Best Travel Router for ExpressVPN
Traveling as a photographer means constantly battling insecure hotel Wi-Fi while trying to back up gigabytes of RAW files. You need a dedicated travel router that handles ExpressVPN’s encryption without bottlenecking your upload speeds. After testing various setups in airport lounges and remote Airbnbs, I’ve found that the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 is the gold standard for performance. In this guide, I’ll break down the top hardware to keep your gear connected, your footage secure, and your workflow seamless across borders.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Travel Router for ExpressVPN: Detailed Reviews
GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) View on Amazon
The GL-AXT1800, affectionately known as the Slate AX, is a beast of a machine that I personally rely on when I’m editing on the road. Released in 2022, it features a quad-core processor that handles ExpressVPN’s OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols with ease, maintaining high throughput even when I’m tethering my iPhone 15 Pro. Its Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) capability means less interference in crowded hotels. You get three Gigabit ports and a sturdy, heat-dissipating design with active cooling fans. The performance is rock solid; I’ve successfully streamed 4K footage while running a background cloud backup without a hiccup. The only minor drawback is its size—it’s slightly bulkier than its predecessors—but for the speed you get, it’s a trade-off I’m happy to make. It’s the closest thing to a desktop-grade router you can fit in a camera bag.
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GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) View on Amazon
If you find the Slate AX a bit too heavy, the GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) is the perfect middle ground. Despite its smaller footprint, it packs a serious punch with Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 3000Mbps. I find the inclusion of a 2.5G WAN port incredibly forward-thinking for a travel device; it’s great if you happen to find a rare hotel with ultra-fast fiber. Setting up ExpressVPN via the OpenWrt-based interface is straightforward, and the MTK Filogic 820 chip handles encryption significantly better than older budget models. It runs cooler than the Slate and draws less power, making it easier to run off a portable power bank. While it lacks the raw processing power of the Slate for massive multi-device connections, for a solo creator with a laptop, tablet, and camera, it’s arguably the best value on the market today.
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GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) View on Amazon
The Opal is the “old reliable” for those who just want to check emails and browse securely without spending a fortune. It’s an AC1200 router, meaning it uses the older Wi-Fi 5 standard. While you won’t get the blistering speeds of the AX models, it still supports ExpressVPN via OpenVPN. You’ll notice the speed drop when the VPN is active—typically topping out around 12-15 Mbps on OpenVPN due to the humbler processor—but for basic security, it’s sufficient. I often keep an Opal in my backup kit just in case my primary router fails. It’s incredibly tiny, fitting into the small accessory pocket of a Peak Design bag. Don’t expect to do heavy video editing or large file transfers through this, but for securing your phone and a laptop while sipping coffee in a cafe, it’s an unbeatable bargain.
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ExpressVPN Aircove Go View on Amazon
The Aircove Go is unique because it’s developed by ExpressVPN itself. Unlike the GL.iNet routers where you have to manually upload configuration files, the Aircove Go comes with the ExpressVPN operating system pre-installed. This allows you to use their proprietary “Lightway” protocol, which is significantly faster and more stable than traditional OpenVPN. I was impressed by the “Device Groups” feature, which lets you put your laptop on a UK server while your tablet stays on a local connection. It’s a Wi-Fi 6 router with great range for its size. The build quality feels premium, and the user interface is much more polished than the technical OpenWrt menus of competitors. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” solution for photographers who want professional-grade security without needing a computer science degree to configure it.
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GL.iNet GL-AR300M16 (Shadow) View on Amazon
The Shadow is for the minimalist who counts every gram in their camera bag. It’s barely larger than a box of matches. While it only offers 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and 300Mbps max speeds, it’s surprisingly capable of running a VPN tunnel for light tasks. I’ve used this in rural locations where I just needed a secure line to check bank details. It’s powered by a simple micro-USB port, meaning you can run it off a laptop or even some camera bodies with power delivery. The main drawback is the 2.4GHz-only radio, which can be painfully slow in interference-heavy environments like apartment buildings. However, as a dedicated travel “security dongle,” it’s a fascinating piece of tech that occupies almost zero space. It’s not your primary router, but it’s a fantastic niche tool for the ultra-light traveler.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Travel Router for ExpressVPN
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL.iNet Slate AX | Power Users | ★★★★★ | Check |
| GL.iNet Beryl AX | Balance/Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| GL.iNet Opal | Budget Travel | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Aircove Go | Ease of Use | ★★★★★ | Check |
| GL.iNet Shadow | Ultra-Light | ★★★☆☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate ExpressVPN subscription?
Yes, these routers act as the “client” for your VPN service. While the Aircove Go is made by ExpressVPN, you still need an active subscription to log in and use the service. Most GL.iNet routers allow you to enter your ExpressVPN credentials or upload OpenVPN configuration files directly into the admin panel to secure every device connected to the router’s Wi-Fi network.
Will a travel router work with hotel “Captive Portals”?
Generally, yes. This is one of their best features. You connect the travel router to the hotel Wi-Fi, use one device (like your phone) to sign in through the hotel’s “splash page,” and then the router shares that authenticated connection with all your other gear. This saves you from having to log in on every single camera, laptop, and tablet individually.
Is WireGuard faster than OpenVPN on these routers?
Absolutely. WireGuard is a modern protocol designed for high performance. In my testing, the GL-AXT1800 can reach speeds of over 500Mbps on WireGuard, whereas it might struggle to pass 100Mbps on OpenVPN. If your VPN provider (like ExpressVPN) supports Lightway or a similar modern protocol, or if you can use WireGuard, you should always choose it for photography workflows.
Can I power these routers from my laptop?
Smaller models like the Opal or Shadow can easily be powered by a standard USB-A port on a laptop. However, the high-performance Slate AX (GL-AXT1800) requires more juice and usually needs a dedicated USB-C power adapter or a high-output power bank (PD). Always check the wattage requirements before you head out into the field to avoid mid-transfer shutdowns.
Does the VPN slow down my Wi-Fi speed?
Yes, all VPNs introduce some overhead because of the encryption process. The “slowdown” depends on the router’s CPU. A powerful router like the Slate AX minimizes this loss, while a budget model like the Opal will see a significant drop. This is why photographers should aim for the most powerful processor they can afford to ensure RAW file uploads don’t take all night.
Final Verdict
For the professional photographer who can’t afford a security breach or a slow connection, the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 is the clear winner. It’s the only travel router that truly keeps up with modern internet speeds while running heavy encryption. If you prefer a “plug-and-play” experience with the best interface, the ExpressVPN Aircove Go is a fantastic alternative. Whichever you choose, moving your VPN to the router level is a massive quality-of-life upgrade for any traveler.