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Best travel router 2026: our top portable routers

Find the perfect travel router with our tried and tested recommendations
Charlie Noon
Last Updated on

Reviewed By: Sebastian Kozlowski

Best travel router 2026: our top portable routers
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Table of Contents

Whether you’re working remotely, streaming in a hotel, or simply want a more secure alternative to public Wi-Fi, a travel router is one of the most useful gadgets you can pack. These compact devices let you create your own private network, connect multiple devices at once, and often include useful extras such as VPN support, mobile data connectivity, and long battery life.

We’ve tested a range of travel options to find the best routers for different needs and budgets. The GL.iNet Slate AX is our favorite, bringing the best balance between portability, performance, and security. It delivered excellent range and speeds in our testing, supports up to 120 connected devices, and offers solid VPN features. If you need a battery-powered model or built-in 5G connectivity, we’ve also included several alternatives to suit different travelling requirements.

Products at a glance

How PC Guide tests routers

At PC Guide, we assess the quality of travel routers through a combination of hands-on testing and real-world use. We look at wireless performance, signal strength, latency, setup, security features, portability, and overall value to see how each router performs in the situations travelers are most likely to encounter.

Latest tech deals.

Prices correct as of October 9th, 2026.

Where possible, we benchmark routers across different Wi-Fi bands and distances, measuring connection speeds, range, and reliability to build a complete picture of their performance. This allows us to recommend the best travel routers for different budgets and use cases with confidence.

The best travel router

The routers below have been selected to suit the various needs of travelers. Whether you’re looking for the best all-rounder, a battery-powered hotspot, or an affordable companion, each model has been chosen for a specific reason.

1. GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX)

Best travel router overall
01
  • GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) standing on side, Image by PCGuide
  • GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) antennae standing, Image by PCGuide
  • GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) back profile, Image by PCGuide
  • GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) rear ports, Image by PCGuidee
  • GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) underside, Image by PCGuide
  • GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) antennae down, Image by PCGuide
  • GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) box contents, Image by PCGuide
  • GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) box profile, Image by PCGuide
  • GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) in front of box, Image by PCGuide
  • GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) microSD port, Image by PCGuide
  • GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) router side box, Image by PCGuide
Outstanding

GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX)

Hands-on Review
5 /5
Editor’s Rating
How We Review
Specifications
  • Standard: WiFI 6
  • Frequency Bnads: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
  • Max Speed: 1800Mbps
  • LAN Ports: 2x Gigabit
  • WAN: 1x Gigabit
  • CPU: IPQ6000 1.2GHz Quad-core Processor
  • Memory: DDR3L 512MB / NAND Flash 128MB
  • USB: 1x USB 3.0
  • Dimensions: 125 x 82 x 36mm
  • Weight: 245g
Show more
Reasons to Buy
  • Small, light, and travel-friendly
  • It can support up to 120 devices simultaneously
  • It has excellent VPN and protection options
Reasons to Avoid
  • It needs a constant power source to keep running
  • It tends to get a bit hot after a while of use

For our top pick, we went with GL.iNet’s GL-AXT1800 Slate AX travel router. During our testing, we found that it has excellent physical and actual speed and can connect at 90 ft with the 2.4 GHz band. If you’re interested in reading more about it in-depth, check out the GL-AXT1800 review.

For starters, this router measures 125 x 82 x 36mm and weighs 245g. This means it is a decent size and should fit easily inside your travel bag. That said, it’s also powered by a 1.2 GHz quad-core processor and 512 DDR3L RAM, and there are plenty of ports for connectivity. 

It has two gigabit LAN ports and a single gigabit WAN port. While these aren’t as impressive as what other routers have, we need to keep in mind its form factor and travel-friendly nature. So, you should be able to easily set it up anywhere for a wired connection during your adventure. 

Selling itself as a portable router, it holds up well against standard gaming router options, which we wouldn’t expect from something designed on the go.

PC Guide

It has dual-band functionality and excellent range for wireless connectivity. When we tested its 2.4 GHz band, we were able to connect at 90ft, which included two rooms and four walls between the router and the device. 5 GHz, on the other hand, could only connect at 60ft, but that isn’t surprising, as 5 GHz does have a shorter range than 2.4 GHz.

Either way, you should easily be able to cover 3,500 sq. ft. with both frequencies. There is a downside, though: This router isn’t battery-operated, which means you’ll have to find a power source for it to run. That could be a wall socket or even your laptop, as it uses a USB 3.0 port for power. 

The Slate AX router has MU-MIMO technology, which enables it to connect to 120 devices simultaneously. So, if you’re traveling with a large party, this should be more than enough to cover everyone; you’d just need a high-speed internet connection to cater to every device.

Lastly, we measured its wireless speed for both frequencies. With 2.4 GHz, it managed 119 to 8.9 Mbps download and 95.1 to 2.5 Mbps upload speed. On the other hand, 5 GHz managed 271 to 197 Mbps download and 293 to 137 Mbps upload speed. 

Overall, this router is a solid option for traveling. While the lack of a battery might not appeal to some, its price, performance, and design are top-notch if you can overlook that. 

Router benchmark - LAN internet speeds, source PCGuide

Router benchmark – LAN internet speeds, source PCGuide

Router benchmark - latency to router @ 2.4GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark – latency to router @ 2.4GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark - signal strength @ 5GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark – signal strength @ 5GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark - LAN read write speeds to SSD plugged into router, source PCGuide

Router benchmark – LAN read write speeds to SSD plugged into router, source PCGuide

Router benchmark - download speed @ 2.4GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark – download speed @ 2.4GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark - download speed @ 5GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark – download speed @ 5GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark - signal strength @ 2.4GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark – signal strength @ 2.4GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark - physical download speed @ 5GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark – physical download speed @ 5GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark - physical upload speed @ 2.4GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark – physical upload speed @ 2.4GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark - physical download speed @ 2.4GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark – physical download speed @ 2.4GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark - upload speed @ 2.4GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark – upload speed @ 2.4GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark - latency to router @ 5GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark – latency to router @ 5GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark - physical upload speed @ 5GHz, source PCGuide

Router benchmark – physical upload speed @ 5GHz, source PCGuide

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2. GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango)

Best budget travel router
02
  • GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango bottom edge, Image by PC Guide
  • GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango bottom specs, Image by PC Guide
  • GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango box contents, Image by PC Guide
  • Cyber Monday GL.inet deals
  • GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango ethernet ports and power, Image by PC Guide
  • GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango in front of box, Image by PC Guide
  • GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango profile, Image by PC Guide
  • GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango side profile, Image by PC Guide
  • GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango top, Image by PC Guide
  • GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango USB port and buttons, Image by PC Guide
  • GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango held up, Image by PC Guide
Outstanding

GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango)

Hands-on Review
5 /5
Editor’s Rating
How We Review
Specifications
  • Standard: Wi-Fi 4
  • Frequency bands: 2.4GHz
  • Max speed: 300Mbps
  • LAN ports: 1x 100Mbps
  • WAN: 1x 100Mbps
  • CPU: MTK MT7628NN @580Mhz SoC
  • Memory: DDR2 128MB / NOR Flash 16MB
  • USB: 1x USB 2.0 port
  • Dimensions: 58 x 58 x 25mm
  • Weight: 40g
Show more
Reasons to Buy
  • It comes with a very affordable price tag
  • It doesn’t require a lot of power
  • It supports various VPN service providers
Reasons to Avoid
  • It doesn’t work with the 5 GHz band
  • 100 Mbps LAN connection might be slow for some
  • 16 MB of storage is very limiting

Traveling can get expensive, but getting a high-speed internet connection wherever you are shouldn’t. That said, if you’re operating on a budget, we recommend giving the GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 a shot. 

In our GL-MT300N-V2 review, it had decent speed and signal strength for a pocket-friendly, portable router. It is powered by a 580 MHz processor and 128 MB DDR2 RAM. As for its dimensions and weight, they come to 58 x 58 x 25 mm and 40g, respectively. What this means is that it can fit in your pocket without feeling like you’re carrying any extra weight and secure your public network usage seamlessly. 

On top of that, according to GL.iNet, this router can support up to 39 devices simultaneously, which means that its specifications should be enough for that. However, if you want a wired connection, it has two ports: 1 x 100 Mbps WAN and 1 x 100 Mbps LAN. While 100 Mbps might be less than ideal for some, it has a max speed of 300 Mbps, and these speeds should be enough to get a range of tasks done while traveling. 

This router also supports 30+ OpenVPN service providers and WireGuard, which should keep your virtual adventures and work safe from being leaked, traced, or hacked. 

Being able to provide a great range of options to connect and secure to the internet, makes traveling easier by connecting plenty of devices to it.

PC Guide

There are some limitations, such as using the Wi-Fi 4 standard, meaning it won’t deliver the speeds you’d get from a Wi-Fi 6 router, and it only works on the 2.4 GHz band. During our review, we checked its range at 10, 30, 60, and 90 feet. To put things into perspective, at 60 feet, there is a wall in between, and at 90 feet, there are two rooms and four walls. 

That said, 2.4 GHz was able to connect at 60ft, and 90ft seemed too challenging for it to conquer. However, when we tested its actual speed, it managed 18 to 0.3 Mbps download speed for 10 and 60ft, so the sweet spot for it was the 30ft mark, which delivered 13.8 Mbps. 

We saw a similar result for the upload speeds, as it managed 21.4 to 0.4 Mbps for 30 to 60ft. So, it doesn’t have the strength to penetrate multiple walls, but it should work fine in an open space. However, if you’re wondering how it fared in wired connections, it managed 91.1 and 87.9 Mbps download and upload, respectively. 

Overall, this is an excellent router that doesn’t cost a lot, gets the job done, and is easy to store and set up. While it might not have the best specifications, it has good protection features and can be used to extend an existing network.

3. Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro

Best battery powered travel router
03
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro router standing next to it's box on a white table with a background of PC component boxes on a bookshelf.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro back with Netgear logo in the middle and bumps in the four corners. It stands on a white table with a background of a bookcase with PC component boxes that rare blurred.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro back with cover off and battery that reads Netgear on it. It stands on a white table with a blurred background of PC components on a bookshelf.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro box contents laid out on a white table. It shows the front of trhe box, router nested in a white scardboard pice, a tray of USB C cable, power birck, and two ends for it, next to which are the battery and manuals.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro close up of the screen. With a thick border around the edge with Nighthawk on top and singular long button with a light on the bottom. on Screen is the WiFi and Password at top, and options that read Internet, WiFi, ethernet, network map, messages, and settings.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro bottom that is standing on a white table. It is a close up of the white long indented buitton with a white led. It also shows the bottom half of the touchscreen.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro back with the cover removed. It shows the battery compartment with model name, various serial numbers and SIM compartment. It sits on a white table with a background of a blurred bookshelf with PC component boxes.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro box standing on a white table with a blurred background of PC component boxes. On the router box it shows the 5G WiFi 7 naming, router image, and name, with Netgear on the left side.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro box front on, sitting on a white table and with a blurred background of PC component boxes
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro turned on and front on, standing on a white table and with a background of blurred pc component boxes on a bookshelf.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro laying down on a white table with a blurred background of PC component boxes. It shows the bottom edge of the router that has an antenna slot on the left and right, in the middle it has a Type C connector and an ethernet port to the right of it.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro back with the panel off that shows the SIM slot and serial numbers.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro laying down on a white table with a background of blurred PC component boxes on a bookshelf. It shows the top edge that's blank.
Excellent

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro

Hands-on Review
4.5 /5
Editor’s Rating
How We Review
Specifications
  • Standard: WiFi 7
  • Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz
  • Max Speed: 5.8Gbps
  • LAN Ports: 1x 2.5Gbps
  • WAN/LAN: Shared 2.5Gbps Ethernet
  • CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X75
  • USB: USB Type-C
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 105x105x21.5mm (4.13×4.13×0.85 in)
  • Weight: 280g (0.62 lb) with battery
Show more
Reasons to Buy
  • Enables plenty of devices to connect to one hotspot
  • Small and compact design
  • Portable and long-lasting battery
  • Easy to use and set up with plenty of customization
Reasons to Avoid
  • Expensive standalone router
  • Requires a secondary data plan
  • Doesn’t come with antennae

The NETGEAR Nighthawk M7 Pro is the next router on our list. We went with this option for two reasons: first, during our Nighthawk M7 Pro review, it had excellent performance, and second, its battery-powered nature makes it an excellent choice for traveling and an update to the previous-gen M6 Pro.

This router measures 105x105x21.5mm and weighs 280g with the battery. This means it can snugly fit inside any pocket in your bag and won’t take up a lot of space. It also has a 5040mAh Lithium-ion battery, which, according to NETGEAR, can last up to 13 hours. So, you should be able to get a lot of work done or watch plenty of videos while you’re on the move with this router powering your internet connection. 

It supports the WiFi 7 standard, has tri-band capabilities, and has a single 2.5 Gbps LAN/WAN port. So, if you were wondering whether it’ll deliver fast speeds over wired and wireless connections, rest assured—it is more than capable of doing that. 

The M7 Pro can also connect to any network if you insert an unlocked SIM. This effectively turns it into a high-speed router by leveraging the network’s capabilities, such as a 5G data connection. After that, you can create a 2.4, 5, or 6 GHz network, depending on which band your devices are compatible with. 

The Nighthawk M7 Pro is an impressive mobile router, combining the availability of mobile SIM data with WiFi 7 to create a fast and portable hotspot.

PC Guide

During our testing, the 2.4 GHz frequency had better signal strength than the 5 GHz frequency in mobile, but on Ethernet connections, they do vary. However, 5 GHz had better latency, with figures ranging from 7 to 17 ms compared to 2.4 GHz’s 14 to 19ms, respectively.

With the addition of 6GHz, that ranges from -62 to -82dBm with a latency of 7 to 9ms. That said, the M7 Pro does have two TS-9 antenna ports, which can be used to extend its range as it falls back in range, although for a travel router, it doesn’t usually require a big range.

As for the actual download and upload, the 2.4 GHz mobile ranged from 86 to 34 Mbps download, while the Ethernet delivered 114 to 77 Mbps. The 5 GHz mobile ranged from 74 to 39 Mbps, while the Ethernet delivered 273 to 414 Mbps. With 6GHz delivering 18 to 45 Mbps, which is a big drop compared to the PHY speeds.

The upload speeds on 2.5 GHz ranged from 14 to 15 Mbps for mobile and 16 to 19 Mbps for Ethernet. For 5 GHz, the values were 15 to 12.5 Mbps for mobile and 290 to 12.5 Mbps for Ethernet. With 6GHz achieving 25 to 33.5Mbps.

Overall, the Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro is one of the best travel routers currently available based on its performance, portability, and other features. That said, it does cost a premium, and that might be a deterring factor for people operating on a budget. 

A blue background graph comparing thenetgear Nighthawk M7 Pro in mobile modes to other mobile routers in lan internet speeds

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro LAN internet speed, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing thenetgear Nighthawk M7 Pro in wired and mobile modes to other mobile routers in 2.4GHz latency

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro latency 2.4GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing thenetgear Nighthawk M7 Pro in wired and mobile modes to other mobile routers in latency at 5GHz

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro latency 5GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing the Acer Predator connect X7 ethernet and mobile, and the Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro mobile and their latency at 6GHz.

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro latency 6GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing thenetgear Nighthawk M7 Pro in wired and mobile modes to other mobile routers in 2.4GHz physical download speed

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro PHY download 2.4GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing thenetgear Nighthawk M7 Pro in wired and mobile modes to other mobile routers in 5GHz physical download speed

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro PHY download 5GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing the Acer Predator connect X7 ethernet and mobile, and the Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro mobile and their physical download speed at 6GHz.

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro PHY download 6GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing thenetgear Nighthawk M7 Pro in wired and mobile modes to other mobile routers in 2.4GHz physical upload speed

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro PHY upload 2.4GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing thenetgear Nighthawk M7 Pro in wired and mobile modes to other mobile routers in 5GHz Physical upload speed

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro PHY upload 5GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing the Acer Predator connect X7 ethernet and mobile, and the Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro mobile and their physical upload speed at 6GHz.

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro PHY upload 6GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing thenetgear Nighthawk M7 Pro in wired and mobile modes to other mobile routers in 2.4GHz signal strength

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro signal 2.4GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing thenetgear Nighthawk M7 Pro in wired and mobile modes to other mobile routers in 5GHz signal strength

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro signal 5GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing the Acer Predator connect X7 ethernet and mobile, and the Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro mobile and their signal strength at 6GHz.

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro signal 6GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing the Acer Predator connect X7 ethernet and mobile, and the Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro mobile and their download speed at 6GHz.

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro download 6GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing thenetgear Nighthawk M7 Pro in wired and mobile modes to other mobile routers in download speed at 5GHz.

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro download 5GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing thenetgear Nighthawk M7 Pro in wired and mobile modes to other mobile routers in 2.4GHz download speed

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro download 2.4GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing the Acer Predator connect X7 ethernet and mobile, and the Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro mobile and their upload speed at 6GHz.

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro upload 6GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing thenetgear Nighthawk M7 Pro in wired and mobile modes to other mobile routers in 5GHz upload speed

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro upload 5GHz, Image by PC Guide

A blue background graph comparing thenetgear Nighthawk M7 Pro in wired and mobile modes to other mobile routers in 2.4GHz upload speed

Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro upload 2.4GHz, Image by PC Guide

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4. Acer Connect X6E

Best SIM based travel router
04
  • Acer Connect X6E box contents, Image by PC Guide
  • Acer Connect X6E box, Image by PC Guide
  • Acer Connect X6E front lights, Image by PC Guide
  • Acer Connect X6E front of router, Image by PC Guide
  • Acer Connect X6E logo, Image by PC Guide
  • Acer Connect X6E rear IO, Image by PC Guide
  • Acer Connect X6E router and box, Image by PC Guide
  • Acer Connect X6E side, Image by PC Guide
  • Acer Connect X6E top, Image by PC Guide
Excellent

Acer Connect X6E

Hands-on Review
4.5 /5
Editor’s Rating
How We Review
Specifications
  • Standard: WiFi 6E
  • Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz
  • Max Speed: 5.4Gbps
  • LAN Ports: 1Gbps + 1x RJ-11
  • WAN: 1Gbps
  • CPU: Qualcomm SDX62 + IPQ5018 + QCN9024
  • Memory: 512MB Storage, 256MB LPDDR
  • USB: USB-C
  • Dimensions: 101 x 101 x 206mm
  • Weight: 930g
Show more
Reasons to Buy
  • Dual WAN capabilities
  • Good packaging to get out and set up the router
  • Strong default security with guest network and parental controls
Reasons to Avoid
  • Can’t use both 5 and 6GHz frequencies at the same time
  • Doesn’t prompt for firmware updates
  • Limited availability

If size isn’t an issue and you want a router to take with you on your travels, we recommend the Acer Connect X6E. We tested this router and its capabilities in-house for our Acer Connect X6E review, and given its two-in-one functionality, it had decent performance on the network and mobile.

This router measures 101 x 101 x 206mm, meaning it isn’t the smallest travel router option available, but if you have space in your luggage, it’s a good option. The Acer Connect X6E can be used with a WAN connection, or you can insert a SIM card into the SIM port and make a 5G mobile hotspot wherever you want. However, since it isn’t battery-powered, you will need a power connection to make it work.

It has tri-band capabilities due to its WiFi 6E standard, meaning you get 2.4GHz, 5GH, and 6GHz frequencies to work with. However, the 5 and 6 GHz frequencies can’t be used simultaneously. It has a maximum speed of 5.4 Gbps and one 1 Gbps LAN and WAN port. So, if you want a wired connection on the go to your laptop or console, that is also possible as long as your mobile data can deliver fast speeds.

The Acer Connect X6E provides a strong solution for your networking setup. Being a mobile router makes it a useful feature if you want to use it in different places, or combined with ethernet can give you a dual WAN solution.

PC Guide

The setup process for this router is also straightforward and doesn’t have layers of technicalities to figure out. You simply need to connect to the IP address, follow the instructions, change the password, and get started. A neat aspect of this router is that it offers data tracking, which is particularly useful if you’re using mobile data. This allows you to ration the data and ensure that you don’t overuse it and run out of it during an important meeting or gaming session.

We checked for this router’s internet speed on the network and mobile to gauge the performance difference between the two accurately. With a network connection, the 2.4 GHz band managed download speeds of 58.2 and 45.6 Mbps and uploads ranging from 105 to 18.9 Mbps. When shifted to the mobile connection, the download speed increased while the upload speed took a hit. They came around to 129 – 41 Mbps and 46.9 – 16 Mbps, respectively.

Moving to the 5GHz band also showcased a significant improvement. On the network, the 5GHz band had download and upload speeds of 90.1 – 71.5 and 286 – 54 Mbps, respectively. The mobile download speeds came around to 232 – 123, and uploads ranged from 46 – 39 Mbps. So, there is a significant improvement in speeds with the 5GHz band, but that isn’t surprising given that this frequency has a higher bandwidth than 2.4GHz.

Overall, this is a solid router for travel and can be easily used as a stationary router as well. It has a handful of features such as parental controls, data tracking, and more that aren’t locked behind a paywall, which makes it even better.

Acer Connect X6E LAN speed,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E LAN speed,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E PHY Upload Speed 2.4GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E PHY Upload Speed 2.4GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Download Speed 2.4GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Download Speed 2.4GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Upload Speed 5GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Upload Speed 5GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E PHY download speed 2.4GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E PHY download speed 2.4GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Latency 2.4GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Latency 2.4GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Latency 5GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Latency 5GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Signal Strength 5GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Signal Strength 5GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Upload Speed 2.4GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Upload Speed 2.4GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E PHY Upload Speed 5GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E PHY Upload Speed 5GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E PHY Download Speed 5GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E PHY Download Speed 5GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Signal Strength 2.4GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Signal Strength 2.4GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Download Speed 5GHz,Image by PC Guide

Acer Connect X6E Download Speed 5GHz,Image by PC Guide

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5. ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go

Best ASUS travel router
05
  • ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go travel bag, Image by PC Guide
  • ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go bottom vents, Image by PC Guide
  • ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go box back, Image by PC Guide
  • ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go box contents, Image by PC Guide
  • ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go box front, Image by PC Guide
  • ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go box inside, Image by PC Guide
  • ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go front, Image by PC Guide
  • ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go papers, Image by PC Guide
  • ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go ports, Image by PC Guide
  • ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go profile, Image by PC Guide
  • ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go stand, Image by PC Guide
  • ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go standing connected, Image by PC Guide
  • ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go top profile, Image by PC Guide
Excellent

ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go

Hands-on Review
4.5 /5
Editor’s Rating
How We Review
Specifications
  • Standard: WiFi 6
  • Frequency bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
  • Max speed: 3000Mbps
  • LAN ports: 1x 1Gbps
  • WAN: 1x 1Gbps
  • CPU: Dual-core 1.3GHz SoC
  • Memory: RAM 512MB / Flash 128MB
  • USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1×1
  • Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 21.5mm
  • Weight: 210g
Show more
Reasons to Buy
  • Lots of internet connection options to utilize
  • Still has a good amount of ports for a travel router
  • Easy setup with the ability to split between connections and then mesh multiple routers
  • Strong 5GHz performance, but 2.4 lacking
Reasons to Avoid
  • Still takes up a bit of desk space for a travel router
  • Higher latency than most
  • Low USB port performance
  • Lacks 6GHz support

The ASUS RT-AX57 Go is comparatively a bit on the larger side for a travel router, but that is where its negatives end. We reviewed the ASUS AX3000 RT-AX57 Go, and it has good upload and download speeds for the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, and its RJ45 port provides excellent speeds overall.

This travel router works with the WiFi 6 standard, meaning it doesn’t get the 6GHz band and only has 2.4GHz and 5GHz. However, according to ASUS, this router can support up to 70 devices with speeds of up to 3,000 Mbps. Besides that, it has 4G and 5G mobile tethering, the ability to create a private hotspot over public WiFi, and router mode, which makes it excellent to take with you on travel or keep at home as the designated router.

The ability to create a private hotspot over public WiFi should keep your data and communication secure; however, if you have to use it in your house or office, remember that it is best suited for small spaces, and you’ll have to purchase a range extender or use the AiMesh functionality to create a mesh network for larger spaces.

In general, the ASUS RT-AX57 Go has plenty to offer as a travel router. It might not be on the latest WiFi standard, but it still has a fast range of connections for when you’re on the go. Which not only includes wireless but wired too with a good range of IO available.

PC Guide

In addition, it also comes with 30+ VPNs to choose from, and the advertised speeds for WireGuard and OpenVPN are 300 Mbps and 150 Mbps, respectively. So, if you’re on the go and have these particular VPNs connected and are still getting high-speed connectivity, what more could you ask for?

To make it easy to switch between different modes and activate a specific profile, such as for guests, there is a switch on the side that will turn that on if you flip it. This is a nice addition for accessibility and reminds us of the profile notch on iPhones, a nice touch loved by many.

To test its performance, we attempted to connect to our Samsung S21 FE at four distances: 10ft, 30ft, 60ft(with a wall in between), and 90ft(four walls in between the devices). The 2.4 and 5GHz bands were able to connect only to 60ft, and the former had a download speed ranging between 39.9 Mbps and 11 Mbps, with the uploads going from 42 Mbps to 9 Mbps.

On the other hand, 5GHz had better results with 257 Mbps to 165 Mbps download speeds and 218 Mbps and 57 Mbps upload speeds. So, for gaming, working, or streaming, connecting to the 5GHz band is recommended, or you can use the RJ45 port, which gives us download and upload speeds of 235 Mbps and 240 Mbps, respectively.

Overall, this is a solid router with plenty of features, functionalities, and security protocols. On top of that, it can be used as a router, range extender, access point, and other devices, and it comes under $100. The only downside is that you can carry it in your pocket, but it shouldn’t take up much space in your bag, which you most likely will have during traveling.

6. Acer Predator Connect X7 5G CPE

Best gaming travel router
  • A close up of the back ports on the Acer Predator connect X7 5G CPE, it consists of three RJ45 ports, Type-C USB, WPS, and barrel port sitting on a white table with a background of blurred PC component boxes
  • The sleek black side of the Acer Predator Connect X7 sitting on a white table with a background of blurred PC component boxes
  • The Acer Predator Connect X7 underside with the information sticker, power, reset buttons, and the Nano SIM card cover laying on a white table with a background of blurred PC component boxes
  • The extra components found in the Acer Predator Connect X7 5G CPE box: power cable, ethernet cable, booklet, and mesh bag, laid out on a white table.
  • The front bottom of the Acer Predator Connect X7 5G CPE that shows a white LED strip sitting on a white table with a background of blurred PC component boxes
  • The top of Acer Predator Connect X7 5G CPE, it shows the Predator logo made up of blue lights on a sloped vented top.
  • The underside fo the Acer Predator Connect X7 5G CPE, it has a sticker with the router info, power switch, reset button, and SIM slot open.
  • The Acer Predator Connect X7 5G CPE, box front on sitting on a white table with a background of blurred PC component boxes
  • The Acer Predator Connect X7 5G CPE next to its box sitting on a white table with a background of blurred PC component boxes
  • The Acer Predator Connect X7 5G CPE front on standing on a white table with a background of blurred PC component boxes
  • The Acer Predator Connect X7 5G CPE standing at an angle on a white table with a background of blurred PC component boxes
  • The Acer Predator Connect X7 5G CPE top showing the sloped vent like design with LED strips making up a Predator logo.
  • The back of the Acer Predator Connect X7 5G CPE sitting on a white table with a background of blurred PC component boxes
Highly Recommended

Acer Predator Connect X7 5G CPE

Hands-on Review
4 /5
Editor’s Rating
How We Review
Specifications
  • Standard: WiFi 7
  • Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz
  • Max Speed : 11Gbps
  • LAN Ports: 2x 1Gbps, 1x 2.5Gbps (WAN/LAN)
  • WAN: 1x 2.5Gbps (WAN/LAN)
  • CPU: Quadcore 1.5GHz ARM Cortex
  • Memory: 512MB Flash and 1GB DDR4 RAM
  • USB: 1x USB 2.0 Type-C
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 212 x 109 x 109mm (8.35 x 4.29 x 4.29 inches)
  • Weight: 950g
Show more
Reasons to Buy
  • WiFi 7 with 6GHz support
    MLO and QoS traffic management
  • SIM slot for backup and mobile networking
  • 2.5Gbps WAN and fast connectivity onboard
  • A great number of features and management tools
Reasons to Avoid
  • The app is a bit of a pain to use, with not-so-great reviews
  • Not the cheapest of routers out there
  • Not the best range, have to utilize the meshing system

If you require extensive hard-wired connectivity, a standard gaming router is a suitable option, allowing for numerous RJ45 connections between various devices. But also requiring a 5G SIM connection, the Acer Predator Connect X7 5G CPE we reviewed is a perfect option for the job.

Bringing with it a WiFi 7 connection and the latest in connection speeds and improvements, it has a lot to offer as a standalone router. But of course that doesn’t come cheap or small, and might be a bit of a pain to try and pack, but if you have the space and need, it might just be the thing you’re looking for, considering it’s a 212 x 109 x 109mm (8.35 x 4.29 x 4.29 inches) and 950g (2.09lbs) size and weight.

If you’re looking for a WiFi 7-capable gaming router, the Acer Predator Connect X7 has everything you might need in its design. Providing some excellent connection speeds thanks to a whole range of frequencies all the way up to 6GHz, it also looks to keep them clear and secure.

PC Guide

It even has a quad-core ARM processor inside that gives it that powerful ability to work through the traffic and various features inside of it. Along with a decent amount of DDR4 RAM and flash memory to utilize. That all gives it a solid speed and processing power for the amount of load that can go through it.

It has the use of Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which enables improved wireless traffic management. Aggregating multiple channels across bands at once lowers the latency and improves reliability. That is also the case for the Hybrid QOS, which can help prioritize the essentials.

As for the physical ports on the router, you can find a 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN connector and two 1Gbps LAN ports. Along with a USB Type-C connector and, of course, the SIM slot on the underside. We tested the router in our review, so you can see the full extent of its performance there.

Bar chart showing the download speed at four different distances from the routers at 6GHz.

Netgear router test download speed 6GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the download and upload speed of the router on ethhernet.

Netgear router test LAN speed, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the read and write speed of an SSD connected to the router via USB and benchamarked over ethhernet.

Netgear router test LAN SSD, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the latency at four different distances from the routers at 2.4GHz.

Netgear router test latency 2.4GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the latency at four different distances from the routers at 5GHz.

Netgear router test latency 5GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the latency at four different distances from the routers at 6GHz.

Netgear router test latency 6GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the Physical download speed at four different distances from the routers at 5GHz.

Netgear router test PHY download 5GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the signal strength at four different distances from the routers at 2.4GHz.

Netgear router test signal strength 2.4GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the signal strength at four different distances from the routers at 5GHz.

Netgear router test signal strength 5GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the signal strength at four different distances from the routers at 6GHz.

Netgear router test signal strength 6GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the upload speed at four different distances from the routers at 5GHz.

Netgear router test upload speed 5GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the Physical uploadspeed at four different distances from the routers at 2.4GHz.

Netgear router test PHY upload 2.4GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the Physical uploadspeed at four different distances from the routers at 6GHz.

Netgear router test PHY upload 6GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the download speed at four different distances from the routers at 5GHz.

Netgear router test download speed 5GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the Physical download speed at four different distances from the routers at 2.4GHz.

Netgear router test PHY download 2.4GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the Physical download speed at four different distances from the routers at 6GHz.

Netgear router test PHY download 6GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the Physical upload speed at four different distances from the routers at 5GHz.

Netgear router test PHY upload 5GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the upload speed at four different distances from the routers at 2.4GHz.

Netgear router test upload speed 2.4GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the download speed at four different distances from the routers at 2.4GHz.

Netgear router test download speed 2.4GHz, Image by PC Guide

Bar chart showing the upload speed at four different distances from the routers at 6GHz.

Netgear router test upload speed 6GHz, Image by PC Guide

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7. Netgear Nighthawk M3

Best budget battery travel router
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M3 on a white table. I thas its back open with the battery resting on top and cover to the side.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M3 on a white table. It has the battery compartment open and on show.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M3 on a white table, lying flat. It shows the USB-C connector. in the background are bluerred PC component boxes on a bookshelf.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M3 router, box, and its conetnet splayed out on a white table. In the background is a bookshelf filled with bluerred pC component boxes.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M3 box on a white table with a background of a blurred bookshelf filled with PC component boxes.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M3 on a white table with a background of a blurred bookshelf filled with PC component boxes. Its shot from the top edge that shows the control button on top.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M3 standing on a white table with a background of a blurred bookshelf filled with PC component boxes. It shows the LCD screen with a QR code shown on screen.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M3 standing on a white table with a background of a blurred bookshelf filled with PC component boxes. It shows the back open with the cover to the side and the installed battery.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M3 with a background of a blurred bookshelf filled with PC component boxes. It is a close up of the Nighthawk Logo at the top of the LCD screen.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M3 standing on a white table with a background of a blurred bookshelf filled with PC component boxes. It shows the screen filled with the network information.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M3 standing on a white table with a background of a blurred bookshelf filled with PC component boxes. It shows the LCD screen with the Netgear logo on it as it boots.
  • The Netgear Nighthawk M3 laying on a white table with a background of a blurred bookshelf filled with PC component boxes.It lays on its back showing the bottom edge with the USB C port and two TS-9 ports on either end.
Highly Recommended

Netgear Nighthawk M3

Hands-on Review
4 /5
Editor’s Rating
How We Review
Specifications
  • Standard: WiFi 6
  • Frequency Bands: 2.4 and 5GHz
  • Max Speed: 3.6Gbps
  • LAN Ports: None
  • WAN/LAN: None
  • CPU: Snapdragon X62 5G Modem-RF
  • USB: USB Type-C 5Gbps
  • Dimensions: 105 x 105 x 21.5mm (4.14 x 4.14 x 0.85in)
  • Weight: 256 g (0.56 lb) with battery
Show more
Reasons to Buy
  • Great network management features
  • Easy to set up and connect
  • Strong option for multiple device connections
  • Option for running on battery life
Reasons to Avoid
  • Could benefit from including an antenna
  • An additional thing to carry requires a SIM plan to use
  • Rather expensive for what it offers

An alternative to the more expensive M6 Pro, the Nighthawk M3 is another battery-powered mobile router. Utilizing just a SIM card for its broadband, it enables you to create a hotspot for your wireless devices to connect to. With it utilizing a WiFi 6E standard, it is rather flexible in offering 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels, along with even a guest network.

It does add that layer of security in making your own network, yet even when you change the password and network name, that appears on the screen on the router itself. That does reduce the security of it, which might not be too terrible if you don’t keep it out in the open. But it also gives us a look at the screen control, which comes from a button on the top edge, since it’s not a touchscreen and can be a bit tedious to use.

The Netgear Nighthawk M3 is a capable mobile router that provides a reliable alternative to relying solely on mobile networks or public WiFi. It offers strong connectivity options and an added layer of security compared to open networks. 

PC Guide

It also lacks any other physical ports on the router, only a Type-C USB that doubles as the charge and data port. You can use it for connecting over LAN, but it does require some extra hardware. There are also two antenna ports you can use on it, even though it doesn’t come with any; it is handy to have if you need the boost in range.

Considering its performance in our review, it might be necessary once you get to a certain range. But you might not need it if you only use ot in the short-range mobile form factor. With a size of 105 x 105 x 21.5mm (4.14 x 4.14 x 0.85in) and a weight of 256g (0.56lbs), it’s definitely an easier one to take around with you and set up easily.

In the tables below, you can see the performance of the router in our tests when using it on a 5G Vodafone connection. It does lack some speed at 2.4GHz, but it does manage to hold up in the 5GHz department. That is in the PHY speeds, and performance will vary on the network you join.

Range (ft)Signal strength (dBm)Physical download (Mbps)Physical upload (Mbps)Download speed (Mbps)Upload speed (Mbps)Latency (ms)
10-541306824.923.530
30-66130347.213.145
2.4GHz Nighthawk M3 performance
Range (ft)Signal strength (dBm)Physical download (Mbps)Physical upload (Mbps)Download speed (Mbps)Upload speed (Mbps)Latency (ms)
10-66113464821024.79
30-74113421610920.69
60-881134368.651.5826
5GHz Nighthawk M3 performance

How to select the best travel router

A handful of factors need to be considered when choosing a travel router. It’s not all about going for the most expensive or the smallest one. Plenty of options are available, but instead of spending top dollar on the fanciest, here are some considerations that should help you make an informed decision. 

Size

The first factor you need to consider is the size of the router. You don’t want to haul a router that takes up a lot of space and increases the weight of your luggage. There are plenty of routers that are small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket and make for excellent options. So, we recommend opting for a router with a compatible Wi-Fi standard with your devices, and is light and small enough to carry. 

The Netgear Nighthawk M3 laying on a white table with a background of a blurred bookshelf filled with PC component boxes.It lays on its back showing the bottom edge with the USB C port and two TS-9 ports on either end.
Netgear Nighthawk M3 TS-9 ports, Image by PC Guide

Speed

The latest Wi-Fi standard is WiFi 7, and while it has a significant performance lead over Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, it isn’t as widely supported as the latter standards. That said, the speed of Wi-Fi 6 and 6E is nothing to laugh at and should be more than enough for various entertainment and professional needs while traveling.  

Power source

One of the most important factors to consider while deciding on which travel router to get is the power source. Some options are battery-operated, while others require a direct and continuous power connection to operate. Both have pros and cons, and we recommend weighing them to see which options best suit your needs. 

Travel router FAQs

Are travel routers better than phone hotspots?

Yes, travel routers are better than phone hotspots. A travel router also relies on a mobile network or a SIM to create a network; however, since they have stronger antennas, they can capture signals from far away and provide a fast and stable internet connection. They also aren’t reliant on their batteries like a mobile phone and can be powered by a charging port in your car or from a wall socket.

That being said, there are plenty of travel routers with batteries, but since they are only being used for one task, they generally last longer. Also, a portable router can handle more devices being connected to it than an average phone hotspot, making it a great option for a large travel party.

GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) antennae standing, Image by PCGuide
GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) antennae standing, Image by PCGuide

Are travel routers safe?

Public Wi-Fi can be unsafe, and your data can be stolen, especially if you’re working or handling sensitive information on the go. So, travel routers add an extra layer of protection between your device and public Wi-Fi. They also come with a VPN and allow you to use your own VPN. That makes them safe to use and much better than public availability.

Do you need a SIM card for a travel router?

Travel routers nowadays support a SIM card or even an eSIM and create a network using your 5G network plan. It is best practice to utilize the SIM and create a network off that so the router works at its best. You can connect an Ethernet or hotspot to it, but that is wasting its potential in offloading the work.

Some travel routers have batteries, meaning you can create a hotspot on the go, but some require a wired power connection, meaning you’ll have to set it up at a cafe or any other place before working.

Final word

The GL.iNet Slate AX remains our top pick because it is a well-balanced portable router, with excellent performance, VPN support, and decent value. It’s compact enough to throw into any backpack while delivering enough speed and features for everything from hotel Wi-Fi to remote working. If you need complete freedom from power outlets, however, the Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro is well worth considering. Its built-in battery and 5G connectivity make it one of the most capable travel routers we’ve tested, albeit at a significantly higher price.

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About the Author

Charlie Noon

Charlie is the Affiliate manager for PC Guide. He has a vast understanding of most PC hardware and consumer essentials, using his knowledge to provide the best products and the biggest deals.