When it comes to getting connected on the go, turning your phone or even your laptop into a mobile hotspot is often enough. However, if you have a large number of devices that need high bandwidth or advanced features, such as VPN, it’s best to get a mini Wi-Fi travel router.
This post lists the five best travel routers among those I’ve tested or used. 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 June 16, 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 Roam 7 BE3600 (TL-WR3602BE)’s Rating | GL.iNet GL-BE3600 Slate 7’s Rating | NETGEAR Nighthawk 5G M7’s Rating | Ubiquiti UniFi Travel Router (UTR)’s Rating |
| Price | – | – | – | – | – |
| Rating | |||||
| Description | |||||
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| 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’s alternatives
- ASUS RT-AX57 Go (previously on this list)
- Compare the street prices of the two
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 Roam 7
Previously known as TL-WR36002BE, the Roam 7 is TP-Link’s Wi-Fi 7 travel router, rivaling the ASUS model above. It’s a little router that packs a bunch. Still, it’s worth noting that, like the ASUS, it doesn’t have a built-in cellular modem (or a SIM slot). As a result, you’ll need a separate cellular modem or tether your smartphone via its USB port when Wi-Fi or a wired network is unavailable.
TP-Link’s alternatives:
- Roam 6 or TL-WR3002X (previously on this list)
- TL-WR1502X
- Compare street prices of the tree
TP-Link Roam 7 BE3600 (TL-WR3602BE)'s Rating
Pros
Compact design with 2.5Gbps WAN port and Wi-Fi 7 support to deliver reliable on-the-go performance
Useful features tailored to travelers, including multiple versatile operation modes, built-in NAS capability, and advanced VPN support
Robust web user interface with a useful optional mobile app, standard USB-C charging, and affordable
World-compatible power adapter and additional USB charging cable included.
Cons
Real-world throughput could be better
No battery option or built-in cellular modem
Not mesh-ready
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.
NETGEAR’s alternatives:
- Nighthawk M6 Pro (previously on this list)
- Compare the street prices of the two
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. Ubiquiti UniFi Travel Router (UTR)
The UTR is somewhat of a niche device. While it can work as a standard travel router for anyone, it’s designed to be an extension of a network hosted by UniFi Cloud Gateway. In any case, this compact, handy router has a lot more, including the friendly cost, to justify the fact that it features the dated Wi-Fi 5 standard.
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 support 5G/4G connectivity 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 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
Just to be clear, the ones mentioned above are not all the travel routers available; more will be coming in the near future. However, any of them will make an excellent companion for your upcoming trip and will remain relevant for years to come.
Nice list, Dong! Thanks.
Are you going to test the Roam 7 later?
Yes, Jon, likely soon. We’ll see.
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.