspired to purchase the Nighthawk M1100, especially considering it’s added ability to be a travel router and boost a current wifi signal. Will be travelling to Europe and staying at many AirBnb’s. Just in case any of them have a weak wifi signal, I’ll be prepared! Now that I have the device, I can’t seem to find instructions on how to use it as a travel router specifically. I’ve searched everywhere online, and there seems to be different wording out there “turn the m1100 into a modem, use it with a modem, etc. Saw one video on how to use the nighthawk with another router (boosting that router’s signal), but it requires connecting an ethernet cable from the router to the Nighthawk. Is that the process of using it as a travel router? Ideally, I’d like to be able to avoid using the ethernet cable, especially if on a public network (i.e. train) that I need to connect to but is weak. Or staying somwhere that I don’t have access to the broadcasting router. Any specific instructions on using the Nighthawk M1100 as a travel router without using an ethernet cable? Thanks in advance.

May 11, 2022 at 9:28 am

So yes, the Nighthawk M1100 is mainly used as a mobile hotspot, but it can also be used as a travel router. So it is definitely possible to set up the MR1100 as a travel router to share a WiFi network, but the manual is not super helpful. We remember this ourselves when we set it up.

The section you are looking for calls it called WiFi data offloading. If you load the MR1100 manual on this page ( https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/MR1100/MR1100_UM_EN.pdf ) – you are looking for the instructions on page 30, titled “offload your mobile internet connection”. There are sections here on setting this up for either Wifi offloading or ethernet offloading. You are looking for the instructions on Wifi offloading.

Hope that helps, but just let us know if you have any further questions. We have used both the Nighthawk M1 and M2 and have set them up to work as a travel router ourselves so happy to help!

May 12, 2022 at 6:34 pm

Amazing. Would have never found that out on my own. Thank you! Will let you know how it goes. My wife and I are being “digital nomads” for the first time having worked remote in the States for the past 20 years. Will be travelling to Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Croatia, Switzerland, Germany, UK, and Ireland over the course of 5 1/2 months. Leaving next week and super excited!

May 13, 2022 at 2:06 am

Glad that helped and you should be able to test it out before you leave. Having the ability to use it both as both a travel router and a mobile hotspot (when you don’t have WiFi) is nice for a long trip like that.

Enjoy your time working as digital nomads in Europe!

Paul Post author

April 30, 2022 at 2:16 pm

Hi, we’re staying at a place that requires us to re-log in every 24 hours. Are there travel routers that will automatically take care of that for you?

May 1, 2022 at 5:33 am

So we aren’t aware of any travel routers that would be able to automatically do this out of the box. With a travel router there is the advantage that you only have to do this once, rather than once for each device you connect to the travel router. So you should be able to just do the necessary daily login once and then all the devices connected to your router should not have to do the log-in.

Depending on how technically minded you are, it is worth pointing out that the GL.iNet routers are based on the OpenWRT software, which allows technically-savvy users to install extra packages if they want and run custom code. However, this is beyond the scope of most users (and not necessary or recommended in most cases). However, if that does describe you though, then that’s an option as you may be able to write code (or find code written by someone else) that would be able to do the auto log-in each day.

Pasu Post author

April 28, 2022 at 9:24 pm

“A travel router allows you to connect multiple devices to a network, even with a single login. The travel router is seen by networks as a single device, so if you are only given one login, you can still use multiple devices. You just login once from the travel router via a web browser (or in some cases a provided smartphone app), and then all your devices can be connected to the network created by the travel router.”.

That’s exactly what I need. Connecting to a WiFi and giving the signal to other devices.

But sorry, which if the mentioned models can do this?

Thank you for your help

April 29, 2022 at 3:51 am

All of the travel routers we mention in our article can do this as this is one of the main features of most travel routers. The one we are personally currently using is the GL.iNet Beryl model above, but as noted, any of the above models can do this.

For instance, we often use it with the WiFi in a hotel to connect all our devices at once without having to log in each one. It can also help get around device limits imposed by some hotels as you just need to connect the travel router.

Travel routers can also make your connection more private and secure, and you can also use most of them in conjunction with most VPNs.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any further questions.

April 20, 2022 at 8:43 am

Thanks for this article, but it wasn’t clear to me if any of these support what I want to do: I want to be able to connect a baby monitor to a hotel network (for instance, so a babysitter can keep an eye on the kids from a living room), but my baby cams don’t support connections to captive networks. I’ve gathered that this is where the travel router comes in, allowing me to create my own network after connecting to the hotel’s wifi. What I am hoping to find though, is a travel router that does NOT require an Ethernet connection to make that initial connection to the hotel’s wifi, as not all hotel rooms come with Ethernet ports. It looks like the HooToo TM-02 does this, but I also note that that model is getting a bit long in the tooth at this point. Do any of your recommendations support what I am trying to do? Thanks!

April 20, 2022 at 10:03 am

So none of the travel routers on our list require an ethernet connection to make the first connection, they all work over WiFi (although some can work via ethernet as some have ethernet ports as we note). The way it works is that you turn on the travel router and connect your phone or laptop to the travel router’s WiFi network. Then you use a web browser to configure the travel router to connect to the hotel WiFi network, and if necessary login through the captive portal.

In our experience, the GL.iNet products are the currently the more reliable and most regularly updated options. So those would be our top recommendations, but any of these should work. But newer models are more future proof.

Just a note that setting up cameras or using surveillance devices in hotel rooms is illegal in many countries if any person filmed is unaware of their presence (so if the babysitter or other hotel staff were filmed without their knowledge). So just something to be aware of.

Shannon Post author

February 1, 2022 at 12:02 pm

Hello, I’m currently at a campground with about 4mbps Wi-Fi. I need 200 mbps to do my job and i need help finding the right option. I need something that works with any internet provider and will give me a minimum of 200mbps. Can you help?

February 2, 2022 at 2:39 am

Hi Shannon,

So 200 mbps is very very high and you are unlikely to get that unless you are able to access a 5G mobile network AND a very good cellular signal. The average download speed for 4G is 8-10 mbps. Do you possibly mean 20 mbps that you need for work?

A travel router can help increase a connection but it is not going to make it much faster in most cases. The connection speed at the campsite may be 4mbps at its max and if so, there is nothing you can do to increase that. Especially not 5X or 50X!

If the campsite does have a very fast connection but you are too far from the signal then a travel router can help, but it will likely not make a very big difference, it will generally just make the connection more reliable and secure. But if you travel a lot for work then a travel router like the Beryl one we list above is probably one you would want to have. But you still need to be in places that have a decent connection.

So your best option would be to look into mobile hotspots. These connect over a mobile network and can give you either 4G or 5G speeds depending on the type, and you would need a SIM card to go in them as they are similar to phones in that regard. Of course, you still would need a good cellular network reception for them to work. You can see our guide to mobile hotspots here .

So the best advice is to make sure to do some research before you head to a new place to see what its WiFi connection speed and mobile signal is so that you can see if it a place that you would be able to work from or not. If so, then if you have a travel router and/or mobile hotspot, it should help you work remotely when needed.

Looking to the future, a better option might be something like the Starlink satellite internet which can provide fast internet via low orbit satellites anywhere in the world.

Sage Post author

June 19, 2022 at 11:36 am

Hello! To follow up on this reply (and I am not a techie 🙂 ) I was planning on working from France through a hotel’s WiFi but maybe I should use my cellphone, which is verizon 4G LTE and can be a hotspot? In general, are cellular networks faster than a hotel wifi? I guess it depend on their carrier?

Also, do you recommend a VPN whichever way we access the internet – via cellphone hotspot or hotel wifi?

June 20, 2022 at 4:07 am

So the answer as to whether the hotel WiFi is faster than your cellphone 4G is a difficult one to answer. WiFi is definitely capable of being faster than 4G, but this depends on a number of factors, including the speed of the internet connection the hotel has, how far from the router your device is, and how many other people are using it. 4G also has similar issues, depending on factors like how far away the nearest mast is, if your room is near to a window (walls can weaken a signal), and so on.

In most cases, I’d say that hotel wifi is likely to be faster, but this is definitely not always going to be the case. In general, in your situation, I’d probably say to go with the less expensive option. This is likely to be to get a travel router and use the hotel WiFi (the travel router can then be used on future trips as well). But it depends on the cost of your international data plan.

If you decide to get a travel router (and use hotel WiFi), just be sure to read the instructions and test it out locally before your trip so you know how to set it up and use it before you get to France. Any of the routers we list should work for your situation, our favorites are the ones by GL.iNet.

When it comes to a VPN, VPNs can definitely provide more protection. However, if you are going to use a travel router or cellphone hotspot to connect, it is probably not necessary. Cellphone hotspots or a travel router are going to be more secure because it’s just you connecting to your connection, and mobile networks are a lot harder to hack.

The security concerns over public WiFi networks are not as great as they used to be now that the majority of the web has moved to https. That means the data that is sent from your device to the web and back again is encrypted end to end, so it’s a lot harder for people to snoop on it. In the old days of unencrypted websites and public hotspots, it was fairly easy for someone to hack into someone’s connection, but this is much harder today, especially if you stick to secured websites.

There are still advantages to using a VPN though. Obviously, there is the additional peace of mind, but also some websites block users from specific countries and some countries may block access to certain websites. So a VPN can usually get around that for travelers who need to access websites from their home country. One of the advantages to surfing the web with a VPN in France we’ve found is that it keeps all the websites from constantly redirecting you to the French versions.

Note that some jobs require employees doing remote work to use a VPN or only sign into accounts using some sort of secure connection. This is especially the case if you deal with client data or other sensitive information. So be sure to check your job’s remote work policy regarding security.

We have a post that reviews VPNs for travel here , if you decide you want to use a VPN.

Hope that helps, and feel free to follow-up if you have further questions. Wishing you a great trip to France.

Will Pearce Post author

December 17, 2021 at 8:28 am

I’ve had a HooToo HT-TM05 for about 5 years, and was initially very happy with it. Increasingly, though, I’m encountering web logins on hotel wifi–a situation that I’ve not been able to handle with the HooToo.

I’m aware that some travel routers can be configured with the web login credentials so that they’re able to establish the wifi connection, but it’s not clear from your review which of your recommended devices can do that.

Could you clarify that, please. Also, if you know of some way to get the HooToo to handle this situation, I’d be glad to hear it.

December 17, 2021 at 1:15 pm

Sorry you are having issues with your travel router. Hotel log-ins can be tricky. So the HooToo HT-TM05 should be able to handle the situation you describe (and HooToo noted this in their old FAQ section), as that’s a common scenario for using a travel router. You would normally connect to the Hootoo network with your smartphone or laptop, login to the Hootoo and select the hotel network, and then open up a new browser page from your phone or laptop and try to use the web. This should launch the hotel login page.

Sometimes though this might not work, and it’s possibly because the Hootoo is an older device as that model is now several years old. There are various reasons that it could fail, including a custom DNS setup on your device, use of a VPN, or trying to navigate to some https pages. It’s hard to troubleshoot without seeing the error message you are getting. How far into the process are you getting? Are you getting any error messages?

If this occurs in more than one hotel, and you can’t get it working, I’d recommend contacting HooToo for support. They list the following info on their website: Tel: 1-888-456-8468 (Monday-Friday: 9:00 – 17:00 PST) and email [email protected]

It looks like the company has not updated information on HooToo HT-TMO5 for a couple of years now and it may be that the company is no longer supporting the device. We also just saw that it has been removed from Amazon.

If nothing is working, it is probably that you just need to upgrade the device. I’d recommend upgrading to one of the newer GL.inet, TP-Link, or Netgear travel router models. We’ve used both the GL.inet Beryl and Netgear M1 in hotels recently without incident.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any further questions!

Pipps Post author

November 18, 2021 at 2:45 am

Thanks for the great guide and clear recommendations👍

November 18, 2021 at 2:13 pm

Thanks Pipps for taking the time to leave a comment. Glad our travel router guide was helpful and just let us know if you have any questions!

November 19, 2021 at 2:18 am

My pleasure, you definitely got the Amazon referral 👍

Nikki Mag Post author

October 14, 2021 at 10:12 pm

Thank you for this wealth of information, greatly appreciate it. I am not tech savvy whatsoever and was hoping you had some information to share.

My employer requires an ethernet connection from a modem/router to the company laptop. We are unable to directly connect to wifi. As of today, is there a recommended travel router that I can connect via ethernet cable? I apologize if youve answered this already and I missed it.

October 15, 2021 at 6:35 am

No problem, and happy to try to help!

All the GL inet travel routers we recommend come with at least two ethernet ports. For instance, the Slate router has three Ethernet ports and a lot of other features. So you can connect to the router via an ethernet cable, and then configure the router to connect to either a WiFi network, or to another network with the other ethernet port on the router. This is fairly plug and play so shouldn’t be too tricky, and the instructions that come with the devices are quite easy to follow as well.

You may also want to talk to your company’s IT department as well about the issue since it sounds like they require a certain level of security to be in place for use. If you, for instance, need to use a VPN to connect to your work data, the Slate router is compatible with over 30+ VPNs but may not be compatible with all VPNs.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have any other questions!

jack Post author

October 9, 2021 at 7:48 pm

thanks for the awesome article I am looking for a mobile hotspot and a travel router, I need it very much. I found your article. Very beautiful and will come in handy for me.

October 10, 2021 at 4:53 am

Glad it was helpful and hope you found a travel router that works for you. If you are looking for a device that can be both a travel router or wireless hotspot, then the Netgear Nighthawk router is probably your best bet. If you are looking for two separate devices, then you can also check out this article about choosing a mobile hotspot .

But do let us know if you have any questions about travel routers or mobile hotspots.

Joao Post author

October 6, 2021 at 7:41 am

Thank you for this great article.

I’m looking for a travel router, just with the intention of better capturing public networks.

Which of these routers do you think provides a better increase in signal strength on public wireless networks?

October 7, 2021 at 1:31 am

So we’d recommend either the Gl.iNet AR750S ( https://amzn.to/2Quyhsb ) or the GL.iNet MT1300 would be our suggestions. These both have little external aerials which mean they are able to get improved range compared to other options in the round up.

October 7, 2021 at 3:10 am

Hi Jessica,

Thank you for the reply.

Do you think the gain in signal strength is worth it for the price difference for the GL.iNet GL-AR300M16 for example?

October 8, 2021 at 1:44 pm

The more powerful travel routers should be able to provide a stronger signal, but I think you would also be paying more for extra features (not just signal strength specs) as well on the more expensive routers. Whether it would improve the signal strength over some of the lower priced GL.iNet routers is probably going to depend on the particular situation and place in which you use it. You might consider buying the lower priced and test it out to see if it works as you need it to. If not, you could return it and purchase the more expensive router with the better signal strength.

For more technical questions about signal strength and the differences between models, you might want to reach out to the GL.iNet customer service and let them know how you specifically plan to use it and they can probably give you a more technical answer since we have not tested the two routers at the same time.

Alice Post author

August 9, 2021 at 7:50 am

Great information here on travel routers. Which of the Glinet routers would you recommend for a first time user? Interested in using it for working on laptop at coffee shops and for travel (domestic and international). Not super tech savvy so something that is pretty easy to use and will last.

August 9, 2021 at 8:35 am

Thanks very much! I appreciate we go into a bit of detail with the GL.iNet routers and their advanced features, but the good news is that you don’t need to be technical to use them, they work well out of the box with a simple web interface to set them up. Any of the ones listed should actually meet your needs.

So the MT300N-v2 (Mango) is a good option if size and budget are the key constraints. It is small, lightweight, and the least expensive. Its small size and weight make it perfect for travel.

For a more future-proof solution, then the two higher-priced GL.iNet models (Slate and Beryl) offer a faster WiFi network with support for the 5Ghz band, which tends to be less congested and therefore faster in public situations. The Beryl model (which we have), is the most powerful with the fastest processor inside, but it’s honestly not going to make a huge difference between that and the AR750 (Slate) unless you have a need for the USB 3 port or want to connect to very fast networks (which most public wifi networks in our experience are not!).

Hope that helps, and let us know if you have any further questions!

August 4, 2021 at 1:25 pm

First off, I say thank you for this information. I will say that I used to use the Netgear Trek N300 before I left it in a hotel (doh). So when I saw that you used to use it as well and saw the information on Juplink EC3-750, I was sold.

I haven’t been able to connect to hotels with it since most hotels have a login screen. I can’t seem to get the setup right on the Juplink to actually be able to pull up the screen to login. How do you set yours up to use in hotels so I can get my setup right. Thank you in advance.

August 5, 2021 at 4:59 am

Yes, the Netgear Treks were great and I wish they would have continued to make and update those. The Netgear Nighthawk M1 is good, but expensive if you are not using it for a mobile hotspot as well as a router.

So the interface for the Juplink can be a bit confusing as it has the different modes and functions. You should be able to get it set up as follows.

First, put the router in repeater mode, then plug it in (if you’ve set it up previously, hold down the reset button on the side for five seconds to start over).

Once the router is on, you should be able to connect your device to the Juplink WiFi network, which doesn’t have a password. You will then be able to login to the router via the url router.juplink.com, the default username and password is admin for both.

From the admin page, press the “repeater wizard” option. This should bring up a list of all the WiFi hotspots, and you would choose the hotel network option. Here you can also specify the network name, this will be your network name. If there is a security password on the network, the network you create will start off with the same password.

The router will restart, and when it comes back it should present you with the new wireless network to connect to. If you connect to this and then try to use the internet, you should be presented with the network login screen.

For added security, I’d recommend changing the password of the created network to a password of your own choosing. You can do this by going to router.juplink.com, logging in again with the username and password, and then going to the WiFi settings. Here you can change the name and password on the WiFi settings.

Hopefully that will work for you, but if not feel free to let us know!

August 6, 2021 at 3:15 pm

It doesn’t work. The hotel sign in page never comes up to sign in.

August 7, 2021 at 9:01 am

I am sorry to hear that isn’t working. I would reach out to Juplink’s customer service to see if they can help as that is the process that we have followed in the past.

If you can’t get it to work after reaching out to Juplink, I’d recommend returning it for one of the recommended GL.iNet or TP-Link travel routers. We have found that GL.inet keeps their software the most updated in recent years so can be the best for the kind of issues you are having.

Let us know what happens as it may be that it doesn’t work well (or is difficult to configure) at certain hotels and we will consider removing it from our list if that is the case.

August 9, 2021 at 6:37 am

We have done more testing with our Juplink and we were able to replicate the issue you are having with a network sign-in page. So for now, we are removing this router from our list and have reached out to Juplink’s customer service to see if Juplink has a solution to fix this issue. It is still working fine as an extender/router but it seems to have issues with log-in screens. Laurence is not sure if this is a hardware or software issue.

In the meantime, we would recommend returning the Juplink and getting a GL.iNET travel router or similar – we have not had the log-in page issues with the GL.iNet router (we have the Beryl one specifically) and are showing it able to load log-in pages when the Juplink one cannot when using them both at the same time. Sorry for the inconvenience as we have had the Juplink for over a year but our travels have been pretty limited due to Covid so we were not able to test it as much as we normally would and it worked fine in our initial uses.

Tiara Post author

May 3, 2021 at 6:42 am

Great, informative article! And it’s awesome that you guys are still making responses after two years.

I’m looking for a travel router that can help me for my remote contact center work. I’m interested in traveling to national parks or otherwise and am looking for routers to secure a good connection on the days I have to work. I know hotels and whatnot near parks can still be somewhat slow, and this is also for general travel. What would you recommend?

May 3, 2021 at 10:33 am

Yes, we aim to try to reply to all comments and email questions related to travel and photography – and have been trying to do so for 10 years now 😉

So a travel router can certainly help improve a connection by making it more consistent and secure. However, it can’t turn a really slow connection into a fast one. Any of the travel routers on this list can help with extending Wifi, making your connection more secure, and allowing you to use it with more devices more easily. So it just depends on if there are any features you’d need (e.g., Ethernet ports) and buying one that works with faster speeds will make it more future-proof.

However, the reality is that in and around many national parks and state parks, the WiFi speed is not great. This is especially the case in the Western and rural parts of the USA.

Now if you have a poor Wifi connection but good mobile phone signal strength, then a mobile hotspot will work. This will do the same things as the travel router but it will also help you extend the mobile signal to connect your other devices (e.g., laptop, tablet, etc.) that you need to use. So you might check out the Netgear Nighthawk M1 device we recommend above in the article which can act as both a travel router and a mobile hotspot – we have this one and have used it on places like boats and rural areas where we have phone signal but there was no Wifi access.

For those who work in remote areas with both poor Wifi access and poor mobile phone signals, they often need to rely on satellite access but these devices are not currently travel-friendly or budget-friendly. A mobile hotspot can only help where there is some mobile signal.

So I would investigate the places you are thinking of spending time and need a faster connection and see what the Wifi access and mobile signals (for your specific carrier) are in those areas. That can help you assess what type of device might be best for you and also if you should plan to work in certain places or just visit them when you don’t need to work.

Hope that helps, and let us know if you have any further questions! Jessica

Patti Hackney Post author

April 14, 2021 at 9:40 am

We are looking for a travel router that we can plug into a strong antenna that we wired outside our boat. Our paid for wifi is pretty far away, but the antenna works great to connect; however only on one device (our laptop) if the antenna is plugged into it. Do you know of any travel routers that have the ability to connect an external antenna to pick up the wifi signal? Thank you for any information you can give us. Patti

April 15, 2021 at 7:18 am

The Netgear M1 / M2 can support an external antenna but it’s only for improving a 4G LTE signal rather than a WiFi signal. So I don’t think that would work for you given your situation.

There are some travel routers that support external antennas. Some versions of the GL.iNET GL-AR300M , for example, have an external antenna which you can connect your own antenna to them. But you would want to check if it is the same connector type as your existing antenna so that they are compatible.

But a travel router may not be the best fit for you, given your situation, so you may want to ask a networking/router specialist at a Best Buy or similar to ask about options that would work with your boat Wifi signal/external antenna situation. An access point, standard router, or bridge may be a better option.

YL Hu Post author

March 30, 2021 at 10:14 am

Very practical and interesting topic. I am currently looking at a mobile router, Ryoko. Would hope to hear from anyone who has been using it. Thanks. YL

March 30, 2021 at 10:24 am

This more of a hotspot than an actual travel router which is what my post is about. The is a 4g router and requires a SIM card to use.

I have not heard of or used the Muama-Ryoko mobile routers before. They only have a 3.1/5.0 rating on TrustPilot and a lot of mixed and bad recent customer reviews. So I would really read the reviews there before making a decision.

If you are just looking for a travel router (not a mobile hotspot), I would consider one of the other ones we list above as they are actual travel routers. If you need something that also functions as a mobile hotspot, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 functions as a router and extender but you can also add a SIM card and use it as a mobile hotspot as well.

Jum Post author

April 8, 2021 at 5:37 am

It’s very difficult to find genuine reviews. Apart from Trust Pilot, the rest of the review websites on Google are extremely suspicious. They all 100% recommend and offer a link direct to Muama-Ryoko. The company seems to have a complete stranglehold on any info. I would avoid.

Melissa Post author

January 27, 2021 at 9:16 pm

I am not the most tech savvy person but I am looking for a way to use Chromecast in hotels when I travel overseas. The Wifi is usually horrible in these hotels so I’m not sure that Chromecast would work without some help. Can you recommend something easy to use that could help in this situation? Also, do I need a sim card or anything for these mobile routers or am I thinking of a hotspot?

Thanks so much!

January 30, 2021 at 5:13 am

Hi Melissa,

A travel router could definitely help in this situation, and it would also make setting it up each time easier. As you know the Chromecast needs a WiFi network to connect to, and if you use a travel router then you can setup the Chromecast to connect to the WiFi network that the travel router creates. This means you won’t need to reconfigure the Chromecast every time.

In addition, the travel router should be able to deal with spotty hotel wifi more reliably than the Chromecast. Being stuck behind the TV means it will get worse reception in general, whereas you can place the travel router in a better location.

You don’t need a sim card for these travel routers as they just extend an existing network – you are indeed thinking of a mobile hotspot. That is also an option, but for streaming it would work out quite expensive as streaming uses a lot of data. So a travel router that improves the WiFi reception is your best option. Any of the options we list should work well for your purposes.

Sparkles Post author

June 2, 2021 at 8:43 pm

The problem with chromecast on hotel wifi is the login access page since it doesn’t have a built in browser without a travel router logging in requires spoofing the mac address of a different device to match the mac address of the chromecast.

Pondorosa Post author

January 21, 2021 at 1:52 pm

Great insight on travel routers, VPN’s and other stuff I did not know of. Thank you!!!

January 23, 2021 at 8:34 am

You’re very welcome Pondorosa – if you have any further questions about travel routers just let us know!!

Thomas Bash Post author

December 21, 2020 at 3:46 am

Thanks for sharing this informative blog, I think the Tp-Link travel routers are best.

December 22, 2020 at 11:02 am

You’re very welcome, and thanks for taking the time to share your views on travel routers with us!

Julie Post author

December 3, 2020 at 11:21 am

Wow! This was exactly the article I needed. Thank you. I’m trying to convince my employer to let me take my remote, on-line job on the permanent road (RV). Their concern is that I occasionally need to take credit card information for orders. I also do video calls with customers, so speed is important. I go through a VPN at home with a wired, ethernet connection. I could easily create a mobile hotspot where needed with my phone, so is the GL-iNetGL-AR750S all I really need? Or is it necessary to go up to the NetGear Nighthawk?

December 4, 2020 at 4:56 am

Glad you found our article on travel routers helpful.

So if you are confident of phone reception, usually you would set up the VPN connection on your phone and then set it up as a mobile hotspot. The only reason you’d need a travel router in this case is to extend the range of the WiFi network that your phone creates. So a regular travel router (like the GL.iNet one ) is probably good to have for this purpose and it can also provide extra strength and extra security when you do use public WiFi networks. Since you need VPN, that is probably a good one for you.

Something like the NetGear Nighthawk (which is a router + mobile hotspot) is only necessary if you’re going to be connecting multiple devices at higher speeds than your phone can handle since you already are able to create a mobile hotspot with VPN on your phone. So you can test that out in advance to see if you would need a mobile hotspot or not, or if your phone connection is enough.

However, my main concern would be around cell reception, which will obviously depend on where you plan to be traveling. Remote and rural parts of the USA might not always have great cell reception and if you are an avid RV traveler, you’ll know there are some big dead zones for networks here and there. The only solution to this is to investigate satellite options – for example the Starlink system is coming online in the USA at the moment, which offers fast speeds at a reasonable price (compared the other offerings at least!). So it may take your subscribing to something like this to convince your boss if they are worried about you always being able to be online, or making sure you only travel to places with good phone signals. A mobile hotspot won’t work in places where there is no signal of some kind.

Anyway, hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions!

Matt Post author

October 29, 2020 at 5:54 pm

Hi Jessica, your article was great. It was very helpful and much needed information. Your article was clear, consistent, and well-researched. Thanks.

October 30, 2020 at 5:01 am

Hi Matt, Glad you found it helpful. We have tried to keep it updated over the years as technology and manufacturers have changed for travel routers! Just let us know if you have any questions. Best, Jessica

Dwayne Post author

July 25, 2020 at 3:01 pm

I’m at a hotel and would like a secure connection the room does not have a ethernet port, I connect to the internet on a log in screen and most of the times the screen doesn’t come up and connects itself. I have theTP-LINK TL-WR902AC AC750 WI-FI TRAVEL ROUTER set at hotspot mode and plugged to my laptop. The power and wireless lights are lit, but the internet light blinks, the hardware is version 3. I have tried the range extender mode and could connect to internet at all. Is there something I’m not doing in the router setup page. I have not had any answers yet with the tplink support staff. This is a really good site. Thanks

July 26, 2020 at 4:05 am

Sorry to hear you are having issues logging into your router at the hotel.

So could you clarify, you are in a hotel and you are connecting to the TP-Link WiFi network, but the internet is not working? Normally what should happen is the first time you want to connect to a new network you have to visit http://tplinkwifi.net , login with the username and password (the default is admin for both), and then follow the quick setup instructions which will allow you to choose a network. Then, if you try to browser to another website, the hotel login page (if there is one) should come up.

The router should be in hotspot mode as you say, but it doesn’t need to be plugged into your laptop. Normally the internet light only blinks in access point or router mode so you might want to check the mode switch is in “share hotspot” mode.

Let us know if you were able to get it fixed or if not, happy to try to help further. But hopefully you got through to the Tp-Link staff as well.

July 27, 2020 at 12:43 pm

Hello Jessica, I got connected to internet with my router on saturday, I just kept playing around with the tplink setup page and got it work. I am also using the hotspot shield free vpn, I did a speed test my upload and download mbps is under 1 at 0.56mbps. and sometimes the download gets to 1.07 Is there something I can do to get the speed faster? Thanks

July 28, 2020 at 4:31 am

Glad you got connected. So if the Internet speed is just slow where you are, there is nothing really you can do to make it faster, unfortunately. But the travel router should not slow it down. Travel routers can help strengthen a signal but they don’t really affect speed.

However, VPNs can slow down speeds (particularly free services) so you might want to test the speed without the VPN to see if that is the case. If you do find it is the VPN, you might want to consider trying a different VPN or connecting without it. You can see our list of the recommended VPNs for travelers .

If you find that the Wifi speed where you are is just too slow to perform what you need, then your only other real choice might be to consider a mobile hotspot as these create an Internet connection. However, these are more expensive and rely on a mobile network, so best to see if you can get things to work with the travel router if you can since there is an existing connection where you are.

Evan Bell Post author

May 8, 2020 at 4:08 pm

I had a Netgear travel router but it recently broke and need a new one to connect to the internet when away. This is a great resource on travel routers, I appreciate!

May 8, 2020 at 4:28 pm

Great to hear you found our travel router review article helpful. We’ve had good experience with Netgear devices, it is too bad they never made an update to the Netgear Trek, but there are several good options out there by TP-Link, GL.iNet, and RavPower. Just let us know if you have any questions.

Tim Post author

April 27, 2020 at 7:45 am

Great info about the internet during travelling and using travel routers. Is there other things I should do to keep info and passwords secure while travelling and avoid hacking attacks? Thanks.

April 27, 2020 at 9:15 am

Yes, there are lots of other things you can do to further protect your data:

-Make sure all your devices (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) are secure and protected with passwords and identify verification -Make sure your operating systems on your devices are updated with most recent updates and patches – you should also have firewall/virus protection -Use a VPN when traveling. For more info you can see our guide to choosing a VPN . You’ll want to make sure your travel router is compatible with a VPN -Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or data while on public Wifi – you should try to access important accounts (e.g., banking) as little as possible when traveling to avoid identify theft and people getting your password details. -Make sure you have backup copies of important data and info stored at home before your trip -Never give out your account passwords to anyone while traveling -Avoid providing any information on unsecured websites -Be cautious about downloading files, especially if you are not absolutely sure of their source

Hope that helps, and do let us know if you have any questions about choosing a travel router!

Sam Johnson Post author

March 24, 2020 at 6:16 am

I have Linksys WTR54GS Wireless-G Travel Router . This comes with a built-in access point and an Ethernet port used to connect to a wired network or to other computers. For a secured connection, this device has an encryption capability. This has its own power supply and an antenna. Included in the package is a case for easy safekeeping.

March 24, 2020 at 6:29 am

Thanks for sharing which travel router you use and glad that one has worked well for you. That is an older model which is why its not included on our list as it doesn’t support the latest WiFi standards, but should still work for most people!

Jeff Post author

February 12, 2020 at 6:15 pm

I have a tp-link nano travel router today. But the problem with it is that it does not play well with the captive portal system that hotels use. Every time I try to set up the router in a new hotel it takes multiple efforts to get the travel router to recognize the hotels wireless network. And then even after it does, it quite often will not show me the captive portal login page. It is very frustrating. What is your experience with these travel routers you recommend and their ability to play well with hotels captive portal?

February 13, 2020 at 6:50 am

Usually when we have this problem the issue is because the wifi network signal is so weak that even the travel router struggles to connect. However, normally we don’t have any problems with the captive portal – the routers are designed to be able to handle them, and should pass it through to your device so you can login. When you say it won’t show you the captive portal screen, do you mean after you have connected your travel router to the network, and connected your device to the travel router, that it’s just not loading the screen? Does it load anything at all?

If you are consistently having these problems, you might want to reach out to TP-Link for support as it’s possible the router has a fault, or it might need a firmware update.

Hope that helps! Laurence

February 13, 2020 at 10:12 am

>”When you say it won’t show you the captive portal screen, do you mean after you have connected your travel router to the network, and connected your device to the travel router, that it’s just not loading the screen?”

Correct. Most times (not always) the captive portal screen will never display. I repeat the setup process over and over to have the router scan for the hotel’s wifi signal and about half the time after several tries the captive portal login screen might appear.

>”Does it load anything at all?”

When it doesn’t show a screen, usually what happens is a message pops up stating something like “The network you are using may require you to visit it’s login page.” And that’s it. No login page appears.

I am done with this travel router. I’m tossing it. But I don’t want to purchase a different travel router only to have this same problem persist.

February 13, 2020 at 12:03 pm

It sounds like you know what you are doing and have tried a lot of things. Although it can take a little time to get to the captive login screen, you should be able to get there if the signal is strong enough and it is set up, so it is likely a hardware or firmware issue, so our only recommendation would be to ask TP-LInk about the issue and see if they have specific guidance on your model. We have not encountered this issue with the routers we have used.

Tlynnk Post author

July 15, 2020 at 11:06 am

I absolutely HATE my TP Link nano. Thank goodness it was cheap. It’s going straight to the trash. After two years of problems, I give up.

James Post author

January 8, 2020 at 2:45 am

I am using a travel router from one of the top-notch brands but its speed is far below the committed numbers. Which other routers do you suggest which can deliver at par speeds that we get at our homes/ offices? Thanks in advance.

January 8, 2020 at 10:13 am

So we usually find when we travel that the speed of the internet is often slower than at work or home (depending on your home connection speed). When I talk about the speed of the internet, I mean the connection speed that the hotel or guesthouse network offers. If there connection is slow, then the travel router won’t be able to improve upon that.

Most travel routers offer speeds in the region of 300Mbps, which is more than fast enough for streaming even very high definition content, and faster than most networks. So I think that no travel router will really improve that speed so any of them will pretty much give you the same speed. The only option would be to invest in a mobile hotspot, which bypasses the wifi entirely and connects over a 4G network which could deliver faster speeds. If these are available in the country you are traveling in, they can be faster than WiFi in some cases.

If you decide you’d prefer a mobile hotspot, you can read about them more in this article and it includes some of our suggestions if you decide you want to rent or buy a hotspot.

Tony Post author

January 16, 2020 at 11:18 am

My entire career has been designing digital networks all over the world, so I think I can help explain why what you’re asking for is currently impossible. First, don’t confuse network “speed” with network bandwidth. Public WiFi utilizes Broadband technology, which can be best visualized by comparing it to a regular pipe. No available technology can increase the size of a pipe in order to increase the rate of flow. Rather, a bigger pipe must be installed!

Likewise, no current technology can take a Public WiFi with a bandwidth (pipe) of 150mpbs and increase the bandwidth to 300mbps. What the best Travel Routers do is boost and extend a weak network signal into a much stronger network signal, which in turn decreases network latency, which improves the overall quality AND quantity of the flow of digital information to your laptop or tablet.

Steve Post author

January 5, 2020 at 11:37 pm

Everyone should choose a strong router at an affordable price especially while traveling. Many on this list of routers that will be a great choice. I use a TP-link router that is quite good while traveling.

January 6, 2020 at 1:16 pm

Hi Steve, Yes, the TP-Link ones are a great choice and well-priced. They also seem to keep updating the technology in them every couple of years which is good! Best, Jessica

O.G. Post author

September 23, 2019 at 2:33 pm

This was a great informative post about usig the internet during travelling and using travel routers. If you want to use the internet while travelling then you must buy a wireless mobile router because its signal range are large with the secure password nd also send a message to the user if someone try to hack a password, otherwise you feel trouble during travelling! I use them mostly because of the added security as I don’t feel safe using the internet in public places for private things and banking while traveling without having extra security. Thanks.

September 26, 2019 at 12:41 pm

Yes, travel routers are probably primarily used to increase signal strength, but yes, the extra level of security is definitely an additional featured added by travel routers. They can help make public WiFi networks a bit more secure.

Glad our article was helpful to you! Jessica

Brad Post author

September 16, 2019 at 2:34 am

Thanks for bringing our eye on this great device as we all know many hotels out their provides free internet service but the speed is ridiculously slow, show it could be of great use ( but the pricing can be a little lower in my opinion)

September 16, 2019 at 9:35 am

Hi Brad, Yes, a travel router can definitely help if you have a slow (or unsecured) connection at a hotel. If you are looking for the most budget-friendly option, the RAVPower Filehub Tripmate Nano is one to take a look at. Best, Jessica

Kimi Post author

September 11, 2019 at 1:34 am

Routers are great, as you can connect to the internet whenever you want. I mostly use it while I’m out on the beach, to listen to music or to watch some cool videos. But I’m still concerned about the safety and certain restrictions in certain countries, so I also use Nord VPN, so that my holiday would as comfortable as it can be. So, your own router and NordVPN are my best travel buds!

September 11, 2019 at 10:10 am

Hi Kimi, Yes, a VPN can be great, especially if you are traveling in lots of places with unsecure Internet (although a travel router can help secure your connection) and countries with lots of online restrictions. A VPN doesn’t work so great with some travel routers, but it sounds like you have found a good system for you! Best, Jessica

Sam Post author

August 27, 2019 at 9:03 pm

thanks @travelcats for the article. However, I am still a bit on the fence with these devices because I don’t find many hotels that use the Ethernet cable anymore in each room, so if I want to set up my own “room network”, I would need a device that acts as a Hotspot and the models mentioned in the article are Not that. Is this correct? If so, can you recommend some or have you already covered that subject in another article that you can post a link to?

August 28, 2019 at 7:25 am

Yes, so travel router devices can either extend an ethernet network into a WiFi network, or extend a weak WiFi signal into something your devices can connect to. Of course this only works if there is a wifi connection to extend.

If you want to connect when there is no WiFi connection, you would need a mobile hotspot, you can see some options here . Or you can get a device like this Netgear Nighthawk device that can function as both a travel router and mobile hotspot.

For more about mobile hotspots and getting online when traveling, this article may be useful: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-to-get-online-when-travelling-away/

Hope that helps, and let us know if you have further questions!

Bob J Post author

July 8, 2019 at 8:17 pm

Can any of these routers act as a wireless Ethernet bridge? I want to connect net gear router to our resort WiFi and was wondering if a travel router would be reasonably priced way to do that

July 11, 2019 at 2:30 pm

That is a good question. Some of these routers may be able to do that but that is not really what they were designed to do. I would check the specs of the devices and contact the specific manufacturer of the one(s) you are interested in and ask them specifically if they can do this and how you would do this. If not, I would look for a device designed more to do this, I am sure Netgear could recommend one. Best, Jessica

Tex Post author

July 4, 2019 at 12:01 pm

It sounds like you can use either an app or a browser on a laptop to configure the Trek in case it needs a password to connect to the hotel’s wifi, am I understanding that correctly? Because if that is the case, then $35 for a way to boost the WiFi signal is a bargain. So many hotels advertise free WiFi but deliver very slow connections

July 6, 2019 at 2:30 pm

Hi Tex, Yes, that is correct, you can usually use them to get around hotel minimum device issues as well as to boost exisiting WiFi signals. They also add a bit more security. Netgear is not making the Trek any longer so they are hard to find, but you might be able to find one on Amazon or ebay or secondhand. But other routers work in a similar way and they pretty much all do the same thing so you can also check out the other devices. Best, Jessica

Jimmy Chang Post author

July 1, 2019 at 5:42 am

Ravpower Filehub Plus slow down internet speed more than 50% makes it unusable in most case. Although the device’s small size and has it’s own battery is a huge plus. I bought one, really like it, but I return the product due to the internet performance disappointment.

July 1, 2019 at 5:58 pm

Hi Jimmy, Yes there are pros and cons to all of the travel routers. Sorry to hear the Ravpower Filehub Plus was not a good fit for you, but there are several other options out there that you can try. Best, Jessica

Adam Post author

June 9, 2019 at 2:32 am

Alright so this list needs updated badly. No WiFi AC options = bad. Which there are enough of to warrant an update.

June 9, 2019 at 2:08 pm

Thanks for your input! We do keep this list as up to date as we can, and there are not that many travel routers on the market that support this speed.

Some of our recommendations support the 300Mbps speed, and AC is only 433Mps, so the difference is not that great. In addition, in our experience most networks when we travel don’t offer speeds anywhere near close to maxing out even a 150mbps travel router. So there are very few places where you would encounter public Wifi AC at this time, therefore, there is not much of a compelling reason for most people to need this feature.

However, we’ll certainly review the post and update this list to ensure the best options are still represented ????

Beri Post author

May 28, 2019 at 3:46 am

I found a list of some more routers suitable for a VPN setup, have you had any experience with setting it up? I’m subscribed to this VPN but I’m a little uneasy about the technical part of configuring a router.

May 28, 2019 at 11:50 am

Hi Beri, Yes, as you know, not all routers will work with a VPN. But if you have a travel router that does, you will just need to follow the directions of that router to use it. It should work the same as without a VPN unless otherwise indicated. Best, Jessica

Tobias Claren Post author

May 21, 2019 at 4:09 am

Is it possible to use such Wireless Travel Router with a Wifi with voucher code (entry in web browser)?

May 21, 2019 at 5:23 am

Hi Tobias, Yes, it is. Once you have connected the travel router to the network, you should be able to access the voucher page from your device as you normally would. Best, Laurence

John Stafford Post author

May 16, 2019 at 6:43 am

Could you advise how these travel routers deal with the invariable web page sign in that most Hotels require you to fill in before allowing you on their WiFi network?

May 16, 2019 at 7:01 am

Hello John,

All the routers we recommend support the sign-in page that some networks require – they usually just forward it to the device you first access the network from. So say you are using a smartphone, you first connect the travel router to the hotel network using the configuration tool on your smartphone, and then when you try to access the internet, you will be redirected to the web page to sign in.

The advantage of using a travel router is that you should only need to sign in once, then any other devices you connect to your travel router will not need to sign in again. It also carries the advantage that if the hotel restricts access to one device, you can circumvent that as the hotel sees the router as the one device, and you can connect as many of your devices to the router as it supports.

Hope that helps! Jessica & Laurence

Stanley Post author

May 17, 2019 at 8:59 am

I have purchased TP Link Nano and configured to hotel WiFi. Unfortunately, it is not opening up the sign in page automatically. Hence I am not able to use the internet for my devices. What could be the possible reason?

May 17, 2019 at 10:57 am

Hi Stanley,

This can happen sometimes if your device is configured in a certain way, for example if you have a VPN running. If you connect the same device to the hotel wifi directly (without the router), does the login page come up?

Do you have another device you can try? If so, I’d logout and disconnect and try a different device.

The TP Link definitely does support this when you connect a device to it, but specific configurations can cause issues with your client devices. It’s hard to troubleshoot though as there are different possible causes.

Mark Post author

May 12, 2019 at 10:38 pm

Thanks for writing a great article about travel routers! I wish more routers/extenders would include software to function in this way.

Question: I have a particular use-case and I was wondering if any router that you’ve come across has the necessary functionality. Do any of these or any >$100 devices save the credentials of the wireless networks that you have to before and auto connect when they are available?

My wife and I travel to the same places often for work. We used the Airport Express for this for a while but we’re looking for a new solution and Apple has sadly dropped the product(one of the best smart routers out there for a long time).

Also when the local WiFi is slow we use the hotspots on our iPhones/iPad. We even have different mobile providers for different areas so one of us always has signal.

If we always had a common WiFi for all our devices that used the best signal or just auto-joined the hotspot when it was turned on we would be ecstatic!

May 13, 2019 at 8:58 am

Thanks very much!

So in our experience the travel routers we have used for this purpose (originally the Netgear Trek, although this is sadly no longer on sale) did remember the networks it had previously connected to, and would automatically reconnect to these. So we would think this would be standard for most of these. However we aren’t 100% sure as we mostly use the Trek still – the best thing might be to either contact the manufacturer of the one that sounds the best. Or just try the router that has the features you need, and then see if it works. If not, you should be able to return it for a refund.

Sorry we couldn’t be of more help. If you find out more about this in researching these routers, please let us know and we can add that to our article.

Alan Smith Post author

May 9, 2019 at 2:19 am

Thanks for sharing.

May 12, 2019 at 11:44 am

Hi Alan, glad you enjoyed the post. Just let us know if you have any questions about travel routers. Best, Jessica

Emani Post author

April 23, 2019 at 7:07 pm

Since there is no “like” button, I just wanted to quickly leave a comment to say thank you for writing this article because it was extremely helpful to a computer layman like myself. I greatly appreciate it 🙂

April 24, 2019 at 6:55 am

Hi Emani, Glad you found our article helpful, and just let us know if you have any questions about travel routers or what they do. Best, Jessica

Jacqueline Post author

April 21, 2019 at 3:54 pm

Hello I have a quick question I’m just looking for something I can get for my teenaged girls to watch Netflix and play games while on the road we do a lot of traveling and they want to watch movies and play games on there tablet and laptops do u know which router fits my family best thanks for this article by the way

April 22, 2019 at 3:08 am

Hi Jacqueline,

So the main question would be whether or not you need internet access while out and about, or just looking to extend coverage and use multiple devices at hotels etc. A travel router like these in this post can only extend an existing wireless network, so won’t help if you are in a car for example that does not have WiFi access.

If the device is primarily for use in hotels or near existing wireless networks, then any of the devices on this list would be a good fit. I’d recommend looking at the TPlink N300 or the GL iNet AR300.

If you are also looking for WiFi, then in that sort of situation you would want a wireless hotspot type device like the TEP wireless or Glocalme hotspot . You can read more about Internet access solutions while traveling in this article .

Alternatively, if you are traveling domestically, your phone may also allow you to create a wireless hotspot and share the connection with the other devices around you.

The only thing about these options is that it will depend on your daughters usage – streaming movies for example uses quite a lot of data, and most wireless hotspot services tend to restrict speeds after around 1GB of data, which is less than your average film.

Hope that helps, but do let us know if you have further questions! Laurence

Todd Post author

March 23, 2019 at 9:13 am

I just returned my new TP-Link N300 Nano after a couple of very frustrating days trying to connect it to my iPhone 6. Their helpdesk agent was friendly but couldn’t find a solution. I found a resolution in their community forum and flashed new firmware onto the device to solve the issue. Sadly, the router would lock up after a few minutes of use. I let it hang twice before declaring it useless and boxed it back up to send to Amazon.

It’s such a shame because it probably could be a good router. But who can afford to be upgrading software while on the road 🙁

March 23, 2019 at 11:39 am

Hi Todd, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Sorry to hear that this did not work out well for you, although glad you had good customer service experience. I hope you are able to find something that works for you. Best, Jessica

March 2, 2019 at 7:39 pm

Thanks for a great article. I wish I could find a device that does everything the RAVPower FileHub does, along with VPN. I need a router that does wired, wireless bridge, USB port for external HDD, Video streaming, and hopefully VPN. Any suggestions?

March 3, 2019 at 5:37 am

Hi Chris – that would be a great device indeed! We’ve taken a look around though, and we can’t find one that does everything you need – either they have VPN and don’t have file sharing, or vice versa. The best solution we can offer is something like the RAVPower FileHub, with setting up a VPN on your laptop or mobile phone. We know this is an extra step for each device, but right now we don’t know of a product that has all 5 of those features. Hopefully one will be available soon! Best, Jessica

January 31, 2019 at 6:01 am

My company has production plants all over the world. As such, there has been and will continue to be the opportunity for me to spend extended time abroad. This past year alone, I spent four weeks in Italy which is the reason I’m now searching for some sort of wifi booster. The hotels in Italy had wifi that would operate a laptop, iPhone, et cetera, but the signal was not strong/reliable enough to use my Chromecast. This meant I spent a lot of evenings looking at my iPhone 7 to watch Netflix. Not optimal!

What I need to know is will a product like this allow me to stream Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, whatever, to my Chromecast in such an instance? There is a very good chance that I might be spending weeks-on-end abroad again very soon. I would like to be able to address this issue before I leave. Any thoughts on this?

January 31, 2019 at 10:32 am

So this is not a question we can 100% answer. A travel router can boost signal and provide more secure Internet browsing, but it depends ultimately on the speed of the hotel’s connection.

First, the Internet speed in general in the location you are visiting will need to be fast enough to support streaming. It sounds like this has generally been the case in hotels you’ve stayed in, as you were able to stream to your iPhone. In that case, if your iPhone is able to stream across the WiFi, then a travel router should strengthen the signal sufficiently for the Chromecast to also work. However, we can’t guarantee it will work in every instance, so this might not be a guaranteed fix.

If you are able to download any films or TV shows we’d recommend doing this. I know Netflix lets you download some shows to supported devices. You might then be able to stream these more easily.

Alternatively, with something like the RAVPower router we mention, that acts as a streaming hub that your Chromecast should be able to stream from, if you have a hard drive or memory card with some shows on.

We think a travel router should help, but we can’t guarantee it in every situation!

Sajjad Ahmad Post author

January 23, 2019 at 1:17 am

Thanks for sharing this is such a very nice post and review of available travel routers. thanks for spending time on it. i found it very useful.

January 23, 2019 at 2:46 am

Hi Sajjad, You are very welcome and just let us know if you have any questions as you check out the different travel routers. Best, Jessica

Business Traveler Post author

December 13, 2018 at 6:49 am

great article, very helpful as a business traveler!

December 13, 2018 at 7:34 am

Thanks, glad you found it helpful! Just let us know if you have any questions about choosing a travel router. Best, Jessica

Gary Post author

December 2, 2018 at 10:39 pm

This is a very good article and comparison of different travel routers, as so far I’ve read several articles. Thank you!

December 3, 2018 at 6:00 am

Hi Gary, Thanks for taking the time to comment and glad to hear you found our travel route article helpful. Do let us know if you have any questions. Best, Jessica

Shah Post author

September 28, 2018 at 2:03 pm

This was a great informative post you have shared on this page about the internet during travelling and using travel routers. If you want to use the internet while travelling then you must buy a wireless mobile router because its signal range are large with the secure password nd also send a message to the user if someone try to hack a password, otherwise you feel trouble during travelling! Thanks.

September 29, 2018 at 8:05 pm

Hi Shah, Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, and hope you choose the best travel router for you. Wireless routers can definitely help you get online while traveling and also help keep you more secure when away from home! Best, Jessica

Bella Johsan Post author

September 28, 2018 at 2:05 am

Many wireless routers available in the market which is helpful during the travel like np15 and so many. We always want a good speed router during our travels, regarding best router I found this post really helpful.

September 29, 2018 at 7:01 am

Hi Bella, Glad you found this helpful in choosing a travel router and wishing you the best on your future travels! Best, Jessica

Sam Billings Post author

September 6, 2018 at 12:00 am

Netgear Trek is a small router for those travel a lot or whose work is to travel. This device is easy to handle and it does not need a lot of space. I really like it!

September 6, 2018 at 12:13 pm

Hi Sam, Yes, we like the Netgear Trek as well and it is a great size for travel. It is just a shame that Netgear stopped making them now. I am hoping that will come out with an updated or new travel router product that is similar to that one. Best, Jessica

pamela Post author

September 4, 2018 at 10:02 pm

TP-Link Nano travel routers N150 and N300 are so aesthetically pleasing. I have N150 and don’t have anything bad to say about it, except the price could be lower. Btw, I use Nordvpn with it, and I’d say it’s a perfect match.

September 5, 2018 at 4:06 am

Hi Pamela, Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and for your experience with the N150 travel router. Glad that you have had a good experience with it. We recommend NordVPN as well for those that need a VPN service. Best, Jessica

Jean Post author

August 11, 2018 at 3:07 pm

Hi. I’m looking into purchasing the TP-Link N300 Nano Travel Router to use at a lakeside resort. The lodge at the resort has free wi-fi but the nearby cottages do not. They last time we were there, we were able to pick up in our cottage a weak signal from the lodge. Would the TP-Link N300 Nano server to strengthen that signal. We use Mac laptops, if that matters. Obviously, we don’t know much about travel routers. Any information you can provide will be very helpful. THANKS!

August 13, 2018 at 12:53 am

Hi Jean, Yes, that is the sort of situation that the router is designed for and it should strengthen your signal and make it stronger than what it would be with only your laptops. It may not be a “strong” connection, but it should certainly be stronger. As long as you have relatively recent model laptop (last several years) most routers will work fine with most modern laptops, tablets, and phones. Wishing you a wonderful vacation at the lake! Best, Jessica

Stive Smith Post author

July 27, 2018 at 4:42 am

What a helpful technical post on travel routers! I think Wireless Router is the best one to achieve uninterrupted WiFi while blogging. I had some issues with my router which I was unable to fix on my own. Then, I got Netgear Support which was truly helpful in fixing all my router issues.

July 27, 2018 at 4:44 am

Hi Stive, So glad you found our travel routers post helpful. And yes, if you need help with a Netgear product, Netgear Support is a great place to get help with your travel router! Best, Jessica

Christina Post author

January 19, 2017 at 11:13 am

It’s nice to have WiFI while traveling and I appreciate the design and functional features of the device. The Netgear Trek’s initial function, increasing the range of existing wireless networks, sounds great.

January 20, 2017 at 3:19 am

Hi Christina, Yes, we still take the Netgear Trek travel router with us on most of our travels as it often comes in handy when we need to connect while on the road. Just let us know if you have any specific questions about the device that are not answered in the review. Best, Jessica

January 13, 2017 at 9:47 am

It’s nice that the included antenna can amplify the weak signal. Many people would find this product useful.

Harry Post author

January 3, 2017 at 2:57 pm

Thanks for the response. I”m back at home now but will try this at the next hotel. Great review. If this pans out, this truly is something that has been needed for quite a while and it will become my “go-to” solution when traveling.

travelcats Post author

January 3, 2017 at 3:18 pm

Hi Harry, We find that sometimes it does take a bit of patience and fiddling but we have been successful in using it as we described. Best of luck and please let us know how it works on your next trip! Best, Jessica & Laurence

December 30, 2016 at 9:34 am

I was led to understand the netgear N300 would allow you to use the hotel “captive portal” wifi with multiple devices. It doesn’t look like that is the case as your commenter above states. I see no option in the http://www.routerlogin.net netgear page for this to happen. It requires you to put in an ssid for the hotel network and a password. The problem is, with “captive portal” pages, there is no “password”. They ask for your room number and you to accept the user agreement.

What is needed is to be able to sign in to the netgear n300 and then open a browser and try to get on the internet and then the hotel page pops up and you enter your room number and any other required info and you are on the web.

I don’t see that capability in the netgear N300

Also, I think you may need the ability to “clone” the mac address of your laptop so your mac address isn’t always telling the hotel that you are probably using a “router” type device to get around their “one or two device” rules. If the mac address says “I’m a netgear router”, it would be easy for the hotel to not allow such mac addresses.

December 31, 2016 at 3:07 am

Hi Harry, In our experience the N300 router has allowed us to do this. You can enter the hotel SSID without a password, and then the router will forward your browser to the hotel page to log in, after which point you can browse with multiple devices. We’ve definitely used it in this situation and not had any problems at several hotels.

For the MAC address spoofing, we’ve never encountered a hotel set up intelligent enough to do this, and we suspect we never will – the effort to do so isn’t really worth the rewards we suspect.

Hope this helps, and I would message or call Netgear Support if you are having further difficulties. Best, Jessica

John-Paul Post author

October 12, 2016 at 3:24 pm

NetGear has been horrible in trying to answer my question.

I was told that I can connect in places like Starbucks that require me to click on ACCEPT their terms or a location like a hotel that might require me to enter other information on a log in screen.

I have not been able to make that happen. I select the network (such as Starbucks) and the system spins for a couple minutes and then says it can’t connect. It doesn’t take me to the needed screen to accept terms.

Is the function I want available and, if so, how is it supposed to work.

October 12, 2016 at 5:46 pm

Hi John-Paul, I am sorry to hear you have not had a great response to your question from Netgear. Um, have you gotten the Netgear to first work at your home? We were normally able to connect in public places, and have used it in hotels and coffee shops. It should first connect to the Netgear and then you should be able to then sign into the store or public screen wi-fi. Are you able to sign into the public wifi screen once you turn of the Netgear Trek? ~ Jessica

October 12, 2016 at 8:10 pm

No trouble logging on to NetGear at home and retransmitting my home network.

I was at a hospital with a public network. I was able to log on to their network (after accepting their terms on a pop up page) on both my computer and my iphone. However, when I selected the hospital network in the NetGear menu it tried to connect a couple of times but said they could not connect. It never gave me the sign on screen from the hospital.

So. The normal process should be

1) Connect my laptop to the NetGear network created by my device. 2) Go through the netgear menu and select the desired network from the available list. 3) Hit the Go/Enter/Next button (don’t remember which it’s called) 4) Any signon screen from the network should automatically come up??

It’s step 4 that isn’t happening

October 12, 2016 at 8:45 pm

Hi John-Paul, Yes, it sounds like you are doing it correctly. I don’t know what may be happening – it could be something to do with the hospital network in combo with the Netgear. But if you have had this problem at other places, it is probably the Netgear. Have you had it working in any public places you have tried? If contacting Netgear support isn’t working the best, you might try contacting them via social media such as sending them a Tweet (@Netgear) and feel free to tag me on it (@TravelCatsBlog) and I can monitor to make sure you get a reply. Sorry I can’t be more helpful but I hope Netgear can help you out. Best, Jessica

October 13, 2016 at 12:11 pm

Good news. I finally got it to work.

I’m very happy as now that we are retired this is going to be extremely useful in all the timeshares we stay in.

October 13, 2016 at 1:25 pm

Great, glad you got the Netgear Trek working! ~ Jessica

Mary Tarris Post author

February 22, 2016 at 4:38 pm

I use it to bring wifi to my laptop in various parts of the house from my desk, where it sits cabled to a broadband modem that itself is cabled to the internet. The big problem is that very often it shows up as not connected to the internet, although I can usually get it to function OK after turning various bits of kit off and then on again. Has anyone else had this hassle?.

February 24, 2016 at 4:34 am

Hi Mary, We have generally not used the device on a daily basis, but we have had issues where it disconnects itself and we have to reconnect the connection to get it rebooted. Another issues may be that since you may be in areas of the desk where there is a weak connection, it may be losing the wifi signal at times. I am not sure if there is anything you can do other than what you are doing. Anyone else have advice? ~ Jessica

Gary Jackson Post author

February 4, 2016 at 3:24 am

I am also using NETGEAR TREK since December 14. It helps me to connect multiple devices and let me do my work on the fourth flour. Its an excellent device!

February 6, 2016 at 11:04 am

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Netgear Trek. I am glad that you have found it helpful!

Gil Hale Post author

October 21, 2015 at 1:02 am

We have begun to use a DropCam camera (now a Nest product) as in some hotels we have had some items taken from our room (not Marriott). But, I found the DropCam would not connect directly to the Marriott provided WiFi in our room. I tried to use our iPad as a hotspot, but the connection was not reliable. I ended up investing in a Netgear Trek N300 WiFi router and was able to log that unit onto the Marriott WiFi with no problems, then connect our devices to the N300. Perfect…

October 24, 2015 at 6:58 am

Hi Gil, Sorry to hear about the taken items, but I am glad that you have found the Netgear Wifi router helpful during your travels! We are actually using it right now in Rome!! ~Jessica

Tom Post author

August 8, 2015 at 12:30 pm

I’ve had spotty results with the Netgear Trek. The Internet connection is flaky and it resets itself a few times each day, even when it seems to pick up a strong signal from a hotel or RV park. Did you run into that problem, too?

August 11, 2015 at 11:59 am

Hi Tom, We have not experienced the flakiness so much but we have had it reset when we have it on for a long time, but not quite that often. Maybe contact Netgear and see if they have any tips? ~Jessica

July 13, 2015 at 2:08 pm

Great review! I, too, am in the market for a travel router. Thus, I have a question: Can this be powered via a USB-powered port on my laptop or by A/C only?

July 13, 2015 at 8:27 pm

Hi Todd, thanks! Yes, you can power this via a plugged in USB cable or via the AC cord. If you use the Netgear Trek, please feel free to share your experience!

Adelina Post author

February 26, 2015 at 12:08 pm

Interesting. I’ve thought of maybe getting one of these for my own home! There are corners that just have such weak connections. It does seem a bit bulky though to be carrying it when traveling. How heavy is it?

March 4, 2015 at 3:23 pm

Hi Adelina, yes we use it both at home to extend our wifi to our patio and also sometimes while traveling. Here are the size and weight specs from the Netgear website:

Dimensions: 3.39 in x 3.31 in x 1.30 in (86.5 mm x 86.2 mm x 32 mm) Net Weight: 0.355 lb (161 g).

So it is fairly compact and not that heavy but if you are like me, every little bit can matter when trying to squeeze more things into one’s luggage so we generally just travel with it when we know we’ll be experiencing bad wi-fi. Hope that helps and feel free to ask more questions if you are deciding to buy.

Marisol@TravelingSolemates Post author

February 23, 2015 at 1:35 pm

Thanks for the review. I’ll definitely look into it. It really is frustrating if the signal is slow. . I’ll be willing to carry extra weight if it would boost connection,.

March 9, 2015 at 12:29 pm

Yes, just let me know if you have any questions about the Netgear trek Marisol!

Em... Post author

February 23, 2015 at 11:35 am

Gone are the days of combing an area for a dodgy internet cafe in order to e-mail friends and family about travels. Now you can use gadgets like this and blog away… Big innovations in just even a decade!

March 9, 2015 at 12:25 pm

Isn’t it amazing how fast Internet availability and speeds have changed in just the past 5-7 years!

Jess Post author

February 22, 2015 at 5:52 pm

My greatest frustration when traveling is places that advertise wifi when it’s too slow or unreliable to be usable – I’m fine when they just don’t have it, but I hate spending so much time trying to make it work. I think I could use one of these.

March 9, 2015 at 12:21 pm

Hi Jess, yes I agree. Better to not advertise Internet than to have Internet that is impossible to use:) This can help when there are weak signals.

Corinne Post author

February 22, 2015 at 3:38 am

Great review…as we all know living without good Internet is a killer!

March 9, 2015 at 12:13 pm

Indeed Corinne:)

Lyn (aka) The Travelling Lindfields Post author

February 22, 2015 at 1:47 am

This sounds like a very useful device for people who need the internet when they travel.

March 9, 2015 at 12:12 pm

Indeed, we find it both useful for home and for traveling!

Paula McInerney Post author

February 22, 2015 at 1:21 am

Interesting, We use netgear at home and love it. Gordon will look into this.

March 9, 2015 at 12:10 pm

Great, and just let me know if you or Gordon have any questions!

Leah | KidBucketList Post author

February 21, 2015 at 11:32 pm

I love the idea of SECURE access to public hotspots when travelling. My only concern is it’s size. It seems so big!

March 9, 2015 at 12:06 pm

Yes, it is also a pro and con when adding something extra to one’s luggage. Here are the size and weight specs from the Netgear website:

AwesomelyOZ Post author

February 19, 2015 at 9:11 pm

That’s very cool – I haven’t used this but it’s good to know it’s a reliable product. My mobile phone is a hotspot so if anything, we can connect multiple devices to it as well. It’s REALLY handy to have that functionality because it also doesn’t require any extra gear, just my phone. 🙂 Have a great one Jessica! -Iva 🙂

February 20, 2015 at 8:44 am

That sounds great and I wish I could use my cell phone as a hotspot, but it is quite expensive. Mobile hotspots are definitely very cool. The great thing about the Trek is that it is a very low cost option ($35 one time cost) for locations that have WiFi (or Ethernet) and you’d just like to make a stronger, safer, and more reliable connection.

Anda Post author

February 19, 2015 at 2:03 pm

Looks like an excellent device, I’ll be glad to look into it. The only downside is that you still need to carry a router from what I understand, which is an extra weight in the luggage…

February 20, 2015 at 8:42 am

Hi Anda, yes the Netgear Trek is a very neat device. It is pretty compact, but you do need to have the device with you to connect and increase the wifi range so it is going to take up some precious luggage space unfortunately.

SUZAN FAWCETT Post author

February 19, 2015 at 5:39 am

i was very interested in your take on this product. However I use an android tab when i travel and there was no mention made of that possibility in the specs. I research further and found that is does work with android and ios operating systems too. I am seriously looking at purchase. Thanks for bringing this device to our attention!

February 19, 2015 at 9:14 am

Yes, for some reason Netgear does not list it under the written system requirements, but the Netgear Trek works well with our Android phones and devices. Let us know if you have any other questions! ~ Jessica

February 18, 2015 at 7:52 pm

It sounds like you can use either an app or a browser on a laptop to configure the Trek in case it needs a password to connect to the hotel’s wifi, am I understanding that correctly? Because if that is the case, then $35 for a way to boost the WiFi signal is a bargain. So many hotels advertise free WiFi but deliver very slow connections.

Thanks for a great review!

February 19, 2015 at 9:09 am

Yes, that is correct. Similar to going to a coffee shop, it will bring up the Netgear page and you will choose the network you want and then connect to it as needed (if there is a password or something to click). Yes, we think the $35 is a very good value which is why Laurence bought his own so we now own two of the devices:)

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10 Best Portable Wireless Travel Router 2024

Some of the best travel routers are GL. iNet Travel AC VPN Router, TP-Link N150 Wireless. They both have very good reviews compared with other routers. In this guide, we will be looking at the best portable wireless travel router for hotels, cruise ship, chromecast and discuss pros and cons of each router.

A safe traveller is a connected traveller. With the help of the internet you can find the best restaurants, decipher any form of transportation, and work on the go. However, as you get further off the beaten path finding wifi for all your devices can get difficult.

A functional travel router will keep you safely connected anywhere, but they are not all created equal. It’s important to pick the best travel router for your needs.

This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I can earn from qualifying purchases. Read our disclosure for more information.

10 Best Wireless Travel Router for Hotels, Cruise Ship & Chromecast

1. gl. inet travel ac vpn router.

If you are an adventurer or you happen to be someone that travels across the globe often, there is no doubt that you’ll often resolve to public Wi-Fi for internet connection.  The problem with public networks is that they have slow network speed and are vulnerable to a security breach.

The GL. INet Travel AC VPN Router is a beautiful solution that can help you maintain a fast, stable and secure internet access whenever you connect to public Wi-Fi networks. Essentially, this router works by transforming the public Wi-Fi network to a private one, therefore, giving you direct access to the Wi-Fi and safeguarding your devices. 

The lovely router also features a wireless speed of 300Mbps(2.4G) + 433Mbps (5G) , which is reliable, stable and fast enough to get anything done in no time.  

Another incredible feature about this router is that it comes with about 30 VPN service providers, enabling you to access your usual website even when you are in a foreign country. An additional benefit of this is that,  when you use the router in your home county,  it gives you the authorization to visit websites that are out of your zone without going through the stress of manually changing your IP address.

The GL. INet Travel AC VPN Router also comes with storage space of 28MB RAM, 16MB NOR Flash, 128MB NAND Flash, and up to 128GB Micro SD slot. This means you don’t have to worry about the malfunctioning of your device and network, which are the usual problems associated with short storage space. 

This ultramodern router also has a USB 2.0 port and three Gigabit Ethernet ports (1 WAN and 2 LAN), which enhances network connection. It gives you a choice to access any public Wi-Fi via multiple means.

• It ensures a fast connection.
• It is efficient
• It ensures a secure connection while using a public network.
• It is big and can take up space while traveling.

2. TP-Link N150 Wireless Nano Travel Router: Best Travel Router for the Space Conscious

Travelling light is essential on long journeys. It’s hard to keep yourself light as you accumulate items on the road and tangle with the wires from all your accessories.

So why not cut down where you can? The TP-Link N150 Wireless Nano lives up to its name. At just under 7 ounces and packing an impressive 4GB of RAM , the N150 delivers performance from a small package.

It charges using a standard micro usb, which means one less wire. This router has only one function, getting you online. There’s no variety in external ports, meaning you can’t directly connect your devices.

The Nano can be perfect for the seriously compact road warrior. Someone who wants all the specs with none of the unnecessary bells and whistles. It doesn’t function as a mobile charger, it doesn’t transfer your files, but it gets you online fast. Once you’re online, it has the power to keep you moving quickly.

At $20, the Nano is smaller than the credit card you’ll use to pay for it. Get on line, stay safe, and keep moving.

• Ease of use
• Lack of connectivity
• Lack of features and ports

3. Satechi Smart Travel Router: A Useful Combo

The Satechi Smart Travel Router also ascends to its namesake. This item has the unique feature of combining a multifunctional travel adaptor, with your standard router.

Satechi has created a plug toggle that allows you to tap into power outlets in over 150 countries . This can be extremely useful for travellers regularly going between the USA, UK and Europe, all of which use different connections.

By combining these two necessary items, the Satechi Smart will save you space and keep you connected wherever you go. USB ports also allow you to charge your devices while you’re connected.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t function as mobile charger, so you’ll likely be stuck near the wall. However, if you regularly stay in hotels and hostels, it’s extremely easy to charge all your devices while online in your down time.

Standard 3-way travel adaptors will cost you around $15, so springing $32 for the Satechi Smart seems like a relatively reasonable option. Satechi’s intuitive combination allows you to carry one less item, but sacrifices some ease of use and performance.

• Intuitive combination design provides good value
• USB charging for other devices
• Direct wall charging worldwide
• In wall use only
• Weaker network performance standards

4. NETGEAR Trek N300 Travel Router: Serious Technology

For those looking for serious performance, the NETGEAR Trek N300 could be the right choice. The Trek offers a variety of power options. You can get online using a standard US/AUS/CAN two prong wall plug, a USB from a laptop or desktop, or charge up the mobile battery.

The N300 gives you all the tech in a discreet package, with 300 MBPS connection speed, and a flip out antenna that provides impressive range extension. It also features a simple switch that moves you between connecting to a wired network or tethering into an existing wireless connection.

These options make it simple to connect in a myriad of ways and give you the speed you need once online. If you want to hit the road without losing a step, this could be the right choice for you.

• Connection mode toggle
• USB or wall charging
• Local battery
• ​Serious tech specs
• Network range
• North America/AUS wall plug only
• Premium price

5. NETGEAR Nighthawk 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Travel Router

The Netgear Nighthawk 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Travel Router is another reliable solution to weak network speed that comes with using a public Wi-Fi. It has lots of features that make it a must-have item whenever you want to embark on a trip.

This sleek router has a download speed of 1Gbps , making it easy for you to download videos, stream any music, or listen to an audiobook without the littlest interruption. Apart from its fast speed, this router is also one of the lightest routers on the list. It measures about 8.4 ounces in weight , which makes it portable and very convenient to carry around. 

NETGEAR Nighthawk 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Travel offers one USB 2.0, one Micro SD, and Wi-Fi sharing options such that you can share data with up to 20 people. And it also helps manage your data while streaming media and download movies. 

With this travel router, a strong and wide range of internet connection has never been made much easier. It is portable, fast, and has a sleek design, making it easier for you to narrow your choice if you ever need a router for your travel.  

Pros  

• It is lightweight .
• It offers a fast connection. 
• You can share it with family and friends while on a trip.
• It provides quick download speed. 
• No lagging while streaming.
• Its battery is durable. 
• It is a little expensive.

6 . GL. iNet GL-AR150 Mini Best Budget Travel Router

If you want a portable, yet relatively inexpensive router that guarantees high network speed, this GL. iNet GL-AR150 Mini Best budget Travel router is the one to get.

GL. iNet GL-AR150 Mini Best Budget Travel Router is a portable size router that weighs around 1.41 oz. This means that you can even keep it in your pocket in case you don’t want to carry any neck pouch. It is well-packaged, has a sleek design and also boasts of an excellent Wi-Fi converter that helps you filter an unsecured hotel Wi-Fi by converting it to a private and secured network. 

One of the features that make this travel router admirable is its ability to share Wi-Fi connection without reducing network quality. This low budget travel router has superior qualities that make it a nice buy. It features a strong battery which you can always recharge using a power bank, Laptop, or DC adapter.

 It was designed with 64MB RAM & 16MB Flash ROM and high extensibility featuring dual Ethernet ports, UART, and 2.54mm standard GPIOs.

• It is lightweight and transportable .
• It offers a secure connection.
• It features dual Ethernet ports. 
• It is rechargeable and affordable.
• It isn’t easy to set up. 

7. TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router

Accessing public Wi-Fi is much easier when you have this wireless travel router at your reach . It features a dedicated Pre Encryption function and strong protective measures, which ensures constant security of your connection from all forms of malware hacks.

The TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router allows you to share Wi-Fi with your siblings, children, and friends and may come in handy during family trips and get together.

If you are looking for a strong and reliable Wi-Fi router that offers a smooth and secure internet connection, this is a good option for you. It was developed to provide you with about 300 Mbps Wi-Fi speed on the 2.4G hertz band. This accounts for its strong network, which never lags.

Overall, this router is an excellent product that gives you everything you need to enjoy a smooth network.

• It is affordable.
• It is safe to use.
• It offers a fast internet connection.
• They failed to provide detailed instructions on how to use the router. 

8. GL. iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Wireless Mini Portable VPN Travel Router

The GL. iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Wireless travel router may help to proffer a lasting solution to poor internet connection problems if you have the foreknowledge that you are traveling to a destination with a poor network.

 It offers a fast, secure and uninterrupted network connection with the Wi-Fi converter. Another excellent feature of this wireless router is its lightweight and pocket-size, which makes it portable and flexible to carry about.

One thing I love about this router is its strong and reliable battery, which is easily rechargeable using a 5V DC adapters or by connecting it with a laptop using USD. It also comes with a considerably large storage space of about 128MB RAM and 16MB Flash ROM, which makes it easy for you to share data via USB stick and hard drive. 

What gives this travel router a cutting edge in the market is its relatively low price; therefore, it places no additional financial expenses on your travel budget.  It also features a dynamic VPN that enables you to access any world website without any restrictions. 

Conclusively, the GL. iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Wireless travel router is a low budget travel router that gives you secure and fast access to the internet; this helps you easily share your adventures with friends from anywhere around the globe.  

• It is flexible.
• It is easy to carry around. 
• It supports up to 30+ VPN.
• It is affordable. 
• It isn’t easy to navigate.

9. RAVPower FileHub Plus, Wireless Travel Router: Best Travel Router for the Photo Freak

One of the best parts of travelling is taking those gorgeous photos that make your friends and family extremely jealous. If you’re the type to regularly sift through all your daily shots, the RAVPOWER FileHub Plus could be the perfect choice.

This device features a variety of upload options that will regularly free up space on your camera’s memory card or laptop’s hard drive. The FileHub Plus has the standard USB port, but also slots for SD and HDD cards that will make sure you never miss a great photo due to lack of memory.

The dedicated FileHub transfer app effortlessly moves photos directly from your devices to cloud based services like Google Drive, or iPhoto. By uploading and transferring photos more often you make sure losing a camera or memory card doesn’t mean losing irreplaceable moments.

As a traveller who has lost a few of both, I wish I had forked over the $40 dollars to make uploading a bit easier. You can also stream your slideshows to a variety of internet connected devices and show people on the road and at home, what you’ve been up to.

It also has a dedicated port and limited local battery to recharge your camera or smartphone. The extra ports come at the cost of battery size, so don’t expect more than one charge.

Overall, if you’re a serious social media master, or a professional travel blogger/photographer the FileHub plus could cut down the frustration of your daily routine.

• Tons of connection options
• Dedicated app
• Mobile charger
• Internal data storage
• Low battery life due to space dedicated to ports
• Larger size
• Complexity of use

10. HooToo Wireless Travel Router: A Streamer’s Dream

Tired of watching video or looking at your photos on your tiny screens? The HooToo Titan Wireless Travel Router has the power and technology to bring your life to the big screen.

The associated TripMate app allows you to connec t to a bunch of streaming devices and transfer files instantly. This device adds some serious juice by incorporating a huge mobile battery that can charge your smartphone up to 3 times.

Essentially, it’s a mobile charger and router 2 for 1. Secret fold out flaps reveal input and output connections that allow you to send items to a mobile hard drive or memory stick freeing up space for more photos on your devices.

Plus there’s an optional USB hub that can turn one port into 4 . HooToo has created a seriously powerful multipurpose machine with an integrated app that commands a variety of connected devices. All these features come at a cost, as the Titan is a bit bulky.

• Dual Purpose mobile batter y
• Substantial power
• ​Ease of stream
• Connection options
• No in wall charging
• Heavy (.55 LBS)
• Big (1.7in x 3.7 in)

What is a Best Travel Router?

Essentially, a travel router is a small internet connection device that turns a wired connection f rom an ethernet port into a wireless signal . This enables you to connect your devices to a secure, personal wifi network.

What makes them different from your standard, at-home version? They are usually compact in size, and offer battery power for when outlets are scarce . Furthermore, some offer the ability to boost the strength of existing WIFI networks , or broadcast the signal from a mobile hotspot.

How to Choose the Best Travel Router

As in any technology segment, there are many options to consider. It’s easy to get confused. Focusing on your needs will bring you to the right choice, for you. Consider what kind of traveller you are. Here are the 10 best travel routers , for all different types of travellers.

Why do I need a Best Travel Router?

Accessibility.

Keeping a travel router in your toolkit ensures your ability to connect anywhere. Take your own short ethernet cable and you will be able to bring any archaic connection into the wireless age. For those looking to travel less developed parts of the world, but still wish to keep up to date, it’s a necessary safety net. Public wifi can only take you so far.

Cost and Convenience

Travel routers can be great for all types of digital nomads . They allow you increase the strength and range of spotty signals. Also, as the race to get slimmer continues, laptop manufacturers are removing ethernet ports. That means if you want to work on the road, you have to get wireless.

Nowadays, we all have more than one internet connected device. With your own network you can bring your laptop, smartphone, tablet, and gaming console online. Using mobile data on all your devices can be expensive.

With a travel router you can latch on to the ethernet based connection in the hotel or airport lounge without paying for the expensive wifi. If you’re forced to pay for wifi or wired internet, you can use your router to spread the one connection to all your devices, instead having to choose just one or pay for more.

Stop paying for a coffee every time you need to connect your laptop by mooching a free wired signal.

Entertainment

By connecting all your devices to your personal network you can transfer files, share photos, and stream music or movies. Better yet, have your friends and family join you and make sure you’re all seeing the same thing.

Watch a slideshow of your latest journey or see who has the best photo to share to social media. Keep everyone in your travel party entertained by turning one connection into many. No more fighting and no more boredom.

Most importantly, we’ve all been desperate for internet on the road. Budget travellers and backpackers who can’t afford exorbitant international data are more likely to connect to unprotected wireless signals.

This can be extremely dangerous. Password protection is essential to a secure network . Spyware and malware can sneak into your devices and steal your most precious information.

This could be personal locations/contacts, or financial details. Likewise, using shared computers in internet cafes can leave you vulnerable to the most basic blunder, forgetting to log out and leaving your information open for all to see.

Having a dedicated, password-protected wireless network means your information is much safer . If your work is super secretive, you can piggyback another wifi signal to your personal router, requiring a second password and creating further layers of protection.

What is the Best Portable Travel Router?

Here are our top best portable travel routers:

RAVPower FileHub, Travel Router AC750

While visiting a new country with your family, you may want to take nice pictures in beautiful places. This powerful travel router is an excellent option for you. It is embedded with features that enable you to do wireless data transfer using Connect SD cards, portable hard drive, and SSD/HDD . The lovely pictures you took can be easily stored with an incredible backup mechanism. With a single click, you can upload your photos on an SD card, hard drive, or flash drive. You can also share data with your friends and family using the manual or automatic copying method.

GL. iNet Travel AC VPN Router

GL. INet Travel AC VPN Router offers one of the fastest and reliable Wi-Fi connections.

Essentially, the router features a wireless speed of 300Mbps(2.4G) + 433Mbps (5G). It is a sophisticated device, comprising many exceptional features that contribute to its uniqueness and functionality. 

One of the incredible features about this travel router is that it comes with 128MB NAND Flash, up to 128GB Micro SD slot, and a USB 2.0 port, which provides more than enough space for data transfer.

How Do Travel Routers Work? 

Buying a travel router is a worthy investment because the router saves you the stress of connecting all your devices to different Wi-Fi networks. However, getting a good travel router is one thing, and learning how to use the travel router is another important thing. 

Usually, a travel router works by sharing data connections among many devices from a primary source. The router connects to these devices through Wi-Fi.

To use the router, first, switch it on. Next, turn on the “Wi-Fi” on the other device to initiate a connection. After this, pair the router with the Wi-Fi on the other device. At this time, the router is already enabled, and you can connect as many devices as possible.  However, there is usually a limit to the number of users or devices that can connect to a router simultaneously. You can easily find this on the product manual that comes with the router. 

Are Travel Routers Worth It?

Nowadays, most travelers want to always have access to the Internet wherever they are. Most of us do not travel without a phone, tablet, laptop, reader, and more. Each of us wants always to have access to social media, emails, or to keep in touch with the home. 

We all know that not all destinations offer the greatest Wifi or Hotspot range. Besides, most travelers are aware of the pain of connecting to the hotel Wifi. 

Wireless internet is also available in most parts of the world, but there can always be situations where it can be difficult or expensive to connect. If you travel alone or with a company, the travel router can easily facilitate your journey.

What Is The Longest Range Wifi Router?

WiFi travel routers have a scope according to their location, transmission power, frequency, and antenna type.

A standard wireless router in an indoor (IPS) device using 802.11n and having the main antenna can have a range of 50 to 60 meters (160 feet).

Outdoor devices that connect from point to point are used by directional antennas and can extend many kilometers between stations.

The best travel routers ensure that you don’t just receive a signal, but that it’s powerful enough no matter how close you are to the device.

Are Travel Routers Secure?

Travel routers are one of the most secure portable devices. You can use the travel router to connect to a Wifi hotspot or broadband connection on the device. This will create a private, secure, wireless network with a strong firewall.

 You will be able to use this service with your laptop, smartphone, or tablet, and share this connection with friends, family, and travelers with you. Most travel routers have USB ports that support portable hard drives. So you can share files over the network completely securely.

How Do I Make My Router More Secure?

The security of your router is one of the most important things about using it. To make your router more secure, there are several settings you need to set.

 With the purchase of your router, you receive it with a username and password , which you have to change with others of your choice. The next step is to change the network name to one of your choices . The same goes for the network password. 

Make sure your router firewall is enabled and update your router’s firmware. These are the basic things you can do to make your router more secure.

Do Travel Routers Work On Cruise Ships?

The use of a travel router is possible on cruise ships and a preferred option for many travelers. Of course, there are some exceptions that affect the successful use of a router during a cruise. 

One of them is the time and location of the ship itself, during the voyage. There are some ships that are known to interfere with specific travel routers. These are the cruises – Radiance and Liberty. 

Travel routers that can clone a MAC address of another device continue to work fine on them. Most cruise ships have a limit on the number of devices that can connect to their WIFI connection. 

So, the travel router will be of great benefit to you if you are on this type of trip. Most experts advise when using a cruise ship’s travel router to be through a VPN.

How To Use A Travel Router On A Cruise Ship?

When traveling on a cruise ship with a travel router, there are some settings to adjust so you can use it successfully. When you set it up for the first time you will make one of several different types of connections , which then determines how the three interfaces work. 

There is AP mode, hotspot mode, and router mode. Since you connect the router to the ship wifi and then your devices to the router, the ship should see you as a single device. Some travel routers have options where you can add a USB storage device or use the streaming option.

How To Connect Travel Router To Hotel Wifi?

Many hotels still limit you to one or two WIFI devices per room – an unpleasant limitation. This is a problem if you are not alone or have more than two devices that need WIFI. Connection restrictions can be applied anywhere you need to log in to the Wi-Fi network via a portal instead of a simple password. 

Connect your computer through its browser to access the hotel’s website. After contacting the MAC hotel, the address of the travel router is considered as authenticated to the users.

If you’ve already logged in normally the router in the middle, your computer’s MAC address will already be associated with the room. So you’d need to wait until the login expires before you set up the router.

Travel Router Vs Hotspot

With the travel router, the connection is more stable in most places than with the hotspot . With a router, you can connect many devices without much affecting the quality of the network. 

While in the hotspot, it is possible to even overload and lose the connection to the network. In some parts of the world, the hotspot can lead to high costs fees that you did not expect. 

The travel router is a practical solution as it provides a quality and secure network , while the hotspot does not apply the same. For travelers, the travel router is preferred, because, in many destinations, a problem with the hotspot is not excluded.

Travel Router Vs Regular Router

The travel router configures a private internet connection . You will be able to connect at least 10 devices – phones, laptops, tablets, and the iPad. One of the main advantages of the device is the network coverage you will be able to access the Internet. 

Travel routers are pocket-sized and can be convenient to travel. Wireless routers are used without any cables.

 With the ports in the router, you will be able to determine how many systems can be connected to the router to access broadband. Unlike a travel router, a wireless router is suitable for home use.

What Is The Best Travel Router For Chromecast?

The TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR802N) is the most preferred router by many travelers. Compact and pocket-sized enough to fit in even the smallest bags. 

This router provides a secure connection thanks to the included firewall features. Even when you surf through a public access point, your personal information is protected. 

A high-speed Internet connection that works for many devices is crucial, especially if you are not alone while traveling. The router has a Micro USB port for Powering via an external adapter or USB port. Free video streaming and online gaming and 300 Mbps Wi-Fi speed on 2.4G hertz band for lag.

The Final Word for Best Travel Routers

All these devices have their strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to remember that while travelling space is important but so is performance and versatility. Having a dual purpose item keeps your wires and weight to a minimum, but if it comes at the expense of performance what’s the point?

The best travel router is easy to use, performs many functions, and allows you to use it in many different ways. For these reasons, the clear winner is the GL. iNet Travel AC VPN Router .

By combining the mobile charger and travel router, HooToo has combined two life saving gadgets into one. Unlike the Satechi Smart (also a space saving 2 in 1) the HooToo eliminates the need for a wall mount by depending on a USB connection charge it’s massive battery. USB chargers are ubiquitous wherever there’s a wired connection and completely universal, eliminating the need for a power converter.

Furthermore, the streaming performance and virtually infinite configurations allow you to charge all your devices at once. Charge your devices, share photos, back up your hard drive, stream video, the Titan can help you do it all. Best of all it comes in at under $40. That’s a big bargain for this many features.

The aptly named Titan is heavy, but it’s the internet hub that should help you stay connected, and safe on the road.

If it can save you from running out of battery, and stop you from risking your security on spotty public networks, that’s a true win-win but it’s the internet hub that should help you stay connected, and safe on the road.

If it can save you from running out of battery, and stop you from risking your security on spotty public networks, that’s a true win-win.

About Author: Linda Smith

I'm Linda Smith, the Hotel Expert, an experienced travel blogger who passionate about traveling. I'm here to share with you all my travel experiences and tips. I cover a wide range of travel topics, specializing in sharing information about the best areas, neighborhoods, and hotels in each city. I hope all these things will make your travel easier.

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Best Travel Router in 2023 (Portable WiFi On The Go)

Travel routers are designed to be light and portable and convert a Wifi or ethernet connection into your own Wifi. You’ll be able to connect all your devices and your friends and families too, to a private and secure connection no matter what is available in the airport or hotel.

In this review, we have chosen some of the best travel routers around, and there are a lot to choose from. We compared these portable wifi routers against each other and have highlighted their features, pros, and cons so you can make an informed decision and find the best travel router for you.

At A Glance: Our Top Travel Routers

• The Best Overall NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 Jump To Review
• Lightest GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) Portable Travel Router Jump To Review
• Best Travel Router for Hotels TP Link AC750 Travel Wifi Router Jump To Review
• Best On A Budget GL.iNET GL-AR150 Mini Travel Wireless Router Jump To Review

Top Product Overview

Best travel router, netgear nighthawk m1.

If you’re into Wifi then you’ll have heard of Netgear. They make some of the best wireless travel routers on the market and have added a load of features to the NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 travel router. It is the largest and most expensive router in the review but it does do everything.

The M1 will turn an ethernet connection, modem, wireless network, and your SIM card into a super-fast personal Wifi network anywhere in the world. This is the first router in the review that can create a Wifi internet connection from a 3G or 4G SIM Card.

This means that no matter where in the world you are, you can slot in a local SIM card have Wifi where ever you are. From the beach to the jungle, if there is a 3/4G network available, you’ll be online.

The speed this travel router can deliver is also impressive and it will compete with your home broadband. They have put a four-band Carrier Aggregation and LTE in this router which is what helps it get speeds of up to 1Gbps.

Built into this travel router is a battery that holds up to 20 devices for 24 hours before you need to charge it.

That’s some incredible battery life and it does make the M1 very portable. There is a handy LCD display that shows you the number of devices connected, and internet connection strength, and keeps you up to date with how much data you’re using.

It’s not just a router, however, and it shouldn’t be at $690. It’s also a power bank, provides data sharing and media streaming. It’s also highly configurable to give you exactly the Wifi set up you want where ever you are in the world.

Overall it’s an amazing portable router, it just very expensive and a little bigger than most, but well worth it if it’s in your budget.

• Provides power
• Fast connection
• Data sharing
• Media streaming
• Dual-Band Wi-Fi
• Highly configurable
• Color display
• Long battery life
• Connect through a SIM card
• Very expensive

Product Information

• Size: 4.15 x 4.15 x 0.8"
• Weight: 8.5 oz
• Devices: Up to 20

GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Travel Router

The GlocalMe G4 is a different type of travel router. It’s an international 4G LTE mobile hotspot that works in 144 countries . You don’t even need a SIM card for this travel router. It does support SIM cards and you can insert one if you want, but the device doesn’t need one to work.

The best thing about this travel router is that the WiFi plans are flexible . You can choose from different international and local data plans, and pay as you go. Also, when you first start using the GlocalMe G4 mobile hotspot, you get 1GB of global data and 8GB of US data for free.

This travel router lets you share your wireless connection with up to 10 devices, so not only can you connect all your devices to the Internet, but you can also share it with your friends and family without needing to disconnect anything.

This mobile hotspot boasts a touchscreen that’s easy to use, as well as an intuitive user interface. It also doubles as a power bank (3,900 mAh), so you can use it to power other devices. The battery has enough power for some 12 hours of continuous use, but it won’t do much to charge your smartphone.

• SIM card supported but not required
• Works in 140+ countries
• Free global and US data included
• Touchscreen interface
• Battery capacity is quite small
• Customer support is not very helpful
• Big and heavy
• Size: 6.69“ x 4.37“ x 1.73“
• Weight: 13.7 ounces
• Devices: Up to 10

GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) Portable Travel Router

The GL.iNet GL-MT300N is one of the lightest devices you can get your hands on. At 1.41 ounces, this is the lightest travel router available at the moment, so it’s certainly the best option if you need something ultra-portable. Also, it’s so small that you can easily carry it in your pocket.

The Mango router supports both WiFi and Ethernet, with two dedicated ethernet ports. It also has a USB 2.0 port for tethering and compatible 3G and 4G modems, as well as a micro USB port for charging. You can use any adapter to charge the Mango, and you can charge it with your laptop for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, this travel router boasts download speeds of up to 300 Mbp s! It also allows for advanced security encryption, and it comes with a pre-installed OpenVPN client. Don’t worry if that’s not your preferred virtual private network service because this little router is compatible with 30+ other VPN services.

Finally, you can use this portable router in four different ways. It can work as a standard network router if you plug it into an existing Ethernet network, and it also functions as a WiFi repeater when you connect it to an existing WiFi network.

The other two modes are hotspot and AP – the former requires you to connect the Mango to an existing access point in order to create a private hotspot, and the AP mode transforms a wired into a wireless signal, which is perfect for devices that only support wireless connections.

• Most compact device
• Extremely affordable
• Supports download speeds up to 300Mbps
• Works as a WiFi repeater, router, and hotspot
• Can transform the wired signal into a wireless one
• Two Ethernet ports (WAN and LAN)
• It does not detect 5Ghz networks
• No internal battery
• Size: 2.28” x 2.28” x 0.98”
• Weight: 1.41 ounces
• Devices: Not specified

TP Link AC750 Travel Wifi Router

The TP Link AC750 Wireless Travel Router gives you the highest speed for your money out of any of the travel routers in the review. It can give up to 733Mbps depending on the wired network and it does it for $40.

This TP-Link wireless router is not only fast but it’s also very versatile in terms of Wifi connectivity. It does everything you’d expect like creating a secure Wifi network from a direct ethernet connection, Wifi connection, modem connection, and a WISP hotspot.

The special bit is that it also works as a range extender and you can connect a device to the router using a wired connection. So if your TV, for example, needs a hardline ethernet cable to connect to the internet, you can run one from the Ac750 directly to it.

As well as being great at Wifi, you can also use it as a power bank and for file sharing. It’s pretty light and compact too making it a great all-rounder. The only downside is that the port layouts are quite annoying and the instructions aren’t clear and could get frustrating.

Overall, this is a fast, versatile travel router from TP Link that’s not going to break the bank. Plus it comes with a 2-year warranty. And given its versatility, it would make the perfect wifi travel router for hotels or cruiseships.

• Fast, light & compact
• File sharing
• 2-year warranty
• Bad instructions
• Annoying port layout
• Size: 2.64 x 2.91 x 0.87"
• Weight: 8 oz
• Devices: Quite a few (number not specified)

TP-Link N300 Wireless Travel Router

The TP-Link N300 Wireless Travel Router is the simplest travel router in the review. Simply put, it is just a travel router and doesn’t have any extra’s like file-sharing or being able to be used as a power bank.

Removing the extras makes it light, portable, and capable of getting a speed of up to 300Mbps .

The band connection also provides lag-free streaming. The travel router can be connected to a cable to create a wireless network, to a modem as an AP, used as a repeater, a booster, and as a hotspot.

It’s also compatible with Chromecast or Amazon FireStick so you can watch all your favorite movies on the go too. Being so light, it doesn’t have an inbuilt battery and you’ll need to connect it to a power source through the micro USB port.

This means you can charge it from the wall, your lightweight laptop , or a power bank, giving you Wifi internet connection where ever you are.

The setup for this travel router is incredibly easy and takes under a minute. Once set up it can be connected to by as many devices as you like but its performance does decrease noticeably with multiple devices.

Overall a simple, fast, portable, and easy-to-use router that also comes with 24/7 support and a 2-year warranty.

• A few wireless modes
• Simple to use
• No USB ports
• Struggles with multiple devices
• Size: 2.2 x 2.2 x 0.7"
• Weight: 7.2oz
• Devices: As many as you like

GL.iNET GL-AR150 Mini Travel Wireless Router

The GL.iNET GL-AR150 Travel Router is a great choice for anyone who wants a router that’s super-portable, simple, and just a router.

This little guy weighs just over 1 oz and is compact enough to slip into your pocket or purse with ease. It can create a Wifi network from just about anything except a SIM card. You can connect it to a modem, ethernet cable, or existing Wifi internet connection, or tether it to your phone or dongle via USB.

One of the best features of this travel router is its security. Traveling around the world means unsecured networks, but once you plug this baby in, you’re getting a Wifi network with a firewall, instantly.

It comes with Open VPN pre-installed and is compatible with over 20 providers, so where ever you connect, you’ll know you’re secure.

It comes without an internal battery but you can charge it from your laptop’s USB or from a wall socket. It comes with 2 ethernet ports, 64MB of RAM, and 16MB of flash. You can also increase this via USB. It’s also Open Source and programmable so you can have full control over everything.

This is an awesome travel router and for just $27, you can’t go wrong.

• 2x Ethernet port
• Tethers to your mobile phone
• Programmable
• Light & compact
• Tricky to set up
• Only supports 2.4GHz
• Size: 2.28 x 2.28 x 0.98"
• Weight: 1.59 oz

Huawei E5576-320 4G LTE Travel Router

The Huawei E5576-320 Travel Router is a good option if you need a compact but reliable device. It needs a SIM card to work, and then it turns into a mobile hotspot that can be used by up to 16 devices at the same time. With a battery of 1500 mAh, you can use this device for up to six hours at a time, before it needs to be recharged.

The battery life could certainly be improved, but at least you can use this device while it’s charging, so you can just keep it plugged into a power bank. Also, the Huawei router boasts a removable battery. Carrying an additional battery is always an option since it means you can just replace the original one when it runs out of juice, without needing to disconnect from the WiFi.

This travel router supports 3G and 4G mobile bands – it’s compatible with 4G LTE in Europe, Asia, and Africa, but only the 3G will work in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. You get download speeds up to 150Mbps on 4G, and up to 43.2Mbps on the 3G networks. Upload speeds are not that bad either – it’s up to 40Mbps on the 4G network, and up to 5.76Mbps on 3G.

In case you need something for travel in North and South America, you should check out Huawei E5576-508 mobile hotspot, which was made specifically for that market and has better compatibility with mobile phone carriers in the Americas.

• Compact and lightweight
• Great upload and download speeds on 4G LTE
• Not expensive
• Works while charging
• Supports connections to up to 16 devices simultaneously
• Small battery capacity
• Only 3G LTE works in the USA, Mexico, and Canada
• Does not double as a power bank
• Size: 3.94“ x 0.28“ x 2.28“
• Weight: 3.53 ounces
• Devices: Up to 16

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

If you’re a technical wiz and looking for a travel router that’s versatile and offers you a lot of programmabilities, then the GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext Gigabit Travel AC Router is a great choice.

This wireless router will create a highly secure Wifi network from a modem, ethernet connection, wifi connection, dongle, and from your phone. It works over a dual-band and it’s pretty fast offering speeds up to 733Mbps.

It comes with 3 ethernet ports to give wired devices internet access. It has a USB port to open up local fire sharing. There is also an SD card slot to provide you with built-in storage space.

It’s programmable and comes pre-installed with OpenVPN and WireGuard to act as a VPN client and server out of the box.

This means your connection will be very secure no matter where you are. It also arrives configured to use Cloudflare’s encrypted DNS servers for additional security. You will have to update it to the latest firmware when you get it though.

Overall a fast, secure, and technical, wireless travel router that’s got a lot of bang for its buck.

• 3 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
• Great VPN support
• Awesome security
• Programable
• SD card slot
• Can be tricky to set up
• Size: 3.90 x 2.70 x 0.90"
• Weight: 3.03 oz

What To Look For In A Travel Router

Here are some key factors to consider when buying a great travel router.

Size & Weight

When it comes to portability both the size and weight of a router are important considerations. You’ll want it to slip easily into your carry-on luggage and not take any valuable weight or space. All the travel routers in this review are light and portable but some are much lighter and compact than others.

Another thing to consider is your travel router power source. Some travel routers come without an inbuilt battery making them very light but they will need to be plugged in to use them.

This means having a power bank ready or plugging them into your laptop’s USB port. Wifi travel routers with an inbuilt battery will be easy to carry around but you’ll need to make sure to pack the right charging cables and plug for your trip.

Travel Router Connection Options

Every router in the review will turn an ethernet, modem, or Wifi connection into your own Wifi connection but not all of them connect to a dongle, phone, or SIM card. There are a few in the review that do connect to all of these, like the ETGEAR Nighthawk M1 or the GL.iNET GL-AR150 Mini Travel Router , so if you’re wanting to use your phone or a Sim card to give you Wifi anywhere, be sure to pick s router that can do it.

Security and Encryption

In order to keep your connection secure, you want a wireless router that offers WPA2 encryption or has a built-in VPN. All the portable routers in the review provide some security but if you want the maximum, go for one of the ones with a built-in VPN.

Overall Speed & Range

Faster portable routers usually mean spending a little more. Think about the speed and the range you’re likely to need on your travels. If you’re going to need to stream HD across 5 devices or have multiple conference calls across multiple devices, you’ll need a wireless router with some solid bandwidth.

If it’s just for you to do some work on, watch a movie, and call home, then you’ll be fine with a lower speed.

Consider Extra’s

Some of the routers in the review are plain routers while others are more multi-tools. Some can also be used as a power source, for file sharing, can have in-built storage, and connect to media streaming. If you want these added benefits, be sure to choose one with them.

Our Favourite Wifi Travel Routers

Here are our top choices from the review.

The lightest travel router of them all is the GL.iNet Mango at just 1.4 ounces. It’s so small and compact that you can carry it in your pocket, but it still does everything a good router should. With download speeds of up to 300Mbps and a price of just some $30, it’s hard to find flaws in this travel router!

• 【WIRELESS MOBILE MINI TRAVEL ROUTER】 Convert a public network (wired or wireless) to a private Wi-Fi for secure surfing. Tethering. Powered by any laptop USB, power banks or 5V/2A DC adapters (sold separately). 39g (1.41 Oz) only, portable and pocket friendly. 2.4GHz ONLY
• 【OPEN SOURCE & PROGRAMMABLE】 OpenWrt pre-installed, USB disk extendable.

The best travel router is the NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 . This is one of the fastest and best multi-use travel routers on the market. It can turn anything into a fast, secure network, even a SIM card. It’s also a power bank, data sharer, and media streamer. You can have up to 20 devices all working from the same router, sharing data, anywhere, even at the beach.

• Share WiFi internet access with up to 20 devices
• Connect to your existing home router using the Gigabit Ethernet port for fast, reliable primary or backup Internet connection. Ideal for homes with poor internet service or coverage

The best travel router on a budget is the GL.iNET GL-AR150 Travel Router . This router is tiny, light, compact, and very secure. It can turn anything into a secured VPN, even your phone’s 4G signal and it’s just $27.

• 【WIRELESS MOBILE MINI TRAVEL ROUTER】 Convert a public network(wired/wireless) to a private Wi-Fi for secure surfing. Create a secure Wi-Fi hotspot quickly. Tethering, 3G/4G USB Modem Compatible. Powered by any laptop USB, power banks or 5V DC adapters (sold separately). 39g (1.41 Oz) only, portable and pocket friendly.
• 【OPEN SOURCE & PROGRAMMABLE】 OpenWrt/LEDE pre-installed, backed by software repository. DDWrt supported. USB disk extendable.
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9 Best Wireless Travel Routers to Buy in 2021 — Stay Connected On The Go

Often, accessing the internet on the go can be a cumbersome process. Mobile data plans are not always cheap, especially while roaming internationally, and hotel Wi-Fi connections come with their own speed and access limitations. This is where a good wireless travel router can help. Wireless travel routers are basically range extenders or access points that enable connecting multiple devices to public Wi-Fi or Ethernet, such as hotels and universities, without much hassle.

A wireless travel router can perform multiple functions, the importance of which include —

• Range extension — Wireless travel routers can amplify weak signals via powerful antennas so that devices can easily connect.
• Security — Often, public hotspots are unsecured, which means anyone can eavesdrop on your communications while you are working at a cafe or in a public place. Most wireless travel routers come with built-in firewalls and authentication to secure an unsecured network.
• Multiple connections — Generally, most hotels, universities, and offices use a captive portal to authenticate guest logins, which means each of your devices needs to connect independently to the captive portal. A wireless travel router helps you log in once to the captive portal, and other devices can connect to the router in the normal way.
• Media hub — Most wireless travel routers come with some sort of media sharing ability. This enables you to connect storage devices either wirelessly or via USB ports to the router. Multiple connected clients can then share the media from the storage device at once.

Manufacturers also include a few other extra goodies such as a power bank, Wi-Fi bridge, and more. Modern wireless travel routers are not just for travelers and can easily replace your existing router setup at home as well.

While wireless travel routers can prove highly valuable, there are a few points to be kept in mind. Not all wireless travel routers have hotspot functionality, so you need to have some sort of internet connection in the first place before you can use such a router. Also, some routers are known not to play well with captive portals. More importantly, it is always recommended to avoid sharing sensitive information over public Wi-Fi as much as possible even though the router itself offers good security.

For this list, we have narrowed down some of the best travel routers available in the market today. Emphasis was given more on the compactness, speeds, and operation modes. Routers that offered media sharing and power bank features were considered as well.

With that information, here are the 9 best wireless travel routers available in 2021 .

1. TP-Link N300 Nano

The TP-Link N300 offers an easy way to create a compact wireless hotspot quickly. It offers flexibility for travelers as it can be powered using an external power adapter or just with a USB connection. The maximum throughput offered is 300 Mbps over the 802.11n band, which should be sufficient for most purposes while on the go. The device can also be used as a hotspot, router, or a Wi-Fi range extender.

While the software UI is not the most advanced, it is more than enough to get the job done for those who require a no-fuss solution for hooking up to hotel or university ethernet. It does take some time to latch on to a network, but once done, there's nothing the user would need to do to get online. If you are looking for the best travel router for hotels, the TP-Link N300 Nano should be high on your list. Fan of TP-Link routers? Check which TP-Link routers made it to our list .

• Pros : Works in multiple modes; Good speeds; Easy setup
• Cons : Not the most feature-rich UI

2. GL.iNet GL-AR300M

The GL.iNet dons many hats as a Wi-Fi hotspot, repeater, and a programmable gateway for DIY hobbyists. As a Wi-Fi hotspot and converter, it is one of the best travel routers available, offering a maximum throughput of up to 300 Mbps. With the included USB ports, you can simply plug in your existing 3G/4G internet dongle and create a Wi-Fi access point. Like other wireless travel routers, it can run off your laptop's USB port or the bundled 5V DC power adapter. The presence of UART and GPIO ports allows for acting as a portable gateway for IoT development.

The best part about this sub-$50 router is its OpenWRT firmware. The software allows you to use it as an OpenVPN router, Tor router, or even your personal firewall between a public Wi-Fi hotspot and your computer. If you are an advanced user, you can also perform load balancing between multiple internet sources, such as an internet dongle or a tethered device.

• Pros : Multiple configuration options; Great for IoT development on the go
• Cons : None as such

3. HooToo TripMate Nano

The HooToo TripMate Nano is a very popular wireless travel router. It makes for an excellent travel companion despite lacking some of the bells and whistles of slightly more expensive options. TripMate Nano can be used as a hotspot or to wirelessly share files with the connected clients. The included USB port is just USB 2.0 but supports all storage devices.

TripMate Nano is not without its share of quirks, though. For instance, the included USB port cannot power an external hard disk if you are already powering the device via USB. Also, the software can recognize only one drive at a time if you connect two drives in a bridge.

• Pros : Affordable; Good media sharing features
• Cons : USB port alone will not be able to power external drives; Software can recognize only one connected drive at a time

4. HooToo TripMate Titan

The HooToo TripMate Titan aims to be your all-in-one travel companion by combining a capable wireless travel router and a huge 10,400 mAh battery. So you can charge devices on the go and simultaneously use the device in the access point, bridge, or router modes for staying connected on the go. The standout feature of the TripMate Titan is the FileHub. FileHub makes the Titan into a full-fledged media sharing, streaming, and file management tool. You can share and stream media with up to 5 connected clients and use your Chromecast to stream videos to the big screen.

The HooToo TripMate Titan is not without its shortcomings, however. It cannot work as a wireless hotspot and does not support any OpenVPN clients. It also cannot bridge an iPhone hotspot or stream DRM-enabled media. While a great file server, the software has a few security issues and has been reported to be easily 'hackable'.

• Pros : Multiple wireless functions; Media sharing; Large capacity power bank
• Cons : No support for wireless hotspot and VPN; Bundled software does not focus on security

5. TRENDnet TEW-817DTR

The TRENDnet TEW-817DTR is a capable and fast wireless travel router. It is one of the few travel routers to offer wireless AC speeds up to 750 Mbps and can function as a router, WISP, access point, or a repeater. A neat addition is that power plugs for North America, European, and UK sockets come bundled with the package. Therefore, if you are a busy professional whose job involves a lot of international travel, this router is for you.

The TEW-817DTR offers an easy setup, and the Wi-Fi settings come pre-configured. However, this router suffers from a major disadvantage that it cannot be used with captive portals. Most hotels and universities require logging into a captive portal before getting internet access. This router is not compatible with such networks. We hope TRENDnet addresses this in a firmware update soon. The device, as such, performs flawlessly once configured properly.

• Pros : Designed for the international traveler; Easy setup; Wireless AC speeds
• Cons : Not compatible with a captive portal

6. GL.iNet GL-B1300

The GL.iNet GL-B1300 is one of the best travel routers you can get in 2021, and it offers nearly everything you'd get from a conventional wireless router at a very reasonable price. There is dual-band wireless AC support with speeds up to 1.3 Gbps — more than what most hotels, offices, or universities all over the world provide. The GL-B1300 comes with OpenWRT installed right off the bat, which means powerful customization options along with OpenVPN support for up to 20+ VPN clients. The quad-core 717 MHz ARM CPU ensures things move around without bottlenecks. The cool thing is that you can also swap the antennas for more powerful ones if you wish to.

GL.iNet says that the router has been tested for using storage devices up to 64 GB. But given the USB 3.0 port, using higher capacity drives shouldn't be a problem, but we'd suggest avoiding external hard drives as those are power-hungry. Also, some users have reported that GL.iNet is yet to update the firmware to more recent versions. You can use vanilla OpenWRT as well, but you might have to configure many options yourself.

• Pros : Good assortment of features; Good speeds and coverage; OpenWRT compatible
• Cons : Stock firmware needs upgrading; VPN speeds are reportedly slow

7. TP-Link TL-WR902AC

The TP-Link TL-WR902AC performs as well as it looks. It sports dual-band wireless AC with speeds up to 750 Mbps making it easily suitable for most hotel networks on the go. As a wireless device, it can work as a range extender, access point, and hotspot. The software UI is fairly easy to set up and offers advanced features such as DHCP reservation, port forwarding, DMZ, etc.

As such, the device performs well, but experienced users might find the software a bit lacking. For example, there is no provision to configure the same MAC address at once for both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. Users have also reported that the microUSB port is further recessed, impeding a tight connection.

• 8 Best 802.11ac Routers in 2021
• Pros : Multiple wireless modes; Good speeds
• Cons : Software is not particularly pro-user friendly; Design flaw in microUSB port placement

8. TP-Link TL-MR3040

The TP-Link TL-MR3040 is a small wireless travel router that slips into any pocket and can operate on both battery power as well as mains. The 2,000 mAh battery is also removable, which is great as you can simply replace the battery instead of waiting for it to charge. The TL-MR3040 supports the wireless N protocol, so you can speed up to 150 Mbps, which should suffice for most purposes. The MR3040 features a USB 2.0 that you can use to connect 3G or 4G modems. However, you cannot use that to host a file server, so if you are looking to streaming media from USB storage, you're out of luck.

The performance of the MR3040 is fine as long as you are well within range and there are no obstructions. Even within range, the speeds tend to drop as you move farther away from the router. Also, there is no facility for activating guest networks. If you can work with those limitations, the TP-Link TL-MR3040 makes for a great portable router at an effective price.

• Pros : Multiple wireless modes; Highly portable
• Cons : No support for guest networks; Speed drops

9. GL.iNet GL-AR750S

The GL.iNet GL-AR750S is a new travel router that was nominated for the innovation award at CES 2019. The AR750S has a good range and even works as a conventional router for most homes. The best part about the AR750S is that it comes pre-installed with OpenWrt firmware that offers many more configuration options and flexibility than other firmware. The GL.iNet GL-AR750S offers a dual-band connection but supports only the wireless-N protocol. However, due to backward compatibility, connecting wireless-AC devices should not be a problem. This travel router also offers 128 MB of RAM and comes with three Ethernet ports, so you can also hook up your wired devices if needed. The firmware also supports OpenVPN that can connect to many VPN service providers out of the box.

Security-conscious users will appreciate the fact that it comes with Cloudflare DNS over TLS enabled. This provides an additional security layer by routing IP requests over Cloudflare's service instead of the ISP's DNS registry. Price-wise, the AR750S seems to be slightly on the higher side, but you are getting a lot of features in a compact body, making it one of the best travel routers to consider.

• Pros : Feature-rich, Supports OpenVPN and OpenWrt
• Cons : No support for wireless-AC

Dear readers, that would be all for our list of the best wireless travel routers to consider buying today. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to post them in the comments below, and we will do our best to provide a timely response.

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How-To Geek

Get a travel router to upgrade your hotel wi-fi experience.

You can upgrade your hotel Wi-Fi experience easily.

Quick Links

What's a travel router, why use a travel router in a hotel, which travel router should you get.

You might not have "travel router" on your vacation packing list, but after reading this article, you just might. Here's why we always pack a router with us when we're headed to a hotel.

A travel router is a small network router designed with an emphasis on portability and use in-the-field. While you could, in theory, use a travel router as an internet router in your home, it's not intended for that.

Instead, travel routers are meant to link together a smaller number of devices all congregated fairly close together. Think, your laptop and phone, your kids' tablets, and maybe even a streaming stick in a hotel room---not all those things plus a pile of computers, smart devices, and such spread out across your whole home.

They typically have a very small form factor, the size of a portable battery pack or even smaller. Speaking of that, many of them are portable battery packs, so you can use them to charge your phone while you travel in addition to their router function.

Further, unlike the router you have at home, travel routers have UI elements and even physical toggles that make it easy to quickly switch them between functions like router mode, hotspot mode, repeater mode, and so on.

That last part is crucial. You want a travel router that can easily connect to the hotel's internet in different and reliable ways. In some hotels, you can plug the travel router directly into a courtesy Ethernet connection in your room, which is easy peasy.

In other hotels, there's no physical internet connection, and you have to connect the travel router to the hotel's Wi-Fi and use it in hotspot mode, where it captures the Wi-Fi connection, and then all your local devices connect to the travel router instead of the hotel's Wi-Fi system.

You might be thinking, "Well, that's all very fascinating, but I have no idea why I would go to the trouble?" And that's certainly a fair question to have on your mind if you've never considered packing a router (no matter how small it might be) along with your toiletries and phone charger .

Historically, one of the best reasons to pack a travel router was that many hotels didn't have Wi-Fi (they only had an Ethernet port in the room for business travelers to plug in their laptops).

Later, when hotels started to get Wi-Fi, they had frustrating policies like only one or two devices per guest/room were allowed on the network. Even today, some hotel Wi-Fi systems still have such rules.

When you use a travel router, you can "log in" just the travel router to the hotel's system so, as far as they are concerned, there is only one device in the room. All the traffic of the other devices passes through the travel router.

Speaking of device traffic, you can also leverage the travel router to increase your privacy. Most travel routers support basic VPN protocols like PPTP or L2TP, and the more advanced ones support OpenVPN and WireGuard .

That makes it simple to tunnel right from your room to a third-party VPN or right back to your corporate or home VPN server. It also makes it easy to transfer files securely between your devices as the file transfer is happening over the micro network you set up, and the files never pass through the hotel's infrastructure in any way.

It also makes it much easier to use your devices in the fashion you're accustomed to. You could set your travel router's Wi-Fi credentials to match your home network's Wi-Fi credentials, for example. Not only does that make it dead simple to log in when you get to your hotel (as your phone and laptop already know the way "home"), but you can even toss your Chromecast or favorite streaming stick into your bag and use it in your hotel room. Forget the stupid "smart" TV interface hotels have, enjoy your streaming services the way you want without the lag.

Above all else, when you're shopping for a travel router (whether you pick one of our suggestions or forge out on your own to do some research), you need this feature: captive portal connectivity.

You know how when you first connect to a hotel's Wi-Fi there is usually a pop-up page where you accept the terms and conditions and/or login with your name and room number? That's the portal. You need a router that "capture" that exchange and mimics your initial login device (like your iPhone).

All of our picks below support easy captive portal exchanges, which makes the setup when you first get to your hotel room a breeze. Without that feature, you're left manually cloning your original login device's MAC address which usually works but can be hit or miss.

One of the most popular options on the market is the TP-Link N300 Nano Router . It's a steal at around $30, but it's starting to show its age.

It only supports 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) on the 2.4 GHz band. But for only ten bucks more, you can jump from the N300 Nano Router to the TP-Link AC750 Nano Router .

TP-Link TL-WR902AC AC750

It's tiny, inexpensive, and our all-around top pick for best travel router. For most folks, it's the easiest solution.

The upgraded model features dual-band Wi-Fi, 802.11AC (Wi-Fi 5), and a really convenient switch on the side that makes it dead simple to change modes without logging into the router.

While we love the TP-Link Nano lineup, especially the newest models, and think they are the best fit for just about everyone, there are a few other options to consider.

If you want more advanced VPN solutions, you'll need to step beyond the TP-Link offerings and consider something like the GL.iNet GLMT300N ---it's roughly equivalent to the TP-Link N300 Nano Router but runs the popular OpenWRT router firmware and supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard.

And if you want a beefy upgrade over the TP-Link AC750 Nano Router consider the GL.iNet GL-A1300 .

GL-iNet GL-A1300

For power users that want passthrough connectivity for Ethernet devices and advanced VPN services like WireGuard, this travel router delivers.

It also runs OpenWRT firmware and robust VPN support like its smaller sibling, but includes two additional Ethernet ports, support for many more Wi-Fi devices, and more.

But whichever of our picks you go with, you'll become the master of your Wi-Fi destiny when you're on the road. Forget cruddy hotel Wi-Fi or frustrating Wi-Fi rules. Plug in your own router and go. And hey, if you're in the upgrade mood, here are some other travel gadget upgrades worth looking at.

The 6 Best Travel Routers to Keep You Connected on the Go!

The Best Travel Routers

Although accessible or even free WiFi hot spots are seemingly around every corner, all seasoned travelers know that finding a reliable – and, especially, a secure – network can bring on headaches far surpassing those you experienced every Sunday morning during freshman year.

Whether you need to send an important work e-mail or get that Instagram post up in time, the best wireless travel routers can really help you out in a pinch. Additionally, travel routers have become extremely versatile.

Many don’t realize that, in addition to providing secure WiFi networks, travel routers can convert wired networks to wireless, bridge existing wireless networks, back-up and store shared files, stream audio or video, and even charge your smart devices.

Keep reading for 5 of the best travel WiFi routers!

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The Best Travel Routers – Summary Comparison Chart

To summarize, here’s a chart summarizing the best travel irons and comparing the various features between the different brands.

The Best Travel Routers 2021

1. RAVPower FileHub Plus Wireless Travel Router

Also a multifunctional titan among the best travel wireless routers, the RAVPower FileHub Plus Wireless Travel Router instantly converts wired networks into wireless networks that can bridge and extend WiFi, which allows internet to be securely shared with others in your network.

(Quick sidebar on secured networks – while coffee shops or parks may have an abundance of WiFi hotspots, these are almost always open networks, which are particularly unsecure and dangerous to use if you’re doing anything remotely sensitive, from mobile banking to managing your website!).

Besides its internet capabilities, the RAVPower is loved by travelers because it’s capable of reading SD cards and external hard drives, which is perfect for everything from Chromecast streaming to backing up your photos and videos.

The RAVPower battery also enables charging for smart devices, although you should only use this if you’re really in a pinch as the battery can only provide about two full charges.

Finally, the RAVPower supports a range of IP signals including static, dynamic, and PPPoE, which is a nerdy way of saying the RAVPower is one of the best travel routers for hotels, residences, and pretty much any travel location!

RAVPower FileHub Plus Wireless Travel Router

Available on Amazon

Read reviews here

2. TP-Link TL-WR810N Wireless WiFi Travel Router

True tech nerds (count me among you!) will recognize TP-Link as a brand synonymous with performance, and the TL-WR810N wireless travel router does not disappoint in this regard!

The TL-WR810N can function both as a traditional router for wired connections as well as a WiFi range extender to pick up existing wireless networks.

What truly makes this one of the best travel WiFi routers, however, is its built-in power adapter, which allows for seamless international use. The built-in adapter does result in the TL-WR810N being slightly bulky, but it’s still got a nice square and compact frame that can easily fit in backpacks and handbags.

Want to hear one last awesome thing TP-Link’s wireless travel router can do? Thought so!

If you insert a USB drive that has music or videos on it, anyone within range can stream whatever song or movie they want simultaneously through the router – no more bickering about what to watch next!

TP-Link TL-WR810N Wireless WiFi Travel Router

3. Linksys WiFi Wireless Dual-Band Router

As its name suggests, the Linksys N750 WiFi Dual-Band Router is about providing as much duality as possible for your travel router needs.

The dual-band structure from Linksys provides up to 5G of storage and up to 450Mbps of connectivity speed, both of which compare very favorably to similar metrics from even some of the best wireless travel routers.

Linksys’ dual-band frame also enables the same file sharing and video streaming capabilities found in other travel routers as well. Unlike many other travel routers, however, the Linksys uses multiple radios in its mainframe that allow for a wireless signal with extended range and fewer dead areas.

With all this horsepower, it’s incredible that the Linksys N750 can still be one of the most compact travel routers on this list – at barely over an inch tall and with a lie-flat operational position, you can have one of the best travel routers without making a dent in your luggage!

Linksys N750 WiFi Wireless Dual-Band Router

Read more reviews here

5. GL Portable Travel Router Hotspot

The GL Wireless Wi-Fi Travel Router may be the best travel router for your wallet, but don’t let that make you think it sacrifices anything in the way of capabilities.

The travel router   can still convert wired networks to wireless networks, store and backup photos (up to 1080p) via its SD card USB reader, offer streaming access direct to DLAN devices such as Roku or Chomecast, provide WiFi speeds of up to 150Mbps, and double as an emergency smart device charger.

So, while it can still do everything the best wireless travel routers can, the HAME’s limitations on its photo storage, connectivity speed, and streaming capabilities are the main reasons for its lower price.

However, if you’re one of those travelers who just needs to respond to e-mails and do some light internet browsing, the HAME can still be the best wireless router for you!

GL Wireless Wi-Fi Travel Router

  Read More     in my travel packing checklist series:

Best Travel Luggage

The Best Carry on Luggage for 2021

The Best Packing Cubes for a Perfectly Organized Bag

The Best Lightweight Luggage for Overpackers

The Best Hard Luggage Sets  for Stylish Travelers

The Best Underseat Luggage  for Minimalists

The Best Carry On Bags for Men - Rugged + Durable!

Business Travel

The Essential Business Packing List

The Best Business Travel Luggage

The Best Laptop Cases for Working Women

The Best Laptop Bags for Men

Packing Hacks

The Best Travel Wallets for All Your Vacation Essentials

The Best Jewelry Cases Never Untangle a Necklace Again!

The Best Toiletry Bags to Clean Up Quick

Travel Packing Lists

The Best Travel Jackets for All Types of Weather

The Best Duffel Bags for Your Next Weekend Trip

The Best Travel Backpacks to Hold Everything You Need

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Budget Travel Buff

10 Best Wireless Travel Routers to Carry while Traveling the World

The world is waiting for you! Let’s travel and work with your wireless travel routers inside your pocket.

Jessica:  I cannot go out on a trip with you. I have to attend zoom classes, have to take care of my online business, and answer each email. Importantly, I’m launching my online course this Friday. Thus, I cannot go on this trip. 

Kevin: We can travel and do all these things in our dream destination itself. Your business is online. You only need a stable internet connection, you will be doing well. 

Jessica: Absolutely, I need a stable secure internet connection and while traveling we cannot afford that! I have to be consistent on social media updating everything about this course.

Kevin: Yes, we can. Even, I want to watch “The Walking Dead” on Netflix. 

Jessica: Stop being dramatic, this is impossible! I have to carry a tablet, my mobile phone, my laptop, camera, Chromecast, and my Kindle. 

Kevin:  Yes, so? You can carry whatever you want, even more. 

Jessica:  Really? You are asking me to carry all of my gadgets and use a weak, insecure, limited, slow, and unreliable internet connection for hotel rooms or public restaurants? 

Kevin: Uhh!! No, I never said that. Instead, we can buy a wireless travel router. And all our problems will be solved. We can travel and still be connected with the world.

Jessica: What? How!?

Kevin: Yes, a portable travel router  is very compact and you can carry it inside your side bag. We can easily solve this internet issue. It can also be used as a battery bank, VPN server, and data transfer device. 

After this, they brought one of the best travel routers from Amazon and went on the trip, happily. Jessica successfully launched her online course on Friday and even dealt with her business swiftly and flawlessly while Kevin too watched his favorite show on Netflix. 

Even this can be your story; if you buy one of the best travel routers   for yourself; you can travel wherever you want. 

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay any extra penny, but I’ll get a small commission that encourages me to deliver more helpful content for you.

What is a P ortable T ravel R outer?

The best travel routers are Wi-Fi routers which are handy, lightweight, and wireless. Thus, it is very easy to carry and travel with. You have to set it up and link it to any apartments, public Wi-Fi network, or smartphones, 4G or 5G connections and contribute that signal to your devices. 

Nowadays, most router creators create portable versions like Netgear, D-Link, and many other alternatives. These are small and portable, giving you the freedom to carry it without any hesitation. The TP-Link routers are the best nano   travel routers  which are almost the size of the oldest version of the Nokia mobile phone. 

Why Do You Need a Wireless Travel Router? 

A 4G connection in your smartphone is enough to open a travel app while visiting a new country. But if you’re a travel blogger/vlogger or someone who needs to work remotely, a wireless travel router is a valuable item for you.

There are different types of Wi-Fi travel routers with diverse characteristics, features, and properties. These Wi-Fi travel routers are wireless and have a strong range of Internet network connections.

Here are the main characteristics of a mini travel router and a   good travel router . They are as follows:

• The best travel routers can   broaden the extent of the wireless network. It means that without the router you will not be able to connect your devices because the signal there is very weak and slow. But, the router is so powerful that it amplifies the signal and you can connect your devices and work swiftly. 
• The top travel routers   should have a stable and steady wireless network in public Wi-Fi. Switch on your hotspot and you can browse your mobile and other electronic devices. These wireless routers provide the best secured encrypted data protection and also protect devices from DoS cyber attacks and port scans from the Internet. 
• Wireless travel routers   allow the linking of multitudinous and collective devices to a network without slowing the speed of the internet connection. You have to log in once and you are free to go anywhere with any devices you want. It supports mobile phones, tablets, laptops, apps, Kindle, and other devices.
• These   routers can be used as Wi-Fi bridges too. Wi-Fi travel routers have Ethernet ports that can be connected to Ethernet-enabled devices without a wire to an already available Wi-Fi network. For playing online games, watching television, one can use such routers.
• The best travel routers can   turn the wired network into a wireless network, to enable USB charging power for devices like smartphones, and smartwatches. They also can be used as SD Card Reader or media- the focal point. 
• Some good travel routers could be converted into a mobile hotspot too.

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Buying Tips for the Best H andy F astest T ravel R outer

Sometimes, it is natural for you to not know what to look out for while purchasing a handy fastest travel router. Therefore, I am listing down all the important tips so that you can remember while purchasing the best  travel routers. They are as follows:

• The best speed : Irrespective of a place, you can now enjoy the best and high connection network strength with the portable wireless routers.
• Best power back-up : You want to travel out but still want to stay connected with the world? No worries, these routers offer the best battery back-up facilities.
• Network signal : Enjoy high speed network facility and browse as many devices you want.
• USB ports and jacks :  Always make sure that the USB cord is adjustable with your mobile phone. It should be a 2.0 USB port along with other port options.
• Size : By the perfect size which you dream of! It is always desirable if you would buy the handiest one which you can carry in your hand bag or in your jeans pocket.
• Network connection strength : Make sure that before purchasing read all the features of the product. Buy a 3G, 4G or 5G connect strength router.
• Variety mode : The best travel routers  should contain the AP mode, the Router mode, the Repeater mode, the Bridge mode, and the Client mode.

List of 10 Best Travel Routers

You are here because you are definitely looking to buy the best travel routers. Therefore, I’ve done the research for you. I have listed all the best 10 wireless travel routers which you can buy from Amazon.com. They are as follows:

1. TP-Link TL-WR902AC AC750 Travel Router

TP-Link’s TL-WR902AC is a stunning, beautifully designed lightweight, and is a white, small, popular  travel router.  Not only it is small and handy, but it is the most versatile router and delivers professional performance without any fault. It is neither bulky nor big. So you have the full freedom to carry it easily in your pocket.

It offers dual-band wireless Wi-Fi speed up to 433 Mbps on the 5GHz 802.11 ac side. You can also use it as a Wi-Fi range extender. Set your ideal password and it is ready to run on unlimited devices of your connecting with the hotel’s Ethernet.

You can work without any stress from cyber attacks, despite your location. Buy this best travel router review with 4 stars at a budget-friendly  rate.

• Affordable by all
• Ideal to travel with because of its size
• Offer best speed and network
• The cord size is small
• Few customers have complained about   security issues.

2. Alcatel LINKZONE Mobile WiFi Hotspot 4G LTE Router

Alcatel LINKZONE is an MW41TM travel-friendly router . It’s the best  battery-powered travel router that allows transmitting signals without a wire.  It weighs 3.88 ounces that makes it a little heavier but you can enjoy high-speed internet browsing through Instagram and upload all your memorable pictures with the world. I’m sure you can make your friends jealous with traveling and working at the same time. more desirable among youth. It provides a safe and steady connection to a maximum of 15 devices.

It offers a data transfer rate of up to 150 Megabits Per Second. It also works on the 2.4GHz web depending on your requirements. This device will run with the help of a GSM micro sim card. It comes with a removable 1,800mAh battery that will help you to browse for continuous 6 hours. 

Click as many photos you want and share them on social media, despite your location. This travel router provides a single port. It provides up to 150 Mbps download speed making it desirable among youth. 

Pros : Only 10 hours to charge it fully 

• Overcharge can lead to battery heating 
• No Commitments  

3. HooToo Tripmate Titan

Do you want to turn a wired or wireless network into your own personal network? Yes? Then connect to the Wi-Fi and share hotspot with the help of a mobile phone and you are free to start a stable connection for a maximum of 5 devices. HooToo Tripmate Titan is a small router with an integral Ethernet port which is just 0.55lb in weight.

It comes with an innate portable battery range of 10400 mAh which allows you to charge your smartphone at least three times per day. It is the best travel router for the Ipad because   it   comes   with numerous USB ports for sharing data. It has one USB –A port, a micro –USB port, and a single Ethernet port.

If you want to watch a movie on television then you can connect a hard drive to the router and exchange large files without any disturbance. You can avail the best router with the best connecting Wi-Fi speed. It’s a light red color router with 3. 3 stars.

• Easily carried inside the pocket
• Light weight
• It supports Chromecast
• A power pack for your Iphone and Ipad
• VPN is not allowed
• Updating is a little tricky

Read Next : 10 Best Water Filters for Traveling and Hiking

4 . GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext Travel Router

Are you searching for a lightweight travel router? Then this is the best choice for you. This is expensive but one of the best travel routers for frequent travelers. It has LAN ports and offers the best stable, fast, and secure internet connection. This medium size router weighs up to 3.03 ounces with a 128 GB MicroSD card for storage.

It is one of the best and reliable routers for travel manufactured by GL Technology.  Buy this best dual-band wireless  travel router with VPN. It has an open VPN and WireGuard pre-loaded and is best suited with 30 + VPN internet services. The eye-catching pre-configured security feature of this router is Cloudflare DNS over TLS.

This   ultra-thin   best travel router has three Ethernet ports and a USB cord for charging mobile phones and other devices. It offers a great speed up to 733 MB/ second and full 5 GHz 802.11 ac support.  I would suggest you to make an excellent choice and purchase this versatile 4.5-star travel router.

Pros : Small size, LED lights 

Cons : Before an operating update is necessary.

5.  Roam Wifi R10 Router

A small, very expensive travel router weighs only 175 grams which means it is super easy to carry. You can carry inside your tight jeans pocket and can spend days without an uncomfortable journey. You can carry this with you and work outside the hotel or restaurant.

RoamWiFi R10 Mobile Hotspot router gives you an amazing offer of 100GB local data that can be used in the USA, plus 1GB global data that can be used in all 160 supported areas and countries. Where will you get such a great offer? It comes with a maximum up to 50Mbps upload speed and a maximum up to 435Mbps download speed. Hence, no more digital less life while traveling. 

You can connect and share the network with up to 5 smart devices. This product has a built-in 5000mAh battery, which runs continuously for over 20 hours. Read your favorite e-books, watch series, attend zoom calls, work, and stay connected with the world! 

Pros:  Best Wi-Fi that runs both 5GHz and 2.4GHz

Cons : Damn expensive

Read Also : Top 10 Headphones for Teenagers: The Ultimate Buying Guide

6. Securifi Almond Touchscreen Router

Do you want to buy a newly cool tech router? Then you need this Securifi Almond Touchscreen Router in your hotel bedroom. Almond is the fantastic device of technology that first launched a touchscreen wireless travel Wi-Fi router. This special router does not call for PC/MAC setting up. It can be set up by Almond’s touch screen interface. 

The New York Times, CNBC, CNET reviewed this as one of the best travel routers. You can use this best travel router for hotels, which more than 11,000 people have used, providing it with 4.2 stars. 

You can use this router in four different ways – as a wireless or a range extender or wireless bridge or as an access control point. If you want an easy three-minute setup router with easy functionality then this router is only for you. You will be surprised to know that this router is compatible with Apple router, Cisco router, Belkin, Verizon, Netgear, AT&T routers, and a lot more.  

It can run at a speed of 300 Mbps. Attach a DSL and you are all set to start. This set is very secure with a special SSID and a password. It has 2 antennas, 2 LANs, and 1 WAN port. 

7.   NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 Mobile Hotspot 4G LTE Router

Are you planning to travel to a remote location and need a great internet connection? Then it’s better to invest in NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 Mobile Hotspot . This router is on the expensive side so if you can afford it just purchase it and you can use it for a lifetime. It allows Gigabit LET and a 4G mobile hotspot. 

Do you know you can connect all the electronic devices in your group? You can be your group’s favorite, by letting them connect! 

NETGEAR Nighthawk   M1   is the  best   portable modem router that can convert Wi-Fi network connection from 3G or 4G SIM Card and switch to Ethernet connection. Well, no matter wherever you are in this world, purchase a local SIM card that has a Wi-Fi connection of either 3G or 4G, and you will be connected to the world.

It offers four-band Carrier Aggregation and LTE that provide speeds up to 1 Gbps. This device is perfect for traveling which also comes with an LCD screen that has an outcast number of users. It is an all-purpose router for a day out. You can use this as a Wi-Fi, and power bank. 

• Connect up to 20 electronic devices. 
• 19.78 Wh lithium-ion battery – Great Battery longevity
• Stream videos
• Strong configurable
• High speed at jungle, beach or mountain 
• Dual-Band Wi-Fi
• Very expensive 
• The size of the router is big compared to others. 

8.   GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 Portable Wifi Router

We have got you the best 4.2 stars and cheap travel router at under $30. If you want to feel the home away from home experience then buy this suitable mini GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 yellow color router now! It is feather-light weighs only 1.41 ounces and takes care of your privacy offering the best quality speed data and media transfer speed up to 300 Mbps in 2.4GHz. 

You have to log in from your mobile phone and connect to the Wi-Fi of the place. It offers great speed without any complex configuration. It has pre-installed OpenWRT more than 4000 combinations and OpenVPN to guarantee safety. It has a dual Ethernet cord and has an IoT (internet of things) which enables IoT communication. 

• Bright yellow color
• Featherweight light

Cons : Instruction is clumsy

9. TP-Link N300 Wireless Travel Router

Do you want a small compact yet powerful router to attend to your zoom calls when away from home? This TP-Link N300 Wireless Travel Router is your masterpiece. It offers you the best speed of 300 Mbps with a 2.4GHz band connection. You can use this as a hotspot, router, access point, and power bank through USB cords.

It is little in size and weighs not more than 7 ounces. You can connect your Chromecast and complete your office work and enjoy the vacation. It has got 3.9 stars for impeccable features because of its portability and friendly wireless connection. 

No, unstable internet connection from now! 

• Easy to carry
• 2 years warranty 
• Sometimes it has weak signals 
• No USB cables

10.   D-Link Systems Wi-Fi AC 750

Get up to 750 Mbps quick-speed Wi-Fi AC connectivity for your laptops, mobile phones, and tablets at the mountain top or beach. It is small and has a Wi-Fi Protected Setup and WPA wireless encryption which secures all your data from hacking. This router for travel has great battery longevity and covers the area for outdoor working. It has received 3.6 stars  

Pros : Inexpensive price

Cons: Complex in setting up

Thus, if you want to work freely without stressing out about internet connection then buy the best travel-friendly router for your convenience. Software, electronic devices, and technology are updating every day; technological advancements have made our life easier. And, with these available wireless travel routers, you can enjoy traveling and work at the same time. There are many more options available on Amazon, but these products are the best rated and best portable routers for your seamless experience.  

Read Other Buying Guides:

• Best GoPro For Kids Review And Buying Guide 
• 10 Best Anti-Theft Travel Backpacks: Buyer’s Guide
• 10 Super Cool Beach Coolers with Wheels
• The Best Hiking Shorts for Men and Women: Buyer’s Guide
• 14 Best Winter Hiking Jackets for Men and Women

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Are these WiFi routers portable?

Hi Lita, yes, these are all portable routers and very helpful for travelers.

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7 Best Travel Router Reviews of 2023 | Portability and Other Features to Look For

7 Top Picks

4 Reviewers

30 Hours of Research

30 Options Considered

Did you know a travel router can double as a power bank, a VPN server, and a data transfer device? For such tiny gadgets, travel WiFi routers can have plenty of purposes. That being said, you don’t want to pay a fortune for the wrong option. 

We’ll help you choose the best wireless travel router with ease, reviewing the top 7 options on the market. So let's see what are the advantages of u sing a travel router:

3 Top Travel Routers 

1. [Best Travel Router Overall]

  GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext Travel Router (Slate)

When it comes to versatility, the GL.iNet GL-AR750S is hard to match. It’s suitable for frequent travelers and business owners.

The mini router has been giving similar products a run for their money, thanks to its innovative design and versatile features.

• Three Ethernet ports for wired devices
• USB cable for charging
• Ultra-lightweight

2. [Best For The Money] TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Router

The AC750 router from TP-Link comes immensely close to a full-sized router, despite its ultra-compact size. Its lightweight makes it one of the best portable internet devices on the market. Nevertheless, it still performs like a full-fledged router if you connect it to an Ethernet cable.

• Five Ethernet ports for connecting various devices at once
• One-switch design for easy setup
• Next-generation WiFi standard for fast internet

3. [Best For The Multi-Purpose] GL.iNET GL-AR150 Mini Travel Router

If you’re on a tight budget, you might as well take a look at the GL.iNET GL-AR150 wireless travel router. It may be your best option if you’re not looking for advanced features. It’s considered an entry-level device. Yet, it comes with all the features you may need for your upcoming trip.

• Micro USB port for charging
• Affordable price
• OpenVPN pre-installed for extra security

What Makes a Great Travel Router

Wireless travel routers come with a wide variety of extra features, but only a few features can make or break a router. For one, the size is a considerable contributor to the router’s success. If the router isn’t small enough to be carried in your pocket, then it’s not a viable option.

Secondly, there’s the ease of connectivity. You don’t want to set a password every time you exchange devices. Then, there’s the performance, which is the most essential thing to consider when looking for the best travel router.

Choosing a Portable Mini Travel Router

When choosing a Wi-Fi router for mobile devices, there are a lot of things you need to consider, like a mobile hotspots. If you’re spending most of your time in a hotel, you should prioritize a router with Ethernet ports so you can connect Ethernet devices wirelessly to an existing public WiFi network . They’ll come in handy if you use the router in repeater mode too.

If you intend to get free WiFi network coverage through a cell company, you’ll need a router with a SIM card slot. You’ll also want to look for an option that supports a 4G LTE network if you’re aiming at high efficiency. So, choosing the router mainly depends on your usage.

Best Travel Router Reviews

[best travel router overall], 1. gl.inet gl-ar750s-ext travel router (slate).

When it comes to versatility, the GL.iNet GL-AR750S is hard to match. It’s suitable for frequent travelers and business owners. The mini router has been giving similar products a run for their money, thanks to its innovative design and versatile features.

Upon purchasing, you get 802.11N secure  connections for the 5.0 GHz band and the 2.4 GHz one. The device allows one device per band, which is pretty sufficient for setting up a decent mobile network anywhere for your mobile devices. Furthermore, the router works over a dual band WiFi; it offers speeds up to 733 Mbps.

• WireGuard and OpenVPN pre-installed for easier access
• Cloudflare DNS over TLS pre-configured for security features
• LED lights for signaling

GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext Travel Router (Slate) Specifications

The Slate comes bearing three Ethernet ports for wired devices. It’s more than enough, even if you have a travel companion. On top of that, there’s a USB slot that enables file sharing and media streaming, as well as streaming movies, along with an SD card slot that offers built in storage space.

As for the size, the GL.iNet is larger than most routers on this list. It measures 3.94 x 2.68 x 0.94 inches. The size gap is justified, seeing as this router offers more capacity for storage than similar options. Plus, the router weighs only three ounces, making it the lightest travel WiFi router on this list.

The Slate doubles as a VPN client and server. It comes pre-programmed with OpenVPN software, which enables you to connect with plenty of providers. You’ll be able to bring multiple workplaces together, using only a single secure cloud. In addition to that, OpenVPN is compatible with 25+ VPNs.

If you’re a data security enthusiast, you’ll love this router even more. It comes pre-configured with both Cloudflare DNS and TLS, which is pure class. Before, you’d have to modify your router in order to operate Cloudflare DNS over TLS. That’s not the case with the Slate, though.

Your wireless connection will remain secure, regardless of where you are. This makes the router ideal for conducting business.

GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext Travel Router (Slate) Pros

• Exceptional VPN compatibility
• SD card slot included

GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext Travel Router (Slate) Cons

• The firmware will need to be updated before operating

[Best For The Money]

2. tp-link ac750 wireless portable router.

The router comes bearing a micro USB port for charging and connecting to your travel laptops . The device is compatible with Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV Stick; you can use the port for those too.

• One-switch design for easy set-up
• Next-generation WiFi standard for fast internet connection
• Multi-functional port for versatile uses
• Two-year warranty to put your mind at ease

TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Router Specifications

The TP-Link is a dual-band device; it can easily connect like multiple devices and keep performing efficiently. The speed range goes up to 750Mbps, although more than half of them operate on the 5GHz band. You’ll want to take care if you’re using any device that’ll need more than 300Mbps.

Unfortunately, the TP-Link doesn’t have a built in battery. It causes charging to be a hassle, but there must be a price to pay for the ultra-lightweight. You’ll need to connect it to any power source, whether it’s power banks or a wall outlet, via the USB port. You’ll still be able to use it anywhere if you have a charging device.

The router features a user-friendly one-switch design, making it easy for anyone to set it up and use it. You can use the switch to choose your preferred mode. You’ll have hotspot, AP, and tethering modes to choose from.

That way, you’ll be able to use a wired connection, extend the router’s range, or use it as a wireless access point. You pretty much have all the options you may need on a trip.

There’s one downside to the router’s hardware. The USB cable slips out of the port too easily, making it a hassle to deal with if you move around a lot with the router. You can solve it by wrapping any rubber band around it.

TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Router Pros

• Unlimited technical support
• High WiFi speed

TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Router Cons

• No built in battery

[Best For The Multi-Purpose]

3. gl.inet gl-ar150 mini travel router.

The GL-AR150 is super portable. It’s too small you can probably fit it in your pocket. Not only that, but it’s also ultra-lightweight, exceeding the 1-ounce weight by a bit.

• Two ethernet ports to allow you to connect multiple devices at once
• Four internet operating modes for versatility
• External antenna for better coverage

GL.iNET GL-AR150 Mini Travel Router Specifications

You can use the GL-AR150 to create a WiFi network pretty much anywhere. It can connect to more than one ethernet port, a USB internet modem, or an already-existing network. On top of that, you can tether it with your smartphone. It’s an open-source that’s fully programmable.

This best wireless router will allow you to media share and transfer your files in a smooth manner. It’s compatible with 4G and 3G USB modems.

As for the modes, the wireless router comes with four operating modes you can use. You can use it via AP mode, router mode, repeater mode, and hotspot mode, despite its small size.

The router is packed with useful features, but my personal favorite is the vast security the device offers. The most common concern about portable travel routers is security. If you tend to move through countries a lot, letting your WiFi network unprotected would be an unwise decision.

Luckily, the GL-AR150 comes with OpenVPN pre-installed, so it supports a lot of VPN service providers and hotspots. The server is compatible with plenty of reliable internet providers . You’ll rarely face trouble trying to connect, share files, do media sharing, or online gaming.

This lightest travel router comes without an internal battery, which may be a deal-breaker for some users. If you don’t mind sitting beside a wall socket or a laptop to charge it, then you have no problem. You can also use a power bank to charge.

Furthermore, the GL-AR150 comes with 64 MB of RAM and 16 MB of flash memory. If you need more, you can always do it through the USB.

GL.iNET GL-AR150 Mini Travel Router Pros

• Compact size
• Lightweight design

GL.iNET GL-AR150 Mini Travel Router Cons

• No internal battery

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

The GL.iNet GL-E750 may just be the best buy WiFi router for people who’re aiming high. It’s costly, but it provides exceptional performance and a variety of features. Not to mention that it’s a sleek gadget.

• Two ports to connect two devices concurrently
• 4G LTE signal strength for high efficiency
• 3.0 version firmware for more accessible setting
• OpenVPN pre-installed for more security

GL.iNet GL-E750 (MUDI) 4G LTE Router Specifications

This good travel router supports multiple VPN protocols. It comes with OpenVPN and WireGuard pre-installed, so you can gain access to 30+ VPN providers. OpenVPN also provides high-end encryption to secure your network.

Moreover, Mudi is compatible with Tor, which is a pure class for security enthusiasts. When enabled, it provides encryption for your private connection through a relay network. The service is operated by members from all around the globe, which ensures maximum security.

The wireless router can be considered heavy for some people, weighing around 0.6 pounds. However, the weight is still insignificant compared to full-sized routers. The thing is, it has a rectangular design that’s a bit large. If you don’t have much room in your bag, you may want to think twice before getting this Mudi.

Upon purchasing, you get 128MB Ram, 12MB NAND Flash, and 16MB NOR Flash. This is the most a wireless travel router can offer, and it’s more than enough for a single user in remote areas.

The Mudi comes with a port replicator, a power adapter, and a USB cable for connecting. The package also includes a user manual and an Ethernet port cable. Pretty much any feature that can be present in a wireless travel router is included in the Mudi, making it one if the greatest portable WiFi routers.

GL.iNet GL-E750 (MUDI) 4G LTE Router Pros

• Advanced security encryption
• Fast data transfer
• SIM card slot included

GL.iNet GL-E750 (MUDI) 4G LTE Router Cons

5. gl.inet gl-ar300m mini vpn travel router.

The GL.iNet GL-AR300M mini router is compact, efficient, and easy to use. It’s the ideal choice for professionals and travelers. Not only because of its user-friendly design, but its innovative features also contribute majorly to its success.

• Two ethernet ports to connect multiple devices concurrently
• Extended USB disk feature for extra storage
• 16 MB NOR flash memory for high storage capacity

GL.iNet GL-AR300M Mini VPN Travel Router Specifications

The portable wireless router comes with OpenWrt pre-installed, which is a Linux operating firmware that targets embedded systems. The firmware allows you to customize your portable internet device using 2000+ software packages provided by the community, thanks to the fully writable file system.

You can connect the GL-AR300M to a built in VPN support service and a media streamer. That way, you’ll be able to stream any movie from the comfort of your hotel room. Not to mention that you’ll put your mind at ease, thanks to the additional security and privacy the VPN provides.

The wireless router comes bearing both LAN and WAN ports. You can use an Ethernet cable to connect to any existing local network. There are multiple methods to join, too, to make your mission easier.

The GL-AR300M’s package includes a USB-C to USB power cable for charging. There’s a C port on the router for that, but you’ll have to supply your own adapter. You can also connect to a laptop (see thin laptops ) or a power bank if you’re somewhere outdoor.

The portable router connects instantly to all devices without the need for configuration, even when you’re switching to a new device. Plus, the firmware is pretty easy to update; anyone can do it without past experience.

The GL-AR300M covers a WiFi range of fast speeds with a maximum of 300 Mbps. It’s pretty decent for connecting multiple devices concurrently. So the overall quality is great!

GL.iNet GL-AR300M Mini VPN Travel Router Pros

Gl.inet gl-ar300m mini vpn travel router cons, 6. ravpower travel router ac750.

If you’re aiming at a multi-purpose travel router, the RAVPower AC750 is an ideal option to consider. It’s one of the few portable routers on the market that provide data backup. With minimal configuration, you’ll be able to back up your data to any memory card, courtesy of the FileHub software.

You’ll be allowed to transfer files, movies, and music back and forth. The AC750 also gives you room for exchanging devices; you can move your data wirelessly between your tablet, phone, laptop, flash drive, or HDD.

• Three operating modes for versatility
• Wireless backup storage for transferring data
• External battery for more comfortable replacement
• Lifetime warranty in case any trouble occurs
• One key backup for transferring media files

RAVPower Travel Router AC750 Specifications

The AC750 boasts 12–18 MB/s faster speeds. It’ll transfer a large file instantly; you won’t even feel a hitch across the network.

You can use the AC750 in three modes: bridge, router, and AP. The bridge mode enables you to connect your router to an existing network. Not only that, but it also allows you to broadcast a new single. However, the 5GHz band won’t be available in that mode.

Using the router mode, the AC750 will run similarly to an ordinary router. And as for the AP mode, it enables you to convert wired signals to wireless if you use an Ethernet cable.

The RAVPower is topped off by LED lights that give away your network’s status. Meanwhile, there’s an SD card port on its side for built-in storage space, along with a few buttons. These include a power button, a function button, and a broadcast button.

There’s also a 5G icon on the AC750’s front that indicates the status of your connection. It’ll start signaling once your device gets further than 30 feet from the router.

Personally, my favorite feature on the AC750 is its own battery power. The little router runs on a 6700mAH battery. It’ll save you a lot of hassle trying to swap it. We all know internal batteries are a trouble to replace. It also has a long battery life.

If you’re tight on space, the RAVPower will prove convenient. It’s a small router, measuring 3 x 4.4 x 0.91 inches. Not to mention that it’s light weight, weighing only half a pound. Its size is pretty similar to that of a smartphone. So, it shouldn’t be hard to store and travel with.

RAVPower Travel Router AC750 Pros

• Doubles as a power bank
• The firmware automatically updates

RAVPower Travel Router AC750 Cons

• The file transfer can be a bit slow sometimes

7. HooToo Wireless Travel Router

For an affordable portable router, the HooToo FileHub offers more than expected. It doesn’t only provide a Wi-Fi connection, but it also works as a power bank, data transfer agent, and media streamer. You can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously, allowing you to download and transfer files freely without the need for an extra device.

You can use the HooToo to share data within any connected USB device, including tablets, smartphones, and laptops.

• Rubber flaps to protect ports from dust
• External battery for easier replacement
• Chromecast compatibility for use on smart TVs
• Smart USB ports for easy data transfer and sharing files

HooToo Wireless Travel Router Specifications

This versatile travel router gives you multiple choices to get internet coverage. For one, you can use the bridge mode. It allows you to connect to an existing WiFi network. Plus, it enables you to re-broadcast under a new name.

Moreover, you can use a wireless network cable to turn the HooToo into a secure wireless network, providing you with a secured connection. The access point mode allows just that. This mode is ideal if you’re in a place with limited network options. On the other hand, there’s the wireless mode for router. It works like a regular router, which means you’ll need a DSL modem or a cable to operate it. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get a network.

To add to the convenience, the HooToo is compatible with Chromecast. You’ll be able to connect to any USB media streamer or any network that allows you to watch movies. On top of that, you’ll have the option to run a slideshow on the big screen of your smart TV.

The HooToo isn’t among the lightest options, but its compact size makes up for it. It measures 1.7 x 1.7 x 3.7 inches, making it one of the smallest and best portable WiFi router on our list. Meanwhile, its weight stands at approximately 0.55 pounds.

The battery that comes with the HooToo boasts 10,400mAh, with a power output of 2.1 A. It can charge a mobile phone up to three times like it’s nothing, which is impressive considering charging isn’t its primary job.

The travel router comes with rubber flaps on the sides to protect the ports from dust and debris. Additionally, the small device is topped off by a power button, along with a few LED lights.

HooToo Wireless Travel Router Pros

• High battery capacity

HooToo Wireless Travel Router Cons

• No VPN support

Networking Capabilities and Connectivity

Bandwidth isn’t the single most crucial feature in travel routers, contrary to common belief. Networking capabilities are also vital to consider. Most best travel routers have the highest speed of 300Mbps, and a few options have a maximum of 750Mbps. This bit depends on what you’ll use it for and the devices you’ll connect.

As for connectivity, you should aim at the option that’ll make your life easier. Personally, I’d prioritize a router that connects instantly without the need for reconfiguration every time I switch devices..

Portability

Although portability of travel routers means the same thing for most people, there are some different considerations. For example, if you’ll spend most of your time in a hotel room, you’ll be able to pack a slightly large router.

On the other hand, if you’ll be moving from town to town, you’ll need a router that you can fit in your pocket. You should also bear in mind the size of your traveling bag. If it’s small, there’s no need to pick a router that’ll take a large room.

The weight is also a critical feature of portability. In my experience, lightweight routers are much easier to carry and deal with.

Bandwidth and Performance

The router’s bandwidth depends on whether it’s a single-band or a dual band WiFi. Single band routers only run on the 2.4GHz band, which mostly allows only 300Mbps. Meanwhile, a dual band router use two bands: 2.4 and 5GHz.

Dual band options of best travel routers are able to transmit two wireless traffic signals concurrently, which translates to higher efficiency and better performance. I’ve tried both, and these routers are more comfortable to set up and use.

The choice depends on your usage, but your budget can also make or break the deal. Single-band routers are much cheaper because they don’t have the same additional features as  dual-band ones .

Range and Coverage

With travel routers, you’ll mostly only need coverage in one room. However, if you want to use your router in large areas, you can always opt for an external antennas option. You should note that these models aren’t always available, though, because it’s not a common requirement.

In my opinion, routers that provide wide ranges can prove disadvantageous.  Security already becomes at a cliff's edge when you use one of those. Having an extensive range may just be the one to push it. You’ll be making your network available for many unwanted guests.

1. What is the best travel router?

Here are Top 3 Best Travel Routers that we can recommend. 1. GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext Travel Router (Slate) - When it comes to versatility, the GL.iNet GL-AR750S is hard to match. It’s suitable for frequent travelers and business owners with its fast connection. The mini router has been giving similar products a run for their money, thanks to its innovative design and versatile features. 2. TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Router - The AC750 router from TP-Link comes immensely close to a full-sized router, despite its ultra-compact size, so it provides good connection. Its lightweight makes it one of the best portable internet devices on the market, and it can also work as a Wi-Fi range extender . Nevertheless, it still performs like a full-fledged router if you connect it to an Ethernet connection cable. 3. RAVPower Travel Router AC750 - If you’re aiming at a multi-purpose travel router, the RAVPower AC750 is an ideal option to consider. It’s one of the few routers on the market that provide data backup. With minimal configuration, you’ll be able to back up your data to any memory card, courtesy of the FileHub software.

2. Are travel routers worth it?

If you travel frequently and bring a lot of gadgets, it may be worthwhile to have your own travel router in your bag. Travel routers are ideal for quickly connecting a large number of devices to wireless networks. They are ideal for hotel rooms with only wired internet access. Additionally, you can use your travel router at home.

3. What is a WiFi travel router?

A travel router is a type of broadband router that is designed for people who are constantly on the move and require internet access when they are not near a power source. They're ideal for situations in which a single network connection—such as an Ethernet connection cable or a tethered smartphone—must be shared among multiple devices, as well as multiple modes.

4. Is a travel router secure?

Yes, a travel router is typically secure. However, it's important to choose a model that has strong security features, like password protection and encryption. Additionally, be sure to update the router's firmware regularly to ensure the latest security patches are in place.

5. Can you use a travel router without Internet?

Yes, you can use a travel router without Internet. In fact, you can use a travel router in a number of different ways—including as a way to create a wireless network for your devices, as a way to share files and printers with other devices on your network, or as a way to extend the range of your existing wireless network.

About Dusan Stanar

I'm the founder of VSS Monitoring. I have been both writing and working in technology in a number of roles for dozens of years and wanted to bring my experience online to make it publicly available. Visit https://www.vssmonitoring.com/about-us/ to read more about myself and the rest of the team.

Did You Check Out Our #1 Recommendation?

GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext Travel Router (Slate)

How to Stream on the Road: Travel-Friendly Streaming Gear From Roku, Fire TV, and More

Philip Palermo

If you’ve ever spent much time in a hotel or dorm room and wished you had access to all the streaming services you enjoy at home, this article is for you.

Bringing a streaming device on the road with you is a great way to upgrade over the standard basic cable or other in-room entertainment options you’ll often come across. But there are factors to consider, and you might need to jump through a few more hoops than you’re used to before you can start binging away from home.

( Editor’s Note: This guide is based on our recent video deep dive , which you can check out at the embedded link below.)

Picking Travel-Friendly Streaming Devices

Theoretically, many streaming devices should work on the road. Where it gets tricky is when you’re traveling outside of your home country, or when connecting to a WiFi network is more involved than usual. 

With that in mind, we’re focusing on a handful of travel-friendly devices that offer great portability and solid performance for an attractive price. After all, you probably won’t want to disconnect your main streaming device every time you head out on the road. So having a portable, affordable secondary option likely makes the most sense.

So let’s talk about the familiar streaming stick or streaming dongle style of hardware.

They’re relatively small and easy to pack. And with an HDMI connector built right into the side, you don’t necessarily need to bring your own HDMI cable. And of course, the fewer components and pieces of hardware you need to worry about, the better.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is well-suited for life on the road. Since it plugs straight into an open HDMI port, it doesn’t take up any counter or table space — which could be at a premium in a cramped hotel or dorm room.

Fire TV Stick 4K Max

The recently released Fire TV Stick 4K Max shares the same basic form factor and dimensions as its predecessor, the Fire TV Stick 4K. And both make for fine travel streamers. Really, any member of the current Fire TV Stick line would work well on the road, especially in situations where the available TV isn’t capable of 4K output. That said, even if you’re limited to a non-4K TV, you still might want to bring along the Max thanks to its improved performance.

Chromecast with Google TV

The Chromecast with Google TV differs slightly in design, compared to the Fire TV Stick and Roku Streaming Stick. But it’s still an excellent streaming device to use on the road thanks to its portability and performance. 

Other Options to Consider

Several other streaming devices make sense as travel buddies, like Walmart’s onn FHD Streaming Stick. The compact, 1080p streamer offers a capable experience in an extremely affordable package.

Where streaming devices start to differentiate themselves is in the ease of setup on the road, with some offering dedicated options for hotel or dorm room life.

How to Connect Your Streaming Device on the Road

Connecting to the internet in your hotel, dorm room, or other short-term living space may or may not be similar to the process you’ve experienced at home.

Some locations use a captive portal, which is a web page where you’ll need to provide info before you’re allowed to use that particular network. Those details may include your last name and hotel room number, or maybe a temporary password that the staff provided to you.

On Roku hardware, you can use your smartphone to make the connection process easier. First, connect your streaming device to an available HDMI port. Once it’s up and running, head to Settings, Network, and then Set Up Connection. 

Pick the Wireless option and select the intended network. For captive portals, you might see an option that lets you select that you’re connecting to a hotel or college dorm .

At that point, you might need your smartphone to act as a go-between. The Roku device will start up its own WiFi network, and you’ll be asked to connect your smartphone to that new network. Once connected, you should see the captive portal sign-on page appear on your phone.

Just enter your credentials and, once you’re logged in, the Roku streaming device will take things from there, and connect itself to the network.

On Fire TV devices, the process might be easier. Head to Settings, and then Network to set up a new WiFi connection. You should see the captive portal web page on your TV screen, where you can log in and start streaming.

For the Chromecast with Google TV, you might need to download the Google Home app to connect your device to the hotel or dorm WiFi.

Keep in mind, the above methods are best-case scenarios — not all situations are the same. And as we’ll explore farther down, you may have to try different approaches if these routes prove unsuccessful.

Coming Soon (Apple TV)

For Apple TV fans, it’ll soon be a bit easier to set up your device on the road. As of February 2022, Apple is currently testing beta versions of tvOS 15.4. One of the new features is the ability to use your iPhone or iPad to make Captive Portal sign-ins easier. So definitely keep an eye out for tvOS 15.4.

Pro Tips and Things to Consider

Travel routers can help simplify setup.

If you want to make streaming on the road easier and more convenient, you might want to consider a travel router to act as the main internet hub in your dorm or hotel room. They generally operate like the regular WiFi routers you might already own, but travel-friendly models are often more compact and/or affordable.

You’d need to connect the router to the proper network, which may feature a captive portal. Once you’ve established that connection, you can then hook up your streaming device, your smartphone, and most any other gear like you would at home.

Maybe you’re traveling with your family and each member has their own go-to tablet, smartphone or other device. A travel router might make connecting multiple devices a much smoother process.

This route could also bypass sign-in issues you might have when trying to connect your streaming device directly to the network. And they might also fare better when trying to connect to congested and/or crowded networks, so your streaming device’s own WiFi antenna only needs to be strong enough to connect to the router.

Travel-friendly routers can start at around $30 or $40, so they might make for a worthwhile investment depending on your needs. Options like the TP-Link TL-WR902AC Travel Router and the GL.iNet GL-MT1300 Beryl Gigabit Wireless Router have earned high marks from several sites for their price and performance.

Consider a WiFi Hotspot

You can also use your PC or Mac as a go-between to connect a streaming device to the network. You’ll need to connect your laptop to the available network and then create a mobile WiFi hotspot so you can connect your streaming device. 

A quick heads up: On Macs, Apple requires that the MacBook connect to the network via Ethernet before it can share that connection with other devices.

Check out these links for Windows and Mac users to set up shared WiFi connections.

Can’t Change the TV Input? Look for Controls on TV Itself

Sometimes, accessing those HDMI ports might be harder than it is at home. For one, some hotels might swap out the original remote controls that came with the in-room TV. And in its place is a simpler, easier-to-navigate option that might not offer the buttons necessary to switch inputs.

If that’s the case, then check around the TV itself. Some models offer controls along the side or tucked away underneath that allow access to change inputs so you can select the proper HDMI port.

What If You’re Traveling Outside Your Home Country?

Many streaming devices will work in different countries, although it varies.

Roku devices work in many locations overseas, although specific streaming services may vary from location to location. And even if, say, Netflix is offered in your travel destination , the content might be different from what you’re used to at home. So just be aware that the actual available content may vary.

As for Fire TV, here’s a current list of countries where Fire TV devices are currently supported . Amazon also offered a Fire TV Stick Basic Edition a few years ago, which worked in a larger number of countries, but it’s no longer available. If you have one handy, however, here’s a link to the list of supported countries.

And yes, we know that VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are often used in these overseas situations. By and large, though, we tend to avoid covering the topic as using it in certain ways can sometimes breach the terms and services of a streaming platform. Still, we wanted to acknowledge that yes, we know VPNs exist.

Your Mileage May Vary

This last point is very important because we’re talking about a broad range of use cases here. So yes, your mileage may vary when it comes to setting up your own streaming device in a hotel or dorm room. WiFi signals can vary from hotel to hotel, or even from room to room. And not every location or business will use compatible equipment or reliable networks.

So while you’re packing your favorite streaming gear, make sure to pack some patience as well. You may need to jump through a few more hoops than you’re used to in order to start streaming on the road. But the end result could well be worth it.

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How to get your Chromecast connected to a hotel room TV

While some hotels offer complimentary HBO and other viewing packages, others only allow for limited options. But it doesn't have to be this way. If you're a Chromecast user, and remember to pack your device, you can get back to watching Netflix or Hulu easily. All you need to do is connect your Chromecast to a hotel TV. Here's how you can start streaming while away from home.

Connect the Chromecast to the TV

If there is no open hdmi port, connect to the internet, common issues when connecting chromecast to hotel tvs, one last thing, what you need.

Extra-long USB power cable

Phone or tablet

Hotel's Wi-Fi access point name and password

Travel router (optional)

This first step is critical. The TV in your hotel room has to have an open HDMI port that you can access (many of them don't). Otherwise, it's game over. While you're looking, take note to see if there's already an HDMI cable plugged into the TV. If there is, you might need to unplug it in one of the next steps. Once a free port has been found, plug your Chromecast in.

Step 1: Check the sides of the TV, or if you can access it, around the back. The inputs should be clearly labeled as HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.

Step 2: Plug your Chromecast into the HDMI port. It doesn't really matter which one — just make a note of whether it's HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.

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Step 3: Plug the power cable into your Chromecast and the other end into the wall plug. (It's possible the TV's USB port may work to power the Chromecast. It may not if it doesn't provide the Chromecast enough juice, so it is best to use a wall plug if possible.)

Pro tip: Bring an extra-long USB power cable in case there isn't a free wall outlet near the TV.

Step 4: Change the input on the TV to match the one you plugged the Chromecast into. (You remembered to remember, right? HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.)

If you're successful, you should see the default Chromecast setup screen. If you can't find an open HDMI port, try the next step.

If there isn't a free HDMI port or you have trouble switching inputs (maybe because the TV simply won't allow it), it's time to try plan B. If you found a cable already plugged into an HDMI port in step 1, unplug it, and swap in your Chromecast. Of course, this means you'll lose your hotel TV channels, but you can always swap it back once you've finished bingeing the latest hot shows on Netflix .

Keep in mind that many hotel chains will purchase HDTVs that are connected to the hotel's own media servers. In many cases, this means that the HDMI ports on the TV may be locked.

So even if there are one or two ports available to connect your Chromecast to, the inputs themselves may not work. If you run into this issue, there's a quick workaround you can try.

Look at the back of the TV. If you see a cable that looks like an Ethernet wire connected to the TV, go ahead and disconnect it. This is the data stream wire (or RJ11 cable) that the hotel uses to deliver cable streams to each TV. Once this wire is disconnected, you should be able to use the TV's HDMI inputs.

If you've gotten this far, this is (hopefully) the last step.

Step 1: Connect your phone or tablet to the hotel's Wi-Fi. This may be done through an open connection or via a password setup that is provided to you at check-in. Check with the front desk if you need help getting your phone connected to hotel Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Now that you are connected to the Internet, if you haven't done so already, download the free Google Home app from Google Play or the Apple App Store . Then, launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions for setting up your Chromecast on the same Wi-Fi network.

If you need more help setting up your Chromecast, check out our detailed set up your Chromecast guide .

Congrats, you're ready to start casting!

If you are still not able to get the Chromecast set up and working, you've got some other things to try.

Step 1: Set up a Wi-Fi hotspot.

If you cannot connect the Chromecast to the hotel Wi-Fi, you can set up your own Wi-Fi hotspot instead.

If you have a Windows laptop, you can share its Wi-Fi connection with both your smartphone and Chromecast.

You can do the same thing on a MacOS laptop, but only if you can connect the laptop to an Ethernet connection in the hotel room, and these are becoming increasingly rare.

The same goes for using your phone as a hotspot. Remember that if you've got limited data, you'll eat through it quickly when streaming video.

Step 2: Bring a travel router.

A travel router offers the most reliable way to create a Wi-Fi access point you can then share with devices in your hotel room, including the Chromecast.

There are plenty of these to be found on Amazon and elsewhere, and they usually cost less than $75. Some require access to an Ethernet jack, however — as we mentioned above, that can be hard to find. A model that can run in Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) mode (or bridge mode) will let you sign in to your hotel's Wi-Fi and then make that connection shareable as a regular Wi-Fi network, with a name and password of your choosing.

If none of these options work for you, or you simply don't want to be bothered messing around with HDMI ports and Wi-Fi hot spots, you may not need to bring your Chromecast at all. More and more hotels are beginning to install Chromecast-compatible systems like RoomCast . If your hotel has this, all you need is your phone, tablet, or laptop, and you're all set.

Travel locations may only offer you basic cable, so bringing your Chromecast and connecting your Chromecast to a hotel TV is a great option. If your hotel's TV allows it, you will be able to stay up to date on all your favorite shows by following the above steps. Just remember to unplug your Chromecast when you leave, and replug anything you may have changed on the TV.

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That means you'll need to look into converting your VHS tapes to DVD, Blu-ray, or digital formats to take a trip down memory lane. Even if you're not interested in checking out the footage today, it makes sense to get the film converted – after all, those VHS tapes are slowly deteriorating, and if they go bad, all that footage will be forever lost.

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Amazon Prime Video makes it easy to turn off subtitles with just a few clicks, regardless of where (or how) you're streaming. From using a Fire TV remote to watching Prime Video on a Roku device, here's a look at all the ways you can turn off subtitles on Amazon Prime Video.

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How To Connect Chromecast To Hotel Wifi

• How-To Guides
• Tech Setup & Troubleshooting

Introduction

Are you tired of being limited to the hotel’s limited selection of TV channels during your travels? Do you want to enjoy your favorite shows and movies on a bigger screen? Look no further – connecting your Chromecast to the hotel WiFi is the solution you need.

Chromecast is a small and powerful device that allows you to stream content from various apps and services directly to your TV. However, connecting it to hotel WiFi can be a bit tricky due to the limitations and security protocols put in place by hotels. But don’t worry, in this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of connecting your Chromecast to hotel WiFi.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite shows, movies, and even videos from YouTube on the big screen in your hotel room. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, having your Chromecast set up will provide you with entertainment options beyond what the hotel offers.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that the methods described here may vary depending on the hotel’s WiFi system and the TV setup in your room. However, these steps should give you a general idea of what to do to connect your Chromecast in most scenarios.

So, let’s dive into the steps and get your Chromecast up and running on the hotel WiFi!

Step 1: Check if your hotel room has an HDMI port

Before you can connect your Chromecast to the hotel WiFi, you need to ensure that your hotel room has an HDMI port. The HDMI port is necessary for connecting your Chromecast to the hotel TV.

Most modern hotel TVs are equipped with HDMI ports, but it’s always good to double-check. Take a look at the back or side of the TV to locate the HDMI port. It is usually labeled as “HDMI” and has a rectangular shape with several small pins inside.

If you’re unable to find an HDMI port, you may need to contact the hotel staff to inquire about the availability of HDMI ports in your room. They may be able to provide you with an alternative solution or suggest other methods for connecting your Chromecast.

Having an HDMI port in your hotel room is crucial because it allows you to connect your Chromecast directly to the TV, ensuring a seamless streaming experience. Once you’ve confirmed the presence of an HDMI port, you can proceed to the next step of setting up your Chromecast on the hotel WiFi.

Step 2: Connect your Chromecast to the hotel TV

Now that you’ve confirmed the presence of an HDMI port in your hotel room, it’s time to connect your Chromecast to the TV. Follow these simple steps to get started:

• Locate the HDMI port on the back or side of the hotel TV. Insert one end of the HDMI cable into the Chromecast and the other end into the HDMI port.
• Ensure that the Chromecast is securely connected to the TV and the HDMI cable is properly inserted into both devices.
• Using the TV remote, change the input/source on the TV to match the HDMI port you connected the Chromecast to. This allows the TV to recognize and display the Chromecast’s content.
• Once the input/source is selected, you should see the Chromecast setup screen on your hotel TV. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup process. This involves connecting the Chromecast to your hotel WiFi network .
• If prompted, enter the hotel WiFi network name (SSID) and password to connect your Chromecast to the WiFi. Make sure to double-check the SSID and password for accuracy.
• Wait for the Chromecast to connect to the WiFi network. This may take a few moments. Once connected, you will see a confirmation message on the TV screen.

By following these steps, you have successfully connected your Chromecast to the hotel TV. Now, it’s time to establish a connection between your smartphone or laptop and the hotel WiFi network, which we will cover in the next step.

Step 3: Connect your smartphone or laptop to the hotel WiFi

In order to control and stream content to your Chromecast, you need to connect your smartphone or laptop to the hotel WiFi network. Follow these steps to establish a connection:

• Turn on your smartphone or laptop and go to the settings menu.
• Locate the Wi-Fi settings and tap on it to access the available networks.
• You should see a list of available WiFi networks in your hotel. Select the hotel WiFi network from the list.
• If the hotel WiFi network is password-protected, enter the password when prompted. Make sure to input the correct password to establish a successful connection.
• Wait for your device to connect to the hotel WiFi network. Once connected, you will see the Wi-Fi symbol or an “Connected” status on your device’s screen.

Now that your smartphone or laptop is connected to the hotel WiFi network, you have the ability to control and cast content to your Chromecast. Whether you want to stream videos from popular apps like Netflix or YouTube or display presentations for work, you’re ready to make the most of your Chromecast.

In the next step, we will cover how to set up a personal travel router if necessary, to create a dedicated WiFi network for your Chromecast.

Step 4: Set up a personal travel router (if necessary)

In some cases, hotels may have restrictive WiFi networks that do not allow direct connections between devices, such as Chromecast, and the hotel WiFi. If you encounter such limitations, setting up a personal travel router can help create a dedicated WiFi network for your Chromecast.

Follow these steps to set up a personal travel router:

• Purchase a portable travel router that supports bridge mode. Some popular options include TP-Link N300, GL.iNet GL-AR750, or HooToo TripMate.
• Connect the travel router to your smartphone or laptop using an Ethernet cable.
• Access the travel router’s settings by typing the router’s IP address into your device’s web browser.
• Enter the login credentials provided with the travel router to access the settings page.
• Navigate to the settings and look for the “Bridge Mode” or “WiFi Client” option. Enable this mode to connect the travel router to the hotel WiFi network.
• Enter the hotel WiFi network SSID and password in the travel router’s settings.
• Save the settings and wait for the travel router to connect to the hotel WiFi network. It may take a few moments for the connection to establish.

Once the travel router is successfully connected to the hotel WiFi network, it will create a separate WiFi network that your Chromecast can connect to. This dedicated network ensures a stable and uninterrupted connection between your devices.

In the next step, we will explain how to configure the travel router settings to connect your Chromecast to the hotel WiFi through the travel router.

Step 5: Configure the travel router settings

Once you have set up your personal travel router and connected it to the hotel WiFi network, it’s time to configure the router settings to enable the connection between the travel router and your Chromecast.

Follow these steps to configure the travel router settings:

• Access the travel router’s settings page by typing the router’s IP address into the web browser of your smartphone or laptop.
• Login to the router’s settings page using the login credentials provided with the travel router.
• Navigate to the WiFi settings section and look for the option to create a new WiFi network or enable the existing one.
• Configure the WiFi network settings to create a new network with a unique SSID (network name) and password. This will be the WiFi network that your Chromecast will connect to.
• Save the settings and wait for the travel router to apply the changes and restart if necessary.

By configuring the travel router settings and creating a separate WiFi network, you ensure that your Chromecast has a dedicated connection to the travel router and ultimately to the hotel WiFi network.

In the next step, we will explain how to connect your Chromecast to the hotel WiFi through the travel router.

Step 6: Connect your Chromecast to the hotel WiFi through the travel router

Now that you have configured the travel router settings and created a separate WiFi network, it’s time to connect your Chromecast to the hotel WiFi network through the travel router.

Follow these steps to connect your Chromecast to the hotel WiFi through the travel router:

• Plug your Chromecast into the HDMI port of the hotel TV.
• Make sure that the travel router is turned on and connected to the hotel WiFi network.
• On your smartphone or laptop, go to the WiFi settings and connect to the WiFi network created by the travel router. Enter the password for the network if prompted.
• Open the Google Home app or the app that you use to control your Chromecast. If you don’t have the app, you can download it from the app store.
• In the app, select your Chromecast device and go through the setup process. When prompted to connect your Chromecast to a WiFi network, choose the WiFi network created by the travel router.
• Enter the password for the travel router’s WiFi network if prompted.
• Wait for the Chromecast to connect to the travel router’s WiFi network. Once connected, you should see the “Ready to Cast” message on your TV screen.

By connecting your Chromecast to the hotel WiFi through the travel router, you create a secure and stable connection that allows you to stream content to your TV seamlessly.

In the final step, we will discuss how to cast your favorite content to the hotel TV using your Chromecast.

Step 7: Cast your favorite content to the hotel TV

Now that your Chromecast is connected to the hotel WiFi network through the travel router, it’s time to cast your favorite content to the hotel TV. Whether it’s streaming movies, watching YouTube videos, or displaying photos, casting is a breeze.

Follow these steps to cast your favorite content to the hotel TV:

• Make sure that your smartphone or laptop is connected to the same WiFi network created by the travel router.
• Open the app or platform from which you want to watch or stream content. This can be Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, or any other casting-enabled app.
• Look for the cast icon within the app. It is typically represented by a square or rectangle with three curved lines or waves in the corner.
• Tap on the cast icon and select your Chromecast device from the list of available devices. This will start casting the content to the hotel TV.
• Wait for a few moments, and the content should start playing on the hotel TV. You can control the playback, volume, and other settings from your smartphone or laptop.

Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite shows, movies, or music on the big screen of your hotel TV. You have successfully casted your content to the hotel TV using your Chromecast.

Remember to disconnect and switch off the travel router and Chromecast when you’re done using them to conserve power and maintain security.

With these simple steps, you can make your hotel room feel more like home by enjoying your preferred entertainment options on a larger screen. Happy casting!

Connecting your Chromecast to the hotel WiFi opens up a world of entertainment possibilities during your travels. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily enjoy your favorite shows, movies, and videos on the big screen in your hotel room.

From checking if your hotel room has an HDMI port to configuring the travel router settings, each step is crucial in ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted streaming experience. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, having your Chromecast set up allows you to have more control over your entertainment options.

Remember, the specific steps may vary depending on the hotel’s WiFi system and TV setup, but the general principles discussed here should guide you in most scenarios. If you encounter any difficulties or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to hotel staff for assistance.

So, the next time you’re staying at a hotel, take your Chromecast along and enjoy the convenience and flexibility of streaming your favorite content on the hotel TV. With a few simple steps, you can transform your hotel room into an entertainment center of your own.

Happy streaming!

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How to make your Chromecast work properly on hotel Wi-Fi

How to set up a travel router to use with your Chromecast

Hotels don't always make it easy to use your Chromecast. They use complicated network access management tools to govern guest connections, and they'll often limit rooms to one device per connection for technical and economic reasons. These things are especially problematic for a Chromecast because it can't handle the typical hotel Wi-Fi setup. But don't fret because a simple travel router can make your Chromecast work just the way Google intended no matter what hotel you're at.

Products used in this guide

• An affordable streamer: Chromecast ($35 at Amazon)
• On-the-go router: TP-Link N300 Wireless Travel Router ($27 at Amazon)
• Hard-wired: Ethernet Cable ($13 at Amazon)

Why won't my Chromecast just work on hotel Wi-Fi?

More and more, folks are looking to take their streaming devices on the road as hotels refuse to budge on bloated movie rental prices. The Chromecast is a great little tool for this purpose considering how small it is and how easy it is to use.

Unfortunately, hotels also want to sell expensive Wi-Fi, or they'll use network management tools for security and performance reasons. These measures work in ways that make devices like Chromecast fail to work properly. If you find yourself in that predicament, a travel router is what you want.

The reason this is the perfect tool to get your Chromecast up and running is that while your router is using the hotel's network, it's taking that connection and using it to create a wider network that doesn't have messy access management tools that can cause your Chromecast to trip up. To the hotel, you're still just using one device on that one connection.

Your life will be much easier if you begin this setup process at home before getting to the hotel. We'll look to set up the travel router and get the Chromecast connected to it, that way all you'll need to do when you get to the hotel is plug it up and log in.

• Plug your travel router into an open wall outlet.
• Wait about 30 seconds for it to boot up.
• Find the default Wi-Fi network name and password on the TP-Link travel router and use the credentials to connect via your smartphone, tablet, or PC.

• Use the web browser on the device you just connected and navigate to the router's configuration page. For the TP-Link N300, that address is http://tplinkwifi.net .
• Log in by typing in "admin" for both the username and password on the TP-Link N300. This may be different on other travel routers.
• Click Quick Setup .
• Click Next .
• Click Hotspot Router for your mode.
• For your WAN Connection Type, select Dynamic IP .
• Select your home Wi-Fi network in the list.
• Log in to your home Wi-Fi network using your normal Wi-Fi password.

Your network is now set up, but while you're in your router's settings, we strongly recommended going to the Access Point settings page and changing the network name and password. Memorize it or write it down so that someone can't get into your router with the default login information.

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With the router setup, we now have to get it talking to the Chromecast. We'll show you exactly how to do that, but first, if you're a new Chromecast owner, you'll need to go through the initial setup process. Even if you already have Chromecast set up in Google Home, you'll want to go through the setup process again to add it to a new "Hotel" profile that you'll only use whenever you're traveling.

How to connect your Chromecast to your travel router

• Plug your Chromecast directly into your TV.
• Using the included micro-USB cable, hook the Chromecast up to a power outlet or a free USB port on your PC.
• Switch your TV's source signal to the HDMI input that has the Chromecast on it. You should see a setup screen. Source: Android Central

• Download the Google Home app (available for Android and iOS .
• Open the app .
• Sign in with your Google account.
• On the app's main screen, tap the Add button.
• Tap Set up device .
• Tap the New devices option with the Google Home icon next to it.

• Tap Add a new Home .
• Add "Hotel" as a new home.
• Grant location access to the Google Home app so it can work properly with Chromecast.
• Tap Allow when your smartphone asks for permission to use location data.
• The Google Home app will now search for your Chromecast. If successful, you should see a Chromecast device with a four-digit number matching the device name you see on your TV.
• Tap that device to select it.
• After a short time, your device will connect and you'll see a unique code both within the Google Home app and on your TV. If these two codes match, you're connected to the right Chromecast.
• Tap Yes to confirm you're on the right device. (Tapping "No" takes you through troubleshooting steps to get your Chromecast and phone talking.) Source: Android Central

• Choose whether you want to opt into automatic data collection to improve Chromecast by tapping either Yes or No .
• Specify the room where your Chromecast will primarily be. You can select from the list or type in your own. Feel free to call it something like "Hotel Room" , but it can be anything, really.
• Here's another opportunity to customize the name of your room. Double check the name before proceeding.
• Tap Continue . Source: Android Central

• Now it's finally time to connect to the travel router. Select the router's Wi-Fi name from the list.
• Enter the router's password .
• Choose whether to remember the password for setting up future devices.
• Tap Connect .
• You should be connected after some time. Google gives one last disclaimer that the app uses your Google Account for personalization.
• Tap Next to dismiss it.

Once you're checked in and unpacked at your hotel, setup should be a breeze. All we're doing now is connecting the travel router to the hotel's Wi-Fi network. Once you have that going, you're golden.

• Repeat Steps 1-8 in the very first section of this guide, only instead of connecting to your home's Wi-Fi network, you'll connect to the hotel's.
• On your smartphone and while connected to the travel hotspot, try and navigate to a reliable webpage such as Google.com . If you're able to get there, no further steps are needed. Otherwise, read on.

• You may come across the hotel's login page at this point. This may look and work differently depending on which hotel you're at. Some have specific usernames and passwords for each guest, some only require you to press a login button, and some might even require the help of hotel staff. Do whatever you need to do to login.
• Once you're in, all of the devices connected to that travel router will also have access. This includes your smartphones, tablets, laptops, and yes, your Chromecast.
• Plug your Chromecast into the hotel's TV and power it using the USB cable, and voila — you have a fully functioning Chromecast in your hotel room.

The beauty of this setup is that you don't have to do anything differently for each hotel you go to except log into its unique session portal. There's no messing with MAC addresses or using your phone's mobile hotspot as a Wi-Fi sharing point or anything else. And you don't even have to talk to hotel staff if you don't want to.

Our top equipment picks

You'll need a Chromecast if you don't already have one, as well as the travel router we discussed. If you want to be on the safe side, picking up an ethernet cable will cover those weird hotels that have yet to step out of the dark ages.

One of the most versatile streaming dongles ever. Chromecast can make dumb TVs smarter, and they don't cost all that much. Plus, the small size makes it perfect for traveling.

While some people have resorted to using other devices for travel entertainment, the Chromecast is still a workhorse when paired with the right equipment. If you don't mind adding one to your bag, a portable travel router is inexpensive and removes all the headaches associated with hotel Wi-Fi.

Your own personal Wi-Fi network This travel router fits into any pocket or compartment of your bag and makes life on hotel Wi-Fi pain-free.

With the ability to turn almost any hotel internet connection into a private Wi-Fi access point, TP-Link's N300 nano travel router eliminates the technological weirdness that causes your Chromecast — and potentially other devices — to fail to work.

It's small and light, so finding room for it in your travel kit is not an issue. It also has functionality for using both ethernet and Wi-Fi connections to create your private network, so it should work for virtually any hotel room you go to. Set all your gadgets up with it at home before heading to the hotel for the best experience.

Additional Equipment

Some hotels may still only provide ethernet access. If so, you'll need a cheap ethernet cable to go with your travel router.

AmazonBasics RJ45 Cat-6 Ethernet Cable ($13 at Amazon)

This standard cable delivers gigabit speeds across a reliable hard line.

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How to Use Chromecast Without Wi-Fi

Stream content even when you don't have a connection

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What To Know

• Option 1: Open the primary device. Search for the screen you want to cast to. A PIN will appear. Enter it on your Chromecast app.
• Option 2: Set up the travel router and connect the Chromecast. Bring your router with you, set it up, and connect like you normally would.
• Option 3: From a Mac, download Connectify, and follow the prompts. Set a name, password, and check Wi-Fi Hotspot . Connect everything.

This article explains how to connect to a Chromecast without a normal Wi-Fi setup. Typically a Chromecast connects directly to the internet via a Wi-Fi connection. If you don't have an Internet connection, you can set up a local Wi-Fi network that will still let you use Chromecast without web access.

Use Google Chromecast Without Internet for Android

Make sure you update the Chromecast to the latest version of its firmware. While the Chromecast can work without an internet connection, its firmware has to be up to date.

On your primary device, open a Google Cast-ready app and click the "Cast" button.

The primary device will begin to search for nearby compatible devices. Find the screen you want to cast to and select it.

A four-digit pin will display on the screen. Enter this pin into your Chromecast app to connect the devices.

Your Android device should now be connected and you can cast media you have stored locally to the screen that's connected to the Chromecast. 

If the above method doesn't work or you have an iPhone, there are other options. Travel routers can create a local network, and Mac users can employ third-party applications like Connectify.

Using Google Chomecast With a Travel Router

A travel router can create a local Wi-Fi network which you can use to connect your Chromecast to another device.

Set up your travel router before you leave home and assign it a network name (also known as an SSID) and a password.

Wirelessly connect your Chromecast to the travel router through the app on either your Android or iOS device.

When you plug in the travel router at a new location, it will establish a network. Even if there is no Internet available, you will be able to connect your device to the Chromecast over this network.

Connect the router to the device you want to cast to. If staying in a hotel, you may need to use the television's settings menu to select the router and enter the password.

If the router does not appear, manually enter the SSID and password. You can do this through the network settings of the device you're using by typing in the name and password.

Once connected, the television should appear as a destination for you to cast. Select it as the streaming destination via the Chromecast app. You can find this app on the iOS and the Google Play store.

You should now be able to stream locally stored content to the television even without an Internet connection.

Due to Google's ownership of Android, most Android devices have greater compatibility with Chromecast than iOS devices. If you are a Mac or iOS user, you can use a Connectify Hotspot to achieve the same results. This allows you to create a private network from your laptop.

How to Use Google Chromecast from Mac

Chromecast requires a Wi-Fi connection to work. This option shows how to create a local network from your Macbook that takes the place of Wi-Fi.

Download the Connectify software. Note: this is a paid application, but the free version does allow you to create a wireless network.

Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the software.

Open the Connectify software and set up a hotspot name and password.

Make sure the "Wi-Fi Hotspot" option is selected at the top of the screen.

Connect the device you want to cast to the network.

If the network does not appear, manually enter the hotspot name and password.

Once connected, the device should appear as a destination for you to cast. Select it as the streaming destination via the Chromecast app.

To connect Chromecast to a new Wi-Fi network , connect your mobile device to the network, open the Google Home app, and tap your Chromecast > Settings > Wi-Fi > Forget > Forget network . Then, follow the on-screen prompts to connect your Chromecast to Wi-Fi.

Your Chromecast requires Wi-Fi to communicate with other devices on your network and to stream content from services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus. However, internet access isn't needed for casting over a local network.

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Cast router compatibility

If you're having an issue with your router, look for your router's make and model on the list below. The recommended workaround steps may resolve the issue for certain routers.

Routers not listed below may still be compatible with your Chromecast (1st gen, 2nd gen), Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast Audio and Google Cast devices without any modifications to your settings.

• To set up your Chromecast, make sure that you have access to a 2.4 GHz (for Chromecast (1st gen) devices) or 5 GHz network.
• Note: Support for Chromecast (1st gen) has ended, which means it no longer receives software or security updates, and Google doesn't provide technical support. Users might notice a degradation in performance.

Still having trouble? Try our Chromecast troubleshooting steps.