HooToo Wireless
Travel Router- Overall Rating
- Extremely easy to set up
Can bridge existing wifi networks
Instant media backup
Extremely small, lightweight
Reliable and secure connection
TP-Link N300
wireless portable router- Overall Rating
- Instantly creates a secure wifi hotspot
300 Mbps speed at a 2.4 GHz band
Advanced encryption for better protection
Very pocket-friendly size
Great wifi device for car use
Netgear Nighthawk
cable modem- Overall Rating
- Ultra-speed internet access
Compatible with Xfinity internet
Enhanced features such as call forwarding
Easy to setup
Fast internet
Introduction
Are you a traveler? Then, you must surely be aware of the complexities you have to face when connecting to the internet while traveling across countries. Mobile roaming features cost an arm and a leg and walking around looking for free public wifi centers is hectic, not to mention dangerous. Don’t even get me started on hotel wifi. These are shared by everyone staying at the hotel and will never give you enough speed or security.
But there is a simple and affordable solution to this. Just buy a portable wifi router! These routers are designed to fit your pocket or backpack easily and will give you reliable connectivity wherever you go. So, whether you are planning a trip across Asia or a cruise in the Atlantic, portable wifi routers will get you covered. Why wait for more? Splurge in one of these top 10 portable travel routers and you will forever thank yourself for it.
You may also like these reviews:
Overview Comparison Table of 10 best Portable Wifi router
| S.N. | Mini Exercise bike | Image | Features | Ratings | Product link |
| 1. | TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router |  | • Pocket sized • Creates a secure • Wi-Fi hotspot • High speed for video streaming and online gaming • Pre encryption function |  |  |
| 2. | NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem |  | • Works with any wifi router • 4 gigabit ethernet ports for faster connection • Compatible with xfinity internet and voice service • Voice phone support with enhanced call features | | |
| 3. | HooToo Wireless Travel Router |  | • Can convert a wired network to wireless • Creates a secure Wi-Fi network • Endless media streaming • Lightweight and small |  | |
| 4. | GL.iNET wireless mini portable travel router |  | • Convert a public network to a private Wi-Fi • Pre-installed VPN • Powered by any laptop USB or power bank • Dual ethernet ports |  | |
| 5. | Huawei mobile wi-fi hotspot |  | • Supports rapid download speeds • Menu style LCD UI with multiple language support • Can use any SIM card |  | |
| 6. | TP-Link Wi-Fi card |  | • Speeds upto 2.4 Gbps • Revolutionary OFDMA reduces lag • Two multi-directional antennas for broader coverage | | |
| 7. | NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 Mobile Hotspot 4G LTE Router |  | • Creates a secure WLAN anywhere • Wi-Fi- access for up to 20 devices • Accept all SIM cards • Data sharing and media streaming • Long battery life |  | |
| 8. | GlocalMe mobile hotspot |  | • Worldwide SIM free connection • Private security wifi • 15 hours battery life • Can be used as a powerbank |  | |
| 9. | Skyroam Solis mobile hotspot and power bank |  | • Fast global 4G LTE hotspot • Embedded power bank • Long battery life • Virtual SIM technology |  | |
| 10. | SSK portable wifi hotspot with hard drive |  | • High speed and large capacity • Smart control through app • Multiple people can share at the same time • Support wireless relay and bridging function | | |
Review of top 10 best portable wifi router
#10. SSK portable travel router with hard drive
This travel wi fi router has a large capacity of 1 TB and is operated through a wifi hotspot. The sizable storage of this device is perfect for storing a large number of media including videos. So, even if you run out of storage on your smartphone, you won’t need to sacrifice any media file. The best thing is that you can even extend the storage amount by storing some of your files in the SSK cloud storage.
As for file transfer speed, this device can operate at about 300 Mbps high-speed connection. So, anytime you need a wireless transmission, you can use the SSK cloud without any geographical restriction.
This device also allows you to divide the hard disk into parts as public and private. This works well in protecting your privacy. You can also enable Samba protocol for more protection. The SSK is the best portable router that also lets you centralize all your photos, videos, and other media.
To use this as a cell phone router, simply turn your hotspot on and connect to it through the SSK. Because this in-built router can connect with multiple users at once, if you are traveling with your family, this is a great way to connect every device to the internet. Have a long flight? Entertain your kids by streaming their favorite movies through their favorite devices!
This device also has a battery that can last a relatively long time even when it is not connected to a charging source. On average, this device will last at least 10 hours while in use. You can also use this as a power bank to charge all your devices that can be connected via a USB port.
This SSK travel router is 5.2 x 3.62 x 0.87 inches and only weighs around 12 pounds. So, this will easily fit as a pocket internet access device. Overall, this device is a great all-in-one device with a lot more functions than ordinary travel routers.
Pros
- 1 TB capacity
- 300 Mbps high-speed connection
- Can be used without any geographical restrictions
- Smart control app for easy use
- Can operate across different operating systems
- Samba protocol for more protection
- A cell phone router
- Can connect multiple users at once
- Battery last over 10 hours
- Can be used as a power bank for USB powered devices
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Might be a little hard to set up if you are a non-tech person
#9. Skyroam Solis: mobile wifi hotspot and power bank
This router is a great multitasker for all your wifi needs. With Skyroam Solis, you can travel to over 130 countries all around the world without losing the connection. This will also be a cheaper internet plan than activating a roaming plan for your mobile.
It is really simple to use this portable router. This is because this router uses a SIM-less method to connect to the internet. You don’t have to buy a different SIM each time you visit a country. Skyroam Solis will automatically operate via the virtual SIM technology. So, you’ll be connected to the best local mobile network anywhere you go. And, let’s be real. It is pretty hectic to have to buy a new SIM card or activate an expensive roaming plan. Skyroam Solis is the perfect in-between device for travelers.
However, if you still want to use your SIM, this device has an optional SIM slot. So, this would work as a great SIM card router too. You can use this as a sprint car wifi as well. And, if you are going SIM-less, purchase the 9 USD prepaid day pass or the 99 USD monthly subscription for a secure unlimited 4G LTE global connection.
With this router, it’s extremely easy to get wifi while traveling. Because of the virtual SIM technology, you get access to the best available mobile network. Skyroam can reliably access around 300 networks worldwide. So, you are not limited to a single carrier.
Apart from these incredible features, Skyroam Solis is also great as a power bank. You can charge any USB powered device with this portable wifi router. While this would reduce battery life to some extent, this battery powered wifi router can last up to 20 hours. So, you get the best portability out of it. Skyroam Solis measures 3.66 x 3.66 x 1.02 inches and weighs around 6 ounces, making it the best travel router for traveling.
Pros
- Unlimited 4G LTE connection in over 130 countries
- Access to around 300 networks worldwide
- Virtual SIM technology
- Prepaid day passes and monthly subscriptions
- Easy activation through the mobile app
- Also works as a power bank
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
- Small and lightweight
Cons
- The round shape won’t fit in pockets well
#8. GlocalMe mobile wifi router
This portable wireless router is one of the best travel routers in the market. Combined with several functions including wifi hotspot, power bank, and more, this router will give the best value for its price.
The GlocalMe portable router can be used in over 140 countries and regions. Like the Skyroam Solis, this too works as a virtual SIM router. So, you’ll automatically be accessing the best local mobile network through this device. This device can be used in so many regions. As a result, you can effectively use it as wifi for boats as well.
And, GlocalMe also guarantees fast and secure 4G LTE connection with maximum download speeds at 150 Mbps. The maximum upload speed is 50 Mbps. So, you are connected to the internet reliably anywhere you go.
This mini router can also connect up to 5 devices. So, your smartphone, laptop, kindle device, and any other device you have can be easily connected. You’ll get to enjoy fast internet access at the same time. There are no extra roaming charges and the network is optimized to reduce congestion.
This router comes with a handy mobile app as well. Use this app to manage your hotspot and purchase more internet plans at a low cost. This device also comes with in-built apps such as translators and navigation to help things become easier while you are traveling.
But that’s not all. GlocalMe is also a power bank that can charge your smartphone in case the battery dies down. Plus, the battery of this device has about 15 hours of life. So, you have enough time to use it until you have to recharge again. The 6.7 x 4.4 x 1.8 inches size and 14-ounce weight make GlocalMe extremely portable and easily pocketable. This is truly a smart pocket wifi choice.
Pros
- Can be used in over 140 countries and regions
- Virtual SIM technology
- Fast and secure 4G LTE connection
- Maximum download speed of 150 Mbps and maximum upload speed of 50 Mbps
- Can connect up to 5 devices
- Handy app to manage the wifi connection
- Several useful in-built apps
- Works as a power bank
- Lasts up to 15 hours
Cons
- Can only connect 5 devices
Â
#7. Netgear Nighthawk M1 SIM card wifi router
This is one of the best portable wifi routers for frequent travelers. If you live in an area that does not have fast internet, this Netgear router will be an efficient way to get access to high-speed 4G LTE internet. This device is capable of 1 Gbps speeds and you’ll be gaming, streaming HD videos, and video calling with no interruptions.
This device can connect up to 20 devices. So, it is perfect for business trips or family trips. Best of all, it will create a private WLAN every time you connect to the internet. So, this is a safe network to share with everyone in your team.
Nighthawk M1 is a SIM card wifi router. You can connect any SIM of your choice to this device. However, for the best functionality, we suggest you use an AT&T SIM or a T-Mobile SIM. Just subscribe to a data plan and use this router as your mobile hotspot. You’ll get a much faster and stable connection to the internet.
Because this router has an in-built Ethernet port, this is the best travel router for hotels. You can use the ethernet port and connect to an existing network easily. This is also useful if you are working from home. You’ll get a more stable connection by connecting your laptop to a mini wireless router.
This Netgear Nighthawk traveling wireless internet router is also very easy to use. It comes with an intuitive color display that gives you several useful information such as your data usage, signal strength, and network management.
The Nighthawk M1 router is also a battery router with impressive battery life. This can last approximately 16 hours. And, this also works as a power bank. While this is not the cheapest or smallest wifi router in the market, the Nighthawk router is a good package deal when you think about it. We definitely recommend this as your travel router.
Pros
- Super speed, stable 4G LTE internet access
- Can connect up to 20 devices
- Creates its own safe WLAN
- Ethernet port included
- Large color display with useful information
- Works as a power bank for your USB powered devices
- Impressive battery life
Cons
- Not the smallest portable wifi router in the market
#6. TP-Link wifi 6 AX3000 PCIe wireless internet card
This is the best wifi card in terms of speed and connectivity. It combines the latest wifi 6 technology and Bluetooth 5.0 technology. So, you get uninterrupted connectivity even in a busy environment with many networks. And because of the Bluetooth 5.0 technology, this card has greater transfer speeds and provides the best coverage.
When you are using portable routers, you generally experience some amount of lag. But in this wifi card, there is almost no lag at all. So, this is the best buy wifi card for ultra-responsive and real-time gaming. And, you can also use this for an immersive VR experience. You cannot say that for most portable wifi routers.
This device also has an innovative design that makes using it easier. There are two high-performing, multi-directional antennas with a magnetic base. These will significantly increase your wifi reception. Just install the antennas where you get the best signal. Being low-profile, these antennas won’t take up much space on your desktop.
Besides being as fast as 2.4 Gbps, this is the best small router for security as well. It uses advanced WPA3 encryption to protect the network. So, you are always safe from malware and hackers.
The small disadvantage is that the antenna wire is shorter. But the wider coverage makes up for it. And, it’s a little bulkier than a dongle and requires a 2.0 USB port to connect with your devices. However, when you consider the advantages, this TP-Link wifi card is the best in its class. It’s a little on the expensive side but we can assure you that it will be worth it.
Pros
- Latest wifi 6 technology
- Bluetooth 5.0 technology
- Ultra-responsive, no lag connectivity
- 4 Gbps speed
- Two high-performing, multi-directional antennas with a magnetic base
- Wider coverage
- Advanced WPA3 encryption for security
- Very easy to set-up and use
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulkier than a dongle
Â
#5. Huawei E5577Cs-321 4G LTE mobile wifi hotspot and portable modem
This small router is a great wifi pockets router. It measures 2.28 x 3.81 x 0.53 inches and weighs around 2 ounces. So, it’s a great fit for your pocket. And, this is also a SIM card modem and you can use any SIM of your choice to connect to the internet.
As for speed, this Huawei router is capable of a rapid 150 Mbps 4G LTE download speed and 50 Mbps upload speed. So, you’ll have fast and uninterrupted access to the internet. It is a perfect wifi mini router for travelers. You can also use this small router as mobile wifi for cars.
When you travel, buy a local SIM card, pop it in, subscribe to a data plan, and start surfing. This router is capable of 4G LTE speeds in Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, and 3G speeds globally. However, this portable wifi router is not compatible with T-Mobile and some 3G CDMA networks such as Verizon and Sprint.
This router is also capable of connecting to 10 wifi-enabled devices. So, you can effectively use this on business trips and family vacations. The only thing that is a little undesirable about this router is the subpar battery life. It will last 6 hours at most. But you can use a portable recharger to recharge this device on the go.Â
Other than the one small flaw in battery life, this is a great device to connect to the internet with no hassle. You will especially appreciate this if you are frequently skipping countries.
Pros
- 150 Mbps 4G LTE rapid download speed
- An upload speed of 50 Mbps
- 4G LTE speeds in Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa
- Can connect to 10 devices
- One of the best USB wifi modems in the market
- Great portable wifi for car use
- Extremely pocket-friendly
Cons
- Not compatible with some SIMs including T-Mobile and Sprint
- Short battery life
#4. GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 wireless mini portable travel router
This GL.iNET micro router is the smallest wireless router you can buy for the best price. While it’s a very affordable option in the mini wifi router range, it will not disappoint you with its capability. This router is an awesome device to turn any public wifi to your own private wifi.
Simply connect this device to the ethernet by the ethernet port and this will start pumping out wifi right away. So, if you are traveling to a place with public wifi, a hotel, or a café for instance, take this with you and create your own WLAN. This will keep you safe among the many devices connected to the public network. This device can also take your mobile hotspot or signals from 3G/4G USB modems and turn it to secure, private wifi.
The GL.iNET USB router can also be powered by any device including your laptop, power bank, or 5V DC adapter. So, anywhere you go, you are easily and conveniently connected. Plus, if you are going on a business trip and need this router for work, you can skip carrying a power adapter and just charge it using your laptop.
Want more privacy? This GL.iNET router has you covered. It comes with a very secure data encryption technology and even has pre-installed OpenVPN. This VPN is fast and supports more than 30 different OpenVPN service providers and Wireguard. So, you can surf all you want without any worry about your privacy.
This smallest router is open source and programmable. And, it has a large storage space of 128MB RAM, and 16MB Flash ROM. For ports, this device comes with two ethernet ports and a USB port. This is a great pocket wifi device that only measures 2.28 x 2.28 x 0.98 inches and weighs 1.41 ounces.
Overall, we would say that this is one of the best options for a traveler. Looking for small routers that can be easily carry in a pocket or backpack and still functions well enough? This GL.iNET portable wifi router is the perfect router for your needs.
Pros
- Turns any public wifi to a private wifi network
- Can turn mobile hotspot into wifi
- Great for travelers staying at hotels
- Great USB wifi router that can be charged using your laptop, power bank, or a 5V DC power adapter
- Secure encryption technology
- Pre-installed OpenVPN is compatible with over 30 OpenVPN service providers and Wireguard
- One of the smallest among small wifi routers
- Very lightweight and portable
Cons
- Configuration may be a little hard for non-techies
#3. HooToo wireless travel router
This travel router is an extremely capable USB wireless router that can instantly turn a wired network connection to a wireless wifi connection. You can also use this for functions such as bridging an existing wireless wifi network and creating your own secure private network.
Setting up the HooToo router is extremely easy even if you have no previous experience setting up routers. You’ll be streaming media on your iPhone, Android phone, or other mobile devices in no time. But that is not all. This router will also let you stream media seamlessly on your smart TV, media player, Chromecast, Roku TV, and other DLNA devices.
The HooToo portable wifi router comes with an in-built hard disk that can be used to easily backup your images, videos, and other media. So, you never have to worry about running out of space. Simply transfer your media to the HooToo router.
This router is also one of the best USB wireless routers to extend your home network or to get a wireless connection from a wired network. If you are staying at a hotel that only has wired wifi, connect this router to the ethernet port, and get wireless wifi.
While you can connect your mobile device to this, it is not a phone router. So, it will not work as a hotspot for your smartphone. However, this is the best device to ensure that you get a reliable and secure connection while on the go. And, because this device is very small and fits a pocket easily, you can take this device with you anywhere you go.
Pros
- Can turn any wired wifi network to a wireless wifi network
- Can bridge existing wifi networks
- Creates its own secure private network every time you connect to the internet
- Extremely easy to set up
- Can be used to stream media from smart TV, media player, Chromecast, Roku TV, other DLNA devices, and smartphones seamlessly
- Backup your media instantly
- Great choice to extend your home network
- Best for frequent travelers who rely on hotel wifi and public wifi
- Can be used as a car router
- Reliable and secure connection
- Extremely small, lightweight, and portable
Cons
- Cannot be used as a hotspot
#2. Netgear Nighthawk cable modem
This Netgear Nighthawk cable modem is ideal for a gigabit cable internet plan. It can connect to any router using the ethernet port and will give you gigabit speeds instantly. So, anywhere you go, this router will give you a fast internet connection.
The big reason behind this ultra-speed is the link aggregation method. It combines two 1G ports into a 2G port, making everything extra fast. You can use the connection to operate all your devices including your laptop, game box, printer, and other devices.
Netgear Nighthawk also supports Xfinity voice services. You can connect up to 2 telephone lines with several enhanced features such as caller ID, 3-way conference calling, call forwarding, and more. However, while this travel modem is compatible with Xfinity internet and voice services, this is not compatible with non-Xfinity voice services including Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, and DISH.
Pros
- Ideal for a gigabit cable internet plan
- Can be used with any router
- Ultra-speed internet access
- Compatible with Xfinity internet and voice services
- Can connect up to 2 telephone lines
- Enhanced features such as call forwarding, 3-way conference calling, and more
- Reduces costs
- Easy to setup
- Fast internet
Cons
- Not compatible with non-Xfinity voice services
#1. TP-Link N300 wireless portable nano travel routerÂ
This pocket wifi router is a great device that can be used to connect to the internet effortlessly. Being a nano router, it measures 2.2 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches and weighs around 7 ounces. So, you can also take this anywhere. It easily fits any pocket, backpack, or purse.
When connecting to the internet, this router instantly creates a secure wifi hotspot. If you are traveling with friends, family, or your colleagues, you can share this wifi with them as well. This router has a speed of about 300 Mbps at a 2.4 gigahertz band. With this speed, streaming HD videos and doing your other routine tasks such as sending emails will be easy and seamless.
This portable wifi router also supports access point, client, router, repeater, and bridge modes. It is also a very secure device. It offers advanced security through encryption for all your connections. The pre-encryption function sets an initial SSID and password for protection. So, we’d say that this is a great pocket wifi sprint compatible device for all your wifi needs.
TP-Link N300 is compatible with all 2.4 gigahertz devices including Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV Stick. So, you can watch your favorite videos anywhere. As for charging, this small router charges with an external adapter or USB port. You can connect it to a wall socket or your laptop for charging.
This router also works as a repeater. So, if you live in a large, or multi-layer home and experience dead zones, it can help ensure that your whole house gets enough coverage. You can also turn this into a car wifi router.
Overall, this is a great device to use as a travel router. While more expensive products would have several other features, this router is very affordable and will easily fulfill your basic wifi needs.
Pros
- Instantly creates a secure wifi hotspot
- 300 Mbps speed at a 2.4 gigahertz band
- Seamless video streaming and gaming experience
- Supports several modes including access point, client, router, repeater, and bridge modes
- Advanced encryption for better protection
- Compatible with all 2.4 gigahertz devices such as Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Can be charged with an external adapter or USB port
- Can be used to extend existing wifi networks
- Affordable price
- Great wifi device for car use
- Very pocket-friendly size
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not compatible with VPN
Comprehensive buying guide of portable wifi router
Important factors to consider when buying a portable router
- Bandwidth
Bandwidth is one thing you most certainly should consider when buying a portable router. If you are using the router for regular work such as checking your email, you don’t need a fast router. But, if you are going to be streaming videos or gaming, a faster router with higher bandwidth is the best option.
- Range and coverage
Portable wifi routers naturally have no antennas and don’t cover a large range. And, you don’t really want a router with a wide range if you are traveling with it. If your router has a wider range, it will be seen by others in that range as well. To stop your private network from being found, select a router that can give just enough coverage to connect all your devices.
- Wireless frequencies
Like most routers, portable routers have two frequencies as a single band and dual-band. If you are connecting to wifi in a busy place, the dual-band would help to avoid the congested traffic of other devices. So, to avoid traffic and get faster internet, buy a dual-band portable wifi router.
- Security
Most routers have some level of security including encryption and password protection. Some portable routers give higher levels of protection with the ability to enable VPN. If you want more protection, get a portable router with advanced protection methods.
- Connectivity
Portable wifi routers are mainly useful in converting a wired network to a wireless network by connecting to the ethernet port. Other than that, wifi routers can also extend and strengthen a wifi signal and act as a mobile hotspot for your devices.
Benefits of using a portable wifi router
- Portability
The number one benefit of portable routers is their portability. These routers are small in size and easily fit in a pocket, making it convenient to carry them wherever you go.
- Increased security when accessing public wifi
Accessing public wifi such as hotel wifi directly through your devices is not safe. Connecting to public wifi through a portable wifi router will ensure that the safety of your devices is not compromised.
- Access wireless wifi anywhere
While some hotels do have wireless wifi, most of the time, you are only given access to an ethernet cable. So, you may not be able to connect all your devices to the internet as you like it. But, by connecting a portable wifi router, you can get wireless wifi anywhere in the world.
- Convenient
With the increased security and portability, portable wifi routers are extremely convenient. And, they have many additional features that make connecting to the internet while on the go an easy task to achieve. You can even use these in your car as portable car wifi.
- Best for those who work while traveling
Do you find yourself having to travel a lot because of work? Then, you should definitely invest in a portable wifi router. These are very easy to use and can connect from 5 to 20 devices. So, you may be able to share the connection with your work colleagues as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final words
Here’s a summary of the top 10 best portable wifi routers we covered in this article.
- TP-Link N300 wireless portable nano travel router
- Netgear Nighthawk cable modem
- HooToo wireless travel router
- iNET GL-MT300N-V2 wireless mini portable travel router
- Huawei E5577Cs-321 4G LTE mobile wifi hotspot and portable modem
- TP-Link wifi 6 AX3000 PCIe wireless internet card
- Netgear Nighthawk M1 SIM card wifi router
- GlocalMe mobile wifi router
- Skyroam Solis: mobile wifi hotspot and power bank
- SSK portable travel router with hard drive
We hope you now have an idea of the best portable wifi routers in the market. Read the buying guide for insight on how to choose the best router for your needs. For your ease, we’ve selected 3 high-performing portable wifi routers. If you are stuck on what to choose, why not go with one of these devices?
- Best mobile wifi hotspot – Skyroam Solis: mobile wifi hotspot and power bank
- Best portable modem – Netgear Nighthawk cable modem
- Best overall portable wifi router – GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 wireless mini portable travel router
We chose the GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 wireless mini portable travel router as the best router among our list. This router can convert a wired public wifi network to wireless private wifi effortlessly. It comes with dual ethernet ports and can be conveniently powered through your laptop or a power bank. And, it’s also a very secure device to use.
Want to buy the GL.iNET GL-MT300N-V2 wireless mini portable travel router? Check prices on Amazon.
That is helpful too. Your list is great I used a lot of them but some of them have network issues. I need a 4G router for my trip I want to buy a wireless portable nano travel router TP-Link N300 is this good?
Thanks for the mention and linklove. Wow you’ve got great resources and interesting stuff here. I’ve bookmarked your site and will be back for sure. Keep in touch.
ramleona recently posted…Download Hik Connect for PC Windows 7/8/10 and Mac Free