OpenWRT Travel Router vs Gigabit Powerhouse GL.iNet Flint 2 vs BE3600 Slate 7 – Which VPN Router is Right for You?
Welcome back to our travel router review series!
Today, we’re diving deep into two standout VPN router offerings from GL.iNet that are making waves in the VPN router space: the GL.iNet Flint 2 and the GL.iNet Slate 7. Both of these GL.iNet routers bring impressive VPN service capabilities to the table, but they serve different needs and use cases.
Whether you’re looking to secure a large household with dozens of devices or need a portable solution for travel and remote work, one of these routers likely fits your requirements. Let’s break down what makes each unique and help you decide which one deserves a spot in your WiFi network setup.
What Makes the Flint 2 Special?
The GL.iNet Flint 2 is a top-tier travel router, evolving from the GL-MT3000, and designed for medium to large homes. Featuring Wi-Fi 6, it delivers gigabit speeds, ideal for public Wi-Fi use in hotels or mobile hotspots. This portable router boasts an advanced CPU, USB ports for adapters and storage, and easy network configuration via the admin panel. Regular firmware updates and OpenWRT support allow extensive customization.
Versatile as a repeater or main router, the Flint 2 is perfect for streaming, gaming, or browsing with reliable Wi-Fi speed. It prioritizes user privacy and security with built-in VPN support for popular providers, making it one of the fastest travel routers available.
Key Features and Specifications
- Network Capacity: Connects 30+ devices, ideal as a travel router.
- Coverage: Perfect for medium to large homes and various environments, including hotel wifi.
- Connectivity: Features a 2.5GB WAN port and LAN ports for future-proofing, supporting high demands like gaming and streaming. The 2.5GB ports prevent bottlenecks, making the GL.iNet Flints a great choice for gigabit+ internet plans.
- Security: AdGuard built-in for network-level ad blocking, ensuring safety on public wifi networks.
- Admin Interface: Easy configuration via the admin panel, including a VPN toggle for enhanced security.
Who Should Consider the Flint 2 Wi-Fi 6?
Why Users Favor the Flint 2?
- Families with multiple heavy internet users
- Remote workers who need reliable VPN connections
- Smart home enthusiasts with numerous IoT devices
- Anyone prioritizing both speed and security
- Users with high-speed internet plans (500 Mbps+)
Designed for the Mobile Lifestyle
The GL.iNet Slate 7 travel router is designed for users needing to configure a VPN on the go, perfect for hotels and coffee shops. With portable Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, it ensures reliable Wi-Fi speed. The Slate 7 supports OpenVPN and WireGuard for enhanced security.
Features like device tethering make it one of the best travel routers. Compact and pocket-sized, the GL-MT3000 model’s open-source router firmware allows for customization. Users can manage settings via the admin panel and assign IP addresses easily. For those seeking a powerful travel solution, GL.iNet offerings, including Wi-Fi 7 options, are ideal routers to get.
What Sets the Slate 7 Travel Router Apart Versus a Portable Wi-Fi 6 Router?
The BE3600 is a Wi-Fi 7 router, supporting 6GHz, 2.4GHz, and 5GHz bands. It’s a travel router with tri-band setup that reduces congestion, making it a great travel router for busy places like airports. It connects multiple devices while ensuring optimal Wi-Fi speed.
The GL.iNet GL-MT3000 is a compact device that fits in your pocket, serving as a router for travel, a gaming router and a reliable option to use a VPN. Compatible with WireGuard VPN and most top VPN service providers, it lets you encrypt your traffic to enhance security on free Wi-Fi hotspots. Settings can be managed easily via the admin panel, making it a smart choice for travelers needing dependable connectivity. All this using open source router firmware.
Key Gli.net Slate 7 Features and Specifications
- Form Factor: Compact, travel-friendly design, ideal for a travel router
- Wireless: Supports Wi-Fi 7 with tri-band capabilities (BE3600), enhancing wifi speed
- Flexibility: Multiple WAN connection options and compatibility with gl.inet devices
- Setup: Quick configuration via admin panel for temporary wi-fi network setups
- Power: Efficient power consumption for extended use, making it a little router perfect for travel
Who Should Consider the Slate Wi-Fi 7 OpenWRT router?
The BE3600 Slate 7 is perfect for:
- Digital nomads and frequent travelers
- Business travelers who work from various locations
- Users who need secure connections in untrusted networks
- Anyone wanting a backup VPN router
- Small apartment dwellers who prioritize portability
Head-to-Head Comparison
Performance
Winner: Flint 2 The Flint 2’s documented 900 Mbps WireGuard performance gives it a clear advantage for users who prioritize raw speed.
Portability
Winner: Slate 7 The compact form factor of the Slate 7 makes it the obvious choice for users who need to take their VPN router on the road.
Features
Tie: Both routers offer comprehensive VPN client and server capabilities. The Flint 2 edges ahead with built-in AdGuard, while the Slate 7 counters with Wi-Fi 7 support.
VPN Configuration: What to Expect
Both routers share GL.iNet’s reputation for user-friendly VPN setup. Here’s what you can expect:
Supported VPN Protocols
- WireGuard (recommended for speed)
- OpenVPN (for maximum compatibility)
- Built-in support for major VPN providers
Easy Setup Process
- Access the intuitive web interface
- Select your VPN provider from the list
- Enter your credentials
- Choose which devices use the VPN
- Monitor connections and performance in real-time
Advanced Features – DNS, Encrypt, CPU
- Split tunneling for selective device protection
- VPN server functionality for remote access
- Kill switch to prevent data leaks
- DNS leak protection
Making Your Decision
Choose the Flint 2 if:
- You have a medium to large home with 20+ devices
- You have high-speed internet (500 Mbps or higher)
- You want the fastest possible VPN speeds
- Built-in ad blocking appeals to you
- You’re setting up a permanent home network
- If Wi-Fi 6 is enough for you
Choose the Slate 7 if:
- You travel frequently for work or leisure
- You need secure connections in hotels, cafes, or coworking spaces
- Portability is more important than maximum speed
- You want Wi-Fi 6E capabilities
- You’re looking for a backup or secondary VPN router
The Bottom Line of the Flint 2 Wi-Fi-6 vs Slate Wi-Fi 7 Router
The GL.iNet Flint 2 and Slate 7 are top picks in their categories. The Flint 2 serves as a home router with excellent VPN speeds and WiFi 6 features, while the Slate 7, a travel router, offers enterprise-level VPN protection in a compact design. This travel router supports various protocols and can utilize a VPN for enhanced security.
Your decision depends on your needs. For a busy home network with maximum performance, choose the Flint 2 with its AX technology. If you require secure connectivity on the go, the Slate 7 provides GL.iNet travel capabilities, allowing secure connections to free WiFi hotspots.
In today’s digital world, VPN protection at the router level is essential for privacy and security across all devices, including smart TVs and IoT sensors. With open source firmware, customization is easy, and features like Samba support improve file sharing.
Ready to upgrade your network security? Check out our full selection of GL.iNet VPN routers at FlashRouters.com, where we pre-configure your device with your preferred VPN provider for plug-and-play protection.