5 Best Wireless Travel Routers: Surf Anywhere in 2023

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In this article, I’ll guide you through the top 5 best wireless travel routers out there for easy, wireless internet on the go. From compact designs that fit in your pocket to more powerful devices, there is something for everyone. So get ready for seamless Wi-Fi connectivity. Let’s get it.

Best Overall

TP-Link AC750 Wireless

TP-Link TL-WR902AC AC750 Travel Router

Strong, fast connection for reliable internet and HD streaming on all your devices.

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Best Premium

Nighthawk M1 4G LTE

Nighthawk M1 4G LTE Mobile Router 1 jpg

Secure, mobile Internet connection  ideal for areas with poor internet service or coverage

Best Budget

TP-Link N300 Nano

TP Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano 1 jpg

Compact router that fits in your pocket, perfect for home use, remote work and while traveling.

Runner Up

GL.iNet Beryl (GL-MT1300)

GL.iNet Beryl GL MT1300 jpg

Offers powerful hardware and first-class cybersecurity protocol with unique and modern design.

Hidden Gem

GL.iNet Mudi GL-E750

GL.iNet Mudi GL-E750

Pop in a sim card and this router will create a hotspot that routes to the LTE network.

Are you tired of unreliable Wi-Fi while on the road?

Do you find yourself struggling to connect to hotel or Airbnb networks or simply want to have your own secure Wi-Fi hotspot wherever you go?

Or maybe you’re a remote worker who wants a more stable and reliable internet connection.

If you’re any of the above, then a wireless travel router might just be your best bet.

And there’s nothing I hate stinkin more while traveling than lag.

Well.. maybe trying to figure out why things that once fit don’t fit in my suitcase anymore.

Also, airplane food.. it makes me cry.

And how nice is it to have the freedom to use your laptop on the beach.. I mean how beautiful is this? If you can’t make it to the beach, consider a pair of Rokid Max AR Glasses and bring the beach to you.

Wireless Travel Routers

What Are The Best Wireless Travel Routers?

These are my top picks for the best wireless travel routers on the market in 2023.

1. TP-Link TL-WR902AC AC750 Travel Router

Best overall
TP Link AC750 JPEG 1 jpg
TP-Link TL-WR902AC AC750 Travel Router

The AC750 router’s lightweight design fits conveniently in your pocket or bag, making it great for long trips, vacations, and more. Not only that but it also has a range of Wi-Fi modes so you can switch to different networks as necessary and its multifunctional USB port makes file sharing easy. The price is very reasonable and at the time of this writing is $39.85

Product Pros

  • Compact size
  • Offers multiple Wi-Fi modes and flexible power options
  • Features dual-band technology with excellent wireless speed
  • Lightweight and affordable
  • Can be used as both a Wi-Fi extender and a router

Product Cons

  • Instructions may be hard to understand for some.
  • Cables could be longer

The TP-Link TL-WR902AC, one of the quickest travel routers available on the market today, is an extraordinary feat in miniature.

Impressive at its size and cost, this router measures 2.64 x 2.91 x 0.9 inches and weighs only 8 ounces – making it small enough to fit into your pocket or bag.

The TL-WR902AC packs a punch when it comes to dual-band Wi-Fi performance, despite its small size.

TP Link TL WR902AC AC750 Travel Router 2

This device is incredibly versatile and can be used in multiple ways: as a router or access point for creating wireless networks; as a range extender for boosting signal strength, providing private WI-FI hotspots or even connecting wired devices using the built-in Ethernet port.

With a convenient built-in USB port, you can easily share files and media from any removable storage device.

Plus, it offers up to an impressive 2A of passthrough power for charging your smartphone or tablet.

The only catch is that the ports are laid out awkwardly – with the USB and micro USB power ports on one side while Ethernet is situated on the other.

2. Nighthawk M1 4G LTE Mobile Router

Best premium
Nighthawk M1 4G LTE Mobile Router 1 jpg
Nighthawk M1 4G LTE Mobile Router

This router has advanced Wi-Fi technology, the ability to share its signal across up to 20 devices, long battery life, and an impressive security program. With outstanding LTE internet speed and multiple cellular ports for finding signals even when away from civilization. At the time of this writing, the price is $300

Product Pros

  • Fast – Wi-Fi 5 speeds up to 150 megabits per second.
  • AT&T and T-Mobile certified
  • Supports up to 20 Wi-Fi devices
  • Mobile Hotspot capability
  • Battery lasts up to 11 hours
  • Compatible with Google Fi and Verizon

Product Cons

  • Heat issues
  • Expensive
  • A bit heavy and clunky
  • No touchscreen functions

NETGEAR’s Nighthawk M1 is the world’s first gigabit-class LTE mobile router, offering Wi-Fi 5 speeds of up to 150 megabits per second.

It is certified with AT&T and T-Mobile, and compatible with Google Fi and Verizon – a SIM card is necessary for activation.
Up to 20 devices can be connected simultaneously for secure private connections.

Nighthawk M1 4G LTE Mobile Router 2

The router offers one Ethernet port, two USB ports (A & C) as well as an LCD for managing internet connections & settings.

The device also has a 5,040 mAh battery that lasts up to 11 hours, recharged via an AC adapter, or an extra battery that can be swapped in/out.

3. TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano

best value
TP Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano 1 jpg
TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano

If you’re always on the go, this nano travel router is your faithful companion that will let you stay connected wherever life may take you. Its miniature size hides a powerhouse of supreme speed with no lag or disruption while surfing, downloading, or gaming – ensuring your ping stays low and FPS remains high. The price at the time of this writing is $29.99

Product Pros

  • Pocket size
  • Easy set-up
  • Fast – 3000MB
  • Versatile
  • Works as a signal booster

Product Cons

  • Weak signal comparatively
  • A bit slower comparatively
  • No USB port

World travelers, rejoice!

This pocket-sized TP link travel router is a full-fledged powerhouse.

Sturdy enough to achieve speeds up to 300 Mbps with a secure 2.4 GHz connection and flexible enough for multiple modes such as being used as a router, repeater, client hotspot, or access point – all powered through the convenience of one simple micro USB port.

At a featherweight 7 ounces, the portable wireless router for travel is ideal for those on the go.

TP Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano 2

All you need to do is connect it up and set your devices to remember the network information – fast and easy.

Despite its tiny size, this powerhouse of a product offers full functioning as soon as you turn it on, allowing all connected devices automatically access your network with no hassle whatsoever.

It’s not the fastest or has the widest range, but it still has the features and is small enough to make it a solid portable WiFi router.

4. GL.iNet Beryl (GL-MT1300)

Runner Up
GL.iNet Beryl GL MT1300 jpg
GL.iNet Beryl (GL-MT1300)

The MT1300 travel router can link up to 40 electronic devices at once and even comes pre-loaded with OpenVPN and WireGuard for added security. Plus, it supports IPV6 as well as Cloudflare compatibility so you can browse safely from any location. The price at the time of this writing is $74.90

Product Pros

  • Dual Band Wi-Fi
  • Easy Setup
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Fast internet speed
  • Pre-installed VPN and Tor

Product Cons

  • Fussy in certain configurations
  • A bit more expensive than some other options
  • Sub-par interface

The GL-MT1300 – or Beryl, as it’s better known – is Gl.iNet’s pocket-friendly router that packs immense power in terms of speed and protection.

While not as pricey as some of its other products, this travel router still offers outstanding performance for an unbeatable cost.

If you’re after lightning-fast speeds, this router has dual-band support that’s capable of up to 400 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 867 Mbps on the 5GHz band.

But if wireless isn’t your preference, don’t worry; you can always connect devices directly through an Ethernet port–one WAN and two LAN ports plus one USB 3.0 port as well as a microSD card slot (which accommodates up to 512GB) are at your disposal too.

GL.iNet Beryl GL MT1300 2

Charging is made easy with its convenient USB-C power port feature.

Powered by an MTK MT7621A processor, it’s designed to a provide fast and secure wireless connection for up to 40 devices simultaneously.

It features pre-installed Tor which will help encrypt your online identity and browsing data while Cloudflare DNS over TLS keeps it safe from external threats.

Additionally, this device works with more than 30 different VPN services so you can have complete control of your network security at all times.

5. GL.iNet Mudi GL-E750

Hidden Gem
GL.iNet Mudi GL-E750
GL.iNet Mudi GL-E750

With WireGuard encryption, multiple Open Source VPN protocols, and Tor anonymous network routing capabilities, this router offers a secure solution to stay connected no matter your location. The price at the time of this writing is $159.90

Product Pros

  • Open source
  • WireGuard encryption
  • 4G LTE mobile hotspot functionality
  • VPN support
  • Fast downloads

Product Cons

  • Expensive
  • Big

You can enjoy the security of an encrypted connection over any shared or LTE network while having access to an always-on tunnel back into your home or office networks.

Not just suitable for mobile LTE access, the device can double as a reliable Wi-Fi access point with dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz support providing an impressive 733Mbps throughput over both frequencies.

GL.iNet Mudi GL E750 2

It’s also packed with several additional features such as a built-in rechargeable battery promising up to eight hours of use on one charge, a USB port, and microSD card slots ideal for sharing media files between your connected devices from any location.

Tips for Buying Wireless Travel Routers

Here are some top considerations when it comes to selecting an ideal device:

• Verify data plan can support tethering, especially for multiple devices.
• Determine compatibility with third-party networks.
• Estimate data needs per day when using a mobile hotspot.
• Evaluate if the travel router is flexible and secure when traveling internationally.
• Consider a number of devices connecting to the portable travel router.
• Select a router that offers simultaneous dual-band transmission.
• Dual-band routers offer higher speeds than single-band models.
• Ensure the gaming router can automatically switch between two 5Ghz networks for work and play.

FAQS

Best Wireless Travel Router Featured Image 2 Compressed

Do travel routers have a secure wireless network?

Yes, travel routers are designed to provide a secure wireless network for all your devices.

They typically use the latest encryption technology, such as WPA2, to secure your internet connection and protect your data from unauthorized access.

Additionally, many travel routers come with built-in VPN capabilities, which allow you to create a secure and encrypted VPN network that protects your sensitive data from hackers and other cyber threats.

Overall, a travel router is a great investment for anyone who frequently travels and wants to ensure that their internet connection is secure and reliable.

Do travel routers work on cruise ships?

Yes, travel routers can work on cruise ships, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, some cruise ships may have restrictions on the use of personal routers or Wi-Fi hotspots, so it’s important to check with the cruise ship’s policy or contact their customer support to inquire about their restrictions on these devices.

Secondly, some cruise ships may have satellite internet connections that may be slower or have limited connectivity.

In such a case, a travel router may not be able to provide a reliable Wi-Fi connection or may need more time to connect to the internet.

Finally, the Wi-Fi signal may be weak in some parts of the ship due to interference from metal structures, walls, or doors, or due to the large number of people trying to access the internet at the same time.

So, while a travel router can potentially work on cruise ships, it’s best to do some research to ensure that it’s allowed, and it’s also important to manage your expectations about the quality and reliability of the internet connection in such an environment.

Do you need a travel router?

Whether or not you need a travel router depends on your travel needs and preferences.

If you’re someone who travels frequently and requires a reliable, secure, and fast internet connection, then a travel router is worth investing in.

A travel router can allow you to create your own personal Wi-Fi network, which can be more secure than public Wi-Fi networks and provide a stronger connection in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Additionally, a travel router can offer other features such as VPN capabilities, which can protect your sensitive data from hackers or other cyber threats, and the ability to connect multiple devices to a single internet source.

On the other hand, if you travel infrequently and typically stay in locations that offer reliable Wi-Fi, then a travel router may not be necessary.

In that case, you may be better off just using the Wi-Fi connection provided by your accommodation or a public Wi-Fi network.

Overall, whether you need a travel router ultimately depends on your specific travel needs and preferences.

How do I get better wifi when traveling?

If you want to get better Wi-Fi when traveling, here are a few tips:

  1. Choose accommodations with reliable Wi-Fi: When selecting where to stay, look for hotels, hostels, or rentals that have good quality Wi-Fi with a strong signal.
  2. Use a travel router: If you need to share the internet connection with multiple devices or want to create your private secure network, then invest in a travel router.
  3. Sit close to the Wi-Fi router: When you are in a public area, try to sit close to the Wi-Fi router or access point to get a stronger signal.
  4. Avoid peak hours: The internet may be slower and less reliable during peak hours when many people are trying to use it, so consider modifying your online activities.
  5. Use wired connections, if available: In some cases, using a wired or Ethernet connection can provide a more stable and faster internet connection than Wi-Fi.
  6. Clear your history and cache: Clearing your browsing history, cache, and cookies can speed up your browsing experience and free up space for better Wi-Fi connectivity.
  7. Contact your internet provider: Check with your internet provider to find out if there are any travel plans or special data packages that can give you better and more reliable internet connectivity when you travel.

Applying these tips should help you get better Wi-Fi connectivity during your travels.

What is a travel router?

A travel router is a compact and portable device that provides a wireless internet connection for all your devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and more.

It can be used to share a wired or wireless internet connection with multiple devices, creating a personal Wi-Fi hotspot that is secure and reliable.

It is perfect for travelers who need reliable Wi-Fi on the go and those who want to connect multiple devices to a single internet source.

Additionally, travel routers can enhance the security of your browsing by creating a secure VPN network for all your devices, protecting your sensitive data from hackers and other cyber threats.

Which portable WIFI router is best?

There are several top-rated portable Wi-Fi routers on the market.

The best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Check out this article for further details.

Which travel router is best?

There are several top-rated travel routers available on the market today.

However, the best travel router for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

The routers listed in this article are just some of the popular options available based on customer satisfaction ratings and review data.

As always, you should do your research and choose a router that best suits your needs and preferences.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – my top picks for the 5 Best Wireless Travel Routers.

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just looking to stay connected while on the go, a wireless travel router is a great investment.

Not only do they provide fast, reliable internet connectivity, but they also offer additional security features such as VPN capabilities for a safe and secure browsing experience.

I hope this guide has helped you choose the right travel router for your needs, so you can stay connected and productive no matter where your travels take you.

Travel smarter, stay connected, and speedy browsing to you.

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