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 users have grown to rely on.
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 entry:
Product Lineup: Pepwave MAX Series by Peplink
Pepwave MAX Transit In Depth
The Pepwave MAX BR1 (read for our review) has been a top pick router for our audience - and the more expensive and capable MAX Transit builds on the solid foundation of the MAX BR1 and offers even more features.
The MAX Transit is also available with TWO built in LTE modems, for those who need more redundancy and reliability.
The Transit, as the name implies, is primarily geared towards creating public Wi-Fi networks on a transit bus or train to keep a whole load of passengers online. It should certainly have the capability to handle most mobile users.
But is the MAX Transit worth the cost and complexity, or is it overkill?
Specifications - MAX Transit (Mid-2019 Versions)
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Cellular Tethering via USB: No USB Port
- Integrated Cellular Modem: Yes
- Carriers: 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
- 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 (2x)
- LTE Performance Category: Category 6 or Category 12
(Cat-6 Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
(Cat-12 Max Theoretical Speed: 600Mbps Down / 150Mbps Up) - Cellular Antennas: 2x or 4x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: Dual Mini-SIM or Quad Mini-SIM (Transit Duo)
- Ethernet Ports: 2x 1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet (WAN / LAN)
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Faillover, Integrated GPS, SpeedFusion Bonding
- Power Source: 10V - 48V Direct DC Input, 110V AC Adapter Included, Can Be USB Powered
- Dimensions: 3.8" x 7.3" x 1.3" - 1.3lbs
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Retail Price: $799 - $1,899
Models & Variations
The MAX Transit is available in several configurations - you can choose one or two integrated modems, Cat-6 or Cat-12 cellular, and with or without Peplink's PrimeCare support contract.
The underlying router and features are the same - but the price differences can be dramatic:
- Cat-6 Lineup
- 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 yet, despite the Cat-12 model coming out.
- Pepwave MAX Transit Duo (Cat 6) ($1,899) - Dual Cat-6 modems. Now that the Cat-12 model has been launched at a lower price, Pepwave has told us that they may be dropping the price on this model in the future.
- 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.
- Cat-12 Lineup
- 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, designed for mobile installations.
- MAX Transit Duo (Cat 12) with PrimeCare ($999) - The same Transit Duo with Dual Cat-12 modems as above, with an ongoing PrimeCare support contract (see our MAX Lineup for information on PrimeCare) required to enable all features.
The differences between the models externally are subtle - with the Duo having two additional antenna jacks and two more SIM slots. With two cellular modems and two dual SIM slots, the Transit Duo allows up to four different cellular providers at the ready that a user can switch to.
And as you can see - PrimeCare makes a HUGE difference in price. Read more about PrimeCare in our Pepwave MAX Product Lineup Overview.
What is the Pepwave MAX Transit Mini?
Despite the name, the MAX Transit Mini has little in common with the Pepwave MAX Transit and is actually very closely related to the Pepwave MAX BR1 Mini. We cover these Mini products in this gear guide:
Review & Testing Status
We have years of first-hand experience with the Transit's little brother, the MAX BR1 (our hands-on review).
The MAX Transit and MAX BR1 share the same software foundation and user interface.
Now that the PrimeCare MAX Transit Duo offers dual-cellular and bonding for less than $1,000 - we have decided to dive deep into the Transit line as well.
In September 2019, MobileMustHave sent us the new Cat-12 MAX Transit Duo w/ PrimeCare for evaluation. MobileMustHave also offers our premium members substantial discounts on this product line.
Here's our video first look:
Once our testing is complete, our full review will be available to members in the section below.
During our evaluation, members can in these places:
- [Testing Lab Report] Pepwave MAX Transit Duo vs WiFiRanger Converge, MIMO Antennas (Fall/Winter 2019/2020)
- In Progress Testing Forum Notes
Potential Alternatives to Consider:
For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
Learn More About Selecting Mobile Routers
This Review Contains Additional Member Exclusive Content
We are honored to be able to present the above overview for free without 3rd party advertising or sponsorships. We are not paid by the manufacturer of this product to provide this listing or review, and nor are we selling this equipment or plan (purchasing links are provided below as a courtesy and some may be affiliates).
Our members have funded this resource center and any extensive hands on time
we have spent with the product to review it.
The in-depth portions of this review are made available to them which might contain: hands on testing notes, field testing data, user interface tour, product analysis, comparison to alternatives, setup tips, video tutorial, insider tips, vendor discounts and fellow member experiences.
If you're a member, please log in to continue with this review.
If you're not a member.. please consider joining us!
Purchasing Options
Members - be sure to check the Member Discounts page for some potentially substantial savings on purchasing Pepwave routers.
- MobileMustHave
- 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.
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!
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