ASUS RT-AX57 Go AX3000 Travel Router: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS RT-AX57 Go is a small dual-band WiFi 6 router built for people who move between places: hotel rooms, rentals, offices and home. It takes one connection, whether wired, mobile or public WiFi, and turns it into a private network for your own devices. At about 4.7 x 4.7 x 0.8 inches (12 x 12 x 2 cm) and 0.5 lb (roughly 230 g), it is made to slip into a laptop bag.

Three modes for three situations

ASUS describes the router as tri-mode. In router mode it works like a normal home router, creating a network from a wired internet connection. In mobile tethering mode it takes its internet from a 4G or 5G phone or hotspot. In WISP mode it connects to a public or shared WiFi network and rebroadcasts it as your own private hotspot.

The practical benefit of that last mode is that your phone, laptop, tablet and streaming stick join one familiar network name and password, rather than each logging in to a venue's network separately. Where a sign-in page is involved, ASUS includes a guest portal feature for handling it.

What AX3000 and 160 MHz mean

AX3000 is a class label for WiFi 6 (802.11ax) dual-band hardware, with combined speeds of up to 3,000 Mbps across the bands. ASUS says the 160 MHz channel width increases network capacity and supports up to 70 devices. Those are maximums under ideal conditions. ASUS notes in its disclaimer that real throughput and coverage vary with network traffic, building materials and overhead, and the speed you see is also limited by whatever internet connection feeds the router.

VPN features

The router includes one-touch VPN activation. ASUS says it supports multiple protocols, up to 30 VPN service providers, and site-to-site VPN. In general, running a VPN on the router means every connected device is covered, including ones that can't run a VPN app themselves. You will still need an account with a VPN provider, and the speed depends on that service.

Network security and setup

ASUS includes AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro, which it describes as commercial-grade and free of subscription fees. It adds a one-tap security scan and Safe Browsing. The router also supports AiMesh, ASUS's system for linking compatible ASUS routers into one network.

Setup is described as three steps, with day-to-day management through the ASUS Router mobile app.

Who it suits

It suits frequent travellers, remote workers who need their own network in temporary spaces, and families who want all their devices connected in a rental in one go. It can also serve as a small spare router at home.

What to check before you buy

• Your internet source: confirm how you will connect most often (wired, phone tethering or public WiFi) and that it matches the modes above.
• Power: check what the router needs for power and whether you have a suitable USB or wall supply.
• Ports: look at the manual or specification sheet for the number and type of ports, especially if you need wired connections.
• VPN: check that your VPN provider is among those supported.
• Venue rules: some networks restrict extra routers, so check the terms where you stay.
• Expectations: real-world speed depends on the source connection and the surroundings.

The short version

• A compact WiFi 6 (AX3000) travel router from ASUS, about 0.5 lb.
• Router, mobile tethering and WISP modes in one device.
• 160 MHz channels and support for up to 70 devices, according to ASUS.
• One-touch VPN with up to 30 providers, plus site-to-site VPN.
• AiProtection Classic, AiMesh support and a mobile app for setup.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.