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A portable VPN router lets you connect a phone, laptop, and other devices to one local Wi-Fi network while the router sends their traffic through a VPN tunnel. For a compact Wi-Fi 6 option with documented router-side VPN support, the GL.iNet Beryl AX (GL-MT3000) is a strong candidate. Its maker lists client-mode VPN throughput of up to 150 Mbps with OpenVPN and 300 Mbps with WireGuard, but those are local-network test results—not guaranteed travel speeds. Your best choice depends on how you connect at your destination, which VPN protocols your provider supports, and the ports, bands, power, and setup you need.
What a portable VPN router does
A travel router takes an internet connection and creates a local network for your devices. Depending on the model and configuration, its upstream connection can be wired Ethernet, an existing Wi-Fi network in repeater mode, or phone tethering. The router can then act as a VPN client, sending connected devices’ traffic through a configured tunnel. This is useful for devices that do not offer convenient VPN apps of their own, but the VPN service may require a separate account; the router itself is not evidence that a VPN subscription is included.
A VPN is one part of a connection’s security, not a guarantee that a public or hotel network is safe. Protection depends on correctly configuring the router, routing the intended traffic through the tunnel, and maintaining a working upstream connection. Do not assume that every device or every kind of traffic is tunneled under every setup.
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GL.iNet Beryl AX (GL-MT3000): a well-documented compact Wi-Fi 6 choice
The Beryl AX is a pocket-sized Wi-Fi 6 travel router with built-in OpenVPN and WireGuard support. GL.iNet lists wireless rates of 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz plus 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz, a 2.5G WAN port, a 1G LAN port, USB-C power, and a USB 3.0 port. The manufacturer says connected clients—including devices without native VPN support—can have their traffic encrypted by the router. See the Beryl AX product specifications and the Beryl AX user guide.
#1 Best Overall
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
For VPN client mode, GL.iNet lists speeds of up to 150 Mbps with OpenVPN and up to 300 Mbps with WireGuard. The company says these figures come from tests on a local network and that real-world speeds can differ with network configuration; server-mode performance may be slower. Treat the numbers as manufacturer claims under stated test conditions, not guaranteed hotel-room throughput or a controlled comparison with another router. A faster Wi-Fi headline rate also does not establish faster VPN performance.
GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800): another documented Wi-Fi 6 option
Slate AX is another travel-router candidate with Wi-Fi 6, an IPQ6000 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, and OpenWrt 23.05 identified in its official guide. Its guide describes powering on the router and connecting a phone, computer, or other device by Wi-Fi or Ethernet. The available specifications here do not establish a comparable VPN throughput figure, so there is no sound basis to say it is faster or slower than Beryl AX. Consult the Slate AX user guide for its setup and configuration details.
Rank #2
- 【DUAL BAND AX TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 574Mbps (2.4G)+2402Mbps (5G); 2.5G Multi-gigabit WAN port and a 1G gigabit LAN port; USB 3.0 port; Wi-Fi 6 offers more than double the total Wi-Fi speed with the MT3000 VPN Router.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Beryl AX automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 150 Mbps (OpenVPN); 300 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【OpenWrt 21.02 FIRMWARE】The Beryl AX is a portable wifi box and mini router that runs on OpenWrt 21.02 firmware. It supports more than 5,000 ready-made plug-ins for customization. Simply browse, install, and manage packages with our no-code interface within Beryl AX's Admin Panel.
- 【PROTECT YOUR NETWORK SECURITY】Our pocket wifi, unlike other vulnerable portable wifi hotspot for travel purposes supports WPA3 protocol–Preventive measures against password brute-force attacks; DNS over HTTPS & DNS over TLS–Protecting domain name system traffic and preventing data eavesdropping from malicious parties; IPv6–Built-in authentication for privacy protection, eliminating the need for network address translation.
- 【VPN CASCADING AT EASE】Surpassing the mediocre performance of most VPN routers for home usage, the Beryl AX is capable of hosting a VPN server and VPN client at the same time within the same device, enabling users to remote access local network resources like Wi-Fi printers or local web servers, and accessing the public internet as a VPN client simultaneously.
Wi-Fi 7 models: newer generation, not an automatic VPN upgrade
GL.iNet’s current travel-router lineup includes Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) and Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE), alongside Beryl AX and Slate AX. The manufacturer’s model listing is a starting point for checking current specifications, but it does not provide an independent, apples-to-apples VPN speed ranking across these routers. TechRadar’s review of Slate 7, published 25 February 2026, reports that the reviewed model has no 6 GHz band and no mesh implementation; those findings apply to that model and review, not to all portable routers. See the GL.iNet travel-router lineup and TechRadar’s Slate 7 review.
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How to choose for your travel pattern
Start with the internet access you will actually encounter. Then check whether the router, VPN configuration, and power arrangement fit that use. Compare product specifications and setup support rather than relying on a Wi-Fi generation or a single maximum-speed label.
Rank #3
- 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝟔 𝐀𝐗𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 - Wi-Fi 6 Speeds up to 1,201 Mbps (5 GHz) and 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz) for up to 60 devices simultaneously. Actual Wi-Fi speeds vary based on source bandwidth, environment, distance to devices, and obstacles. ◇§
- 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - Roam 6 AX1500 is a pocket-sized travel router compactly designed for trips and adventures, featuring a 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port and a 1 Gbps LAN port for reliable wired connectivity.
- 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶 𝗼𝗻-𝘁𝗵𝗲-𝗴𝗼 - Connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports multiple devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and even home use. VPN connectivity enables secure remote work.
- 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 - (1) Router Mode: Connects to public Wi-Fi, ISP, or phone (USB tethering). (2) AP/RE/Client Mode: Adds WiFi to wired setups, extends WiFi, or connects wired devices wirelessly.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. Advanced security is integrated into the device’s design, development, and ongoing maintenance.
| What to compare | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Upstream connection | The router must be able to use the internet available where you are staying. | Whether the model supports wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi repeater/client mode, and the tethering method you plan to use. |
| VPN protocol and provider setup | The router needs a configuration it can use to connect to your VPN service. | Supported protocols, provider-supplied router configuration, and which clients or traffic are routed through the tunnel. |
| VPN throughput | Encryption and the router’s VPN implementation can constrain usable speed. | Protocol-specific client-mode figures and the manufacturer’s test conditions. Do not treat maximum claims as guaranteed speeds. |
| Wi-Fi bands and generation | These affect wireless compatibility and local-network capacity, but do not alone predict VPN throughput. | Supported bands, generation, and whether the features match your devices and intended environment. |
| Ethernet layout | A WAN port can take wired hotel internet; a LAN port can connect a device by cable. | Port count and speed, and whether ports serve the WAN, LAN, or both through configurable settings. |
| Portability and power | A travel router is useful only if it fits your bag and can be powered at the destination. | Dimensions, weight, power connector, and whether your travel setup can supply the required power. Check the model’s current specifications. |
| Setup and firmware | Hotel portals, provider configuration, and firmware behavior can make setup more involved than joining ordinary Wi-Fi. | Current documentation, firmware support, configuration steps, and a chance to test the setup before departure. |
| Local price and availability | Stock, price, and firmware versions can vary over time and by country. | Current listings and the exact model or hardware revision sold in your region. |
What the Beryl AX speed figures do—and do not—tell you
The Beryl AX’s 150 Mbps OpenVPN and 300 Mbps WireGuard figures are listed by GL.iNet for VPN client mode, with local-network testing as the stated basis. They can help set expectations about the manufacturer’s protocol-specific claims, but they are not an independent head-to-head benchmark. Actual speed also depends on the upstream connection, VPN server, configuration, and other network conditions. GL.iNet notes that server-mode rates may be slower. The cited material does not establish comparable VPN speed results for Slate AX, Slate 7, or Beryl 7, so it cannot identify a definitive cross-model speed winner.
Set up the router and VPN before you travel
- Confirm upstream options. Check the destination’s likely internet access and make sure the router supports the connection method you intend to use: Ethernet, repeater Wi-Fi, or tethering as applicable.
- Check your VPN provider’s router instructions. Confirm that the provider supplies a configuration compatible with the router and with a supported protocol. A VPN subscription may be separate from the hardware.
- Connect and configure the router. Follow the model-specific guide to power it on and connect a phone or computer by Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Then use the router’s documented VPN client setup to add the provider configuration.
- Verify what is routed through the tunnel. Check the router’s VPN status and its client-routing settings so you know which connected devices use the tunnel. Do not assume a working Wi-Fi connection means the VPN is active.
- Test the complete arrangement at home. Try the upstream method you expect to use, connect the devices you plan to bring, and check that they can reach the internet with the intended VPN routing. This gives you a chance to resolve provider or setup issues before relying on hotel connectivity.
GL.iNet provides separate Beryl AX instructions and WireGuard client setup guidance; consult the documentation for your exact model and provider configuration.
Rank #4
- 【DUAL BAND WIFI 7 TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU, AU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 688Mbps (2.4G)+2882Mbps (5G); Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports (1x WAN and 1x LAN Port); USB 3.0 port.
- 【NETWORK CONTROL WITH TOUCHSCREEN SIMPLICITY】Slate 7’s touchscreen interface lets you scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi, monitor speed in real time, toggle VPN on/off, and switch providers directly on the display. Color-coded indicators provide instant network status updates for Ethernet, Tethering, Repeater, and Cellular modes, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- 【OpenWrt 23.05 FIRMWARE】The Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 travel router, built with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) for maximum customization and advanced networking capabilities. With 512MB storage, total customization with open-source freedom and flexible installation of OpenWrt plugins.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
Practical buying verdict
Shortlist Beryl AX if you want a compact Wi-Fi 6 router with documented OpenVPN and WireGuard client support, both WAN and LAN Ethernet ports, and published protocol-specific VPN figures. Consider Slate AX if its documented setup and hardware better suit your requirements, but do not infer a speed advantage from the available evidence. If you are considering Slate 7 or Beryl 7, compare their current regional specifications and VPN setup details directly: a newer Wi-Fi generation alone does not prove better VPN performance. Choose based on your upstream access, provider compatibility, port and power needs, and verified local availability.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【AXT1800 WiFi 6 Wireless Router】Slate AX offers powerful Wi-Fi 6 network connection with a dual-band combined Wi-Fi speed of 1800 Mbps (600 Mbps for 2.4GHz and 1200 Mbps for 5GHz). Enhance Wi-Fi performance with MU-MIMO, OFDMA, BSS color and able to connect to up to 120 devices simultaneously.
- 【Fast and Secure Browsing】IPv6 supported; OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers, OpenVPN speed up to 500 Mbps; WireGuard speed up to 550 Mbps. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
- 【Easy File Sharing】Our NAS feature supports SAMBA and WebDav protocol. By plugging an external USB hard disc into the router, you can create a private network to store and share your documents.
- 【Runs on OpenWrt 21.02】Slate AX runs on the latest OpenWrt 21.02 operating system (Kernel version 4.4.60), with mass device connection capabilities, and significantly reduced signal interference. You can customize the router and install applications based on your preferences.
- 【Repeater for Public, Hotel WiFi】Convert a public network(wired/wireless) to a private network(wired/wireless) for secure surfing. Work with Captive Portal. (Note: Most of the Free Public Wi-Fi hotspot set a time limit for users, which will disconnect your devices once the time is over. To deal with this situation, please reconnect your router to the wifi.)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
