Virtual private networks are amazing tools to use. You can find them both in the private consumer sector and used around the world by businesses in the more public sector provided by companies like Cisco. However, more and more people at home are turning to VPNs just to access the internet, or to protect them self from snooping internet service providers in 2017.
Whether you plan on traveling, simply like the idea of convenient mobile technology, or you have a fascination for VPN security–then you might be interested in purchasing a mini VPN router. But what is a mini VPN router, and why do you need one–and what do they do?
5 Reasons to Use Mini Router:
So why use a mini VPN router in the first place? Well, there are some very compelling reasons.
#1 Ultra Portable
Me holding the GL-AR300M Mini Router.
First of all, most routers are not portable at all. Usually they are a mess of cords, power connectors, and just plain ugly or hard to carry around. If you get a mini router, like the GL-AR300M, you can easily fit it in your pocket. In fact, I would wager it’s even easier to carry than a smartphone–lighter than one too, and it only has the smallest item dimensions. It’s only 2.28 x 2.28 x 2.28 in, weighing only 1.41 ounces. This means you can fit it in your pocket, your backpack, or even in your shirt pocket.
#2 Easy on the Eyes
Most mini routers are designed to be simplistic and pleasing on the eyes. Most routers out there aren’t. When you look at a monster like the Nighthawk Router, you see large antennae, bulky design, flashing lights, and tons of cords.
Mini routers often just use mini-usb for power, and simply require one Ethernet cord connected to the WAN port. This means that you can stick it in your living room, or even a drawer, without your wife noticing.
#3 Super Flexible Use cases
Mini routers have super flexible use cases, and it only requires the smallest amount of creativity. For example, if you want you can plug your iPhone into the router to provide an on-the-go encrypted access point in a car. Or if you want, you can connect a 4G LTE USB modem into the device to provide internet to it if you don’t have a plug-able connection nearby. It also works with standard connections like wireless and cable.
#4 Fast and Powerful
Mini routers are surprisingly powerful. The one I tested (the GL-AR300M) was fast with streaming, browsing, and it seemed even capable of handling YouTube in 4K. It’s also incredibly easy to setup.
#5 Affordable
Perhaps the best reason to buy a mini VPN router is the price. While most standard routers cost anywhere from $100-500, mini routers are cheap in comparison usually costing somewhere between $30-50 for a good one. Expect to pay a bit more if you want it pre-flashed instead of stock.
What is a Mini Router?
So now that you know why you need one, you probably know a little about what it is.
Basically the idea is that a mini router is just a super small and compact but capable routing device you can bring with you on the go. With the flexible use cases, you can use it to encrypt your phone’s connection on the go, or to protect your sensitive data in unsecured places like Starbucks or airports, or even hotels.
Which Mini VPN Router should I get?
My favorite mini router is the GL-AR300M (this is also the one I reviewed). It’s super small, easy to setup, and has great reliability in the community. With strong reviews, and a good company behind it, you can be sure it’s not going to crap out on you.
Best VPN For Mini Router?
So which VPN should you use with a mini router?
I think the simplest way to do it is to buy a pre-flashed mini VPN router that already has the right software on it so you can set it up super easy. One of the few VPNs that I recommend that sells VPN routers is TorGuard.
I already made a guide on how to setup a mini router with TorGuard in the video below.
How to Setup Mini Router?
I went ahead and made a sweet video showing you how to setup a mini VPN router with TorGuard.
