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. Although primarily aimed at the IoT market (Internet Of Things), they can be used by nomads as a robust and inexpensive connectivity option.
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 routers use the OpenWRT open-source firmware with an OEM wrapper for branding purposes.
Some products are simple routers, others come with various cellular modem options, typically either a category 4 or 6 module modem with various carrier/band support options. The LTE-capable routers utilize a mini-PCIe slot for the cellular modem, allowing for a wide range of configurations.
Be sure you understand what LTE modem you will get before purchasing.
The two most common modems used for the North American market are:
- Quectel EC-25AF - Category 4 modem that supports bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
- Quectel EP06-A - Category 6 LTE-A modem that supports bands 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, 66
Customers will need to ensure they order the product with the 4G modem that supports the correct region or carrier for complete compatibility as there are several choices.
Product Variations
The full GL.iNet product list is long, but some models that may appeal to nomads are listed below.
GL-X750 / Spitz
A more advanced modem that comes with a mini-PCIe cat 4/6 modem. It includes external cellular antennas and 5GHz WiFi support. (Our full review of the Spitz is available for MIA members in the member section below)
Specifications
- Model: GL-X750 & GL-X750V2 Spitz (Tested - Review in the member section below)
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Unknown
- Wi-Fi Router:
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
- 5GHz WiFi: 802.11 n/ac
- Wi-Fi Antenna: Yes
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Control Panel and Default Password:
Control Panel: http://192.168.8.1
Default Password: none - set your own when you login - USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 2x FAST 10/100 (1x LAN, 1x WAN)
- Cellular Modem Specs: Can slot any compatible mini-PCIe modem module. North America typically comes with a Cat 4 or Cat 6 option
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- Cat 4 Quectel EC-25AF (North America):
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
- 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- Cat 6 Quectel EP06-A (North America)
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 66
- 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- Cat 4 Quectel EC-25AF (North America):
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes (Cat 6 modems only)
- MIMO Support: 2X2
- LTE Performance Category: Cat 4 or 6
- Cellular Antenna Ports: 2X SMA ports for LTE modem
- SIM Slots: Micro
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- Dimensions: 4.5'' x 2.9'' x .9'' / 3oz
- Other Ports: USB
- Power Source: 12V/1.5A
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features:
- Retail Price: $119-$125
GL-MIFI
A basic modem that creates a 2.4GHz-only local WiFi network and comes with a mini-PCIe slot with a cat 4/6 modem. It is available with or without a battery installed.
Specifications
- Model: GL-MIFI
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Unknown
- Wi-Fi Router:
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
- 5GHz WiFi: No
- Wi-Fi Antenna: No
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Control Panel and Default Password:
Control Panel: http://192.168.8.1
Default Password: none - set your own when you login - USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 2x (1x LAN, 1x WAN)
- Cellular Modem Specs: Can slot any compatible mini-PCIe modem module. North America typically comes with a Cat 4 or Cat 6 option
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- Cat 4 Quectel EC-25AF (North America):
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
- 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- Cat 6 Quectel EP06-A (North America)
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 66
- 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- Cat 4 Quectel EC-25AF (North America):
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes (Cat 6 modems only)
- MIMO Support: 2X2
- LTE Performance Category: Cat 4 or 6
- Cellular Antenna Ports: None
- SIM Slots: Micro
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- Dimensions: 4.1'' x 2.8'' x 1'' / 2.5oz
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 5V/2A
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features:
- Retail Price: $119
Mudi
Portable router with dual-band 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi support and a cat 4/6 mini-PCIe cellular modem.
Specifications
- Model: GL-E750 Mudi
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Unknown
- Wi-Fi Router:
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
- 5GHz WiFi: 802.11 a/n/ac
- Wi-Fi Antenna: No
- Wi-Fi as WAN:
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Not specified
- Control Panel and Default Password:
Control Panel: http://192.168.8.1
Default Password: none - set your own when you login - USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 1 x FE Port (supported with the docking station)
- Cellular Modem Specs: Can slot any compatible mini-PCIe modem module. North America typically comes with a Cat 4 or Cat 6 option
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- Cat 4 Quectel EC-25AF (North America):
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
- 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- Cat 6 Quectel EP06-A (North America)
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 66
- 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- Cat 4 Quectel EC-25AF (North America):
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes (Cat 6 modems only)
- MIMO Support: 2X2
- LTE Performance Category: Cat 4 or 6
- Cellular Antenna Ports: None
- SIM Slots: Nano
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- Dimensions: 5.7" x 3" x 1"
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 1 x Type-C, 5V/2A + Rechargeable 7000mAh Battery
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features:
- Retail Price: $199
Puli
Portable router with dual-band 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi support and a cat 4/6 mini-PCIe cellular modem.
Specifications
- Model: GL-XE3 Puli
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Unknown
- Wi-Fi Router:
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
- 5GHz WiFi: 802.11 a/n/ac
- Wi-Fi Antenna: No
- Wi-Fi as WAN:
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Not specified
- Control Panel and Default Password:
Control Panel: http://192.168.8.1
Default Password: none - set your own when you login - USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 2 x 10/100M
- Cellular Modem Specs: Can slot any compatible mini-PCIe modem module. North America typically comes with a Cat 4 or Cat 6 option
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- LTE Bands:
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation:
- MIMO Support: 2X2
- LTE Performance Category: Cat 4 or 6
- Cellular Antenna Ports: None
- SIM Slots: Nano
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- Dimensions: 120 x 74 x 28mm
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 5V/2A (with battery), 5V/3A (without battery), power consumption <4.4W
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features:
- Retail Price: $129
Amarok
A dual-modem enterprise-level router with dual configurable mini-PCIe cellular modems, 4x external 4G antennas (2 for each modem), dual-band 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi support, optional eSIM support, and 5x Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Specifications
- Model: GL-X1200 Amarok
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Router:
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
- 5GHz WiFi: 802.11 n/ac
- Wi-Fi Antenna: 2 x External (5dBi)
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Not specified
- Control Panel and Default Password:
Control Panel: http://192.168.8.1
Default Password: none - set your own when you login - USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 5x Gigabit (1x WAN and 4x LAN)
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Dual mini-PCIe slots to support two configurable modems North America typically comes with a Cat 4 or Cat 6 option
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- Cat 4 Quectel EC-25AF (North America):
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
- 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- Cat 6 Quectel EP06-A (North America)
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 66
- 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- Cat 4 Quectel EC-25AF (North America):
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes (Cat 6 modems only)
- MIMO Support: 2X2
- LTE Performance Category: Cat 4 or 6
- Cellular Antenna Ports: 4x SMA ports (2x for each modem)
- SIM Slots: Micro
- Dimensions: 9.5" x 5.7" x 1.5"
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 12V or 48V DC power supply or PoE
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features:
- Retail Price: $339
Slate / Beryl
- GL-AR750S "Slate": 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-AR750S Slate / GL-MT1300 Beryl
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Unknown
- Wi-Fi Router:
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
- 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/ac
- Wi-Fi Antenna: Yes
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Control Panel and Default Password:
Control Panel Access: http://192.168.8.1
Default Password: none - set your own when you login - USB Tethering Support: Yes, but not tested
- Ethernet Ports: 3x Gigabit (2x LAN, 1x WAN/LAN)
- Cellular Embedded Modem: None
- Wi-Fi Extending Specs:
- Wi-Fi Technology / Frequencies: Simultaneous 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11 b/g/n/ac
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 2.7 x 095 inches
- Other Ports:
- Slate: Micro USB (power only), TF Card Slot (128GB Max)
- Beryl: USB-C (power only), TF Card Slot (128GB Max)
- Power Source: USB
- Slate: 5V/2A
- Beryl: 5V/3A
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features:
- Slate: Integrated VPN support
- Beryl: Integrated Tor, VPN, and DNS encryption
- Retail Price: Slate $69.90 | Beryl $79.90
News, Video & Status
We purchased the X750 Spitz with the integrated Cat-6 modem. Our review is in the member section below.
Potential Alternatives to Consider:
For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
Learn More About Selecting Mobile Routers
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Purchasing Options
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Amazon (GL-MIFI AT&T Version) | GL-X750
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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.
The Mobile Internet Resource Center is brought to you by Two Steps Beyond LLC, and hosted by the technomads of