6 Best Alternatives to the GL.iNet Slate 7 Beryl AX (2026)

How each alternative compares

GL.iNet Beryl AX and Opal Travel Router Set

This set pairs the Beryl AX with the Opal travel router, offering a dual-device approach rather than the single Slate 7 unit. You get distinct primary and secondary portable networking devices, which suits travelers needing flexible deployment options. The Beryl AX component retains the 2.5G WAN port and built-in VPN support found in the original bundle. However, you do not get the Slate 7’s touchscreen interface for quick Wi-Fi scanning or VPN toggling. This option is better for users who want separate hardware for different locations rather than one all-in-one portable unit. It provides similar security features through OpenWrt but splits the functionality across two smaller boxes.

GL.iNet Slate AX Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router with Case

The GL.iNet Slate AX focuses on secure mobile networking and travel without the high-speed 2.5G ports of the Slate 7. It uses Wi-Fi 6 instead of the Wi-Fi 7 standard found in the original bundle, offering a solid balance of portability and encryption. You sacrifice raw wired speed for a more compact form factor and a dedicated carrying case. This router fits buyers who prioritize encrypted connections and customization over the faster 2.5G connectivity. It runs OpenWrt firmware, allowing for similar plugin customization, but lacks the touchscreen display. If you need a smaller, lighter device for secure travel and do not require gigabit-plus wired speeds, this is a practical alternative.

GL.iNet Beryl AX and Flint 2 Wi-Fi 6 Router Set

This bundle replaces the portable Slate 7 with the GL.iNet Flint 2 stationary router, targeting high-speed home networking instead of travel. The Flint 2 delivers 6 Gbps connectivity, significantly higher than the Slate 7’s 2.5G ports, making it ideal for stable 4K streaming and heavy home use. You give up portability and the touchscreen interface entirely. The Beryl AX remains in the set for portable needs, but the Flint 2 is a fixed solution. This option suits users who want a powerful home base with VPN performance rather than a single travel device. It is not suitable if you need a compact, battery-free portable router for on-the-go use.

TP-Link AX3000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router

The TP-Link Archer AX55 is a stationary dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router, differing from the portable Slate 7 in every major way. It is not suitable for travelers needing portable or compact gear, as it is designed for home networks. You gain a dedicated home router with AX3000 speed ratings but lose all travel features, including 2.5G ports and open firmware customization. It lacks the touchscreen and VPN client/server capabilities of the original bundle. This device fits users who need a straightforward, high-performance home network with VPN support but do not require mobile networking. It is a fixed solution for stationary use, offering reliability for small to medium-sized homes without portability.

GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router

The GL.iNet Beryl AX travel router is a single unit without the Slate 7, focusing on secure travel networking with a 2.5G WAN port. It offers hardware-level control over VPN toggles and supports custom OpenWrt plugins, similar to the original bundle’s Beryl AX component. You lose the touchscreen interface and the Wi-Fi 7 capabilities of the Slate 7. This router is a solid choice for those who value hardware control and portability over screen-based management. It is smaller and lighter, fitting in a pocket, but lacks the dual-device flexibility or the high-speed Wi-Fi 7 standard. It is ideal for users who need a dedicated, secure travel router without the extra features of the touchscreen Slate 7.

NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi 6 Router

The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 is an all-in-one cable modem and router, unlike the standalone Slate 7 travel router. It is designed for renters on Xfinity or Spectrum plans who need a straightforward networking solution. You gain a combined modem and router for easy setup but lose all travel features, including portability, 2.5G ports, and OpenWrt customization. It uses Wi-Fi 6 and gigabit ports, which are slower than the Slate 7’s 2.5G wired speeds. This device fits users who prioritize ease of setup and reliable dual-band coverage for homes. It is not suitable for travelers or those needing VPN client/server capabilities. It is a fixed home solution rather than a portable travel device.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

GL.iNet Slate 7 and Beryl AX Travel Router Bundle

Best for: Travelers needing 2.5G wired speeds and VPN

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7

Frequency Bands

Dual-Band

Max Port Speed

2.5 Gbps

Use Case

Travel

View on Amazon: GL.iNet Slate 7 and Beryl AX Travel Router Bundle Affiliate link

The GL.iNet Slate 7 is a portable travel router featuring Wi-Fi 7 and a built-in touchscreen. It offers dual 2.5G Ethernet ports and Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. The device runs OpenWrt 21.02 firmware with pre-installed VPN support. You get real-time network monitoring and easy provider switching on the display. It suits travelers needing high-speed wired connections and secure networking on the go.

Pros

• Wi-Fi 7 standard for future-proof connectivity
• Dual 2.5G Ethernet ports for high-speed wired links
• Built-in touchscreen for real-time speed monitoring
• Pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard support

Cons

• Only dual-band support limits 6 GHz band usage
• Max VPN speed capped at 300 Mbps
• No mention of battery or power bank support

Good fit if

• You need 2.5G wired internet speeds while traveling
• You want a touchscreen for quick network management
• You require built-in VPN encryption for public Wi-Fi

Skip if

• You need tri-band Wi-Fi for dense environments
• You want a battery-powered portable router
• You prefer a traditional web interface without a screen

Verdict: GL.iNet Slate 7 Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router is ideal for travelers who prioritize fast wired connections and easy VPN management via a touchscreen. It fits users who need dual 2.5G ports and do not require battery power.

2 Also great

GL.iNet Beryl AX and Opal Travel Router Set

Best for: dual-router travel setups needing VPN encryption

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6

Speed Rating

AC1200

Frequency Bands

Dual-Band

Max Port Speed

2.5 Gbps

Use Case

Travel

View on Amazon: GL.iNet Beryl AX and Opal Travel Router Set Affiliate link

This package combines two compact travel routers: a 145-gram AC1200 unit and a Wi-Fi 6 unit capable of up to 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz. You get a 2.5 Gbps WAN port, a USB 3.0 port, and hardware VPN support reaching 300 Mbps on WireGuard. It suits you if you need versatile travel networking across multiple setups.

Pros

• 2.5 Gbps multi-gigabit WAN port on the Wi-Fi 6 unit
• WireGuard encryption up to 300 Mbps and OpenVPN up to 150 Mbps
• Pocket-sized AC1200 unit weighs 145 grams
• Comes with interchangeable US, UK, and EU power plugs

Cons

• AC1200 unit tops out at 867 Mbps on 5 GHz and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz
• OpenVPN speeds reach a maximum of 150 Mbps

Good fit if

• You need a 2.5 Gbps WAN port alongside standard gigabit LAN connections.
• You run WireGuard or OpenVPN configurations directly on your travel router.
• You travel internationally and require US, UK, and EU plug adapters.

Skip if

• You need OpenVPN throughput exceeding 150 Mbps.
• You require Wi-Fi 6 speeds on both included travel routers.

Verdict: GL.iNet Opal and Beryl AX Travel Router Pair provides flexible dual-router deployment with a 2.5G WAN port and built-in VPN support. It fits travelers who want distinct primary and secondary portable networking devices.

3 Also great

GL.iNet Slate AX Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router with Case

Best for: secure mobile networking and travel

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6

Speed Rating

AXT1800

Frequency Bands

dual-band

Device Capacity

120 devices

Max Port Speed

Gigabit

Use Case

Travel

View on Amazon: GL.iNet Slate AX Wi-Fi 6 Travel Router with Case Affiliate link

The GL.iNet Slate AX is a pocket-sized Wi-Fi 6 travel router designed for secure networking on the go. It delivers a combined speed of 1800 Mbps across dual bands and supports up to 120 devices. It includes pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard for fast, private browsing. The device runs OpenWrt, allowing for customization and file sharing via a USB port. It is ideal for travelers needing reliable, encrypted connections in public spaces.

Pros

• Wi-Fi 6 standard with 1800 Mbps combined speed
• Pre-installed WireGuard and OpenVPN for secure browsing
• Supports up to 120 simultaneous device connections
• OpenWrt operating system for customization
• USB port for NAS file sharing

Cons

• Gigabit ports limit throughput compared to 2.5G models
• Dual-band only, lacking a dedicated third band
• Smaller device capacity than AX3000 alternatives

Good fit if

• You need a compact router for travel
• You require strong VPN encryption for public Wi-Fi
• You want to customize your network with OpenWrt

Skip if

• You need speeds above 1 Gbps
• You require tri-band performance for large homes
• You prefer a router with 2.5G WAN ports

Verdict: The GL.iNet Slate AX Travel Router offers a solid balance of portability and security for mobile users. It fits buyers who prioritize encrypted connections and customization over raw speed.

4 Also great

GL.iNet Beryl AX and Flint 2 Wi-Fi 6 Router Set

Best for: High-speed stationary home networking

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6

Frequency Bands

Dual Band

Max Port Speed

2.5 Gbps

Use Case

Travel

View on Amazon: GL.iNet Beryl AX and Flint 2 Wi-Fi 6 Router Set Affiliate link

The Flint 2 is a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 router designed for demanding home networks. It supports speeds up to 6 Gbps with dual-band connectivity and 8-stream technology. The device includes a 1GB DDR4 RAM and 8GB eMMC storage for stable operation. It offers robust VPN capabilities, reaching 900 Mbps with WireGuard. This unit suits users who need powerful local routing rather than portable travel solutions.

Pros

• Wi-Fi 6 standard with 8-stream technology
• Maximum wireless speeds up to 6 Gbps
• WireGuard VPN speeds up to 900 Mbps
• 1GB DDR4 RAM and 8GB eMMC storage

Cons

• No 2.5G WAN port listed in specifications
• Not designed as a portable travel router
• Lacks specific port speed details for LAN

Good fit if

• You require high throughput for 4K streaming
• You need strong VPN encryption for gaming
• You want a stationary home network hub

Skip if

• You need a pocket-sized travel router
• You require a 2.5G WAN connection
• You prefer dual-band AX1800 speeds only

Verdict: GL.iNet Flint 2 Wi-Fi 6 Router delivers high-speed 6 Gbps connectivity for stationary home use. It fits users prioritizing VPN performance and stable 4K streaming over portability.

5 Best budget

TP-Link AX3000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router

Best for: Stationary home networks needing Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6

Speed Rating

AX3000

Frequency Bands

Dual-Band

Max Port Speed

Gigabit

Features

VPN, MU-MIMO

Intended Use

Home

View on Amazon: TP-Link AX3000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router Affiliate link

The TP-Link Archer AX55 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router rated AX3000. It delivers up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. Four external antennas and beamforming technology help extend coverage throughout your home. It includes a gigabit port and supports VPN client and server functions. This unit is designed for general home use rather than travel.

Pros

• AX3000 speed rating with Wi-Fi 6 standard
• Four high-gain external antennas for expanded coverage
• Supports both VPN server and VPN client
• Includes TP-Link HomeShield security features
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa for voice control

Cons

• Large size and heavy weight compared to travel routers
• No 2.5G WAN port for faster wired connections
• Not portable or battery-powered for travel use

Good fit if

• You need a stationary router for a home network
• You want Wi-Fi 6 speeds on a budget
• You require VPN server capabilities on your network

Skip if

• You are looking for a portable travel router
• You need a compact device for small spaces
• You require a 2.5G WAN port for high-speed internet

Verdict: The TP-Link Archer AX55 AX3000 Home Router fits users who need a stationary, high-performance home network with VPN support. It is not suitable for travelers needing portable or compact gear.

6 Best openwrt

GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router

Best for: Secure travel networking with 2.5G WAN

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6

Frequency Bands

Dual-Band

Max Port Speed

2.5 Gbps

Ethernet Ports

2

Use Case

Travel

Features

VPN, OpenWrt

View on Amazon: GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router Affiliate link

The GL.iNet Beryl AX is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 travel router with a 2.5G WAN port. It runs OpenWrt 21.02 firmware, allowing access to over 5,000 plugins. The device supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard, with max speeds of 150 Mbps and 300 Mbps respectively. You can enable features like AdGuard Home via a physical switch. It measures 4.7 x 3.2 x 1.3 inches and weighs 6.91 ounces.

Pros

• 2.5G multi-gigabit WAN port
• Wi-Fi 6 dual-band speeds up to 2402 Mbps
• Pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard support
• OpenWrt 21.02 firmware with 5,000+ plugins
• Physical toggle switch for VPN or AdGuard Home

Cons

• Max VPN speed limited to 150 Mbps for OpenVPN
• No mention of cellular or mobile data support
• Physical switch requires prior admin panel configuration

Good fit if

• You need a 2.5G WAN port for fast travel internet
• You want to run custom OpenWrt plugins
• You require a physical switch to toggle VPN features

Skip if

• You need Wi-Fi 7 speeds
• You require built-in cellular connectivity
• You want plug-and-play VPN without setup

Verdict: The GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router fits users who need a 2.5G WAN port and custom OpenWrt plugins for secure travel networking. It is a solid choice for those who value hardware-level control over VPN toggles.

7 Best premium

NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi 6 Router

Best for: Renters on Xfinity or Spectrum needing an all-in-one modem and router

Wi-Fi Standard

WiFi 6

Speed Rating

AX2700

Frequency Bands

Dual-Band

Coverage Area

2,000 sq ft

Device Capacity

25+ devices

Max Port Speed

1 Gbps

View on Amazon: NETGEAR Nighthawk Cable Modem WiFi 6 Router Affiliate link

The NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 combines a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with a Wi-Fi 6 router. It delivers AX2700 speeds and covers up to 2,000 square feet. The device supports 25 or more connected devices. You get four Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections. This all-in-one unit works with major ISPs like Xfinity and Spectrum. It suits renters or those who need a simple, reliable whole-home network without separate hardware.

Pros

• DOCSIS 3.1 modem supports speeds up to 1 Gbps from providers like Spectrum.
• Wi-Fi 6 standard with AX2700 rating for improved device capacity.
• Covers up to 2,000 sq ft with dual-band connectivity.
• Includes four Gigabit Ethernet ports for stable wired connections.
• Managed via the free Nighthawk app for setup and guest networks.

Cons

• Limited to 25+ device capacity, which is lower than many mesh systems.
• Only four Gigabit ports, lacking multi-gigabit WAN options found in higher-end routers.
• Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, or CenturyLink internet plans.

Good fit if

• You rent or need a single device for both modem and router functions.
• You use Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox internet service.
• You want a simple setup with app-based management.

Skip if

• You need coverage for large homes over 2,000 square feet.
• You require compatibility with Verizon Fios or AT&T fiber.
• You want to expand your network with additional mesh nodes.

Verdict: NETGEAR Nighthawk CAX30 Cable Modem Router is a solid choice for renters on Xfinity or Spectrum plans who need a straightforward, all-in-one networking solution. It fits users who prioritize ease of setup and reliable dual-band coverage for small to medium-sized homes.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• karcher karcher alternatives
• esp guitars esp ltd george lynch gl 200 electric guitar alternatives