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 Series by Peplink
The MAX Transit is also available with TWO built in LTE modems each with two antenna ports, for those who need more redundancy and reliability - or as a Cat 18 device that provides potential increases in peak speed and remote signal sensitivity from the single-modem Cat-18 model with four antenna ports. Externally, the two are nearly identical.
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.
Product Variations
The MAX Transit is available in several configurations - you can choose one or two integrated modems, Cat-6, 12 or 18 cellular, and with or without Peplink's PrimeCare support contract.
The Pepwave MAX Transit lineup is getting crowded. Here are the models that are the most appealing for our audience:
- Cat-6 Lineup
- MAX Transit Duo (Cat-6) with PrimeCare ($799) - Two Cat-6 modems.
- Cat-12 Lineup
- MAX Transit Duo (Cat 12) with PrimeCare ($999) - Two Cat-12 modems.
- Cat-18 Lineup
- MAX Transit (Cat 18) with PrimeCare ($749) - Just a single Cat-18 modem.
Other than the modem modules - these are identical routers, with the same Wi-Fi and router capabilities.
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.
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- 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.
- Pepwave 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. **TOP PICK**
Specifications
- Model: MAX Transit (Mid-2019, Early 2020 Versions)
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 150
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n - 300Mbps Max (2x2 MIMO)
- 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 ac/a/n - 866Mbps 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 and Default Password: Not specified
- 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-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: 600Mbps Down / 150Mbps 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 Powered
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, SpeedFusion Bonding
- Retail Price: $999 - $1,699
Cat 18
The newest entry into the product line-up and only available with PrimeCare - the Cat 18 version of the MAX Transit is the same physical form factor, but uses the four antenna ports to support a single modem. It also adds Band 71 support.
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- Pepwave MAX Transit (Cat 18) with PrimeCare ($749) - 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. 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.
Specifications
- Model: MAX Transit (Mid-2019, Early 2020 Versions)
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 150
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n - 300Mbps Max (2x2 MIMO)
- 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 ac/a/n - 866Mbps 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 and Default Password: Not specified
- 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: 1.2Gbps Down / 150Mbps 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 Powered
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, SpeedFusion Bonding
- Retail Price: $749
Cat 6
The Cat-6 Lineup comes in single and dual modem options, with the Transit Duo with PrimeCare being the most appealing setup. While a solid modem, you get a substantial increase in performance & band support by going with the Cat-12 version for just a couple hundred dollars more.
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- 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.
- 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: MAX Transit (Mid-2019, Early 2020 Versions)
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 150
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n - 300Mbps Max (2x2 MIMO)
- 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 ac/a/n - 866Mbps 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 and Default Password: Not specified
- 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 Powered
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, SpeedFusion Bonding
- Retail Price: $799 - $1,899
The question 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 model with support for four antennas?
There is no one simple universal answer - it all depends on your needs.
And as you can see - PrimeCare makes a HUGE difference in price. 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 Pepwave MAX Transit and is actually very closely related to the Pepwave MAX BR1 Mini. We cover these Mini products in this gear guide:
New, Videos & Status
In September 2019, MobileMustHave sent us the Cat-12 MAX Transit Duo w/ PrimeCare for evaluation. We have also purchased a Cat-18 version for one of our team members.
MobileMustHave also offers our premium members substantial discounts on this product line.
We have granted this router a Top Pick status, and it remains the personal choice of our founders Chris & Cherie. We continue to test it with several different antenna options, an access point and actively exploring load balancing & bonding.
Our members-only review below will be kept updated with our ongoing observations and experiences.
Members can find additional more-raw details shared in these places:
- [Testing Lab Report] Pepwave MAX Transit Duo vs WiFiRanger Converge, MIMO Antennas (Fall/Winter 2019/2020)
- Testing Forum Notes (Includes several other members sharing their experiences as well, and more on using SpeedFusion bonding)
Video Overview & Related Articles:
Related News Articles:
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!
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Member Exclusive Content Below
- Thoughts & Analysis
- Deep Dive
- Is the MAX Transit a Good Deal?
- Bonding
- Alternatives to Consider
- Summary
Purchasing Options
Purchasing Links Provided as a Courtesy
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).
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, please do check your exclusive Member Discounts before placing an order.
Members - be sure to check the Member Discounts page for some potentially substantial savings on purchasing Pepwave routers (some that can exceed the cost of membership!).
- 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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