Best travel routers for 2025

Staying connected while traveling is important whether you need to work, want to stream your favorite shows, or just stay in touch with loved ones. However, public Wi-Fi can be unreliable and insecure, and international roaming fees can add up quickly. A travel router can solve these issues by offering secure, fast, and reliable internet access wherever you go.  

“Ultimately, the big benefit to travel routers is simplifying your connections,” says Samantha Burmeister, a digital nomad currently living in Argentina. “With a travel router, you don’t have to log on to the Wi-Fi on every device every time you change your lodgings. Instead, your devices all link up to the travel router automatically.” 

Anuj Gupta, co-founder of a technology consulting firm with offices in Florida and Illinois, frequently travels domestically and internationally for client work. He relies on travel routers over hotel or public Wi-Fi for enhanced security and privacy. “Not all countries have fast and reliable 5G networks, so a portable router eliminates the guesswork when it comes to connectivity, especially when visiting a new-to-me destination,” he says. 

To help you land on the best travel router for you, we connected with seasoned travelers and digital nomads to curate this list. We’ve highlighted key features, benefits, and standout qualities to ensure you stay connected wherever your adventures take you. 

Our favorite is the GlocalMe Numen Air 5G Mobile Hotspot. It’s easy to set up, has 5G connectivity around the world, and a 5,400 mAh battery good for up to 12 hours. We’ve found other great options, too, to fit different needs. Here are our top picks.  

“When shopping for a travel router, my best advice is to know what you need in advance, whether it’s portability, cost, intended use, or specific features,” says Burmeister. The best travel routers offer a balance of portability, security, and reliable performance. 

A quality travel router should also support multiple devices and strengthen weak Wi-Fi signals. Features like easy setup, long battery life, and Ethernet/USB ports enhance their versatility. Here are some of the best options—along with their pros and cons—to consider. 

Best travel router overall: GlocalMe Numen Air 5G Mobile Hotspot 

Why we like it: The GlocalMe Numen Air 5G mobile hotspot provides internet on the go for travelers. It offers 5G connectivity in over 150 countries without the hassle of swapping SIM cards (though it has dual SIM slots if you want to use a local plan). 

The 2.4-inch touchscreen control panel makes it easy to set up. The 5,400 mAh battery is made to last up to 12 hours, so you don’t have to search for an outlet. Additionally, it connects to 16 devices so you can share it with family and friends or even your team during work trips. Data plans are available for purchase without any long-term contracts, so you just pay for what you use.  

Keep in mind: Since 5G coverage is limited globally, you may experience slower speeds often. This travel router lacks an Ethernet port, as it only works on Wi-Fi. 

Product details: Wireless communication standard: 802.11n, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11g | Frequency: 5GHz | Frequency band class: Dual-band | Connectivity technology: Wi-Fi, Ethernet  

Best travel router with VPN: ExpressVPN Aircove 

Why we like it: The ExpressVPN Aircove is a Wi-Fi 6 router is made with built-in VPN protection, which is aimed at ensuring secure internet for all devices without needing separate VPN apps. It offers fast speeds, multiple device coverage, and has an easy setup process. You can also assign different VPN locations for region-specific content. Gupta recommends this if privacy and security are your top priorities. “I can sort devices into groups for my team without overlapping VPNs and running into bandwidth issues,” he says. 

Keep in mind: This device does require an ExpressVPN subscription, which may be more expensive than standard routers in your area. Additionally, it doesn’t have a built-in modem. 

Product details: Wireless communication standard: 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11ac | Frequency: 5GHz | Frequency band class: Dual-band | Connectivity technology: 5G, Wi-Fi    

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Best travel router for hotel WiFi: GL.iNet GL-AXT1800(Slate AX) Portable Gigabit Travel Router 

Why we like it: Burmeister loves using her travel router in hotels, airports, and other places where many people are using the same internet connection. “It makes me feel safer because travel routers come with a pre-installed VPN software, so I can keep my other devices safe from potential hackers or viruses,” she says. 

With Wi-Fi 6 support, this portable router is made to deliver up to 1.8 Gbps dual-band speeds on multiple devices. It has built-in VPN support (OpenVPN and WireGuard) aimed at secure browsing. It also has gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections, a USB 3.0 port for extra storage or tethering, and a firewall for added security. Plus, it’s compact, making it easy to carry when you’re ready to swap your hotel room for a cafe. 

Keep in mind: While it’s compact, some travelers find the setup process slightly technical, especially when configuring VPNs or customizing network settings. 

Product details: Wireless communication standard: 802.11ax | Frequency: 5GHz | Frequency band class: Dual-band | Connectivity technology: Ethernet, Type-C    

Best travel router for RV: Simo Solis Lite Hotspot & Power Bank with Lifetime Data 

Why we like it: The Solis Lite is a pocket-size hotspot built to provide 4G LTE coverage in over 135 countries, eliminating the need for SIM cards or expensive roaming fees. It features a 4,700 mAh battery that the company says offers up to 16 hours of use and doubles as a power bank to charge your devices on the go. 

This is a good choice for those who are road tripping or RVing because you don’t have to worry about plugging the router into a power source all the time. With the ability to connect 10 devices simultaneously, it’s great for families or multiple personal gadgets. We also like the pay-as-you-go data plans, so we don’t have to get locked into a long-term contract.  

Keep in mind: This travel router lacks 5G and an Ethernet port. While we appreciate the flexible data plans, the cost can add up with heavy use, like continuous streaming or media downloads.  

Product details: Wireless communication standard: 802.11a | Frequency: 5GHz | Frequency band class: Dual-band | Connectivity technology: LTE  

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Best small travel router: RoamWiFi 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router Worldwide No Sim 

Why we like it: The RoamWiFi 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router is about the size of a smart phone and comes loaded with 100GB of U.S. data and 1GB of global data. It works in over 160 countries without SIM cards and has a 5,000 mAh battery made to provide 18 hours of continuous usage, according to the maker. It can support up to five devices simultaneously and offers pay-as-you-go data plans for additional usage.  

Keep in mind: While this router provides 4G LTE speeds, it does not support 5G. 

Product details: Wireless communication standard: 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11ac, 802.11g | Frequency: 5GHz | Frequency band class: Dual-band | Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, LTE 

Best wireless travel router: Deeper Connect Air Pocket-Sized Wireless Travel VPN Router Portable 

Why we like it: This pocket-sized wireless travel VPN router offers a built-in decentralized VPN (DPN), which the company says enables private and secure browsing without requiring a subscription. Unlike traditional VPNs, the Deeper Connect Air creates a peer-to-peer, blockchain-powered network, allowing users to access geo-restricted content and browse anonymously. It supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and provides connections for up to 15 devices simultaneously. It has a plug-and-play setup that can be easy to use without any technical expertise.  

Keep in mind: This device lacks Wi-Fi 6 support and doesn’t have built-in cellular connectivity, meaning it requires an existing Wi-Fi network or wired connection to function.  

Product details: Wireless communication standard: 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11ac | Frequency: 4.99 Hz | Frequency band class: Dual-band | Connectivity technology: 5G, Wi-Fi  

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Best wired travel router: Linksys Business LRT224 Dual WAN Gigabit VPN Router 

Why we like it: This wired router has dual WAN (wide area network) load balancing, which optimizes bandwidth use to help ensure uninterrupted connectivity even if one connection goes down. The router supports up to 50 IPs and five OpenVPNs, making it ideal for groups and families where several people are connecting at a time. Gigabit speed Ethernet ports help provide stable wired connections for data transfers. 

We appreciate the built-in firewall and content filtering features for more network security, which the company says protects against cyber threats and unauthorized access.  

Keep in mind: The setup for this router can be complex for non-technical users. The features and benefits are bit of an overkill for the average leisure traveler. 

Product details: Wireless communication standard: 802.11n | Frequency: 5GHz | Frequency band class: Single-band | Connectivity technology: Ethernet  

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How we chose the best travel routers 

In examining travel routers for this list, I prioritized ease of use and performance along with feedback both from our experts and from third party reviews. As a digital nomad, Burmeister looks for a few things while choosing a travel router.  

• Portability: Small devices that barely add weight or space to luggage are always preferred. 

• Durability: “Luggage disasters are bound to happen when you travel extensively so it is important that the router is durable and long lasting” she says. “I don’t want one dropped bag to affect my ability to connect to the internet.” 

• Technologically advanced: Wi-Fi 6 and dual band options are important for fast connection speeds whenever available.  

• VPN Performance: Burmeister uses a VPN for her work, or when streaming American TV shows in places like Argentina, so it’s important that the travel router can handle encryption tasks well.  

• Third-party reviews: These reviews are important because they provide unbiased insights from real users who have firsthand experience with the product. 

Tips for buying a travel router 

Portability 

Since you’re traveling, the best travel router should be lightweight and compact. It should slip easily into a carry-on or a backpack. 

Security 

Public Wi-Fi can be risky, so it’s important to get a router with strong security. Look for WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. This keeps your connection private, even in crowded airports and cafés. 

Compatibility 

A router that works with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections is versatile and can work no matter where you’re traveling or staying. Don’t forget to check that it supports the voltage and plug types in your destination to avoid any power issues. 

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Battery life  

Some travel routers have a built-in battery, which is useful if you don’t have a power outlet nearby. Choose one with long battery life, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power while you’re on the go. 

Our top choice, the GlocalMe Numen Air 5G Mobile Hotspot, has 5,400 mAh battery that can last up to 12 hours. The Simo Solis Lite Hotspot & Power Bank with Lifetime Data has up to 16 hours of battery life and doubles as a power bank. You can also try the RoamWiFi 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router Worldwide No Sim, which offers up to 18 hours. 

Easy to set up 

Look for a router that’s easy to set up, especially if you’re not a tech expert. Many come with user-friendly guides or apps to help you get it running quickly, so you’re not spending time troubleshooting. A few of our top picks, including the GlocalMe Numen Air 5G Mobile Hotspot, Deeper Connect Air Pocket-Sized Wireless Travel VPN Router Portable, and ExpressVPN Aircove feature easy setup. 

Dual band 

If you’re traveling to places where there are lots of networks (think busy hotels or airports), a dual-band router is a good option. It helps avoid interference by connecting to the 5GHz band for faster speeds, even when the 2.4GHz band is crowded. Most of our top picks above are dual band. 

Additional features 

Some travel routers offer extra perks, such as the ability to create a personal Wi-Fi network, file sharing, or even streaming media. If you’ll be using those features, it might be worth choosing one with more functionality. 

Frequently asked questions 

What is the point of a travel router? 

A travel router is a compact, portable device that helps you stay connected on the go. They’re made to make public Wi-Fi safer, boost weak signals, and let you connect multiple devices without hassles. They can be especially handy in rare hotels that still offer only wired internet. Plus, it can help you bypass network restrictions and even share files or securely stream media.  

Can I use a travel router in a hotel? 

Yes, travel routers can be used in hotels. Travel routers can help keep your connection secure, boost weak Wi-Fi, let you connect multiple devices, and even turn a wired connection into Wi-Fi.  

How do I set up my portable router? 

Setting up a travel router depends on whether it runs with a physical SIM or eSIM. But it helps to plan ahead. “I try to set mine up before I leave my home country and get it set up using a Wi-Fi network that I trust,” says Gupta. “This ensures less disruptions when I reach my destination, and I can immediately get to work without any downtime or running around figuring out connectivity.”  

For starters connect it to the hotel/home Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Then, access the router’s settings through your browser and choose the network you want to connect to. You can also set up a password for security and then connect your devices.