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The Best Wireless Travel Routers of 2024

Pocket routers for Wi-Fi networking on the road

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• The Ultimate Router Buying Guide

Frequent travelers battling poor cell service, dubious security, and excessive hotel and airport Wi-Fi fees can benefit from a good travel router when working away from home.

The best wireless travel routers avoid these hassles by letting you set up a private bubble of Wi-Fi anywhere you happen to land, whether in a conference center, hotel room, or airport lounge. 

Most people should buy the TP-Link TL-WR902AC  - it's small enough to chuck in a backpack and can even double as a Wi-Fi range extender. If you also want a cellular connection as backup, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 is for you, as it doubles as a mobile hotspot for your hotel room or car.

What to Look For in a Travel Router

Best overall, tp-link tl-wr902ac travel router.

 Amazon

Compact size is ideal for frequent travelers

Doubles as a Wi-Fi extender

Included cables are short

TP-Link's TL-WR902AC is one of the fastest travel routers we've seen, which is especially impressive at this size and price. Measuring 2.64 x 2.91 x 0.9 inches and weighing in at only 8 ounces, it's small enough to carry in a pocket, briefcase, or backpack, so you'll be ready to set up your own Wi-Fi bubble anywhere.

For such a small device, the TL-WR902AC offers impressive dual-band Wi-Fi performance. It's also really versatile since it can be not only be used as a router or access point to create a wireless network but also as a range extender, private Wi-Fi hotspot, or even as a bridge to connect a wired device to a Wi-Fi network by using its built-in Ethernet port in the opposite direction. 

A built-in USB port lets you share files and media from a removable USB storage device, and it can also provide up to 2A of passthrough power to charge your smartphone or tablet. The only real downside is that the port layout can be awkward since the USB and micro USB power ports are on the opposite side of the Ethernet port. 

Wireless Spec: 802.11ac | Security: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: AC750 | Bands: Dual-band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 1

Best Splurge

Netgear nighthawk m1.

Great choice for heavy internet users

Supports up to 20 Wi-Fi devices at once

Long battery life

Doubles as a mobile hotspot

Very expensive

Can occasionally overheat

While it's not the most affordable option on our list, it's well worth the splurge if you need to get several devices onto the internet anywhere at blazing-fast speeds.

With support for up to 20 simultaneous devices, Netgear's Nighthawk MR1100 can quickly handle your whole family or project team, and unlike most travel routers on this list, the one works as a 4G LTE mobile hotspot too. This means you'll be able to connect to its Wi-Fi network and get online even when there's no other Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. It's also the first mobile hotspot to support Gigabit LTE , with 4X4 MIMO and four-band Carrier Aggregation. Hence, it can provide internet speeds rivaling your home broadband connection.

It's not just about LTE, though—the MR1100 also works as a traditional portable router. Just plug a standard internet connection into the Ethernet port to share access to your Wi-Fi devices. A large 2.4-inch color LCD screen also ensures that you can keep track of the router's status and how much data you're using. The rechargeable battery can keep you going for up to 24 hours before you need to charge it, and in a pinch, you can also use some of that capacity to charge your smartphone or other mobile devices. 

Wireless Spec: 802.11ac / 4G LTE | Security: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: AC750 | Bands: Dual-band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 1 

TP-Link TL-WR802N N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router

Fast single-band Wi-Fi performance

No USB port

Not the fastest internet speeds when connected to multiple devices

TP-Link’s TL-WR802N is an older single-band router that offers a surprisingly great range in its small package. While the single-band N300 rating won’t break any speed records, it still provides enough performance for lag-free 4K Netflix streaming and uninterrupted video conferences on Zoom. 

Like most travel routers, the TL-WR802N is designed for use by one or two users when you’re on the go, and the 300Mbps 802.11n speeds will likely be faster than the internet connection at most hotels and conference centers you find yourself in. This little pocket-sized router offers exceptional coverage, so you won’t need to worry about staying connected while roaming the boardroom. 

The N300 draws its power via a micro USB port that can connect directly to a wall charger or laptop, so you won’t have to worry about how to power it. It can also function as a repeater, Wi-Fi client, or extender for a public WISP hotspot. The only downside is that, unlike its dual-band sibling, the TL-WR902AC, it lacks a USB port, so you won’t be able to use it for sharing files. 

Wireless Spec: 802.11n | Security: WPA2 | Standard/Speed: N300 | Bands: Single-band | MU-MIMO: No | Beamforming: No | Wired Ports: 1

Best for Road Warriors

Gl.inet mudi gl-e750.

Works as a 4G LTE mobile hotspot

Open source

Excellent VPN support

No external antenna

The GL.iNet GL-E750 router is an excellent choice for road warriors who must stay connected securely and reliably anywhere they land.

With WireGuard encryption, support for multiple Open Source VPN protocols, and even Tor anonymous network routing, this router ensures that you can always have a secure and private connection to the internet if you're a relatively advanced user. Whether that's over your hotel's shared network or your carrier's LTE network, all your traffic will be encrypted, and you can even have an always-on tunnel back into your home or office network. 

It's not just for mobile LTE access, however; it's also a capable Wi-Fi access point, with dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz support with 733Mbps throughput across both bands, along with a built-in battery that offers up to eight hours of use and a USB port and microSD card slots that can be used for sharing files with your connected devices. Since it's designed to be used from anywhere, it also features a built-in rechargeable battery that promises up to eight hours of use on a single charge. 

Lifewire / Andy Zahn

Most of the routers on the market are big and bulky devices. If you're parking them in a corner at home, this is a manageable problem, but they're not suited for taking the road with you.

This has given rise to a whole new category of travel routers: devices that are specifically designed to be highly portable—often small enough to be carried in a pocket—and run from internal batteries or a simple USB-powered connection that lets you plug them into a laptop or portable battery pack to create your own personal Wi-Fi network. 

Most importantly, since public Wi-Fi hotspots are usually insecure, a good travel router can also offer additional peace of mind by providing a private, encrypted Wi-Fi network for your traffic, securing the connections not only between your devices and the router but also making sure the traffic leaving the router is also encrypted. 

This means that you can take them just about anywhere you happen to land, whether it's between your home and the office, to a coffee shop where you might want to have more secure Wi-Fi, or on the road with you to use in hotels, conference centers, and airport lounges.

Bandwidth and Performance

When shopping for a router for your home, you're looking for enough range to blanket your home with the strong Wi-Fi signal you need to support streaming and gaming from multiple devices. 

Travel routers are different. You may find that even an entry level router—one that offers 802.11n support at 150Mbps speeds—is more than enough.

Wireless Frequencies: Single-Band vs Dual-Band

Like other wireless routers, travel routers come in single or multi-band versions, which refers to their frequencies. A single-band router works only on the 2.4GHz frequency, while a dual-band router offers both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies on two separate bands. 

Security and Privacy

As a bare minimum, every modern wireless travel router should include support for the Wireless Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption standard. This is even more important in a travel router you'll use in more public spaces.

While this probably isn't such a big deal if all you want to do is stream movies from Netflix, if confidentiality is essential, we strongly recommend using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when connecting through a travel router. While you can do this directly from your devices, you'll probably find it even simpler to pick up a travel router with built-in VPN support so that your connection is automatically encrypted as soon as you plug it in.

Connectivity

Almost all travel routers offer the same connectivity as your home router—turning a wired connection into a Wi-Fi network. However, as more hotels offer guest Wi-Fi networks instead of Ethernet jacks, you'll probably find getting a travel router that can also connect to a public Wi-Fi network is more beneficial.

There's also a category of travel routers that can act as mobile hotspots to offer internet access for your mobile devices over an LTE cellular network.

Even though most hotels already offer free Wi-Fi, it’s often struggling under the load of many people using it, so having a travel router can provide better performance, especially if you can plug it into a wired connection in your room. Plus, most public Wi-Fi hotspots are completely insecure, allowing your traffic to be easily intercepted by anybody else on the same Wi-Fi network. Using a router plugged into ethernet will also often save you money as you won't have to pay for the usable 'premium' internet package.

The best travel routers offer industry-standard WPA2 encryption—the same type of security used by your home router—which means that all of your wireless traffic is safe from prying eyes. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are open networks that use no encryption at all but keep in mind that if you’re using a travel router as a wireless extender for a public Wi-Fi hotspot, your traffic will still be unencrypted between your travel router and the hotspot. For the best security, use a wired connection or a VPN wherever possible.

Even if you use your travel router in your hotel room, internet traffic still travels over the hotel’s network. While most sensitive sites and services like email and online banking use SSL encryption, this won’t prevent the hotel or other public hotspot provider from seeing where you’re going; they just won’t be able to know what you’re doing. If you want to ensure your connection is as private and secure as possible, we recommend using a travel router with built-in VPN support.

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The best VPN router in 2024: top routers for Virtual Private Networks

Find the best VPN router to secure your connections

• Best overall
• Best ExpressVPN
• Best gaming
• Best features
• Best premium
• Best general use
• Best enterprise
• Best premium gaming
• How to choose
• How we test
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1. Best overall 2. Best ExpressVPN 3. Best gaming 4. Best features 5. Best premium 6. Best general use 7. Best enterprise 8. Best premium gaming 9. How to choose 10. How we test

The best VPN router is a critical tool for safeguarding your internet connection and activities in our modern digital age. 

Rather than having to manage the standalone virtual private network (VPN) apps on your home network, by installing a VPN directly on the router, the best VPN routers ensure that all devices connected to your network benefit from enhanced privacy and security by default.

Many individuals already utilize some of the best VPN options on the market as part of their online security arsenal, as these services are effective in masking user credentials and location. While the top premium offerings like the best business VPN offer robust protection, even the best free VPN can provide an important layer of security for a home network (albeit with some limitations), and installing one on a VPN router can secure your network even more. 

To help you select the best VPN router, we've conducted thorough testing and comparisons. Our review process includes evaluating aspects such as design, connectivity, speed, coverage, and additional features like parental controls. We also scrutinize functionality, firmware quality, and the level of support provided by VPN providers.

Whether you already have the best WiFi router , best mesh WiFi system , or the best secure router without a VPN, anyone can benefit from the best VPN router, and this guide aims to provide comprehensive insights to assist you determining whether you need one, and helps your find the right VPN router for your needs and budget if you do.

The best VPN router in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the entries on our best VPN router list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

The best VPN router overall

1. Asus RT-AX58U

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Wi-Fi 6 is the cutting-edge technology in networking, with powerful features delivering faster speeds, greater coverage, and the ability to handle even more simultaneous connections. That often means it’s expensive, but not here: with the Asus RT-AX58U, you get all the core Wi-Fi 6 functionality and performance for an absolute bargain of a price.

Compare it to the high-end Wi-Fi 6 competition and it doesn’t match up everywhere. It’s dual, not tri-band. The CPU is triple, rather than quad-core. There’s no 2.5Gbps port, and you ‘only’ get one USB connection. But while this might be a problem for demanding users, the reality is there’s more than enough power here for many homes.

That’s especially true when it comes to VPNs. There’s built-in support for connecting the Asus RT-AX58U to a VPN provider; a built-in VPN server enables securely connecting to your home network while you’re on the move; and the comprehensive dashboard gives you many ways to customize the router to suit your exact needs.

Read our full Asus RT-AX58U review .

The best ExpressVPN router

2. ExpressVPN Aircove

Most VPN routers offer a lot of power and flexibility, but can take a while and some technical knowledge to set up. If you’re in a hurry, or just prefer an easier life, ExpressVPN’s Aircove is refreshingly different: you’ll probably have it up and running in under ten minutes, even if you’ve no VPN expertise at all.

You will need a separate ExpressVPN subscription to connect, but once that’s set up, Aircove’s well-designed, jargon-free dashboard ensures it’s even easier to operate than most VPN apps.

There are welcome bonus features, too. Aircove’s groups enable connecting up to five locations simultaneously, for instance, so some devices can use your fastest local server, while your TV connects to your favorite streaming location, and a laptop uses the best server for your work.

Although Aircove excels on the VPN front, there’s plenty to like about it as a router, too. Wi-Fi 6 support gives you potential speeds of up to 1,200Mbps, a 1.2 GHz 64-bit Quad-Core CPU has the power to handle dozens of simultaneous connections, there are four gigabit Ethernet ports for nearby devices, and a decent 1,600 square feet coverage to help you reach everything else.

Read our full ExpressVPN Aircove review .

The best VPN router for gaming

3. TP-Link Archer GX90

If the TP-Link Archer GX90’s bulk, eight pointy antennas eye-catching black/ red color scheme makes you think this isn’t for office users, you’d be right: it’s a high-end, high-performance gaming router which comes absolutely stuffed with advanced features and technologies.

We’re not just talking Wi-Fi 6, tri-band speeds, for instance. The GX90 can set up a dedicated Gaming Band network with 4.8Gbps speeds all on its own. Connectivity options include 2.5Gbps Ethernet and a couple of USB ports (there are 3x regular Gigabit ports, too), and you can set it up as a mesh network with other TP-Link routers.

On the VPN front, there’s no need to use new firmware, because the TP-Link Archer GX90 has built-in support for connecting to VPN providers via OpenVPN, L2TP or PPTP. Need more? No problem: the GX90 also has a built-in VPN server, allowing you to securely access your home network from anywhere in the world.

Read our full TP-Link Archer GX90 review .

The best feature-packed VPN router

4. Asus RT-AC86U router

Most routers look dull in the extreme, but the Asus RT-AC86U angled surfaces and red slashes give it just a little more visual appeal. The case has some issues on the ergonomics front - it has to stand up, there’s no wall mounting option - but unusual pluses include buttons to handle tasks buried in the firmware (disable the radios, turn off the lights.)

There’s plenty to like about what’s inside that casing, too. The CPU is ‘only’ dual core but it’s a 1.8GHz model; there are four Gigabit lan ports, and two USB; MU-MIMO technology supports theoretical transfer speed of up to 2,900Mbps, and Asus’ 5GHz Quad-Stream system optimizes traffic but the best gaming and streaming performance.

Browse through the comprehensive dashboard and you’ll find an array of other options, including the ability to run the router as a VPN client or server. Need more power? No problem, you can install third-party firmware for even great control. 

The Asus RT-AC86U may not have quite the leading-edge technologies of other routers in this list, but it’s less than half the price of some, yet still offers enough power for many users, and that seems like a great deal to us.

Read our full Asus RT-AC86U review .

The best premium VPN router

5. Synology RT6600ax

The Synology RT6600ax may look like another bland, boring, identikit router, but beneath that boxy casing is an exceptional product for business, gaming and other demanding users.

You’re after speed, say? Tri-band Wi-Fi delivers up to 6,600Mbps, and our real-world tests revealed excellent performance. Configurability? The router can operate multiple Wi-Fi networks, each with their own custom settings and rules. Security? There’s a comprehensive firewall, exceptional content filtering, optional threat and intrusion detection, and a whole lot more.

It’s a similar story with the VPN features. Sure, you can set it up to connect to most of the big providers, but that’s just the start. There’s also a VPN server which gives you remote access to your network, and the SMB-friendly ability  to remotely operate PCs and servers.

If your VPN needs are simple, just a little Netflix unblocking occasionally, the Synology RT6600ax is overkill in the extreme. But if you’re a power user, an SMB, anyone with more complex requirements, this router offers a phenomenal set of features for a bargain price.

Read our full Synology RT6600ax review .

The best general purpose VPN router

6. Asus RT-AX86U

The Asus RT-AX86U isn’t the cheapest router around, but it’s good value for what you’re getting: Wi-Fi 6 performance, a 2.5Gbps wired port, two USB 3.2 ports, and gaming optimization for GeForce Now to keep your connection running smoothly.

Setup is relatively easy, with a browser-based dashboard offering the most depth and control, while a simpler app is on hand for Android and iOS.

Surprisingly capable extras include built-in malware protection from Trend Micro, while the extensive parental controls go well beyond what you’ll see from most of the competition (and Asus doesn’t charge you extra for them, either.)

The router held up well in our tests, delivering above-average speeds in even the most difficult-to-reach corners of the office.

And as with other Asus routers, the excellent interface makes it easy to set up and manage a connection to your preferred VPN.

Read our full Asus RT-AX86U review .

The best enterprise VPN router

7. TP-Link Archer C5400 v2

The TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 has an odd design which somehow manages to look both

distinctive and dull, all at the same time (which although it’s not ideal, is quite an achievement, when you think about it.) But if you value functionality over form, don’t scroll down just yet, because this router has a great deal to offer.

The eight antennas support four 1,000Mbps streams on the 2.4Ghz band, for instance, while the two 5Ghz channels also have four streams running up to 2,167Mbps. Although the four gigabit Ethernet ports can’t handle that kind of bandwidth, TP-Link’s support for link aggregation means (if your laptop or NAS supports it) you can use two Ethernet ports as if they were one, doubling throughput: very impressive.

This level of enterprise power normally comes with a degree of complexity, but the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 does a lot to keep its functions accessible to regular consumers. An app and some very clear setup instructions walk you through the first steps, and TP-Link’s Router Skill even allows you to carry out common tasks via simple Alexa commands.

Read our full TP-Link Archer C5400 review .

The best premium VPN router for gaming

8. Linksys WRT32X Gaming Router

The Linksys WRT32X is an impressive gaming-focused router with a smart prioritization engine which automatically optimizes your gaming traffic, cutting latency and boosting performance.

The hardware is a little more ordinary: dual-band, a dual-core CPU, four gigabit ports, one USB 3.0 port, and one mildly surprising extra in an eSATA USB 2.0 port (handy for a network-attached storage device.)

The firmware is a definite plus, crammed with handy performance tweaks and essential settings. They’re well-presented, too, and far easier to access than you’ll see with many more business-oriented routers.

But if VPN functionality is top of your priority list, the good news is that you can install open-source firmware to give you extra functionality and connect to most of the best providers. Many VPNs have tutorials to explain exactly what’s involved. As an example, check out ExpressVPN’s guide here .  

Read our full Linksys WRT32X Gaming Router review . 

How to choose the best VPN router

When selecting the best VPN router for yourself, start with checking the router's installation process. If you're not familiar with routers, then a simple and swift setup process will be apt for you. 

You'll want to consider how many bands the router supports. If you have a mixture of old devices and new ones at your home or office, then it'll help to have multiple bands that cover 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz. This will distribute the internet traffic and ensure faster online speeds for all devices. 

Make sure to evaluate the router's speed and connectivity options, along with additional features like parental controls, gaming optimization, and voice control. 

Lastly, you'll want to consider the router's design, coverage, and pricing.

How we test the best VPN router

When testing the best VPN routers, we first looked at their design, ease of setup, and connectivity ports. We checked their performance in terms of speed, range, and strength of coverage. 

We used Ookla to test the speeds with a file download, and we also tested it against our everyday network usage to give you an idea of its real-world performance. 

We checked the routers' additional features, like parental controls, voice control, and the option to install software other than the default one that the router ships with. 

We also considered what type of users the routers would be best suited for, and their pricing.

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Former TechRadar Pro B2B Hardware Editor, Collin has been in journalism for years, with experience in small and large markets, including Gearadical, DailyBeast, FutureNet, and more.

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• Matt Hanson Managing Editor, Core Tech
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'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best VPN routers you can buy

Why you can trust ZDNET

ZDNET's reviewers perform extensive testing on the VPNs on this list. We test out connections through different countries, and run speed tests using speedtest.net to measure and compare results. We also test whether the VPN has any DNS leaks while connecting, which would potentially provide information to your ISP or other services about what sites you visit or your originating location or IP address. We evaluate how easy each service is to navigate via website and app, how well it works for streaming content, and its customer service offerings. All of these factors give us a view into how well the VPN works, and how secure it is.

What to Consider

Performance

We tested the VPNs on this list to ensure robust performance in terms of connection and speed. After all, there's no point in using a VPN if your connection continually drops or lags, making it intolerable.

Simultaneous connections

Many VPNs limit how many devices you can connect to a service at the same time. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and possibly even a smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you'd need a service that allows at least 5 simultaneous connections.

There's no point using a VPN unless their security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured that the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements over time and patching reported bugs.

Kill switch

A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection and is an important feature for a VPN to have, as it protects by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.

Geoblocks and streaming

We know that VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you're away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations perform well when it comes to these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while you are streaming.

What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our recommended vendors must provide easy-to-use and intuitive desktop software and mobile apps.

Countries and servers

In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether or not there are enough -- at least 50 or so -- to provide variety.

Trial length and price

Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee.

When you're looking for a new Virtual Private Network (VPN) setup, you'll have a choice to make: Either install the VPN software individually on your laptops, mobile devices, and TVs, or install a VPN directly on your router for blanket coverage.

VPNs provide encrypted tunnels to protect online communication, making it more difficult to track or steal your information. Setting up a VPN environment via your router can take the legwork out of protecting the multitude of devices we tend to run these days, and it can be far easier to do than you think -- as long as you have a compatible router to start with and are comfortable with undergoing the VPN installation process. Others, too, will have a VPN ready and waiting to go, so all you need to do is click a button.

Also: The best VPN services: Expert tested  

What is the best VPN router right now?

ZDNET has years of experience in testing VPN solutions and hardware. Our pick for the best VPN router overall is the  ExpressVPN Aircove . This router has a VPN already installed, saving you the work of setting up and configuring the software. It also offers impressive speeds and coverage. Below, you will find our recommendations for all the best VPN routers on the market that provide great VPN compatibility, speed, and coverage. 

The best VPN routers of 2024

• Built-in VPN
• Up to 1,600 sq. ft. coverage
• VPN exclusivity

ExpressVPN Aircove

Best vpn router overall.

ExpressVPN Aircove f eatures: Wi-Fi 6 | Built-in VPN | 802.11ax, 802.11ac | Diverse server locations | Includes free trial

The ExpressVPN Aircove is our top pick based on the router's speed, ease of setup, and security. The router offers users dual-band connectivity for homes or offices, providing coverage of up to 1,600 sq. ft.

When you pick a VPN-ready router, you still need to consider stability and speed. The Aircove manages speeds of up to 1,200Mbps (600Mbps/2.4GHz) when the VPN is not in use, although, as we should expect, speeds will drop when you are connected to VPN servers. 

An interesting feature is an option to diversify what servers are used by what devices are connected to the router. For example, you might want a gaming PC disconnected from the VPN, whereas you want an office laptop to run through a US or UK VPN server. 

However, in any case, you will also need an . A free trial is included with the router purchase. Customers report that speed and performance are excellent, although it can be tricky to set up.

Read the review:  ExpressVPN review: A fine VPN service, but is it worth the price?

• Free security
• Bland design
• Some users report speed issues

ASUS RT-AX1800S

Best vpn router for affordability.

ASUS RT-AX1800S  f eatures : Dual-band | 2.4GHz | Up to 1Gbps speed | Parental controls | AiMesh compatible | One Gigabit WAN port, four Gigabit LAN ports | Built-in VPN

The ASUS RT-AX1800S is an affordable VPN solution. The Wi-Fi 6 model, available for only $70 ($30 off), operates on the 2.4GHz frequency and offers up to 1Gbps speed, together with free IoT device security via ASUS AiProtection. The router has a built-in VPN, ASUS Instant Guard, which you only need to click a button to activate.

Users consider this router to be of great value for their money and many are impressed with the parental controls and security functions available.

• Extreme speed
• Requires configuration
• Bulky design

TP-Link AX6600 Wi-Fi 6 gaming router (Archer GX90)

Best vpn router for power.

Archer GX90 f eatures:  Tri-band | High speeds | 1.5GHz Quad-Core CPU | Beamforming | Game Accelerator | Parental controls

The TP-Link AX6600 Wi-Fi 6 gaming router (Archer GX90) is a piece of kit that should be considered if you want speed and power first, and VPN second. 

The tri-band Archer offers users speeds of up to 4804Mbps (5GHz) / 1201Mbps (5GHz) / 574 Mbps (2.4GHz) and has been designed with gamers in mind (4.8Gbps Game Band), combining a plethora of WAN and LAN ports with a 1.5GHz processor. OFDMA and MU-MIMO support is included to reduce latency and lag issues.

However, to set up this router with a VPN service, you must configure either OpenVPN or PPTP VPN, so be prepared to spend some time tuning the router to your needs. Many customers consider the Archer GX90 to be a solid, fast router, although its design doesn't suit everyone.

• VPN flexibility
• Mesh capabilities
• Uninspired design

Synology RT2600ac

Best vpn router for vpn flexibility, remote work.

Synology RT2600ac fe atures: Multi VPN-compatibility | Smart Connect speed, control management | 1.7GHz processor | parental controls

The Synology RT2600ac is another top option if you want flexibility in your VPN choice, with productivity and home life in mind. The powerful router comes equipped with a 1.7GHz processor, dual-band connectivity and speeds of up to 2.53Gbps, traffic monitoring, a Smart Connect feature for balancing speed and range, and optional parental controls. 

When it comes to VPNs, the router offers VPN implementation options with WebVPN, Synology SSL VPN, and SSTP VPN. Servers can also be set up for remote work and office purposes.

Read the review:  Why I replaced Google Wifi with Synology's mesh networking gear (and why you might, too)

While this router is not exactly stellar in terms of design, the $150 price tag is certainly affordable. Customers consider the Synology RT2600ac as a great 'do it all' router, but some users report disappointing Wi-Fi ranges. 

• Gaming modes
• AiProtection Pro
• Configuration required

ASUS RT-AX82U (AX5400)

Best vpn router for security.

ASUS RT-AX82U (AX5400) f eatures:  Wi-Fi 6 | Dual-band | Mobile game mode | 160MHz channels | Speeds of up to 5400 Mbps | AiProtection Pro

For a more stylish option with custom lighting effects, you may want to consider the ASUS AX5400. 

This VPN-ready router is designed inwardly and outwardly for gamers, first, and there is an interesting feature called Mobile Game Mode, which users can select to reduce lag and latency issues. 

The ASUS AX5400 is a Wi-Fi 6 router with speeds up to 5400 Mbps and is compatible with 802.11ax and 160MHz channels, powered by a 1.5GHz processor. Regarding security, the router comes with Trend Micro's AiProtection Pro security suite and a one-click sharable and secure VPN called Instant Guard. 

Customer reviews suggest the VPN is a great option for gamers hoping for low lag rates and there is, overall, excellent network performance, although people mentioned that you may come across firmware issues.

What is the best VPN router?

ZDNET's top VPN router is the ExpressVPN Aircove. This router has a VPN already installed, saving you the work of setting up and configuring the software. It has impressive speeds and coverage.

However, its ExpressVPN exclusivity might not appeal to you, so you could also select another option, as below.

*MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on available sales, deals, discounts, and coupons.

Which is the right VPN router for you?

There are many factors to consider when you are purchasing a VPN-ready VPN. To make your purchase decision easier, consider:

Factors to consider when choosing a VPN router

When you are considering a new VPN router, there are some key points you should mull over before making a purchase decision:

• DIY? : If you want a VPN for your home network, you should consider whether or not you would be happy to install a VPN directly on your router. If not, consider a router model with an in-built VPN.
• Affordability : There are VPN routers available that suit a variety of budgets. However, if you can, you might consider a future-proof VPN router able to support next-generation WI-Fi.
• VPN : You also need to take into account the VPN service you want to use. If you have a preferred VPN, ensure that the router you want supports it. 
• Other purposes : The VPN might be the most important aspect, but you should also consider whether or not other features are important to you -- such as tri-band functionality, gaming optimization, or additional security features. 

How did we choose these VPN routers?

While we were deciding on the best VPN routers of 2024, we considered a number of crucial factors, including:

• Speed : There's no point investing in a new router capable of handling VPN environments unless it serves its core purpose, which is to provide solid and stable connections to the internet. 
• VPN support : We have included a range of models with in-built VPNs, VPN support for standalone VPN services, and mobile products for VPN protection on the go.
• Budgets : We wanted to provide a variety of options suitable for different budgets, but our priorities were security, speed, and reliability. 
• Customer reviews : We have also examined customer reviews in-depth, including both positive and negative experiences. 
• Vendor reputation : We have kept in mind the reputation of router manufacturers, considering popularity, variety, and product accessibility. 

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a network of nodes -- or servers -- that reroute internet traffic to mask its original IP address. VPNs also add a layer of encryption to protect data packets and online communication. 

As the internet was not designed to be inherently secure, VPNs were developed to bridge part of the security gap. While they are not a foolproof solution, a reliable and trustworthy VPN can help protect your online privacy.

If you want to understand how VPNs work in more detail, check out our guide on everything you need to know about VPNs.

Is a VPN router worth it?

If you want to install a VPN directly onto a router, the process can be more of a hassle than just signing up for an app. However, it can save you time in the long run as any device -- including PCs and smartphones -- that connects to your router will use the VPN and will be automatically protected. In particular, this can be useful if you have internet-connected devices, including TVs and IoT products, that cannot support a VPN on their own hardware. 

You might want to consider setting up a VPN on your router if you have numerous devices which need protection and if you are working from home. However, if you are a remote worker, some organizations may require you to use their own VPN to access corporate resources.

A caveat, though: some online platforms, such as streaming services, will detect when you are using a VPN and may block you. If this is the case, you may have to disable your VPN service to resume watching, temporarily.

Can any router be a VPN router?

Many routers are now smart, intelligent devices capable of doing far more than just providing an internet connection. You can install VPN software on a range of routers today, and many tout VPN support as a feature. 

However, a word of caution: if you are installing third-party software on your router, you might end up voiding its warranty -- just as jailbreaking mobile devices or changing the firmware of a gaming console can result in a warranty becoming invalid.  

Why would anyone use a VPN?

A VPN can be a great tool for protecting your privacy. VPNs should be used when you are taking advantage of public Wi-Fi hotspots, at the least, but using them while you're online as default is the better option to consistently protect yourself and your information. VPNs are also beneficial in circumventing geolocation blocks and censorship.

You should keep in mind, however, that some countries either ban VPN usage entirely or heavily discourage their use. If using a VPN is illegal, you may be subject to fines or prosecution. According to NordVPN's country guide , countries that ban VPNs include Belarus and Iraq, among others, whereas governments in China and Russia only permit specific VPNs to operate. 

Does a VPN slow down your internet connection?

Typically, yes, although a high-quality VPN -- hopefully -- will not make a noticeable difference. There are caveats; for example, you should expect a slowdown when connecting to servers across a long distance, such as from the UK to Australia. If you experience severe speed loss when you are connecting to servers closer to you, however, such as from New York to Washington, this may indicate a problem with either the VPN or your ISP connection.

Are there alternative VPN routers worth considering?

You can put VPN software on a myriad of devices, ranging from PCs to mobile devices and routers. While we have showcased what we consider to be the best VPN-supporting routers in 2023, we can't highlight every worthy option -- and so you can check out alternative products below, including subscriptions:

ZDNET Recommends

• Privacy news

Tips & tricks

• ExpressVPN news

How to set up a VPN on your router

Sonja Raath

Installing a VPN on your router is relatively simple, and the benefits are huge. In this article, we’ll show you how to do it step-by-step. We’ll also discuss the importance of using a VPN router and tell you more about Aircove , the world’s first Wi-Fi router with built-in VPN protection, for even stronger security.

Let’s get started!

Jump to… What is a VPN router? How does a VPN router work? Types of VPN routers How do I know if my router is VPN-compatible? How to set up a VPN on your router What if my router doesn’t support VPNs? Pros and cons of setting up a VPN on your router Get Aircove VPN router 7 Tips to get the most out of your VPN router

What is a VPN router?

Simply put, a VPN router is a router that has been configured to connect to a VPN server. This allows all devices that connect to the router to be protected by VPN encryption and change of IP address, even if VPNs normally cannot be installed on the devices themselves (think smart TVs , IoT devices, and gaming consoles ).

VPN routers are a great way to protect your entire home network. When you connect your devices to a VPN router, all of your traffic is encrypted and routed through the VPN server. This means that your ISP, government , or anyone else who might be monitoring your traffic will not be able to see what you are doing online.

How does a VPN router work?

A VPN router encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a VPN server before it reaches its destination. This hides your real IP address and makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity.

For example, when you access a website without a VPN, your ISP handles the connection, assigning you a unique IP address that identifies you to the visited website. Your ISP can monitor your browsing activity and link it to you through this IP address.

Conversely, when you connect to the internet via a VPN, the VPN app on your device or router establishes a secure connection with a VPN server. While your traffic still passes through your ISP, it’s now encrypted and unreadable to the ISP. The websites you visit only perceive the IP address of the VPN server, which changes frequently and is shared among multiple users, enhancing your anonymity. Meanwhile, all other websites and apps only see your new IP address, which is shared by numerous VPN users, providing a high degree of anonymity.

Here’s a closer look at key concepts related to VPNs that help you understand how a VPN router works and its benefits:

Router functionality

At its core, a VPN router functions like a regular router. It connects your local network (LAN) to the internet by directing traffic between your devices and the ISP. It assigns local IP addresses to devices on your network and manages the flow of data packets.

A VPN server acts as a proxy for your web activity, substituting your real IP address and location with the IP address and location of the VPN server. This adds an extra layer of anonymity, as websites you visit only see the VPN server’s information, making it harder to trace your online activities back to you.

Watch: What’s the difference between a proxy and VPN?

VPN protocols are the essential mechanisms through which your device establishes a connection to the VPN server. A VPN router supports various VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, and ExpressVPN’s own VPN protocol, Lightway . The choice of protocol plays a crucial role in determining the trade-off between speed, security, and adaptability to specific network conditions.

Configuration

To set up a VPN connection, the router needs configuration details, including the VPN server address, authentication credentials (username and password or cryptographic keys), and the chosen VPN protocol.

Authentication

Authentication ensures a secure connection between the VPN client (i.e., your router) and the VPN server. Mathematical processes verify the identities of both ends, ensuring that they communicate exclusively with each other. This prevents unauthorized parties from intercepting or manipulating the data being transmitted.

VPNs employ an encrypted “tunnel” to protect the connection between your device or router and the VPN server. Each data packet is enclosed within another packet, making it impossible for outsiders to decipher the contents. This security prevents eavesdropping and tampering.

Watch: How VPNs use tunneling and encryption  

Data inside the tunnel is encrypted, ensuring that only the intended recipient (the VPN server) can decrypt and understand the information. This encryption guarantees the privacy of your internet traffic. Even your ISP is unable to see the actual contents of your data. 

Read more: Strong VPN encryption and security explained

Types of VPN routers

From routers equipped with built-in VPN functionality to compatible routers that support a downloaded VPN, and even innovative VPN router boxes designed to seamlessly connect with existing network infrastructure, the market offers various choices tailored to diverse needs.

Here are three main types of VPN routers:

How do I know if my router is VPN-compatible?

Not all routers are compatible with VPNs, so it’s important to check that yours is before trying to install a VPN on it. 

There are a few ways to know if your router is VPN-compatible: 

• Check the router’s manual : If your router came with a manual, it should have a section on VPN compatibility.
• Search online: If you don’t have the router’s manual, you can usually find information about VPN compatibility by searching for the router’s model number and “VPN compatibility”.
• Look for built-in VPN functionality: Aircove by ExpressVPN is one of the first routers to have VPN functionality built-in, which means you don’t have to download the software (although you do need a subscription). 
• Asus RT-AC56(U/R/S)
• Linksys WRT32X
• Netgear R6300v2
• Netgear Nighthawk R6700v3

If you’re still not sure if your router is VPN compatible, you can always contact the router’s manufacturer or the VPN provider that you want to use. 

Before getting started on the steps to download VPN software to a router, it’s important to clarify that you can buy a router with VPN software preinstalled. If you’re an ExpressVPN user, we highly recommend our Aircove router, which comes with ExpressVPN functionality and numerous security features . It takes just five minutes to set up.

However, you might want to install ExpressVPN software on your existing router (if compatible), which would be a cost-saving option. See our list of every router that’s compatible with ExpressVPN software installations.  

We’re using a Netgear Nighthawk R6400v2 router in our step-by-step guide to illustrate the process of setting up a VPN on your router. While the details might vary, the fundamental steps are similar. You can also find the exact steps for your router model here.  

Before you start

• As mentioned above, not all routers can support VPN configurations. Before you start, first check your router’s compatibility.
• Turn on your router and connect it to the internet. 
• Connect the device where you’ll be doing the setup (computer, laptop, smartphone) to the router Wi-Fi, as you normally would. 

Step 1: Open your router’s firmware

First, open your router’s firmware in your browser. Most routers have a default IP address of 192.168.1.1 . You can type this address into your URL bar to open your router’s firmware. If you don’t know your router’s IP address, you can find it by opening a command prompt and typing ipconfig . The entry for Default Gateway points to your router’s IP address.

Step 2: Find the VPN settings

The location of the VPN settings will vary depending on your router’s model. In general, you will find the VPN settings under the Advanced or Security section of your router’s firmware.

For example, on Netgear, you would need to select the Advanced tab, then navigate to Administration , then select Router Update. 

Step 3: Choose a VPN provider

There are many different VPN providers available, so you’ll need to choose one that best meets your needs (more on this below). If you’re looking to use VPN on your router, it’s likely you already have a provider. You’ll need to get your VPN credentials. 

Your VPN provider may also give you the option to download specific firmware that you can upload to your router to reset it. For instance, if you’re an ExpressVPN subscriber, all you need to do is sign in to your account, navigate to the router installation guide , find your router model from the dropdown menu, then select Download Firmware . 

Step 4: Enable the VPN service

Once you’ve got your VPN credentials and found the VPN settings option on your router’s firmware settings, you will need to enable the VPN. This will allow your router to connect to the VPN server. This usually involves clicking a button or checkbox labeled Enable VPN . It may also require you to upload the VPN firmware onto the router. 

On Netgear, for example, you would need to select the Browse button and upload the VPN firmware offered by your VPN service provider. 

Once the firmware is uploaded, your router will likely restart. You will then need to follow the instructions set by your VPN provider to finish setting up your router on their platform. 

For instance, once your ExpressVPN firmware is uploaded to your router’s firmware, you will need to log in to the ExpressVPN router setup site and then follow the prompts.  

Once you’ve followed these steps, use your VPN service’s router site to connect to the VPN. 

Step 5: Check if your VPN is working on your router 

Once you’ve enabled the VPN, you should test your connection to make sure it’s working properly. You can check if your VPN is working on your router by searching Google for “what’s my IP” or a website that checks your IP address, such as whatismyipaddress.com . Verify that the output shown is not your home IP address. This will tell you if the VPN has successfully changed your IP address.

What if my router doesn’t support VPNs?

If your router doesn’t support VPNs, it is possible to elevate them to VPN-capable status through a firmware upgrade. But firmware upgrades can be complicated and require technical skills. It might be more worthwhile to buy a new router, especially one with VPN pre-installed.

Alternative firmware for VPNs

Flashing custom firmware for VPNs means replacing the default firmware on your router with third-party firmware that is specifically designed for VPN use. Two popular choices are DD-WRT and Tomato which both support free and open-source software :

• DD-WRT : A free, open-source firmware that can be installed on a wide range of routers. It offers a wide range of features, including VPN support, parental controls, and port forwarding. DD-WRT is the most popular alternative firmware option, and it’s relatively easy to install and configure. 
• Tomato : Not as widely supported as DD-WRT, but it offers some features that DD-WRT does not, such as support for multiple VPN protocols. Tomato is also known for its sleek interface and its focus on performance.

In addition to DD-WRT and Tomato, there are other alternative firmware options available, such as OpenWRT and FreshTomato . These firmware options offer similar features to DD-WRT and Tomato, but they may have different strengths and weaknesses. 

Here are the steps on how to flash custom firmware for VPNs:

• Find a custom firmware that is compatible with your router.
• Download the custom firmware to your computer.
• Connect your router to your computer using an Ethernet cable.
• Boot your router into flashing mode.
• Flash the custom firmware to your router.
• Configure the custom firmware for VPN use.

Once you have flashed custom firmware for VPNs, you will be able to connect to a VPN server through your router. This will encrypt all of your traffic, making it more secure and private.

Note: Flashing custom firmware can void your router’s warranty. So, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you should contact the manufacturer for assistance.

Read more: Can my router catch a virus?

DIY router with x86 PC and DD-WRT

For those with technical expertise, it’s possible to repurpose an old x86 PC as a router by adding an extra network port and installing DD-WRT. While this approach requires more work, it provides a highly customizable and capable router solution. However, this is a more advanced option and might not be suitable for everyone.

Read more: Revive your old computer by installing Linux

Pros and cons of setting up a VPN on your router

Now that you know how to connect a VPN to your router, let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits and drawbacks of doing so:

Get Aircove VPN router

If the technical aspects of installing a VPN on a router seem overwhelming, there’s a simpler option. The Aircove VPN router is a straightforward solution that eliminates complexity. Unlike traditional setups, Aircove comes equipped with ExpressVPN functionality that’s already built-in. Just plug in the Aircove router, sign in to your account, and enjoy the advantages of ExpressVPN on all your devices right away. No intricate configuration needed.

Here are the top 10 benefits of getting an Aircove VPN router

1. easy setup.

Aircove is designed with simplicity in mind. Setting it up is a breeze; it only takes five minutes. You don’t need to be a tech expert to get it up and running.

2. Comprehensive device protection

Aircove is also a great choice for people who have devices that can’t be easily configured with a VPN, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and smart home appliances. With Aircove, all of your devices will be protected by the VPN, regardless of whether or not they can be configured with VPN software.

3. Fast and reliable connectivity

Aircove employs Wi-Fi 6 technology, offering fast and stable internet speeds for all connected devices. With speeds up to 1,200 Mbps for 5 GHz devices (and 600 Mbps for 2.4 GHz devices), even bandwidth-intensive activities like 4K streaming can be performed smoothly across multiple screens.

4. Wide coverage

Aircove’s coverage spans areas of up to 1,600 square feet using stable and speedy dual-band Wi-Fi.

5. Enhanced privacy

Aircove encrypts all your online traffic, shielding your data from prying eyes, including ISPs and other third parties that may be trying to monitor your online activities.

6. Customizable VPN settings

The Device Groups feature allows you to organize devices and connect them to different VPN locations. This is particularly useful when you have specific privacy or geo-restriction needs, enabling you to tailor your protection to different scenarios.

7. Security and protection 

Aircove prioritizes security. It has undergone audits by cybersecurity firm Cure53 , incorporates automatic updates to keep up with the latest security enhancements, and features a VPN kill switch to prevent data leakage if your VPN connection drops. Built-in advanced protection features, like parental controls and ad blocking , offer even more control.

8. Threat manager

With its Threat Manager feature, Aircove prevents apps and websites from communicating with known malicious third parties. Regularly updated blocklists ensure you’re protected against emerging threats.

9. Automatic updates

Aircove keeps itself up to date with the latest security patches and feature improvements, ensuring your network remains protected without requiring constant manual intervention.

10. 24/7 support

ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat and email support. This ensures you have assistance readily available whenever you need it.

Read more: ExpressVPN launches Aircove internationally with advanced protection 

7 tips to get the most out of your VPN router

A VPN router is a great way to protect your entire home network from prying eyes, whether you’re working from home, streaming movies, or gaming online. By encrypting all of your internet traffic, a VPN router can help to keep your personal information safe and secure. 

Here are seven tips to help you get the most out of your VPN router:

• Connect to the nearest VPN server: This will help to ensure that you get the best possible speeds and performance. If you’re not sure which server is closest to you, you can usually find this information on the VPN provider’s website.
• Don’t double up unnecessarily: Having a VPN running on both your router and your device is not necessary—only one of them will prevail. 
• Choose the right protocols: The VPN protocol you use can affect speeds and security standards. WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and ExpressVPN’s Lightway are some of the best.
• Be cautious with free VPNs: Free VPNs are often not as secure or reliable as paid VPNs. They may also record your activity. If you’re looking for a VPN that offers privacy and a seamless experience, it’s best to pay for a reputable service.
• Bookmark your router setting site: This will make it easy to access your router’s VPN settings whenever you need to make changes. (For routers using ExpressVPN, the site is expressvpnrouter.com)
• Keep your VPN router software up to date: VPN router firmware updates often include security patches and performance improvements. Always choose auto-update if it’s an option.
• Use a strong password for your VPN router: Your VPN router is a gateway to your entire home network. It’s important to use a strong password to protect it from unauthorized access. 

FAQ: About VPN router installation

Should i install a vpn on my router.

Whether or not you should install a VPN on your router depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If you want increased security, privacy, and access to content on numerous devices, a router-based VPN makes sense. When deciding, keep these additional factors in mind:

– Router compatibility: Not all routers support VPN functionality. Older routers in particular might lack compatibility. – Internet speed: If your internet connection is already slow, a VPN can potentially further reduce its speed. – Technical proficiency: If configuring network settings seems intimidating, hiring a professional to help set up the VPN on your router, or buying a router with built-in VPN functionality like Aircove from ExpressVPN, might be a better choice.

Are there routers with built-in VPNs?

Yes, there are routers with built-in VPNs. The website Flashrouters specializes in routers with VPN software preinstalled. But our (admittedly biased) favorite is ExpressVPN Aircove, our own powerful router with ExpressVPN functionality built-in. In most cases, you still need a subscription to the VPN service for the VPN to work; otherwise, the routers can also be used as normal without VPN.

Do all routers support VPNs?

No, not all routers support VPNs. In fact, most consumer routers are not compatible with VPN installation. One reason is VPNs require enough processing power and memory, which consumer routers often do not have.

If you’re looking to use a VPN on your router, it’s important to check the router’s specifications to see if it supports VPNs. You can also check with the router’s manufacturer to see if they offer a VPN firmware or custom firmware.

Is it easy to set up a VPN on your router?

If your router is compatible with VPNs, the difficulty of setting it up depends on your router model and your VPN provider’s instructions. At ExpressVPN, we try to make our setup instructions as clear as possible, but nothing is as easy as buying a router with VPN preinstalled, such as ExpressVPN Aircove.

Can you install a VPN on an Xfinity router?

Yes, you can install a VPN on an Xfinity router, but it can be a bit tricky. Comcast does not officially support VPNs on their routers, so you will need to do some research and follow the instructions carefully.

Here are the general steps on how to install a VPN on an Xfinity router:

1. Purchase a VPN that is compatible with Xfinity routers. A popular VPN that works with Xfinity routers is ExpressVPN. 2. Enable bridge mode on your Xfinity router. This will allow your router to act as a modem only, and pass all traffic through to your VPN-enabled router. 3. Connect your VPN-enabled router to your Xfinity router using an Ethernet cable. 4. Configure your VPN on your router. This will vary depending on the VPN provider and router model.

Once your VPN is configured, connect to it from your devices.

Protect your whole family with ExpressVPN Aircove

Install ExpressVPN on your router—it’s included with your subscription!

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The best router VPN in 2024

Cover every device in your home with a router VPN

Using a router VPN isn't the most common way of setting up the software, but for many it will be the most efficient way of protecting every single device in your home. By securing your Wi-Fi connection at its source, it allows the best VPN to be used with not only your PC and phone, but also other devices like PlayStations, Roku, and smart lights that don't natively support VPN connections.

It's worth noting that set-up can be a little more complex than simply installing an app, although more an more providers are offering dedicated software that makes the process much simpler.

If you're ready to get going with a router VPN, you'll find our top choices just below. If you're still wondering whether using a VPN on your router is the best choice for you, just keep scrolling for our complete guide.

Our top router VPN picks

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

1. ExpressVPN – undeniably the best router VPN ExpressVPN offers more support for routers than any other provider. It has a dedicated app, and if you're willing to invest, it even makes its own custom router. It's by far the best router VPN available – and you'll also have a 30-day money-back guarantee to test it out yourself.

2. NordVPN – easiest of the app-less options While it doesn't have a dedicated router VPN app, NordVPN is one of the easiest VPNs to set up manually. With useful installation guides, the process is made as simple as possible (with the exception of Express's app, of course), and Nord's decent value, too.

3. Surfshark – great alternative with unlimited connections Perhaps you've decided you don't want a router VPN. Well, Surfshark offers a tempting alternative. You might not get VPN cover on your Smart TV or Xbox, but you will be able to use Surfshark on as many devices as you want. And for less than $2.50 a month , it's an absolute steal.

What is a router VPN?

In essence, a router VPN is exactly the same as any VPN you might install on your phone or PC – it diverts your internet traffic away from your ISP’s servers towards its own. Your traffic is encrypted in the process, meaning you’ll be able to surf in peace, knowing that no one can see or track your activity.

But why would you want one on your router? Most commonly, router VPNs are used so that a VPN-protected connection can be used by devices that can’t have a VPN installed directly. That includes Smart TVs and Apple TV, games consoles, Roku, and many others, and means you’ll be able to access blocked streaming content and stay anonymous on any device attached to your Wi-Fi connection.

Plus, most VPNs have a limit to how many devices can use a single subscription. If you install a router VPN, then any number of devices or individuals can use your VPN connection – friends, family, your date that you’ve wooed with your intimate knowledge of the Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) Wi-Fi 6 router ...

• Check out how to set up a virtual router and share VPN

The downsides of a router VPN

The biggest drawback is that you may well discover that your current router can’t support your chosen VPN’s dedicated router VPN app, if it has one at all. And, as you'll notice in the next couple of paragraphs, it can get a bit confusing.

You’ll have to either buy a new router that does, or install DD-WRT firmware to allow you to manually set up a VPN connection – a list of DD-WRT-compatible routers is here . There are also some other options, including Tomato.

The other problem is that it’s more difficult to change your VPN’s settings because your router doesn’t have a screen or interface. Any alterations will have to be done through your router’s dashboard on a PC, some of which are still very basic and difficult to use. A company called FlashRouters does provide a very useful router setup service, plus a great app that makes things a lot easier – but it's expensive.

However, some VPN services have made the process far simpler than expected – one of which being ExpressVPN. It has a dedicated website for setting up your router VPN, and apps specifically designed to get your router protected quickly. It’s easily our first choice when it comes to router VPNs, but there are a few other options that you’ll find below.

The five best router VPNs today

1. ExpressVPN

The best router VPN, plus boutique router hardware

Dedicated router app: Yes | Peak speeds on 1Gbps line: 630Mbps | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+ | 24/7 customer support: Yes | Setup guides: Yes

ExpressVPN just about has it all. Not only does it deliver the best service for regular devices, the British Virgin Islands-based firm also offers the easiest and most effective way of installing a router VPN.

Unlike a number of other options further down this list, ExpressVPN offers its own custom router firmware you can use on a wide range of compatible routers. Essentially, that means you can control the router VPN from ExpressVPN’s own easy-to-use dashboard rather than delving into your router’s settings.

The very best way of getting ExpressVPN up and running on a router, though, is to buy Express's own Aircove router . Preloaded with ExpressVPN software and ready to use in five minutes, it's quite simply the easiest way of getting a VPN on a router. Highly recommended if you're looking for a long-term router solution.

However, if you don’t have a compatible router, you can still install a VPN connection manually on a host of other routers. One big benefit of using a compatible router, though, is the fact you can set up split tunnelling – that means you can choose which devices use the VPN connections and which don’t.

If things don’t go to plan – and if it’s your first time installing a VPN on a router, something may well go wrong – ExpressVPN has class-leading 24/7 live-chat support which is pretty much indispensable when undergoing an in-depth process like this.

If you want to test out ExpressVPN, it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee which lets you get to grips with the service without committing. Head and shoulders above any other VPN on this list, Express really is your best bet if you want a reliable router VPN.

Get 3 months FREE of the best router VPN With a dedicated router app, excellent speeds, great support, and intuitive apps for all your other devices, ExpressVPN is the best router VPN available. Plus, Tom's Guide readers can claim three months free when signing up to a year-long plan. That works out at 15 months for the price of 12 .

Privacy behemoth is excellent for routers

Dedicated router app: No | Peak speeds on 1Gbps line: 760Mbps | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+ | 24/7 customer support: Yes | Setup guides: Yes

The name NordVPN is almost synonymous with the VPN industry as a whole, and if you've been on the search for a quality router VPN, you've no doubt been recommended this provider. Thankfully, in our NordVPN review it proved to be seriously capable, and certainly deserves the limelight it lives in.

However, NordVPN doesn’t offer a dedicated router VPN app, which makes setup somewhat difficult. Pre-configured routers are available from providers like FlashRouters, and while they're good to go out the box, they're quite expensive. 

Go for that, though, and you can use the FlashRouters Privacy app, and NordVPN is a ‘premium partner.’ While you can use the app with a number of other VPNs including ExpressVPN, premium partners get additional features like automatic server updates and smart server sorting.

Nord’s great for streaming, unblocking Netflix, iPlayer , Hulu and tons more, and if it’s active on your router you’ll be able to take advantage of those devices that don’t natively support VPNs like consoles and TVs. Plus, even devices like your Ring doorbell and Alexa will benefit from your fully encrypted connection.

While we’d still recommend you get hold of one, if you don’t have a router that the ExpressVPN app is compatible with – and don’t want to buy one – NordVPN’s FlashRouters integration is a very good alternative.

Sign up now on the NordVPN website

3. Surfshark

Bargain VPN offers router discount and great speeds

Dedicated router app: No | Peak speeds on 1Gbps line: 790Mbps | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+ | 24/7 customer support: Yes | Setup guides: Yes

If you’re looking to spend as little money as possible and still get a premium VPN, Surfshark could be a good option – check out our full Surfshark review for more.

Like Nord, Surfshark doesn’t provide its own router VPN app – but for some, its bargain price and premium performance might be worth that trade-off. With great speeds, excellent apps on other devices and unlimited connections, it’s a top-notch service we really like.

Now, note how Surfshark has unlimited connections . That’s one of the reasons many people install router VPNs in the first place – to avoid simultaneous device restrictions – so if that’s your reasoning for investigating a router VPN, it could make sense to simply get a VPN with no restrictions and leave your router alone.

Otherwise, like all the other VPNs on this list, Surfshark can be set up manually on routers, and you can also use the FlashRouter app with it to make it easier to change your VPN’s settings. So, while it doesn’t have any dedicated router features, Surfshark’s great value, and might offer an alternative to a router VPN entirely.    Sign up now on the Surfshark website

4. IPVanish

Great VPN functionality plus excellent setup guides

Dedicated router app: No | US speeds on 1Gbps line: 890Mbps | Streaming services unblocked: US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+ | 24/7 customer support: Yes | Setup guides: Yes

IPVanish has been around for a long time, and it’s a fan favorite with those who like to get techy and in-depth with their VPN. The desktop apps are black and lime green with rolling graphs and data everywhere, and you can configure just about everything you want – something we really liked in our full IPVanish review .

Alongside NordVPN, IPVanish is FlashRouters’ only other premium partner featured on this list. That means that you’ll be able to get full access to the app, which is really useful. You’ll also get great baseline connection speeds with your router VPN, plus useful support.

What really stands out with IPVanish, though, is its comprehensive setup guides for pretty much every compatible router on the market. They’re long, detailed, and have useful screenshots to assist you through the whole process if you don’t fancy splashing out on a preconfigured one.

As a router VPN to set up manually, IPVanish is an excellent option – but it's worth noting that it has slipped rank overall due to the fact that while IPVanish has stayed reliable, others have innovated and now simply outperform the old hand. And, it's worth noting that over the past year or so it hasn't been incredibly useful for streaming, and currently can't unblock amazon Prime Video.

Sign up now on the IPVanish website

No-logging with a dedicated router app

Dedicated router app: Yes (Tomato only) | US speeds on 1Gbps line: 420Mbps | Streaming services unblocked: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Disney+ | 24/7 customer support: Yes | Setup guides: Yes

VyprVPN is a smaller provider, but it’s got a fair bit of clout in the VPN world. As a verified no-logging service you can be pretty sure your data is being kept private, but one of the bonuses we outline in our VyprVPN review is that it’s the only other VPN on this list to have a dedicated, in-house router VPN app.

The few steps needed to get the app set up are clearly outlined on Vypr’s site, and the app itself is crisp, clear, and functional. However, VyprVPN’s not higher on this list because the app only supports Tomato routers – and even then, there are a number of caveats. For example, split tunnelling is available, but on some later versions of Tomato it’s not. A little awkward, then.

Regardless of the app’s downfalls, though, we’re glad it’s there – but if you don’t have a Tomato router you can still install the VPN like normal by flashing and setting up a VPN connection. Although not a premium partner, VyprVPN is still compatible with the FlashRouter Privacy app, so that can make things a little easier.

However, if you're a big streamer, VyprVPN may prove to be a let-down. It can't unblock Netflix in any region, and hasn't always been reliable in the past for other sites.

So, if you’ve got a Tomato router it's a decent choice. For any other router, though, there are better options.

Sign up now on VyprVPN's website

Best router VPN FAQ

Do i really need a router vpn.

If you're on this page you've probably made the decision that you do. That might be because you want to stream geo-blocked content on your games console or smart TV, or perhaps you just want that blanket protection.

However, if you just want to get around the limits on how many devices you can have simultaneously connected to a VPN, we'd suggest a service like Surfshark or IPVanish , which provide unlimited connections. That way you can install the app on as many devices as you want without entering your router's settings at all.

How should I get a router VPN?

Router VPNs can be complex and tricky to set up – and there's a chance you'll brick your router if you configure it wrongly. That's why we highly recommend either signing up to ExpressVPN and using the dedicated app, or buying a pre-configured router.

If you're up for a challenge, though, there are some great guides that – if followed correctly – should be able to direct you though the process successfully.

• Find out about all the best VPN uses 
• Need to access in China? See the best China VPNs
• If you share P2P you need the best torrenting VPN

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Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. Day-to-day he oversees VPN , privacy, and cybersecurity content, and also undertakes independent testing of VPN services to ensure his recommendations are accurate and up to date. When he's not getting stuck into the nitty-gritty settings of a VPN you've never heard of, you'll find him working on his Peugeot 205 GTi or watching Peep Show instead of finally putting up those shelves.

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• Travel Essentials & Accessories

10 Best Travel Routers for Frequent Travelers

Published: August 2, 2022

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Angela Magsajo

• Hotel Reviews
• Tech & Gear
• Travel Tips
• Travel Accessories

Frequent travelers know the importance of bringing a reliable travel router with them during a trip. As the name suggests, travel routers let you stay connected while on vacation or business trips. They work the same way as the internet router you have at home. The main difference is the fact that they are more lightweight and compact compared to a regular home router. There are even models that you can easily fit inside your weekender bag or even your pants’ pockets!

How does a travel router work? It acts as an access point and connects your devices to the Internet, either by using an Ethernet cable or wireless signals from an already existing internet network. May this be the Wi-Fi in your hotel room, at the airport lounge, or even the 4G or 5G network of your phone. But, the best travel router does more than just allow for Wi-Fi on the go . Newer models are now equipped with Virtual Private Network (VPN) that protect your personal data when connecting to public networks. Additionally, you can find ones that double as a power bank or portable hard drive.

Here’s the rundown of the top 10 best portable Wi-Fi routes for travel! 

1. Best Overall: TP-Link TL-WR902AC AC750 Travel Router

Read More Reviews Photo from Amazon

The TP-Link TL-WR902AC is a versatile travel router . It boasts five different modes that cater to the type of connection you need. But, the two main modes that you’ll most likely be using when on the go are Router and Hotspot Mode. When in Router Mode, you can create your very own private wireless network by plugging it into your hotel’s Ethernet jack. Hotspot Mode, on the other hand, allows you to connect to any public Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) Access Point. Moreover, thanks to its dual-band capability, you get a better range and signal strength.

On top of that, this TP-Link travel router is incredibly easy to set up and use. You can switch between the different modes with just one press of a button. Another highlight of this dual-band router is its portable design that fits in the palm of your hand or the pocket of your travel purse . However, the TL-WR902AC doesn’t have a built-in battery. You will need to connect it to a power source, such as an electrical outlet, power bank, or laptop via the mic ro-USB port. The USB port can also be used for file sharing or charging devices. 

• Extremely portable
• Three-in-one device 
• Dual-band router
• No built-in battery

Get the TP-Link TL-WR902AC AC750 Travel Router on Amazon now.

2. Best for Remote Areas: Netgear Nighthawk M1 

Traveling to far-flung areas? When traversing through the remote paths of the Appalachian Mountains with only a cellular connection to stay connected , you will need a reliable wireless router . The Netgear Nighthawk M1 is exactly that and more. As a premium travel router , it utilizes 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) connections to provide maximum download speeds of up to one gigabit per second (Gbps). What’s more, you get upload speeds of up to 150 megabits per second (Mbps). It’s important to note, though, that it performs better with SIM cards from AT&T and T-Mobile than other carriers.

This travel router provides a steady connection to up to 20 devices at the same time, which you can track on its LCD screen. You can likewise monitor your data usage, signal strength, and battery life on the display. Besides being a portable Wi-Fi router , the Netgear Nighthawk M1 is also a power bank with a 5,040 milliampere-hour (mAH) rechargeable battery. You can use it to store files thanks to the SD card reader and USB port, as well. When you connect your device to the router’s network, you can easily access and manage all of your files.

• LED screen for tracking data consumption 
• Connect up to 20 devices
• Three-in-one device
• Works best with specific networks only

Get the Netgear Nighthawk M1 on Amazon now.

3. Best for Overseas Travel: GlocalMe U3 Mobile Hotspot

Planning to visit the best places to travel without a passport for your next overseas adventure? Then the GlocalMe U3 Mobile Hotspot is a companion you will want with you. While most wireless hotspot-type devices rely on SIM cards to establish a connection, the GlocalMe U3 eliminates this by utilizing its own secure full frequency network. By doing so, you get a faster and more stable connection. It supports 4G LTE with maximum download speeds of 150 Mbps and upload speeds of 50 Mbps.

The best part? It can provide portable internet service in over 140 countries across the globe, so you don’t have to worry about losing connection with your loved ones at home. It can also connect to 10 different devices simultaneously! And while you don’t need a separate SIM card to connect to the internet, it does feature a SIM card slot that allows you to use your own if needed. However, the notable downside to this handheld router is its weight. It may boast a slim and compact design, but it is fairly heavy compared to other options in the market. This is because of its 3,000 mAh battery which powers the device for roughly 13 hours.

• Works in 140+ countries
• Flexible data plans 
• No SIM card required

Get the GlocalMe U3 Mobile Hotspot on Amazon now.

4. Best for Traveling in Europe : TP-LINK M7350

Planning a holiday to the best Southern Europe destinations ? You may want to bring the TP-Link M7350 with you. This portable Wi-Fi hotspot provides users with great connectivity using 4G LTE networks while traveling in European cities. With download speeds of up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 50 Mbps, you won’t have trouble streaming videos, downloading files, and uploading all your vacation photos online with this in your arsenal. Share the connection with up to 10 devices. It features an LCD screen which is a major bonus since you can see all information such as data usage, battery life, signal strength, and connected devices. 

You can also manage and set limits to the data usage and connections using the dedicated smartphone companion app. It has a rechargeable battery with a 2,000 mAh capacity. This should keep you going for around eight hours, depending on usage. It isn’t the longest battery life out there, but it should be enough for a quick day trip. Furthermore, this mobile router features a micro SD card slot, so you can easily share files with other devices and users connected to the same network. 

• Useful LCD screen
• Supports up to 10 devices
• Smartphone companion app
• Lackluster battery life
• Works only in European countries

Get the TP-LINK M7350 on Amazon now.

5. Best for Hotels: D-Link Wi-Fi AC750 DAP-1520

High-speed internet is among the top hotel amenities to look out for when booking your accommodation. If you’re on the hunt for the best travel router for hotels , look no further than the D-Link Wi-Fi AC750. This travel router for hotel Wi-Fi connections acts as a range extender , boosting the signal of your room’s already existing wireless network. As such, you don’t have to worry about any dead zones. 

It can support Wireless AC speeds up to 750 Mbps. And due to its dual-band capabilities, you can connect more devices to it without sacrificing speed. Furthermore, this wireless Wi-Fi router is incredibly simple to set up. All you need to do is plug the D-Link travel router into a power outlet, establish a connection to your hotel’s Wi-Fi, and then you’re good to go. Note that it has no ports for either Ethernet or USB cables, which limits connection to wireless signals only. But for the affordable price, we’re willing to overlook this slight hitch.

• Budget-friendly
• Dual-band capabilities
• No Ethernet or USB port
• Bulky design

Get the D-Link Wi-Fi AC750 DAP-1520 on Amazon now.

6. Best Mobile Hotspot : Verizon Orbic Speed Mobile Hotspot

The Verizon Orbic Speed is a small but powerful mobile hotspot . Boasting dual-band 802.11 AC technology and 4G LTE networks, you get a fast, reliable connection with a wider range. It can handle up to 10 different devices simultaneously. It’s also equipped with a 3,000 mAh removable battery that lasts up to 12 hours of continuous use. You can check everything from its battery life, data consumption, and signal strength with just a glance thanks to its easy-to-read LCD screen. 

The most notable downside to the Verizon travel router, however, is that you will be limited to Verizon data plans. Another drawback is its lack of ports for Ethernet cables, antennae, flash, or hard drives.

• Easy-to-read LCD screen
• Dual-band technology
• Only works with Verizon SIM cards
• No external ports

Get the Verizon Orbic Speed Mobile Hotspot on Amazon now.

7. Best Budget: GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2

Finding the best travel router doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Valued at less than $30, the GL-MT300N-V2 is an affordable portable router from GL.iNet . Equipped with a powerful chipset, it has a wireless data transfer speed of 300 Mbps. Meanwhile, you get 100 Mbps when you connect your device using the USB or Ethernet port . 

It has both a built-in firewall and open-source VPN capabilities to ensure your online security. However, configuring the VPN client of this router can be difficult for novice users. This travel router also doesn’t have a built-in battery, which is a bit inconvenient. You will need to connect it to a power source, like a laptop or power bank , for it to function. 

• VPN capabilities 
• Affordable price tag
• Hard to set up

Get the GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 on Amazon now.

8. Best Security: GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext

The GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext is a travel router that not only amplifies public internet connections but also has its own VPN server that actively protects your personal data from falling into the wrong hands. Featuring multiple open sources and programmable VPN protocols, it protects all of your data with ease when browsing the net. 

In addition, it comes with a built-in firewall, which ensures an even more secure internet connection when in public spaces like hotel lobbies, airports, coffee shops, etc. It has three-gigabit ports, so you can connect up to three different wired devices. On top of that, you can also connect to a network wirelessly, allowing for more flexibility.

Admittedly, though, it’s not the easiest thing to set up. You will need to configure and tweak it to achieve optimal performance. This VPN router also doubles as a storage device because of its built-in MicroSD card reader. Access and manage files when your laptop or other smart devices are connected to the same network.

• Built-in VPN server and firewall
• Can be used wired or wirelessly
• MicroSD card slot for file storage

Get the GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext on Amazon now.

9. Best Wireless Access Point : GL.iNet GL-AR300M16-Ext

The GL.iNet GL-AR300M16-Ext is another unassuming travel router that’s rich in features. It can be used as Wireless Access Point (WAP), a Wi-FI booster, or as an independent router when connected to a mobile hotspot . It even features two detachable external Wi-Fi antennae that help improve the signal of your device’s connection even while hiking through remote areas like the mountains in New Zealand . However, it runs on a single 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) band frequency, so it may be noticeably slower than routers using double-band channels.

That said, it boasts advanced security protocols and encryption technology, including VPN capabilities. It comes pre-installed with both OpenVPN and WireGuard services, allowing you to connect to over 30 VPN service providers. All things considered, you get an extra layer of cybersecurity wherever you go. 

• Multiple configuration options
• Two detachable antennae
• VPN capabilities
• Single-band router

10. Best Multi-Purpose: NewQ Filehub AC750

The NewQ Filehub AC750 is an all-in-one device you’ll want with you when traveling. As a portable wireless Wi-Fi router , it has three network modes: Access Point (AP) Mode, Router Mode, and Bridge Mode. The NewQ Filehub AC750 is a dual-band router and can support internet speeds up to 1300 Mbps. However, expect slower internet speeds when it’s in Bridge Mode since it cannot support 5 GHz frequencies.

On top of it being a travel router , you can also use it for wireless data transfer. It has an SD slot and a USB port for plugging in a storage device. Transfer and manage photos, videos, music, and other documents from them using your phone, tablet, laptop, or other devices when you connect them to the same network. This wireless travel router also works as a power bank, so you don’t have to worry about your gadgets dying when out and about.

• Multiple connection modes
• Not all modes support 5 GHz channels

Get the NewQ Filehub AC750 on Amazon now.

What to Look For in the Best Travel Router

Wireless frequencies .

Photo by tonktiti on Adobe Stock

Most travel routers utilize either single or dual-band technology, which refers to the frequencies they support. A single-band router hosts a 2.4 GHz signal, while a dual-band router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signals . The main difference between the two frequencies boils down to speed and range. Wireless portable routes using 2.4 GHz frequencies have a larger range but slower speed, while 5 GHz travel routers are faster, but the coverage area is a bit more limited. A dual-band router can connect to the two bands at the same time, thus providing you with a more stable wireless internet connection . However, the catch is that dual-band travel routers tend to be pricier. 

Keep these differences in mind when choosing a mini router to provide you with internet for travel . A single-band router is a great option for people on a budget whose primary concern is simply surfing the web and sending emails. Meanwhile, if you plan on gaming and streaming high-resolution videos while on vacation, invest in a double-band router .

Ports and Connectivity 

Photo by Vadym on Adobe Stock

Enhanced wireless connectivity is probably one of the main reasons you’re buying a wireless Wi-Fi router . However, you should also consider physical ports when choosing the best travel router for you. While most smartphones and tablets support wireless connections, there are still devices that require a wired connection to a router . And even if your laptop or console does have Wi-Fi capabilities, the internet connection from a wired connection is generally faster, more stable, and more reliable .

If you have a device that needs to be connected via cables, also consider the number of ports you need in a router. Most portable Wi-Fi routers come with one or two Ethernet ports , but you can find others with even more. Additionally, a built-in USB port comes in handy for storing, sharing, and managing files and media over the same network.

Security And Privacy

Photo by Prostock-studio on Adobe Stock

Modern wireless Wi-Fi routers have some security protocols and encryption support to protect users from hackers and other cybercriminals . The bare minimum for most models includes basic firewall protection and a Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) protocol. A firewall scans all the data sent or received over your network, while WPA2 encrypts them. If you want additional protection from other prying eyes on the web, opt for a travel router with a built-in VPN server. Investing in a travel router with VPN support means you are adding an extra layer of protection when online .

Battery and Power

Photo by M-Production on Adobe Stock

If you truly want Wi-Fi for traveling, we recommend investing in a travel router with a rechargeable battery . Unfortunately, some of even the best routers need to be plugged into an outlet. For the few models that do run on battery power, also consider their capacity. The higher the indicated milliampere-hour (mAh), the longer it will last. 

Can’t find a suitable model for you with a rechargeable battery? Look for one with at least a USB port that can be hooked up to a portable battery pack or laptop.

Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Routers

Is a travel router worth it.

Absolutely! It’s worth investing in a travel router, especially if you’re constantly traveling and staying in different hotels or other vacation rentals . Whether you’re on a business trip or a relaxing vacation, a travel router simplifies the process of connecting your gadgets to internet networks. In addition, they also allow for faster and more secure connections. Some models even function as power banks or storage drives.

Is a Travel Router a Hotspot?

Technically speaking, a traditional travel router is different from a hotspot . A travel router relies on an already existing network to provide an internet connection to your devices, while a mobile hotspot uses a cellular network to connect to the internet. But nowadays, you can find travel router models that also act as hotspots, giving you the option to get online either with wireless networks or mobile networks.

Can You Use a Travel Router Without an Internet Connection?

Generally, you cannot use a travel router without an existing network , may this be via a wireless connection or an Ethernet jack. There are a few models in the market that have SIM card slots, however, which gives you the ability to connect to the internet using cellular data.

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How to Turn a Raspberry Pi Into a VPN-Secured Travel Router

Want to secure your internet connection when traveling? Here's how to build a portable VPN router with a Raspberry Pi and OpenWRT.

Would you write your password on a piece of paper and stick it to your forehead? Probably not. Yet connecting to a public Wi-Fi network is almost as foolish.

You might not have any choice, however, if you're on the road and want to stay connected. A VPN can keep you safe, but each device has to connect separately, unless you're using a travel router as a go-between.

Don't have one handy? Don't worry, you can build one with a Raspberry Pi. It's the perfect choice for a DIY VPN travel router, so let's walk you through how to build one.

What You'll Need

To get started building a Raspberry Pi VPN travel router, you'll need:

• Raspberry Pi (Pi 3 or Raspberry Pi Zero W preferred) with case
• A single USB Wi-Fi adapter (two, if you're using an older Raspberry Pi)
• A microSD card with at least 8GB storage
• An SD card reader
• A high-quality power supply
• PC with an SSH client installed
• A VPN subscription with OpenVPN support

It's possible to use Pi models without built in Wi-Fi , but you'll need two USB Wi-Fi adapters, or one capable of running in both managed/access point mode and client mode.

Instead of a standard Linux distribution, you'll need to install OpenWRT onto your SD card to turn it into a fully fledged router. You can use another Linux distro if you prefer, but OpenWRT provides a handy web interface for configuration when you're away from home.

If you're using Windows, you'll also need to install PuTTY or another SSH client for Windows before you get started.

Step 1: Install OpenWRT

First, download the OpenWRT firmware for your model of Raspberry Pi. You can find the most up-to-date images from the OpenWRT wiki .

Unzip the downloaded file using 7zip or another suitable file archive manager, then flash the IMG file to your card with Etcher .

This tool should detect your SD card automatically; you just need to select your image file, select the correct drive by letter, and then click  Flash.

Once it's done, place your microSD card back into your Raspberry Pi and let it boot.

Step 2: Initial Configuration

By default, OpenWRT defaults to a static IP address of 192.168.1.1 , which is the default gateway IP for many routers. You'll need to change this to prevent conflicts. Connect your Pi to your PC using an Ethernet cable; you may need to set a static IP on your PC first.

Rather than handle the configuration using LuCI, OpenWRT's web interface, you're going to do it manually to ensure that the configuration is set correctly. Load up PuTTY or your SSH client and connect to 192.168.1.1 first, with the username  root.  

You'll get an initial security warning on your first connection; just click  Yes and proceed. It's a good idea at this stage to set a password; do that by typing in

at the terminal window.

Configure the Network and Firewall Settings

You need to edit two files---

---before you can proceed any further. Start by typing the following to edit the file:

Next, tap I to edit the text and include the following:

Once you're done, hit the Esc key and type

to save and quit. Then switch attention to the firewall config file:

Tap I to edit, then find (or add) a zone for the WAN section, which should look like this:

Type  reboot   and wait as the Raspberry Pi reboots with a new IP address:  192.168.38.1 .

Step 3: Update and Install Packages

Next, you'll need to update OpenWRT. To do that, you're going to borrow the Pi's internal Wi-Fi and set it initially to connect to your existing Wi-Fi network. You may need to change your static IP address to  192.168.38.2 or a similar address in that range to allow you to connect.

Once connected, type the IP address of your Raspberry Pi into your browser to access the OpenWRT admin dashboard. Use your username and password to gain access, then go to  Network > Wireless .   You should only see one Wi-Fi device at present, so click  Scan to find your Wi-Fi network, then Join Network when you find it.

You'll need to enter your Wi-Fi password under  WPA Passphrase ,  before hitting  Submit.

You should now see the connection settings for your Wi-Fi connection. Go to  Advanced Settings and set your  Country Code to match your location; your Wi-Fi might not work otherwise.

Reconnect to your Pi using new IP address over SSH (accepting the RSA security key warning). You'll need to update your device first by typing:

Keep an eye on this, tapping Y  when prompted.

Installing the USB Wi-Fi Drivers

Once you've installed all the updates install any drivers you need for your USB Wi-Fi adapter. This is required to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots when you're on the go. You'll also be installing the tools you'll need for VPN connections using OpenVPN, as well as nano , an easier-to-use terminal file editor.

This is where your method may vary; I had a RT2870 chipset Wi-Fi adapter, so the following commands should work if you do, too:

If you don't have an RT2870 chipset Wi-Fi adapter, or you're unsure, plug in your Wi-Fi adapter and type the following into the SSH terminal:

Once the files have installed, you'll see a list of connected devices. Find any that refer to a wireless adapter, and search for the relevant installation instructions for your device.

Step 4: Set Up Wi-Fi Access Point

If your USB Wi-Fi adapter is connected, you can now set up both Wi-Fi connections. Return to the LuCI dashboard, under  Wireless , and remove both network connections. The device  radio0 is your in-built Wi-Fi, while  radio1  is your USB Wi-Fi adapter.

Set up your in-built Wi-Fi by clicking  Add .   Ensure the following:

• Mode is set to Access Point
• ESSID  is set to a network name of your choosing; default is OpenWRT
• Network  is set to lan
• Under  Wireless Security , Encryption is set to  WPA2-PSK
• Key  is set to a suitable password

Once you're done, hit  Save  then return to the  Wireless menu. Follow the instructions from earlier for the initial connection to set the  radio1  device (your USB Wi-Fi adapter) to your existing network. This is also where you'll need to scan and change networks when you're in a new location.

You should now have two Wi-Fi connections running, one as an access point for your Wi-Fi devices, and one acting as the internet connection for your device to your existing Wi-Fi network. Try out the connection to your Pi at this stage with your smartphone or laptop to confirm it works.

If it works, disconnect your Pi from the Ethernet connection with your PC.

Step 5: Connect to VPN and Final Changes

You will need an OpenVPN configuration file (OVPN) to connect your Pi to your chosen VPN provider and server. If you have one, upload it to your Pi using an SCP client like WinSCP  where you can connect with your admin username and password.

Rename the file to  vpnclient.ovpn and upload it into the 

folder. Complete the instructions found on the OpenWRT website to set your Pi up for VPN connections. The only slight change will be under section 4 for the VPN client profile setup, where you won't need to use the initial 

tool to insert your vpnclient.ovpn file, as it's already in place.

As soon as you complete this, your VPN connection should activate automatically. Check your outgoing IP address has changed; if it hasn't, reboot your Pi and check your connection is active.

Find this by going to the OpenVPN  section of LuCI, listed under  Services at the top of the dashboard. If it's connected,  vpnclient will be listed as yes under the  Started column.

Step 6: Register Your Device on Public Wi-Fi

Your Pi is nearly ready at this stage, but if you've ever connected to a public Wi-Fi network, you'll know that you'll typically need to authenticate using a captive portal, either to pay or register your device. Because your Pi is now set up to automatically connect via VPN (and should prevent connection otherwise), these portals will usually get blocked.

To get around this, set your USB Wi-Fi adapter to match the MAC address with a device that you can use to connect and authenticate with a public Wi-Fi network first, such as your smartphone. Once you have this, type:

In the editing window, add the following (replacing the placeholder XX for your MAC) and hit  Ctrl + X,  followed by  Y to save.

Finally, run the following commands to set the script to run automatically when your Pi starts:

Reboot to check everything works okay. You should also check for any DNS leaks to make sure your VPN connection is working correctly. Most VPN providers offer a tool that will help with this.

Secure Wi-Fi Wherever You Go, Guaranteed

Your Raspberry Pi should now be set up and ready to go as a VPN travel router, meaning you're safe to surf in any hotel or cafe you visit. Thanks to the LuCI dashboard, you can connect to any new Wi-Fi network with ease through your web browser.

See our list of the best VPN services to find a VPN service that suits your needs . If this was too advanced for you, you might also consider other ways to set up a VPN at home .

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Specifications

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AC750 Wireless Travel Router

• Transforms any internet connection into a private AC750 dual-band Wi-Fi network*
• Incredibly compact router fits easily in your pocket, purse or bag, perfect for traveling
• Works with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz devices, including Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV Stick
• USB port lets you share files or conveniently charge any device with up to 5V/1A of power
• Flexible powering options let you connect to an external adapter or USB port

How to install and configure your portable router(TL-WR902AC)

Fast Wi-Fi Travels with You!

Portable and compact.

The incredibly compact TL-WR902AC is the world’s first AC750 travel router. Take it with you to create a personal Wi-Fi spot anywhere internet is available. It fits easily in your pocket, purse or bag and is perfect for use while traveling. Watch movies over private dual-band Wi-Fi at a hotel.

Dual-Band AC for Fast Wi-Fi Speeds

The travel router creates fast AC750 Wi-Fi over dual 2.4 GHz (300 Mbps) and 5 GHz (433 Mbps) bands. Dual bands allow for more devices to be connected to your personal network and provide reliable Wi-Fi access so you can enjoy what you love without interruptions.

802.11n 2.4G 300Mbps

802.11ac 5G 433Mbps

 Multiple Wi-Fi Modes for Any Situation

Whether you need a private Wi-Fi network while away or something to boost your Wi-Fi at home, the TL-WR902AC has a mode for you.

During Travel

1. router mode.

Plug the travel router in to your hotel room's Ethernet port to create a private Wi-Fi network for internet access without needing to compete with other guests.

2. Hotspot Mode

Connect to an outdoor WISP Access Point, enjoy a private Wi-Fi hotspot for your devices in public areas.

3. Range Extender Mode

Extend your existing Wi-Fi network to maximize coverage and eliminate dead zones.

4. Client Mode

Allow devices that require a wired connection to access an existing Wi-Fi network.

Desktop or Game Console

5. Access Point Mode

Create a wireless network for Wi-Fi enabled devices.

Multifunctional USB Port for File Sharing and Charging

A The travel router comes with a built-in USB 2.0 sharing port. Connect a USB storage drive to share access to files, download movies and back up recent photos. Connect your smartphone cable and the router doubles as a 5V/1A charging station for one device.

*Maximum wireless transmission rates are the physical rates derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Range and coverage specifications along with the number of connected devices were defined according to test results under normal usage conditions. Actual wireless transmission rate, wireless coverage, and number of connected devices are not guaranteed, and will vary as a result of 1) environmental factors, including building materials, physical objects and obstacles, 2) network conditions, including local interference, volume and density of traffic, product location, network complexity, and network overhead and 3) client limitations, including rated performance, location, connection quality, and client condition.

Actual network speed may be limited by the rate of the product's Ethernet WAN or LAN port, the rate supported by the network cable, Internet service provider factors and other environmental conditions.

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Deeper Connect Air

Less than 10 units left in stock

Item is in stock Less than 0 units left in stock Item is out of stock Item is unavailable

Deeper Connect Air is designed for mobile use and not recommended for continuous 24/7 operation. For extended use, consider using alternative products like Deeper Connect Mini.

Deeper Connect Air Set * 2

$338.00 $438.00

Description

Estimated delivery, specification, warranty & return policy, user scenarios.

The better DPN! It’s not your average VPN…

The worldwide network of Deeper Connect devices enable a fully decentralized VPN experience (DPN) with Multi-Routing, Smart Routing and unrestricted access to content from any country without sacrificing Internet speed. DPN offers the benefits of VPN without any centralized control. To learn more about DPN, please refer to this article " A 101 on DPN "

Absolutely No Annual Fees or Subscriptions

Comes fully loaded with DPN (Decentralized VPN), Ad blocking and Cybersecurity features. The Deeper Connect Pico can save you over $600USD a year, compared to subscribing to similar individual services.

Your lifetime secure, private, internet solution, for everyone!

DPN uses decentralized technology for a serverless network architecture. Your browsing logs are fragmented, encrypted, and stored globally, ensuring no one can access your full logs for profit.

Automatically Configure Network Routing Based on Data Stream Characteristics and Tunnel Transmission Decision.

Intelligently switch tunnels according to needs; different routes can be used according to different servers simultaneously.

We do not own any centralized servers as every Deeper Connect is in essence a server and a client. All these devices distribute around the world to communicate and share bandwidth with each other. Share unused bandwidth to earn DPR rewards and exchange them for services in the Deeper Network ecosystem. Easily mine crypto, earn passive income just by participating.

User Testimonials

EXCESSORIZE ME.

1.37M subscribers

"Which is important this actually allows other devices you own to also stay protected with just one connection, what I call their Command Center offers."

3.6M subscribers

"Not only can It access any website without worrying about censorship or data leaks but I can access geo-restricting content as well."

Designs By IFR

596K subscribers

"My wife has also been requesting a VPN for quite some time because she wants to watch some of the favorite shows overseas."

Lando Kalriz

989K subscribers

"It's Geo unblocking feature gives you access to all your favorite websites anywhere in the world. "

• Troubleshooting
• Charges and Fees

What is DPN and how does it differ from Decentralized VPN?

DPN (Decentralized Private Network) represents a decentralized private network technology and is an abbreviation for DeePer Network. It differs from the traditional decentralized VPNs (Decentralized VPN). While there are many Decentralized VPN projects worldwide, DPN stands out with its unique features. It incorporates enterprise-level network security technology into the Decentralized VPN framework, providing security and privacy for both bandwidth users and providers. This approach ensures that the development of the Deeper Network does not pose significant security risks to bandwidth providers like the TOR Network and other Decentralized VPN projects have, and it avoids the potential for the Deeper Network to evolve in the direction of the dark web. The next question will detail how DPN applies world-leading enterprise-level network security technology to protect the safety of bandwidth providers.

Does the DPN technology, based on shared bandwidth, pose cybersecurity risks to bandwidth providers?

Decentralized VPN technology based on shared bandwidth aims to enhance privacy and freedom in network access through bandwidth sharing. However, it may also pose cybersecurity risks to bandwidth providers. For instance, bandwidth requesters might use the technology to download illegal content, launch cyber-attacks, or access harmful websites, and the legal consequences of these activities could mistakenly be attributed to innocent bandwidth providers.

From its inception, the Deeper Network has placed a high emphasis on cybersecurity, striving to address this challenge by incorporating enterprise-level network security technology. To protect the cybersecurity of bandwidth providers, we have implemented the following measures: learn more...

1, Blocking Bit Torrent application usage with shared traffic: Users can disable Bit Torrent traffic sharing, preventing bandwidth requesters from using others' bandwidth for Bit Torrent downloads.

2, Blocking access to illegal websites using shared traffic: Bandwidth providers can set website filters to prevent others from accessing illegal websites using their IP.

3, Preventing intrusion using shared traffic: Deeper Network employs intrusion detection technology to monitor and thwart hacker intrusions into the network. Traceable shared logs for transparency and accountability: Any network connection leaves a log on the bandwidth provider's device, stored in encrypted form. When others use the provider's IP for illegal operations, the provider can send the encrypted log to the Deeper Network for decryption to identify the actual malicious user. This not only protects the security of the bandwidth provider but also the privacy of the bandwidth requester.

4, Preventing shared bandwidth from exceeding monthly quotas: By setting maximum shared bandwidth and monthly limits, providers can prevent their shared traffic from exceeding monthly quotas.

What are the notable differences in user experience between DPN and VPN?

1, Cost difference: DPN offers lifetime free usage after purchase, whereas VPN typically requires a monthly fee.

2, Ease of use: DPN deployed using Deeper Connect automatically unlocks regional restrictions for all devices, whereas VPN requires software client installation on each device. Many devices do not support VPN software installation, such as Apple TV. DPN's smart routing feature allows traffic from different applications to automatically switch between countries, eliminating the need for manual node switching required by VPNs.

3, Speed comparison: VPNs provide services through servers, while DPN utilizes the upstream bandwidth of user nodes. Theoretically, VPN speed might be higher than DPN. However, DPN features node aggregation technology, using up to 8 user nodes simultaneously, offering up to 8 times the speed increase. Additionally, DPN's smart routing mode can accelerate streaming media resource access through nearby CDN nodes, reducing the transit delay and buffering common in VPNs.

4, Differences in geo-location unlocking: As more companies start detecting VPN or proxy IP accesses to streaming media (like Netflix), VPN IPs are easily detected. In contrast, DPN uses home IPs of users, reducing the risk of being blocked.

5, Security: DPN integrates enterprise-level network security technology, filtering almost all internet ads and trackers, including some that require paid filtering. DPN is also equipped with advanced intrusion detection technology to identify and block cyber-attacks. Without a central server, user access logs are encrypted and dispersed across global nodes, enhancing privacy protection. In contrast, VPNs store user access logs on central servers, and the service provider may access or even view user data, posing risks of log leakage and selling user data.

How does DPN's ad-filtering experience differ from Pi-hole?

DPN's ad-filtering experience differs notably from Pi-hole. Pi-hole mainly relies on DNS filtering, controlling access to specific domains, but this method is limited in filtering precision. It cannot filter specific pages or services and is less capable of handling complex, deep-level ads, sometimes leading to the false blocking of normal content. For example, DPN can filter web and mobile YouTube ads and Spotify's built-in ads, while Pi-hole struggles in these areas.

How does DPN's ad-filtering experience differ from browser ad-filtering plugins?

DPN's ad-filtering experience differs from browser plugins in the following ways:

Resistance to countermeasures: Browser plugins are more susceptible to website countermeasures. For instance, sites like YouTube frequently update their recognition codes against browser filtering plugins to prevent ad filtering. DPN's ad filtering, based on underlying traffic filtering, can evade such countermeasures, providing a more stable ad-filtering effect.

Cross-platform capability: Browser plugins usually only run on PC browsers and cannot be used across platforms. In contrast, DPN's ad-filtering functionality can run on multiple platforms including iOS, Windows, Mac OS, Android, TV OS, Linux, etc. This allows DPN to effectively filter ads in popular applications like YouTube and Spotify.

Friendly Reminder: To use DPN's ad-filtering feature, it's necessary to install Deeper Network's SSL root certificate on the terminal device, enabling Deeper Connect to modify underlying traffic.

Which countries do you ship to?

All Deeper Connect products ship worldwide except to Mainland China.

How long will I receive the products?

The shipping time of the product will vary depending on the delivery address. We will provide the tracking number within 5-10 business days. A confirmation email will be sent once the order has shipped.

How about the shipping fee? Do you offer free shipping?

Limited time Free global shipping on orders of $99 or more. For More information, please refer to shipping policy .

What should I do if the package is lost?

Please create a follow request on Zendesk at support.deeper.network providing order number and the email associated with this transaction.

Why am I still using the real IP?

Deeper Connect by default uses a mode known as 'Smart Route'. The 'Smart Route' mode is primarily designed to bypass regional access restrictions on various websites or platforms, such as Netflix, BBC, and others. This mode only conceals or disguises the IP address for those domains that require IP verification, with the aim of maximizing the speed at which users can access these geo-blocked sites. If you wish to completely hide your IP, please go into the device's configuration interface and switch from 'Smart Route' to 'Full Route' mode. The specific steps are illustrated in the image below:

For more information on DPN and Smart Route, please see here:   https://deeper-network.medium.com/a-101-on-dpns-bd5e2b7c9e25

Why did the ads filter not work?

Deeper Connect achieves ad blocking by filtering DNS requests and HTTPS traffic. Therefore, to enable Deeper Connect to effectively 'monitor' these requests, you need to ensure two things: 1, Disable DoH： Many browsers, such as Firefox, enable DoH (DNS over HTTPS) by default, encrypting DNS requests during transmission. Consequently, you need to disable the DoH feature in your browser so that Deeper Connect can monitor DNS requests and perform further content filtering. Please log in to the admin console at 34.34.34.34 to check how to disable the DoH settings of the browser. learn more...

2, Install and trust the root certificate issued by Deeper Network: In order to block advertisements in HTTPS traffic, including those in the IOS YouTube app, Deeper Connect must act as an intermediary to analyze and filter the HTTPS traffic. This function can only be achieved after the root certificate issued by Deeper Network is installed and trusted. Deeper Connect is capable of filtering advertising traffic in HTTPS traffic. Please log in to the admin consloe at 34.34.34.34 to see how to install the root certificate issued by Deeper Network on different devices.

Please note: After installing and trusting the root certificate issued by Deeper Network on the Android system, Deeper Connect will be able to filter SSL-based traffic advertisements within browsers. For example, on Android devices, when users visit YouTube through a web browser, Deeper Connect can filter out YouTube's ads. However, ads within the YouTube app cannot be blocked. 3, Clear the browser cache and restart the browser, or use Chrome's Incognito mode: If ads are not being filtered properly after enabling ad blocking, it is likely due to the browser cache. In this case, you can try clearing your browser's cache and restarting the browser to fix the issue. Additionally, after turning on ad blocking, you can use Google Chrome's Incognito Mode to test if the ad filtering is working, as Incognito Mode is not affected by the browser cache.

How to reset the Log-in and wifi password?

1, You can reset the password by using the reset button on the device. For detailed instructions, please refer to the following link: https://shop.deeper.network/blogs/tutorials/self-reset-your-deeper-connect-devices 2, If there are still questions, please keep your device online and reach us via support.deeper.network .

What is the difference between the Mini and Pico?

The hardware specifications of the Mini and Pico are different (details can be found on the project page). In addition, Pico supports wireless relay mode while the Mini is designed for at home use.

Can a Deeper Connect be used with any router or modem?

Yes, Deeper Connect can be set up in three ways that are introduced in the story section on the project page. 1, Virtual Wire mode: Modem --(cable)-- Deeper Connect --(cable)-- Router --(wifi)-- Laptop/ Phones/ TV, etc; 2, AP Router mode: Modem/ Router --(cable)-- Deeper Connect --(wifi)-- Laptop/ Phones/ TV, etc; 3, Wireless Relay mode: Other AP Hotspots --(wifi)-- Deeper Connect --(wifi)-- Laptop/ Phones/ TV, etc.

How do I use Deeper Connect with an All-in-One Modem/Router?

You need a 2nd router. All-in-One --(cable)-- Deeper Device --(cable)-- 2nd router.

What if there is someone using torrents on my IP address or potentially illegal activities which might trace back to my IP?

Protocols such as torrent blocking, adult content blocking, and a preset list of blacklisted websites prevent others from using your device for malicious activities. In the rare case your device is used for malicious activities, internal logs are in place to prove you are not responsible for any wrongdoing.

Which OS does your device run?

It runs AtomOS, the world’s first lock-free operating system, designed exclusively to run on Deeper Connect.

Why there is no Internet after using the Mini/Pico?

Please refer to this video for the first-time setup. Deeper Connect - Proper Setup & Reboot Sequence for Troubleshooting If you still have the connection issue, please reach us via: support.deeper.network .

Why can't I find the Deeper WIFI after using the wifi adapter?

Please check the firmware version first and ensure it is higher than 1.1.17. If your problem persists, please reach us via support.deeper.network .

Does the Wi-Fi name change after using a Deeper Connect?

Yes, a new Wi-Fi will be available for you to connect to.

Where can I stake?

You need to register an account at https://device-bsc.deeper.network/register first and follow the tutorial here to stake. If you need further assistance, please submit a ticket at support.deeper.network and customer support will help you out.

How much should I stake? What are the rules?

It really depends on how you want to invest. We have eight different staking tiers you can choose from. Please visit here for more information. You are always welcome to submit a ticket at support.deeper.network for further assistance.

I need help on staking.

Please make sure you have DPR and BNB token in your Metamask wallet. You can find more information about mining rewards & rules here and the staking tutorial . You are always welcome to submit a ticket at support.deeper.network for further assistance.

My credit score didn’t grow.

Please check if: 1, your device is consistently connected, 2, your device has been online for over 12 hours, 3, your On-chain status is “Yes” under the Mining/Wallet/Wallet Balance page at AtomOS, 4, your DPR balance is over 0.21DPR. If you need further assistance, please submit a ticket at support.deeper.network .

I am losing my credit score.

Please make sure you meet the following criteria: 1) System uptime is at least 12 consecutive hours each day, 2) Share more than 10MB each day, 3) Pass 3 random heartbeat checks each day. Here are credit score rules.

How do I burn DPR for credits?

Please follow this tutorial to complete the burning process.

How do I withdraw my rewards?

Please visit here for the withdrawal tutorial , and submit a ticket at support.deeper.network .  if you need further assistance.

Where do I check/view my NFT?

There are two ways you can check your NFT: 1) Click the Deeper Chain mainnet and connect your Deeper wallet. You need to have your Deeper wallet imported to the Polkadot extension on your browser in advance. 2) Log into your AtomOS, it is located at the top right corner of your avatar. Please visit here to get more information about NFT.

How do I burn NFTs for credits?

Please follow this tutorial to complete the burning process for NFTs.

Is free lifetime VPN guaranteed?

Yes, pay once, $0 Subscription for life.

Do I need to pay import duty and taxes?

Import duty and taxes may apply to certain countries and areas. All duties and taxes are to be paid by the customer.

How about the shipping fee? Does Deeper Network offer free shipping?

Please refer to our shipping policy .

How can I get discounts when shopping?

We will hold some discounted marketing campaigns, please follow our website and social media accounts. At the same time, we will also send coupons to email subscribers at irregular times, so please subscribe to the email, you can’t miss it. Participate in our affiliate events and earn money while helping your friends get great deals.

Please SAVE to make app work

How-To Geek

Get a travel router to upgrade your hotel wi-fi experience.

You can upgrade your hotel Wi-Fi experience easily.

Quick Links

What's a travel router, why use a travel router in a hotel, which travel router should you get.

You might not have "travel router" on your vacation packing list, but after reading this article, you just might. Here's why we always pack a router with us when we're headed to a hotel.

A travel router is a small network router designed with an emphasis on portability and use in-the-field. While you could, in theory, use a travel router as an internet router in your home, it's not intended for that.

Instead, travel routers are meant to link together a smaller number of devices all congregated fairly close together. Think, your laptop and phone, your kids' tablets, and maybe even a streaming stick in a hotel room---not all those things plus a pile of computers, smart devices, and such spread out across your whole home.

They typically have a very small form factor, the size of a portable battery pack or even smaller. Speaking of that, many of them are portable battery packs, so you can use them to charge your phone while you travel in addition to their router function.

Further, unlike the router you have at home, travel routers have UI elements and even physical toggles that make it easy to quickly switch them between functions like router mode, hotspot mode, repeater mode, and so on.

That last part is crucial. You want a travel router that can easily connect to the hotel's internet in different and reliable ways. In some hotels, you can plug the travel router directly into a courtesy Ethernet connection in your room, which is easy peasy.

In other hotels, there's no physical internet connection, and you have to connect the travel router to the hotel's Wi-Fi and use it in hotspot mode, where it captures the Wi-Fi connection, and then all your local devices connect to the travel router instead of the hotel's Wi-Fi system.

You might be thinking, "Well, that's all very fascinating, but I have no idea why I would go to the trouble?" And that's certainly a fair question to have on your mind if you've never considered packing a router (no matter how small it might be) along with your toiletries and phone charger .

Historically, one of the best reasons to pack a travel router was that many hotels didn't have Wi-Fi (they only had an Ethernet port in the room for business travelers to plug in their laptops).

Later, when hotels started to get Wi-Fi, they had frustrating policies like only one or two devices per guest/room were allowed on the network. Even today, some hotel Wi-Fi systems still have such rules.

When you use a travel router, you can "log in" just the travel router to the hotel's system so, as far as they are concerned, there is only one device in the room. All the traffic of the other devices passes through the travel router.

Speaking of device traffic, you can also leverage the travel router to increase your privacy. Most travel routers support basic VPN protocols like PPTP or L2TP, and the more advanced ones support OpenVPN and WireGuard .

That makes it simple to tunnel right from your room to a third-party VPN or right back to your corporate or home VPN server. It also makes it easy to transfer files securely between your devices as the file transfer is happening over the micro network you set up, and the files never pass through the hotel's infrastructure in any way.

It also makes it much easier to use your devices in the fashion you're accustomed to. You could set your travel router's Wi-Fi credentials to match your home network's Wi-Fi credentials, for example. Not only does that make it dead simple to log in when you get to your hotel (as your phone and laptop already know the way "home"), but you can even toss your Chromecast or favorite streaming stick into your bag and use it in your hotel room. Forget the stupid "smart" TV interface hotels have, enjoy your streaming services the way you want without the lag.

Above all else, when you're shopping for a travel router (whether you pick one of our suggestions or forge out on your own to do some research), you need this feature: captive portal connectivity.

You know how when you first connect to a hotel's Wi-Fi there is usually a pop-up page where you accept the terms and conditions and/or login with your name and room number? That's the portal. You need a router that "capture" that exchange and mimics your initial login device (like your iPhone).

All of our picks below support easy captive portal exchanges, which makes the setup when you first get to your hotel room a breeze. Without that feature, you're left manually cloning your original login device's MAC address which usually works but can be hit or miss.

One of the most popular options on the market is the TP-Link N300 Nano Router . It's a steal at around $30, but it's starting to show its age.

It only supports 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) on the 2.4 GHz band. But for only ten bucks more, you can jump from the N300 Nano Router to the TP-Link AC750 Nano Router .

TP-Link TL-WR902AC AC750

It's tiny, inexpensive, and our all-around top pick for best travel router. For most folks, it's the easiest solution.

The upgraded model features dual-band Wi-Fi, 802.11AC (Wi-Fi 5), and a really convenient switch on the side that makes it dead simple to change modes without logging into the router.

While we love the TP-Link Nano lineup, especially the newest models, and think they are the best fit for just about everyone, there are a few other options to consider.

If you want more advanced VPN solutions, you'll need to step beyond the TP-Link offerings and consider something like the GL.iNet GLMT300N ---it's roughly equivalent to the TP-Link N300 Nano Router but runs the popular OpenWRT router firmware and supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard.

And if you want a beefy upgrade over the TP-Link AC750 Nano Router consider the GL.iNet GL-A1300 .

GL-iNet GL-A1300

For power users that want passthrough connectivity for Ethernet devices and advanced VPN services like WireGuard, this travel router delivers.

It also runs OpenWRT firmware and robust VPN support like its smaller sibling, but includes two additional Ethernet ports, support for many more Wi-Fi devices, and more.

But whichever of our picks you go with, you'll become the master of your Wi-Fi destiny when you're on the road. Forget cruddy hotel Wi-Fi or frustrating Wi-Fi rules. Plug in your own router and go. And hey, if you're in the upgrade mood, here are some other travel gadget upgrades worth looking at.

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Gigabit Wireless Router for Security-savvy Travelers

Cost-effective pocket router.

Opal (GL-SFT1200) is a pocket-sized travel router supporting 1200Mbps wireless transfers speed. It is compactly designed for portable use, which can meet the needs of wireless internet access for small businesses, small apartments or business traveler.

Your Security is Our Priority

Added Security to Help You Stay Secure on Public Wi-Fi

The Perfect Wi-Fi for Small Apartments

With a minimalist and compact design, Opal is ideal for placing in small apartments, studios, and student dorms! The bright white color emits a sense of calmness, making it the perfect gadget for your private space. With VPN pre-installed, this gigabit router gives you fast Wi-Fi speeds as well as protection from surveillance and third-party trackers. Priced competitively, Opal is made for those who seek best-value.

Stay Secure on Public Wi-Fi Anywhere

Opal is a pocket-sized travel router compactly designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go. You can use Opal to set up a repeater and create a secure Wi-Fi network in almost any location. Opal is an optimal choice for meeting the needs of wireless internet access for businesses or travelers. With Opal, you do not need to be worried about the cybersecurity threats brought by the public Wi-Fi network.

Holistic Security - Protect Your Family & Friends

Just like other GL.iNet products, you can use four methods to access the Internet with Opal, including cable, repeater, USB 3G/4G modem, and tethering. It provides visibility into networking security while allowing for multiple access and controls. Simply create a personal Wi-Fi network and share it with your friends, family or colleagues during your trip. On top of its powerful supporting hardware, Opal provides you a secured network with OpenVPN & WireGuard®.

Connect More & Stay Fast

Support Max. 52 connected wireless devices simultaneously

No More Hackers, Access Network Securely

Opal provides the best encryption and authentication with OpenVPN & WireGuard® , just like the other GL.iNet products. Keeping your Internet connection private with multiple VPN protocol support. With our Web UI 3.0, you can set up a VPN server easily and access your files securely in a remote site as if you are at home.

WireGuard® is a registered trademark of Jason A.Donenfeld.

Runs on OpenWrt 18.06

Opal presents a user-friendly interface for common users to set up the router with minimal inputs, and an extended customization experience for advanced users to install plug-ins and applications. Opal runs on customized OpenWrt 18.06, supporting more than 5,000 ready-made plug-ins for customization. Simply browse, install, and manage packages within Opal's Admin Panel.

DNS Encryption with Cloudflare

Opal supports Cloudflare DNS over TLS, it keeps users' online actions secure and private. DNS over TLS is a security protocol for encrypting and wrapping Domain Name System (DNS) queries and answers via the Transport Layer Security (TLS). The goal is to increase user privacy and security by preventing eavesdropping and manipulation of DNS data via man-in-the-middle attacks.

Dual-band Wi-Fi

Vpn client / server, dns encryption, type-c power input, openwrt pre-installed, gigabit ethernet, specification, looking for in-depth solutions.

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The best OpenVPN travel router?

• Thread starter Yota
• Start date Apr 3, 2021

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Very Senior Member

• Apr 3, 2021

The pandemic is coming to the end and I am preparing for my trip. I wish to purchase a router for my future trips: It must: It can be wirelessly bridged, so I can connect it to the hotel WiFi. It supports OpenVPN Client function, so I can protect my traffic. It supports wireless, so that both my computer and phone can access the Internet through OpenVPN. It must be small and can share the same power adapter with the phone. Not necessary: Supports 5GHz. A Gigabit Ethernet interface. OpenVPN speed is higher than 50Mbps. However, I don’t seem to find any eligible routers. I think the Raspberry Pi maybe able to do that, but I don't like to build a router by myself, I like to buy one.  

ColinTaylor

Part of the furniture.

GL-MT1300 / Beryl

Yota said: It must: It can be wirelessly bridged, so I can connect it to the hotel WiFi. It supports OpenVPN Client function, so I can protect my traffic. It supports wireless, so that both my computer and phone can access the Internet through OpenVPN. It must be small and can share the same power adapter with the phone. Not necessary: Supports 5GHz. A Gigabit Ethernet interface. OpenVPN speed is higher than 50Mbps. Click to expand...

GL-AR750S-Ext / Slate

I haven't seen the new Beryl, but I have the Slate and it works well. It was also cheap at about $60 on Amazon. Older OpenWRT version firmware and weak Wi-Fi, but it doesn't matter. It's a travel router made for use in a single room only or right next to your laptop. Can be powered off standard power bank.  

ColinTaylor said: GL-MT1300 / Beryl Beryl (GL-MT1300) is a high-performance pocket-sized router that offers a powerful CPU and top-notch cybersecurity protocol at affordable price. www.gl-inet.com Click to expand...

sfx2000 said: GL-Inet... GL-AR750S-Ext / Slate For the frequent travellers, Slate is the perfect portable Wi-Fi router, keeping your connection private & secure, supported by multiple VPN services. www.gl-inet.com GL-MT1300 / Beryl Beryl (GL-MT1300) is a high-performance pocket-sized router that offers a powerful CPU and top-notch cybersecurity protocol at affordable price. www.gl-inet.com OpenVPN and Wireguard... gigabit support on the wire - can support WiFi for bridging, 4G/5G mobile hotspot support firmware is openWRT based Click to expand...

Tech9 said: I haven't seen the new Beryl, but I have the Slate and it works well. It was also cheap at about $60 on Amazon. Older OpenWRT version firmware and weak Wi-Fi, but it doesn't matter. It's a travel router made for use in a single room only or right next to your laptop. Can be powered off standard power bank. Click to expand...

How about GL-MV1000W? Although it does not have 5GHz, but provided better openvpn performance.  

Yota said: How is its OpenVPN performance? Click to expand...

redpaw.rider

Occasional visitor.

• Apr 4, 2021

I’ve tried a few Wi-Fi devices like anonbox that connect and to a network and have tor and or a vpn established when you’re connected to it the idea being if that goes down you are on and ok when you connect since it’s already being handled. I paid for each of these to see how they worked and implemented what they have - the anonbox stands out as the one sold as the pro version but was the poorest quality in the device itself and in working for more than an hour or two. I travel now with something I made myself similar to these using a prepaid hotspot since the ones I looked at assumed being connected to your router or dhcp if wireless which was an issue if the place required being asked for anything to connect. you can do the same with a lot less work and may not have to use the idea of the connection being established prior to you coming in - using it to connect then connecting would still keep you off any hotel network or coffee shop network.  

Tech9 said: Did you check the links above? OpenVPN is up to 17Mbps, WireGuard is up to 68Mbps. I would still prefer Slate because of Qualcomm SoC. Why do you need >50Mbps OpenVPN and Gigabit port on a travel router? Travel routers are made small, power efficient and usually connect to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi in a hotel. Click to expand...

redpaw.rider said: I’ve tried a few Wi-Fi devices like anonbox that connect and to a network and have tor and or a vpn established when you’re connected to it the idea being if that goes down you are on and ok when you connect since it’s already being handled. I paid for each of these to see how they worked and implemented what they have - the anonbox stands out as the one sold as the pro version but was the poorest quality in the device itself and in working for more than an hour or two. I travel now with something I made myself similar to these using a prepaid hotspot since the ones I looked at assumed being connected to your router or dhcp if wireless which was an issue if the place required being asked for anything to connect. you can do the same with a lot less work and may not have to use the idea of the connection being established prior to you coming in - using it to connect then connecting would still keep you off any hotel network or coffee shop network. Click to expand...

Yota said: And I think you have used it, so can you share your experience? Click to expand...

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Keep Your Home IP’s Groundbreaking VPN Solution Allows Remote Workers to Travel Freely

Innovative Dual-Router System Ensures Secure Access to Home Networks from Anywhere in the World

Amsterdam, Netherlands - April 25, 2024 —

  Keep Your Home IP (KYHIP) , a pioneering VPN provider, has introduced a revolutionary solution that enables remote workers to securely connect to their home networks from any location worldwide. 

This groundbreaking approach, featuring a dual-router system with a 'VPN Server' and 'VPN Client router,' ensures that users can access the internet as if they were at home, regardless of their physical location.

In an era dominated by remote work and digital nomadism, KYHIP's innovative VPN infrastructure addresses the challenges of ensuring private and safeguarded internet connections in varied environments while bypassing the limitations imposed by geo-restrictions. 

By establishing a secure tunnel directly to the user's home network, KYHIP grants individuals full ownership and control over their VPN setup, tailoring their online experience to their personal needs.

" Our mission at Keep Your Home IP is to empower remote workers with the freedom to travel without compromising their online security ," said Neb Trazivuk, CTO and co-founder of KYHIP. " Our unique solution allows users to maintain their residential IP address on the go. Unlike traditional VPN providers, whose traffic can easily be identified as originating from a VPN service, KYHIP VPN is designed to offer both protection and a connection to your home network. This ensures secure and private Internet access, enabling seamless work from anywhere in the world. "

According to recent statistics, the global VPN market is expected to reach $75.59 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2% from 2020 to 2027. As remote work continues to be the norm, the demand for reliable and secure VPN solutions is expected to increase. 

KYHIP's hardware-based VPN infrastructure guarantees privacy protection for users who want a personal and private VPN solution for all their devices.

“It’s our goal to empower remote workers through what we’re doing. With Keep Your Home IP, individuals can now enjoy embracing the digital nomad life without compromising their online security or access to essential resources," says Jovan Lukic, head of marketing at KYHIP.

To take advantage of KYHIP's groundbreaking VPN solution, users simply need to order one of the VPN packages offered by KYHIP and follow the straightforward setup instructions provided via email. With a 30-day no-questions-asked money-back guarantee and exceptional customer support, KYHIP ensures a seamless user experience for remote workers worldwide.

Visit Keep Your Home IP to learn more about this revolutionary VPN solution .

About Keep Your Home IP

Keep Your Home IP (KYHIP), a pioneering VPN provider based in The Hague, Netherlands, has developed a groundbreaking dual-router system. This innovative system enables users to securely connect to their home networks from anywhere in the world. 

Focused on privacy, security, and user experience, KYHIP is committed to empowering remote workers with the freedom to travel while maintaining their home IP addresses. Additionally, KeepYourHomeIP effectively overcomes the strict IP address and ISP restrictions imposed by streaming services, making it an ideal solution for uninterrupted streaming.

Contact Info: Name: Keep Your Home IP Email: Send Email Organization: Keep Your Home IP Website: https://keepyourhomeip.com

Source: Baden Bower

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GL.iNet GL-X3000 (Spitz AX) 5G NR AX3000 Cellular Gateway Router, Wi-Fi 6, Detachable Antennas, Dual-SIM, RV, T-Mobile & AT&T IoT Device Certified

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• 【Fast Wi-Fi 6 Cellular Router】GL-X3000 provides reliable cellular networks for remote access and high speed internet in urban areas with up to 574Mbps (2.4GHz) + 2402Mbps (5GHz) Wi-Fi speeds. Supports MU-MIMO technology for simultaneous wireless network connections in different scenario. *Speed Tests conducted on a local network. Real world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.
• 【5G Network & Dual-SIM with Single Standby】Experience lightning-fast 5G speeds under both NSA and SA standards. Dual-SIM flexibility for selecting the stronger and faster ISP connection and automatic failover. Compatible with 4G LTE and 3G networks. AT&T & T-Mobile certificated.
• 【VPN Tunnelling & Remote Access】Provides pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard to support 30+ VPN services and encrypts all network traffic within the connected network so that the network is secured when connecting to a public Wi-Fi. Max. VPN speed of 150 Mbps (OpenVPN); 300 Mbps (WireGuard) *Speed Tests conducted on a local network. Real world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.
• 【Customizable OpenWrt v21.02】Spitz AX is supported by our proprietary firmware based on OpenWrt (v21.02), providing more than 5,000 ready-made plug-ins for advanced customization. With minimal inputs, you could easily access our no-code interface within the Admin Panel.
• 【Powerful RV Deployment】Secure your network gateway in RVs and access multiple WAN connections with ease using GL-X3000's 6 detachable antennas and dual SIM card slots. For extra stability of your internet services in remote areas, you could also connect to your desired wired dome antenna.
• 【Reliable & Uninterrupted Internet】Spitz AX's Multi-WAN technology lets users utilize multiple connection methods, including Ethernet, Repeater, Cellular, and Tethering; Load-balancing capabilities let users distribute bandwidth by custom proportion among multiple connection methods; Supports Network Failover and the option to configure Failover priorities among multiple connection methods.
• 【Diversified Network Needs】Supports various network needs in your daily life, including remote work access to your company’s network resources through VPN Cascading, stable network connections with the use of multi-WAN in Office and RV, easy switching between digital devices during road trips, as well as secure co-working environment while using public Wi-Fi services.
• 【Flexibly Configured Network Settings】Supports both DNS over TLS and DNS over HTTPS to improve network privacy and security, providing you with the flexibility to choose between encryption depending on the network type.
• The product package comes with a 30-day 1GB Free SIM card, which comes with an initial allocation of 1GB DATA ONLY, NO TEXT, NO TALK. Primarily intended for basic equipment testing, this SIM card allows you to verify the compatibility and functionality of the device within your geographical area. Once the initial 1GB data allowance is depleted, you have the option to utilize an alternative SIM card for continued usage or top up the SIM card.

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From the brand

Founded in 2010, GL.iNet is a leading developer of OpenWrt Wi-Fi and IoT Network Solutions. We build Wi-Fi routers, IoT gateways and remote device management platforms for a wide range of scenarios.

We bring powerful but affordable Wi-Fi networks to families across the globe. Our devices are highly customizable for creating a personalized Internet experience, and a remote device management platform for monitoring, analytics, and configuration.

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Routers for Home & Travel

Home Routers

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How to setup the router.

All of GL.iNet’s devices have a simple and almost identical setup process, click here to learn about the first time setup.

Please check the instruction from our Official Docs.

How does this vpn replace a vpn service? Is the pre-installed as secure as a paid vpn service?

The router can NOT replace the VPN service. You still need to pay the VPN service providers to get the VPN service.

Can it in repeater mode connect with a hotel wifi that uses a web page for access to it’s network?

Yes, you could connect to the public or hotels' WiFi.

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Product description.

What's in the box

• User Manual
• GL-X3000 router with 1-year warranty
• Power Adapter (US,EU,UK,AU)
• Ethernet Cable
• X3000's Wall Mount Kit

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Product information

Warranty & support, customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the interface, performance, features, and build quality of the router. For example, they mention it has an app for easy control, it works without slowing down, and has many great features. That said, some differ on connectivity.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the performance of the router. For example, they mention it's exceptional, works well, and delivers the best results. Some say that the router function works well and is capable of working with both AT&T and T-Mobile. Overall, customers are satisfied with the performance and say it'll be an excellent piece of tech.

"...via the Admin GUI, allows you to easily lock the bands, worked with SIMs from Verizon & Cisco. Works perfectly on the Private Cellular Band (CBRS)...." Read more

"...It is now March 5, 2024 and it still works flawlessly - except for the T-Mobile issue. My live streaming speeds in a fairly remote venue is great...." Read more

"...The router gets 5G and well as all other bands, so it's very fast . I used to think that if I was getting 25 mbps, It was screaming...." Read more

"...using the X750V2 for a couple weeks and it worked great, except for slow speeds . I then upgraded to the X3000 and it would NOT connect to the sim...." Read more

Customers find the setup of the networking router to be easy. They mention that the Admin GUI is simple and streamlined, and the OpenWRT software is ridiculously easy to use. They also appreciate the quick tech support and the user-friendly UI.

" Very easy to configure via the Admin GUI, allows you to easily lock the bands, worked with SIMs from Verizon & Cisco...." Read more

"... Tech support was quick , For some strange reason I could not use my T-mobile SIM that worked in my T-mobile 5G hot spot, so I bought a pre-paid AT&T..." Read more

"...user interface provided by GL.iNET is everything you would expect - intuitive , useful, and packed with numerous features...." Read more

"One thing this modem has going for it: AT commands to change IMEI is pretty easy ...." Read more

Customers like the value of the networking router. They say it's worth every cent, cheaper, faster, and better than any other cellular gateway. Some say it pays for itself very fast.

"...Tech has answered all of my questions. This was worth every penny so far...." Read more

" ***Cheaper , Faster, Better - than any other cellular gateway that I have tried...." Read more

"This is worth EVERY CENT ...." Read more

"Great product at a great price with actual customer service..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the build quality of the networking router. They mention that it is solid, not clunky, and not flimsy. They also appreciate the super stable WiFi and 5G/4G connections.

"...It is neither clunky nor flimsy . Notably, the inclusion of built-in heat sinks and a fan sets it apart from other routers on the market...." Read more

"...been able to achieve amazingly good internet speed and seemingly much better stability . It's been about a month now with this new device...." Read more

"...Turned it on- Set it up & set up was easy- It's a solid piece of hardware - doesn't feel cheap-..." Read more

"... super stable wifi and 5g/4G connections, no random reboot, no random frozen system......" Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the networking router. They mention that it is an excellent product, with solid features. It is based on the tried-and-true, super well-tested OpenWRT software platform.

"Overall the quality and features are solid with this device compared to some other 5G hotspots like the m6. The main issue is carrier compatibility...." Read more

"...The software is based on the tried-and-true, super well-tested OpenWRT software platform and has all the tools you might want to use..." Read more

" Excellent product ..." Read more

" Excellent Product - Highly Recommend..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the features of the router. They mention that it has many great features, such as dual-SIM, load-balancing between SIMs, and DNS, VPN, and Tor features.

"...Signal quality is excellent (much better than Netgear). Has many great features such as dual-SIM, Load-balancing between SIMs...." Read more

"...is everything you would expect - intuitive, useful, and packed with numerous features ...." Read more

"... Feature rich.. allows you to really "own" your device, such as issuing changes to the internal 4G/5G modem settings...." Read more

"I am loving this router so far. Easy to setup, awesome features , but still need to do the full install in my RV with the Proxicast 7 in 1 antenna..." Read more

Customers like the interface of the networking router. They mention that it's easy to set up, has an app for easy control, and that controlling their own wifi network is easy. Some mention that the range is pretty decent.

"...It's an amazing bit of kit with a great interface ...." Read more

"...Finally, the wifi range is pretty decent and controlling your own wifi network is easy ...." Read more

"...User-friendly UI (easy identity magic, easy band lock, Adguard app , VPN app......etc)..." Read more

"...Easy to set up, has an app for easy control , looks well made. I highly recommend it." Read more

Customers are mixed about the connectivity of the router. Some mention that the WiFi signal is excellent, superb, and the range is pretty decent. However, others say that it wouldn't connect to the sim, could not connect to AT&T, and T-Mobile SIMs.

"... WiFi signal is excellent . Indicator Lights are easy to see. Has 2.5G WAN and 1G LAN interfaces. Could be used as a regular WiFi Router." Read more

"...At that time,as I said before, I could not connect using T-Mobile SIM , needed connectivity right then and there, so I got an AT&T prepaid SIM, used..." Read more

"...I no longer require a VPN for playing Xbox, as the router allows direct internet access , resulting in an incredibly low ping of 9ms...." Read more

"...Has all DNS, VPN, Tor features, WiFi repeater (awesome feature, but I haven't used it)...." Read more

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