The best travel routers allow you to stay connected no matter where in the world you are, making them an ideal tool for digital nomads and frequent travelers. We used years of experience working internationally to narrow down the best travel routers out there. Our top pick, the TP-Link TL-WR1502X Travel Router, is compact, speedy and offers a hotspot mode, making it great to use at airports, cafés and hotels.
The best travel routers help digital nomads and frequent flyers stay connected around the world.
Illustration: Forbes / Images: Retailer
A travel router allows you to extend your wireless range, make public WiFi signals private and get multiple devices online without having to enter passwords each time. A few of our other winners include a battery powered travel router which can connect up to five devices and a versatile option that also doubles as a power bank. Below, the best travel routers of 2024.
Dimensions: 4.09 x 3.54 x 1.1 inches | Weight: 5.44 ounces | Wi-Fi standard: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Max speed: 1201Mbps on 5GHz | Frequency bands: Dual band 2.4GHz, 5GHz
Pros:
Compact design
Easy to use
Excellent Wi-Fi signal
Cons:
No built-in SIM card slot
The TP-Link TL-WR1502X provides an impressive speed of up to 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band for uninterrupted online gaming, video streaming and other activities that require a stable internet connection. Besides working as a router, the TL-WR1502X also offeres a hotspot mode that converts public Wi-Fi networks into private, safe networks, making it perfect for use at airports, cafés and hotels. It comes with an AP/RE Mode to add Wi-Fi to wired networks and extend Wi-Fi range.
Portability is another key feature of this travel router. It’s one of the lightest devices on our list, has no moving parts and can easily fit in a pocket or purse. While it doesn’t have a built-in SIM card slot, this travel router enhances connectivity with its multiple capabilities for seamless internet access anywhere you go.
Dimensions: 2.91 x 9.87 x 2.64 inches | Weight: 2.4 ounces | Wi-Fi standard: 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) | Max speed: 433Mbps on 5GHz | Frequency bands: Dual band 2.4GHz, 5GHz
Pros:
Compact and lightweight
USB port for charging and file sharing
Affordable
Cons:
If you’re shopping for a travel router on a tight budget, the TP-Link AC750 is a solid choice. Although it has a pocket-sized, lightweight design, it provides a strong, reliable signal. It operates with one of the latest Wi-Fi standards, ensuring faster performance when using multiple applications simultaneously. This router offers five modes for versatile use at home and while traveling, maximizing wireless range and establishing a secure private Wi-Fi network in public areas, among other places you may find yourself.
This router is also equipped with a handy USB port for file sharing and charging small devices like tablets and smartphones. If dedicated customer service is on your checklist, the brand offers a two-year warranty and 24/7 technical support for your peace of mind.
Dimensions: 2.68 x 0.57 x 4.96 inches | Weight: 6.24 ounces | Wi-Fi standard: 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4), 802.11b, 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) | Max speed: 150Mbps download | Frequency bands: Dual band 2.4GHz, 5GHz
Pros:
Provides up to 18 hours of connectivity
Works with a wide range of devices
Sturdy design
Cons:
With a wide variety of data packages available in over 160 countries and regions, this travel router is a great solution for those who prefer not to rely on networks provided by airports, hotels, cafés or other public places to stay connected. The RoamWiFi R10 comes with a 5000mAh battery that offers over 18 hours of internet access and takes around three hours to fully charge.
This device supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, catering to older and newer devices. It can also connect up to five devices simultaneously, making it convenient for those who need to connect more than a laptop and a smartphone.
GL.iNet
GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 Slate AX
Dimensions: 4.92 x 3.23 x 1.42 inches | Weight: 8.64 ounces | Wi-Fi standard: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Max speed: 1201Mbps on 5GHz | Frequency bands: Dual band 2.4GHz, 5GHz
Pros:
Supports up to 120 devices
Compatible with over 30 VPN service providers
Great security features
Cons:
When you’re on the go, it’s essential to have a compact router that fits easily inside your bag, and the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 Slate AX is designed with that in mind. It has a sturdy, portable build that easily fits into your carry-on, personal item or pocket, all while providing an impressively speedy Wi-Fi connection that reaches up to 1201Mbps on the 5GHz frequency. If you’re traveling with friends, family, or co-workers, the Slate AX can connect up to 120 devices simultaneously, ensuring everyone can get online.
For added security when browsing the web, this travel router supports the AdGuard Home software, which blocks ads, tracking, malware, phishing, and even adult websites for those traveling with children. Additionally, this router supports more than 30 VPN service providers for enhanced security without compromising speed performance.
Dimensions: 4.92 x 3.27 x 2.09 inches | Weight: 11.3 ounces | Wi-Fi standard: 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) | Max speed: 433Mbps on 5GHz | Frequency bands: Dual band 2.4GHz, 5GHz
Pros:
6500mAh built-in battery
Built-in SD card reader
Turns into a power bank
Cons:
The most versatile option on our list, the NewQ Filehub AC750 works in multiple different scenarios and use cases. Although it doesn’t come with any external antennas, this compact device provides the main functions of a router, like Wi-Fi access and extended signal range. It also features a built-in SD card reader for easy photo and file backups with just one click and can serve as a power bank to charge your phone when you’re low on battery, which frankly, is a feature we didn’t know we needed but is extremely appreciated.
This travel router supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, ensuring faster speeds and high-quality Wi-Fi access. It can deliver a speed of up to 433Mbps on the 5GHz band.
Dimensions: 4.14 x 4.15 x 0.8 inches | Weight: 8.48 ounces | Wi-Fi standard: 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) | Max speed: 1Gbps download | Frequency bands: Dual band 2.4GHz, 5GHz
Pros:
Connects up to 20 devices
Integrated 2.4-inch LCD display
Built-in rechargeable battery
Cons:
Requires a micro SIM card
The Netgear Nighthawk M1 (MR1100-100NAS) is an excellent choice for group travel or situations where you’ll need to connect multiple devices. This compact router can provide internet access to up to 20 devices simultaneously. Its large LCD screen allows you to easily monitor battery level, data usage and the number of connected devices, among other useful information. It features a long-lasting battery designed to give you connectivity all day long on a single charge; if you think you’d need more power, you can purchase a second battery separately.
In terms of speed, this travel router supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies and can reach download speeds up to 1Gbps, depending on data service and proximity to cell towers.
Weight: 8.8 ounces | Dimensions: 4.14 x 0.85 x 4.14 inches | Wi-Fi standard: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Max speed: 2.5Gbps | Frequency bands: Dual band 2.4GHz, 5GHz
Pros:
LCD touchscreen
Connects up to 32 devices
Easy to set up
Cons:
For use in the United States only
Expensive
The Netgear Nighthawk M6 5G Mobile Hotspot comes with high-performance Wi-Fi 6 technology and is battery-powered, providing up to 13 hours of Wi-Fi access on a single charge. This hotspot router is equipped with an LCD touchscreen for easy monitoring and supports 5G technology for ultimate connectivity. It allows up to 2000 square feet of signal coverage when the battery is removed and the device is connected to a power outlet. If you feel like you may have trouble capturing signals, the Nighthawk M6 has two antenna ports for enhanced coverage.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted travel team has produced dozens of travel product stories, based on rigorous research and firsthand testing.
This story was written by Forbes Vetted contributor Joe Niehaus, a frequent traveler who has extensive experience testing travel gear and writing comprehensive travel product guides.
How We Chose The Best Travel Routers
To find the best travel routers, we searched through plenty of brands, YouTube reviews, and customer testimonials, in addition to relying on our team’s years of real-world travel experience.
We consulted dedicated reviews, customer experiences, and personal experiences to make these selections. The author of this story, Joe Niehaus, is a frequent traveler who routinely tests the latest travel routers as he works abroad.
We looked at important features like weight, dimensions, Wi-Fi standards, maximum speed and frequency bands to help Forbes readers find the best options for their use case.
The products displayed on this list are the result of hours of in-depth research, and real-world testing of many of the brands listed, by our writer and vetting team.
What To Look for in a Travel Router
When choosing a travel router, there are some key aspects to consider, including Wi-Fi standard, battery power, usage modes, size, and weight. Each of these factors will help you decide which travel router is your safest bet.
Wi-Fi Standard
Most travel routers operate on the latest and fastest standards, such as the 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6). If not, they typically come with the 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) which is also very fast. We advise against using the 802.11n or older standards, as they will be significantly slower and more susceptible to interference. Additionally, they may have outdated security protocols.
Battery Power
For a truly portable travel router, we recommend choosing a device that operates on battery power. Many travel routers require an external power source, but if you can’t find a battery-powered one, look for a router that can at least be powered via a USB port. This way, you can easily connect it to a power bank or your laptop, which is more convenient than searching for a power outlet while on the go.
Usage Modes
In addition to offering standard router features, travel routers often have multiple usage modes that allow them to provide different solutions. While these modes may have different names, the most common ones are Repeater Mode for extended coverage, Bridge Mode for splitting an existing network and AP Mode for using wired connections where there’s no wireless network.
Size And Weight
The main advantage of a travel router is the portable, lightweight design it offers compared to a regular router. The key is to find a router that balances size and functionality. The ideal size and weight of the router will depend on your needs, but in most cases, it should be small and light enough to fit comfortably in a pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Difference Between A Router And A Travel Router?
Travel routers are smaller and more portable than regular routers, making them great for on-the-go use.
Do Travel Routers Work Everywhere?
Travel routers are created to allow multiple devices to share one internet connection, as long as there’s an existing network to which they can connect. Therefore, if there’s a wired or wireless connection nearby and your router has the necessary features to connect to it, your device will work.
Do I Need A SIM Card For A Travel Router?
You do not always need a SIM card for a travel router, but it depends on the device. Some travel routers will work with existing networks in public spaces, while others will need a SIM card and a data plan to provide Wi-Fi connectivity. These devices are usually called hotspots.
