2 best mini travel routers

Name: GL.iNet GL-AR150 (White) Mini VPN Travel Router, Wi-Fi Converter, OpenWrt Pre-Installed, Repeater Bridge,Mobile Hotspot in Pocket,150Mbps Wireless High Performance, OpenVPN, WireGuard
Brand: GL.iNet
Price: 21.9 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.2 (250 reviews)

A mini travel router is a compact and portable networking device designed for individuals who are frequently on the move. These routers are versatile tools that can provide several networking functions to enhance your connectivity while traveling. Here are some key details about mini travel routers:

Portability: Mini travel routers are small, lightweight, and designed for easy transport. They are typically pocket-sized or smaller, making them convenient for travelers.
Wireless Connectivity: Most mini travel routers offer wireless networking capabilities, such as Wi-Fi 802.11n or 802.11ac, allowing you to create a personal Wi-Fi hotspot wherever you are. This is especially useful when you need to share a single internet connection with multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops.
Wired Connectivity: Many mini travel routers come equipped with Ethernet ports (usually one or two) that allow you to connect devices via wired connections. This can be helpful if you're in a location with limited Wi-Fi access but have access to an Ethernet connection.
Router Modes: Mini travel routers often support various operation modes, including:
- Router Mode: In this mode, the router connects to a wired or wireless internet source and shares the connection with multiple devices.
- Access Point Mode: The router can act as an access point, allowing you to add Wi-Fi functionality to a wired network.
- Repeater Mode: Some models can extend the range of an existing Wi-Fi network, improving coverage in hotels or public spaces.
- Bridge Mode: This mode connects two separate networks, allowing devices on one network to access devices on the other.
Security Features: Travel routers typically include security features like WPA/WPA2 encryption and firewall settings to help protect your network and data from unauthorized access.
USB Ports: Some mini travel routers have USB ports that can be used for various purposes, such as sharing files, connecting to a 3G/4G/5G modem for mobile internet access, or even charging devices.
Power Options: These routers are often designed to be powered through USB ports, making them compatible with various power sources, including power banks and laptop USB ports.
Compatibility: Mini travel routers are compatible with various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, and smart home devices.
User Interface: The setup and configuration of mini travel routers are usually straightforward, with web-based interfaces that allow you to customize settings and manage your network.
Price Range: Mini travel routers come in a range of price points, depending on their features and capabilities. Basic models are affordable, while more advanced routers with additional features may be more expensive.

In summary, a mini travel router is a compact networking device that provides portable Wi-Fi and wired connectivity options, making it a valuable tool for travelers. These routers are versatile and can serve multiple purposes, including creating personal hotspots, extending Wi-Fi coverage, and connecting devices to wired networks. When choosing a mini travel router, consider your specific networking needs and the features that will best suit your travel requirements.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best mini travel routers on the market

GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 Wireless Mini Portable Travel Router, Mobile Hotspot in Pocket, WiFi Repeater Bridge, Range Extender, OpenVPN Client, 300Mbps High Performance, 128MB RAM

GL.iNet

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

GL-MT300N-V2 mini travel router is the upgraded version of GL-MT300N. It is powered by MTK 7628NN 580Mhz SoC with a better Wi-Fi and a faster OpenVPN encryption. Memory increases from 64MB to 128MB.

Wi-Fi Converter:

Wi-Fi is extremely popular but still may not be available at anywhere. If you are still using a wired network at hotels or cafes, this mini router is able to convert it to a wireless network for sharing the Wi-Fi with all your devices.

Even in places like cafes or restaurants with Wi-Fi, it may not be a good idea to expose your devices to the public network directly. This router converts a public Wi-Fi to your own Wi-Fi with a firewall and then works as an agent for securer surfing. The agent connects all your devices when switching to a new Wi-Fi. You don’t have to input password for each of your devices.

The router is also able to convert your phone tethering, or 3G/4G USB modems into a private Wi-Fi.

Portable Travel Mate:

The router is lightweight, pocket friendly, and portable. It can be plugged into any laptops, power banks, or 5v DC adapters for power supply.

Open Source and Programmable:

OpenWRT is pre-installed and backed with a repository of 4000+ software packages. Pre-installed with an OpenVPN client, it works with 20+ VPN service providers.

Larger Storage and Extendibility:

The router is equipped with 128MB RAM and 16MB Flash, which can be further extend using external USB sticks. There are 2 Ethernet ports, 1 UART, and 4 GPIOs available for hardware DIY hobbyists. It is an ideal portable gateway for IoT (internet of things) development.

For more details, please check out our online documents at http://www.gl-inet.com/docs

[OPEN SOURCE & PROGRAMMABLE] OpenWrt pre-installed, USB disk extendable.
[LARGER STORAGE & EXTENDABILITY] 128MB RAM, 16MB Flash ROM, dual Ethernet ports, UART and GPIOs available for hardware DIY.
[OPENVPN CLIENT] OpenVPN client pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers.
[PACKAGE CONTENTS] GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) mini router (1-year Warranty), USB cable, Ethernet cable, User Manual. Please update to the latest firmware.

User questions & answers

Question:	How to setup middle led light to show vpn on/off status
Answer:	Max 16 at the same time.
Question:	Does it supports L2TP
Answer:	he TL-SG108E does support Link Aggregation. For more information on how to use this feature, please visit our official website to find the User Guide. Regards, TP-Link Support
Question:	can i plug a 3G / 4G dongle into this
Answer:	This does not provide wireless service so there is no radio.
Question:	will it connect to a hotel wifi through their wifi authentication and T&C screen
Answer:	Yes. though the instructions must be outdated or something. there is no "quick setup" option. First connect one computer and connect to the IP address of the router(192.168.0.1) via a web browser. You will then create a username and password for the router. In order to get the other devices to receive internet, you must go to Network settings>WAN and turn those ports to LAN by selecting the radio buttons above them. Only the port connected to the Modem should be "WAN". Then you can go to Network Setting > LAN, select DHCP Client list from the top ribbon, and you will see the connected devices.

GL.iNet GL-AR150 (White) Mini VPN Travel Router, Wi-Fi Converter, OpenWrt Pre-Installed, Repeater Bridge,Mobile Hotspot in Pocket,150Mbps Wireless High Performance, OpenVPN, WireGuard

GL.iNet

Based on 398 reviews Check latest price

OPEN SOURCE & PROGRAMMABLE: OpenWrt pre-installed, DDWrt supported. USB disk extendable.
OPENVPN CLIENT: OpenVPN client pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers.
LARGER STORAGE & EXTENSIBILITY: 64MB RAM, 16MB Flash ROM, dual Ethernet ports, UART and 2.54mm standard GPIOs available for hardware DIY.
PACKAGE CONTENTS: GL-AR150 mini router (1-year Warranty), USB cable, Ethernet cable, User Manual.

User questions & answers

Question:	Where can I find the manual? It isn't on their website
Answer:	You cannot do that. Sorry for the inconvenience!
Question:	Is this limited to 100mbs, or does it support gigabit? i assume if it were gige, it would say somewhere
Answer:	Yes
Question:	Is the usb just for usb modems, or can you use it with a cell phone to share it's connection
Answer:	Yes, you could do so. Please check the instruction here: https://docs.gl-inet.com/en/3/troubleshooting/captive_portal/
Question:	How many devices can be connected to this router simultaneously
Answer:	You should use vpn. Only using the router without vpn does not protect you too much from public wifi network.

Product features

Travel Friendly

Convert a public network (wired/wireless) to a private Wi-Fi for secure surfing. Tethering, 3G/4G USB Modem Compatible.
Only 39g (1.41 Oz) and very pocket friendly.

Flexible Power Supply

Able to use a laptop or power bank or a standard 5V/1A DC adapters (sold separately) as a power supply.
Optional PoE power supply (PoE module sold separately)