Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Travel Routers

GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) vs GL.iNet GL-S1300 (Beryl)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about Travelers seeking secure, basic networking — read the strengths below before deciding.

GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango)
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Travel Routers
GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango)
$29.99as of Jul 9

The GL.iNet Mango (GL-MT300N-V2) is a compact travel router designed for security and portability. Reviewers noted its OpenWRT-based firmware provides a secure platform with intuitive GL.iNet interface, supporting VPN connections and encrypted DNS. While praised for its small form factor and travel utility, some reviewers found the 300 Mbps WiFi speed insufficient for heavy usage. The device requires manual SSH configuration on Mac/Linux systems, though this is seen as a minor inconvenience for advanced users. It's best suited for travelers seeking secure connections and basic networking functionality rather than high-speed performance.

Strengths
  • Compact and lightweight design suitable for travel
  • Built on OpenWRT Linux OS for secure, customizable networking
  • Supports VPN connections including WireGuard and OpenVPN
Watch-outs
  • Maximum WiFi speed of 300 Mbps may be slow for bandwidth-intensive tasks
  • SSH access requires manual configuration on Mac/Linux
GL.iNet GL-S1300 (Beryl)
Ranked #2 in Best Travel Routers
GL.iNet GL-S1300 (Beryl)
$98.99as of Jul 9

The GL.iNet Beryl AX (GL-MT3000) is a compact, feature-rich travel router designed for security-conscious users. Reviewers praised its pre-installed VPN and TOR services, dual-band Wi-Fi, and compact form factor. WalkingDroid noted its performance with high-speed internet and multiple device connections, while a YouTube reviewer highlighted its affordable price point and OpenWRT base. However, some users were disappointed by the lack of 6 GHz support and noted it's bulkier than its predecessor, the Slate model. This router is ideal for frequent travelers and remote workers seeking secure, portable internet access.

Strengths
  • Compact design that fits in the palm of your hand
  • Dual-band with IPv6 support and 2.5 gigabit WAN/LAN ports
  • Pre-installed VPN servers and clients (OpenVPN, WireGuard)
Watch-outs
  • Lacks 6 GHz Wi-Fi support
  • Slightly larger and heavier than the Slate model
  • Speeds may be slower when using VPN or WireGuard encryption

How they stack up

GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango)

The GL-MT300N-V2 Mango is more portable and secure than the GL-MT2500, which has better Wi-Fi 7 support and USB 3.0 features. While the GL-SFT1200 Slate is smaller, the Mango offers better VPN support and encrypted DNS settings. Compared to the GL-MT1300 Beryl 2, it has lower Wi-Fi speeds but more straightforward setup and better compatibility with various VPN providers.

GL.iNet GL-S1300 (Beryl)

The GL-S1300 Beryl offers more expandability with its USB 3.0 port and micro SD card slot compared to the GL-MT1300 Beryl 2, which is more compact but lacks these features. Unlike the GL-MT2500, it doesn't support Wi-Fi 7 but provides pre-installed VPN servers and TOR services. The GL-SFT1200 Slate is smaller and more affordable, but the Beryl offers better performance and additional privacy features.

Specs side-by-side

SpecGL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango)GL.iNet GL-S1300 (Beryl)
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 4Dual-band
WAN Ports1x 100Mbps1 x 2.5 Gigabit
LAN Ports1x 100Mbps2 x 2.5 Gigabit
Wireless Speed300 Mbps400Mbps(2.4GHz) + 867Mbps(5GHz)
Form Factorcompact small form factorPocket-sized
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