Peplink is a large and respected company in the high-end mobile networking space, particularly well known for providing cellular connectivity for everything from fleets of vehicles to cruise ships to dispersed corporate offices.
While Peplink's Pepwave cellular integrated routers are not specifically designed with individual mobile users in mind, Peplink does offer solid and well-supported products that many advanced users have grown to rely on.
In particular - we've long pointed to the Pepwave MAX BR1 as an enticing option for those looking for a good all-around router with an integrated cellular modem.
The MK2 was released in 2017 and is now considered an entry-level router by modern standards. And the MAX BR1 ENT offers a different take on the form factor with a USB port for tethering devices, but no support for Wi-Fi.
In mid 2021, Peplink refreshed the product line with the MAX BR1 Pro - which is similar to the original MAX BR1 in name only, and a completely new generation of technology and price point.
For an overview of the full Pepwave product line (and a look at some of the software features in common across different devices), see our gear center entry:
Product Lineup: Pepwave by Peplink
Product Variations
Pepwave has released multiple versions of this router over the years.
MAX BR1 ENT
The MAX BR1 ENT is a tiny box with a Cat-12 modem and USB tethering - but no Wi-Fi LAN or WAN capabilities. There are a number of different models in the MAX-BR1-ENT family. The recommended version is the FirstNet Version which adds AT&T Band 14.
Specifications
- Model: MAX-BR1-ENT-LTEA-R-T (America FirstNet CAT-12)
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Router: No
- Control Panel and Default Password: Not specified
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 3x Gigabit Ethernet (WAN / LAN Configurable)
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Rogers, Telus, Bell, US Cellular, FirstNet (Auto Switching)
- 4G/LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 26, 29, 30, 32, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66
- 3G: HSPA+ 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 19
- MIMO Support: 2x2 MIMO
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-12 (Max Theoretical Speed: 600Mbps Down / 150Mbps Up) (LTE-A Pro Modem)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: 3x Download, 2x Upload
- Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, 1x SMA GPS Port: Basic Indoor Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: 2x Mini-SIM
- Dimensions: 1.6'' x 5.8'' x 5.0''
- Other Ports:
- Power Source:
- Power Input: AC Input 100V-240V, DC 10V-56V 2A
- Power Output: 1x USB A port
- PoE Output: PoE enabled with ACW-622 power supply
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, SpeedFusion Bonding
- Retail Price: $649
The MAX BR1 ENT also comes in a Cat-6 version, that doesn't support FirstNet and for $50 more dollars the Cat-12 version is worth the upgrade.
MAX BR1 MK2
The MAX BR1 MK2 is a tiny box with a lot of built-in capabilities - including a WiFi-as-WAN capable Wi-Fi router, wired ethernet ports, and a built-in cellular modem, all capable of being powered directly off of vehicle DC power.
This product had earned our Top Pick status up until mid-2019, but we have removed once the Cat-6 modem became irrelevant to our audience. As of Spring 2022, this unit is being phased out and there's very limited availability. Peplink is transitioning to the MAX BR1 Mini taking the place of this entry level router.
Specifications
- Model: MAX BR1 MK2
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 900 Mbps (5 GHz)
- Wi-Fi Antenna: 2x RP-SMA/Female Antenna Port, 5dBi Antennas Included
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password: Not specified
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 2x Gigabit Ethernet (WAN / LAN Configurable)
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint (Auto Switching)
- LTE Bands: 1-5, 7, 8, 12/17, 13, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41
- 4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz
- 2G: No
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance Category: Category 6 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: 2x Download
- Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: 2x Mini-SIM
- Dimensions: 5.8" x 5.0" x 1.6"
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 10V - 30V Direct DC Input, 110V AC Adapter Included
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, Band Locking, Load Balancing
- Retail Price: $599
MAX BR1 Classic
In July 2019 Peplink updated the "Classic" MAX BR1 (our story) to feature the same LTE modem found in the MAX BR1 MK2 and the LTE-A version of the MAX BR1 Mini. It has the same modem as the MK2, but only has 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi and has 3 Fast Ethernet ports instead of 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports like the original Classic.
Specifications
- Model: MAX BR1 Classic
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) - 2.4 GHz
- Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 300 Mbps
- Wi-Fi Antenna: 2x RP-SMA/Female Antenna Port, 5dBi Antennas Included
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password: Not specified
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 3x Fast Ethernet (WAN / LAN Configurable)
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint (Auto Switching)
- LTE Bands: 1-5, 7, 8, 12/17, 13, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41
- 4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz
- 2G: No
- MIMO Support:
- LTE Performance Category: Category 6 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: 2x Download
- Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: Dual Mini-SIM (2FF)
- Dimensions: 5.8" x 5.0" x 1.6"
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 10V - 30V Direct DC Input, 110V AC Adapter Included
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, Band Locking, Load Balancing
- Retail Price: $549
Original Classic
This is the original version of the MAX BR1, released in spring 2015 with the Cat-4 modem. You may still find it out in old inventory for purchase - so be sure to look closely at specs if you're intending one of the current models.
Specifications
- Model: MAX BR1 - Original Classic
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) - 2.4 GHz
- Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 300 Mbps
- Wi-Fi Antenna: 2x RP-SMA/Female Antenna Port, 5dBi Antennas Included
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password: Not specified
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 2x Fast Ethernet (WAN / LAN Configurable)
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint (Auto Switching)
- LTE Bands: 1-5, 7, 8, 12/17, 13, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41
- 4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz
- 2G: No
- MIMO Support:
- LTE Performance Category: Category 4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
- Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: 2x Mini-SIM
- Dimensions: 5.8" x 5.0" x 1.6"
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 10V - 30V Direct DC Input, 110V AC Adapter Included
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, Band Locking, Load Balancing
- Retail Price: $549.99
News, Videos & Status
We have the 2015 "Classic" version of the Pepwave MAX BR1 and the MAX BR1 MK2 in our ongoing testing collection (and also have the newer MAX BR1 Pro 5G - covered under a separate entry). We also have a team member who utilizes the MAX BR1 ENT as their daily router.
Members have access to an in-depth review of this device below.
Our raw field testing results can be found here for our members who want to follow along:
- Pepwave MAX Transit Duo vs WiFiRanger Converge, Winegard ConnecT 2.0, Poynting vs Mobile Mark vs BoatAnt MIMO Antennas (Fall/Winter 2019/2020)
- Cellular Signal & Embedded Router Field Testing – IBR900 | MAX-BR1 | Drive Sleek | MIMO Antennas (1st Quarter 2018)
- Mobile Router & Wi-Fi Gear Testing (Winter 2016/2017)
- Cellular Signal Enhancing Field Testing Results (Late 2016)
Here is our unboxing video and first impressions of the MAX BR1 MK2 that Peplink sent us for evaluation in December 2017:
Related News Center Articles
Alternatives to Consider
For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
This Review Contains Additional Member Exclusive Content!
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Member Exclusive Content Below
- Thoughts & Analysis
- Deep Dive
- Hands on Testing Notes
- SIM Card Switching Notes
- Different Versions Comparison Chart
- Alternatives to Consider
- Should You Buy the MAX BR1?
Purchasing Options
Links Provided for Convenience
We do not sell any gear or equipment. These links are provided to make your shopping easier. Unless otherwise disclosed, only Amazon links are affiliate links (see our disclaimer). We request vendors give our members bigger discounts instead of giving us affiliate kickbacks.
Member Discounts - Learn & Save!
Our MIAs get special discounts from these vendors. Members please check for discount codes before ordering. Some vendors offer up to 10% off - you could save more than the cost of your membership on major purchases.
Members - be sure to check the Member Discounts page for some potentially very substantial savings on purchasing Pepwave routers.
- MobileMustHave
- MAX BR1 MK2
- Full-Timer Mobile Internet Bundle (discounted kits with antenna & other options - learn more)
- MAX BR1 ENT - Cat 12
- MAX BR1 MK2
- TechnoRV - MK2
- Onboard Wireless
- 5G Store
- WiFi In Motion (formerly SinglePoint) - Not listed on the website, but is available via phone, chat, or email.
- Amazon
WARNING: Pepwave doesn't tend to give their products new model numbers when they refresh them, and they also tend to keep older models around for a while. Make sure that you know what you are getting by checked specs carefully and don't end up with a device that is incompatible with your preferred networks or that is lacking capabilities!
If you are buying a used/older model, make sure that you know what you are getting and don't end up with a device that is incompatible with your preferred networks or that is lacking in LTE-A capabilities!
Routers can serve as a central conductor of your local area network in your RV and boat. Mobile routers are different from residential routers in that they typically support multiple internet sources like cellular and Wi-Fi, can be powered off of 12v or AC and support external antenna for better receiving signal.
But you might not need a router in your setup. Here's a quick video overview the variety that routers come in:
For more on learning about mobile routers and how they might fit in your setup, follow up with our educational resources:
Mobile Internet Resource Center is founded by Chris & Cherie of