When it comes to getting connected on the go, turning on your phone’s Personal Hotspot feature is often enough. However, if you have a large number of devices that need a lot of bandwidth or advanced features, such as VPN, it’s best to get a mini travel router.
This post lists the five best travel routers I’ve tested. They are all excellent for any extended trip, especially for those with a dozen or more devices that need Wi-Fi-based Internet access.
Dong’s note: I first published this periodically revised list on May 12, 2025, and last updated it on February 10, 2026, with the latest picks.
Best travel routers: The list
This list is sorted by rating, with the highest at the top.
Top 5 best travel routers
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| Name | ASUS RT-BE58 Go’s Rating | TP-Link TL-WR3002X’s Rating | NETGEAR Nighthawk 5G M7’s Rating | GL.iNet GL-BE3600 Slate 7’s Rating | ASUS RT-AX57 Go’s Rating |
| Price | – | – | – | – | – |
| Rating | |||||
| Description | |||||
| Statistics | |||||
| Buy this product |
1. ASUS RT-BE58 Go
The RT-BE58 Go is a travel router that features Wi-Fi 7. Despite its compact design, it has a full suite of networking features comparable to those of a standard ASUS router, including AiMesh. As a result, it’s an excellent router for those wanting to bring an advanced network on the go.
ASUS RT-BE58 Go's Rating
Pros
Wi-Fi 7 support with a 2.5Gbps WAN port and versatile WAN options, Gig+ real-world rates, reliable performance
Identical features and network settings as full-size routers managed via a full web user interface, mesh-ready
Compact design, wall-mount-ready, standard USB-C charging
Cons
No built-in cellular modem, SIM slot, or battery option
A tad expensive, no second 2.5Gbps port
Slow NAS performance when hosting a portable drive
2. TP-Link TL-WR3002X
The TP-Link TL-WR3002X is the 2025 upgrade to the TL-WR1502X, featuring faster Wi-Fi 6 performance. It’s a little router that packs a bunch. It’s worth noting that it doesn’t have a built-in cellular modem (or a SIM slot), so you’ll need a separate USB modem or tether your smartphone to its USB port.
There’s a Wi-Fi 7-enabled TL-WR36002BE, but in most use cases, it won’t make much difference for travellers.
TP-Link TL-WR3002X's Rating
Pros
Compact design with 2.5Gbps WAN port and 160 MHz channel width support, excellent real-world performance
Useful features tailored to travelers, including multiple operation modes, built-in NAS capability, and advanced VPN support
Robust web user interface with a useful optional mobile app; standard USB-C charging
Cons
No built-in cellular modem
No battery option
3. NETGEAR Nighthawk 5G M7
The Nighthawk 5G M7 is unique among those on this list for two reasons.
First, it’s the only one with a built-in SIM slot and comes with a battery. And secondly, it’s also the only one that supports an eSIM marketplace, allowing users to buy data instantly for whatever destination. As a result, it’s the only true mobile router on this list.
Alternatively, consider the M6 Pro, which supports a single physical SIM.
NETGEAR Nighthawk 5G M7's Rating
Pros
Strong cellular support, including NETGEAR's eSIM marketplace
Unlocked, flexible, and versatile in handling Internet sources
Excellent NETGEAR mobile app and a robust web user interface
Cons
Expensive with modest Wi-Fi performance, no support for VPN server or client
No integrated network port, Wi-Fi network restarts when applying many changes or switching between Internet sources
Charger and accessories not included, a bit bulky, no USB-based storage or external antenna option
4. GL.iNet GL-BE3600 Slate 7
The GL.iNet GL-BE3600 Slate 7 is currently the only travel router with two 2.5Gbps ports, making it an excellent choice for those needing a real multi-Gigabit wired connection. Additionally, it offers a range of advanced and standard features through the OpenWRT firmware.
GL.iNet GL-BE3600 Slate 7's Rating
Pros
Wi-Fi 7 with dual 2.5Gbps ports to offer reliable and fast performance
Multi-WAN support with all OpenWRT features and settings
Compact design, standard USB-C charging
Cons
No built-in cellular modem, SIM slot, or battery option
A tad expensive and buggy with potential privacy risks
Not wall-mount-ready
5. ASUS RT-AX57 Go
ASUS RT-AX57 Go is the Wi-Fi 6 version of the RT-BE58 Go above. Its flat design makes it easy to fit inside a suitcase.
ASUS RT-AX57 Go's Rating
Pros
Excellent performance for the hardware specs; compact design with versatile broadband support
Identical features and network settings as full-size routers; advanced features available free for life
Full web interface with a useful optional mobile app; standard USB-C charging
Cons
No 6GHz band support; mid-range Wi-Fi 6 specs; no Multi-Gig ports
No built-in cellular modem or SIM slot
No battery option
Extra: D-Link G530
The D-Link G650 is a mobile router that’s not so mobile. With a built-in cellular modem (and a Nano SIM slot), it’s ready to host a 5G/4G connection right out of the box. It also includes a WAN port for a regular broadband connection. And it can do both simultaneously in a failover dual-WAN setup.
Unfortunately, it’s a bit bulky and doesn’t have a built-in battery, making it hard to fit in your suitcase and many travel situations. However, it’s an excellent solution for an RV or a boat.
D-Link D-Link G530's Rating
Pros
Built-in 5G modem with a dual-WAN failover option
Reliable mid-tier Wi-Fi 6 performance with good coverage
Standard web user interface with a decent set of network settings and features
Cons
Only two Gigabit ports; bad cellular reception; no support for external cellular antennas
Too large to be a mobile router; no battery option
Expensive
The takeaway
These are not all the travel routers available, and there will be more in the near future. However, any of them will make an excellent companion for your next trip and will remain relevant for years to come.
The ASUS BE 58GO appears to be on the list eligible for the Merlin Firmware.
That’s great news. Many existing ASUS routers already are.
List of travel routers with no {…} on it?! This is undoubtedly some sort of a sponsored or paid for list that you have put up here.
It’s not sponsored. I wish. These are among those I’ve reviewed I can only cover so many. Make sure you actually read the post in its entirety.
By the way, if you are so hung up on a brand, you’re either brainwashed or have an ulterior motive. I can assure you that you can live out the rest of your life without a travel router, let alone one from a particular brand.
Hi Dong,
Have you considered travel routers from GL.iNET? Such as the Slate 7, Beryl AX or Opal?
The firmware for these travel routers are based on OpenWRT and also support WireGuard and OpenVPN.
I myself am currently using the much slower GL.iNET Mango V2, which repeats the hotel’s captive portal and turns my hotel room into a secure WiFi zone.
I’m aware of the brand but I haven’t had time for it yet, Stephen. We’ll see.
Thanks Dong.