GL.iNet GL-MT3600BE Review: A High-Speed Travel Router for Modern Nomads

The GL.iNet GL-MT3600BE (Beryl 7) is undeniably worth buying for anyone in need of a portable, high-speed travel router. Priced at £99.99, which represents a 20% discount from its RRP of £124.99, this router offers impressive specifications suited for both casual users and tech-savvy travellers. With a strong rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 117 reviews, it stands out in the crowded market of portable Wi-Fi devices.

First Impressions

Upon unboxing, the Beryl 7 impresses with its compact design—perfect for slipping into a laptop bag or even a pocket. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi 7, delivering speeds up to 688 Mbps on 2.4GHz and an astounding 2882 Mbps on the 5GHz band. This capability ensures that whether you're streaming videos or engaging in online meetings, you'll have a reliable connection.

Key Features in Detail

The Beryl 7 is equipped with versatile plug options (US, UK, EU, AU), making it an ideal companion for international travel. Its dual 2.5G Ethernet ports allow for wired connections, enhancing speed and stability, especially in environments where Wi-Fi may be vulnerable. The router runs on OpenWrt 21.02 firmware, which is highly regarded for its customisation options and security features. The inclusion of WPA3 security ensures that your data is protected against potential threats, a significant advantage over other portable hotspots that may lack robust security.

Furthermore, the router’s capabilities extend to VPN usage, achieving maximum speeds of 1100 Mbps with WireGuard and 1000 Mbps with OpenVPN-DCO. This makes it a standout option for users who require secure remote access or those who want to bypass geographical restrictions when streaming content.

Performance Assessment

In real-world usage, the Beryl 7 performs exceptionally well, maintaining strong connections even in crowded public spaces like airports or coffee shops. Users have reported smooth streaming and fast download speeds, significantly enhancing their mobile work capabilities. The ability to easily enable or disable VPN features like AdGuard Home adds to its versatility, allowing users to customise their network experience.

Build Quality

The build quality of the Beryl 7 is commendable, with a robust yet lightweight design that can withstand the rigours of travel. Its small form factor does not compromise performance, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go connectivity.

Value for Money

At £99.99, the GL.iNet Beryl 7 is competitively priced compared to alternatives like the GL.iNet GL-MT6000 (Flint 2) priced at £152.99 and the TP-Link Archer C80 at £43.99, which offers lower specifications. The Beryl 7's combination of performance, features, and portability makes it one of the best values in its category, particularly for frequent travellers.

Comparative Analysis

When stacked against the GL.iNet GL-AX1800 (Flint) priced at £74.79, the Beryl 7 offers superior speed with Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, while the Flint is limited to Wi-Fi 6. The Beryl 7’s 5G performance is particularly noteworthy, making it more suitable for high-bandwidth activities like gaming or 4K streaming.

Genuine Negative

One area where the Beryl 7 may fall short is its dependency on a stable power source; users have noted that it may struggle with battery-powered situations unless plugged in, which limits its usability in certain outdoor scenarios.