Review: GL.iNet Beryl Travel VPN Router Leave a comment

The GL.iNet Beryl (GL-MT1300) pocket-sized travel router packs a punch with its impressive security features, all neatly contained in a highly portable design.

Measuring just 118 x 85 x 30mm and weighing a mere 184g, this router is deceptively small. But don’t let its size fool you; it’s brimming with useful features for your on-the-go needs.

Inside, the router houses a MediaTek MT621A dual-core processor running at 880MHz, along with 256MB of DDR3L memory and 32MB of flash memory. Power is delivered via a convenient USB Type-C connection, and the front of the router boasts a USB 3.0 port along with three gigabit Ethernet ports. The two side antennas fold down for effortless portability.

The Beryl offers dual-band Wi-Fi, capable of delivering speeds of up to 867mbps on the 5GHz band and 400mbps on the 2.4GHz band. It’s also IPv6-ready, ensuring compatibility with modern networks.

Operating on OpenWrt (version 19.07.4), an open-source Linux-based OS, this router grants root access, allowing users to customize and enhance its functionality by installing various applications.

Connectivity options abound with four ways to access the internet: via a WAN cable, as a repeater for existing wireless networks (ideal for public Wi-Fi at hotels or cafes), by plugging a USB modem into the USB 3.0 port, or by tethering it to your mobile phone using the port and cable.

The user-friendly admin panel facilitates easy configuration of internet connections, Wi-Fi settings, passwords, client management, firewall settings, and VPN usage. Speaking of VPNs, the Beryl supports 30+ OpenVPN and WireGuard VPN services, delivering impressive speeds of up to 91Mbps on WireGuard and 21Mbps on OpenVPN.

One standout feature is the internet kill switch, which ensures that all connected devices can only access the internet through the router’s client VPN, enhancing online security and privacy.

For those seeking anonymity, the Tor service can conceal online identities and browsing data, while Cloudflare safeguards against DNS data eavesdropping and manipulation through man-in-the-middle attacks. Additionally, the router supports WPA3 encryption, the latest in Wi-Fi security.

A mode switch on the side, though initially unassuming, can be fully configured in the admin panel to toggle VPN or Tor on and off, adding flexibility to your network setup.

Configuring the GL.iNet Beryl is a breeze, even for those unfamiliar with router setups. The comprehensive and user-friendly documentation provided by GL.iNet ensures a smooth installation process.

Tethering a mobile device may take a bit longer, primarily due to cable compatibility. However, once a suitable cable is found, the USB tethering feature works seamlessly.

Available at the best price of Rs 27,500 at TheShop.pk, the Beryl travel VPN router offers ease of use, portability, and the capability to handle multiple connected devices concurrently. Whether you’re on the go and require a secure or anonymous connection, the GL.iNet Beryl is a dependable router worth considering.