RT-AX57 GO - AX3000 Dual Band WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Travel Router, support 4G & 5G mobile tethering & public WiFi (WISP) mode, comprehensive VPN features, easy setup, AiMesh support, guest portal.

I have been after a travel router for ages, tried a few, always seemed to be one thing or another. Got this one for its ability to be anything you need. At home I use it on Access Point to improve the home Wifi and I use ethernet to a network switch. On the go I use WISP as a travel router and in hotels my devices just connect as expected. I haven't tried the USB as a modem but I do use the USB with a HDD at home creating a private cloud / NAS. Works perfectly, does everything, you won't find a better router for travel or adding a NAS to your LAN. Signal is strong and it can be powered by a USB charger, although it takes a lot, mind you my USB charger is awesome but old. I ran this off the usual travel charger I take, a hotels USB C socket and my USB charger. Works great off anything, so versatile.

For clarity - you do need a separate mobile data / internet connection for this to work as a router. This does not have a SIM slot. Took about 5 minutes to setup and get working. Phone plugs into the USB port, set the phone into USB tethering, and the AX-57 detects and connects. The phone takes power from the USB port. The unit itself is deceptively small. The app looks more complicated than it actually is, as it's quite feature packed, but once your PC/Laptop is connected, you can use your web browser to manage the device. I bought this because I tether to a Samsung S21 as my main internet source, and this broadcasts the 5Ghz Wi-Fi band in channel 149, and none of my devices would connect on 5Ghz, which is frustrating. I get really good 5G mobile signal - 200-300Mbs at the phone - but was only able to get 30-40Mbs to my PC at a range of 5-6 meters. Through the AX-57, I can connect at 5Ghz, and I'm getting between 150-200Mbs at my PC. Only minor negative point I have is that the quick start guide is pretty much useless - unbox, plug in, scan QR code to download app - so if you're looking for the comfort of a manual or troubleshooting guide, I'd suggest downloading something from the Asus website before starting. Bought on an early spring offer for £62, does exactly what I was expecting and hoping for, and I think represents really good value, especially when you consider a dedicated router with a SIM slot will be upwards of £200+

If you are buying this as a travel router for using at public network; think again! The setup is frustrating-the ASUS support is useless- the router app for.iPhone is very unreliable. After many hours of trying to get this to work in that mode and with considerable support from chatGPT and trying it in several locations, I never managed to get it to work. Faulty or just useless? A totally frustrating experience. I’ll be returning it to Amazon and will buy another make. GLinet perhaps.

I have no complaints about this router except that if you buy it in the UK it comes with only two plugs, for the UK and Europe. So though the router and its PSU are lightweight and the PSU comes with lightweight interchangeable plug attachments, you have to add a bulky adapter if you're traveling to North America. Australia etc. Not great for a "travel router". I chose it because when I'm not traveling it can function as an extra node in the home Asus ZenWifi mesh, and Asus's hardware and software are solid. This router's wifi signal is not as strong as their full-sized routers, mesh nodes and extenders, but it should be good for most travel situations and for plugging dead spots at home.

Easy to set up, stable and reliable

Great solution for hotel wifi. Connect this and connect all of your devices once without having to renew each device’s access repeatedly during your stay. Slim profile is helpful as you can slot it into pockets in cases for tablets/laptops. Trying to source electronics from Taiwan, Europe or the US reduces choices of devices but hopefully will get years of use based on ASUS’ track record. ASUS seem to have delegated warranty data maintenance to Amazon recently which may streamline your admin as Amazon has purchase records.

The item works perfectly with tethering my samsung s24fe to my network via a network switch for internet to my PC, Xbox, tv etc but setup was a bit trying. The main problem was having to setup switch password and Asus account password etc as it's long winded. I'm still locked out of the switch and will have to reset switch and reset up to access. Having a separate internet access would have made this process easier I'm sure. Overall a good cheap alternative to standard expensive 5g router. I bought used as I suspect some gave up after the first hurdle and returned so don't expect wonders on your first attempt.

Best thing I ever bought for travelling around and connecting all my devices too. highly recommended..