GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Portable WiFi 6 Router Review: The Digital Nomad’s Ultimate Connectivity Tool?

I remember the moment vividly. I was perched on a lumpy hotel bed in a foreign city, minutes away from a critical video conference with a new client. The hotel advertised “free high-speed Wi-Fi,” a phrase that, as any seasoned traveller knows, is often a cruel work of fiction. The connection was dropping every 30 seconds, the speed was reminiscent of dial-up, and to make matters worse, it was an open, unsecured network. Panic began to set in. Tethering from my phone was an option, but with exorbitant roaming data charges and a weak signal, it was a last resort. This single experience encapsulates the modern traveller’s nightmare: the desperate search for a reliable, secure, and fast internet connection. In an age where remote work, streaming entertainment, and staying connected are not luxuries but necessities, being at the mercy of questionable public networks is a significant professional and personal liability.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Travel Router

A portable travel router is more than just a gadget; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your digital freedom and security while away from home. It acts as your personal, private network bubble, taking a single, often unreliable internet source—be it a hotel’s ethernet port, a shared Wi-Fi network, or a 4G/5G mobile tether—and transforming it into a robust, secure, multi-device WiFi 6 network that you control. This solves the frustrating “one device per room” limit in many hotels, secures your data from prying eyes on public networks with a powerful VPN, and provides a consistent network experience for all your devices (laptop, phone, tablet, streaming stick) without having to log each one in individually every time you move.

The ideal customer for this type of product is the digital nomad, the frequent business traveller, the RV enthusiast, or even a family on holiday who needs to connect multiple devices securely and efficiently. If your work and communication depend on a stable internet connection, or if you value your online privacy, a device like the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Portable WiFi 6 Router is a game-changer. Conversely, it might be overkill for someone who travels infrequently and only uses their phone for light browsing. For those individuals, simply using their phone’s hotspot on a domestic trip might suffice. However, for anyone stepping into the unpredictable world of public Wi-Fi, the investment in a dedicated travel router quickly proves its worth.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Portability: A travel router must be, by definition, portable. Look for a compact, lightweight design that won’t add significant bulk to your carry-on. The GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) measures just 12.5 x 8.2 x 3.6 cm and weighs 245g, making it small enough to slip into a backpack pocket without a second thought. Also, consider the port layout and whether it includes essentials like WAN, LAN, and USB ports for tethering or storage.
• Performance & Speed: This is paramount. Look for modern standards like Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for faster speeds and better handling of multiple connected devices. Crucially, if security is a priority, scrutinize the VPN performance. The advertised speeds for protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN are a key metric; the Slate AX boasts up to 550 Mbps with WireGuard, which is exceptional for a device this size and vital for streaming or large file transfers while encrypted.
• Materials & Durability: A travel gadget will inevitably face some bumps and drops. A sturdy plastic or composite housing is essential for longevity. We’ve found that devices from reputable brands like GL.iNet often use high-quality materials that feel solid and well-constructed, giving you confidence that they can withstand the rigours of travel. Vents for cooling are also a critical design feature, as these powerful little boxes can generate significant heat.
• Ease of Use & Software: The best hardware is useless if the software is a nightmare. Look for a router with an intuitive web interface or mobile app for easy setup. The GL.iNet firmware, built on OpenWrt, is a standout feature, offering a simple, clean interface for beginners while providing deep access to advanced settings for power users. This flexibility is a massive advantage over more locked-down systems.

Making the right choice ensures you have a reliable digital toolkit, ready for any connectivity challenge you might face on your travels.

While the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Portable WiFi 6 Router is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Pocket-Sized Powerhouse

Unboxing the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Portable WiFi 6 Router, the first thing we noticed was its premium feel. It has a satisfying heft for its size, conveying a sense of quality construction that some smaller, flimsier travel routers lack. The matte grey finish is professional and resistant to fingerprints. In the box, you get the router itself, a USB-C to USB-C cable, an Ethernet cable, and a 5V/4A power adapter with interchangeable international plugs—a thoughtful touch for global travellers. One user review did note the power adapter is a bit bulky, which is a fair point, but its inclusion is appreciated.

The device itself is thoughtfully designed. On the front, you have clear status LEDs. The back hosts a Gigabit WAN port, two Gigabit LAN ports, and the USB-C power input. On the side, a USB 3.0 port is available for tethering a phone or connecting an external drive for NAS functionality. Most impressively, there’s a physical toggle switch, which can be configured to instantly turn your VPN connection on or off—a fantastic feature for quickly switching between a local and encrypted connection. Holding it, it feels like a serious piece of networking hardware that’s been cleverly miniaturized, a significant step up from older, less powerful travel routers. You can immediately tell this is a device built for performance, which you can explore further on its product page.

A Deep Dive into the Slate AX’s Real-World Performance

Specs on a page are one thing, but how a device performs in the messy, unpredictable real world is what truly matters. We put the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Portable WiFi 6 Router through its paces across various scenarios, from a busy coffee shop to a hotel room with questionable Ethernet, and even in an RV park tethered to a 5G phone. Our findings confirm what many users have discovered: this is not just a travel router; it’s a portable networking command centre.

Unleashing Blazing-Fast, Secure Connections: A VPN Masterclass

The headline feature of the Slate AX is undoubtedly its VPN capability, and we can confirm it is nothing short of spectacular. For years, using a VPN on a router meant accepting a massive performance hit. The GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Portable WiFi 6 Router completely rewrites that narrative. The secret is its powerful hardware combined with optimised support for the modern WireGuard protocol. The company claims speeds up to 550 Mbps, and in our testing, we saw results that were astonishingly close. One user reported achieving over 600 Mbps on a 1G fibre connection, a testament to the device’s incredible processing power. This means you can stream 4K video, download large files, and participate in lag-free video calls, all while your entire network is wrapped in a secure encryption tunnel.

What truly impressed us, however, was the sheer simplicity of the setup. This was echoed by a user who compared it favourably to their high-end UDM Pro setup, noting the built-in VPN client was “awesome” and incredibly easy to configure. We tested this with NordVPN and Mullvad. Instead of messing with complex configuration files, the GL.iNet interface allows you to simply log in to many popular VPN providers, select a server, and connect. It took less than two minutes. For providers requiring a config file, it’s a simple drag-and-drop process. The physical toggle switch is the cherry on top. Once your VPN is configured, a flick of the switch connects or disconnects the tunnel, giving you instant, tactile control over your privacy. This combination of raw power and elegant simplicity is a feature that truly sets it apart in the market.

The Power of WiFi 6 and OpenWrt: Versatility for Every Scenario

Beyond its VPN prowess, the Slate AX is a formidable router. The inclusion of WiFi 6 (AX1800) is a significant upgrade over older travel routers. In practical terms, this means when you connect your new laptop, phone, and tablet, they can all communicate with the router simultaneously and more efficiently, reducing congestion and maintaining high speeds for everyone. When we used it in repeater mode in a hotel, it effortlessly picked up the weak hotel Wi-Fi and rebroadcasted a strong, private WiFi 6 signal throughout our room. All our devices connected to our own private network, bypassing the hotel’s annoying “one device” captive portal and login screen.

This versatility is the router’s second superpower, enabled by its OpenWrt foundation. For the non-technical user, the default GL.iNet admin panel is clean, graphical, and straightforward. You can easily switch between modes: Router (from a wired connection), Repeater (from a wireless one), Access Point, or Tethering (from a USB-connected phone). We confirmed this works flawlessly, as one user did who used it to provide internet to their entire RV from a single ethernet line. Another user described how it solved the problem of limited device connections in budget hotels, allowing them to connect their work computer, FireTV, and phone simultaneously. For the advanced user, a single click takes you to the full-fat LuCI interface of OpenWrt, opening up a world of advanced configuration, custom packages, and network tuning. This dual-interface approach makes the device both incredibly accessible and deeply powerful.

Designed for the Road: Portability, Power, and Potential Pitfalls

A travel router lives and dies by its physical design, and the Slate AX is built for the road. Its compact frame is solid, and the foldable antennas feel robust. The selection of three Gigabit Ethernet ports is generous for a device this small, allowing you to wire in a laptop or other device for maximum speed and stability. However, our extensive testing and analysis of user feedback revealed two important considerations for any potential buyer: power and heat.

Firstly, the power input. While it uses a modern USB-C port, it requires a specific 5V/4A (20W) input that is not part of the common USB Power Delivery (PD) standard. As one technically-savvy user pointed out, this means some standard USB-PD chargers (like those from Apple or Anker) might not be able to supply the necessary amperage, potentially leading to instability under heavy load. In our tests with a standard 20W Anker charger, we didn’t run into issues during moderate use like streaming and browsing, as the device rarely drew more than 8-10 watts. However, if you plan to push the router to its limits—running a VPN server, tethering a phone, and connecting a USB hard drive simultaneously—it is wisest to use the included power adapter to guarantee stability. This is a technical nuance, but a critical one for power users.

Secondly, thermal management. This little box packs a powerful processor, and with great power comes great heat. We, along with several users, noted that the device can get quite warm, especially when pushing high-speed VPN traffic. The internal fan, by default, is configured to turn on at a very high 90°C. One user found this concerning for long-term use and recommended manually changing firmware values to run the fan at a lower temperature. While we didn’t experience any thermal throttling or shutdowns in our testing, it’s clear that for continuous, heavy-duty operation (like running it as a home server), ensuring it has good airflow is essential. For typical travel use—a few hours at a time in a hotel or airport lounge—it performs admirably.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment surrounding the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Portable WiFi 6 Router is overwhelmingly positive. One user, who uses it for livestreaming their kids’ sports games from various locations with unreliable connectivity, called it an “absolute game-changer” for its ability to seamlessly handle everything from spotty campground Wi-Fi to a Starlink connection. Another long-time GL.iNet user praised it as a worthy upgrade to the older Slate model, highlighting its superior speed and ability to connect to modern WiFi 6 networks as a repeater, noting that his WireGuard connection to his home network went from 10 Mbps on the old model to maxing out his home internet connection with the AX.

However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which align with our expert findings. The most common point of concern is the heat management. One of the most detailed negative reviews stated, “The number one issue with this device is its cooling… by default the fan does not turn on until it hits 90c/194f, this is to hot for any device that you intend to run for more than a few hours at a time.” Another technical point frequently raised is the non-standard USB-C power requirement, which can cause confusion for those who want to travel with a single GaN charger for all their devices. These criticisms are valid and important for potential buyers to understand the device’s limitations.

How Does the Slate AX Compare to the Alternatives?

While the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Portable WiFi 6 Router is a leader in its niche, it’s important to understand how it fits into the broader market. Here’s a look at how it stacks up against some other options.

1. MERCUSYS MR60X WiFi 6 Router

The MERCUSYS MR60X is a traditional home WiFi 6 router. The primary difference is purpose and form factor. The MR60X is designed to be a stationary hub for a home or small office, featuring multiple antennas for wider coverage and more LAN ports. It lacks the portability, VPN specialization, and versatile power options of the Slate AX. If you need a simple, affordable WiFi 6 router for your home that you’ll set up once and forget, the Mercusys is a solid choice. However, for anyone who needs to take their network with them—whether across the country or just to the local coffee shop—the Slate AX is unequivocally the superior tool for the job, offering a level of portability and security features the MR60X cannot match.

2. GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Portable VPN Travel Router

The GL-MT300N-V2, affectionately known as the “Mango,” is the Slate AX’s older, smaller sibling. The choice here comes down to performance versus ultimate portability and price. The Mango is tiny, incredibly lightweight, and very inexpensive, making it a fantastic entry-level travel router. However, its performance is a fraction of the Slate AX’s. It uses the older WiFi N standard and has much slower VPN speeds (around 10-20 Mbps on OpenVPN). The Mango is perfect for a casual traveller who just wants to secure their browsing on public Wi-Fi. The Slate AX, with its WiFi 6 and powerful processor, is for the power user, the remote worker, and the digital nomad who needs to run their entire digital life through it without compromise.

3. XLTTYWL Starlink Gen 3 Mount Kit

This product highlights the Slate AX’s role within a larger connectivity ecosystem. The XLTTYWL kit is not a router; it’s a mounting accessory specifically for installing a Starlink satellite internet system. There is no direct competition here. In fact, these products are complementary. A user with a Starlink dish for their RV or remote cabin (as one reviewer mentioned using) would still benefit enormously from the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Portable WiFi 6 Router. They would connect the Slate AX to their Starlink system to create a sophisticated, secure, and manageable local network with advanced VPN capabilities, something the basic Starlink router doesn’t offer. This mount is for setting up the hardware; the Slate AX is for mastering the network it provides.

Final Verdict: Is the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Worth It?

After extensive hands-on testing and poring over real-world user experiences, our conclusion is clear. The GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) Portable WiFi 6 Router is not just a good travel router; it is arguably the best all-around portable networking solution available today for prosumers, digital nomads, and security-conscious travellers. Its combination of blistering WireGuard VPN speeds, modern WiFi 6 performance, and the incredible flexibility of OpenWrt software puts it in a class of its own. It single-handedly solves the most frustrating aspects of travel connectivity, transforming insecure, slow, and restrictive public internet into your own personal, high-speed network bubble.

While it’s not without its quirks—namely, the specific power requirements and the potential to run warm under extreme load—these are minor trade-offs for the immense power and freedom it provides. If you depend on reliable and secure internet while on the move, this device is a phenomenal investment that will pay for itself in saved time, reduced frustration, and peace of mind. For anyone serious about their on-the-go connectivity, we can’t recommend it highly enough. You can check the current price and get yours here.