Selecting a good travel router from the market can be a challenging task. Choose the ideal portable WiFi router from our top-rated options for premium services:
Finding a safe and reliable WiFi network when traveling is undoubtedly quite challenging. Apart from other travel-related problems, some areas might even be out of network coverage. But you don’t need to worry as the best Portable WiFi Travel Routers are now available.
The ideal Portable Wi-Fi Travel Routers come with hassle-free connectivity and easy-to-use access. Most of them have decent connectivity ranges and a wide range of devices. A good Portable Wi-Fi Travel Router will make connectivity easier.
Selecting the best Portable WiFi Travel Routers from all the different options available in the market can be difficult. To help you with this, we’ve come up with a list of the finest Portable WiFi Travel Routers. Scroll down below to pick your favorite one.
Table of Contents:
- Top-Rated Portable WiFi Travel Routers
- List of The Best Portable Wireless Travel Routers
- Comparison Table of Best Wi-Fi Routers
- #1) GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) Portable Mini Travel Wireless Pocket VPN Router
- #2) TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR902AC)
- #3) GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router
- #4) TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR802N)
- #5) GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router
- #6) Gigastone TR1 4-Pack Mini Travel Wireless Pocket Router 150Mbps
- #7) RoamWiFi 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot Router
- #8) Netgear Nighthawk MR1100 LTE Mobile Hotspot Router
- Travel WiFi Router FAQs
- Conclusion
Top-Rated Portable WiFi Travel Routers
Market Trends: According to MaximizeMarketResearch, the market for mobile hotspot routers is growing rapidly and widely. In 2021, the market was capped at US$8.30 Billion, and by 2029, it is expected to reach US$26.31 Billion. This will eventually lead to a growth rate of 15.5% annually. Eventually, the market is shared across the globe, with most requirements coming from North America, Europe, and Asia.
Expert Advice: While looking for the best travel router, the first thing that you need to look out for is the option of having good band connectivity. A dual-band setup will help you get a better range of connectivity.
The next important thing is having a fast frequency channel. A minimum of 2.4 GHz is essential if you want to retain the right speed for your performance. The speed of your router is crucial for getting excellent outcomes.
Other key factors to consider are Wireless Standard, Color, Connectivity, Dimensions, and Weight of the product. You also have to note the price and ratings of the product.
What is a Travel Router
A travel router is basically a WiFi router just like the one you have at your home. But it is small in size and a lot more portable, which makes it great for traveling. It is designed to help manage and connect several devices on public WiFi networks much easier.
How much do travel routers cost?
Portable Wi-Fi routers are available from $20-$130. The price depends on the features and the model. There are also expensive variants that generally have a bigger coverage area and also a good ability to connect with more devices. However, we recommend that most people opt for routers from $30 to $70 to get an affordable travel router.
Benefits And Limitations of Travel Routers
Benefits:
Anyone who travels and works simultaneously can benefit greatly from a portable travel router. Here are some of the benefits listed below:
#1) Portability: Generally, travel routers are quite light in weight, compact, and smaller in design than traditional wireless routers. Hence, they are perfect for your travels and other impromptu road trips. The form factor will make it easy for you to pack it in a backpack and use it whenever you are in need.
#2) Advanced Features: Talking about mobile routers, they offer a lot of features for great internet connections if you are thinking about what you need to install a WiFi 6 network. There are some portable wireless routers that can do the same for you. They are quite easy to install and connect with any wireless network. This can enable tethering in several cases.
#3) Simple Controls: Talking about travel routers, they are easy to use and offer plug-and-play functionality. Hence, it satisfies the internet needs of an amateur enthusiast.
With a travel router, you will not need to connect to any device to the wireless network available at Airbnb, a hotel, or anywhere else. All you need to do is to connect the router to the network and the rest will be taken care of.
#4) Privacy and Anonymity: This kind of mobile router is designed in such a way that it will keep devices connected anonymously. It can be pretty helpful while using any unfamiliar wireless network. And as a result, you can enjoy safe and private surfing no matter where you are.
Limitations:
Even if travel routers are a major support when it comes to accessing the internet, it has a few limitations that people must be aware of. Travel routers are not a regular hotspot. It does not have the ability to create a source of the internet.
For this, you will require a router to get a positive result. Another limitation is the network speed. Since it is a travel router, you cannot expect to speed out from this.
Choosing a Portable Router – Applicable Factors
If you are looking for a travel router, then you must check out these factors:
#1) Battery Life: Battery life duration is essential for a travel router. Since you will be traveling, you will need a router to have better battery life. You might not find an electric plug while traveling to charge your battery. Hence, long battery life will be very helpful for you to work. On average, the battery life of a good travel router will last for 5 to 6 hours.
#2) Maximum Speed: The next thing that you must check out before buying a travel router is the speed it supports. Having a good router with maximum speed will let you enjoy maximum download and upload speed.
#3) Ethernet Port: Since we all use multiple devices, especially a laptop while traveling, it is essential to have a router with an Ethernet port. Having an Ethernet port will let you connect the laptop to your router and will enhance speed and stability, as well as avoid connection disturbance.
#4) Network Compatibility: When you think of buying a travel router, you need to consider network compatibility. Your router must have 4G network support as it has become the norm in the industry as well as in India.
If you are traveling abroad, then you must check out routers supporting 5G networks. This will help you connect smoothly and work at the proper speed.
How does the travel router work?
A travel router works like an internet box that is available for your home. However, instead of being attached to the cable or Ethernet plug-in, they must have a source of internet. Most of them use sim card connectivity to get in touch with a network for internet access.
Suggested Reading =>> Router Setup Procedure for Home or Office
List of The Best Portable Wireless Travel Routers
Top travel compact WiFi routers for you:
- GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) Portable Mini Travel Wireless Pocket VPN Router
- TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR902AC)
- GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router
- TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR802N)
- GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router
- Gigastone TR1 4-Pack Mini Travel Wireless Pocket Router 150Mbps
- RoamWiFi 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot Router
- Netgear Nighthawk MR1100 LTE Mobile Hotspot Router
Comparison Table of Best Wi-Fi Routers
| Tool Name | Band Type | Frequency | Speed | Price | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) Portable Mini Travel Wireless Pocket VPN Router | Dual Band | 2.4 GHz | 300 Mbps | $30.9 | 5.0/5 |
| TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR902AC) | Dual Band | 5 GHz | 733 Mbps | $39.99 | 4.9/5 |
| GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router | Dual Band | 5 GHz | 1200 Mbps | $39.9 | 4.8/5 |
| TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR802N) | Single Band | 2.4 GHz | 300 Mbps | $29.99 | 4.7/5 |
| GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router | Dual Band | 1.9 GHz | 150 Mbps | $169.99 | 4.6/5 |
Detailed Reviews:
#1) GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) Portable Mini Travel Wireless Pocket VPN Router
Best for being the ideal portable WiFi router that comes with a sim slot. It has a decent performance for internet streaming.
If you are wondering about the best portable WiFi Travel Routers, we recommend the GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) Portable Mini Travel Wireless Pocket VPN Router. It is only 39 grams in weight and pretty small as well as compact which makes it easy to carry.
What I like about this router: The powerful hardware that offers 300 Mbps fast WiFi speed. Apart from that, I feel this is rightly suitable for laptop users with a frequency of 2.4 GHz. This comes with four different ways to allow you to access the internet. These include Ethernet, USB Modem, Repeater, and Tethering.
Moreover, the product comes with larger storage and extendibility with around 128 MB RAM, dual Ethernet ports, 16 MB Flash ROM, and GPIOs.
Features:
- It has a frequency of 2.4 GHz
- Suitable for laptops
- 802.11 N Wireless Communication System
- Features dual-band frequency
- Access point mode feature
Technical Specifications:
| Band Type | Dual Band |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| Speed | 300 Mbps |
| Wireless Standard | 802.11n |
| Color | Mango |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Ethernet |
| Dimensions | 2.3 x 2.3 x 1 inches |
| Weight | 1.38 ounces |
Pros:
- Great network stability
- Amazing data connection
- Wide compatibility
Cons:
- Technical issues may arise
Ratings: 5.0/5
Price: It is available for $30.90 on Amazon. The product is also available on the official GL.iNet website for a price of $27.90. You can also find this product available at multiple e-commerce stores.
Website: GL.iNet
#2) TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR902AC)
Best for being the perfect router that you can purchase if you have Ethernet connectivity. It has an ideal choice for travel-friendly choice.
The TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR902AC) is a pretty compact device, and that is the reason you can carry it with you anywhere.
Why I recommend this router: In fact, I like how portable it is so that I can keep it in my pocket and even access the internet. You will be able to enjoy a combination of wireless data transfer, having a rate of 733 Mbps.
This router offers you 3 times faster speed than the wireless N speeds. The product features several modes, such as Hotspot, Client, Router, Range Extender, and even Access Point Modes.
I like the flexible power system that it comes with. In fact, the product is equipped with a USB 2.0 port. It will let you share media and files using an internet browser with different PCs.
Overall, it was quite easy to install the device and took very little time. Charging is easier with the USB port, and you can provide power to tablets and smartphones.
Features:
- Features multiple modes
- Support Dual Band WiFi
- Equipped with 1 USB 2.0 port
- Compact and small design
- Flexible power system
Technical Specifications:
| Band Type | Dual Band |
| Frequency | 5 GHz |
| Speed | 733 Mbps |
| Wireless Standard | 802.11ac |
| Color | White, Grey |
| Connectivity | Ethernet |
| Dimensions | 2.64 x 2.91 x 0.87 inches |
| Weight | 0.50 lbs |
Pros:
- It comes with a 2-year warranty
- Fast connection
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Minor speed issues may occur sometimes
Ratings: 4.9/5
Price: It is available for $39.99 on Amazon. You can also find this product available at multiple e-commerce stores.
Website: TP-Link
#3) GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router
Best for being the ideal router that comes with multiple Ethernet ports. It supports IPv6 and USB 2.0 connectivity options included.
The GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router comes with a dual-band that supports a wireless speed of around 300 Mbps and 867 Mbps. The device can handle simple tasks, such as web browsing and emails, using 2.4 GHz. On the other hand, 5 GHz will handle gaming and 4K video streaming.
What I like about this router – Its lightweight design which weighs 145 grams. It is portable and compact as well as pocket-friendly, and these make it a great product for your next adventure.
Aside from that, this is IPv6 supported. WireGuard and OpenVPN are pre-installed. This is compatible with over 30 VPN service providers. This router comes with full Gigabit ports, including 2 LAN ports and 1 WAN port.
Features:
- Suitable for 4K video streaming
- 5 GHz frequency
- It is light in weight
- Features a pocket-friendly design
- This is a dual-band Wi-Fi router
Technical Specifications:
| Band Type | Dual Band |
| Frequency | 5 GHz |
| Speed | 1200 Mbps |
| Wireless Standard | 802.11ac |
| Color | White |
| Connectivity | WiFi |
| Dimensions | 7.17 x 5.59 x 2.32 inches |
| Weight | 13.6 ounces |
Pros:
- Secured connection
- Great network speed
- WPS feature
Cons:
- No EAP support is available
Ratings: 4.8/5
Price: It is available for $39.90 on Amazon. The product is also available on the official GL.iNet website for a price of $39.90. You can also find this product available at multiple e-commerce stores.
#4) TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR802N)
Best for being the ideal router choice for hotel WiFi. It comes with multiple access point modes for great usage.
While I was looking for a portable WiFi router, I came across the TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR802N). This is pretty inexpensive and has a small compact design that makes it easy to carry.
Why I recommend this device: It can reach speeds of 300 Mbps with a 2.4 GHz band having a secure internet connection.
This router comes with multiple modes, including client, access point, repeater, and hotspot. Being a portable router, the weight of this device is around 7 ounces. All you need to do is to set it up first as a WiFi network and then set your devices.
Moreover, the installation process looks quite easy, and it supports a frequency of 2.4 GHz. This will give you a pretty secure network connection.
Features:
- It is a single-band WiFi router
- Features an access point mode
- Supports a frequency of 2.4 GHz
- Small and cool design
- Easy installation process
Technical Specifications:
| Band Type | Single Band |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| Speed | 300 Mbps |
| Wireless Standard | 802.11a/b/g/n |
| Color | Basic |
| Connectivity | WiFi |
| Dimensions | 2.2 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches |
| Weight | 7.20 ounces |
Pros:
- Well-secured network connection
- WPS feature present
- This router is compatible with Chrome cast
Cons:
- It is not a dual-band frequency router
Ratings: 4.7/5
Price: It is available for $29.99 on Amazon. The products are also available on the official site of TP-Link for a price of $29.99. You can also find this product available at multiple e-commerce stores.
#5) GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router
Best for being the perfect choice for hotspot and router combinations. It comes with a large screen and pocket-size MIFI usage.
GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router is one of the best portable routers available in the global market. It comes equipped with a lot of different powerful features that make the router a really great device.
Why I like this device: You can easily connect this router to your Android or IOS devices without having any issues at all. The built quality of this product is awesome.
It is light in weight. This router has an LCD display to show all the details. The size of the screen is 5 inches, and it is a fully touch screen. It is battery-operated and the battery can be easily recharged once the charge is finished. There is also a SIM card slot for using data according to your own needs.
The GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router is a pocket-sized router that can be easily carried while travelling.
Features:
- It can be recharged
- 3.7 Volts voltage
- Compatible with Android and IOS devices
- 5-inch touch screen display
- 4G LTE network connection
Technical Specifications:
| Band Type | Dual Band |
| Frequency | 1.9 GHz |
| Speed | 150 Mbps |
| Wireless Standard | 802.11ac |
| Color | G4P Black |
| Connectivity | WLAN |
| Dimensions | 6.85 x 3.78 x 2.13 inches |
| Weight | 6.63 ounces |
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- No SIM card required
- Wide coverage
Cons:
- Certain technical glitches may happen
Ratings: 4.6/5
Price: It is available for $169.99 on Amazon. You can also find this product available at multiple e-commerce stores.
#6) Gigastone TR1 4-Pack Mini Travel Wireless Pocket Router 150Mbps
Best for being the ideal choice router that comes with extended WiFi coverage.
If you are looking for a portable WiFi router at a budget-friendly price, then the Gigastone TR1 4-Pack Mini Travel Wireless Pocket Router is the perfect option for you.
This router provides a great data speed of around 150 Mbps. It is a single-band frequency class router. For connectivity, there is no slot for SIM cards, Ethernet connectivity is the only option. The network connection is stable and efficient.
Why I recommend this router: This router has a great coverage area. It has a frequency of 2.4 GHz. The Gigastone TR1 4- Travel Wireless Pocket Router is equipped with the Qualcomm Atheros AR9331 WiFi Ethernet processor. It has a compact and small design so that you can easily carry it anywhere without facing any kind of hurdle.
Features:
- 2.4 GHz frequency rate
- Ethernet connectivity
- Features a single-band frequency channel
- Equipped with WPS
- Great network coverage
Technical Specifications:
| Band Type | Single Band |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| Speed | 150 Mbps |
| Wireless Standard | 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g |
| Color | Red |
| Connectivity | Ethernet |
| Dimensions | 7.87 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches |
| Weight | 3.52 ounces |
Pros:
- Superb data speed
- Amazing efficiency
- No lag issues
Cons:
- WPA not supported
Price: It is available for $32.99 on Amazon. You can also find this product available at multiple e-commerce stores.
#7) RoamWiFi 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot Router
Best for being the ideal choice that comes with dual-band technology that supports both 5GHz and 2.4GHz.
While traveling, there can always arise the need for the internet; in those types of situations, you need a portable WiFi router so that you can easily share your internet connection from the router to your other devices. Among the best portable routers that are available on the market globally, RoamWiFi 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot Router is really a great product.
Why I feel this is a great device: It has an amazing frequency rate of 5 GHz. The color is orange and the build quality is really great. It comes with an internal antenna for a better network connection.
The weight of the product is around 0.18 Kg. It is a Dual-band router. When it comes to compatibility of the device, it is widely compatible with most of the devices that have the Wi-Fi feature. There are many data packages from which you can choose one in order to use the internet connection.
Features:
- High-speed connection
- Max download speed of 150 Mbps
- It has an upload speed of up to 50 Mbps
- Three data plans are available
- Simple design
Technical Specifications:
| Band Type | Dual Band |
| Frequency | 5 GHz |
| Speed | 150 Mbps |
| Wireless Standard | 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11b |
| Color | Orange-Plan-A |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Dimensions | 2.68 x 0.57 x 4.96 inches |
| Weight | 6.35 ounces |
Pros:
- Great portability
- Connect multiple devices
- Amazing coverage area
Cons:
- Network problems may arise sometimes
Price: It is available for $159.99 on Amazon. You can also find this product available at multiple e-commerce stores.
#8) Netgear Nighthawk MR1100 LTE Mobile Hotspot Router
Best for being a large-capacity router that comes with a great connectivity range. It has the ability to connect over 20 devices.
Netgear Nighthawk MR1100 LTE Mobile Hotspot Router is the world’s first Gigabit-class mobile router. It has a super ultra-fast combined data speed of 1 Gbps. This router has a 4-band frequency class. If you are looking for the best internet connection provider, then the Netgear Nighthawk MR1100 LTE Mobile router is the perfect device for you.
Why I recommend this router: It supports 5G wireless connectivity. There are no lag issues at all. You can easily connect to multiple devices without facing any problems. It has a very easy installation process. Its UI is quite user-friendly and easy to operate.
In terms of security, its network connection is fully secured, and the data is encrypted. You can connect up to 32 devices. It has an Ethernet port so that you can easily use Ethernet connectivity. Amazing long-lasting battery life along with the Plug-in option.
Features:
- Ultra Fast Speed
- Equipped with Quad-band carrier aggregation
- Advanced Network Security
- Connect up to 20 devices
- Ethernet port present
Technical Specifications:
| Band Type | Dual Band |
| Frequency | 5 GHz |
| Speed | 150 Mbps |
| Wireless Standard | 802.11ac |
| Color | Black |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Dimensions | 4.15 x 4.15 x 0.8 inches |
| Weight | 0.53 lbs |
Pros:
- Rechargeable battery feature
- Type-A and Type-C ports are available
- One year warranty
Cons:
- Installation issues may arise on some devices
Price: It is available for $319.99 on Amazon. You can also find this product available at multiple e-commerce stores.
Website: Netgear Nighthawk MR1100
Travel WiFi Router FAQs
When it comes to buying a portable Wi-Fi router, there are many options available on the market but we highly recommend the TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano travel router. We think it is the perfect choice for you. This router features a Dual-band frequency class with an 802.11ac wireless connection type.
It is compatible with a lot of devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones. There are multiple modes that you can switch to very easily without any issues at all.
If you are looking for the best WiFi router for traveling purposes, then the GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 router is the best option for you that is available on the market globally. The special feature is that it has an Access point mode. It has a frequency of 2.4 GHz.
This router is equipped with a Dual-band frequency class and comes with a portable and cool design. It is light in weight and comes with one year of warranty coverage.
One of the most essential things that is required in our daily life is the Internet. In order to get access to the Internet anywhere and at any time, it is necessary to buy a portable WiFi router. Portable Wi-Fi routers are really worth the purchase, as they help to provide a speedy and stable network connection.
The best and simplest way to get internet while traveling is using a portable WiFi router. It provides a great stable internet connection to your device anytime and anywhere. You can easily connect multiple devices to your router without facing any hindrance. The data speed is fast and the network connection is also completely secure.
If you have a 4G Wi-Fi router, then you will obviously require a SIM card in order to share your internet connection. 4G WiFi routers provide an internet connection to all the devices that are connected to them within a stipulated network range. The data speed provided by such routers is quite fast.
Conclusion
The ideal Portable WiFi Travel Routers come with the best band type and frequency support. Having a good speed will always help you get a great result. The ideal travel routers do come with a fast download and upload speed which is great to use.
The GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) Portable Mini Travel Wireless Pocket VPN Router is the most outstanding Portable WiFi Travel Router you can get in the market, according to our review. It comes with Dual Band connectivity along with a 2.4 GHz frequency and speed capacity of 300 Mbps.
- Best portable WiFi router with sim slot: GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router
- Best portable Wireless router for international travel: GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) Portable Mini Travel Wireless Pocket VPN Router
- Best WiFi router with Ethernet port: TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR902AC)
- Best portable WiFi router for travel: GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router
- Best travel router for hotel WiFi: TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router (TL-WR802N)
- Best wireless travel router: Gigastone TR1 4-Pack Mini Travel Wireless Pocket Router 150Mbps
Also Read =>> Procedure for Opening Ports on Routers
Research Process:
- Time Taken to Research this Article: 20 Hours
- Total Products Researched: 35
- Top Products Shortlisted: 15