Best travel routers for hotel Wi-Fi in 2025
Many hotels have slow, unreliable, and unsafe Wi-Fi, which makes it difficult to stay connected when traveling. Luckily, you can solve this by using a travel router. But, with so many routers claiming to offer the best Wi-Fi connection, choosing the right travel router can be challenging.
I partnered with the Cybernews research team to review and compare some of the top routers available today and create a list of the best travel routers for hotel Wi-Fi. In this guide, I’ll highlight five travel routers for secure, fast, and stable internet connectivity and help you select the best router for your needs.
Best travel routers for hotel Wi-Fi – shortlist
- TP-Link Ultra-Portable Wi-Fi 6 AX1500 Travel Router TL-WR1502X – overall best travel router for hotel Wi-Fi
- GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Portable Travel Router – high-speed hotel router with support for VPNs
- TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router(TL-WR902AC) – best budget-friendly hotel Wi-Fi router
- Cudy TR3000 Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Wireless 2.5Gb Travel Router – best hotel Wi-Fi router for multiple devices
- ASUS RT-AX57 Go - AX3000 Dual Band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Travel Router – best travel router for hotels with extendable coverage
The best travel routers for hotel Wi-Fi compared
The table below shows the features, prices, and other details of the best hotel Wi-Fi routers to allow you to compare them side by side:
| Model name | Pricing | Best for | Speed and Wi-Fi standard | Key features |
| TP-Link Ultra-Portable Wi-Fi 6 AX1500 Travel Router TL-WR1502X | Mid-range | Business | Wi-Fi 6 | Access Point mode, Guest mode, internet security, remote access, parental control |
| GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Portable Travel Router | Premium | Secure remote working | Wi-Fi 6 | Quality of service (QoS), Access Point mode, Guest mode |
| TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router(TL-WR902AC) | Affordable | Budget travelers and streaming | Wi-Fi 5 | Multiple modes, multi-functional USB port |
| Cudy TR3000 Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Wireless 2.5Gb Travel Router | Mid-range | General indoor use | Wi-Fi 6 | Access Point mode, WPS, compatible with virtual private networks (VPNs) |
| ASUS RT-AX57 Go - AX3000 Dual Band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Travel Router | Premium | Gaming | Wi-Fi 6 | AiMesh, AiProtection, WISP mode, Tri-mode connectivity |
5 best travel routers for hotel Wi-Fi – our detailed list
Let’s dive into my detailed review of the five best travel routers for hotel Wi-Fi and see what you should expect from each of them:
1. TP-Link Ultra-Portable Wi-Fi 6 AX1500 Travel Router TL-WR1502X – overall best travel router for hotel Wi-Fi in 2025
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band |
| Max speed: | 1,500Mbps |
| Best for: | Business |
The TP-Link Ultra-Portable Wi-Fi 6 AX1500 Travel Router TL-WR1502X is the number one travel router for hotel Wi-Fi on my list. This pocket-sized router is perfect for travelers. It supports multiple modes, making it suitable for use in different situations.
This router supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard, providing fast wireless speeds of up to 1,500Mbps — 1,201Mbps on 5GHz and 300Mbps on 2.4GHz. This means you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and downloading. I like that you can power this router with a power bank and not risk losing your connectivity.
Another thing that I found remarkable is that the TP-Link Ultra-Portable Wi-Fi 6 AX1500 Travel Router TL-WR1502X router supports multiple modes. These include Router, Access Point, Range Extender, Hotspot, Client, and 3G and 4G Modem mode. Due to this, you can create stable Wi-Fi connections at home, in cafes, hotel rooms, RVs, or on the road.
This travel router also has a captive portal that transforms a public network into a private one. To avoid the hassle of authenticating all of your connected devices, you need to complete the captive portal authentication during the router configuration process.
2. GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Portable Travel Router – high-speed hotel router with support for VPNs
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band |
| Max speed: | 3,000Mbps |
| Best for: | Security |
The GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Portable Travel Router is an excellent choice if you're looking for a travel router with high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity. It supports speeds of up to 3,000Mbps, which allows you to stream your favorite videos, play games without lags, and download larger files.
Another reason I rank this router so high on my list is its incredible network security. Plus, it supports VPNs. The router has OpenVPN and WireGuard pre-installed, making it compatible with 30+ VPN services. The router automatically encrypts your network traffic when you log in to your existing VPN account.
I was impressed by the router’s robust security features, including WPA3 protocol, preventive measures against brute-force password attacks, DNS over HTTPS, and DNS over TLS. This portable router protects domain name system traffic and prevents eavesdropping from malicious parties. It even implements IPv6 authentication.
The GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) Portable Travel Router runs on the OpenWrt 21.02 firmware. It supports over 5,000 ready-made plug-ins, and you can customize it to suit your needs.
3. TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router(TL-WR902AC) – best budget-friendly hotel Wi-Fi router
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band |
| Max speed: | 750Mbps |
| Best for: | Business |
While the TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router(TL-WR902AC) doesn’t provide the fastest speeds, it allows you to work while on the road. This router is also very budget-friendly, so it’s an excellent option if you don’t want to break the bank.
I like the sleek design of the TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router(TL-WR902AC). It is small and lightweight, making it easy to take when traveling.
I should point out that this router creates a Wi-Fi network via Ethernet. This is where all its modes came into play. In total, there are five modes. You can use its Router mode when you connect to the hotel’s Ethernet. It also has a Hotspot, Range Extender, Client, and Access Point mode.
This router supports dual-band AC750 Wi-Fi, providing a strong, fast connection for HD streaming, working, and gaming on all your devices. It has a maximum speed of 750Mbps, which is more than sufficient when traveling.
4. Cudy TR3000 Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Wireless 2.5Gb Travel Router – best hotel Wi-Fi router for multiple devices
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band |
| Max speed: | 3,000Mbps |
| Best for: | Streaming and gaming |
The Cudy TR3000 Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Wireless 2.5Gb Travel Router is compact and delivers fast internet speeds. This makes it an excellent router for strong and reliable hotel Wi-Fi connectivity.
This travel router uses Wi-Fi 6 standard and provides high-speed internet of up to 3,000Mbps. This is enough to support uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and other online activities.
The Cudy TR3000 Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Wireless 2.5Gb Travel Router has a 1.3GHz dual-core CPU, one 2.5Gbps Ethernet WAN port, one 1Gbps LAN port, and one USB 3.0 Port.
I love that you can easily use this travel router with a VPN, as it has built-in support for PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPsec, and Zerotier VPN. This makes it an excellent option to enhance your online privacy.
The Cudy TR3000 Pocket-Sized Wi-Fi 6 Wireless 2.5Gb Travel Router has different operation modes, including Wi-Fi router mode, Wireless Access point mode, and Wi-Fi Extender mode. It also has WISP mode, which converts public networks, whether wired or wireless, to private Wi-Fi.
5. ASUS RT-AX57 Go - AX3000 Dual Band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Travel Router – best AiMesh hotel Wi-Fi hotspot router
| Wi-Fi standard: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Frequency bands: | Dual-band |
| Max speed: | 1,000Mbps |
| Best for: | Multiple devices |
The ASUS RT-AX57 Go - AX3000 Dual Band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Travel Router doesn’t offer the fastest speeds, but it’s undoubtedly one of the best Wi-Fi extenders for hotels. It has an AiMesh feature, which makes it perfect for multiple devices.
This ultra-fast Wi-Fi 6 router has a 160MHz channel, which significantly increases your network capacity, allowing you to connect up to 70 devices and enjoy internet speeds of up to 3,000 Mbps.
The most unique feature of this travel router is you can use it as an extendable router. More precisely, it’s compatible with ASUS AiMesh-compatible routers, allowing you to ensure better coverage wherever you are. The router also supports tri-mode connectivity.
The ASUS RT-AX57 Go AX3000 Dual Band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Travel Router comes with AiProtection. This means you’ll get real-time protection from internet threats on all of your connected devices. This means you don’t have to worry about threats that could compromise your network safety while traveling.
How did we select the best travel routers for hotel Wi-Fi?
I worked with the Cybernews research team to conduct extensive reviews and rank the best travel router for hotel Wi-Fi. Here’s an overview of the testing criteria I used to evaluate each travel router:
- Speed and performance. I investigated the speed and performance of each travel router by checking its Wi-Fi standard, connectivity type, and processors.
- Coverage area. Coverage is another crucial I considered while compiling this list of the best travel routers for hotel room Wi-Fi. This helped me determine whether the router would offer sufficient coverage for an area spanning the average hotel room size without any dead zones.
- Number of supported devices. In addition to coverage and speed, I also focused on the number of supported devices. This is crucial if you want to access the internet on your smartphone, laptop, or other device.
- Security features. I looked at the type of encryption the router uses and all its safety features.
- Ease of setup and use. I assessed the ease of setup and user-friendliness of each travel router and selected the ones that can be set up in a few simple steps. All the routers on my shortlist also have apps that allow you to control and configure them without any hassle.
- Price-to-performance ratio. Last but not least, I selected hotel Wi-Fi routers with the best price-to-performance ratios. All my recommended travel routers are worth the price.
What’s a travel router?
A travel router is a small network device that allows you to access the internet safely on the go. While you can use a travel router at home, that’s not what they’re designed for. You can connect multiple devices to a travel router, including phones, laptops, tablets, and even streaming devices.
Travel routers are usually very lightweight and portable (sometimes pocket-sized), so you can easily take them on your trips. Some travel routers even double as portable batteries, allowing you to charge your phone while serving as an internet router.
Some travel routers connect you to the internet using cellular data. This is usually labeled as hotspot mode. However, you need to insert a SIM card in your router to access cellular data. Most
Many routers provide internet connectivity to your devices by connecting to a hotel Wi-Fi network and creating a private Wi-Fi network that you can use. You can even connect some routers to the hotel’s internet via an Ethernet port.
Most travel routers use encryption to protect your private data over public networks. Some travel routers even support VPNs, so you can add an extra layer of protection.
Why use a travel router in a hotel?
Using a travel router in a hotel can help enhance your security, improve the strength of Wi-Fi signals, and connect multiple devices to the internet. That said, let’s go through some of the most common problems with hotel Wi-Fi and how travel routers can solve them:
- Weak signal strength. The Wi-Fi network in hotels is usually very weak. Using a travel router in a hotel is one of the best ways to improve the speed and stability of your internet connection. Therefore, you’ll avoid weak signal strength and be able to work, stream, or play video games without any connectivity issues.
- Poor security. Many hotels have unencrypted networks, which can compromise the safety of your confidential data. Travel routers usually come with comprehensive privacy protection features.
- Device connection limits. Some hotels limit the number of devices you can use to one or two per room. However, you can lift this restriction with a travel router and connect all your devices.
- Slow speeds due to bandwidth throttling. Hotel ISPs can throttle your speeds if you engage in data-intensive activities. However, if you use a travel router with a VPN, you can enjoy high-speed internet connectivity without the ISP tracking your online activities and throttling your connection.
Key features to look for in a travel router for hotel Wi-Fi
Here are some must-have features to look out for when shopping for a travel router:
- Compact size and portability. The first thing you should look for is a lightweight and portable design. Look for features that make the travel router easy to pack, such as folding antennas, travel pouches, and small dimensions.
- Security features. Check the security features of the travel router, like encryption standards (WPA3, WPA2), built-in VPN support to mask your online traffic, and firewalls and network isolation for enhanced protection.
- Multiple device support. Check if the travel router supports multiple devices. This ensures you can connect all of your devices without needing to log in individually.
- Bandwidth and speed. Another crucial factor is the bandwidth and speed of the router. To avoid slow speeds, I recommend purchasing dual-band or tri-band routers. Some routers even prioritize certain types of traffic, like gaming and video calls, to optimize performance.
- Easy setup. It’s essential to purchase a router that’s easy to set up. I recommend plug-and-play routers that can be set up in a few easy steps. Also, look for user-friendly interfaces and native apps that let you configure the router from your phone.
- Power options. Consider the router's power options. Some travel routers are battery-operated, while others may require an external power source, such as USB or AC adapters.
Travel router vs personal hotspot: which one is better?
If you can’t decide whether you need a travel router or a personal hotspot, I’ll explain what each offers so you can choose the option that best suits your needs. Before I delve into the details, I should note that travel routers are better for business professionals, while personal hotspots are perfect for casual travelers.
Now, let’s briefly review what travel routers and personal hotspot connections offer.
Travel router:
- Multiple device connectivity
- Ideal for group or family use
- Can extend existing Wi-Fi signals
- More secure connection
- Often supports VPN connections
Personal hotspot:
- Portable and easy to use
- Requires a mobile plan or SIM card
- Limited to a few devices
- Can drain your phone’s battery
- Less secure than routers
Based on my research, travel routers are a better solution for enhancing privacy, improving the Wi-Fi signal, and connecting more devices. However, if you don’t need robust connections or simply want to browse the Internet, you might be better off with a personal hotspot.
How to choose the right travel router for hotel Wi-Fi?
Choosing the right travel router for hotel Wi-Fi can be tricky. But don’t worry. I’ve got your back. Let’s briefly go over a few factors to keep in mind when selecting a router:
- Consider your travel needs. Define your priorities, whether portability, security, or strong connections. This will help you narrow down your choices.
- Budget. Check the average prices of travel routers and set a budget. There are many budget-friendly routers available today, but ensure the router you choose has all the features you need.
- Specific features. Another thing to consider is whether you need any additional features, such as file sharing or media streaming. This will also give you a clear direction when selecting a travel router for hotel Wi-Fi.
- Hotel Wi-Fi quality. Consider the Wi-Fi quality. In other words, always prepare for weaker signals. I recommend getting a router with additional support, like signal boosting.
How to set up a travel router in a hotel
Setting up a travel router in a hotel is very easy. Just follow the step-by-step instructions below to get started:
- Plug in the router. You need to connect the router to the hotel room’s Ethernet port or Wi-Fi network.
- Access the router’s settings. Log in to the router through its native mobile app, or if it doesn’t offer one, use your web browser.
- Secure the connection. Change the default SSID and password to enhance your network security.
- Enable a VPN. If the travel router comes with a VPN, turn it on to encrypt your connection for better security.
- Connect your devices. Connect your devices to your travel router’s Wi-Fi network to establish a secure connection.
Travel router security tips for hotel Wi-Fi
Here are a few tips on how to improve the safety of your travel router, especially if your hotel Wi-Fi network is not secure:
- Use a VPN. If you have a VPN, consider using it when traveling to encrypt your internet traffic and enhance your safety on public networks. It will also mask your online activities from hotel ISPs and circumvent bandwidth throttling.
- Avoid public hotspots. Using your router’s private network can help you avoid the risks associated with public Wi-Fi in hotels. Public Wi-Fi can pose a significant threat to your privacy, so it's important to take advantage of your router’s security measures.
- Change default router passwords. You can increase your security by changing your router's factory settings, particularly the password. I recommend choosing a strong password that is difficult to guess.
A final word on the best travel router for hotel Wi-Fi
Travel routers have a lot of benefits. They provide stronger network signals and better security, allowing you to connect multiple devices to the internet seamlessly.
While the best travel router for hotel Wi-Fi depends on your specific needs, the TP-Link Ultra-Portable Wi-Fi 6 AX1500 Travel Router TL-WR1502X is my top pick for its compact design and high-speed connectivity.
Regardless of which travel router you choose, it’s important to prioritize security and reliability, especially if you’re a frequent traveler or you work remotely.
FAQ
What is the best travel router for hotel Wi-Fi?
The TP-Link Ultra-Portable Wi-Fi 6 AX1500 Travel Router TL-WR1502X is the overall best travel router for hotel Wi-Fi. It uses the Wi-Fi 6 generation and offers multiple operation modes for travelers.
Do I need a travel router if I have a smartphone hotspot?
Yes, you may need a travel router even if you have a smartphone hotspot. A travel router can extend hotspot coverage and offer multiple VPN support, enhancing your overall experience.
How does a travel router protect my privacy on hotel Wi-Fi?
Travel routers protect your privacy on hotel Wi-Fi using robust security features, such as encryption and VPN support, to make you less vulnerable to security threats.
Can I use a travel router with hotel Wi-Fi that requires a login?
Yes, you can use a travel router with hotel Wi-Fi that requires a login. You just need to log in to the router, and you can then connect your devices to the internet.
Is a VPN necessary when using a travel router for hotel Wi-Fi?
No, a VPN isn’t necessary when using a travel router for hotel Wi-Fi, but I strongly recommend it, especially if the router doesn’t have robust safety features.
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