GL.iNet ships several travel routers in similar form factors and price brackets. The two most-asked-about models are the Slate AX (model GL-AXT1800) and the newer Beryl AX (model GL-MT3000). They look similar, cost about the same, and serve essentially the same audience. They are not interchangeable. The differences matter for specific use cases.
We have used both. This is what we found.
Spec comparison
| Feature | Slate AX (AXT1800) | Beryl AX (MT3000) |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | AX1800 (Wi-Fi 6) | AX3000 (Wi-Fi 6) |
| Max wireless throughput | 1.8 Gbps theoretical | 3.0 Gbps theoretical |
| WAN port | 1 GbE | 2.5 GbE |
| LAN port | 1 GbE | 1 GbE |
| Memory | 512 MB RAM, 128 MB flash | 512 MB RAM, 256 MB flash |
| CPU | Mediatek MT7621A (dual core) | Mediatek MT7981 (dual core, newer arch) |
| USB | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 |
| Power | USB-C, 12 V | USB-C, 5 V |
| Weight | 132 g | 184 g |
| Price (typical retail) | $129 | $109 |
| Form factor | Slimmer, more pocketable | Slightly larger, more substantial |
The headline differences: the Beryl AX has a faster WAN port (2.5 GbE versus 1 GbE), faster Wi-Fi (AX3000 versus AX1800), a newer CPU architecture, more flash storage, and runs on standard 5 V USB-C power instead of 12 V.
The Slate AX is slimmer and lighter. Its 12 V power requirement means it cannot run from a phone power bank without an adapter; the Beryl AX runs from any standard USB-C power source.
VPN performance
Both devices run OpenWrt with GL.iNet’s friendly UI on top, support OpenVPN and WireGuard, and have built-in support for several major VPN provider apps (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Mullvad, Surfshark).
In our testing on a 1 Gbps fiber connection, with WireGuard to Mullvad’s nearest server:
| Device | Down (Mbps) | Up (Mbps) |
|---|---|---|
| Slate AX | 380-420 | 320-360 |
| Beryl AX | 480-520 | 410-450 |
The Beryl AX is roughly 20 to 25 percent faster on WireGuard, attributable to the newer CPU architecture and better memory subsystem. For OpenVPN (much more CPU intensive), both top out around 130 Mbps; the gap narrows because both are CPU-bound at lower numbers.
For most travel use cases (streaming, video calls, browsing) both are fast enough. The Beryl AX’s headroom matters when you want to run multiple devices simultaneously through the VPN, or when you upgrade to a faster home internet connection.
Wi-Fi reach and stability
Both devices have a Wi-Fi range that is appropriate for a hotel room or small home office, not a whole house. Both support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax).
The Beryl AX’s AX3000 rating is theoretical maximum throughput across both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands; in practice, real-world throughput between two Wi-Fi 6 devices typically sits at 30 to 60 percent of the theoretical max. The Slate AX’s AX1800 rating works the same way.
In side-by-side testing in a hotel room with one client device 15 feet away, both routers delivered 350 to 500 Mbps to the client device, with the Beryl AX edging out the Slate AX by perhaps 10 to 15 percent. The difference is noticeable in a benchmark; less so in actual streaming or browsing.
For a single client device, either router is sufficient. For multiple clients (laptop, phone, kid’s iPad simultaneously), the Beryl AX’s higher capacity becomes more relevant.
Form factor and travel ergonomics
The Slate AX is the “actually fits in your pants pocket” travel router. The Beryl AX is the “fits in a small bag pocket” travel router. The size and weight difference is noticeable in your hand but irrelevant once both are in a backpack.
Both are roughly the size of a deck of cards (Slate slightly thinner, Beryl slightly thicker). Both have travel cases available from GL.iNet for around $10 if you want hardshell protection.
The Beryl AX’s USB-C power is the convenience win. You can charge it from your laptop’s power brick, from a phone power bank in the airport, from any USB-C outlet. The Slate AX requires the 12 V wall adapter or a higher-output USB-C PD adapter (the kind used for charging laptops). For frequent travelers who want to minimize the number of power adapters in their bag, the Beryl AX wins on this alone.
Software experience
Identical, since both run GL.iNet’s customized OpenWrt.
The web admin UI is functional and improving. Both devices receive software updates through the same channel; new features and security fixes generally arrive on both within a week or two of each other.
For users who want to flash mainline OpenWrt, both are supported. The Beryl AX’s newer architecture has slightly better mainline support. The Slate AX has been on mainline OpenWrt for longer and has a larger community of established configurations.
Both support the AdGuard Home built-in feature, the Tailscale built-in client, the OpenVPN and WireGuard configurations, and the captive portal handling that travel routers need.
Price reality
The Beryl AX is, counterintuitively, the cheaper of the two. As of mid-2025, retail pricing was roughly:
- Slate AX (AXT1800): $129
- Beryl AX (MT3000): $109
Both routinely go on sale, especially during Amazon Prime events and GL.iNet’s own promotional periods, where the Beryl AX has been seen as low as $89 and the Slate AX as low as $99.
The Beryl AX being cheaper despite being the newer, faster device reflects a few things: the Slate AX has been around longer and accumulated brand recognition, GL.iNet is positioning the Beryl AX as the “value flagship,” and component costs for the newer Mediatek chip are lower than for the older one.
Which to buy
For nearly everyone reading this, the answer is the Beryl AX. It is faster, costs less, runs on standard USB-C power, and is the device GL.iNet is positioning as their current flagship. The Slate AX is a fine product but does not offer a compelling advantage at a higher price.
The Slate AX is still the right pick if any of these specific things matter:
You need maximum portability and the slightly smaller form factor matters more than the performance difference.
You already own a 12 V power adapter for some other purpose (older GL.iNet devices, some other gadget) and consolidating chargers matters.
You specifically want the older, more battle-tested OpenWrt configuration. Slate AX has been around longer; some niche third-party firmware exists for it that has not been ported to the Beryl AX.
You find the Slate AX on a deep discount that closes the price gap. At $79 versus the Beryl AX’s $89 in some sales, the practical difference becomes negligible.
For everyone else: Beryl AX, full stop.
What about the older models
GL.iNet still sells several older models that come up in searches:
Beryl AC (GL-MT1300): the predecessor to the Beryl AX. Wi-Fi 5, slower CPU, no USB-C power. Around $65. Fine if budget is tight; missing features that matter for VPN throughput.
Mango (GL-MT300N-V2): the entry-level travel router. Tiny, cheap (around $30), but only Wi-Fi 4 and limited VPN throughput. Fine for occasional very basic use.
Brume 2 (GL-MT2500): a small VPN router optimized for 2.5 GbE wired throughput, no built-in Wi-Fi. Around $129. Useful for specific home network setups; not a travel router.
Flint (GL-AX1800) and Flint 2 (GL-MT6000): home routers, not travel form factor. Larger, more powerful, around $159 to $349.
For travel, the Beryl AX is the right pick across the GL.iNet lineup in 2025-2026.
Summary
The Beryl AX (GL-MT3000) wins on every dimension that matters for most travelers: cheaper, faster Wi-Fi, faster WAN port, faster VPN throughput, more convenient USB-C power. The Slate AX (GL-AXT1800) remains a fine product but is no longer the obvious recommendation in the GL.iNet lineup.
Buy the Beryl AX. Save the $20. Use the savings on a small case ($10 from GL.iNet) and a USB-C cable for your bag.
GL.iNet Beryl AX on Amazon | GL.iNet direct
Related: GL.iNet Beryl AX long review, Best VPN for travelers, VPN provider comparison