GL.iNet travel router GL-MT3600BE

The Beryl 7 combines dual-band Wi-Fi 7 with two 2.5G Ethernet ports, giving travellers more ways to connect devices through a single portable router. It also includes USB 3.0 and pre-installed WireGuard and OpenVPN support, so it offers more network control than a basic travel router.

At 205 g, it is designed to go along to hotels, cruise ships and other trips. Keep in mind that VPN speeds are based on local-network testing and real-world results can vary with your network setup.

Highlights

The wireless rates listed are 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 2882 Mbps on 5 GHz. Those are stated speeds, not a promise of what you will see on every hotel or public connection. The two 2.5G Ethernet ports are assigned as one WAN and one LAN port, which gives you a wired option for bringing a connection in and linking a device out. USB 3.0 adds another connection point, though the supplied details do not specify supported USB uses.

WireGuard and OpenVPN are pre-installed, with listed maximum VPN speeds of 1100 Mbps and 1000 Mbps respectively for OpenVPN-DCO. A VPN service subscription is required. OpenWrt 21.02 firmware, WPA3, DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS add security and customisation features for buyers who want more control than a simple plug-and-connect device provides. The product description also states support for up to 120 devices, actual performance depends on the connection and setup.

Best use cases

This is aimed at travellers who want to connect several devices through one router and use their own VPN configuration on the network. For example, at a hotel desk, you could connect the router to the available network and then use its Wi-Fi for a laptop and phone, rather than setting up each device separately. Its wired ports may also suit a travel setup that includes a device needing Ethernet.

It's a good choice if you value configurable networking, Wi-Fi 7 and VPN support in a portable unit. It won't suit you if you need the router itself to provide mobile data: the supplied details describe connecting to an available network, not a built-in cellular service.

Tips for day-to-day use

Before travelling, decide whether you plan to use Wi-Fi or the WAN port for the internet connection, and set up your VPN account, the router does not include a VPN subscription. OpenWrt support allows plugin customisation, but that flexibility may take more setup than a basic travel router. If you prefer a device with fewer settings to manage, a simpler model may be a better fit.

The description lists US, UK, EU and AU plug options. Choose the appropriate option for your trip, and remember that a plug option does not guarantee every accommodation will offer the same type of network access. WPA3 and encrypted DNS are useful security features, but they do not remove the need to use sensible account and device security practices.

Buying questions

Does it include VPN service?

No. WireGuard and OpenVPN are pre-installed, but using a VPN service requires an active subscription.

Can it connect many devices?

The product description states support for up to 120 devices. The practical experience will depend on the available internet connection and network configuration.

Are the listed VPN speeds guaranteed while travelling?

No. The stated figures come from local-network speed tests, and the description notes that real-world speeds may differ.

Is it worth it?

The Beryl 7 makes most sense for travellers who want more than basic Wi-Fi sharing: its dual 2.5G ports, VPN options and OpenWrt firmware give it room for a more tailored setup. The trade-off is that those features bring configuration choices, and VPN performance is not fixed across networks. Choose it for portable network control and wired flexibility, skip it if you only need a straightforward connection or expect the router to supply mobile internet on its own.