Best Portable Access Points for Reliable Wi Fi on the Go
The TP-Link EAP115 is our top pick for most travelers, offering solid AC1200 speeds, a compact metal body, and easy setup, but it lacks battery power and requires a PoE injector.
Portable access points solve the problem of weak or no Wi Fi when you’re on the move. Whether you’re in a hotel, an RV, or a temporary office, these compact devices create a reliable network.
We evaluated the most popular models on the market, considering their size, performance, and extra features like battery power and mesh capability. Our picks cover a range of needs, from budget-friendly travel companions to robust enterprise-grade units.
The shortlist, ranked
TP-Link EAP115
The TP-Link EAP115 is a compact, wall-mounted access point that delivers reliable AC1200 Wi Fi for small spaces. It’s a favorite among travelers due to its low cost and solid performance, but it requires a wired connection.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Compact and easy to mount
- Supports multiple SSIDs
Cons
- No battery
- Requires PoE injector
ASUS RP-AX56
The ASUS RP-AX56 is a dual-band AX1800 range extender that can also operate as an access point. Owners report it creates a strong mesh network when paired with an ASUS router, making it ideal for temporary offices or large RVs.
Pros
- Wi Fi 6 support
- Can be used as extender or AP
- Easy setup via app
Cons
- Bulky design
- Not battery powered
NETGEAR WAX206
The NETGEAR WAX206 is a Wi Fi 6 access point designed for small businesses and professionals who need reliable performance on the go. It offers advanced security features and can handle multiple devices, but it’s not as compact as other options.
Pros
- High performance
- 2.5G Ethernet port
- Advanced security
Cons
- Larger footprint
- Higher price
GL.iNet GL-AR150
The GL.iNet GL-AR150 is a tiny travel router that can function as an access point. It’s popular among digital nomads for its small size and open-source firmware, allowing for customization. However, it only supports Wi Fi 4, so speeds are limited.
Pros
- Very small and light
- Open source firmware
- Can connect to hotel Wi Fi
Cons
- Older Wi Fi standard
- Limited range
Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Mesh
The Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Mesh is a weatherproof Wi Fi 6 access point that can be powered by PoE, making it suitable for outdoor events or RVs. It offers excellent coverage and integrates with the UniFi ecosystem, but requires a controller for setup.
Pros
- Weatherproof design
- High performance
- Managed via UniFi controller
Cons
- Requires PoE switch or injector
- Setup is more complex
Linksys E8450
The Linksys E8450 is a dual-band AX3200 access point that can also be used as a router. It provides broad coverage and can handle many devices, making it ideal for conferences or large temporary setups. However, it is not portable in the traditional sense.
Pros
- Excellent range
- Multiple Ethernet ports
- Supports mesh with other Linksys devices
Cons
- Bulky
- Requires AC outlet
D-Link DAP-1620
The D-Link DAP-1620 is a compact Wi Fi 5 access point that plugs directly into a wall socket, making it extremely easy to set up. It’s a good choice for temporary use in hotel rooms or small offices, but it doesn’t offer the latest Wi Fi 6 speeds.
Pros
- Plug and play design
- No external power adapter
- Simple web interface
Cons
- No Wi Fi 6
- Limited customization
Before you buy
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Wireless Standard | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TP-Link EAP115 | 802.11ac Wave 2 | Budget travel | 9.2 | Check price |
| 2 | ASUS RP-AX56 | 802.11ax (Wi Fi 6) | Whole home coverage | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | NETGEAR WAX206 | 802.11ax | Business travel | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | GL.iNet GL-AR150 | 802.11n | Travel router | 8.6 | Check price |
| 5 | Ubiquiti UniFi U6 Mesh | 802.11ax | Outdoor use | 9.1 | Check price |
| 6 | Linksys E8450 | 802.11ax | Large spaces | 8.9 | Check price |
| 7 | D-Link DAP-1620 | 802.11ac | Easy setup | 8.4 | Check price |
Good to know
What is a portable access point?
A portable access point is a small device that creates a wireless local area network (WLAN) from a wired Ethernet connection. It allows you to broadcast Wi Fi in areas without existing coverage, such as hotel rooms or temporary offices.
How is a portable access point different from a travel router?
A travel router typically connects to a public Wi Fi network and shares that connection with your devices via Wi Fi or Ethernet. An access point connects to a wired network and broadcasts a new Wi Fi signal. Some devices combine both functions.
Can I use a portable access point with any router?
Yes, most portable access points are standard-based and work with any router or network switch. As long as you can connect an Ethernet cable from your router or switch to the access point, it will function.
Do portable access points require a power outlet?
Many do, but some are powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE), which sends power through the Ethernet cable. This is convenient for locations without nearby outlets. A few models have built-in batteries for true portability.
What is the range of a portable access point?
The range depends on the wireless standard and antenna design. Typical indoor range is up to 100 feet, but walls and interference can reduce it. Outdoor models with higher antennas may offer more range.
Can I connect multiple devices to a portable access point?
Yes, most access points support dozens of simultaneous connections. The exact number depends on the hardware and network traffic. For heavy usage, choose a model with higher specifications.
Is Wi Fi 6 worth it for a portable access point?
Wi Fi 6 offers faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded areas. If you have many devices or need high bandwidth, it is worth the extra cost. For occasional travel, Wi Fi 5 may be sufficient.
Can a portable access point be used as a repeater?
Some models have a repeater mode that allows them to connect to an existing Wi Fi network and rebroadcast it. This can extend coverage without a wired connection. Check the product specifications to see if this feature is available.
How do I secure my portable access point?
Set a strong password for your Wi Fi network using WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. Change the default admin credentials for the device. Some models allow you to create guest networks, which can isolate visitors from your main network.
What should I do if my portable access point won’t connect?
First, check that the Ethernet cable is securely connected to the access point and to a router or switch with internet access. Verify that you are using the correct power source. Then, try resetting the device to factory defaults and reconfigure it.
The bottom line
For most people, the TP-Link EAP115 is the best choice because it offers reliable performance and a low price. If you need Wi Fi 6 and a more compact design, consider the NETGEAR WAX206. For outdoor use, the Ubiquiti U6 Mesh is excellent, but it requires more setup. Ultimately, decide based on your primary use case and budget.
