the Best Travel Router for 2024
Staying connected while on the go is essential for modern travelers and workers. Whether you’re working remotely, keeping in touch with family, or just streaming your favorite shows, a reliable travel router can make all the difference. In this post, we’ll help you find the best travel router to suit your needs.
What is a Travel Router?
A travel router is essentially a compact, portable version of the Wi-Fi router you use at home, designed for easy transport and travel. It allows you to create a secure, private Wi-Fi network by connecting to existing public or private internet sources. This ensures that you have a reliable and safe internet connection wherever you go, whether you’re staying at a hotel, working from a coffee shop, or waiting at an airport. Travel routers help bridge the gap between convenience and security, providing a robust solution for maintaining internet connectivity on the move.
Unlike your home router, travel routers are specifically engineered for portability and ease of use. They often feature simplified setup processes and flexible power options, such as USB power or internal batteries, making them ideal for travelers who need internet access in various locations. By using a travel router, you can connect multiple devices to a single secure network, reduce the risk of data breaches on public Wi-Fi, and enjoy the convenience of your personal network settings wherever you are.
What to Look for in a Travel Router
When selecting a travel router, it’s essential to consider several key factors to ensure you get a device that meets your needs while on the go. Unlike the bulky routers designed for home use, travel routers are compact, portable, and often small enough to fit in your pocket. These devices typically run on internal batteries or USB-powered connections, allowing you to create your own personal Wi-Fi network wherever you are.
Here’s what to look for in a travel router:
1. Portability
Travel routers should be highly portable. Look for compact designs that can easily fit into your pocket or travel bag. The best travel routers are lightweight and easy to carry, ensuring they don’t add much bulk to your luggage.
2. Power Source
Choose a travel router that offers flexible power options. Many travel routers run on internal batteries, while others can be powered via a USB connection. This allows you to plug them into a laptop or a portable battery pack, making it easy to maintain a Wi-Fi network without relying on traditional power outlets.
3. Security
Public Wi-Fi hotspots are often insecure, putting your data at risk. A good travel router provides a private, encrypted Wi-Fi network, securing the connections between your devices and the router. Ensure the router offers robust encryption features to keep your internet traffic safe, even when connected to public networks.
4. Ease of Use
A user-friendly interface is crucial for a travel router. Look for devices with simple setup processes and intuitive controls. This ensures you can quickly establish a secure Wi-Fi network without technical hassles, whether you’re at a coffee shop, in a hotel, or at an airport lounge.
5. Versatility
Travel routers should be versatile enough to be used in various locations. Whether you need secure Wi-Fi between home and office, in a coffee shop, or while traveling through hotels and conference centers, the right travel router should adapt to different environments and network conditions.
6. Additional Features
Some travel routers offer additional features such as VPN support, multiple device connections, and dual-band capabilities. These features enhance functionality and provide more flexibility in how you use your router on the go.
By considering these factors, you can select a travel router that not only offers convenience and portability but also ensures your data remains secure, no matter where you are. Investing in a quality travel router can significantly improve your internet experience while traveling, providing you with reliable and secure connectivity at all times.
What are the Top Travel Routers of 2024
Here are our top picks for the best travel routers this year:
Disclaimer: some of the links may take you to sites where we have an affiliate association and we may earn comission if you make a purchase.
bERYL aX (AX3000) – $85
Pros
- Excellent for heavy internet users
- high performance hardware
- compact and portable design
- Wifi 6
- pre installed VPN services
Cons
- No internal battery
- some features are more complex to utilise
- Dependancy on external mobile hotspot
The GL-iNET Beryl AX GL-MT3000 is an ultra-compact, dual-band travel router designed for those who need reliable and secure internet access on the go. Powered by OpenWrt 21.02 open-source firmware, this travel router offers flexibility and customization options that cater to tech enthusiasts and frequent travelers alike.
The GL-MT3000 boasts a powerful 1.3GHz dual-core processor, 512MB of RAM, and 256MB of expandable flash memory, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. Utilizing the latest Wi-Fi 6 protocol, it delivers faster speeds and better performance, making it ideal for high-demand applications and multiple device connections.
Security is a top priority with the GL-MT3000. It comes pre-installed with both OpenVPN and WireGuard VPN services, providing robust encryption for your internet traffic. This ensures that your data remains secure and private, even when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
For those concerned with online privacy, the GL-MT3000 includes Tor open-source software, enabling anonymous communication and browsing. Additionally, AdGuard Home is integrated to block ads and trackers, further enhancing your online privacy and browsing experience.
The GL-MT3000 is incredibly versatile, functioning as:
- A Wi-Fi repeater to extend existing network coverage.
- A standard wireless router via Ethernet, USB tethering, or cellular modem.
- A private network storage device through Samba or WebDAV protocols.
Designed for portability, the GL-MT3000 fits easily into a pocket or travel bag. It arrives in a compact box featuring an image of the router on the front. The box contains all necessary components, securely packed in cardboard compartments, ensuring safe delivery and easy setup.
Netgear Nighthawk M1 – $200
Pros
- Excellent for heavy internet users
- Supports up to 20 Wi-Fi devices simultaneously
- Long battery life
- Functions as a mobile hotspot
Cons
- Quite expensive
- May occasionally overheat
While it is one of the pricier options available, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 is a worthwhile investment for those needing to connect multiple devices to high-speed internet anywhere.
Capable of supporting up to 20 devices at once, the Nighthawk MR1100 is ideal for both families and project teams. Unlike most travel routers, this device also functions as a 4G LTE mobile hotspot, allowing you to connect to the internet even without other Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections. It is the first mobile hotspot to support Gigabit LTE, equipped with 4X4 MIMO and four-band Carrier Aggregation, delivering internet speeds comparable to home broadband.
The MR1100 can also be used as a traditional portable router. By plugging a standard internet connection into its Ethernet port, you can share access with your Wi-Fi devices. The 2.4-inch color LCD screen allows you to monitor the router’s status and data usage. Its rechargeable battery provides up to 24 hours of usage, and it can also serve as a power bank to charge your smartphone or other mobile devices in emergencies.
8. Conclusion
A travel router can significantly enhance your travel experience by providing reliable and secure internet access. Use our guide to choose the best router for your needs and stay connected wherever you go.
