In Gizmodo’s September 2026 test on a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and an iPhone 17 Pro, NordVPN had the lowest reported average mobile speed loss among five services. That makes it the strongest pick from this comparison if speed is your priority—not a guarantee of performance on your phone, destination, or network. ExpressVPN used the least additional battery in the test, while Proton VPN tied NordVPN for the most reported countries.
How the five VPNs compared in Gizmodo’s mobile test
Gizmodo tested each service against servers in the UK, US, and Japan on both phones. The baseline Wi-Fi connection, without a VPN, measured 54.7 Mbps download speed and 37 ms ping. For its battery comparison, Gizmodo played 20 minutes of YouTube at 1440p with the phones at full brightness. These are Gizmodo’s reported results, not measurements made independently here. The article does not disclose repeat-run counts or cellular-network tests, so the figures should be treated as a snapshot of that setup. Gizmodo’s test and methodology.
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| Service | Average mobile speed loss | Countries reported | Extra battery in test | Simultaneous devices | Starting price reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 16.9% | 149 | 2% | 10 | $3.49/month |
| Proton VPN | 22.2% | 149 | 2% | 10 | $2.99/month |
| ExpressVPN | 19.5% | 113 | 1% | 10 | $2.99/month |
| Private Internet Access | 26.7% | 91 | 3% | Unlimited | $2.19/month |
All measurements, country counts, device limits, and starting prices in the table are as reported by Gizmodo in 2026. Prices are starting figures, not necessarily renewal rates; check the current offer and terms before subscribing. The source does not establish that its country counts were measured using a common definition across providers.
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NordVPN for the lowest reported speed loss
NordVPN recorded the lowest average speed loss in Gizmodo’s test, 16.9%, and shared the highest reported country count at 149. That combination makes it the most balanced choice in this particular comparison if you want to preserve speed while having a broad set of locations. Gizmodo also noted a busier mobile interface and higher renewal pricing, so consider both ease of use and the full subscription terms.
#1 Best Overall
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
Proton VPN for a privacy-oriented alternative
Proton VPN also had 149 reported countries and recorded a 22.2% average speed loss. Gizmodo highlighted its open-source apps, audits of its no-logs policy, and free tier. Confirm the free plan’s current limits and available locations before relying on it for a trip; the test’s paid-plan comparison does not establish what the free tier offers.
ExpressVPN for the lowest battery use in this test
ExpressVPN recorded 19.5% average speed loss and the smallest additional battery figure, 1%, during the specified 20-minute YouTube test. That result is tied to those phones, settings, and activity. Battery use on a long travel day can differ with signal strength, screen time, protocol, and background activity.
Rank #2
- 【DUAL BAND WIFI 7 TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU, AU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 688Mbps (2.4G)+2882Mbps (5G); Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports (1x WAN and 1x LAN Port); USB 3.0 port.
- 【NETWORK CONTROL WITH TOUCHSCREEN SIMPLICITY】Slate 7’s touchscreen interface lets you scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi, monitor speed in real time, toggle VPN on/off, and switch providers directly on the display. Color-coded indicators provide instant network status updates for Ethernet, Tethering, Repeater, and Cellular modes, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- 【OpenWrt 23.05 FIRMWARE】The Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 travel router, built with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) for maximum customization and advanced networking capabilities. With 512MB storage, total customization with open-source freedom and flexible installation of OpenWrt plugins.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
Private Internet Access for the lowest listed starting price and unlimited devices
Private Internet Access had the lowest listed starting price, $2.19 per month, and unlimited simultaneous connections in Gizmodo’s comparison. It also had the highest reported average speed loss, 26.7%, and the lowest country count, 91. It may suit a traveler prioritizing the listed price or connecting many devices, but compare current renewal terms and test performance on the networks you expect to use.
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What matters when choosing a travel VPN
A single speed ranking cannot predict performance everywhere. A VPN may behave differently on hotel Wi-Fi, airport hotspots, mobile data, or a restrictive network. Think about the locations you need to connect from and to, as well as the practical limits of your devices and plan.
Rank #3
- 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝟔 𝐀𝐗𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 - Wi-Fi 6 Speeds up to 1,201 Mbps (5 GHz) and 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz) for up to 60 devices simultaneously. Actual Wi-Fi speeds vary based on source bandwidth, environment, distance to devices, and obstacles. ◇§
- 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - Roam 6 AX1500 is a pocket-sized travel router compactly designed for trips and adventures, featuring a 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port and a 1 Gbps LAN port for reliable wired connectivity.
- 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶 𝗼𝗻-𝘁𝗵𝗲-𝗴𝗼 - Connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports multiple devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and even home use. VPN connectivity enables secure remote work.
- 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 - (1) Router Mode: Connects to public Wi-Fi, ISP, or phone (USB tethering). (2) AP/RE/Client Mode: Adds WiFi to wired setups, extends WiFi, or connects wired devices wirelessly.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. Advanced security is integrated into the device’s design, development, and ongoing maintenance.
- Coverage: Look for locations near both your destination and the country whose services you need to access. A published country count alone does not show server proximity or congestion.
- Privacy: Review the provider’s privacy policy and look for independent audit evidence. An audit has a scope and date; it is not a guarantee that every app behavior or future change has been examined.
- Restricted networks: If VPN connections are blocked or limited where you are going, check whether the service offers obfuscation and whether it works on your device and chosen network. Availability and reliability are not assured.
- Device support: Check current operating-system requirements and simultaneous-device limits for your subscription, especially if you plan to connect a phone, laptop, and tablet.
- Streaming: Gizmodo reported that its test accessed 13 of 14 streaming platforms with one service, but availability can change and access may depend on the platform, account, and location. Do not treat a test result as a continuing guarantee.
- Price: Compare the total term, renewal price, and cancellation conditions rather than relying only on an advertised monthly starting price.
Other 2026 travel VPN roundups use different criteria and reach their own rankings. Security.org says its evaluation considers diverse network environments, public Wi-Fi protection, censorship circumvention, and cross-device flexibility; its travel VPN guide is a separate editorial assessment. TechRadar’s travel VPN guide and Tom’s Guide’s 2026 guide likewise discuss factors such as coverage, privacy, obfuscation, speed, and streaming. Their rankings should not be combined with Gizmodo’s measurements as though they were one shared test.
A VPN does not provide travel data
A VPN encrypts and routes traffic over an internet connection; it does not supply that connection or replace a mobile data plan. You still need Wi-Fi or mobile data, including roaming or a separate travel connectivity option such as an eSIM. An eSIM provides connectivity, while a VPN provides a separate layer of network protection. Check data costs and coverage independently.
Rank #4
- 【DUAL BAND AX TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 574Mbps (2.4G)+2402Mbps (5G); 2.5G Multi-gigabit WAN port and a 1G gigabit LAN port; USB 3.0 port; Wi-Fi 6 offers more than double the total Wi-Fi speed with the MT3000 VPN Router.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Beryl AX automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 150 Mbps (OpenVPN); 300 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【OpenWrt 21.02 FIRMWARE】The Beryl AX is a portable wifi box and mini router that runs on OpenWrt 21.02 firmware. It supports more than 5,000 ready-made plug-ins for customization. Simply browse, install, and manage packages with our no-code interface within Beryl AX's Admin Panel.
- 【PROTECT YOUR NETWORK SECURITY】Our pocket wifi, unlike other vulnerable portable wifi hotspot for travel purposes supports WPA3 protocol–Preventive measures against password brute-force attacks; DNS over HTTPS & DNS over TLS–Protecting domain name system traffic and preventing data eavesdropping from malicious parties; IPv6–Built-in authentication for privacy protection, eliminating the need for network address translation.
- 【VPN CASCADING AT EASE】Surpassing the mediocre performance of most VPN routers for home usage, the Beryl AX is capable of hosting a VPN server and VPN client at the same time within the same device, enabling users to remote access local network resources like Wi-Fi printers or local web servers, and accessing the public internet as a VPN client simultaneously.
Check destination rules and prepare before departure
Rules on VPN use differ by destination and can change. Do not assume that use is legal, permitted on every network, or technically reliable everywhere. Check current official guidance for the specific destination before travel. If you expect to need a VPN on a restrictive network, install and sign in to the app before leaving; access to app stores or provider sites may be limited after arrival. Confirm the service’s current device requirements and connection options in advance.
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Gizmodo’s figures are useful for comparing five services under one disclosed Wi-Fi and battery setup, but the article does not specify repeat counts, every protocol choice, or performance over cellular networks. The measured speed losses and battery percentages are not population statistics or promises for an individual trip. Features, country coverage, streaming access, prices, renewal terms, app requirements, and local rules can change, so verify current details before relying on them.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 - Roam 7 BE3600 connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports up to 90 devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and home use. VPN connectivity supports secure remote work.
- 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝟕 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 – Delivers up to 2882 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 688 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, supporting smooth streaming, downloads, and gaming for up to 90 devices. ◇ 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝟔 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐲 - Offers (1) Router Mode for Ethernet or USB (phone) tethering connections, (2) Hotspot Mode for secure access to public WiFi , and (3) AP/RE/Client Mode to extend WiFi, add WiFi to wired setups, or connect wired devices wirelessly.
- 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 - 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN and 1x 1 Gbps LAN ports, along with WiFi 7 speeds, enable fast wired and wireless data transmissions.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
