GL.iNet GL-A1300 Pocket VPN Travel Router - Portable Wi-Fi Router for Travel, Easy to Set up, Connect to Public & Hotel Wi-Fi login Page
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AI Verdict
This is a pocket-sized Wi-Fi 5 travel router with a 717MHz CPU and dual-band 400Mbps (2.4G) + 867Mbps (5G) Wi-Fi, for travelers needing secure, private network access.
This router offers a compact form factor and robust VPN features with OpenWrt 21.02, making it suitable for securing devices on public Wi-Fi. However, widespread user reports of unstable Wi-Fi, buggy firmware, and an unreliable admin interface indicate it requires patience and technical troubleshooting.
If you need more consistent Wi-Fi stability and a smoother user experience, look for routers with newer Wi-Fi standards (e.g., Wi-Fi 6) and a stronger track record of stable firmware.
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Pros
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) offers 400Mbps (2.4G) and 867Mbps (5G) speeds.
- Pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard clients support over 30 VPN service providers.
- Runs on OpenWrt 21.02, allowing customization and installation of applications.
- Supports network storage via SAMBA and WebDav protocols by plugging in an external USB hard drive.
- Includes a VPN Internet Kill Switch that blocks internet access if the VPN client is not running.
- Compact size at 118 x 84 x 33 mm and 429g makes it easy to carry.
Cons
- Users report unstable Wi-Fi and random disconnects, with some only seeing 6-7 networks out of 60+ available.
- VPN performance is limited to 28 Mbps (OpenVPN) and 170 Mbps (WireGuard) in client mode.
- Firmware updates are reported to break functionality, causing crashes and disappearing features.
- The admin interface can be unreliable, with some users accessing it only 5% of the time.
- Captive portal login in repeater mode is frequently reported as not working.
Dimension Scores
Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 with 400Mbps (2.4G) + 867Mbps (5G) is average for its category, but user reports of limited network visibility and slow VPN speeds (28 Mbps OpenVPN, 170 Mbps WireGuard) pull it down.
Users frequently report unstable Wi-Fi, random disconnects, and buggy firmware after updates.
While GL.iNet provides an intuitive admin portal over OpenWrt, many users report difficulty accessing the interface and setup taking hours.
It includes pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard, supports 30+ VPN providers, and features a VPN Internet Kill Switch.
Best For
- Securing multiple devices on public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, cafes, or airports.
- Creating a private local network for streaming devices like Chromecast in hotel rooms.
- Users who want to customize router functions with OpenWrt 21.02 and install specific applications.
- Remote access to files via SAMBA or WebDav by plugging in a USB drive.
Not Recommended For
- Users needing consistently stable Wi-Fi connections without random drops.
- Individuals who require high-speed VPN throughput for demanding tasks.
- Those who prefer a simple, plug-and-play experience without potential troubleshooting.
Watch Out For
- Wi-Fi connectivity is reported as unreliable, with users experiencing frequent drops and limited network visibility (e.g., seeing 6-7 networks out of 60+ available).
- Firmware updates can introduce bugs, leading to random crashes, reboots, and features disappearing.
- The admin interface is reported as difficult to access, with some users only able to load it 5% of the time.
- Captive portal login, especially in repeater mode, is frequently reported as not working.
- VPN performance is limited to a maximum of 28 Mbps for OpenVPN and 170 Mbps for WireGuard in client mode, which may be insufficient for some users.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0B4ZSR2PX |
| Brand | GL.iNet |
| Model Name | GL-A1300 |
| Item Weight | 15.1 ounces |
| Antenna Type | Fixed |
| Manufacturer | GL Technologies |
| Special Feature | Access Point Mode |
| Item model number | GL-A1300 |
| Compatible Devices | Phone |
| Product Dimensions | 4.65 x 3.35 x 1.18 inches |
| Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Home |
| Wireless Communication Standard | 802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n |
What Buyers Say
Many users find this router's promise of secure, portable Wi-Fi for travel appealing, especially its VPN capabilities and OpenWrt customization. However, a significant number of complaints highlight frustrating experiences with unstable Wi-Fi, random internet drops, and a buggy admin interface that can be difficult to access. Firmware updates are also a point of contention, often introducing more problems than solutions.
“Dude, this thing is a headache. I bought it for secure hotel Wi-Fi but the Wi-Fi drops constantly and the admin page barely loads, so I'm stuck trying to fix it instead of actually using it.”
Common Praise
- Compact size and light weight make it easy to carry for travel.
- Ability to secure multiple devices on public Wi-Fi with a single VPN connection.
- OpenWrt operating system allows for advanced customization and application installation.
- Network storage feature via USB port for SAMBA and WebDav is useful for file sharing.
- Effectively bypasses captive portals for multiple devices on hotel Wi-Fi.
Common Complaints
- Unstable Wi-Fi connectivity and frequent internet disconnects.
- Difficulty accessing the admin interface, sometimes only 5% of the time.
- Firmware updates causing new bugs, crashes, and features to disappear.
- VPN performance can be slow, with reported speeds of 28 Mbps (OpenVPN) and 170 Mbps (WireGuard).
- Captive portal login in repeater mode is often reported as not working.
Ownership Tips
- The small size is genuinely convenient for packing, but the power adapter can be bulky.
- Expect to spend time troubleshooting, especially after firmware updates.
- The VPN kill switch works as advertised, but if the VPN itself is unstable, it means no internet.
- The USB port for network storage is a neat trick, but don't expect blazing fast transfer speeds.
- Connecting to public Wi-Fi with captive portals can be hit-or-miss, requiring patience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this router to bypass hotel Wi-Fi login pages for all my devices?
Yes, you can connect the router to the hotel's Wi-Fi, complete the captive portal login once on the router, and then all devices connected to the router will have internet access without individual logins.
What VPN protocols does it support?
It supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard, and comes with them pre-installed.
Can I connect a USB drive for network storage?
Yes, it has a USB port that supports SAMBA and WebDav protocols for creating private network storage.
Is the Wi-Fi speed sufficient for streaming?
It offers dual-band Wi-Fi 5 with speeds up to 400Mbps (2.4G) and 867Mbps (5G), which is generally sufficient for streaming, though actual performance can vary based on the source internet connection and reported Wi-Fi instability.
Does it run OpenWrt?
Yes, it runs on the latest OpenWrt 21.02 operating system, allowing for customization.
What happens if the VPN connection drops?
It has a VPN Internet Kill Switch feature that prevents connected devices from accessing the internet if the VPN client is not running.
Is it difficult to set up?
While GL.iNet provides an intuitive admin portal over OpenWrt, some users report setup can take hours and require an Ethernet cable for resets due to an unreliable admin interface.
Buying Guide
When looking at travel routers, you're primarily buying convenience and security for when you're away from your home network. You want something that can take a single internet connection (like hotel Wi-Fi or an Ethernet port) and broadcast your own private, secure Wi-Fi network for all your devices. This means you only log in once to the hotel's portal, and all your gadgets are instantly online and protected, especially with VPN capabilities.
Wi-Fi Standard (802.11ac)
This tells you the generation of Wi-Fi it uses. 802.11ac (also known as Wi-Fi 5) is older but still common. Newer standards like Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) offer faster speeds and better performance, especially in crowded environments.
Dual-Band (2.4Ghz & 5Ghz)
This means the router broadcasts two separate Wi-Fi networks. The 2.4Ghz band travels further and through walls better but is slower, like a long, winding road. The 5Ghz band is faster but has a shorter range, like a high-speed highway. Having both lets you choose the best connection for your situation.
VPN Client & Server
A VPN client on the router means all devices connected to it automatically use the VPN, encrypting your traffic. A VPN server lets you securely access your home network from anywhere. This is like having a secure tunnel for all your internet traffic, protecting your data from snoopers on public networks.
Alternatives
If this router's reported Wi-Fi instability and admin interface issues are a concern, look for travel routers with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for better performance and more consistent user feedback regarding firmware stability and ease of setup.
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