Head-to-head · Best Travel Routers

GL.iNet GL-S1300 (Beryl) vs Ubiquiti UniFi Travel Router

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-S1300 (Beryl) comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about Security-conscious travelers needing expandable storage — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Travel Routers

GL.iNet GL-S1300 (Beryl)

4.1

$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

$98.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Travel Routers

Ubiquiti UniFi Travel Router

4.0

$154.99as of Jul 9

The Ubiquiti UniFi Travel Router (UTR) offers a compact, low-power design that's well-suited for travel, with reliable performance and excellent VPN support. Reviewers noted its simple setup via the UniFi app and energy efficiency, though it's held back by outdated Wi-Fi 5 specifications that deliver modest throughput. While it works well for basic travel networking needs, those requiring faster bandwidth should consider future upgrades. The device is ideal for users already in the UniFi ecosystem but may not meet demands of power users seeking modern Wi-Fi standards.

Strengths

— Compact design that's easy to pack and travel with
— Reliable performance with excellent VPN client support including Ubiquiti's Teleport
— Simple setup and management via the UniFi mobile app

Watch-outs

— Dated Wi-Fi 5 specs with modest real-world throughput rates and coverage
— No built-in cellular modem, SIM slot, or battery option

$154.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

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.

Ubiquiti UniFi Travel Router

The Ubiquiti UniFi Travel Router is more energy-efficient and easier to manage than the GL-MT2500, which has more advanced features but a complex setup. Unlike the GL-SFT1200 Slate, it lacks built-in VPN support and has outdated Wi-Fi 5 specs. Compared to the GL-MT300N-V2 Mango, it's less portable but offers better VPN client support and reliability.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	GL.iNet GL-S1300 (Beryl)	Ubiquiti UniFi Travel Router
Wi-Fi Standard	Dual-band	802.11ac (5GHz) and 802.11n (2.4GHz)
WAN Ports	1 x 2.5 Gigabit	—
LAN Ports	2 x 2.5 Gigabit	2x Gigabit RJ45
Form Factor	Pocket-sized	—
Wireless Speed	400Mbps(2.4GHz) + 867Mbps(5GHz)	—

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