If you work remotely and travel constantly like I do, a reliable internet connection isn't a luxury — it's a lifeline. Hotel Wi-Fi is notoriously terrible, café networks are unpredictable, and public hotspots are a security minefield. Enter the portable Wi-Fi router: one of the most underrated tools in a travelling techie's arsenal.

Why You Need a Portable Router

A portable router lets you plug into any ethernet source (hotel room, Airbnb, conference centre) and instantly create your own secure, private Wi-Fi network. Some models even accept SIM cards, giving you cellular data coverage wherever you go. After testing more than a dozen devices over the past few years, here are my top picks.

🥇 GL.iNet Beryl AX (GL-MT3000)

This is my current daily driver and it's excellent. The Beryl AX supports Wi-Fi 6, has a USB-C power input (so it charges off the same GaN brick as my laptop), and runs OpenWrt meaning you can configure a VPN at the router level — every device on your network is automatically protected. It's about the size of a large matchbox.

🥈 TP-Link TL-WR902AC

If you're on a budget, this little TP-Link is a workhorse. It's been in my bag as a backup for two years straight and hasn't let me down once. Dual-band AC750, multiple modes (router, repeater, access point), and it runs on USB power. Can't ask for more at this price point.

🥉 Slate Plus (GL-A1300)

A great middle ground. Faster than the TP-Link, more affordable than the Beryl AX, and also runs OpenWrt. It has an SD card slot which I've used to set up a tiny travel NAS for sharing files across devices on the road.

My Travel Router Setup

I always carry the Beryl AX as my primary and the TP-Link as a backup. The Beryl AX runs a WireGuard VPN 24/7, so no matter what network I plug into, all my traffic is encrypted and routed through my home server. It's completely transparent to every device — my phone, tablet, and laptop all think they're at home.

"A portable router is worth its weight in gold. Once you travel with one, you'll wonder how you ever survived without it."

Tips for Using Portable Routers Abroad

  1. Always carry a short ethernet cable. Many hotels still have a wired port hiding behind the TV.
  2. Change the default admin password the moment you set it up.
  3. Use WireGuard, not OpenVPN — it's faster and more battery-friendly.
  4. Check power requirements — most modern travel routers are USB powered which means one less adapter to pack.

I'll be writing a dedicated guide on setting up a VPN on the GL.iNet routers soon. Stay tuned!

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