GL.iNet Puli 4G LTE Router Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

Comparing GL.iNet Puli Alternatives

GL.iNet Puli 4G LTE OpenWrt Router

This GL.iNet Puli variant shares the OpenWrt foundation and portable form factor. It is labeled for access point mode, which changes how you deploy it. You get the same secure, customizable firmware for IoT projects. The model number differs slightly, suggesting minor hardware revisions. You lose the specific industrial rating if that matters to you. It remains a strong choice for travelers needing privacy controls. The compact size keeps it easy to carry. You gain flexibility in placement by using it as an access point. This option suits users who want the same core features with a different deployment style. It is a close sibling to the main Puli model.

Pyramid Pi Dual-Band Travel Router

The Pyramid Pi shifts focus to dual-band Wi-Fi, offering faster wireless speeds than the Puli’s single 2.4GHz band. It retains the OpenWrt firmware and built-in VPN support for secure travel networking. You trade the built-in 4G LTE modem for a device that relies on existing internet sources. This makes it lighter and potentially more versatile for different connection types. It is ideal for users who prioritize security and customization over cellular connectivity. The dual-band support helps with device compatibility and range. You get a compact travel router that fits in a pocket. This pick suits those who need strong encryption and open firmware without needing mobile data.

Amazon eero 6+ Wi-Fi 6 Router

The Eero 6+ is a mesh router designed for home use, not travel. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and covers up to 1,500 square feet. You get gigabit port speeds and support for 75+ devices. This is a significant upgrade in capacity and speed compared to the Puli’s portable 300Mbps limit. It lacks OpenWrt firmware and cellular connectivity entirely. You gain easy setup and smart home integration instead. This router fits small homes with many connected devices. It is not portable and requires a constant power source. You should pick this if you need whole-home coverage rather than a mobile hotspot. It offers stability and speed for fixed locations.

GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router

The GL.iNet Beryl AX upgrades to Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless performance. It includes a 2.5G WAN port, which is much faster than the Puli’s standard ports. You get the same OpenWrt firmware and VPN features for secure networking. The device is compact and designed for travel use. You lose the built-in 4G LTE modem found in the Puli. This model relies on external internet sources via its wired ports. It suits travelers who need high-speed wired connections and advanced firmware control. The Wi-Fi 6 support helps with modern devices and congestion. You gain significant speed improvements for local network traffic. This is a better choice for performance-focused travelers.

NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS200 is a high-end home router with Wi-Fi 7. It covers up to 2,500 square feet, far exceeding the Puli’s portable range. You get multi-gigabit ports and app control for network management. This device lacks OpenWrt firmware and cellular connectivity. It is not portable and requires a fixed installation. You gain significant speed and coverage for medium to large homes. The Wi-Fi 7 standard offers better efficiency and capacity. This router suits users with fast internet plans who need reliable home coverage. It is not suitable for travel or mobile use. You should pick this if you need a powerful stationary router for a house.

GL.iNet Beryl 7 Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router

The GL.iNet Beryl 7 brings Wi-Fi 7 to the travel router category. It features dual-band support and a compact form factor similar to the Puli. You get the same OpenWrt firmware for customization and security. The device includes 2.5 Gbps ports for high-speed wired connections. You lose the built-in 4G LTE modem found in the Puli. This model relies on external internet sources. It suits travelers who prioritize wired speed and advanced networking features. The Wi-Fi 7 support ensures future-proof performance. You gain significant speed improvements for local network traffic. This is a top choice for users who need high performance and open firmware in a portable package.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

GL.iNet Puli 4G LTE Router

Best for: portable 4G LTE internet access

Ethernet Ports

2

Features

VPN, OpenWrt

View on Amazon: GL.iNet Puli 4G LTE Router Affiliate link

The GL.iNet Puli converts 4G LTE signals to Wi-Fi for portable internet. It features a 5000mAh battery and runs OpenWrt for full customization. You get two Ethernet ports and a USB 2.0 interface. Wi-Fi 5 operates at 300Mbps on 2.4GHz only. This router suits travelers needing reliable mobile connectivity with strong security options like WPA3 and pre-installed VPN support.

Pros

• 5000mAh built-in battery for portable use
• OpenWrt OS for extensive customization
• Pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard support
• Two Ethernet ports and USB 2.0
• WPA3 security and IPv6 support

Cons

• Wi-Fi 5 only, no Wi-Fi 6
• 2.4GHz band only, no 5GHz support
• 300Mbps max Wi-Fi speed

Good fit if

• You need a portable 4G LTE to Wi-Fi converter
• You want a router with a built-in battery
• You prefer open-source firmware for customization

Skip if

• You require high-speed 5GHz Wi-Fi
• You need Wi-Fi 6 or newer standards
• You want speeds above 300Mbps

Verdict: The GL.iNet Puli 4G LTE Router is a solid choice for users who prioritize portability and open-source flexibility over raw speed. It fits travelers who need reliable mobile internet access with strong security features.

2 Best access point mode

GL.iNet Puli 4G LTE OpenWrt Router

Best for: Portable secure networking and IoT projects

Ethernet Ports

2

Features

OpenWrt

Operating Mode

Access Point Mode

Weight

1.01 pounds

View on Amazon: GL.iNet Puli 4G LTE OpenWrt Router Affiliate link

The GL.iNet Puli 4G LTE Router converts cellular signals into Wi-Fi. It features OpenWrt for custom configurations and supports 30+ VPN providers. The device includes two Ethernet ports and a USB 2.0 interface. It weighs 1.01 pounds and offers 128MB of RAM. This unit is ideal for users needing portable, secure networking with industrial-grade reliability.

Pros

• OpenWrt operating system for full customization
• Pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard support
• Two Ethernet ports and USB 2.0 connectivity
• Supports up to 512MB MicroSD expansion

Cons

• Wi-Fi speeds limited to 300Mbps on 2.4GHz only
• Only 128MB of RAM for multitasking
• No mention of 5GHz band support

Good fit if

• You need a portable router for travel or remote work
• You require strong privacy with built-in VPN support
• You want to customize firmware with OpenWrt

Skip if

• You need high-speed Wi-Fi 6 or 5GHz performance
• You require a mesh system for large home coverage
• You prefer a simple plug-and-play setup without configuration

Verdict: GL.iNet Puli 4G Compact Router is a secure, customizable gateway for travelers and IoT projects. It suits users who prioritize privacy and firmware control over raw speed.

3 Also great

Pyramid Pi Dual-Band Travel Router

Best for: secure travel networking with VPN

Speed Rating

AC1300

Frequency Bands

Dual-Band

Use Case

Travel

Features

VPN, OpenWrt

View on Amazon: Pyramid Pi Dual-Band Travel Router Affiliate link

The Pyramid Pi 4000 is a dual-band AC1300 travel router powered by a Raspberry Pi 4b. It offers high-speed VPN performance with speeds up to 890 Mbps wired. The device runs OpenWrt 23.05+ firmware for extensive customization. It includes a 32Gb SD card and a USB 3.0 wireless adapter. This setup suits travelers who need secure, private internet access on the go.

Pros

• AC1300 dual-band Wi-Fi with 867 Mbps on 5GHz
• High-speed VPN performance up to 890 Mbps wired
• Runs OpenWrt 23.05+ with thousands of plugins
• Powered by Raspberry Pi 4b for robust processing

Cons

• Dual-band Wi-Fi lacks Wi-Fi 6 support
• Requires external power for the Raspberry Pi
• No mention of 4G LTE cellular connectivity

Good fit if

• You need strong VPN encryption for public Wi-Fi
• You want to customize network settings via OpenWrt
• You travel frequently and need a portable router

Skip if

• You require built-in 4G LTE cellular data
• You want a simple plug-and-play device without setup
• You need Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 speeds

Verdict: The Pyramid Pi 4000 VPN Travel Router fits users who prioritize security and customization over raw wireless speed. It is ideal for travelers who need to bypass restrictions or protect their data on untrusted networks.

4 Best premium

Amazon eero 6+ Wi-Fi 6 Router

Best for: Small homes with smart home devices

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6

Coverage Area

1,500 sq ft

Device Capacity

75+ devices

Pack Size

1-Pack

Port Speed

Gigabit

Dimensions

3.94 × 3.82 × 2.6 inches

View on Amazon: Amazon eero 6+ Wi-Fi 6 Router Affiliate link

The eero 6+ is a Wi-Fi 6 mesh router designed for homes up to 1,500 square feet. It supports speeds up to a gigabit and handles 75 or more connected devices. The system uses TrueMesh technology to manage traffic and reduce dead spots. It includes a built-in smart home hub for Thread and Zigbee devices. Setup is managed through the eero app, which also provides network management features.

Pros

• Supports Wi-Fi 6 with 160 MHz channels for faster connectivity
• Handles 75 or more connected devices simultaneously
• Built-in smart home hub for Thread and Zigbee devices
• TrueMesh technology intelligently routes traffic to reduce drop-offs

Cons

• Limited coverage area of 1,500 square feet
• Advanced online security features require a separate subscription
• Single router unit may not cover larger homes without expansion

Good fit if

• You need a simple setup for a small home or apartment
• You have many smart home devices using Thread or Zigbee
• You want a router that supports gigabit internet speeds

Skip if

• You live in a home larger than 1,500 square feet
• You need advanced manual network controls without a subscription
• You require Wi-Fi 7 for the latest performance standards

Verdict: Eero 6+ Mesh Router is a solid choice for small spaces with many connected devices. It fits users who value easy setup and smart home integration over raw speed or large coverage.

5 Best budget

GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router

Best for: secure travel networking with open 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 Wi-Fi 6 travel router designed for secure, high-speed connectivity on the go. It features a 2.5G WAN port for fast upstream connections and supports dual-band speeds up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. Running OpenWrt 21.02, it allows extensive customization via over 5,000 plugins. The device includes pre-installed VPN client and server capabilities, protecting your traffic with WPA3 encryption and DNS security protocols for reliable use while traveling.

Pros

• Wi-Fi 6 standard with 2402 Mbps 5G speed
• 2.5G multi-gigabit WAN port
• OpenWrt 21.02 firmware with 5,000+ plugins
• Hardware toggle for VPN or AdGuard Home
• WPA3 and DNS over HTTPS/TLS security

Cons

• Max VPN speed limited to 300 Mbps
• Single 1G LAN port
• Physical toggle switch requires admin panel setup

Good fit if

• You need a fast 2.5G WAN connection for travel
• You want to run custom OpenWrt plugins
• You require simultaneous VPN client and server functions

Skip if

• You need multiple gigabit LAN ports for wired devices
• You prefer a router without firmware customization
• You want a simple plug-and-play setup without configuration

Verdict: GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router fits travelers who need a compact, secure gateway with a 2.5G WAN port and customizable OpenWrt firmware for advanced network management.

6 Best 2,500 sq. ft.

NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router

Best for: Medium homes with fast internet plans

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 7

Speed Rating

BE6500

Frequency Bands

Dual-Band

Coverage Area

2,500 sq ft

Device Capacity

80 devices

Max Port Speed

2.5 Gbps

View on Amazon: NETGEAR Nighthawk Dual-Band WiFi 7 Router Affiliate link

The NETGEAR Nighthawk RS200 is a dual-band Wi-Fi 7 router designed for homes up to 2,500 square feet. It supports up to 80 devices with speeds reaching 6.5 Gbps. You get two 2.5 Gig ports and three 1 Gig LAN ports for wired connections. The Nighthawk app allows you to manage the network, run speed tests, and pause devices. It pairs with most existing modems via Ethernet.

Pros

• Wi-Fi 7 standard for faster speeds
• Up to 6.5 Gbps combined speed
• Two 2.5 Gig Ethernet ports
• Supports up to 80 connected devices
• Free Nighthawk app for management

Cons

• Dual-band only, lacks 6 GHz band
• NETGEAR Armor requires paid subscription after trial
• No mention of built-in battery backup

Good fit if

• You need coverage for up to 2,500 sq. ft.
• You have internet plans faster than 1 Gbps
• You want app-based network management

Skip if

• You require tri-band Wi-Fi 7 coverage
• You want a mesh system for large homes
• You prefer a router with no subscription trials

Verdict: NETGEAR Nighthawk RS200 WiFi 7 suits users with fast internet plans who need reliable coverage for medium to large homes. It offers multi-gig ports and app control but lacks the 6 GHz band found in higher-end models.

7 Best home

GL.iNet Beryl 7 Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router

Best for: Travelers needing 2.5 Gbps ports and OpenWrt customization

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 designed for portability. It features two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports and supports up to 120 devices. The device runs OpenWrt 21.02 firmware, allowing for extensive customization. It includes hardware switches for VPN and AdGuard Home toggling. This router suits travelers needing high-speed wired connections and strong security protocols like WPA3 and DNS over HTTPS.

Pros

• Wi-Fi 7 dual-band speeds up to 2882 Mbps on 5 GHz
• Two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports for high-speed wired connections
• OpenWrt 21.02 firmware for deep customization and plugin support
• Hardware toggle switch for quick VPN or AdGuard Home activation
• Supports concurrent VPN client and server operations

Cons

• Dual-band only, lacking the tri-band coverage of larger home routers
• No built-in cellular or 4G LTE modem for mobile internet access
• Physical toggle switch requires initial configuration in the admin panel

Good fit if

• You need 2.5 Gbps wired ports for fast internet plans
• You want to run custom OpenWrt plugins for network control
• You require hardware switches to toggle security features quickly

Skip if

• You need a router with built-in 4G LTE cellular connectivity
• You prefer a simple setup without firmware customization
• You require tri-band Wi-Fi for large home coverage

Verdict: The GL.iNet Beryl 7 Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router is a compact, high-performance option for travelers who need 2.5 Gbps ports and customizable OpenWrt firmware. It fits users who prioritize wired speed and security toggles over cellular connectivity.

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