GL.iNet Slate Plus Dual-Band Travel Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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This gl inet gl a1300 pocket vpn travel review focuses on the GL.iNet Slate Plus. It is a compact dual-band router designed for portable networking. The device features an IPQ4018 CPU running at 717MHz. It supports wireless speeds of 400Mbps on 2.4GHz and 867Mbps on 5GHz. The unit measures 118 x 84 x 33 mm and weighs 429g. It runs OpenWrt 21.02 for customization. You can use it to secure public Wi-Fi connections. The router also includes hardware toggle switches for VPN and ad blocking. This makes it a flexible tool for travelers.
What stands out
- Dual-band AC wireless with 400Mbps (2.4G) and 867Mbps (5G) speeds
- Pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard with max speeds of 28 Mbps and 170 Mbps respectively
- Physical toggle switch to enable AdGuard Home or VPN clients
- Network storage via USB hard drive using SAMBA and WebDav protocols
- Compact dimensions of 4.65 x 3.35 x 1.18 inches and 15.1 ounces weight
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should consider this router if you travel frequently and need to secure public Wi-Fi. The dual-band support ensures stable connections in crowded areas like hotels or airports. The pre-installed VPN clients allow you to encrypt your traffic easily. If you need to share files on the go, the USB network storage feature is useful. The physical switches let you toggle security features without logging into the admin panel. It suits users who want a portable, secure, and customizable networking solution.
Who should skip it
You should skip this device if you need high-performance mesh Wi-Fi for a large home. This is a travel router, not a whole-home coverage system. The wireless speeds are limited to AC standards, which may not suit bandwidth-heavy tasks. If you do not need VPN or ad-blocking features, the complexity may be unnecessary. The device requires a power adapter and is not battery-powered. It is designed for connecting to existing networks, not creating a primary home network.
Verdict: The GL.iNet Slate Plus is a practical, spec-rich travel router for securing public Wi-Fi. Its dual-band performance and built-in VPN tools make it ideal for mobile professionals.
Key specs explained
Dual band
The router broadcasts on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. You get 400Mbps on the longer-range 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on the faster 5GHz band. This allows you to connect devices that need speed to the 5GHz band while keeping older gadgets on 2.4GHz. It reduces interference and supports more simultaneous connections than single-band travel routers. You should compare this against basic portable routers that only offer one frequency.
IPQ4018 @717MHz CPU
This processor handles network traffic and VPN encryption tasks. A 717MHz clock speed provides enough power to manage multiple connected devices without slowing down your internet connection. It ensures stable performance when running open-source software or handling data routing. You benefit from smoother streaming and fewer dropouts compared to routers with slower processors. Check this spec if you plan to run multiple applications on the router simultaneously.
Max. VPN speed of 28 Mbps (OpenVPN); 170 Mbps (WireGuard)
These numbers show the maximum throughput when using virtual private networks. OpenVPN offers 28Mbps, which is sufficient for web browsing and email. WireGuard provides 170Mbps, allowing for faster file transfers and video calls. You can choose the protocol based on your needs for speed versus compatibility. This matters when securing public Wi-Fi connections. Compare this to other travel routers to ensure they meet your bandwidth requirements for encrypted traffic.
118 x 84 x 33 mm / 429g
These dimensions and weight define the physical footprint of the device. It is small enough to fit in a pocket or small bag. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry during travel or work commutes. You do not need a dedicated space for it at home or on the road. This compact size contrasts with larger mesh nodes or standard home routers. Consider these measurements if portability is your primary requirement for a networking device.
Compact Design for Portable Use
The GL.iNet Slate Plus measures 4.65 inches in length, 3.35 inches in width, and 1.18 inches in height. It weighs 15.1 ounces. These dimensions and mass make the unit small enough to fit in a standard backpack or laptop sleeve. According to the listing, the device is engineered for travelers who need to carry networking gear without adding bulk. The low profile allows it to sit flat on hotel desks or café tables without taking up much space.
The physical layout prioritizes simplicity and direct control. The listing notes a physical toggle switch that lets you enable or disable features like AdGuard Home or VPN clients instantly. This hardware button provides a quick way to toggle security or ad-blocking without navigating software menus. You can also connect external USB hard drives to the router’s port. This adds network storage capability, letting you share files over your local connection.
The build supports its travel use case. The compact form factor ensures you can connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots in airports, hotels, or cafés while keeping your devices secure. The small size does not compromise the internal components, as it still houses a powerful IPQ4018 CPU. You get a portable solution that balances performance with ease of transport. The design ensures you can set up a secure private network anywhere you go.
Setup And Everyday Use Guide
The GL.iNet Slate Plus runs on OpenWrt 21.02. This open-source operating system gives you full control over the device. You can customize the router to match your specific needs. The setup process is straightforward. You connect the device to a power source using the included US plug adapter. You can link it to a public Wi-Fi hotspot at a hotel or café. The router then creates a secure local network for your devices. It also supports tethering via Ethernet cable. Daily use relies on its dual-band capabilities. You get 400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band. This split allows you to connect older devices to the longer-range signal. Meanwhile, newer devices can use the faster 5GHz band for streaming or downloads. The IPQ4018 CPU runs at 717MHz. This processor handles the network traffic efficiently. Security is a major feature. OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed. You can use these protocols with over 30 VPN providers. The maximum VPN speed reaches 170Mbps with WireGuard. You can also enable a kill switch. This feature blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. It ensures your data stays private. You can define specific routing policies. This lets you send only certain traffic through the VPN. The physical toggle switch offers quick access. You can enable AdGuard Home or a VPN client instantly. This requires prior configuration in the admin panel. The device also supports network storage via USB. You can plug in an external hard drive to share files. This setup works well for travelers who need secure, portable networking.
Before You Buy This Travel Router
You should check if your VPN provider supports WireGuard or OpenVPN, as the Slate Plus includes both. The device creates a secure tunnel for public Wi-Fi, but you must configure the kill switch to ensure traffic stays protected. Keep the firmware updated via the OpenWrt interface to maintain security patches. This router complements a home mesh system by extending secure connectivity while you travel. It does not replace your primary network. You may need a USB drive to utilize the network storage feature, which supports SAMBA and WebDav. The physical toggle switch requires initial setup in the admin panel to activate AdGuard Home or VPN functions. Ensure your devices can connect to dual-band networks for optimal performance. This unit fits alongside other travel routers by offering programmable features for advanced users. It suits those who prioritize privacy and customization over plug-and-play simplicity.
Check before you buy
- Verify your VPN provider supports WireGuard or OpenVPN protocols.
- Confirm your devices support dual-band Wi-Fi connections.
- Check if you have a USB drive for storage.
- Ensure you can access the admin panel for setup.
The product at a glance
GL.iNet Slate Plus Dual-Band Travel Router
Best for: portable secure travel networking
- Frequency Bands
- Dual band
- Use Case
- Travel
- Features
- VPN
- Dimensions
- 4.65 × 3.35 × 1.18 inches
- Weight
- 15.1 ounces
View on Amazon: GL.iNet Slate Plus Dual-Band Travel Router Affiliate link
This dual-band travel router uses an IPQ4018 CPU to deliver 400Mbps on 2.4GHz and 867Mbps on 5GHz. It runs OpenWrt and supports WireGuard for speeds up to 170Mbps. The compact unit weighs 15.1 ounces and includes a physical toggle switch for quick feature activation. It suits travelers needing portable security and network storage via USB.
Pros
- Dual-band AC speeds up to 1267Mbps total
- WireGuard VPN support reaches 170Mbps
- Physical toggle switch for easy feature control
- USB port for network storage sharing
Cons
- OpenVPN speeds limited to 28Mbps
- Toggle switch requires admin panel setup
- No mention of mobile app management
Good fit if
- You need portable security in public hotspots
- You want to block ads network-wide
- You prefer hardware switches for control
Skip if
- You require high-speed OpenVPN connections
- You need a full home mesh system
- You want plug-and-play without setup
Verdict: GL.iNet Slate Plus Travel Router fits travelers who prioritize portable security and customizable network features over raw VPN throughput. It is ideal for those comfortable configuring OpenWrt settings for specific use cases.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | GL.iNet Slate Plus Dual-Band Travel Router |
|---|---|
| Frequency Bands | Dual band |
| Use Case | Travel |
| Features | VPN |
| Dimensions | 4.65 × 3.35 × 1.18 inches |
| Weight | 15.1 ounces |
| Model | GL-A1300 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the GL.iNet Slate Plus good for international travel?
Yes, it is designed for portable secure travel networking. The compact size allows it to fit easily in a backpack. You can create a secure Wi-Fi tunnel in hotels or airports. This protects your data from public network threats while you are abroad.
What VPN protocols does the Slate Plus support?
The device includes support for both WireGuard and OpenVPN. These protocols help you create a secure tunnel for your internet traffic. You should check if your VPN provider supports either option. This ensures your connection remains private on untrusted networks.
How powerful is the processor in this travel router?
It uses an IPQ4018 CPU running at 717MHz. This processor handles the dual-band wireless connections and VPN encryption tasks. The speed is sufficient for typical travel needs like browsing and streaming. It balances performance with the device's small physical footprint.
Can I customize the settings on this router?
Yes, it runs on OpenWrt 21.02. This open-source operating system gives you full control over the device configuration. You can adjust settings to match your specific security or networking needs. It is ideal for users comfortable with custom router environments.
Does the Slate Plus have a kill switch?
You must configure the kill switch feature manually. This function ensures your traffic stays protected if the VPN connection drops. It is a critical step for maintaining security on public Wi-Fi. Always enable this setting to prevent data leaks during travel.
What are the physical dimensions of the device?
The unit measures 4.65 inches in length and 3.35 inches in width. It is 1.18 inches tall and weighs 15.1 ounces. These dimensions make it highly portable. You can easily carry it in a standard laptop sleeve or small travel bag.
Is this router suitable for users who want simple setup?
The setup process is straightforward for basic use. However, the device is best for those comfortable configuring OpenWrt settings. If you need advanced features, you can customize the router extensively. Simple users might find the open-source options overwhelming compared to consumer-grade routers.