GL.iNet Slate 7 Review: Best Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router

In today’s hyper-connected world, reliable and secure internet on the go is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re working remotely from a hotel, streaming on a cruise ship, or securing your devices on public Wi-Fi, the GL.iNet GL-BE3600 (Slate 7) emerges as one of the most powerful portable travel routers in its class. With Wi-Fi 7 speeds, dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, and pre-installed VPN support, the Slate 7 is purpose-built for frequent travelers and remote professionals. Let’s dive into its key features, real-world performance, and whether it justifies its $149.99 price tag (discounted from $169.90).

GL.iNet GL-BE3600 (Slate 7) Portable Travel Router, Pocket Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7, 2.5G Router, Portable VPN Routers WiFi for Travel, Public Computer Routers, Business Trip, Moblie/RV/Cruise/Plane

-12% $149.99   List Price: $169.90

Design and Build Quality

The Slate 7 is compact, lightweight, and designed with portability in mind. It easily fits into a travel bag or backpack, making it perfect for business trips, vacations, RVs, and even airplanes. The standout feature is its touchscreen interface, which simplifies router management—no app required. You can scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi connections, toggle VPN on and off, and monitor network performance directly from the display.

Wi-Fi 7 Performance

Equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi 7, the Slate 7 delivers 688Mbps (2.4GHz) and 2882Mbps (5GHz) speeds. Users report significantly lower latency and jitter compared to older Wi-Fi 6 travel routers. While the device lacks a 6GHz band—something advanced users may find disappointing—the speed and stability of its 2.4G and 5G bands are more than enough for streaming, VOIP calls, gaming, and VPN usage.

OpenWrt 23.05 Firmware

Unlike most consumer routers, the Slate 7 ships with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213). This means advanced users can install plugins, customize firewall rules, and take full advantage of open-source flexibility. With 512MB storage and robust developer support, this router stands out as one of the most customizable travel routers available today.

VPN and Security Features

The Slate 7 supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard out of the box, compatible with over 30 VPN providers. Performance testing shows maximum speeds of 100 Mbps on OpenVPN and up to 540 Mbps on WireGuard, ensuring smooth encrypted connections for streaming and remote work.

Security-wise, it supports WPA3, DNS over HTTPS, DNS over TLS, and IPv6, protecting against brute-force attacks, DNS hijacking, and data leaks. For professionals, its VPN cascading feature allows simultaneous VPN client and server functionality, enabling remote access to local resources while browsing securely online.

Ease of Use

Setup is simple: connect the router, choose your mode (tethering, repeater, Ethernet, or cellular), and manage everything via the touchscreen. Switching between modes is seamless, and enabling features like AdGuard Home for ad-blocking or VPN clients can be done with a single tap. This makes the Slate 7 far more user-friendly than traditional OpenWrt-based routers.

Real User Reviews

Feedback from buyers highlights several key strengths:

• Stable connectivity: Users report far fewer drops compared to TP-Link and Netgear travel routers.
• Touchscreen convenience: Quick toggles for VPN and mode switching without needing a smartphone app.
• Great VPN integration: Works flawlessly with NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and other major providers.
• Strong build quality: Compact but durable, with many travelers buying protective cases for long-term use.

Common criticisms include heat buildup during long sessions and the absence of a 6GHz radio, but most users agree that the Slate 7 is one of the best portable routers on the market today.

Who Should Buy the Slate 7?

If you frequently travel for business, stream content abroad, or simply want to secure your devices on public Wi-Fi, the GL.iNet GL-BE3600 (Slate 7) is an excellent investment. Its mix of high-end specs, open-source firmware, strong VPN performance, and user-friendly touchscreen interface makes it stand out in a crowded field of travel routers.

Final Verdict

At $149.99 (discounted from $169.90), the Slate 7 offers excellent value considering its premium features. While it isn’t perfect—lacking 6GHz support and running slightly hot—it provides everything most travelers and professionals need in a portable, secure, and reliable Wi-Fi solution. For anyone who relies on internet connectivity away from home, the Slate 7 is arguably the best portable Wi-Fi router in 2025.