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.
Peplink is also a key provider of bonding technology that allows a router to combine multiple network connections together for increased performance, or extreme redundancy and reliability.
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 consumers have grown to rely on.
They also offer some consumer level options.
Pepwave Product Lineup Quick Glance
The diverse Pepwave product line can be overwhelming to navigate, as they offer dozens and dozens of models and variations.
They start at routers with minimal features and lower-end modems with consumer pricing as low as $199.. all the way to high-level enterprise gear priced in the multi-thousands. Some models are specifically ruggedized for mobility, such as their MAX line-up. Others are more intended for stationary office use, but might still have appealing features when used in a mobile environment.
Pepwave products are generally intended to be managed by the IT department of a company, so navigating their product line and the device's interface isn't intended for those without some tech-savviness. And the interface actually isn't consistent across all Pepwave products - for example, the Max series has a different UI than the Balance series.
Note: Peplink is the official company name, but Peplink has used Pepwave to brand most of their routers - like the "Pepwave MAX" line and the "Pepwave Surf SOHO". But the Balance line, for example, is actually branded as just the "Peplink Balance 20X" - confusing things.
Overall you can just consider Peplink and Pepwave to be synonymous -- even Peplink product managers seem to alternate back and forth in how they refer to things, with very little consistency.
If you just want to focus on the options that we find most appealing to our audience of consumer-level mobile travelers, there are the models that we specifically track and recommend starting your research with (click for our more detailed information on each - including reviews):
Below our members can dive deeper into the product line with videos, spreadsheets, and categorized listings - as well as our hands-on testing notes.
Universal Features
While the models may vary in modem, LAN, and processor specifications - some features are fairly ubiquitous across Pepwave's lineup. Here are some of the features commonly found across the product lineup:
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- High Number of Connected Devices
- Ethernet-Based LAN - Fast or Gigabit
- Wi-Fi Based LAN - On most models
- Wi-Fi as WAN - On most models
- USB Cellular Tethering - Not on most models
- Embedded Cellular Modem - Dual or Single, ranging from Cat 4 - Cat 18
- Multi Cellular Carrier Support
- Dual SIM slots per Modem
- External Wi-Fi and Cellular Antenna Ports (non-internal)
- Data Usage Tracking
- Auto Failover
- Integrated GPS
- SpeedFusion Bonding
- Band Locking
- TTL Settings
News, Videos & Status
We have extensive hands-on experience with several models of Pepwave Gear over the years. Links to individual testing data can be found above within the specific products we've tested.
Related News Center Articles & Video Overviews:
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Member Exclusive Content Below
- Thoughts & Analysis
- Featured Models Comparative Chart & Video
- Deep Dive
- Pepwave MAX Lineup (BR1, Transit, Mini)
- Other Pepwave Routers (Balance 20X, SOHO, UBR)
- PrimeCare Support Contract
- WiFi as WAN Weakness
- Transit Pondering - Dual or Single Modem
- Hands-On Testing Notes & UI Video Tour
- Pepwave MAX Versus Cradlepoint COR
- Summary: Should You Consider a Pepwave MAX?
- Links & Tips
Purchasing Options
Links Provided for Convenience
We do not sell any gear or equipment. These links are provided to make your shopping easier, and we do not endorse any specific vendor. Unless otherwise disclosed, only Amazon links are affiliate links (see our disclaimer).
To remain unbiased as possible, our primary source of funding comes from our premium members, and we have negotiated higher discounts from some vendors instead of accepting affiliate relationships.
Members - be sure to check the Member Discounts page for some potentially very substantial savings on purchasing Pepwave routers.
- MobileMustHave - Some models are offered with antenna bundles for extra savings. MIA members have a discount here.
- 5G Store
- SinglePoint - The SinglePoint 'WiFi in Motion' bundles are built around the Pepwave MAX routers, bundled with RV-friendly antennas, service plans, and support.
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 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:
To learn more, head on over to our guides that cover these topics further:
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