Review of GL.iNet GL-MT3000 Beryl AX Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router Features

Description

Compact Design Meets Functionality

The GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) is surprisingly small, fitting comfortably in the palm of my hand. At just 4.53 x 3.15 x 1.18 inches and weighing a mere 6.9 ounces, it’s perfect for slipping into a backpack or even a jacket pocket. I’ve tested other travel routers before, but this one truly stands out due to its pocket-friendly size combined with powerful Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. The sleek black finish doesn’t scream “tech gadget,” which is a bonus for discreet use in public spaces like hotels or airports. However, while the compact design is great for portability, the ports feel slightly cramped, especially when connecting multiple devices.

Exceptional Performance with Wi-Fi 6

This travel router delivers dual-band Wi-Fi speeds of 574 Mbps (2.4GHz) and 2402 Mbps (5GHz), which felt ridiculously fast during my tests. Streaming HD videos, hopping on Zoom calls, and downloading large files simultaneously? No problem. It also has a 2.5G multi-gigabit WAN port and a 1G gigabit LAN port, ensuring wired connections are just as speedy. However, what truly impressed me was its compatibility with OpenVPN and WireGuard, hitting VPN speeds of up to 300 Mbps. These speeds are a game-changer for anyone like me who relies on secure connections while traveling, especially on public Wi-Fi. That said, the real-world speeds can vary depending on network conditions, and at times, I noticed a slight lag when too many devices were connected simultaneously.

Key Benefits

• Ultra-portable design makes it ideal for travel.
• Supports VPN cascading, allowing simultaneous VPN server and client use.
• OpenWrt 21.02 firmware provides customization for tech enthusiasts.
• WPA3 protocol enhances security and protects against brute-force attacks.
• Toggle switch allows quick enabling/disabling of features like AdGuard Home.

Considerations for Power Users

Security freaks and privacy advocates will appreciate the DNS over HTTPS, DNS over TLS, and IPv6 support, which help protect data from prying eyes. I personally enabled the AdGuard Home feature and saw a noticeable decrease in intrusive ads, which was satisfying. However, setting up these advanced features isn’t exactly intuitive. While there’s a detailed setup video, I found myself tinkering with the admin panel longer than I’d like. The physical toggle switch is handy, but keep in mind, it’s set to “no function” by default. You’ll need to configure it first, which feels like an unnecessary extra step.

Downsides

• Limited port spacing makes connecting multiple peripherals tricky.
• Configuring advanced features like the toggle switch requires some patience.
• Real-world VPN speeds vary depending on network conditions.

Product Rivals

Compared to competitors like the TP-Link TL-WR902AC or the Netgear Nighthawk M1, this router holds its ground well. While the TP-Link model is also portable, it lacks the Wi-Fi 6 technology that makes the Beryl AX so fast and efficient. The Netgear Nighthawk, on the other hand, offers better battery life (since it’s mobile hot-spot capable), but it’s bulkier and significantly pricier. The Beryl AX strikes a balance between affordability, portability, and advanced features, making it a strong contender in the travel router market.

Smart Spending

When weighing the features of this travel router against its price, it’s evident you’re getting a lot of value. The inclusion of customizable OpenWrt firmware, support for 30+ VPN providers, and multi-gigabit ports makes it suitable for tech-savvy users. Its security features and speed capabilities justify the investment, especially for frequent travelers who rely on stable and secure internet connections. While there are cheaper travel routers out there, they often compromise on speed, security, or build quality. This device, however, ticks most of the important boxes without breaking the bank.

Additional information