GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router or GL.iNet Beryl 7 Wi-Fi 7? Which GL.iNet Model to Buy
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This comparison covers the gl inet gl mt3000 beryl ax wi fi vs gl mt3600be beryl 7 dual band. Both are compact travel routers running OpenWrt firmware with strong VPN support. They share a 2.5G WAN port and USB 3.0 connectivity. The main difference lies in their wireless generation. One model uses Wi-Fi 6, while the other features the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard. This affects speed and device handling. You need to choose based on your specific performance needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router | GL.iNet Beryl 7 Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Wireless Speed | 2976 Mbps combined | 3570 Mbps combined |
| Ethernet Ports | One 2.5G WAN, one 1G LAN | Two 2.5G ports (WAN and LAN) |
| Device Capacity | Not listed | Up to 120 devices |
| Max VPN Speed | 300 Mbps (WireGuard) | 1100 Mbps (WireGuard) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router if
- You prefer a slightly lighter device for travel.
- You need a 1G LAN port for legacy connections.
- You want a proven Wi-Fi 6 setup with high customization.
Choose GL.iNet Beryl 7 Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router if
- You require the highest possible VPN throughput.
- You want two 2.5G ports for flexible networking.
- You plan to connect many devices simultaneously.
Verdict: The Beryl 7 offers superior speed and more versatile port options for heavy users. The Beryl AX is a lighter, simpler choice for standard travel needs. Select the Beryl 7 if you need maximum performance and capacity.
Beryl AX vs Beryl 7 Specs
Wi-Fi standard
The GL.iNet Beryl AX uses Wi-Fi 6 technology. This standard offers improved efficiency and speed over previous generations. The GL.iNet Beryl 7 advances to Wi-Fi 7. This newer generation supports higher throughput and lower latency. Wi-Fi 7 introduces features like MLO for better stability. If you need the latest wireless technology, the Beryl 7 is the choice. The Beryl AX remains a solid option for standard high-speed needs. You should pick based on whether you want current or future-proof specs.
Wireless speed
The Beryl AX provides 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz. The Beryl 7 offers 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 2882 Mbps on 5 GHz. The Beryl 7 delivers higher maximum speeds on both bands. This means faster file transfers and smoother streaming for you. The difference is noticeable in high-bandwidth scenarios. If raw wireless speed is your priority, the Beryl 7 wins. The Beryl AX is still fast enough for most travel tasks. You will see better performance numbers with the newer model.
VPN performance
Both routers support OpenVPN and WireGuard for secure connections. The Beryl AX reaches 150 Mbps with OpenVPN and 300 Mbps with WireGuard. The Beryl 7 achieves 1000 Mbps with OpenVPN-DCO and 1100 Mbps with WireGuard. The Beryl 7 is significantly faster for encrypted traffic. This matters when you use VPNs for security or streaming abroad. The Beryl AX is sufficient for light browsing. You will notice a major speed boost with the Beryl 7. Choose it for heavy VPN usage.
Ethernet ports
The Beryl AX has one 2.5G WAN port and one 1G LAN port. The Beryl 7 features two 2.5G Ethernet ports. Both are configurable as WAN or LAN. The Beryl 7 offers more flexibility with dual 2.5G ports. You can connect two high-speed devices directly. The Beryl AX limits you to one 2.5G connection. If you need multiple gigabit connections, the Beryl 7 is better. The Beryl AX is adequate for single-device setups. You should consider your port needs carefully.
Device capacity
The Beryl 7 supports up to 120 connected devices. The data does not list a specific device limit for the Beryl AX. Both run OpenWrt and handle multiple clients well. The Beryl 7 is rated for higher capacity. This is useful for groups or busy travel environments. If you connect many gadgets, the Beryl 7 is safer. The Beryl AX works fine for personal use. You should check the Beryl AX manual for exact limits. The Beryl 7 has the clear advantage in stated capacity.
Which GL.iNet Travel Router Fits You
Users wanting the latest Wi-Fi 7 speed
The Beryl 7 uses Wi-Fi 7 for higher throughput. It supports up to 120 devices simultaneously. Dual 2.5G ports offer flexible wired connections. Wireless speeds reach 2882Mbps on the 5GHz band. This model is ideal if you prioritize future-proof wireless performance and high device capacity for your travel setup.
Travelers needing a compact Wi-Fi 6 router
The Beryl AX is smaller at 4.7 by 3.2 inches. It weighs only 6.91 ounces for easy packing. It uses Wi-Fi 6 with 2402Mbps on the 5GHz band. This compact size makes it a better fit for minimalists. Choose this model if portability and a smaller footprint are your primary concerns while traveling.
Users needing faster VPN encryption speeds
The Beryl 7 offers significantly higher VPN performance. It reaches 1100Mbps with WireGuard and 1000Mbps with OpenVPN-DCO. The Beryl AX is limited to 300Mbps for WireGuard. If you frequently use VPN services for secure browsing, the Beryl 7 provides much faster encryption speeds for your data.
The products compared
GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router
Best for: secure travel networking with custom firmware
- 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 supports speeds up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. The device runs OpenWrt 21.02 firmware, allowing extensive customization. It includes pre-installed VPN client and server capabilities. This compact unit suits travelers needing secure, customizable internet access on the go.
Pros
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with 2.5G WAN port
- OpenWrt 21.02 firmware with 5,000+ plugins
- Pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard support
- Physical toggle switch for quick feature activation
Cons
- Limited to dual-band Wi-Fi 6 standards
- Max VPN speed capped at 150 Mbps for OpenVPN
- No mention of Wi-Fi 7 or tri-band support
Good fit if
- You need a portable router with strong VPN capabilities
- You want to customize firmware with OpenWrt plugins
- You require a 2.5G WAN port for high-speed internet
Skip if
- You require Wi-Fi 7 speeds for future-proofing
- You need tri-band coverage for large spaces
- You prefer a simpler setup without firmware customization
Verdict: The GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router fits travelers who prioritize VPN security and firmware customization over raw speed. It is ideal for users who value a 2.5G WAN port and open-source flexibility.
GL.iNet Beryl 7 Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router
Best for: travelers needing dual 2.5G ports and OpenWrt
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 7
- Frequency Bands
- Dual-Band
- Device Capacity
- 120 devices
- Max Port Speed
- 2.5 Gbps
- Ethernet Ports
- 2
- Use Case
- Travel
View on Amazon: GL.iNet Beryl 7 Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router Affiliate link
The GL.iNet Beryl 7 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 travel router featuring two 2.5G Ethernet ports and a USB 3.0 interface. It supports up to 120 devices with combined speeds of 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 2882 Mbps on 5 GHz. The device runs OpenWrt 21.02 firmware and includes hardware toggle switches for VPN or AdGuard Home. It is designed for portable use with WPA3 security and IPv6 support for secure connectivity on the go.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 7 standard with dual 2.5G Ethernet ports
- Supports up to 120 connected devices
- Hardware toggle switch for VPN or AdGuard Home
- OpenWrt 21.02 firmware for full customization
- WPA3 security and DNS over HTTPS/TLS
Cons
- Dual-band only, lacking a tri-band option
- Limited to 120 device capacity
- No mention of 5GHz band width specification
Good fit if
- You need fast wired backhaul with dual 2.5G ports
- You want to run OpenWrt for advanced networking
- You require hardware switches for quick VPN toggling
Skip if
- You need tri-band Wi-Fi for heavy congestion
- You require support for more than 120 devices
- You prefer a device with a single band
Verdict: The GL.iNet Beryl 7 Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router fits travelers who need dual 2.5G ports and OpenWrt customization. It is ideal for users who value hardware VPN switches and high device capacity.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router | GL.iNet Beryl 7 Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Frequency Bands | Dual-Band | Dual-Band |
| Device Capacity | not stated | 120 devices |
| Max Port Speed | 2.5 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency Band | Dual-Band | Dual-Band |
| Use Case | Travel | Travel |
| Features | VPN, OpenWrt | OpenWrt, WPA3 |
| Port Speed | Gigabit, 2.5G | 2.5G |
| Intended Use | not stated | Home |
| Dimensions | 4.53 × 3.15 × 1.18 inches | 3.31 × 1.3 × 4.69 inches |
| Weight | 6.91 ounces | 7.23 ounces |
| Size | 4.7 x 3.2 x 1.3 Inch | not stated |
| Color | Blue | Mint Green |
| Model | GL-MT3000 | GL-MT3600BE |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Beryl 7 support Wi-Fi 7?
Yes, the GL.iNet Beryl 7 supports Wi-Fi 7. This standard provides higher throughput and lower latency compared to older generations. The Beryl AX, by contrast, uses Wi-Fi 6. You should choose the Beryl 7 if you want the latest wireless technology for faster connections.
Which router has dual 2.5G ports?
The GL.iNet Beryl 7 features dual 2.5G ports. This allows for flexible wired connections and higher bandwidth options. The Beryl AX includes a single 2.5G WAN port. If you need multiple high-speed Ethernet connections, the Beryl 7 is the better choice for your travel setup.
Can I customize the firmware on these devices?
Both routers run OpenWrt firmware, which offers significant customization. You can modify settings to suit your specific networking needs. The Beryl AX is noted for its open-source flexibility. The Beryl 7 also supports this custom firmware, making both models suitable for users who want full control over their device.
Which model is better for VPN security?
Both models support strong VPN capabilities. The Beryl AX is ideal for travelers prioritizing security and firmware customization. The Beryl 7 includes hardware VPN switches for added convenience. You can rely on either device for secure travel networking, depending on whether you prefer software or hardware-based configuration.
How many devices can the Beryl 7 handle?
The Beryl 7 supports up to 120 devices simultaneously. This high capacity is useful for busy travel environments. The Beryl AX does not specify a device limit in the provided data. If you need to connect many gadgets at once, the Beryl 7 offers greater capacity.
What is the size difference between the two?
The Beryl AX measures 4.7 by 3.2 by 1.3 inches and weighs 6.91 ounces. The Beryl 7 is 4.69 by 3.31 by 1.3 inches and weighs 7.23 ounces. Both are compact travel routers. The dimensions are very similar, so portability is not a major differentiator between the two models.
Is the Beryl 7 dual-band?
Yes, the GL.iNet Beryl 7 is a dual-band device. It operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. This allows for versatile connectivity options. The Beryl AX also supports dual-band Wi-Fi. Both models provide the necessary bands for stable wireless connections in various travel scenarios.