GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router vs GL.iNet Brume 3 Wired VPN: Spec Comparison
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This gl inet gl mt3000 beryl ax wi fi vs gl mt5000 brume 3 wired comparison highlights two distinct GL.iNet approaches to secure networking. Both devices run OpenWrt firmware and support robust VPN encryption for privacy. The primary difference lies in connectivity. The Beryl AX is a Wi-Fi 6 travel router with wireless capabilities. The Brume 3 is a wired-only security gateway. You must choose based on whether you need wireless coverage or high-speed wired throughput.
Key differences
| Aspect | GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router | GL.iNet Brume 3 Wired VPN Gateway |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | No Wi-Fi |
| Ethernet Ports | 1x 1G LAN, 1x 2.5G WAN | 3x 2.5G Ports |
| Max VPN Speed | 300 Mbps (WireGuard) | 1100 Mbps (WireGuard) |
| Use Case | Travel | Wired Gateway |
| Size | 4.7 x 3.2 x 1.3 Inch | 2.95 x 3.62 x 0.98 Inch |
Which one should you choose?
Choose GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router if
- You need wireless coverage for laptops and phones while traveling.
- You want a portable device that fits in a travel bag.
- You require a physical toggle switch for quick VPN activation.
Choose GL.iNet Brume 3 Wired VPN Gateway if
- You need high-speed wired connections for multiple devices.
- You want up to 1100 Mbps VPN throughput for file transfers.
- You require three 2.5G ports for multi-WAN or failover setups.
Verdict: Choose the Beryl AX if you prioritize portability and wireless connectivity for on-the-go use. Select the Brume 3 if you need a powerful, wired-only gateway with superior throughput and multiple high-speed ports for a home or office network.
Beryl AX vs Brume 3 Specs
Wi-Fi standard
The Beryl AX is a Wi-Fi 6 device. It supports dual-band wireless speeds of 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz. This makes it a true wireless router for connecting devices without cables. The Brume 3 has no Wi-Fi capabilities. It is a wired gateway with no wireless radios. If you need to connect laptops, phones, or smart home devices wirelessly, the Beryl AX is the only choice. The Brume 3 requires all devices to connect via Ethernet cables. It serves as a secure wired backbone for a network that already has wireless access points elsewhere.
Port count
The Beryl AX features a 2.5G WAN port and a single 1G LAN port. It also includes a USB 3.0 port for storage or dongles. This setup is minimal for a travel router, focusing on one wired connection. The Brume 3 offers three 2.5GbE ports. This tri-port design allows for more flexible wired configurations, such as connecting a modem, a switch, and a PC simultaneously. It supports Multi-WAN and failover setups for redundant internet connections. For users who need multiple high-speed wired connections without a separate switch, the Brume 3 provides significantly more physical port density than the Beryl AX.
VPN speed
Both devices support OpenVPN and WireGuard. The Beryl AX lists a maximum VPN speed of 150 Mbps for OpenVPN and 300 Mbps for WireGuard. These speeds are tested on a local network. The Brume 3 uses hardware acceleration for WireGuard and OpenVPN-DCO. It delivers up to 1100 Mbps VPN throughput. This is over three times faster than its predecessor, the Brume 2. For users who need to route large amounts of data through a secure tunnel, the Brume 3 offers much higher performance. The Beryl AX is sufficient for standard browsing and streaming but lacks the raw throughput of the Brume 3.
Portability
The Beryl AX is designed for travel. It weighs 6.91 ounces and measures 4.7 x 3.2 x 1.3 inches. It comes with US, UK, and EU plugs, making it easy to use in different countries. Its compact size fits in a pocket or small bag. The Brume 3 weighs 5.22 ounces and measures 2.95 x 3.62 x 0.98 inches. While lighter and slightly smaller in volume, it lacks Wi-Fi and is intended for fixed installation. It connects to power and Ethernet, not for carrying around. If you need a device to take on trips, the Beryl AX is the practical option.
Security features
The Beryl AX supports WPA3 for wireless security, DNS over HTTPS, and DNS over TLS. It also includes IPv6 authentication. These features protect your local network and privacy. The Brume 3 focuses on network-level security. It includes Stealth VPN Obfuscation to disguise traffic as HTTPS, helping bypass restrictive networks. It also features Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to block malicious sites and SQM/QoS to prioritize traffic. While the Beryl AX protects the wireless connection, the Brume 3 offers advanced tools for managing and securing the entire wired network traffic.
Which GL.iNet Router Fits Your Needs
Travelers needing portable secure Wi-Fi
The Beryl AX is a compact Wi-Fi 6 travel router with a 2.5G WAN port. It provides dual-band wireless coverage up to 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz. You get built-in VPN support via OpenVPN or WireGuard, plus WPA3 security. Its small size and battery-ready design make it ideal for securing internet connections while you are on the go.
Users wanting high-speed wired VPN gateway
The Brume 3 is a wired VPN gateway with no Wi-Fi. It features three 2.5G Ethernet ports for flexible multi-WAN setups. Hardware-accelerated WireGuard delivers up to 1100 Mbps VPN throughput. You also get DPI protection and stealth obfuscation. This device is best for fixed locations where you need maximum wired speed and advanced privacy controls.
People who want to add Wi-Fi later
The Brume 3 lacks internal Wi-Fi radios, allowing you to connect your own access points. It offers three 2.5G ports for high-speed wired connections. You can attach a 4G/5G dongle via the USB 3.0 port for cellular backup. This setup gives you full control over your wireless network while keeping the core routing and VPN performance optimized for wired traffic.
The products compared
GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router
Best for: secure portable networking while traveling
- 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 Wi-Fi 6 travel router with a 2.5G WAN port and a 1G LAN port. It supports dual-band speeds up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. The device runs OpenWrt 21.02 firmware and includes pre-installed VPN client and server capabilities. It is designed for travelers needing secure, portable connectivity with physical toggle switches for easy feature management.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 standard with 2.5G WAN port
- Dual-band speeds up to 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz
- Pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard support
- Physical toggle switch for VPN and AdGuard Home
- Runs OpenWrt 21.02 firmware with plugin support
Cons
- Single 1G LAN port limits wired device connections
- Max VPN speed capped at 150 Mbps for OpenVPN
- Compact size may restrict internal component cooling
Good fit if
- You need a portable router for international travel
- You require a dedicated VPN client and server on one device
- You want physical switches to toggle security features quickly
Skip if
- You need multiple gigabit Ethernet ports for home networking
- You require Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 speeds
- You prefer a dedicated desktop router over a travel device
Verdict: The GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router fits travelers who need a compact, secure connection with strong VPN capabilities and Wi-Fi 6 speeds. It is ideal for those prioritizing portability and network privacy over high-volume wired connectivity.
GL.iNet Brume 3 Wired VPN Gateway
Best for: wired VPN security and multi-gigabit networking
- Max Port Speed
- 2.5 Gbps
- Ethernet Ports
- 3
- Features
- VPN, OpenWrt
- Dimensions
- 2.95 × 3.62 × 0.98 inches
- Weight
- 5.22 ounces
View on Amazon: GL.iNet Brume 3 Wired VPN Gateway Affiliate link
The GL.iNet Brume 3 is a wired security gateway with no Wi-Fi. It features three 2.5GbE ports for multi-gigabit setups and dual-ISP failover. Hardware-accelerated WireGuard delivers up to 1100 Mbps VPN throughput. You get OpenWrt support, USB 3.0 expansion, and DPI protection for network privacy. This device suits users who need robust wired security and high-speed VPN performance without wireless access points.
Pros
- Hardware-accelerated WireGuard provides up to 1100 Mbps VPN throughput
- Three 2.5GbE ports support Multi-WAN and failover configurations
- OpenWrt OS with 1GB DDR4 and 8GB eMMC for plugins
- DPI protection blocks malicious sites with visual dashboards
- USB 3.0 Type-C port for storage or 4G/5G dongles
Cons
- No Wi-Fi capability; it is a wired gateway only
- Requires existing Wi-Fi access points for wireless coverage
- Limited to three Ethernet ports for device connections
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated wired VPN gateway for high-speed connections
- You want to use multiple ISPs with automatic failover
- You prefer OpenWrt customization for ad-blocking or NAS features
Skip if
- You require built-in Wi-Fi for device connectivity
- You need a travel router with wireless capabilities
- You want a simple plug-and-play wireless access point
Verdict: The GL.iNet Brume 3 Wired VPN Gateway is ideal for users who prioritize wired security and high-speed VPN performance over wireless convenience. It fits those who need robust network control and multi-gigabit connectivity.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router | GL.iNet Brume 3 Wired VPN Gateway |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | not stated |
| Frequency Bands | Dual-Band | not stated |
| Max Port Speed | 2.5 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 | 3 |
| Frequency Band | Dual-Band | not stated |
| Use Case | Travel | not stated |
| Features | VPN, OpenWrt | VPN, OpenWrt |
| Port Speed | Gigabit, 2.5G | 2.5G |
| Dimensions | 4.53 × 3.15 × 1.18 inches | 2.95 × 3.62 × 0.98 inches |
| Weight | 6.91 ounces | 5.22 ounces |
| Size | 4.7 x 3.2 x 1.3 Inch | not stated |
| Color | Blue | Light purple |
| Model | GL-MT3000 | GL-MT5000 |
Frequently asked questions
Which GL.iNet router is better for travel?
The Beryl AX is the better choice for travelers. It is a Wi-Fi 6 travel router designed for portability. Its compact size and wireless capabilities make it ideal for securing connections on the go. The Brume 3 is a wired gateway, lacking the wireless convenience needed for mobile use.
Does the Beryl AX have Wi-Fi 6?
Yes, the Beryl AX supports Wi-Fi 6. It provides dual-band speeds up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. This standard offers improved efficiency and performance compared to older Wi-Fi versions, making it suitable for modern devices requiring stable wireless connections.
What is the port speed on the Beryl AX?
The Beryl AX features a 2.5G port speed. This multi-gigabit capability allows for faster wired connections to your modem or internet source. It ensures that your internet speed is not bottlenecked by the router's input, providing a robust foundation for your network.
Is the Brume 3 a wireless router?
No, the Brume 3 is a wired VPN gateway. It does not broadcast Wi-Fi signals. It is designed for users who need secure, high-speed wired connections for their existing network infrastructure. It relies on your current access points for wireless coverage.
Do both devices support VPN?
Yes, both devices support VPN functionality. The Beryl AX includes VPN features for secure portable networking. The Brume 3 is also designed for wired VPN security. Both utilize OpenWrt firmware to provide robust network control and privacy protection for your data.
How heavy is the Beryl AX?
The Beryl AX weighs 6.91 ounces. Its lightweight design contributes to its portability, making it easy to carry in a bag. The Brume 3 is slightly lighter at 5.22 ounces, but its wired nature limits its use to stationary setups.
What is the size of the Beryl AX?
The Beryl AX measures 4.7 x 3.2 x 1.3 inches. This compact form factor allows it to fit easily into travel bags. It is significantly smaller than many traditional routers, prioritizing space efficiency without sacrificing essential networking features for mobile users.
Can I use the Brume 3 for Wi-Fi?
You cannot use the Brume 3 to broadcast Wi-Fi. It is a wired gateway intended for fixed locations. If you need wireless connectivity, you must connect it to existing access points. The Beryl AX is the only option in this pair that provides wireless networking.