TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router (TL-WR3602BE)

Last updated: 21 June 2026

Why use a Wi-Fi 7 travel router?

Most of us travel with a phone, a laptop, a tablet, maybe a watch and an e-reader too. Add a partner or kids, and signing every device into hotel Wi-Fi becomes a chore. A Wi-Fi 7 travel router fixes that. First, you connect the router to the public network once. Then your own devices stay paired to the router, so they all come online together wherever you go.

Because the TL-WR3602BE creates your own private network on top of the public one, it also adds a layer of privacy. Plus you skip the captive portal dance on every gadget. Instead, you handle the login page just once, through the TP-Link Tether app or the web dashboard.

Key features at a glance

• Wi-Fi 7, BE3600 dual-band: up to 2882 Mbps on 5 GHz and 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, for a combined 3.6 Gbps. Note that it is dual-band, so there is no 6 GHz band.
• Up to 90 devices: far more than a phone hotspot, which usually struggles past a handful.
• Built-in VPN: OpenVPN and WireGuard support, plus compatibility with 35+ VPN providers including NordVPN and Surfshark.
• Multi-gig ports: a 2.5 Gbps WAN port and a 1 Gbps LAN port, so a fast wired line is not wasted.
• USB-A 3.0 port: share files from a connected drive across your travel network.
• USB-C powered: no built-in battery, but it runs on the included adapter, a power bank, or a laptop USB-C port at just 5V.
• Foldable antennas and a custom button: two external antennas raise for range, and a configurable button can toggle the VPN on or off in a tap.
• Many modes in one: router, hotspot, access point, range extender, client and USB tethering.

How to set it up

Setup takes only a few minutes. Importantly, you can do it all from your phone.

1. Power the router using the included adapter, a power bank, or your laptop's USB-C port.
2. Download the free TP-Link Tether app, then create or sign in to a TP-Link ID.
3. Choose Hotspot mode, then pick the hotel or airport network and complete the captive portal login.
4. Name your own network and password. After that, connect all your devices to it.
5. Optionally, switch on WireGuard or OpenVPN and assign it to the custom button for one-tap privacy.

Honest limitations

No travel router is perfect, so here is the balanced view. Firstly, this is a dual-band model, which means no 6 GHz band despite the Wi-Fi 7 badge. Secondly, independent testing from Tom's Hardware found real-world throughput only average for Wi-Fi 7, which makes sense given the small antennas and travel focus. Finally, there is no battery, so you will always need a power source nearby. For a bag-friendly router, though, those trade-offs feel fair.

Pair it with a good SIM or eSIM

A travel router shines brightest with a solid data connection behind it. For example, you can tether it to a phone running an affordable SIM, or feed it data through an eSIM abroad. We rate two flexible UK options here. Honest Mobile offers tree-planting plans and easy switching, while SMARTY runs no-contract data on the Three network.

To compare them properly, read our Honest Mobile vs SMARTY comparison, and for trips overseas see our guide to the best eSIMs for UK travel. If you already know which suits you, you can grab a sign-up perk through our Honest Mobile referral code or our SMARTY refer-a-friend offer.

Is it worth buying?

At around £99.99, the TL-WR3602BE sits at the affordable end of Wi-Fi 7 travel routers. So if you travel often with several devices, or you want VPN privacy on public Wi-Fi, it earns its place in your bag. Prices do move, however, so always check the live figure before you buy.

Buy the TL-WR3602BE on Amazon UK

FAQs

Does the TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 travel router have a 6 GHz band?

No. The TL-WR3602BE is a dual-band BE3600 model, so it uses the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands only. It still supports Wi-Fi 7 features like Multi-Link Operation with compatible devices, but the 6 GHz band is not included.

How many devices can it connect at once?

Up to 90 devices. That comfortably covers a family's phones, laptops, tablets, watches and e-readers, which is well beyond what a typical phone hotspot manages.

Does it have a built-in battery?

No, there is no internal battery. However, it only needs 5V, so you can power it from the included adapter, a USB power bank, or a laptop's USB-C port while you travel.

Can I use a VPN on it?

Yes. It supports OpenVPN and WireGuard, plus configuration for more than 35 VPN providers such as NordVPN and Surfshark. As a result, every device on your travel network can use the VPN without setting it up individually.

How much does it cost in the UK?

It typically costs around £99.99, though promotions and stock can shift the price. For the current figure, check the live Amazon UK listing linked above.

Sources and further reading

• TP-Link UK: BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router (TL-WR3602BE) official page
• Tom's Hardware: TL-WR3602BE review and performance testing
• idealo UK: current price comparison for the TL-WR3602BE

More from CoolCuration

• Best travel accessories UK – the kit we actually pack for stress-free trips.
• Native Union Anchor 240W cable – a tough USB-C cable to power the router on the go.
• NextDNS – add network-level privacy and ad blocking to your home and travel setup.
• Uber referral code – a little off your first ride when you land.
• Matador Pocket – a packable pouch that keeps cables and the router tidy.

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