This Pocket Travel Router Will Improve Your Life For Under $60!!!

[@SteveDOES]

Thanks for checking out this video. It was nice to get out of the office and travel around. If you want to see more from my Cabo trip check out my Instagram. instagram.com/_stevedoes

[@mrpmj00]

My iphone 15pro max has a hotspot mode so why do I need this travel router?

[@adspie]

which is better starlink mini or this?

[@malcomalexander6927]

All these KZbinrs skip the most important part, the configuration and installation of programs. Everyone knows how to check for speed and everything else.

[@VacumOvale]

what programs? just plug it in and start configuring, then use whatever browser you use for watching news and porn. no need for extra whatever. router is like a smartphone, it is already there, you dont have to start and install android on it.

[@erikalawson282]

I’m struggling so I agree.

[@sayan1122]

I just stumbled upon this WiFi 6 router yesterday, and I must say that you have really put it to it's paces. It's a very good value for money for what it costs here in India too (3,200 INR). Your review is the first one i saw, and it was pretty unique because you actually used it in a way it's meant to be used. That was my exact concern and now I've gotten my doubts resolved. Thanks for taking the time to review the device. You just earned a sub! 😊

[@v6transplant]

Currently on sale as of 8/26/24 17% off + Steve's discount code, made it $43.00. SOLD! Thanks for the demo!

[@TurfSurf]

Most of hotels I have stayed at don’t have Ethernet in the room. How do you connect this thing to the hotel WiFi?

[@MR_GPU]

AP/RE i'm guessing is Access Point/Repeater mode. If you set it to that, the config will probably prompt you to connect to a wifi channel & repeat the signal.

[@farshadm900]

check the gl-inet slate plus

[@RonnRicco]

It's probably hidden behind the desk or tv stand area. If not most have their tv's hooked up via ethernet cable, I just take it off the wall mount and connect the ethernet cable directly.

[@kito1san]

Ensure your travel router has ability to connect to the hotel wifi that also connects to their login in page (captive portals). This is important to keep the connection to the travel router while your group connects to the travel router for access.

[@darianhall9706]

So u can hook Ethernet up to this?

[@ianv.rodriguez8367]

If you do another video about it show how tethering the phone hotspot works.

[@rjbrowning85]

It wasn't until my most recent hotel stay that I fully understood the value of a travel router. The wifi reception was horrible in the hotel room. My kids streaming services kept cutting out along with the connection to the wifi. Had I had a travel router setup using the lan connection, I would have had a strong, fast, reliable signal for everyone to enjoy.

[@valentinaharold1333]

So does this not work without lan connect port ?

[@alexrapada]

@@valentinaharold1333 It does work without lan. Lan is just more stable connection. If no lan in hotel room the Wifi is like using wifi router at home where every devices uses the same credentials in the hotel room.

[@hypnotico7051]

I’ve seen a lot of these travel router videos and it just seems like a product looking for a solution. Cell phone hotspot does the trick for me.

[@myutube6422]

Unless I'm missing something, to get the max speed in that hotel, they had to have an Ethernet hook up that you could access, right?

[@NikolakiH]

Yes, but most do have them. They are often hidden behind the tv or something else.

[@mmt44y]

@@NikolakiH most chain hotels and cruise ships do not have ethernet

[@NikolakiH]

@@mmt44y oki

[@Texan190]

​@@mmt44ynot true.

[@marchismo]

@@mmt44ysame experience even the ones that do have them have killed the access on them - for an airbnb with a large group or family where you want to plug something in and 5 min later everyone has access it makes sense

[@dellenrules]

What is nice is if there is an Ethernet port, a MacBook can function as a router. No software to install. No hardware to buy. Works natively. I use that method whenever i travel.

[@marioStortuga]

Also an expensive option and has to stay on so others can connect to. If you are alone or a couple then sure.

[@dellenrules]

@@marioStortuga while traveling, I’ve used my MacBook to provide internet access to my family and/or my team when wifi is bad and all we have is one Ethernet port. It’s fast and reliable.

[@white.lodge.dale.cooper]

@@marioStortuga It's not expensive if you already own one.

[@Articulo77]

Would you still need an Ethernet adapter though since most Macs now only have USB C?

[@dellenrules]

@@Articulo77 you can get an Ethernet adapter or you can get a usb wifi dongle.

[@CritiCAL74]

After connecting your ethernet, did you have to log into the Hotel Network with your router before you could use it on other devices?

[@JorgeMorales-do5pr]

Steve great video, I think I miss something, I watch video but I can’t find how I can connect this device to the cruise network to share with other devices and save some money, thanks

[@joeglennaz]

That’s a really nice one. I like TPL products they’re very high-quality at home. I have a TP link wireless Router and it works great.

[@TriPham-j3b]

Thanks!

[@SteveDOES]

Thank you!

[@oui.monsieur]

You mentioned relaxing at the pool or beach. How is the Ethernet cable connected to the router while at the pool/beach?

[@SteveDOES]

I left the all the gear in the room, but to play that scenario out, i could connect the travel router to hotel Wi-Fi and share that connection. It's not a huge benefit, but it will allow all devices (mine and friends) to passthrough my VPN service. Surprisingly, I didn't have access to Pandora in Mexico. The VPN fixed that though.

[@northtuso]

bro saw an opportunity for a tax write off and took it lol

[@marioStortuga]

You would think but not really he self reported it's a vacation

[@CheapSushi]

grifting & shilling on KZbin has its perks

[@sgk8220]

I didn’t realize how much I needed this until I saw your video. Thank you!!

[@t3fLoN77]

So wait, at the end of the video you show it on the plane. How do you connect it to the plane wifi and then allow it to connect other devices as well?

[@t3fLoN77]

Actually, I cant think of a single way it works on an airplane. What am I missing?

[@tama47_]

Plane has WiFi…

[@ecu4321]

Curious if it supports joining to wifi via captive portal. Because joining via wifi direct or lan is straight forward

[@SteveH-TN]

Thanks for sharing this with and your thoughts & experience. I just received my Opal from Amazon to I ordered it 2 days ago on Flash sale only $30

[@valentinaharold1333]

So wil this find a wifi in the area that my cellphone cant reach? I dont have wifi in my office but xfinity wifi available outside or upstairs.

[@sdad1969]

What about captive portal in hotels

[@g2229301]

Possible to spoof the routers MAC on a different computer to log into the captive portal. Once logged in, connect travel router.

[@ccmks]

I believe the captive portal should be working OK with this router. Once you have this travel router connected to the hotel network, just need to use one of the device to attempt to connect to internet, then captive portal page should appear. Once successfully authenticated, it should be able to share all connection to other device without needing to enter captive portal again

[@rasu-ahk2954]

I used your link to get the VPN. I'm having the hardest time setting up the VPN client.

[@JorgeMorales-do5pr]

Steve, how you connect this device to use in the cruise, please let me know. Thanks in advance

[@banzaiburger9589]

Can you connect this thing to a mobile hotspot like xfinitywifi?

[@MrGarda42]

I wish this router had a sim card slot too. I wonder if there is something like that out there?

[@Kngkupi]

How does the travel WiFi connect to a WiFi ? I’m a little confused

[@genemerritt5536]

I enjoyed the depth of the review you conducted on the router. One question, how would it work as a hotspot using the phone? I travel to Costa Rica and use a local sim and would like to use that to connect the router to local service. Thank you, gene

[@jonathan.sullivan]

Neat but I prefer the gl.inet Travel routers. Specifically the Beryl

[@TheHockey1980]

Ive been looking for something like this for months, I'm a huge cruise guy so how would this work on a cruise ship? have u tested it out on one?

[@Dennis-HailState]

Steve, what Anniversary # is this for you and the wife, as we noticed the Hotels signage on your room door?

[@SteveDOES]

Good catch! 14 years for us. :)

[@Dennis-HailState]

We wish you and the wife a 🎉 Happy 14th Anniversary 🎉, and many more…

[@harveycreekin]

​@SteveDOES congrats on 14 years and more impressively, for writing the trip off as a biz expense! 😂

[@SteveDOES]

@@harveycreekin Yes, that was a great perk for doing this video. My wife was very happy about that. :)

[@devilpepper4073]

How is the connection speed when the vpn client is enabled on the router?

[@misterskippy2u]

I stayed at the Marquis in May of this year. Fantastic resort!

[@KostadinVargulev]

I think something they can do to upgrade the little router that could would be add ports for optional external antenna like you got on some motherboards

[@TeeeJaay1225]

does it have passthrough charging? like for example you tether your phone's data connection via USB, will it be able to charge the phone at a decent rate?

[@jasenhenry]

what is the power consumption under load and idle?

[@johnm1619]

Newegg is $83. Amazon is $60

[@TornadoBarrage]

MGM properties in Vegas do not allow ethernet connections anymore

[@thelegobuilderisme4756]

Do you have to pay for an Internet plan?

[@RonnRicco]

So you have to have a vpn subscription separately or is there one built into it already?

[@Impukes]

Is it possible to set it to use your Mobile hotspot as the internet provider?

[@msj1122]

Great review. I am going to be buying this one for sure.

[@douglasmontgomery6315]

How is this different that GL-iNet routers? - Comparison?

[@cludford]

I would love to see this against the GliNet Slate. The price on this is much better but what else would we be giving up to use this?

[@oroville12345]

​​@@cludfordglinet routers are the best constantly getting updates and new features.

[@tama47_]

@@cludfordno OpenWrt

[@thetroothhurtz]

I was just looking to buy one of these!

[@RoshanDrummer]

Question: how do you handle networks where own devices are denied connection from the hotel router/lan port?

[@videoviewer570]

Is the a good device for use as a VPN router between my cable modem and my mesh wifi (Google Wifi)?

[@lifequest7453]

OK, you have caught my interest.............. can I plug two computers into this box, and share a hard drive from it without connecting it to eithernet?

[@sorjai.]

At 8:37 I see that you're only getting 100Mbps from the gigabit port. Are you using an older cat5 cable? If so, you may want to consider getting a newer Ethernet cable (5e and up) in case you can take advantage of faster speeds beyond 100Mbps. If you aren't, then I guess the hotel is using the older cable.

[@lsterk1693]

He mentioned hotel only offered 100 up and down so cabling not the limiting factor.

[@sorjai.]

@@lsterk1693I saw the popup at 7:32 that says the hotel WiFi was 100Mbps, and usually hotels give out the WiFi only and not advertise the Ethernet. So if I missed the part where he says the hotel Ethernet was also limited to 100Mbps, then whoops my bad!

[@SteveDOES]

@@sorjai. Now thinking about it, it should have said "hotel internet is 100 Mbps".

[@sorjai.]

@@SteveDOES so it seems like you did have a cat 5e or higher cable then, and the hotel didn't support the higher speeds 🙂

[@coolsnake1134]

He says the hotel is only providing 100 megabits a second so that means either the hotel is using network management software to limit each connection to that speed in order to make it fair for all the guests or more likely than not because it was also the ethernet jack in the room doing it the hotel was probably wired with older cat 5 wiring versus cat 5e or cat6 meaning the buildings wiring is physically limiting the speed

[@darianhall9706]

Ok so I can’t use it as a WiFi box..can plug Ethernet directly from this box to my Xbox?

[@PepeakaGamer]

So you covered all the basis. Great, thank you. By the way, my question is, what about the service? Do you pay for an additional service or how do you get this thing to work?

[@sierpus]

Service for what? It’s only hardware

[@tama47_]

It’s a router…

[@lesmoor001]

can you connect TO A camera NVR

[@SteveDOES]

Hmm, great question. I haven't tried so i'm not sure.

[@gladyslucas198]

We have to use TP-Link servers with an account to access the travel router? Is this true?

[@Phil-D83]

Needs to run vanilla openwrt (or ddwrt)

[@patrickmallari1411]

13:11 what is that box under the router?

[@hootbutler]

He explains it at 4:41

[@RichEyes24]

His portable power box

[@Articulo77]

I assume you’re in the San Diego County area since I saw the CBX! 😊

[@stephenfarrell6794]

What was the speed after connecting to the VPN?

[@MrPir84free]

I assume since you are asking, you may not know much about VPN's... It's not a bad thing; everyone is at that point at some point in time. VPN's are always tricky; there's literally NO perfect answer and cannot be answered because of all of the variables. Unfortunately, there is NO short answer due to the variables. Wifi /wired connections at many hotels/and free wifi hotspots can and often are a) shared and b) throttled. You'll never be faster than the throttled speed. Every place is throttled SOMEWHERE- PERIOD. When using a VPN, you must select an endpoint where your connection "exits". The closer to your endpoint- the less lag and better speed. OpenVPN: OpenVPN puts a heavier load on the router CPU and is quite limited speed-wise. Wireguard is not as limited; In reality, you'll end up with better speeds with Wireguard, from more than double the speed on good hardware, to about 6 times faster on slower hardware... Most good products advertise the speeds that the hardware will support; those that don't- usually don't because of embarrassment. Because Wireguard is significantly faster, choosing a VPN provider that supports Wireguard is a critical choice you must make if you desire speed. Hardware: Older hardware designs perform worse than newer designs. I'd suggest looking at the Slate AX if you are planning on going on a cruise ship as some cruise ships require EAP. Otherwise, I'd suggest the newer & cheaper Beryl AX from GL.Inet. For example, I'd suggest AVOIDING the GL.Inet Opal if you plan on using VPN, because it's CPU is antiquated and SLOW. VPN: I am not sponsored; ExpressVPN is only OpenVPN; so I would not recommend ExpressVPN; Look at Surfshark VPN, if you are looking at ease of use, or just running the VPN on your device directly ( always an option). Proton VPN is the only other I'd recommend, but if you've never used a VPN, Surfshark would be my choice unless you want absolutely better privacy. But configuration with Proton is NOT as simple as it is with Surfhark. !!! Exceptions: If you are streaming videos from services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, etc, you may need to put in exceptions to use such services. Gl.Inet routers have the ability to put in exceptions; I don't know about the TP-Link. OpenWRT also supports exceptions. If a service can be viewed in a web browser like Edge, start playing it in the browser, open the Developer Tools ( F12 ) and look at sources to determine which URL's might need to be excluded. This information on how to find these exceptions is VERY hard to find otherwise !!!. Take this as a HINT !!! I have never used this tp-link; I would likely not buy it either. It's missing key features like external antennas and WPA3.. External antennas will give you better range !!! . WPA2 is relatively easy to defeat; it's not as secure as it should be. A travel router SHOULD always be secure due to where it's used, thus should require at least WPA3 !!! The listings on Amazon don't suggest anything really, so IMO, they're not proud of their product enough to advertise its features otherwise. I have used the Opal, Slate AX, Beryl AX from GL.Inet and the Cudy TR3000 from Cudy.. Generally, I'd recommend the Beryl AX overall, unless you need the features of the Slate AX, like EAP which is required on certain cruise lines. If you are running off from a USB power bank, the Slate AX is more power hungry than the Beryl AX. I would NOT recommend the OPAL as it's severely underpowered. The CUDY I have mixed feelings about; and is not one I'd recommend at this point in time. It's not terrible ; the firmware just has room for improvement. In the end, most people need about 10 to 25 Mbps to stream media; towards 25Mbps+ for working remotely, and more if multiple devices are streaming at the same time; In the end, as long as you get sufficient speed, don't be too concerned about the speed otherwise.

[@frankyvee1]

Does it support VPN like wireguard or tailscale?

[@Erin-Thor]

If you use an AT&T hotspot for travel, I didn’t know that anyone with that device can see your router WiFi password and log into it using your Internet and slowing you down, as well as having access to your devices. Attacking a router to it, allows you to turn off WiFi, and use your travel router for your devices.

[@c.squidy]

trying to use this to get around blocks on the wifi that dont allow certain programs on their wifi (school). Will this allow me to run any program I want? Im trying to run my xbox in the building haha

[@SuntaX10]

Steve I have tmobile and an iphone. If I connect my iphone will it use my regular data or it will count towards my hotspot usage? Tnx

[@MrPir84free]

Yes, it would be an expensive way to go.

[@darianhall9706]

So I can buy this and hook Ethernet up to it?

[@LingCh3n]

hmm....so bad still 3G/4G, using 4G/5G will be better, or direct able to plug in sim card will be nice, is this support usb hotspot? using cellphone data as hotspot

[@tj110158]

Who's the internet provider and how much does it cost per month

[@Lakaguama]

Is necessary to have a vpn active?

[@gamingp0ps]

on your hotel used it as hotspot repeater or client?

[@dj3114]

How can it be a hotspot without a sim?

[@NickBEADG]

I'm confused why this is necessary if you already have wifi in your hotel. Almost every device can already have a vpn put on it.

[@tama47_]

If you have a family with 10+ devices, you don’t need to enter the hotel WiFi password and configure VPN on every devices.

[@chrisgarland9632]

Genuine question that I really want one of these tavel router reviews to address; why use a travel router when you can use your phone as an access point for your family?? What's the benefit?

[@chrisgarland9632]

And another thing, TP-Link, while I like your products (been using them for years), why doesn't this use a physical or eSIM card?

[@t3fLoN77]

Im with you on this one. I cloud see benefit if you are able to connect that thing to the planes wifi then share to multiple devices, instead of paying $29 per device, per flight..

[@SteveDOES]

When you turn on your mobile hotspot it turns off Wi-Fi. So you'll be sharing your cell service with all those devices and eating away at your data plan.

[@chrisgarland1863]

@@SteveDOES My Samsung S21+ seems to be happy connecting to my home WIFI and still offering an access point for my laptop to connect to, so I'm not sure that's the case.

[@VIPER401]

Nice competitor of GL Inet Beryl AX

[@oroville12345]

Not even close glinet smokes these.

[@ryanb4688]

Happy anniversary!

[@ion_q]

Does it accept DDWRT? Linux firmware flash?

[@estusflask982]

I would go with the tried and true GL.iNet travel routers. Until today I'd never even heard of TP-Link making a travel router.

[@SteveDOES]

I think the last one they made was 7+ years ago. :) I haven't heard of GL.iNet, but i took a look on Amazon and see it's MSRP is $150. What makes it worth the extra cost?

[@estusflask982]

@@SteveDOES Just looked on Amazon and GL.iNet routers range from $33 to $86. Their mobile app is amazingly powerful, with VPN features galore. I don't know much about the TP-Link. Surprised you haven't heard of GL.iNet, they are the most well known travel router brand.

[@Practical-IT]

​@@SteveDOESThe GL-A1300 is listed at $89 with a $20 coupon bringing it down to ~$70 A benefit of the GL.Inet is that it uses (a fork of) OpenWRT and has a LOT of plugins available.

[@douglasmontgomery6315]

@@SteveDOES , no sir. GL-iNET AX1800 - Slate came out May 29, 2022. $112 on Amazon. They are the defacto travel router with years of experience. As I mentioned above, would be goo to see a non-biased comparison. Also, don't remember if you mentioned in your video, was this sent to you free of charge or you purchased?

[@cjangrist4689]

+1 gl inet

[@Makingdifference100]

Hey Steve, how can I get the same T-shirt that you have? I love that T-Shirt.

[@drdream123]

Nice.. i used GL Inet but it struggled with walls, distance, and VOIP.. was looking for replacement

[@oroville12345]

Update the firmware.

[@nvidiashield82]

Just get a Beryl the most tiny travel router

[@mannykhan7752]

Very informative video.

[@nakamag-trader3319]

just to confirm, there's no rate limit or bdw configuration here, so we can definitely utilize a great connection with our friends?

[@sierpus]

Rate limit? You are using the same internet from the hotel. In this test, the only difference is that this hotel has a modem/router in the room. Probably not very common

[@nakamag-trader3319]

@@sierpus i am talking about the speed or bdw here. If you cna have the same spedx from the hotel, you can rate limit it in the router to assigned specfic speed per user. Current have a rate limit at home and new user will only get my assigned speed per user or device. Using Omada device.

[@sierpus]

@@nakamag-trader3319 who cares really, are you going to resell hotel connection?... It's not that you get full speed of the hotel internet - this guy was just lucky - everyone else were on the breakfast :) Try the same evening when they watch Netflix... Will it be faster? probably. Significantly? Maybe not

[@dansklrvids7303]

Super interesting vid!

[@DariusOosthuizenSuper]

I am a traveling tutor, I am looking for something that can create a temporary network between all my student's laptops so I can use it with Veyon... Will this be the product I should be looking for?

[@farshadm900]

go for gl-inet slate plus even LTT review it

[@gbf111]

No option to insert a sim card seems weird, thats what I would be looking for

[@tama47_]

Buy ones that have built in sim. Or get a usb sim module

[@derekfoley4749]

Bro basically wanted a tax-deductible vacation

[@IanMichael87]

I can’t get mine to tether with my phone.

[@ecoterrorist1402]

OpenWRT support is considered essential for routers nowadays so i'm going to pass on this one.

[@oroville12345]

Look into glinet routers best in town.

[@IdiotSauce29]

Can i just turn this on and use it for my computer on the go without a monthly subscription?

[@sierpus]

This is a router, so you definitely can! Using your existing internet connection…

[@mmt44y]

Please redo the demo for hotel and cruise ship wifi only; no ethernet.

[@MrPir84free]

Be sure to look up EAP if you are planning on a Cruise ship. Some cruise lines require EAP; but they're probably not going to be very forward about their wireless security as you're talking about a device that shares internet, and they want to sell you a per-connection only service.. I have not been on any cruise that has wifi; spent too many years in the Army's navy to think about boarding another ship, smh.

[@zeeventuresph]

i guess that the AX1500 only support 10/100 wan port or maybe the hotel was only providing 10/100 lan port?

[@ccmks]

He said that the both ethernet ports are 1G capable, but the hotel ethernet only negotiated at 100/10 port

[@Djmarkie609]

He said what I needed to hear….you can tether your phones mobile hotspot to the router tuff and it’s under 60 bucks

[@colinstobbart599]

I am a nomad and I take my 5g router mu5001 with me switch over sim in any country. 150 min download speed upload I am getting 25/30 upload. What use is that thing! Except a waste of money. And it’s smaller that my phone.

[@rsgr3963]

Might as well get a 4G router with Lan/Wan port. I have Prolink DL7203E 4G Router with RJ45 (Wan / Lan) Port

[@susanschott648]

What I need is to be able to connect during an Amtrak Auto Train trip. That WiFi is awful.

[@TheQuiqueVillegas]

Thank you

[@guycaruthers2878]

A video about a travel router that doesn't use Hotel/Cruise ship wifi is nearly useless. Also, not showing how to get by the Captive Portal makes this much less usefull. If all we had to do was plug into an RJ-45 jack, we could probably just use a switch (much cheaper) and whatever VPN our device has.

[@mlenox]

Agreed! Captive Portal is THE main problem with any travel router setup.

[@stefanofenzo]

The cheap solution that I’ve found (by accident) is using my older Samsung S10+. Unlike iPhones, you can connect to a Wi-Fi network (one with a Captive portal, for example), and once connected, you can activate the hotspot simultaneously, creating a separate network. You can install your preferred VPN app on the phone to add a layer of security. It’s not like a router, but I get great speeds, and it solves the issue that this video bothered to solve. I survived six months on the city's public WiFi using this method!

[@tama47_]

The only people that are complaining about captive portals are the people that haven’t used a travel router, because if you’ve used one, you’ll realize that it’s no different than connecting to the hotel WiFi directly. The captive portals still show up on your phone.

[@chrisgarland9632]

Happy anniversary 🎉

[@elevationmed3361]

I just sent back a tplink. Omg it was so slow.

[@ion_q]

Zero security. 100% convenience.

[@klatlap]

Never trust public internet, would be great if this unit could take a sim card, i guess you can always tether a phone via the cable but that means you need a dedicated phone just for internet.

[@JiraTicket-zz6bh]

GL iNet Beryl is so much better.

[@kesschristopher]

Did you try using the router on the plane with its WiFi?

[@SteveDOES]

That was the feature i wanted to test out the most! Sadly, they didn't offer an internet package on our flight. Maybe because it was less than 2 hours.

[@oroville12345]

​@@SteveDOESI have done this very thing with glinet routers worked great on an international flight

[@SEDARTA_RECORDS]

6:05 - If you do it'll scare you. Caution on that idea.

[@mohawahba]

I didn't get what's the benefit of it? A portable 5G broadband is handier?

[@theroboticscodedepot7736]

If you have WiFi hotspot capability on your phone why do you need this?

[@pr0ject25o1]

So you don’t burn your phone out and use your data.

[@sierpus]

You don’t. It may be little more convenient, that’s all.