We've tested nearly every Wi-Fi travel router on the market, and narrowed the players down to just four top units. Each has special strengths targeted to different audiences, but all are great routers that perform all the basic functions you'd expect, such as network address translation, DHCP serving, and MAC address filtering. There's practically no "dumbing down" from their big brothers, with the possible exception of more limited routing support for large wired networks.

The routers on our list are mostly plain-jane 802.11g models, with one 802.11b model in the mix. No SuperG or MIMO travel routers exist (it would be impossible to make them small or cheap enough), but there is really no need for them. Travel routers are designed to operate in smaller spaces, so don't need the range afforded by MIMO. For getting connected on the road, 54Mbps Wi-Fi is just fine.

The Low-Cost Workhorse

Belkin Wireless G
Travel Router F5D7233

For a low-cost, general-purpose travel router, you need look no further than the Belkin F5D7233. This tiny little router is available for less than $50, and comes in a handy hard-shell case that fits the slim-line power adapter and cables as well. It triples as a router, access point, and USB adapter (in case you left your Wi-Fi card at home), and can be powered from the USB port on your laptop if there's no outlet handy.

The Web-based setup screens look like those you'd find in any good Wi-Fi router, and have all the key options found in standard-size units, from port forwarding and an SPI firewall, to strong WPA2 encryption and VPN passthrough. The only things we missed were a second Ethernet port, which would give more configuration flexibility, and a Mac-based setup utility. Mac owners can go straight to the Web-based setup for most purposes, but won't be able to use the Belkin as a USB Wi-Fi adapter. Three handy indicator lights help with diagnosing setup issues. You are unlikely to have them, however, thanks to the three-position switch on the side that lets you change operating modes (between router, access point and USB adapter) without even using the Web utility. And we love that lifetime warranty and 24/7 support. Read our full review.

The Paid Hotspot Sharer

Linksys Travel Router
WTR54GS

At about $75, the Linksys Travel Router costs half again as much as the Belkin. But you can pocket the difference after just a couple of shared hotspot connections. The Linksys is so far the only travel router on the market that lets you share a paid public hotspot account. The unit first connects wirelessly to the hotspot, and then serves as a access point for you and anyone else you'd like to share with. With support for WPA2 encryption, your private Wi-Fi net can be totally secure, too. The ability to connect to a Wi-Fi net at the same time as acting as an access point also makes it a universal Wi-Fi range extending solution, useful at home to cover those pesky dead spots, as well as on the go.

Even better, the Linksys is one of the handful of travel routers with a second Ethernet port, which lets you bridge wired and wireless networks with ease. All this power comes in a compact package, thanks to the built-in power supply and integrated wall plug. There are no cables to misplace or keep track of, and a nice case is included. As with the Belkin, there's no Mac setup software, but you can perform all functions using the Web utility. The bottom line is that the Linksys WTR54GS is the current state of the art in travel routers, with several unique and valuable features. Read our full review.

The Combo Router, Print Server and iTunes Streamer

Apple AirPort Express

Apple's AirPort Express router was the first Wi-Fi travel router (although it's equally aimed at home users), and still one of the best. At $129 list, it costs a lot more than the competition, but that's because of two unique and valuable hardware features designed for the home: a USB port for wireless printer sharing, and an optical audio output jack for streaming high-quality iTunes music to your stereo system. It's also the only travel router to provide full Windows and Mac software configurators, rather than just Web access.

Apple packs all this power into a small square package that fits in your palm, complete with integrated wall plug. No external power adapter required. If you are a Mac or iTunes user, and the music streaming attracts you, the AirPort Express can do double duty as a travel router. It can also act as a wireless range extender for other AirPort base stations. It has WPA support, but not WPA2. Accessories include a World Travel Adapter Kit with various wall plugs, and a Stereo Connection Kit with analog and digital audio cables plus a power cord extender. Read our full review.

The Broadband/Dialup Solution

Always On Wireless
WiFlyer

The Always On Wireless WiFlyer is another unique bird. It's about the same size and shape as the Linksys, but has an external power adapter which adds some bulk. Like the Linksys, it has two Ethernet jacks, an excellent feature for bridging to wired nets. The big drawing card, however, is the built-in analog modem, which lets you share dialup connections as well as broadband, and is the reason for the hefty $149 price tag. There's even a built-in speaker and volume control so you can listen to your modem sounds. The excellent software is Web-based, so works with PCs or Macs. It has built-in support for major ISPs like AOL, MSN, and EarthLink. You can save account, access number, and location information for future use. If you often use dialup Internet access when traveling and want to unwire your connection, the WiFlyer is the ideal solution.

The downside to this router is that it's 802.11b, and only has WEP encryption, but Always On will soon release a new version (at a lower $129 price point) with 802.11g and WPA. The new WiFlyer+v also sports a USB port for printer sharing, like the AirPort Express. Read our full review,