GL.iNet or Cudy? Wifi Routers Compared in 2026
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This gl inet vs cudy wifi router comparison looks at two distinct Wi-Fi 6 devices. Both support WPA3 security and include built-in VPN client features for encrypted traffic. The main difference lies in their intended use. The GL.iNet Beryl AX is a compact travel router with a 2.5G WAN port and OpenWrt firmware. The Cudy AX1500 is a standard home router with four gigabit ports and mesh expansion capabilities.
Key differences
| Aspect | GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router | Cudy AX1500 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Speed Rating | AX3000 (574+2402 Mbps) | AX1500 (300+1201 Mbps) |
| WAN Port Speed | 2.5 Gbps | Gigabit (1 Gbps) |
| Ethernet Ports | 1 LAN + 1 WAN | 4 Gigabit Ports |
| Firmware | OpenWrt 21.02 | Cudy OS |
| Coverage | Not listed | 1100 sq ft |
| Mesh Support | Not listed | Yes (Cudy Mesh) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router if
- You need a 2.5G WAN port for high-speed internet connections
- You want to customize firmware with OpenWrt plugins
- You require a portable device for travel or temporary setups
Choose Cudy AX1500 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router if
- You need four Ethernet ports for wired devices
- You want to expand coverage using mesh nodes
- You prefer a standard home router with beamforming
Verdict: The GL.iNet Beryl AX suits users who need portable, high-speed connectivity with customizable firmware. The Cudy AX1500 is better for small home networks requiring multiple wired connections and mesh expansion. Choose based on whether you prioritize speed and portability or home coverage and port count.
GL.iNet vs Cudy Router Comparison
port speed
The GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router offers a 2.5G WAN port alongside a 1G LAN port. This multi-gigabit WAN capability allows you to utilize internet speeds exceeding 1 Gbps, which is ideal for fiber connections or high-speed backups. The Cudy AX1500 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router provides four Gigabit Ethernet ports. While this gives you more physical connections for wired devices, the maximum port speed is limited to 1 Gbps. If your internet plan exceeds 1 Gbps, the GL.iNet hardware supports higher throughput on the wide area network side. The Cudy setup is sufficient for standard gigabit plans but caps at that limit for WAN input.
wireless speed
Wi-Fi performance differs significantly between these two units. The GL.iNet Beryl AX supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with a combined speed of 2976 Mbps, split as 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. This high 5 GHz throughput is beneficial for nearby high-bandwidth tasks. The Cudy AX1500 is rated for AX1500 speeds, offering 1201 Mbps on 5 GHz and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. While both use Wi-Fi 6, the GL.iNet device provides substantially higher theoretical maximum speeds on the 5 GHz band. The Cudy speeds are standard for entry-level Wi-Fi 6 routers and adequate for typical streaming needs.
port count
The number of available Ethernet ports is a key factor for wired connections. The Cudy AX1500 includes four Gigabit Ethernet ports in total. This configuration typically consists of one WAN port and three LAN ports, allowing you to connect multiple devices like gaming consoles, smart TVs, or desktop computers directly. The GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router has a different layout with one 2.5G WAN port and only one 1G LAN port. It also includes a USB 3.0 port for storage or modem sharing. If you need to wire multiple devices, the Cudy provides more connectivity options out of the box without requiring an external switch.
firmware flexibility
Both routers support VPN, but their firmware approaches differ. The GL.iNet Beryl AX runs OpenWrt 21.02, an open-source operating system that supports over 5,000 plugins. You can customize the device extensively, install AdGuard Home, or modify network behaviors using its admin panel. It also supports cascading VPNs, acting as both a client and server simultaneously. The Cudy AX1500 runs proprietary firmware focused on ease of use. It includes a dedicated app for remote management, parental controls, and device scheduling. It supports WireGuard VPN client functionality for network-wide protection. The GL.iNet offers deeper technical customization, while the Cudy prioritizes user-friendly management.
physical size
Portability and footprint vary between the two models. The GL.iNet Beryl AX is designed as a travel router, measuring 4.7 x 3.2 x 1.3 inches and weighing 6.91 ounces. Its compact, box-like shape fits easily into a bag, making it suitable for international travel or temporary setups. The Cudy AX1500 is a standard home router with dimensions of 9.06 x 2.36 x 9.45 inches and a weight of 7.76 ounces. It is larger and intended to sit stationary on a shelf or desk. If you need a device that moves with you, the GL.iNet is the clear choice. For a permanent home installation, the Cudy size is typical for stationary networking gear.
Which mesh router fits your needs
Frequent travelers needing portable secure Wi-Fi
The GL.iNet Beryl AX is designed for mobility. It features a compact size and dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with speeds up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. You get a 2.5G WAN port for fast connections on the go. The device runs OpenWrt firmware, allowing you to install over 5,000 plugins for customization. It supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard, with max speeds of 150 Mbps and 300 Mbps respectively, ensuring your data stays encrypted wherever you travel.
Home users wanting whole-home mesh coverage
The Cudy AX1500 is built for stationary home use. It offers AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 speeds with 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. The router covers up to 1100 square feet and uses beamforming to focus signals toward devices. It includes four gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections. You can expand coverage using Cudy Mesh devices for seamless roaming. The built-in WireGuard VPN client protects all connected devices without needing individual apps, making setup simple for your entire household.
Users requiring high-speed multi-gigabit internet access
If your internet plan exceeds 1 Gbps, the GL.iNet Beryl AX handles it better. Its 2.5G WAN port allows you to utilize speeds above 1 Gbps, which standard gigabit ports cannot. This makes it ideal for fiber connections or high-speed data backups. The device also provides a 1G LAN port and USB 3.0 connectivity. With Wi-Fi 6 speeds reaching 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, it ensures your local network does not become a bottleneck for your high-speed internet service.
The products compared
GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router
Best for: travelers needing secure portable internet
- 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
This is a compact Wi-Fi 6 travel router designed for portable use. It features a 2.5G WAN port and dual-band speeds up to 2402Mbps on the 5GHz band. The device runs OpenWrt firmware, allowing extensive customization with over 5,000 plugins. It supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard for secure connections. You get a small, lightweight unit that fits easily in a bag for international travel.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 6 standard with 2402Mbps on 5GHz band
- 2.5G multi-gigabit WAN port for high-speed upstream
- Pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard support up to 300Mbps
- OpenWrt 21.02 firmware with 5,000+ plugin options
- Physical toggle switch for quick VPN or AdGuard Home activation
Cons
- Single 1G gigabit LAN port limits wired device connections
- Max VPN speed capped at 150-300 Mbps depending on protocol
- No mention of Ethernet switch or multiple LAN ports for home networking
Good fit if
- You need a secure, portable router for international travel
- You want to customize network settings using OpenWrt plugins
- You require a 2.5G WAN connection for your ISP plan
Skip if
- You need a standard home mesh system with multiple nodes
- You require multiple gigabit LAN ports for wired devices
- You prefer a plug-and-play device without firmware customization
Verdict: GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router is a specialized tool for travelers needing secure, customizable connectivity on the go. It suits users who prioritize portability and VPN performance over home networking capacity.
Cudy AX1500 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router
Best for: Small homes needing wired ports and VPN
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 6
- Speed Rating
- AX1500
- Frequency Bands
- Dual-Band
- Coverage Area
- 1,100 ft²
- Device Capacity
- 128 clients
- Max Port Speed
- 1 Gigabit
View on Amazon: Cudy AX1500 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router Affiliate link
The Cudy WR1500 is an AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 router with four gigabit Ethernet ports. It offers 1201 Mbps on 5 GHz and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. OFDMA technology improves efficiency for multiple connected devices. Beamforming focuses signals to cover up to 1100 square feet. It includes built-in WireGuard VPN support and cloud management via the Cudy app. This setup suits small to medium homes needing reliable wired and wireless connectivity.
Pros
- AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 speeds with 1024-QAM modulation
- Four gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections
- Built-in WireGuard VPN client for network-wide protection
- OFDMA technology increases capacity for smart home devices
Cons
- Coverage area is limited to 1100 square feet
- Standard single-router form factor lacks whole-home mesh capability
- No mention of USB ports for storage sharing
Good fit if
- You need a compact router for a small apartment
- You want built-in VPN support without extra apps
- You require wired gigabit ports for gaming or streaming
Skip if
- You need coverage for a large home over 1100 sq ft
- You want to expand with a mesh system later
- You need Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 speeds
Verdict: Cudy WR1500 Wi-Fi 6 Router is a solid option for small spaces where wired ports and VPN security matter more than wide mesh coverage.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | GL.iNet Beryl AX Travel Router | Cudy AX1500 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Speed Rating | not stated | AX1500 |
| Frequency Bands | Dual-Band | Dual-Band |
| Coverage Area | not stated | 1,100 ft² |
| Device Capacity | not stated | 128 clients |
| Max Port Speed | 2.5 Gbps | 1 Gigabit |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 | 4 |
| Frequency Band | Dual-Band | not stated |
| Number of Ports | not stated | 4 Ports |
| Use Case | Travel | not stated |
| Features | VPN, OpenWrt | Mesh, WPA3 |
| Port Speed | Gigabit, 2.5G | Gigabit |
| Dimensions | 4.53 × 3.15 × 1.18 inches | 9.45 × 9.06 × 2.36 inches |
| Weight | 6.91 ounces | 7.76 ounces |
| Size | 4.7 x 3.2 x 1.3 Inch | Standard |
| Color | Blue | Black |
| Model | GL-MT3000 | WR1500 |
Frequently asked questions
Which router is better for travel?
The GL.iNet Beryl AX is the better choice for travelers. It is designed specifically for portable use, featuring a compact size of 4.7 by 3.2 by 1.3 inches. Weighing only 6.91 ounces, it fits easily in a bag. The device supports Wi-Fi 6 and includes built-in VPN capabilities for secure connections on the go.
Does Cudy support mesh networking?
Yes, the Cudy AX1500 is marketed as a Mesh Wi-Fi 6 router. This feature allows you to extend your network coverage by connecting multiple units. It is suitable for small homes where you need consistent wired ports and VPN security. The standard size makes it easy to place in different rooms.
Can I use these routers with OpenWrt?
The GL.iNet Beryl AX supports OpenWrt. This open-source operating system gives you full control over your network settings and allows for advanced customization. The Cudy AX1500 does not list OpenWrt support in its specifications. If you need deep technical control, the GL.iNet option is the clear choice.
Which router has faster wired ports?
The GL.iNet Beryl AX offers faster wired connectivity with a 2.5G port. This allows you to utilize internet speeds exceeding 1 Gbps, which is ideal for fiber connections. The Cudy AX1500 provides standard Gigabit ports. For most home users, Gigabit is sufficient, but the GL.iNet offers headroom for future upgrades.
Is Wi-Fi 6 available on both models?
Yes, both routers support Wi-Fi 6. This standard provides improved efficiency and performance compared to older Wi-Fi 5 devices. The GL.iNet Beryl AX delivers speeds up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. The Cudy AX1500 is rated at AX1500. Both ensure modern device compatibility and better handling of multiple connections.
Do these routers include VPN features?
Both devices include built-in VPN client features. This allows you to encrypt your internet traffic for enhanced security. The GL.iNet Beryl AX is noted for strong VPN performance, making it ideal for secure travel. The Cudy AX1500 also supports VPN, ensuring encrypted data flow for small home networks. Both prioritize user privacy.
Which router is smaller and lighter?
The GL.iNet Beryl AX is significantly smaller and lighter. It measures 4.7 by 3.2 by 1.3 inches and weighs 6.91 ounces. The Cudy AX1500 is a standard-sized router measuring 9.45 by 9.06 by 2.36 inches and weighing 7.76 ounces. If portability is your main concern, the GL.iNet device is the superior option.