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.
This Gear Center entry covers Peplink's most affordable Pepwave MAX "mini" routers, which come in two major flavors, the Max Transit Mini and the Max BR1 Mini.
The MAX BR1 Mini and MAX Transit Mini routers are ostensibly the little brothers of the Pepwave MAX BR1 (our review) and Max Transit (our review), but the similarity only extends to the name.
Historically, the BR1 Mini and Transit Mini share a lot more in common with each other than their big brothers.
In general, the Mini routers are smaller, less expensive, and less capable than their bigger brothers. But they also cost a lot less, which makes them a potentially good value.
Differences from Non-Mini Versions
Here are the essential differences from the Mini's big brothers, the MAX BR1 and MAX Transit:
- The Minis are physically smaller.
- By default, the Minis can only use cellular as an upstream WAN connection. WiFi-as-WAN, Ethernet WAN, and failover features are disabled in the Minis - but these features can be unlocked with an extra fee:
- MAX BR1 Mini: A one-time $100 licensing fee will unlock these features.
- MAX Transit Mini: A Primecare subscription ($49/year) is required to unlock these features - one free year of Primecare is included with the router purchase.
- The Ethernet ports on some models are only Fast Ethernet (100Mbps).
- Some Minis only come with single-band 802.11n 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and the Wi-Fi radio is less powerful.
- The Mini routers have slower internal components with less peak throughput.
Generally, the Mini routers are less capable and have fewer features, but also cost less.
For an overview of the full Pepwave MAX product line (and a look at some of the software features in common across different devices), see our gear center product line overview:
Product Lineup: Pepwave MAX Series by Peplink
Product Variations
Here are the key differences between the Minis:
- The Max BR1 Mini has two main variants, the older Hardware version 2 (HW2) model and a completely new Hardware Version 3 (HW3) model that came out in May 2022. The HW3 version is actually a complete redesign and shares little in common with the HW2 version except for the name.
- The BR1 Mini HW3 model has gigabit Ethernet, 3 Ethernet ports instead of two, dual-band Wi-Fi 5, and upgraded internals for faster processing and better data throughput. It is also physically larger and heavier.
- The BR1 Mini comes with either a Cat-4 or Cat-6 internal cellular modem. The Max Transit Mini only comes with a Cat-4 modem.
- The MAX BR1 Mini HW2 uses a barrel DC power connector while the MAX Transit Mini and the BR1 Mini HW3 utilize a 4-prong connector.
- The BR1 Mini HW3 uses Nano-sized SIM cards, the other models use Mini-SIM.
MAX BR1 Mini HW3
The Pepwave MAX BR1 Mini HW3 is a redesigned and upgraded version of the previous BR1 Mini HW2 model. WiFi-as-WAN, Ethernet WAN, and some other features are disabled, but you can purchase a "feature pack" to unlock these features. It is available with either a Cat-4 or Cat-6 cellular modem.
Specifications
- Model: MAX BR1 Mini HW3
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 60 (recommended)
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous Dual-Band (2.4GHz / 5GHz)
- Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: Not Specified
- Wi-Fi Antenna: 2x RP-SMA/Female Antenna Port
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Available for an additional fee
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not Specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password: Not specified
- USB Tethering Support: No USB Port
- Ethernet Ports: 3x Gigabit Ethernet - 1x LAN/WAN, 1xLAN and 1xLAN with PoE
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
- LTE Bands:
- Cat-4 Model: 2, 4, 5, 12/17, 13, 14, 66, 71
- Cat-6 Model: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 , 12/17, 13, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41
- 4G/3G Bands:
- Cat-4: HSPA+: Bands 2, 5
- Cat-6 Version: WCDMA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+: Bands 1, 5, 8
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance Category:
- Cat-4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
- Cat-6 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: 2x Download (Cat-6 model only)
- Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA/Female Antenna Ports
- SIM Slots: 2x Nano
- Dimensions: 5.0 x 4.2 x 1.4" - 0.95lbs
- Other Ports: GPIO
- Power Source: 10V – 30V DC or PoE
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Integrated GPS
- Retail Price:
- $299 (Cat-4 MAX BR1 Mini LTEA, HW3)
- $449 (Cat-6 MAX BR1 Mini LTEA, HW3)
MAX BR1 Mini HW2
The Pepwave MAX BR1 Mini HW2 is the older-generation model that was replaced by the upgraded HW3 model in May 2022. It comes with WiFi-as-WAN, Ethernet WAN, and failover features disabled - though you can unlock these features later for $100 if needed. It is available with either a Cat-4 or Cat-6 cellular modem. There is also a "Core" version available for $50 less, with Wi-Fi and GPS functionality removed entirely.
NOTE: Pepwave updated the modems used in the MAX BR1 Mini which started coming to market in July 2021. The new Cat-4 version supports additional key bands: 14, 66, & 71.
Specifications
- Model: MAX BR1 Mini HW2
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 60 (recommended)
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) - 2.4 GHz
- Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 150 Mbps
- Wi-Fi Antenna: 1x RP-SMA/Female Antenna Port
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Available for an additional fee
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range:
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password: Not specified
- USB Tethering Support: No USB Port
- Ethernet Ports: 2x Fast Ethernet - 1x LAN/Console and 1x LAN/WAN
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile/Sprint
- LTE Bands:
- Cat-4 Model New Version (Sold starting July 2021): 2, 4, 5, 12/17, 13, 14, 66, 71
- Cat-4 Model Old Version (Sold prior to July 2021): 2, 4, 5, 12/17, 13
- Cat-6 Model: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 , 12/17, 13, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41
- 4G/3G Bands:
- Cat-4 Model New Version (Sold starting July 2021): HSPA+: Bands 2, 5
- Cat-4 Model Old Version (Sold prior to July 2021): HSPA+: Bands 2, 5
- Cat-6 Version: WCDMA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+: Bands 1, 5, 8
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance Category:
- Cat-4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
- Cat-6 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: 2x Download (Cat-6 model only)
- Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA/Female Antenna Ports
- SIM Slots: 2x Mini-SIM
- Dimensions: 4.1" x 4.3" x 1.2" - 0.54lbs
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 12V – 28V Direct DC Input
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Integrated GPS
- Retail Price: $349 (Cat-4 MAX BR1 Mini) | $399 (Cat-6 MAX BR1 Mini) | $249 (MAX BR1 Mini Core - Cat-4, No Wi-Fi)
MAX Transit Mini
The Pepwave MAX Transit Mini is, despite the name, more closely related to the Pepwave MAX BR1 Mini than the full-size Pepwave MAX Transit line. But it is currently only available with a limited Cat-4 LTE modem.
Specifications
- Model: MAX Transit Mini
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 60 (recommended)
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
- Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 150Mbps
- Wi-Fi Antenna: 1x RP-SMA/Female Antenna Port
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Available for an additional fee
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range:
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password: Not specified
- USB Tethering Support: No USB Port
- Ethernet Ports: 3x Fast Ethernet - 1x LAN, 1x LAN/WAN, 1x LAN/Serial
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
- LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12/17, 13, 14, 66, 71
- 4G/3G Bands: WCDMA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+: Bands 2, 4, 5
- 2G: No
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance Category: Category 4 (Cat-4 Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
- Cellular Antennas: 2x SMA/Female Antenna Ports
- SIM Slots: 2x Mini-SIM
- Dimensions: 4.1" x 4.3" x 1.2" - 0.54lbs
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 12V – 28V Direct DC Input
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Integrated GPS
- Retail Price: $399
News, Videos & Status
We have years of first-hand experience with the MAX Mini's big brother, the MAX BR1 (our hands-on review).
The MAX line of routers shares the same software foundation and user interface, so details on that aspect of the Mini can be found in the BR1 review.
We have had some brief hands-on time with a MAX BR1 Mini and MAX Transit Mini - additional testing and review notes will be found in the member section below.
Related News Center Articles
Alternatives to Consider
For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
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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 substantial savings on purchasing Pepwave routers.
- MobileMustHave
- TechnoRV
- 5G Store
- WiFi In Motion (formerly SinglePoint) - Not listed on the website, but is available via phone, chat, or email.
- Amazon - MAX BR1 Mini Cat 4 | MAX BR1 MINI Cat 6
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 checking specs carefully and don't end up with a device that is incompatible with your preferred networks or that is lacking 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:
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