4 reasons I installed RaspAP on my Raspberry PI

One of the things I love about Raspberry Pis is that there are a million and one different uses for them. You can make them a media center, a smart home controller, a security system—pretty much anything you can think of. However, I don't see people discussing the benefits of turning your Raspberry Pi into a router, which is a shame, because I personally really like using it as one. So, here's why I really like putting RaspAP on my Raspberry Pi.

4 It works great as a travel router

Take it with you when you go places

So, before I get started, let's check out what RaspAP even is. It's an app that runs on a Debian-based operating system and turns your Raspberry Pi into a router. You can then bring the Raspberry Pi with you on your travels and use it as a DIY access point.

Now, I'm not entirely sure how safe public Wi-Fi networks are these days. I know a good decade or so ago, using them was pretty risky, but things may have changed by then. If you're still nervous about using public Wi-Fi connections, you can instead connect your Raspberry Pi to it and set up security to keep yourself safe.

Of course, when I'm at home, I won't be using RaspAP on my Raspberry Pi, because I'll be using my at-home router. However, when it's time to jet, it's far easier bundling my Pi into my suitcase than an entire router.

3 It's very easy to set up and use...

Great for when you don't want to sweat the details

Okay, so we know what I use RaspAP for, but why RaspAP specifically? After all, there are alternatives out there, like OpenWrt, that work on the Pi.Well, one of the reasons I went for RaspAP instead of OpenWrt is due to its ease of use. For some people, they want all the nitty-gritty when they set up their own router. They want all the advanced tools and all the benefits that come with them.I, on the other hand, don't. I want a really simple, easy-to-use app that I can quickly boot up and use as a router. Perhaps if I were installing it on my daily driver router, I'd opt for OpenWrt and get into the cogs and gears of how it works. But for a little travel router? RaspAP fits just fine.

2 ...but it doesn't skimp on the essentials

Just the right mix of features

However, just because RaspAP is easy to get set up, doesn't mean it's devoid of any useful features. Tucked away within this app are a few key tools that makes using the internet via my Raspberry Pi a delight while I'm on the go.

So, what does it have under the hood? Well, there are a few in there that I make good use of. The VPN tool is especially useful if I want to browse region-locked content or just keep my connection secure. The ad blocker helps keep pesky ads down, and the data usage tracker is a great way to keep tabs on usage if I'm on a limited plan.

People who want a huge plethora of settings and options may be disappointed by RaspAP's selection; however, I don't find myself wanting any more features than what the app already provides. Plus, there are user-made addons that can fill specific niches.

1 It works alongside your OS instead of replacing it

Great for a router that I only use sometimes

The other reason comes down to how much I use a travel router, which is...not a lot. I mean, sure, when I do use it, it comes in handy, but I'm not really a travel kind of guy. Much more of a homebody, to be honest.

So, here's the thing. Because I don't travel much, I don't really want the Pi to be in travel router mode all the time. I would also like to use it as a regular Pi while I'm at home. To that effect, I like using RaspAP because it's not an operating system; it's an app that runs inside a Debian operating system. Like, oh, I don't know, Raspberry Pi OS.

Now, I don't need to keep wiping my Pi's SD card when I want to put it in router mode, nor do I need another one spare. I just have RaspAP running alongside whatever operating system I'm using at the time, so when I'm at home, I can use the Pi for other things.

RaspAP is the app for me

There are plenty of ways to turn a Raspberry Pi into a travel router, and all of them have their benefits and drawbacks. However, I find that RaspAP fits all my needs by being easy to use without removing essential features or requiring a full OS install.