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 enhanced 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 rely on.
The Pepwave MAX Transit line has earned a reputation as a great choice for RVers and cruisers with more demanding needs.
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 product lineup entry:
Product Lineup: Pepwave Routers by Peplink
The Pepwave MAX Transit models in particular, as the name implies, are primarily geared towards creating public Wi-Fi networks on transit buses or trains to keep a whole load of passengers online.
Some of the models in this lineup strike a unique balance of professional quality, high performance, and relatively consumer accessible pricing - earning our Top Pick status.
Product Variations
The Pepwave MAX Transit is available in several configurations - you can choose one or two integrated modems. It is available with or without Peplink's PrimeCare support contract (which brings the initial cost way down), and with or without Wi-Fi support.
In Fall 2021, Peplink has encountered supply issues with Wi-Fi chipsets, and all original/classic MAX Transit models will be discontinued as existing supply dries up. All stock is already in vendor channels, and some vendors are still honoring original pricing despite Pepwave having increased some pricing already. Once supply is gone, they will be transitioning to the MAX Transit Core and MAX Transit Pro E models, which will be higher priced. The Pro E became available in November 2021. The Core in particular will lack any Wi-Fi ability (LAN or WAN) without using access points or CPEs. Both will only be available in a dual Cat-12 model. We predict that in 2022, Peplink should also be releasing a new MAX Transit line-up with more advanced LAN features.
Here are the models that are typically the most appealing for our audience and we consider Top Picks:
- MAX Transit Duo (Cat-12) with PrimeCare ($1199, originally $999) - Two Cat-12 modems - remaining stock is all that there is.
- MAX Transit Pro E (Dual Cat-12) with PrimeCare ($1299) - Two Cat-12 modems, will eventually replace the Transit Duo once stock dries up. It became available in November 2021.
- MAX Transit (Cat-18) with PrimeCare ($749) - Single Cat-18 modem (discontinued, remaining stock)
For the detailed specifications of these models, and the other MAX Transit variants, explore the tabs below.
Cat-12
The Cat-12 Lineup comes in single and dual modem options, with the Transit Duo with PrimeCare being the most appealing setup, and our Top Pick.
-
- Pepwave MAX Transit (Cat-12) ($999) - Single Cat-12 modem version of the MAX Transit.
- Pepwave MAX Transit Duo (Cat-12) ($1,699) - Dual Cat-12 modems.
- Pepwave MAX Transit Duo (Cat-12) with PrimeCare ($1199, originally $999) - The same Transit Duo with Dual Cat-12 modems as above, with an optional ongoing PrimeCare support contract (see our MAX Lineup for information on PrimeCare) required to enable some advanced features after the first year. **TOP PICK**
- Pepwave MAX Transit Pro E (Cat-12) with PrimeCare ($1299) - After the MAX Transit Duo stock is sold, this will be the only remaining MAX Transit model that offers Wi-Fi built-in. It will be a limited-time edition, only available in the U.S. **TOP PICK**
- Pepwave MAX Transit Core (Cat-12) with PrimeCare ($1199) - Coming at the end of 2021 after the MAX Transit Duo stock is sold, this will be the non-Wifi version of the model going forward.
Specifications
- Model: Pepwave MAX Transit / Duo / Core / Pro E
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 150
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes (not included on Core)
- Control Panel: 192.168.50.1
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Etnernet Ports:
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
- LTE Bands (Cat-12 Version): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12/17, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 26, 29, 30, 32, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66
- 4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz - Global roaming supported.
- 2G: No
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes - 3x
- MIMO Support: 2X2 MIMO
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-12 - Max Theoretical Speed: 600 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up
- Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x or 4x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Paddle Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: Dual Mini-SIM or Quad Mini-SIM (Transit Duo)
- Dimensions: 3.8" x 7.3" x 1.3" - 1.3lbs
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 10V - 48V Direct DC Input, 110V AC Adapter Included, Can Be USB-C Powered (not on Core / Pro E)
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, SpeedFusion Bonding
- Retail Price: $1199 (Duo w/ PrimeCare, Core), $1299 (Pro E)
Cat-18
Externally nearly identical to the Cat-12 MAX Transit Duo, the Cat-18 model has one modem with four antennas instead of two modems with two antennas each.
-
- Pepwave MAX Transit (Cat-18) with PrimeCare ($749) - It also adds LTE Band 71 support, an important feature for T-Mobile customers. This model has been officially discontinued, and will no longer be available in this product line. An ongoing $69/year PrimeCare support contract (see our MAX Lineup for information on PrimeCare) is required to enable certain advanced features, though the first year of PrimeCare is free. At $749, it's a great value. **TOP PICK**
Specifications
- Model: Pepwave MAX Transit
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 150
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n - 300 Mbps Max (2x2 MIMO)
- 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 ac/a/n - 866 Mbps Max (2x2 MIMO)
- 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
- Control Panel: 192.168.50.1
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Etnernet Ports: 2x 1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet (WAN / LAN)
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
- LTE Bands (Cat-18 Version): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12/17, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 26, 29, 30, 32, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz - Global roaming supported.
- 2G: No
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes - 5x
- MIMO Support: 4x4 MIMO
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-18 - Max Theoretical Speed: 1.2 Gbps Down / 150 Mbps Up
- Cellular Antenna Ports: 4x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Paddle Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: Dual Mini-SIM
- Dimensions: 3.8" x 7.3" x 1.3" - 1.3lbs
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 10V - 48V Direct DC Input, 110V AC Adapter Included, Can Be USB-C Powered
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, SpeedFusion Bonding
- Retail Price: $749
5G
The most advanced cellular modem in the MAX Transit lineup is only available with PrimeCare, and was announced on March 16th, 2021.
-
- Pepwave MAX Transit 5G (Cat-20/Sub-6GHz 5G) with PrimeCare ($1199, originally $999) - The 5G version of the MAX Transit is the same physical form factor as the Cat-18 model but with an LTE Cat-20 / Sub-6GHz 5G modem module. An ongoing PrimeCare support contract (see our MAX Lineup for information on PrimeCare) is required to enable certain advanced features, though the first year of PrimeCare is free when you purchase a new router. This model has been discontinued and is also running out of stock and there not be a direct replacement in the Transit lineup (see the MAX BR1 Pro 5G instead).
Specifications
- Model: MAX Transit 5G
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 150
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n - 300 Mbps Max (2x2 MIMO)
- 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 ac/a/n - 866 Mbps Max (2x2 MIMO)
- 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
- Control Panel: 192.168.50.1
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Etnernet Ports:
- MAX Transit: 2x 1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet (WAN / LAN)
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
- 5G (NSA) Sub 6GHz : n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n28, n38, n41, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79
- 4GLTE Bands (Cat-20 Version): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12/17, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz - Global roaming supported.
- 2G: No
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes - 7x
- MIMO Support: 4x4 MIMO
- Performance Category:
- 5G: 4 Gbps Down / 700 Mbps Up
- LTE CAT-20: 2 Gbps Down / 150 Mbps Up
- Cellular Antenna Ports: 4x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Paddle Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: Dual Mini-SIM
- Dimensions: 3.8" x 7.3" x 1.3" - 1.3lbs
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 10V - 48V Direct DC Input, 110V AC Adapter Included, Can Be USB-C Powered
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, SpeedFusion Bonding
- Retail Price: $1199
NOTE: The Cat-20 modem drops LTE Band 9 and Band 43 that were included on the Cat-18 modem. Band 9 is globally obsolete and unused, and Band 43 is only in use in Argentina, Slovakia, and Iran - with no future expansions likely.
Cat-6
The Cat-6 MAX Transit lineup comes in single and dual modem options, with the Transit Duo with PrimeCare being the most appealing setup.
While a solid option, you get a substantial increase in performance & cellular band support by going with the dual Cat-12 versions for just a couple hundred dollars more. The Cat-6 versions are being phased out and are now officially discontinued.
-
- Pepwave MAX Transit (Cat-6) ($999) - Single Cat-6 modem version of the MAX Transit. Price has not been dropped on the Cat-6 version, despite the Cat-12 model coming out at the same price.
- Pepwave MAX Transit Duo (Cat-6) ($1,899) - Dual Cat-6 modems.
- Pepwave MAX Transit Duo (Cat-6) with PrimeCare ($799) - The same Transit Duo discussed above, but with an ongoing PrimeCare support contract (see our MAX Lineup for information on PrimeCare) required to enable all features.
Specifications
- Model: Pepwave MAX Transit
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 150
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n - 300 Mbps Max (2x2 MIMO)
- 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 ac/a/n - 866 Mbps Max (2x2 MIMO)
- 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
- Control Panel: 192.168.50.1
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Etnernet Ports: 2x 1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet (WAN / LAN)
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
- LTE Bands (Cat-6 Version): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12/17, 13, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41
- 4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz - Global roaming supported.
- 2G: No
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: Yes - 2x
- MIMO Support: 2X2 MIMO
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-6 Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up
- Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x or 4x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Paddle Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: Dual Mini-SIM or Quad Mini-SIM (Transit Duo)
- Dimensions: 3.8" x 7.3" x 1.3" - 1.3lbs
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 10V - 48V Direct DC Input, 110V AC Adapter Included, Can Be USB-C Powered
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, SpeedFusion Bonding
- Retail Price: $799 (Duo)
FAQ: Why are the higher end options only single modem?
All of the routers in the MAX Transit lineup uses that same physical form factor, which only has room for four cellular antenna ports. The Cat-6 and Cat-12 modems only require 2 antennas for 2x2 MIMO, which means a single modem needs two antenna ports, and dual modems need four ports in total.
The Cat-18 and 5G modems however each require 4 antennas for 4x4 MIMO support to achieve their higher performance. The MAX Transit form factor thus only has space to support the antenna jacks for one modem.
When picking between MAX Transit options, it comes down to deciding which is more important - the reliability of being able to be connected to two different cellular carriers at once with the dual-modem models, or the potential increases in peak speed and remote signal sensitivity from the single-modem Cat-18, Cat-20 or 5G models with a more advanced single modem and support for 4x4 MIMO antennas?
There is no one simple universal answer - it all depends on your needs.
The other thing you will need to consider is whether or not to go with PrimeCare - though it almost certainly makes sense to buy a PrimeCare model even if you have no intention of subscribing to PrimeCare long term.
As you can see - if you choose a PrimeCare model, the up front price is substantially discounted.
But be sure you understand the long-term costs if you plan to take advantage of some of the advanced features that are only available if you choose to pay to keep PrimeCare active annually.
Read more about PrimeCare in our Pepwave Product Lineup Overview.
What is the Pepwave MAX Transit Mini?
Despite the name, the "MAX Transit Mini" has little in common with the full sized Pepwave MAX Transit described here. The MAX Transit Mini is actually very closely related to the Pepwave MAX BR1 Mini.
We cover these Mini products in this gear guide:
News, Videos & Status
In September 2019, MobileMustHave sent us the Cat-12 MAX Transit Duo w/ PrimeCare for extended evaluation, and we have used this router extensively ever since. We have also had some hands-on time with the MAX Transit Cat-18 and MAX Transit 5G.
We have granted this router a Top Pick status, and the MAX Transit Duo remains the personal "daily driver" of our founders Chris & Cherie (click over to Technomadia to see their setup).
We have tested the MAX Transit with several different antenna options, a paired access point, and we have actively explored load balancing & bonding. And we have tons of head to head testing against various Pepwave models and other competing models like Insty Connect, MoFi and WiFiRanger.
Our members-only review below has been kept updated with our ongoing observations and experiences.
Members can find additional more-raw details shared in these places:
- Case Study: Summer 2021 Van Trip - Connectivity Testing Notes & Use Case Study
- In Progress Testing Forum Notes
- [Testing Lab Report] Pepwave MAX Transit Duo vs WiFiRanger Converge, MIMO Antennas (Fall/Winter 2019/2020)
Video Overviews
Related News 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!
We are Honored to be Member Funded! No ads, no sponsors, no selling (but may contain affiliate links)
Our members fund our in-depth independent reviews.
This entry may contain additional member exclusive content such as testing notes, field testing data, user interface tours, comparisons to alternatives, analysis, tips, videos and discounts.
Members also get interactive guidance, alerts, classroom and more.
Are you a member? Please log in above to access your member exclusive content!
Member Exclusive Content Below
- Thoughts & Analysis - Favorite Features & Potential Downsides
- Deep Dive
- Is the MAX Transit a Good Deal?
- One Modem, Or Two?
- MAX Transit 5G Thoughts
- Is Bonding worth the effort?
- Alternative Options to Consider
- Summary
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 substantial savings on purchasing Pepwave routers. Some of these discounts can actually exceed the cost of membership here!
- MobileMustHave (all PrimeCare Editions):
- TechnoRV: Cat-6 / Cat-12 / Cat-18
- 5G Store
- WiFi In Motion (formerly SinglePoint) - Not listed on the website, but is available via phone, chat, or email.
WARNING: As of Fall 2021, Pepwave is undergoing a confusing transition in the MAX Transit line-up. At present time the 'original' MAX Transit models might still be available with vendors, but once supply is gone - they will be replaced with more expensive Core and Pro E models. 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!
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:
The Mobile Internet Resource Center is brought to you by Two Steps Beyond LLC, and hosted by the technomads of