GL.iNet is a Hong Kong-based tech company that builds open-source routers with off-the-shelf components, including some with modular cellular modems. They are best known for their line of non-cellular travel routers, but their cellular routers are also a robust and inexpensive connectivity option. They are also a supplier for other companies through a white-label service. For example, the Insty Connect Gen 2 router is a GL.iNet router with modified firmware.
GL.iNet's product line changes frequently, and when the available modular modem options are included, the potential number of models and variations is large.
The router firmware uses customized OpenWRT open-source firmware with an OEM wrapper for branding purposes.
Be sure to understand the type of modem you will receive before purchasing. The newest devices have modern 5G modems, but older models may only have low-end Cat-4 and Cat-6 modems.
Product Variations
The full GL.iNet product list is long, but here are some models that are most likely to appeal to nomads.
Cellular Embedded Models
Spitz Models
Spitz & Spitz Plus
The original Spitz is still around and comes with a low-end Cat-4 or Cat-6 modem. The newer Spitz Plus comes with a more modern Cat-12 modem.
We have a full review of the original Spitz for MIA members in the member section below.
Specifications
- Models:
- GL-X750 & GL-X750V2 Spitz
- GL-X2000 Spitz Plus
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not Specified
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard:
- Spitz: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHZ
- Spitz Plus: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHZ
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: Yes
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard:
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Address: http://192.168.8.1
- Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 2x Fast Gigabit 10/100 (1x LAN, 1x WAN) on the Spitz, ports are Gigabit on Spitz Plus
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
- Cellular Modem Specs: Varies by model and generation. Some version not compatible with all carriers
- Cat-4 Modem: Quectel EC-25AF
- Module Modem or Chipset: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Not Specified
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
- 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150 Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: No
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 2x SMA ports
- SIM Slots: 1 Micro
- Cat-6 Modem: Quectel EP06-A
- Cellular Module or Modem: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Not Specified
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 66
- 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-6 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mps Down / 50Mps Up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: 2x Download
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 2x SMA ports
- SIM Slots: 1 Micro
- Cat-12 Modem: Quectel EG120K-NA
- Cellular Module or Modem: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Not Specified
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41, 48, 66, 71
- 3G: N/A
- Carrier Certification: AT&T, T-Mobile
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-12 (Max Theoretical Speed: 600Mps Down / 150Mps Up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: 2x Download
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 2x SMA ports
- SIM Slots: 2x nano
- Cat-4 Modem: Quectel EC-25AF
- Dimensions:
- Spitz: 4.5 x 2.9 x .9 inches
- Spitz Plus: 5.6 x 3.5 x 1.4 inches
- Other Ports: USB
- Power Source: 12v 1.5A
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Not Specified
- Retail Price: $119.00-199.00
Mudi
Mudi
Portable router with dual-band 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi support and a cat 4/6 mini-PCIe 4G cellular modem.
Specifications
- Model: GL-E750 Mudi
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not Specified
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: No
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Not Specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Not specified
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Address: http://192.168.8.1
- Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 1x FE Port (supported with the docking station)
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
- Cellular Modem Specs: Can slot any compatible mini-PCIe modem module. North America typically comes with a Cat 4 or Cat 6 option
- Cat-4 Modem: Quectel EC-25AF
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Modem Module or Chipset: Not Specified
- Supported Networks and Bands: Not Specified
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
- 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150 Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: No
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 2x SMA ports
- SIM Slots: 1 Nano
- Cat-6 Modem: Quectel EP06-A
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Modem Module or Chipset: Not Specified
- Supported Networks and Bands: Not Specified
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 66
- 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-6 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mps Down / 50Mps Up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: 2x Download
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 2x SMA ports
- SIM Slots: 1 Nano
- Cat-4 Modem: Quectel EC-25AF
- Dimensions: 5.7 x 3 x 1 inches
- Other Ports: Not Specified
- Power Source: 1 Type-C, 5v 2A, and Rechargeable 7000mAh Battery
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Not Specified
- Retail Price: $159.00 - 189.00
Puli
Puli
Portable router with dual-band 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi support and a cat 4/6 mini-PCIe 4G cellular modem.
Specifications
- Model: GL-XE300 Puli
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not Specified
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) - 2.4 GHz
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: No
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Not Specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Not specified
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Address: http://192.168.8.1
- Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 2 x 10/100M
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
- Cellular Modem Specs: Can slot any compatible mini-PCIe modem module.
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Modem Module or Chipset: Not Specified
- Supported Networks and Bands: Not Specified
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
- 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 2X2
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150 Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: No
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 2x SMA ports
- SIM Slots: 1 Micro
- Dimensions: 120 x 74 x 28mm
- Other Ports: Not Specified
- Power Source: 5v 2A (with battery), 5v 3A (without battery), power consumption <4.4W
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Not Specified
- Retail Price: $109.00-$129.00
Spitz AX
Spitz AX
The Spitz AX is an updated version of the Spitz router with Wi-Fi 6 support. It comes with either a Cat-16 or a Cat-19/5G modem.
We acquired a unit in May 2023 and have put it into testing.
See our dedicated GC for more details about the Spitz AX.
M2 5G Development Board
M2 5G Development Board
The M2 5G Development Board is a $225 add-on that can turn some basic non-cellular routers into an inexpensive X62 5G router. The unit itself is a USB M.2 sled, an optional modem module, antennas, and a power supply. The device doesn’t come with a case.
It’s marketed as a DIY option but is plug-and-play with four GL.iNet routers. Any other device would be DIY and could require customized settings or drivers.
Here are the routers GL.iNet reports it’s compatible with.
- - Slate AX (GL-AXT1800), Beryl AX (GL-MT3000) & Brume 2 (GL-MT2500) : Firmware version 4.2.1 and above.
- Flint (GL-AX1800): Firmware version 4.2.3 or above
- Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) : Firmware version 4.5.1 or above.
Non-Cellular Embedded Models
Slate 7/AX & Beryl AX
The Slate and Beryl are travel routers and each comes in several variations. We include the newest/most advanced models in the details below:
- Slate 7
- Slate AX
- Beryl AX
Slate AX
The Slate AX and Beryl AX are both Wi-Fi 6 routers.
Specifications
- Model:
- Slate 7: GL-BE3600
- Slate AX: GL-AXT1800
- Beryl AX: GL-MT3000
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not Specified
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz (Wi-Fi 7 for the Slate 7)
- Wi-Fi Antenna/Ports: 2x non-removable
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Address: http://192.168.8.1
- Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports:
- Slate 7: 2x Gigabit 10/100/1000/2500 (1x WAN, 1x LAN)
- Slate AX: 3x Gigabit 10/100/1000 (1x WAN, 2x LAN)
- Beryl AX: 1x Gigabit 10/100/1000/2500 WAN, 1x 10/100/1000 LAN
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
- Cellular Modem Specs: Not Specified (Non-Cellular Embedded Router)
- Dimensions: Varies by model
- Other Ports: USB 3.0, MicroSD
- Power Source: USB-C (5v 4A)
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Integrated VPN support
- Retail Price:
- Slate 7: $179.00
- Slate AX: $149.00
- Beryl AX: $119.00
Slate Plus / Beryl
Slate Plus / Beryl
GL-A1300 "Slate Plus": Travel router with 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi-as-WAN, USB cellular tethering, and 3x gigabit Ethernet ports. Does NOT include a mini PCIe slot for an internal cellular modem.
GL-MT1300 "Beryl": An advanced version of the "Slate" the Beryl includes Tor-based security, DNS encryption, USB-C power, and slightly faster Wi-Fi.
Specifications
- Model: GL-A1300 Slate Plus / GL-MT1300 Beryl
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not Specified
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: 2x non-removable
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Address: http://192.168.8.1
- Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 3x Gigabit (2x LAN, 1x WAN/LAN)
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
- Cellular Modem Specs: Not Specified (Non-Cellular Embedded Router)
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 2.7 x .095 inches
- Other Ports:
- Slate Plus: USB-A 3.0, USB-C (power only), TF Card Slot (128GB Max)
- Beryl: USB-C (power only), TF Card Slot (128GB Max)
- Power Source: USB, 5v 3A
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features:
- Slate: Integrated VPN support
- Beryl: Integrated Tor, VPN, and DNS encryption
- Retail Price: Slate Plus $79.00 | Beryl $69.00
Flint Routers
The Flint line is intended to be a more traditional home internet router in terms of form factor. There are three models:
- Flint
- Flint 2
- Flint 3
Specifications
- Model:
- Flint: GL-AX1800
- Flint 2: GL-MT6000
- Flint 3: GL-BE9300
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not Specified
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard:
- Flint & Flint 2: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Flint 3: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) - Simultaneous 2.4, 5, & 6 GHz
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: 4x non-removable
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard:
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Address: http://192.168.8.1
- Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports:
- Flint: 5x Gigabit (4x LAN, 1x WAN)
- Flint 2: 6x Gigabit (4x LAN, 1x WAN/LAN, 1x WAN)
- Flint 3: 5x 2.5 Gigabit (3x LAN, 1x WAN/LAN, 1x WAN)
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
- Cellular Modem Specs: N/A (Non-Cellular Embedded Router)
- Dimensions: Varies by model
- Other Ports: 1x USB 3.0 port
- Power Source: USB, 12V/4A
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Integrated VPN support, Encrypted DNS
- Retail Price: $95 - $159
Mini Routers
The two mini routers are the Mango and Shadow. They are somewhat similar - each operates on 2.4GHz WiFi only, has USB tethering support, and neither has a cellular modem. The Shadow series has different options available for external antennas.
Specifications
- Model:
- Mango: GL-MT300N-V2
- Shadow: GL-AR300M
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 4 (80.211n) - 2.4 GHz
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: Yes
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Not specified
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Address: http://192.168.8.1
- Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: 1x USB Port, Smartphone tethering supported
- Ethernet Ports: 2x Fast Ethernet (1x LAN, 1x WAN)
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
- Cellular Modem Specs: Not Specified (Non-Cellular Embedded Router)
- Dimensions: 2.3 x 2.3 x 1 inches
- Other Ports: Not Specified
- Power Source: 5v 1A
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Shadow: External Antenna Support
- Retail Price: $29.90-32.90
News, Video & Status
We purchased the original X750 Spitz with the integrated Cat-6 modem for review. Our review is in the member section below.
We also received an evaluation unit for the 5G Spitz AX. See our dedicated GC for more details about the Spitz AX and our review.
The Flint router is used in the Insty Connect system. See our dedicated GC for our review and more details.
We also purchased a mini Travel router, but haven't spent much time with it other than to confirm it works. It's a low-cost and minimal-footprint option with basic features.
Alternatives to Consider
For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
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Spitz | Mudi | Puli | Slate AX | Beryl AX | Slate Plus | Flint 2
Mini Travel Routers: Mango | Shadow
Mobile hotspot devices are small, self-contained units that receive a cellular data signal and transform it into an internet connection. They are a cellular modem and router combined. Most can create their own personal Wi-Fi network.
They are typically designed with a specific cellular carrier in mind and require a suitable cellular data plan of their own to operate. You might see them called Jetpacks (Verizon's term for them) or MiFi (Inseego's name for them).
Here's a quick video going over the features of a hotspot, and what makes one better than another:
The guides below have been hand-picked to help further your education about selecting mobile hotspots and best utilizing them in your mobile internet setup.
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of 