Review: GL Smart Routers by GL.iNet (Mobile Hotspot & Router)

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:
  - Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHZ
  - Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 300 Mbps (2.4GHz), 433 Mbps (5GHz)
  - Wi-Fi Antenna: Yes
  - Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
  - Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and 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 Gigabit 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
- Cat-4 Modem: Quectel EC-25AF
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem Chipset: TBD
  - Supported Networks and Bands:
  - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
  - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
  - MIMO Support: 2X2
  - LTE Performance Category: Cat-4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150 Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up)
  - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
  - Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA ports
  - SIM Slots: 1x Micro SIM
- Cat-6 Modem: Quectel EP06-A
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem Chipset: TBD
  - Supported Networks and Bands:
  - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 66
  - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
  - MIMO Support: 2X2
  - LTE Performance Category: Cat-6 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mps Down / 50Mps Up)
  - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: 2x Download
  - Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA ports
  - SIM Slots: 1x Micro SIM
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:
  - Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) - 2.4 GHz
  - Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 150 Mbps (2.4 GHz)
  - Wi-Fi Antenna: No
  - Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
  - Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and 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
- Cat-4 Modem: Quectel EC-25AF
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem Chipset: TBD
  - Supported Networks and Bands:
  - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
  - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
  - MIMO Support: 2X2
  - LTE Performance Category: Cat-4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150 Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up)
  - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
  - Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA ports
  - SIM Slots: 1x Micro SIM
- Cat-6 Modem: Quectel EP06-A
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem Chipset: TBD
  - Supported Networks and Bands:
  - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 66
  - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
  - MIMO Support: 2X2
  - LTE Performance Category: Cat-6 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mps Down / 50Mps Up)
  - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: 2x Download
  - Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA ports
  - SIM Slots: 1x Micro SIM
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:
  - Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
  - Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 433 Mbps (5 GHz)
  - Wi-Fi Antenna: No
  - Wi-Fi as WAN:
  - Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Not specified
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
  Control Panel: http://192.168.8.1
  Default Password: none - set your own when you login
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 1x 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
- Cat-4 Modem: Quectel EC-25AF
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem Chipset: TBD
  - Supported Networks and Bands:
  - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
  - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
  - MIMO Support: 2X2
  - LTE Performance Category: Cat-4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150 Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up)
  - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
  - Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA ports
  - SIM Slots: 1x Nano SIM
- Cat-6 Modem: Quectel EP06-A
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem Chipset: TBD
  - Supported Networks and Bands:
  - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 66
  - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
  - MIMO Support: 2X2
  - LTE Performance Category: Cat-6 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mps Down / 50Mps Up)
  - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: 2x Download
  - Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA ports
  - SIM Slots: 1x Nano SIM
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-XE300 Puli
Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Unknown
- Wi-Fi Router:
  - Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) - 2.4 GHz
  - Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz)
  - Wi-Fi Antenna: No
  - Wi-Fi as WAN:
  - Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Not specified
- Default Control Panel Address and 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.
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Modem Chipset: TBD (Quectel EC-25AF)
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
- 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
- MIMO Support: 2X2
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150 Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
- Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA ports
- SIM Slots: 1x Micro SIM
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: $119

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:
  - Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
  - Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 400 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 867 Mbps (5 GHz)
  - Wi-Fi Antenna: 2 x External (5dBi)
  - Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
  - Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Not specified
- Default Control Panel Address and 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:
- Cat-4 Modem: Quectel EC-25AF
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem Chipset: TBD
  - Supported Networks and Bands:
  - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, and 71
  - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
  - MIMO Support: 2X2
  - LTE Performance Category: Cat-4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150 Mbps Down / 50 Mbps Up)
  - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
  - Cellular Antennas: 4x SMA ports
  - SIM Slots: 1x Micro SIM and 2x Standard SIM
- Cat-6 Modem: Quectel EP06-A
  - Cellular Modem: Single 4G
  - Modem Chipset: TBD
  - Supported Networks and Bands:
  - LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 66
  - 3G: WCDMA Bands 2, 4, 5
  - MIMO Support: 2X2
  - LTE Performance Category: Cat-6 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mps Down / 50Mps Up)
  - LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: 2x Download
  - Cellular Antennas: 4x SMA ports
  - SIM Slots: 1x Micro SIM and 2x Standard SIM
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:
  - Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
  - Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed:
    - Slate: 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 433 Mbps (5 GHz)
    - Beryl: 400 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 867 Mbps (5 GHz)
  - Wi-Fi Antenna: Yes
  - Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
  - Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Unknown
  - Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and 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
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.

Alternatives to Consider

For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:

Learn more about Selecting Routers

MOFI 5500 Routers

$299-$699

WiFiRanger Product Lineup

Pepwave by Peplink Product Lineup

Peplink Pepwave Mobile Router Product Line Up

Insty Connect Explorer

$549-$999

Cellular Broadband Routers by Netgear

$199-1099

GL iNet Cellular Routers

$70-$339

Winegard ConnecT 2.0

$229-$449

MikroTik Routers

$49-$129

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Further Education on Mobile Hotspots Cellular Mobile Hotspots (Jetpacks & MiFis)

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.