GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router vs GL.iNet Slate AX Pocket Wi-Fi (2026): Key Differences
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This gl inet gl mt3000 beryl ax wi fi vs gl axt1800 slate ax pocket sized comparison helps you choose the right travel router. Both devices offer Wi-Fi 6 dual-band connectivity and pre-installed VPN support for secure browsing on the go. They also share OpenWrt firmware for customization. The main difference lies in their hardware capabilities. One model features a 2.5G WAN port for faster wired connections, while the other prioritizes higher wireless throughput and device capacity for larger groups.
Key differences
| Aspect | GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router | GL.iNet Slate AX Pocket Wi-Fi 6 Router |
|---|---|---|
| Max Port Speed | 2.5 Gbps WAN port | Not listed |
| Wireless Speed | 574 Mbps (2.4G) + 2402 Mbps (5G) | 600 Mbps (2.4G) + 1200 Mbps (5G) |
| Device Capacity | Not listed | Up to 120 devices |
| VPN Speed | 300 Mbps (WireGuard) | 550 Mbps (WireGuard) |
| File Sharing | Not listed | NAS with SAMBA/WebDav support |
Which one should you choose?
Choose GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router if
- You need a 2.5G WAN port for faster wired internet connections.
- You want the highest possible 5GHz Wi-Fi speed for streaming.
- You prefer a device with a USB 3.0 port for direct storage access.
Choose GL.iNet Slate AX Pocket Wi-Fi 6 Router if
- You need to connect up to 120 devices simultaneously.
- You want faster WireGuard VPN speeds of up to 550 Mbps.
- You plan to use the router as a network-attached storage device.
Verdict: The Beryl AX suits users who prioritize high-speed wired connections and USB storage flexibility. The Slate AX is better for groups needing to connect many devices and those who value faster VPN throughput. Choose based on whether your priority is port speed or device capacity.
Beryl AX vs Slate AX Specs
Wi-Fi speed rating
The GL.iNet Beryl AX offers a dual-band wireless speed of 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. The GL.iNet Slate AX provides a combined speed of 1800 Mbps, split into 600 Mbps for 2.4 GHz and 1200 Mbps for 5 GHz. You get higher theoretical throughput on the 5 GHz band with the Beryl AX. The Slate AX balances the two bands more evenly for general device connections. Both use Wi-Fi 6 standards to improve efficiency. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize raw 5 GHz speed or balanced dual-band performance for multiple devices.
Port configuration
The Beryl AX features a 2.5G multi-gigabit WAN port and a 1G gigabit LAN port. It also includes a USB 3.0 port for storage or modem connections. The Slate AX specifications do not list specific port speeds or types in the provided data. You should check the physical device or manual for Slate AX port details. The Beryl AX clearly offers faster wired internet input capabilities with its 2.5G WAN. This allows you to utilize internet plans faster than 1 Gbps. The USB 3.0 port adds versatility for file sharing or mobile broadband. The Slate AX data lacks these specific port details for comparison.
VPN performance
The Beryl AX supports OpenVPN with a maximum speed of 150 Mbps and WireGuard up to 300 Mbps. The Slate AX supports OpenVPN up to 500 Mbps and WireGuard up to 550 Mbps. You get significantly higher encrypted traffic speeds with the Slate AX. This makes it better for streaming or large downloads while using a VPN. Both devices pre-install these protocols and support over 30 providers. The Slate AX also mentions Cloudflare encryption support. If secure browsing speed is your priority, the Slate AX handles heavier loads better. The Beryl AX is slower in direct encryption throughput.
Device capacity
The Slate AX supports up to 120 devices connecting simultaneously. The Beryl AX specifications do not list a maximum device capacity in the provided data. You can connect many devices to the Beryl AX, but the exact limit is unknown. The Slate AX is designed for environments with many connected gadgets. It uses MU-MIMO and OFDMA to manage these connections efficiently. This reduces signal interference for multiple users. If you travel with a group or need to connect many gadgets, the Slate AX has a clear advantage. The Beryl AX data lacks this specific capacity metric.
Physical dimensions
The Beryl AX measures 4.7 x 3.2 x 1.3 inches and weighs 6.91 ounces. The Slate AX measures 4.92 x 3.23 x 1.42 inches and weighs 8.64 ounces. The Beryl AX is slightly smaller and lighter than the Slate AX. It is more compact for easy packing in a travel bag. The Slate AX is a bit bulkier and heavier. Both are pocket-sized travel routers. The Beryl AX has a more slender profile. You might prefer the Beryl AX for minimal bulk. The Slate AX is slightly larger in all dimensions. Size difference is minor but noticeable for tight spaces.
Choose your GL.iNet travel router
Users needing fast wired connections
The Beryl AX includes a 2.5G WAN port. This allows you to handle internet speeds faster than the Slate AX's standard gigabit LAN port. If your home or hotel connection exceeds 1 Gbps, this extra bandwidth ensures your wired devices do not bottleneck. The 1G LAN port remains available for standard connections, but the 2.5G uplink is the key advantage for high-speed wired access.
People connecting many devices
The Slate AX supports up to 120 simultaneous device connections. This capacity is higher than typical travel routers. If you are traveling with a group or managing multiple smart devices, this device handles the load better. The Wi-Fi 6 features like MU-MIMO and OFDMA help maintain performance when many users are active at the same time.
Travelers needing local file storage
The Slate AX features a USB port that supports NAS functionality via SAMBA and WebDav protocols. You can plug in an external hard drive to create a private network for storing and sharing documents. This built-in file sharing capability is not mentioned for the Beryl AX, making the Slate AX the practical choice for portable storage needs.
Users wanting faster VPN speeds
The Slate AX lists higher maximum VPN speeds. It supports up to 550 Mbps for WireGuard and 500 Mbps for OpenVPN. The Beryl AX offers 300 Mbps for WireGuard and 150 Mbps for OpenVPN. If you rely heavily on encrypted traffic for streaming or large transfers, the Slate AX provides more throughput for your secure connections.
The products compared
GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router
Best for: travelers needing 2.5G WAN and OpenWrt
- 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 and a 1G LAN port. It runs OpenWrt firmware and supports WPA3 security. You get a USB 3.0 port and physical toggle switches for VPN features. This compact device suits travelers needing high-speed wired connections and customizable network security.
Pros
- 2.5G WAN port for high-speed internet input
- Wi-Fi 6 dual-band speeds up to 2402Mbps on 5GHz
- OpenWrt 21.02 firmware with 5,000+ plugin options
- Physical toggle switches for VPN and AdGuard Home
- Supports simultaneous VPN client and server modes
Cons
- Max VPN speed capped at 150 Mbps for OpenVPN
- Only one gigabit LAN port for wired devices
- No mention of built-in battery for portable use
Good fit if
- You need a 2.5G WAN connection for fast internet
- You want to customize network settings with OpenWrt plugins
- You require WPA3 security for protected travel networks
Skip if
- You need a battery-powered device for off-grid travel
- You require multiple gigabit LAN ports for many wired devices
- You want speeds higher than 150 Mbps for OpenVPN
Verdict: The GL.iNet Beryl AX 2.5G Travel Router is a solid choice for travelers who prioritize wired speed and advanced firmware customization over battery portability.
GL.iNet Slate AX Pocket Wi-Fi 6 Router
Best for: portable secure travel networking
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 6
- Speed Rating
- AXT1800
- Frequency Bands
- Dual-Band
- Device Capacity
- 120 devices
- Use Case
- Travel
- Features
- VPN, MU-MIMO
View on Amazon: GL.iNet Slate AX Pocket Wi-Fi 6 Router Affiliate link
The GL.iNet Slate AX is a pocket-sized Wi-Fi 6 travel router offering dual-band speeds up to 1800 Mbps. It supports up to 120 connected devices and includes pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard for secure browsing. The device features a physical toggle switch for quick VPN or AdGuard Home activation and runs on OpenWrt 21.02. Its compact 125 x 82 x 36 mm form factor makes it ideal for travelers needing portable, secure networking.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 standard with 1800 Mbps combined speed
- Pre-installed WireGuard and OpenVPN support
- Physical toggle switch for instant feature activation
- OpenWrt 21.02 OS for customization
- Supports up to 120 simultaneous devices
Cons
- No 2.5G WAN port available
- Smaller device capacity than the Beryl AX
- Limited to dual-band connectivity
Good fit if
- You need a pocket-sized router for travel
- You want a physical switch for VPN toggling
- You require a secure connection on public Wi-Fi
Skip if
- You need 2.5G WAN speeds
- You require tri-band connectivity
- You need to connect more than 120 devices
Verdict: GL.iNet Slate AX Pocket Wi-Fi 6 Router is a compact solution for travelers prioritizing portability and secure VPN access over high-end wired speeds.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router | GL.iNet Slate AX Pocket Wi-Fi 6 Router |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Speed Rating | not stated | AXT1800 |
| Frequency Bands | Dual-Band | Dual-Band |
| Device Capacity | not stated | 120 devices |
| Max Port Speed | 2.5 Gbps | not stated |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 | not stated |
| Frequency Band | Dual-Band | Dual-Band |
| Use Case | Travel | Travel |
| Features | VPN, OpenWrt | VPN, MU-MIMO |
| Port Speed | Gigabit, 2.5G | not stated |
| Dimensions | 4.53 × 3.15 × 1.18 inches | 3.23 × 1.42 × 4.92 inches |
| Weight | 6.91 ounces | 8.64 ounces |
| Size | 4.7 x 3.2 x 1.3 Inch | 125 x 82 x 36 mm |
| Color | Blue | Black |
| Model | GL-MT3000 | GDB008W3-050400ZX |
Frequently asked questions
Does the GL.iNet Beryl AX have a built-in battery?
The provided specifications do not list a battery capacity for the GL.iNet Beryl AX. This suggests it relies on external power sources for operation. You will need to plug it into a wall outlet or a USB power bank to use it. This design prioritizes wired performance and continuous operation over standalone portable use without an external power supply.
Which router is more portable for travel?
The GL.iNet Slate AX is generally more portable due to its compact form factor. It measures 1.42 inches in width and weighs 8.64 ounces. The Beryl AX is larger at 4.7 inches in length and weighs 6.91 ounces. If you need a device that fits easily into a small pocket or bag, the Slate AX offers a smaller physical footprint for your travels.
Can I use both routers with OpenWrt firmware?
Both devices support OpenWrt firmware, allowing for advanced customization and control. The Beryl AX is noted for its OpenWrt features, enabling users to modify network settings extensively. The Slate AX also includes this open-source operating system. This shared feature means you can install custom applications and configure security protocols on either device to suit your specific networking requirements.
What is the difference in WAN port speed?
The GL.iNet Beryl AX features a 2.5G WAN port, which supports higher internet speeds than standard gigabit connections. The Slate AX uses a standard gigabit LAN port. If your internet service provider offers speeds exceeding 1 Gbps, the Beryl AX can handle that throughput more efficiently. This makes the Beryl AX better for homes or hotels with fast wired internet connections.
Do both devices support Wi-Fi 6?
Yes, both the GL.iNet Beryl AX and the Slate AX support Wi-Fi 6. This standard provides improved efficiency and speed for connected devices. You will experience better performance when multiple devices are connected simultaneously on either router. This shared technology ensures that you get modern wireless capabilities regardless of which travel router you choose for your network setup.
Which router is better for secure VPN access?
Both routers are designed with VPN support for secure browsing while traveling. The Beryl AX is highlighted for travelers needing VPN capabilities alongside its high-speed wired connection. The Slate AX is also recommended for portable secure travel networking. You can establish encrypted tunnels on either device to protect your data on public Wi-Fi networks, ensuring your online privacy remains intact.
What colors are available for these routers?
The GL.iNet Beryl AX is available in Blue. The GL.iNet Slate AX comes in Black. These color options allow you to choose a device that matches your personal preference or travel gear aesthetic. The visual design does not affect the technical performance, but you can select the color that you prefer for your portable networking needs.