Last Updated: December 14, 2018 (Refresh Now)
GL iNet GL AR300M Mini Travel Router with 2dbi external antenna Wi Fi Converter OpenWrt Pre installed Repeater Bridge 300Mbps High Performance 128MB Nand flash 128MB RAM OpenVPN Tor Compatible
Last Updated: December 14, 2018 (Refresh Now)
7.5
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
130
Old Reviews
8
Unverified
2
Spam Test
!
Yes
WIFI
Yes
3G
Yes
USB
128 GB
MEMORY
Review Analysis - 120 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Wifi
37vpn, router, network, openvpn, hotel
+84%
-16%
" ... I have one in my car to use as a portable WiFi with NAS. ... "
" ... The main feature I was looking for was a portable router with VPN *client* access, meaning the router itself is acting as the VPN client and thus routes all connected devices through the VPN. ... Here, I finally have a highly reliable mobile router that seamlessly connects to my VPN server with the flick of a physical switch on the front of the device (can easily be configured to turn on/off multiple things), and now all my wireless devices without any configuration have a secure encrypted internet connection through my VPN. ... "
" ... This is the second GL-i router I have purchased. ... If not this router has a wifi (WISP) repeater mode that allows you to make your own private network using the hotel wireless signal. ... "
" ... - Firewall between you and the Hotel's Wired or Wireless internet, shielding you from the other guests and aggregating a single link amongst multiple machines. ... "
" ... Well worth the money I have connected it wifi to wifi, wifi to ethernet, ethernet to wifi, connected to a vpn service with openvpn, and I've used the usb port on the side of it for a media server. ... "
" ... Easy to configure with OpenVPN, and have sitting in your home network so you can easily switch to a VPN by changing wifi network without having to install software on each laptop / android device. ... Great for hotel wifi as well. ... "
" ... Next project is to see if I can turn this into a simple wifi pineapple. ... "
" ... In less than a half hour with this device was able to get all my wifi devices behind a vpn. ... "
Network
34wifi, travel router, signal, room, routers
+91%
-9%
" ... I can extend my home network at any time where ever I am. ... "
" ... The router powers up and sets up as easily as any commercial router. ... "
" ... I have this plugged in-between my modem and nighthawk router. ... "
" ... Good little travel router. ... "
" ... A very nice minimalist router. ... Using this as my permanent router, more than enough for a small dwelling or an apartment. ... "
" ... We have this configured as a WiFi repeater (setup in our RV) for connecting to any available WiFi signal wherever we are. ... "
" ... Great little travel router. ... "
" ... Let me tell you, the signal range on this little device is amazing. ... To put it into perspective the room where I have this set up is a room in the middle of the 2nd floor. ... The signal had to penetrate the room in the middle of the floor where its set up then traverse the rest of that floor go out side the windows of that floor and come all the way down to the parking lot. ... I have not had any issues with having to restart the device or signal dropping or any of that. ... "
Device Compatibility
27vpn, vpn connection, public wifi, network, multiple devices
+67%
-33%
" ... In practice I'm not sure how much of a difference you'd notice, but if you're streaming or connecting multiple devices maybe that extra .5-1 Mbps and extra RAM would be put to good use. ... "
" ... My phone is a tad faster, but hotspots have less priority than phones/tablets. ... I've had 15 devices connected for a week at a time, and no issues. ... I use VyperVPN from the desktops and tablet, and they stay connected for several days at a time. ... "
" ... It is very nice not having to sign in all my devices when getting somewhere new and also the piece of mind having a bit of security on public wifi's. ... "
" ... I have one in my car to use as a portable WiFi with NAS. ... "
" ... When paired with an AT&T Mobley & verizon jet pack this gives us the best mobile internet possible. ... "
" ... I wanted a small, robust linux device could use to connect to my home VPN server and then provide a WIFI network for client computers. ... I can connect a chomecast or Roku to this network. ... I can extend my home network at any time where ever I am. ... "
" ... If you need to add wifi to your home, and all you want to do is connect it, set it up, and forget about it this is what you want. ... "
" ... I really like this device! ... It has made sharing my LTE hotspot tether connection super easy! ... "
ISP
24vpn, openvpn, wifi, provider, internet
+71%
-29%
" ... It's a good way to bypass per-device fees for wifi, it works well as an OpenVPN client, and setup couldn't have been easier. ... "
" ... A very nice minimalist router. ... "
" ... In speed tests, I could achieve a maximum of 7-8 Mbps while using my VPN. ... But usually speeds were closer to 6 Mbps. ... "
" ... If you're considering using this to add a VPN router to your network, get this! ... "
" ... This is every nomad’s internet solution. ... "
" ... More like 8Mbps. ... Yes, I use this for home internet. ... "
" ... Nice little VPN client router. ... "
" ... (Client bridge on the go) heres my pros and cons. ... "
Setup
17easytether, openvpn, instructions, vpn, setup
+88%
-12%
" ... easy to change to a TOR router if you need too. ... "
" ... Banged my head for days trying to get vpn installed on my firesticks ... "
" ... Instructions aren't overly clear but with just basic knowledge of networking you're good to go. ... "
" ... Very easy to setup.rm ... "
" ... I know some of the reviews say you need some tech expertise to set this thing up, but you definitely don't have to be an expert. ... The OpenVPN configuration is about as easy as they come, the UI is straightforward and lets you get as involved as you want or just pick some simple options, and the other thing I absolutely love is a reset button that is literally a button. ... "
" ... Wispa mode was easy to configure. ... "
" ... Set it up, worked great. ... "
" ... Worked great so far and fairly easy to setup. ... "
Ease of Use
17difficult, vpn, ui, setup, openvpn
+82%
-18%
" ... Oh, and adding a privacy VPN on this was extremely easy - easier than most. ... "
" ... Wispa mode was easy to configure. ... "
" ... Default range is set lower than capability, easy enough to change to 300M. ... "
" ... I wish setup was easier. ... "
" ... Has an easy to use interface for noobs and the advanced interface for pros. ... "
" ... may need some networking skill to configure for non-default configurations. ... "
" ... For basic functions, you can stay in a fairly friendly UI, but if you want to do something more advanced you need to move to a second UI that could be intimidating to non-experts. ... "
" ... You can download the OpenVPN scripts from the PIA website and the setup was very easy to get it so that the button selects whether the VPN service is running. ... "
Software Platform
14may 30 21, kern warn kernel, 45 2017 kern, 43, 2017 kern warn
+50%
-50%
" ... Docs are pretty nonexistent (documentation by blog) and it took me a lot of trial and error to figure out which firmware flash will actually work on my particular unit. ... "
" ... In WISP mode, this unit is crazy unstable, lots of kernel panics and only usable for minutes at a time. ... (example of a WISP error in the kernel logs) ... Tue May 30 21:43:45 2017 kern.warn kernel: [ 1763.790000] ------------[ cut here ]------------ ... Tue May 30 21:43:45 2017 kern.warn kernel: [ 1763.800000] WARNING: CPU: 0 PID: 849 at /data5/openwrt-cc-ar300m/build_dir/target-mips_34kc_uClibc-0.9.33.2/linux-ar71xx_nand/compat-wireless-2016-01-10/net/mac80211/tx.c:3567 ieee80211_csa_is_complete+0x94/0x780 [mac80211]() ... Tue May 30 21:43:45 2017 kern.warn kernel: [ 1763.900000] Stack : 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 80424212 00000040 00000000 86d26af4 ... Tue May 30 21:43:45 2017 kern.warn kernel: [ 1763.900000] 00000001 86c7d3e0 80364ea4 803caba3 00000351 8042344c 872c2908 86c7d3e0 ... Tue May 30 21:43:45 2017 kern.warn kernel: [ 1763.900000] 00000004 00000006 00000000 800a35d8 00000003 8008033c 00000def 86c7d3e0 ... Tue May 30 21:43:45 2017 kern.warn kernel: [ 1763.900000] 803684a8 86e47cd4 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 ... Tue May 30 21:43:45 2017 kern.warn kernel: [ 1763.900000] 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 ... Tue May 30 21:43:45 2017 kern.warn kernel: [ 1763.900000] . ... Tue May 30 21:43:45 2017 kern.warn kernel: [ 1763.940000] [<800804b8>] warn_slowpath_common+0x84/0xb4 ... Tue May 30 21:43:45 2017 kern.warn kernel: [ 1763.950000] [<80080570>] warn_slowpath_null+0x18/0x24 ... Tue May 30 21:43:45 2017 kern.warn kernel: [ 1763.950000] [<86d26af4>] ieee80211_csa_is_complete+0x94/0x780 [mac80211] ... Tue May 30 21:43:45 2017 kern.warn kernel: [ 1763.960000] [<86ce03bc>] ath9k_csa_is_finished+0x2c/0x68 [ath9k] ... Tue May 30 21:43:45 2017 kern.warn kernel: [ 1763.960000] [<86d2b504>] ieee80211_delayed_tailroom_dec+0x118/0x1c4 [mac80211] ... Tue May 30 21:43:45 2017 kern.warn kernel: [ 1763.970000] ... Tue May 30 21:43:45 2017 kern.warn kernel: [ 1763.970000] ---[ end trace 6d06d1ddfa11bce6 ]--- ... "
" ... I want to like this router, but it's just incredibly buggy. ... It'll simply won't load the web interface until I reset it over and over. ... "
" ... I don't have time to troll every thread in the forums to figure out the FAQ. ... "
" ... MAC Address change is very confusing. ... "
" ... If this can be fixed (hopefully in software) I would try again and change my review in the future. ... "
Product Reliability
14times, working, weeks, problems, however
+79%
-21%
" ... I've had MANY routers over the years. ... "
" ... Will update after using it more ... "
" ... However, Rel 2.4 fixed that about 2 weeks later. ... However this was resolved in rel 2.5 about 6 weeks after purchasing. ... "
" ... you will have no issues. ... "
" ... Worked great at first, but over time it appears to be less reliable than I would like. ... "
" ... However, once it was done, it has worked flawlessly. ... "
" ... Had some problems with the unit initially but seller has been very communicative and solved the problems almost immediately. ... "
" ... Connection lasts for days or weeks without fail. ... "
Firmware
12openwrt, dd wrt, version 2, new firmware, gl inet
+67%
-33%
" ... The new beta firmware 3.0 makes this even better! ... "
" ... I was able to check for a firmware update using the control panel, the file downloaded TO THE DEVICE, and then the device UPDATED ITSELF!!! ... "
" ... Depending on your skill level, I'd say DD-WRT is somewhere in between trying to configure the GL-iNet settings and OpenWRT settings, in that most things are easy, and some things are difficult but available. ... Completely unscientifically, I feel like DD-WRT is more stable and reboots less than the OpenWRT on the GL-AR300M. ... But if you need that small speed boost and don't need to use DD-WRT, the AR300M is still a fine choice. ... "
" ... I hope there will be firmware updates that will help with initially restricted networks. ... "
" ... Combined this with the unofficial support of being able to custom roll an OpenWRT or LEDE build to do even MORE sophisticated things with this, it's a for the win. ... "
" ... I emailed support and they replied within an hour that a new firmware update would fix this. ... I can confirm that after the new firmware was installed, they do indeed save your settings! ... "
" ... Here's the quick version: Great travel router with robust OpenWRT firmware, capabilities, and support. ... The Edimax BR-6258n stock firmware was good enough for my needs so I've had 2 of those running for many years with no issues. ... Since EasyTether has OpenWRT support, I thought I would give this GL-AR300M a try. ... - Install the clean NAND firmware from GL-INet.com ... "
" ... Recent upgrade to version 2.25 uses most recent OpenVPN client software. ... "
Ports
12ethernet, tethering, lan port, wan, port
+67%
-33%
" ... It powers my Unite Explore over USB, so maybe this was a factor in the original power supply with my WIFI output maxed out in the settings. ... I have yet to use the USB for anything but tethering and testing the webcam functionality, so I can't comment on its proficiency as a baby NAS or print server. ... "
" ... This is giving us an entirely separate WiFi network within our coach PLUS 1 LAN port for local switch/device connection! ... 0.24 amps and lower @ 5V. ... "
" ... I have it set up with both a cable modem (Comcast via WAN cable) and wireless modem (tethered ATT Mobley device via usb), and can still add a WiFi sources via WISP. ... "
" ... It would be nice if it had two USB ports, or built in Bluetooth, but can't complain yet. ... "
" ... Also, for those interested in power demand, I ran this through a USB multi-meter off a dedicated 5V 1A USB power plug. ... So, if just using the router by itself, a standard USB 2.0 port (or faster) should suffice. ... However, if you intend to use USB tethering with a phone, I would recommend a USB 3.0 port, or dedicated 1-Amp USB charger port. ... "
" ... Stable and all tethering modes (wifi, USB, Ethernet) worked well. ... "
" ... Stable, all tethering modes work including USB to iPhone, USB to android, wifi, and Ethernet. ... "
" ... This is special, in that you get a fully functional router+access point with transparent USB mass storage sharing (i.e., no modifications to the drives like many wireless "media hub" do) and both WAN and LAN Ethernet. ... Worked for all my immediate use cases out of the box, including wired and wireless access to USB storage, routing, and AP in hotels without wired connects. ... Would also love to see an m.2 slot internally to make for an ultra compact mini NAS. ... "
For Travel
10hotels, traveling, home, device, companion
+100%
" ... Not only has it done wonders as my daily travel companion, providing secure internet access in hotels and other public areas, but also so much more. ... "
" ... While in Europe, I was able to set it up so that my computer thought it was at home and I didn't have to use websites in other languages, etc. ... "
" ... Great for travel. ... "
" ... Looking forward on traveling with it. ... "
" ... For my family, it's the perfect solution for car/airplane mobile entertainment. ... "
" ... Best for travel. ... "
" ... It's a great travel companion. ... "
" ... Great device for travel. ... "
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Specifications
Connectivity
WiFi: Yes
3G: Yes
USB: Yes
Memory
Memory: 128 GB