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Best portable router in 2025: Top picks for travel, work, and more
Take a closer look at the best portable routers, including the Netgear Nighthawk, Mogo S2 eSIM Global, and GL-iNet GL-MT3000.
Whether you’re working remotely, traveling internationally, or just tired of unreliable hotel WiFi, you want the best portable router to keep you connected wherever you go. In this updated 2025 list, we compare the best portable routers based on how they connect, how many devices they support, and how easy they are to carry and set up.
But if you’d rather skip carrying another device altogether, a travel eSIM like Holafly may be a better fit. It lets you stay connected just by using your smartphone, and you can even share data with other devices through hotspot sharing.
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What is a portable router?
A portable router is a compact device that creates a private WiFi network by sharing internet from a SIM card, eSIM, or wired Ethernet connection. It works like a mini version of your home router, letting you connect devices, like your phone, laptop, or tablet, to the same network while traveling.
Travel routers are especially useful if you need to keep several devices online at once for extended periods, or if you prefer having a dedicated device for your internet connection. They’re commonly used by remote workers, digital nomads, and travelers who want an extra layer of security or more control over their internet setup.
How to choose a portable router
While all portable routers can share the internet with you and your travel buddies, they are not all built the same. Here are a few things you need to consider before you buy one.
- Internet source: Make sure the travel router supports the connection type you need: SIM, eSIM, or a wired Ethernet port. Some models support multiple options, while others are limited to just one.
- Power source: If you’ll be using it on the go, look for a battery-powered device with solid battery life. If you’re mostly working from a hotel room or café, a plug-in travel router may be enough.
- WiFi speed and device capacity: Check the WiFi standard (WiFi 5, 6, or 6E) and how many devices it can support at once. Some routers can connect 10+ devices with a strong signal strength and stable download speeds.
- Portability and size: Compact, lightweight routers are easier to carry and more convenient for travel. Look for something that fits in your bag without adding bulk.
- Extra features: Some portable travel routers offer useful additions like VPN support, USB ports for charging, or a second Ethernet port. These features can make a difference if you’re a frequent traveler or need a more secure setup.
What is the best portable router in 2025?
Here are the best routers for 2025, selected for their performance, portability, and compatibility with travel-ready internet options like SIM, eSIM, or Ethernet. These options cover every type of traveler.
1. MOGO S2 eSIM Global Mobile Router
This compact travel router is ideal for travelers who want to avoid physical SIM cards and prefer a fully digital setup. It connects to the internet using an embedded eSIM and is small enough to fit in your pocket, making it one of the backpack travel essentials.
- Price: $219.00
- eSIM/SIM compatibility: eSIM only (locked to MOGO plans)
- Power source: Battery-powered
- Size and portability: Pocket-sized
The MOGO S2 is one of the few portable travel routers with eSIM support, but it only works with MOGO’s own plans. It supports up to 10 connected devices and includes some data with purchase, though the lack of compatibility with other eSIM providers is a key limitation.
2. Netgear Nighthawk
Netgear’s Nighthawk line is a top pick for heavy users, frequent flyers, and others who need a fast, stable connection and don’t mind using a travel SIM. It’s available in several models, with the higher-end versions supporting 5G and advanced WiFi features.
- Price: $199.99 – $899.99
- eSIM/SIM compatibility: SIM only (unlocked and carrier-locked options available)
- Power source: Battery-powered
- Size and portability: Compact but not pocket-sized
This travel router stands out for its flexibility, speed, and ability to support 20–30 devices, depending on the model. With 4G and 5G connectivity, strong battery life, and Ethernet output, it’s ideal for power users and small teams on the move.
3. GL-iNet GL-MT3000
This plug-in router is best suited for travelers who work from hotels or cafes. It gives you a fast, secure internet connection without relying on public WiFi. It doesn’t support eSIM or SIM and requires Ethernet. However, its performance and security features make it a great travel companion.
- Price: $86.00
- eSIM/SIM compatibility: Neither (Ethernet only)
- Power source: Plug-in only
- Size and portability: Compact, fits in your palm
What sets the GL-MT3000 apart is its VPN support (OpenVPN and WireGuard), fast WiFi 6 speeds, and retractable antennas for improved signal strength. It can connect multiple devices and is especially valuable for digital nomads who prioritize privacy.
4. Deeper Connect Air
This ultra-lightweight, compact VPN travel router is perfect for privacy-conscious travelers. It offers built-in military-grade encryption and DNS filtering without requiring a monthly subscription, making it great for secure connections on the go.
- Price: ~$169 (often on sale)
- eSIM/SIM compatibility: None (Wi-Fi/Ethernet only)
- Power source: Plug-in only (tiny 26 g)
- Size and portability: Featherlight. Easy to toss in any bag
The Deeper Connect Air supports up to five devices, blocks ads, bypasses geographic restrictions, and includes parental controls, all in a device the size of a keychain. It’s ideal for travelers who want a powerful privacy tool without extra software or subscription fees.
5. TP‑Link TL‑WR3002X
The TL‑WR3002X is a compact travel router ideal for users who want versatile connectivity in a small form factor. Though it lacks built-in cellular, it supports wired Ethernet, USB tethering, and VPN, making it a flexible choice for secure connections in hotel rooms or co-working spaces.
- Price: ~$60–$70
- eSIM/SIM compatibility: None (Ethernet + USB tethering only)
- Power source: Plug-in only
- Size and portability: Palm-sized, easy to pack
Despite missing cellular support, this WiFi 6 router still delivers fast download speeds via Ethernet or tethering and offers VPN functionality, plus optional USB‑C power, so remote workers can create a private, secure network from existing internet sources such as a hotel’s WiFi.
eSIMs: The best alternative to portable routers
Portable routers are a great solution if you need to connect multiple devices for long periods, especially when you’re traveling with a group or relying on high-bandwidth applications. But for most travelers, there’s a much easier way to stay online: using an eSIM.
An eSIM lets you connect to mobile data directly through your eSIM-compatible smartphone, with no need for extra devices, cables, or setup. Most modern phones now support eSIM technology, and once installed, an eSIM plan works just like a regular SIM, but without the physical card. You can activate it and get connected in minutes.
Holafly prepaid and postpaid eSIM plans
If you want a reliable, easy-to-use eSIM for international travel, Holafly offers both prepaid and postpaid options to match your travel style:
- Holafly prepaid eSIM plans include unlimited data in 200+ destinations, instant activation, and no roaming fees. They are ideal for short trips, vacations, or spontaneous getaways. If you plan on country-hopping, you can also find Holafly regional plans, such as eSIM for Asia, eSIM for Europe, eSIM for North America, and even a Global eSIM. Tethering options may be limited with these prepaid plans.
- Holafly Plans are postpaid eSIM plans designed for long-term travelers and digital nomads. These monthly plans offer 25 GB or unlimited data with full hotspot support. They include global coverage and a European phone number and can be managed easily through the Holafly dashboard. There are no contracts or roaming fees — all with monthly billing and multi-country coverage.
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With a Trustpilot rating of 4.6/5 from 50,000+ reviews, our eSIMs come with a seal of approval.
FAQs
Whether or not you can use your WiFi router on a plane depends solely on the airline’s policy about airplane internet use. Read up on their rules before your trip, and always double-check with a flight attendant before turning on your portable internet modem or router mid-flight.
Yes. Travel routers create a private WiFi network, so there’s no need to worry about others accessing your connection, especially when compared to public WiFi. Most come with standard password protection, and some of the best portable VPN routers include built-in encryption for even more secure browsing.
Portable WiFi routers are worth it if you need to connect multiple devices to the internet for long periods. They can be more suitable for teams that travel together than individual workers. If you’re looking to stay connected while traveling, a travel eSIM is often a cheaper and more convenient alternative. Holafly’s eSIM plans, for example, offer unlimited data without needing a separate device.
The best portable WiFi router for international travel depends on your needs. For simple, secure access in hotel rooms or cafés, the TP-Link TL‑WR3002X is a great budget-friendly option. For more demanding users, the Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro offers 5G speeds and can connect 20+ devices, making it one of the best 5G portable routers on the market.
If you’re traveling solo and just need to connect your laptop and phone, a lightweight router like the MOGO S2 or GL‑iNet GL‑MT3000 can get the job done. For family or team travel, consider routers that support multiple devices, have better signal strength, and come with features like a WAN port or USB tethering.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
