Looking for travel router recommendations for connecting to public/hotel WiFi and rebroadcasting on my preferred SSID. I currently have a TP Link AC750, it does the job, but it’s a pain to connect to the public WiFi with my phone. It does not have an app, instead a webpage that my phone cannot save the password for, and is not scaled well for viewing on the phone. Sometimes issues with captive portals. What out there uses an app or a faster or more simple method of connecting to public WiFi?
I don’t need high speeds, maybe stream Netflix periodically, otherwise just email and web surfing. Don’t have a VPN service.
Amazon has the TP Link AC1500 on sale, which looks like you can use the app, but I thought that about the AC750, so not completely sure.
Also looking at GL.inet options, but not sure which one, nor if their app lets you set it up or what.
I’ve never used the GL.inet routers personally, but every time this question comes up, people always say they work really well. That’s probably what I’ll get when I need a travel router.
Indeed, if you need something that works out of the box, consider the GL.iNet routers, such as the Beryl AX. Other options include the Slate AX and Slate Plus. My favorite is the Slate AR750S-EXT, which, although it is end-of-life but you can get it second hand, is portable and allows me to use native OpenWrt.
One thing to note is that they use their own fork of OpenWrt, but you can flash it with vanilla OpenWrt if you prefer.
If you are more technically inclined, you can create custom firmware to suit your needs, such as adding extra privacy with DNSproxy or DoH/DoT to bypass restrictions. You can also add AdGuardHome or DNS filtering to block ads, malware, telemetry, etc. However, if you prefer simplicity, you can just use the GL.iNet software.
These routers support WireGuard, OpenVPN, and other commercial VPNs. They also have beta support for ZeroTier and Tailscale.
I travel occasionally for work and find these routers very useful. I can connect to networks at Airbnb accommodations, hotels, airports, or use 4G LTE and smartphones for tethering, then distribute the connection to my devices with the router.
They can also handle captive portals, but it depends on the situation. For more information, check out /r/GLiNet and their forums.
They have an app for iOS and Android, allowing you to configure your WiFi easily. Typically, the link will use 2.4 GHz, and your repeater will be on 5 GHz. You can preconfigure and set up everything before you travel. Additionally, the routers use 5V power, so you can connect them to a portable battery if needed.
I suggest one of these models because they are the newest and will have more support:
Beryl AX
Slate AX
Slate Plus
Beryl (maybe)
For a low-budget option, consider:
GL-MT300N-V2 Mango
Second hand this model if you can, maybe is affordable:
GL-AR750S
Do not get the Opal (GL-SFT1200) as it uses proprietary software and doesn’t work well. It is usually cheaper and often discounted, but you can find information about issues with this specific model. It doesn’t use OpenWrt.
If you are technically inclined, you could flash native OpenWrt on other routers to save money, possibly using second-hand devices compatible with OpenWrt. However, there aren’t many small portable routers available.
Also, you might consider purchasing from AliExpress, which could be more affordable.