GL.iNet Flint Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 or GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router? Which GL.iNet Model to Buy
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This gl inet gl mt3000 beryl ax wi fi vs gl ax1800 comparison helps you choose between a portable travel router and a stationary home base. Both devices run Wi-Fi 6 and support VPN encryption. The main difference lies in their intended use and physical design. The Beryl AX is a compact unit built for portability with a high-speed WAN port. The Flint is a larger router designed for fixed locations with multiple Ethernet ports for wired connections.
Key differences
| Aspect | GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router | GL.iNet Flint Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Speed Rating | 574Mbps (2.4G) + 2402Mbps (5G) | 600Mbps (2.4G) + 1200Mbps (5G) |
| Max Port Speed | 2.5 Gbps WAN port | 1 Gbps ports |
| Ethernet Ports | 1 Gbps LAN port | 5 Gbps ports |
| Device Capacity | Not listed | Up to 120 devices |
| Size and Weight | 4.7 x 3.2 x 1.3 Inch, 6.91 oz | 8.27 x 4.72 x 1.45 Inch, 15.9 oz |
| VPN Speed | 300 Mbps (WireGuard) | 500 Mbps (WireGuard) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router if
- You need a router for travel or temporary setups due to its small size.
- You have an internet plan faster than 1 Gbps and need a 2.5G WAN port.
- You want to run OpenWrt plugins and customize firmware easily.
Choose GL.iNet Flint Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router if
- You need multiple wired connections for devices like PCs or consoles.
- You want to connect up to 120 devices simultaneously in a home.
- You prefer a stationary router with higher raw VPN throughput.
Verdict: The Beryl AX is the better choice for travelers or those needing a high-speed WAN connection in a small package. The Flint is more suitable for home use where you require multiple Ethernet ports and higher device capacity. Your decision should depend on whether you prioritize portability and WAN speed or wired connectivity and device capacity.
Beryl AX vs Flint Router Specs
Max Port Speed
The GL.iNet Beryl AX features a 2.5G WAN port, allowing for internet speeds exceeding 1 Gbps if your provider offers them. It also includes one 1G LAN port. The GL.iNet Flint provides five 1G Ethernet ports but caps the WAN connection at 1 Gbps. If your internet plan is faster than 1 Gbps, the Beryl AX unlocks that extra bandwidth. The Flint is limited to gigabit speeds on all ports. For users with high-speed fiber connections, the Beryl AX offers superior throughput potential. The Flint is sufficient for standard gigabit plans but cannot handle multi-gigabit inputs.
Wireless Speed Rating
The Beryl AX combines 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band with 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, totaling 2976 Mbps. The Flint offers 600 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz, totaling 1800 Mbps. The Beryl AX delivers significantly higher theoretical wireless speeds, nearly doubling the combined capacity of the Flint. This makes the Beryl AX better for dense environments or high-bandwidth tasks like 4K streaming. The Flint’s AX1800 rating is standard for many home routers but falls short of the Beryl AX’s performance ceiling. You get more raw speed with the Beryl AX.
Ethernet Ports
The Flint includes five Gigabit Ethernet ports, making it easy to connect multiple wired devices like game consoles, smart TVs, or desktops. The Beryl AX has only one 1G LAN port and one 2.5G WAN port, totaling two Ethernet connections. If you need to wire several devices directly, the Flint is the clear choice. The Beryl AX is designed for travel and minimal setups, relying on Wi-Fi for most connections. You cannot connect multiple wired devices to the Beryl AX without an external switch. The Flint offers far more physical connectivity options.
VPN Performance
Both routers support OpenVPN and WireGuard. The Flint achieves WireGuard speeds up to 500 Mbps, while the Beryl AX reaches 300 Mbps on WireGuard and 150 Mbps on OpenVPN. The Flint provides faster encrypted traffic processing, which is crucial for maintaining speed while using VPN services. The Beryl AX is slower but still capable for standard privacy tasks. If you route heavy traffic through a VPN, the Flint will preserve more of your bandwidth. The Beryl AX is adequate for light browsing but lags in raw throughput during encryption.
Device Capacity
The Flint supports up to 120 connected devices using OFDMA technology, which efficiently manages multiple connections simultaneously. The Beryl AX does not list a specific device capacity limit in its specifications. For a home with many smart devices, the Flint’s stated capacity ensures stable performance under load. The Beryl AX is intended for personal travel use, typically connecting a few phones or laptops. You should expect better multi-device handling with the Flint. The Beryl AX is not designed for large, stationary networks.
Which GL.iNet Model Fits Your Needs
International travelers needing portable secure Wi-Fi
The Beryl AX is a compact travel router designed for portability. It weighs just 6.91 ounces and fits in a pocket. It includes a 2.5G WAN port for fast internet access abroad. You can use physical switches to toggle VPN features easily. This makes it ideal for securing your connection while traveling internationally.
Home users connecting multiple wired devices
The Flint router offers five 1G Ethernet ports for stable wired connections. It supports up to 120 devices simultaneously using OFDMA technology. This capacity handles busy households with many connected gadgets. The stationary design provides a reliable base station for your home network without the constraints of portable hardware.
Users prioritizing maximum VPN throughput speeds
The Flint router supports WireGuard VPN speeds up to 500 Mbps. This is significantly higher than the Beryl AX's 300 Mbps limit for WireGuard. If you require high-speed encrypted traffic for gaming or streaming, the Flint hardware offers better performance. It delivers faster data processing for VPN tunnels compared to the portable alternative.
Tech enthusiasts wanting advanced network customization
The Beryl AX runs OpenWrt 21.02 firmware with over 5,000 available plugins. You can customize the device extensively using the no-code admin panel. It supports VPN cascading, hosting both client and server roles simultaneously. This flexibility allows you to access local network resources remotely while maintaining secure public internet access.
The products compared
GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router
Best for: Travelers needing 2.5G WAN and VPN customization
- 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 compact Wi-Fi 6 travel router with a 2.5G WAN port. It offers dual-band speeds up to 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz. The device runs OpenWrt and includes built-in VPN client and server capabilities. It supports WPA3 security and DNS over HTTPS. This portable unit suits travelers needing secure, customizable connectivity on the go.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 standard with 2402 Mbps 5 GHz speed
- 2.5G WAN port for high-speed internet connections
- OpenWrt firmware with 5,000+ plugin support
- Built-in OpenVPN and WireGuard client and server
Cons
- Single gigabit LAN port limits wired device connections
- Max VPN speed capped at 150 Mbps for OpenVPN
- Physical toggle switch requires prior admin panel setup
Good fit if
- You need a portable router with a 2.5G WAN port
- You require built-in VPN client and server functionality
- You want to customize network settings via OpenWrt plugins
Skip if
- You need multiple gigabit LAN ports for wired devices
- You prefer a router with a dedicated physical VPN button
- You require Wi-Fi 7 for maximum wireless throughput
Verdict: The GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router is a specialized tool for users who prioritize portable security and high-speed WAN inputs over multiple wired connections. It fits travelers who need to configure complex VPN setups or customize their network environment using OpenWrt plugins.
GL.iNet Flint Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router
Best for: Home users needing wired ports and ad blocking
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 6
- Speed Rating
- AX1800
- Frequency Bands
- Dual-Band
- Device Capacity
- Up to 120 devices
- Max Port Speed
- 1 Gbps
- Ethernet Ports
- 5
View on Amazon: GL.iNet Flint Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router Affiliate link
The GL.iNet Flint is a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router offering up to 1.8 Gbps of wireless speed. It includes five gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections and supports up to 120 connected devices. The unit features integrated AdGuard Home for ad blocking and supports Wireguard VPN with speeds up to 500 Mbps. It measures 8.27 x 4.72 x 1.45 inches and weighs 15.9 ounces.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 standard with 1.8 Gbps total speed
- Five gigabit Ethernet ports
- Supports up to 120 connected devices
- Wireguard VPN speeds up to 500 Mbps
- Integrated AdGuard Home for ad blocking
Cons
- Port speed limited to 1 Gbps
- No 2.5G WAN port
- Larger physical footprint than travel routers
Good fit if
- You need multiple wired connections for gaming or streaming
- You want built-in ad blocking via AdGuard Home
- You require high device capacity for a busy household
Skip if
- You need a portable router for travel
- You require internet speeds faster than 1 Gbps
- You want a 2.5G WAN port for future-proofing
Verdict: The GL.iNet Flint AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router fits users who need stable wired connections and ad blocking. It suits homes with many devices but is not ideal for travelers or those needing speeds above 1 Gbps.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router | GL.iNet Flint Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Router |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Speed Rating | not stated | AX1800 |
| Frequency Bands | Dual-Band | Dual-Band |
| Device Capacity | not stated | Up to 120 devices |
| Max Port Speed | 2.5 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 | 5 |
| Frequency Band | Dual-Band | Dual-Band |
| Use Case | Travel | not stated |
| Features | VPN, OpenWrt | not stated |
| Port Speed | Gigabit, 2.5G | Gigabit |
| Dimensions | 4.53 × 3.15 × 1.18 inches | not stated |
| Weight | 6.91 ounces | 15.9 ounces |
| Size | 4.7 x 3.2 x 1.3 Inch | 8.27 x 4.72 x 1.45 inches |
| Color | Blue | AX1800 |
| Model | GL-MT3000 | GL-BE6500 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Beryl AX support Wi-Fi 6?
Yes, the GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router supports Wi-Fi 6. This standard provides improved efficiency and performance compared to older Wi-Fi generations. It helps manage multiple connected devices more effectively, which is useful for travelers sharing connections.
Is the Flint router suitable for travel?
No, the GL.iNet Flint is designed as a stationary home router. It weighs 15.9 ounces and measures 8.27 by 4.72 by 1.45 inches. Its size and weight make it impractical for carrying in a pocket or small bag while traveling.
Can I use the Beryl AX for VPNs?
Yes, the GL.iNet Beryl AX supports VPN functionality. It runs on OpenWrt, allowing you to customize network security and configure complex VPN setups. This feature is ideal for users who prioritize portable security and encrypted connections while on the go.
How many Ethernet ports does the Flint have?
The GL.iNet Flint AX1800 provides five 1G Ethernet ports. This offers ample wired connectivity for home devices like computers, smart TVs, or gaming consoles. It is better suited for stationary setups requiring multiple stable wired links rather than portable use.
Which model has faster WAN speeds?
The Beryl AX features a 2.5G WAN port. This allows for internet speeds exceeding 1 Gbps if your provider offers them. The Flint router only includes Gigabit ports, limiting its maximum WAN input speed to 1 Gbps.
Does the Flint router block ads?
Yes, the GL.iNet Flint is noted for its ad-blocking capabilities. It fits users who need stable wired connections and content filtering. This feature helps create a cleaner browsing experience for home networks with many connected devices.
Is the Beryl AX compact enough for a pocket?
Yes, the GL.iNet Beryl AX is designed for portability. It weighs just 6.91 ounces and measures 4.7 by 3.2 by 1.3 inches. Its small form factor allows it to fit easily into a pocket or small travel bag.