A travel router is often considered the “Swiss army knife” of Internet networking. These tiny devices are often no bigger than a credit card, but don’t be fooled by their small footprint. Anyone who finds him or herself on the go should have one of these in their computer bag.
Related: What You Need to Know When Buying a Router for Your Home
Updating will help ensure you get the best performance, security, and reliability. 3 If you’re interested in some straightforward steps you can take to make your router more secure, we like this guide by SwiftOnSecurity. The HooToo TripMate Titan is a great choice for a travel wireless router. It converts a wired network to a wireless one through its included Ethernet port and even does double duty as a portable battery charger, adding a 10,400mAh power bank that can charge an iPhone 8 up to three times. If you are looking for a travel router with plenty of other capabilities, you might simply love this product. With a compact, thin and modern design, it comes with storage features and media features that are ideal if you are always on the go. A mini travel router is a WiFi router that fits in your pocket and can be taken anywhere. It is most commonly used in hotel rooms that require use of an Ethernet connection or only allow one device on WiFi at a time without charging extra fees. Fortunately using a travel router adds a layer of security when using public WiFi. When using a travel router, all of your devices are connected to the network the router creates, not the public one. This means that potential attackers won’t be able to “see” your devices.
What Is a Travel Router
A travel router is essentially a smaller version of the WiFi router you have in your house. A travel router’s primary purpose is to create a unique WiFi network using an open public WiFi connection or a wired one. Let’s say that you’re staying at a hotel that offers free Internet, but it’s only available from a single Ethernet cable. Without a travel router you would be tethered to that cable, and only one device would have access to the Internet. However, with a travel router users can create a private WiFi network by connecting their travel router to the Ethernet cable.
If the hotel offers WiFi, then you’re stuck having to add the network and type in the password to each device you have with you. Using a travel router eliminates this annoyance. Simply fire up your travel router and connect the router to the hotel’s WiFi. Now all of your devices can simply connect to the personal WiFi network that the travel router creates.
Benefits of Using a Travel Router
As we mentioned above, the main selling point of a travel router is convenience. If you don’t travel all that much, this may not seem like a big deal. However, travel routers have other useful features. Using a travel router helps to secure your privacy. Many places from restaurants to libraries offer free WiFi to the public.
Of course, we’ve all heard about the dangers of public WiFi, and for good reason. It’s easy for attackers on the same public WiFi network as you to steal your login credentials, personal information or other sensitive data. Fortunately using a travel router adds a layer of security when using public WiFi.
When using a travel router, all of your devices are connected to the network the router creates, not the public one. This means that potential attackers won’t be able to “see” your devices. Furthermore, a travel router enables you to bypass any limits to the number of devices you’re allowed to have connected since technically you’re only connecting one, the travel router.
Related: Dos and Don’ts on Public WiFi When Traveling Abroad
In addition, most travel routers also boast a number of other features. For instance, many travel routers can act as a WiFi range extender for your home or office so you can out it to use when you’re not travelling. Furthermore, some can use a SIM card to create a WiFi network and others can even transfer files via attached storage. If a travel router sounds like something you need in your computer bag, continue reading to see our favorites.
1. TP-Link Nano
Coming in at 2.2 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches and 7.2 ounces, the TP-Link Nano is one of the smallest travel routers available. The unit is capable of delivering 300Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and is compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n Internet protocols. In addition, the TP-Link Nano supports Router, AP, Client, Repeater and WISP operation modes.
2. TP-Link AC750
The TP-Link AC750 is very similar to the TP-Link Nano. The AC750 is a little more expensive; however, it has one significant advantage over the Nano. The TP-Link AC750 supports the faster 802.11AC protocol. This means that this travel router is capable of achieving speeds of 750Mbps. Of course, you’ll need devices that are compatible with the 5 GHz Network band in order to connect to this device.
3. GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mini Travel Router
The GL-MT300N-V2 travel router is one of the most affordable on the market. For only $20 you can create a private WiFi network from any public connection. What sets the GLiNet apart is the fact that OpenWRT is pre-installed. This means that users can choose to install over 4000 software packages to tweak functionality. Doing so allows you to exploit various features that manufacturers usually keep hidden from end users.
4. RAVPower FileHub Plus
Like the others on this list, the RAVPower FileHub plus creates a private, secure WiFi network from an existing one. However, the RAVPower FileHub Plus boasts a slew of other useful features. The most useful feature is the ability to stream media and transfer files to flash drives, hard drives and SC cards. In addition, the FileHub Plus sports an internal 6000 mAh battery. Not only does this battery allow it to operate without being plugged into a power source, but it is also capable of functioning as a powerbank for other devices.
Do you use a travel router? Which model do you use? Let us know in the comments!
Ever had your vacation spoiled by an unreliable internet connection? A travel router can solve your problems. It connects your smartphone or laptop to the web by providing you with reliable Wi-Fi.
That means no more problems with getting directions or updating social media while on vacation. But there’s much more to travel routers than just internet access. Some even provide extra storage for sharing files or streaming music to other devices.
Don’t know which one to get? Have a look at our top picks of the best travel routers to pick the right one for you.
1. HooToo Wireless Travel Router
HooToo Wireless Travel RouterHooToo Wireless Travel Router Buy Now On Amazon $43.99
The HooToo TripMate Titan might not be the cheapest option on our list, but it’s certainly a great choice for a travel wireless router.
If you’re curious about how this router works, it converts a wired network into a wireless one via its Ethernet port. You can also use the HooToo wireless travel router as a portable battery charger, as it 10,400mAh power bank charges your gadgets.
The USB-A and micro-USB ports are hidden under the flaps that protect them against dust and dirt. It weighs under 9oz and is 3.74 x 1.73 x 1.73 inches big. Thus, it won’t take too much space in your suitcase or travel bag.
In order to start using your travel router, plug in the Ethernet cable to enable the HooToo as an access point and log in with any device to use it as a router. You can connect up to five devices to your HooToo at once.
2. TP-Link N300 Nano Travel Router
TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel RouterTP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router Buy Now On Amazon $26.99
If you’re looking for something even more pocket-size, check out the TP-Link N300. It only weighs 7.2oz and will literally fit in your pocket. This router has been around for a while, and still remains on top of the list when it comes to wireless travel routers.
It comes with an Ethernet port and powers via USB. However, it doesn’t offer a USB charging function. This one is more of a simple solution for someone who isn’t looking for anything fancy. Having said that, the TP-Link N300 is capable of hitting up to 300Mbps Wi-Fi speed.
So you won’t suffer through any lag when streaming music and video. Plus, this router is compatible with Google’s Chromecast.
3. TP-Link N150 Wireless 3G/4G Portable Router
TP-Link N150 Wireless 3G/4G Portable RouterTP-Link N150 Wireless 3G/4G Portable Router Buy Now On Amazon $24.99
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If you thought the first two options were compact, get ready for the absolute tiniest among portable travel routers. TP-Link’s 150 wireless router only weighs 2.1oz while offering the features of the N300. And it comes with an attractive price tag.
The only downside to this one is the wireless speed, which is a little slower at 150Mbps. But that still should keep you covered for most of what you want to do online while traveling, including streaming video.
4. RAVPower Filehub Plus Travel Router [No Longer Available]
RAVPower Filehub Plus, Wireless Travel Router N300, Wireless SD Card Reader, HDD Reader, Connect USB Hard Drive to Phone, Tablet and Laptop, 6700mAh Battery, DLNA NAS Sharing Media StreamerRAVPower Filehub Plus, Wireless Travel Router N300, Wireless SD Card Reader, HDD Reader, Connect USB Hard Drive to Phone, Tablet and Laptop, 6700mAh Battery, DLNA NAS Sharing Media Streamer Buy Now On Amazon
If you need more than the basics and want something with more features and functions, have a look at the RAVPower Filehub Plus. This device is so multifunctional, it might even allow you to leave behind some other devices you travel with.
Best Secure Travel Router 2018 For A Macbook Air
It offers a fast 300Mbps network speed and has a 6000mAh battery to charge your devices. Among other perks of the RAVPower Filehub Plus are an SD card reader and USB port. That allows you to transfer files from memory cards to your computer, all with one travel device.
This router is also DLNA compatible, which means that you can plug in a hard drive with movies and other media and stream them directly to your smartphone, laptop, or a TV.
5. GL.iNet GL AR300M Mini Travel Router
GL.iNet GL-AR300M Mini Travel RouterGL.iNet GL-AR300M Mini Travel Router Buy Now On Amazon $40.00
The GL AR300M Mini Travel Router made the list because of its speed. It supports 300Mbps, which might be faster than the router you have at home. It also comes with an internal 128MB of RAM. But that’s not all the perks you’ll get.
The router is open source and programmable. You can thus expand its capabilities by loading extra functionality, like support for webcams and USB disks. On top of that, this travel router has built-in support for VPN credentials. That means that if you have a VPN account for more secure browsing, you can connect all your devices through it when using the router.
6. TRENDnet TEW-817DTR Travel Router
TRENDnet AC750 Wireless Dual Band Travel RouterTRENDnet AC750 Wireless Dual Band Travel Router Buy Now On Amazon $37.08
If speed is the crucial factor for you when choosing a router, look no further than the TRENDnet TEW-817DTR. The speed limit on this one is up to 433Mbps. It weighs under two pounds and comes with interchangeable plugs for North America, the U.K., and Europe. This is great for international travel.
Capable of working with both 802.11ac and 802.11n devices, this travel router that will have you online in a snap, no matter which part of the world you end up in. And speed isn’t the only cool feature of this router. You can use the TRENDnet to stream music, movies, or photos to any device, like a smartphone, laptop, a TV, or other DLNA-device like Google’s Chromecast.
If any part of this router’s functionality doesn’t work for you, that’s not a problem. TRENDnet offers a three-year warranty and a 24/7 tech support, so you can address any setup questions to the company both from the U.S. and abroad.
Will You Take a Travel Router on Your Next Trip?
With wireless internet widely available in most parts of the world, one might argue that there’s no use for a travel router when you travel. However, if you have traveled enough, you’ll know how painful the search for the right Wi-Fi network can be. And even if/when you find one, it could still be pricey or difficult to connect.
On the other hand, having a portable travel routerWhat Are Travel Routers & How Do You Set One Up?What Are Travel Routers & How Do You Set One Up?When traveling to hotels, you probably waste lots of time connecting devices to the hotel's Wi-Fi. Travel routers can help you get around that and make your life easier.Read More will solve this and possibly even a few other problems you might run into while on the road.
Best Travel Router 2018
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Best Secure Travel Router 2018 For A Macbook Pro
Wasn't include, but the Linksys WRT1200AC is a great choice. I was able to install ExpressVPN on it without any outside help.