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 product line-up has previously offered multiple versions, but as of Spring 2022 Peplink has simplified the product line to focus on mid-level dual LTE modems. For the detailed specifications of these models and some past models you might still find in distribution channels, explore the tabs below.
Pro
The MAX Transit Pro announced in March 2022 for pre-order, and will be shipping to customers by mid-April. It's the next generation MAX Transit router featuring 1 Gbps router throughput and Wi-Fi 6. It also features a combination of dual Cat-7 and Cat-12 modems that balances carrier compatibility and performance.
Specifications
- Model: Pepwave MAX Transit Pro
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 150
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address: 192.168.50.1
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 2x Gigabit Ethernet (1x LAN, 1x WAN / LAN)
- Router Throughput: 1 Gbps
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Dual 4G - 1x Cat-7 / 1x Cat-12
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
- LTE Bands:
- Modem 1 (Cat-7): B2, B4, B5, B7, B12, B13, B14, B25, B26, B41, B42, B43, B48, B66, B71
- Modem 2 (Cat-12): B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B9, B12, B13, B14, B18, B19, B20, B26, B29, B30, B32, B41, B42, B43, B46, B48, B66
- 3G:
- Modem 1 (Cat-7): B2, B4, B5
- Modem 2 (Cat-12): B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B8, B9, B19
- 2G: No
- MIMO Support: 2X2 MIMO
- LTE Performance Category:
- Modem 1: Cat-7 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
- Modem 2: Cat-12 (Max Theoretical Speed: 600 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation:
- Modem 1 (Cat-7): 2x Download, 2x Upload
- Modem 2 (Cat-12): 3x Download, 2x Upload
- Cellular Antennas: 4x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Paddle Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: 2x Nano-SIM per modem
- Dimensions: 3.8" x 6.3" x 1.3"
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 12V – 56V DC, AC Input 100V–240V / DC Output 12V 2x USB-C 20V, 3A each for Power Input, 12V – 56V DC, 2x USB-C
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, Band Locking (future firmware release), Pepwave AP Controller (8.2.0 Firmware Release), Load Balancing, SpeedFusion Bonding
- Retail Price: $1199
Pro E / Core
The MAX Transit Pro E and Core came out in late 2021 / early 2022 as an interim option between the original MAX Transit and the new Pro, due to parts supply shortages. It's based on the original chassis with only 400 Mbps throughput and Wi-Fi 5 but features 4 Ethernet ports.
Specifications
- Model: Pepwave MAX Transit Pro E / Core
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 150
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes (not included on Core)
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 900 Mbps
- Wi-Fi Antennas: 2x RP-SMA/Female Antenna Ports (2x2 MU-MIMO), 5dBi Antennas Included
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Default Control Panel Address: 192.168.50.1
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports:
- 4x Gigabit Ethernet (3x LAN, 1x WAN / LAN, 1x POE)
- Router Throughput: 400 Mbps
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Dual 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
- LTE Bands: 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
- MIMO Support: 2X2 MIMO
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-12 (Max Theoretical Speed: 600 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: 3x Download, 2x Upload
- Cellular Antennas: 2x or 4x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Paddle Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: 2x Mini-SIM or 4x 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
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, Band Selection, Pepwave AP Controller, Load Balancing, SpeedFusion Bonding
- Retail Price: $1299 (Pro E) | 1199 (Core)
Past Models
The original MAX Transit line-up came in many modem configurations over the years, including single and dual modem options. All of these models have been discontinued as of late 2021 however they may remain in distribution channels or you may want to compare specs to the newer models.
Some of our top picks over the years included:
-
- Pepwave MAX Transit Duo (Cat-12) with PrimeCare ($999) - With Dual Cat-12 modems, this is the original solid Pepwave dual modem choice, and now discontinued. Remaining stock to be found at some vendors. **TOP PICK**
- 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. At $749, it's a great value, if you can find one available. **TOP PICK**
Specifications
- Model: Pepwave MAX Transit / Duo
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Up to 150
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 900 Mbps
- Wi-Fi Antennas: 2x RP-SMA/Female Antenna Ports (2x2 MU-MIMO), 5dBi Antennas Included
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Default Control Panel Address: 192.168.50.1
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 2x Gigabit Ethernet (1x LAN, 1x WAN / LAN)
- Router Throughput: 400 Mbps
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single or Dual, 4G or 5G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
- LTE Bands:
- Cat-6: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12/17, 13, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 41
- Cat-12: 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
- Cat-18: 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
- 5G/Cat-20: 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
- 5G (NSA) Sub 6GHz : n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n28, n38, n41, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79
- 4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz - Global roaming supported.
- 2G: No
- MIMO Support: 2X2 MIMO or 4x4 MIMO
- LTE Performance Category:
- Cat-6 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
- Cat-12 (Max Theoretical Speed: 600 Mbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
- Cat-18 (Max Theoretical Speed: 1.2 Gbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
- 5G (Max Theoretical Speed: 4 Gbps Down / 700 Mbps Up) / Cat-20 (Max Theoretical Speed: 2 Gbps Down/ 150 Mbps Up)
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation:
- Cat-6: 2x Download
- Cat-12: 3x Download, 2x Upload
- Cat-18: 5x Download, 3x Upload
- 5G: 2x 5G Carrier Aggregation - Mid-Band & Low-Band 5G can NOT be combined / Cat-20: At least 5x Download, 3x Upload
- Cellular Antennas: 2x or 4x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Paddle Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: 2x Mini-SIM or 4x 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, 2x Micro USB
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, Band Selection, Pepwave AP Controller, Load Balancing, SpeedFusion Bonding
- Retail Price: $749 - $1199
What is PrimeCare?
PrimeCare is Peplink's annual subscription that enables some extra features like extended warranty, SpeedFusion Bonding and InControl. All of the models above include PrimeCare for the first year and the device pricing is discounted in comparison to non PrimeCare models. Single modem Transit models are $69/yr and dual are $199/yr. If you don't renew, you loose the extra features after the first year, but the device remains completely functional and receives firmware updates. Learn more about PrimeCare in our Pepwave Product Line-Up Entry.
News, Videos & Status
We have had units from MAX Transit series in active use since the Transit Duo with dual Cat-12 modems with PrimeCare was released in September 2019, and have tested several models including the Cat-18, 5G and Pro E models - all provided courtesy of MobileMustHave.com.
In March 2022, we received a pre-release demo unit of the next generation MAX Transit Pro, courtesy of Peplink and MobileMustHave.
We have granted this router a Top Pick status, and the MAX Transit Pro / Pro-E 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.
Our MIAs can find additional, more-raw details shared in these places, which then get wrapped up into our review below for all members:
- Testing in Progress Forum Notes (MIA only):
- [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!
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Member Exclusive Content Below
- Thoughts & Analysis - Favorite Features & Potential Downsides
- Deep Dive
- Hardware & Modem Notes
- MAX BR1 Pro vs MAX Transit Pro
- Transit Pro vs Transit Pro E
- Testing Notes
- Antenna Pairing Guidance
- Alternatives
- Summary
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. Some of these discounts can actually exceed the cost of membership here!
- MobileMustHave (all PrimeCare Editions):
- MAX Transit Pro
- MAX Transit Pro E
- MobileMustHave Internet Bundles (discounted kits with antenna & other options / member discounts stack - learn more)
- Ultimate Road Warrior VR2 Mobile Internet Bundle (Transit Pro)
- Ultimate Road Warrior LE Mobile Internet Bundle (Transit Pro E)
- TechnoRV:
- Onboard Wireless:
- 5G Store
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:
Mobile Internet Resource Center is founded by Chris & Cherie of