Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G Router With Qualcomm X65 Modem – Releasing Soon At The Same $999 Price As The Previous X62 Model

Peplink is soon officially releasing an updated MAX BR1 Pro 5G router featuring an upgraded modem and a few additional features. The new model's price remains the same: $999.

The new model includes a Qualcomm X65 cellular modem, replacing the X62 modem on the previous model. The X62 and X65 are part of the same chipset family, but the X62 is designed for lower peak performance and reduced cost. In most other respects, they are similar.

We have received an evaluation unit of the new BR1 Pro X65 model. See our first-look video below for an overview.

BR1 Pro 5G X65 First Look Video Overview

Peplink BR1 Pro 5G X65 Overview

The most significant change with the new version of the BR1 Pro 5G is the modem. The X65's higher peak theoretical performance compared to the X62 (4.1 Gbps vs. 3.4 Gbps on sub-6 GHz 5G) is primarily due to its support for more carrier aggregation (3x vs 2x for the X62) and total channel bandwidth on 5G Standalone (SA).

The new model supports all the same cellular bands but drops band n70, which is a trivial loss since n70 is a Dish-specific band and is likely a dead band now. See our recent industry update for more details.

With all three networks now supporting 5G SA (also covered in our recent industry update), routers like the new BR1 Pro 5G should see better real-world performance than the X62 in areas where 5G SA is supported. This performance difference will grow over time as 5G SA expands.

We have tested this with the previously released BR2 Pro X65, and our members can see our testing results in our member forums. However, it's important to note that taking full advantage of the X65's performance advantage will require connecting to a tower that can support the additional 5G carrier aggregation the X65 supports.

POE Input Support And Other Changes

Another new feature of the X65 model is support for Power Over Ethernet (POE). This allows POE to power the router itself, but the router does not provide POE power to other devices. This change makes it more flexible for use in various niche installation situations, including use with Peplink's Antenna MAX series, which integrates routers, antennas, and even Starlink.

The new X65 model includes a few other changes, including support for Peplink's FusionSIM and Peplink's Docker edge computing system. All other specifications remain the same as the previous model, including support for Wi-Fi 6.

For those considering an upgrade from the X62 model, note that the X65 model is about 1/2 inch longer, but is otherwise the same size.

Worth Upgrading?

Upgrading is probably not worth it for those who already own the X62 BR1 Pro 5G. But anyone considering a BR1 Pro 5G as a new purchase should definitely get the X65 model for the most optimal futureproofing. The X65 version may also be a worthwhile upgrade from the X55 model. 

Note: The model number for the X65 version is: MAX-BR1-PRO-5GK-T-PRM (5GK as opposed to 5GN for the X62). The X62 will remain in distribution channels until inventory runs out, so carefully check the model number to ensure you purchase the correct one.

The router should be coming available at various vendors in the coming weeks - so keep an eye out for this specific model number. For instance, our friends at MobileMustHave will have it available at this sales page. Our MIA members also receive discounts of up to 10% off on Peplink routers at various vendors (members, be logged in below for more details).

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