TP-Link TL-WR1502X Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router review
My life is filled with technology these days. Depending on the trip, I have my iPhone, apple watchiPad Mini, MacBook Pro, my wife’s iPhone, ignitechildren’s tablets and a smart power station or two. There are many connected devices on the road. Having to enter a new password no matter where you are is not only annoying, but also very insecure.
Over the past few years, I’ve stopped connecting to public Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi that’s completely unsecured. If I only use one device, I’ll often connect to my iPhone. But when I start unplugging multiple devices, or if my iPhone’s cell service isn’t great (I’m looking at you, Verizon), I look for a strong and possibly decent public Wi-Fi and connect to It, but won’t work with my device, as well as my portable router. I do that, plus a VPN to help ensure my information stays mine, and this little travel router is how I do it.
This tiny travel router works with The best Wi-Fi routers Where? I put the pocket-sized TP-Link TL-WR1502X Wi-Fi 6 travel router to the test.
TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router: Price and Availability
TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 travel routers are everywhere. You can find it on the TP-Links website, Amazonor other retailers. When this sentence is written, the price of a single unit is $60.
TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router: Unboxing and First Impressions
When I opened the box of this router, I immediately noticed how simple everything was. This router looks too small and looks too basic to do everything it’s doing. It is lightweight, has a stylish construction and is durable. The box comes with the router, power adapter, USB-C cable, quick start guide, and a simple Ethernet cable.
The compact design slips easily into any bag, pocket or jacket. The entire device fits in the palm of my hand. Now, I carry it in my backpack every day. I’m very particular about what I’m willing to put in my backpack, so putting it away is a big deal for me. I like the matte black finish and built-in ventilation as it helps prevent the unit from overheating.
Finally, the port offering is impressive for a small device, and the ports are positioned very well on the device, making it easy to access and use.
TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router: Design and Build Quality
Specification
Wifi: Wi-Fi 6
speed: Up to 1.5Gbps
port: 2x Ethernet, 1ssx USB-C (for tethering/power delivery), 1x fUSB-A
feature: VPN support, WPA3 security, USB tethering
As I mentioned, the device is very portable. Still, it’s also very sturdy, making it a great travel companion since I don’t have to worry about it damaging me. I’ve had it in my daily backpack and carried it with me for the past few months, and I haven’t had any issues with it getting damaged or slowed down. It stays in working order and works great every time.
TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router: in use
So far I’ve gotten the most out of this little travel router. I’ve had it for a few months now and am happy to have it. As I get older, I become more and more paranoid about my physical and digital security over time. One of the things I vowed never to do again in the digital world was connect to a network I didn’t know or couldn’t manage. However, sometimes this is the only option. This is where my travel router comes into play in one of the many use cases I have. I can quickly flip a switch and use the router to connect to coffee shop, VRBO, airport, or even airplane Wi-Fi, turn on the VPN, and connect to my devices. My work and sensitive information (such as bank cards and sensitive documents) are accessible through my Macbook. I’d be crazy not to protect it.
Another way I use my travel router is to connect non-Apple devices to my iPhone hotspot or direct USB tether. Most of the things I carry with me every day are apples. However, when I test another laptop, it makes it really easy to save specific travel Wi-Fi if I have a Nintendo Switch, a portable projector if the kids have gadgets or something similar that they can connect to of devices is not just my phone.
I noticed that the connection was smooth and fast when using Wi-Fi, even over considerable distances. For example, a few weeks ago we stayed at a VRBO rental. I didn’t want to connect to the provided Wi-Fi, so I connected an Ethernet cable to my TP-Link Travel router and ran it as my main router for a week. It works great throughout the home and all my devices are connected. It can handle (up to) five iPhones, two MacBooks, eight iPads, two Apple Watches, and a stereo/night light, all without hesitation.
My only complaint with this router is that it takes a minute to boot up, so if I’m in a hurry, waiting for it to boot up and start working can be frustrating. However, if that’s my only frustration, it’s that this is a pretty incredible device.
| property | notes | grade |
|---|---|---|
| design | great minimalist design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Material quality | High quality materials | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Easy to use | Easy to use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Practicality | Very suitable for most people | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| price | middle price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router: Final Verdict
TP-Link AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 Travel RoutWi-Fi delivers top performance in a travel-friendly package. With its fast speeds, modern security, and versatile features like VPN and USB tethering, it’s a must-have for anyone who needs reliable internet access anytime, anywhere. While its price is slightly higher than some of its competitors, its advanced features justify the investment for anyone who travels frequently or works remotely.
For more connectivity tools, we reviewed Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems
