Traveling Abroad? These VPN Routers Keep Your Internet Private Anywhere

Published September 9, 2025 | By Adblockdude

Public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, or cafés may feel convenient, but it’s also one of the easiest ways for hackers to intercept your data. That’s why seasoned travelers increasingly pack a VPN router in their bag. Instead of installing a VPN app on every single device, a VPN router encrypts all traffic automatically — from your phone and laptop to your Fire Stick or even a Nintendo Switch.

Below, we’ll break down the best VPN routers for travel, their standout features, pros and cons, and why you might want one before your next trip. If you need a VPN router for home, click here instead.

Why Use a VPN Router While Traveling?

Not all countries have a free and open internet like the United States. Some countries block websites, services, or are invasive in their spying. For a list of countries that play games with your data, click here.

  • One setup, all devices protected. Log in once and every gadget connected to the router is secured.

  • Secure risky Wi-Fi. Hotel or airport Wi-Fi is often open or poorly secured; a VPN router fixes that.

  • Access content anywhere. Watch your Netflix or Disney+ library from home while abroad.

  • Save time. No more juggling multiple VPN apps, logins, and device limits.

1. GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (“Mango”)

Best for: Ultra-budget, pocket-sized protection.

  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 4 (2.4 GHz, 300 Mbps)

  • Ports: 1× WAN, 1× LAN (100 Mbps)

  • VPN: OpenVPN & WireGuard supported (30+ providers)

  • Power: Micro-USB (works with laptop or power bank)

Pros: Extremely cheap, tiny size (40 g), works with many VPN providers.
Cons: Only 2.4 GHz, capped at 100 Mbps, basic hardware.

2. TP-Link TL-WR1502X (AX1500)

Best for: Affordable Wi-Fi 6 with built-in VPN support.

  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (AX1500, dual-band)

  • Ports: 1× WAN, 1× LAN (Gigabit each), USB port, USB-C power

  • VPN: OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP, PPTP (client & server)

  • Modes: Router, Hotspot (WISP), USB tethering, 3G/4G modem, AP, Extender

Pros: Dual-band Wi-Fi 6, flexible modes, native OpenVPN/WireGuard support at a low price.
Cons: No battery, newer model so less tested.

3. GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (“Slate AX”)

Best for: Power users who want speed and flexibility.

  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (AX1800)

  • Ports: 1× WAN, 2× LAN (Gigabit), USB 3.0, microSD slot

  • VPN: OpenVPN & WireGuard (client & server)

  • Specs: Quad-core CPU, 512 MB RAM

  • Other: Supports up to 120 devices

Pros: Excellent VPN throughput (~300 Mbps WireGuard), strong hardware, USB 3.0 tethering.
Cons: No built-in battery, pricier than budget options.

4. ASUS RT-AX57 Go (AX3000)

Best for: Travelers who want plug-and-play VPN setup.

  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (AX3000, dual-band)

  • Ports: 1× WAN, 1× LAN (Gigabit), USB-C power

  • VPN: OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/PPTP; built-in profiles for 30+ providers

  • Other: USB tethering to 4G/5G phones, AiMesh support

Pros: Super easy VPN setup, strong Wi-Fi 6, convenient toggle switch for VPN profiles.
Cons: No battery, only 1 LAN port, VPN speeds lower than Slate AX.

5. Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro (MR6450)

Best for: Premium all-in-one solution with 5G + battery.

  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E (tri-band, up to 2.9 Gbps)

  • Ports: 1× WAN/LAN (2.5 Gbps), USB-C

  • VPN: OpenVPN, WireGuard (manual setup)

  • Battery: 5,040 mAh (~13 hours runtime)

  • Other: Built-in 5G/LTE modem (SIM slot), touchscreen

Pros: Works anywhere with a SIM card, no external internet needed, internal battery, premium performance.
Cons: Very expensive (~$700), heavier than other travel routers, VPN setup less beginner-friendly.

Quick Comparison

Router Wi-Fi Standard VPN Support Power Best For Price
GL.iNet Mango Wi-Fi 4 OpenVPN, WireGuard USB Budget basics ~$30
TP-Link TL-WR1502X Wi-Fi 6 AX1500 OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP, PPTP USB-C Affordable Wi-Fi 6 ~$60
GL.iNet Slate AX Wi-Fi 6 AX1800 OpenVPN, WireGuard USB Fast VPN speeds ~$120
ASUS RT-AX57 Go Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 OpenVPN, WireGuard, 30+ providers built-in USB-C Easy setup ~$100
Netgear M6 Pro Wi-Fi 6E AXE OpenVPN, WireGuard Battery + USB-C All-in-one, 5G hotspot ~$700

FAQ: Travel VPN Routers

Q: Do I really need a travel VPN router if I already have a VPN app?
A: If you’re only protecting one device, maybe not. But if you travel with multiple gadgets (phone, laptop, Fire Stick, Switch), a VPN router secures them all at once.

Q: Which one’s best for beginners?
A: The ASUS RT-AX57 Go — it has built-in VPN profiles for major providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, so setup takes minutes.

Q: Which is best for speed?
A: The GL.iNet Slate AX offers the best VPN throughput under $150, great for streaming abroad.

Q: Do any work without an outlet?
A: Only the Netgear M6 Pro, which has a built-in battery and 5G modem. Others can run off a power bank.

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