Gl.iNet Slate 7 Router Review
The GL.iNet Slate 7 is the latest entry in the company’s expanding lineup of travel routers, bringing Wi-Fi 7 support, dual 2.5GbE ports, and a compact, portable design aimed at users who need reliable internet access on the go. Designed with remote workers, frequent travelers, and security-conscious users in mind, it includes built-in VPN support, an interactive touchscreen interface, and multiple failover options, making it a versatile networking solution for those moving between different public and private networks. However, while it is marketed as a Wi-Fi 7 device, it notably lacks support for the 6GHz band and 320MHz channel width, meaning it cannot take full advantage of some key Wi-Fi 7 improvements. This raises questions about whether its performance truly surpasses high-end Wi-Fi 6E routers or if it is more of an incremental upgrade over its predecessors. In this review, we will break down the Slate 7’s design, connectivity options, and real-world performance, ultimately determining if it is a standout travel networking device or simply a modest refinement of previous GL.iNet offerings.
UPDATE – the $96 super early bird price is now over, but the early bird price is still available at the time of writing (link here or via banner below)
Note, several times in the review I reference the Gl.iNet Puli AX SIM Tracvel Router. Find out more about that router in the full review HERE on YouTube and HERE on the blog.
Gl.iNet Slate 7 Router Review – Quick Conclusion
The GL.iNet Slate 7 is a versatile and security-focused travel router, offering Wi-Fi 7 support, dual 2.5GbE ports, built-in VPN capabilities, and a touchscreen interface in a compact, low-power design. While it excels at secure networking, multi-device connectivity, and WAN failover options, its lack of 6GHz and 320MHz channel width means it does not fully utilize Wi-Fi 7’s potential. Wireless performance is solid on 5GHz, reaching 2-2.1Gbps, but latency improvements and Multi-Link Operation (MLO) help stability rather than raw speed gains. Wired performance is strong, but USB storage speeds are capped at 130-140 MB/s, limiting its use as a high-speed file-sharing device. The touchscreen adds convenience for quick settings adjustments, and power consumption remains low (~7-8W), but the lack of a built-in battery reduces portability compared to SIM-enabled or battery-powered alternatives like the Puli AX. With pricing between $96-$149, it is a strong value for users needing a secure and flexible travel router, but those prioritizing top-tier Wi-Fi performance may prefer a Wi-Fi 6E router with 6GHz support. The Slate 7 is an iterative upgrade rather than a groundbreaking innovation, making it a reliable but not revolutionary choice for portable networking.
Gl.iNet Slate 7 Router Review – Design
The GL.iNet Slate 7 follows a familiar compact and lightweight form factor, measuring 130 x 91 x 34 mm and weighing 295 grams. This makes it highly portable, fitting easily into a backpack or even a pocket, which is essential for a travel-focused device. The matte black chassis gives it a more industrial and professional look compared to some of its predecessors, with foldable external antennas that can be adjusted to optimize signal reception.
Unlike the Puli AX, which includes a built-in battery, the Slate 7 requires USB-C power input, keeping it lightweight but also limiting its standalone functionality when an external power source isn’t available.
A major upgrade in this model is the touchscreen interface, a rare feature for travel routers.
The small LCD display allows users to scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi access, toggle VPN connections, monitor real-time network speed, and check network status through color-coded indicators for different modes such as Ethernet, Repeater, and Tethering.
While not a full replacement for web-based or app-based management, it provides a quick and convenient way to adjust settings without needing to log into a separate interface.
The physical button on the device is another useful addition, allowing users to assign it to toggle VPN services or other networking functions. This means users can activate or deactivate a secure tunnel instantly, ensuring encrypted traffic without needing to open a mobile app or browser. The button’s customization adds another layer of convenience, particularly for those frequently switching between standard and VPN-protected connections.
Build quality is solid, with a sturdy plastic shell that feels durable enough for travel but lacks the ruggedized features found in some other portable routers. There are no IP-rated dust or water resistance claims, so users should be cautious when using it in more demanding outdoor environments.
The absence of a built-in battery and no SIM card slot means it relies entirely on external power and tethered internet sources, making it less versatile than some cellular-enabled competitors. However, for users who mainly rely on wired and wireless networks, the design choices make sense, keeping the device compact while offering practical features for on-the-go connectivity.
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Quad-core @ 1.1 GHz |
| Memory | 1GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | 512MB NAND Flash |
| Operating System | OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) |
| Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be (Wi-Fi 7) |
| Wi-Fi Bands | Dual-band (2.4GHz & 5GHz) |
| Wi-Fi Speeds | 2.4GHz: 688 Mbps / 5GHz: 2882 Mbps |
| Multi-Link Operation (MLO) | Yes |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 × 2.5GbE (Configurable as WAN or LAN) |
| USB Ports | 1 × USB 3.0 Type-A (Tethering & Storage) |
| VPN Support | OpenVPN (100 Mbps), WireGuard (540 Mbps), 30+ VPN services |
| Touchscreen Interface | Yes – QR code scanning, VPN toggling, real-time monitoring |
| Physical Button | Customizable (VPN toggle or other functions) |
| Failover Support | WAN/LAN, Wi-Fi repeater, USB tethering |
| Power Input | USB-C (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/2.5A, PD compatible) |
| Power Consumption | ~6-8W (Peak: 8.2W) |
| Storage Features | Samba, DLNA, WebDAV, FTP |
| USB File Transfer Speed | ~130-140 MB/s (Samba) |
| Security & Encryption | WPA3, OpenVPN, WireGuard, AdGuard Home, Tor |
| Software Features | VLAN, Multiple SSIDs, Firewall, Traffic Monitoring, OpenWrt App Store |
| Physical Dimensions | 130 × 91 × 34 mm |
| Weight | 295g |
| Price Range | $96 (Early Bird) – $149 (Retail) |
Gl.iNet Slate 7 Router Review – Connections
The GL.iNet Slate 7 offers a versatile range of wired and wireless connectivity options, making it one of the most adaptable travel routers in its class. Its standout feature is the inclusion of two 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, which can be configured as either WAN or LAN. This flexibility allows users to connect to high-speed wired networks while also providing a multi-gigabit local network for devices that support it. Unlike previous models that typically included only one multi-gig port, the Slate 7 allows for higher-speed networking between wired devices without needing an additional switch.
On the wireless side, the router supports Wi-Fi 7 with dual-band functionality, offering speeds of 688 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2.8 Gbps on 5GHz. However, despite its Wi-Fi 7 branding, it does not support the 6GHz band or 320MHz channel width, meaning it lacks two of the most significant advantages of the latest wireless standard.
This means performance improvements will be limited compared to full-featured Wi-Fi 7 routers, though Multi-Link Operation (MLO) support helps improve stability and throughput when using simultaneous band connections.
For users needing additional network redundancy, the Slate 7 supports multiple failover options. In addition to its WAN/LAN ports, it can also connect to the internet via Wi-Fi repeater mode or USB tethering.
The USB 3.0 port allows users to connect a smartphone for cellular tethering, effectively turning the router into a backup mobile hotspot. This is a valuable feature for travelers who may find themselves in locations without reliable wired or Wi-Fi access, ensuring they remain connected through a tethered mobile device.
The router’s software-based networking features further expand its connectivity potential. Users can configure WAN failover, ensuring a seamless switch between different internet sources when one becomes unavailable.
Additionally, it supports multiple SSIDs and VLAN segmentation, allowing for separate networks for guests or different device types. These features are particularly useful for users who frequently switch between public and private networks, ensuring that personal devices remain isolated from potentially unsecured connections.
Another key connectivity feature is the USB storage functionality, which allows the Slate 7 to act as a mini NAS. When a USB drive or external SSD is connected, it can be accessed over the network using Samba, DLNA, WebDAV, and FTP protocols.
However, performance testing showed that USB file transfer speeds over Samba maxed out at around 130-140 MB/s, meaning that while the feature is useful for basic file sharing or backups, it is not optimized for high-speed storage applications.
While the inclusion of USB-based storage sharing is a welcome addition, the performance bottleneck limits its full potential.
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Operating System | OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) |
| User Interface | Web-based UI, Mobile App, Touchscreen LCD Panel |
| Touchscreen Functions | QR code scanning, VPN toggling, real-time speed monitoring, network status updates |
| VPN Support | OpenVPN (100 Mbps), WireGuard (540 Mbps), 30+ VPN services |
| VPN Configuration | Physical button toggle, custom VPN provider setup, failover support |
| Failover & Redundancy | WAN/LAN switching, Wi-Fi repeater mode, USB tethering |
| Firewall & Security | Stateful Firewall, AdGuard Home, DNS Encryption, Tor |
| Traffic Management | QoS (Quality of Service), Bandwidth Monitoring, VLAN Support |
| Wi-Fi Features | Multi-Link Operation (MLO), WPA3 Encryption, Guest Wi-Fi, Multiple SSIDs |
| Storage & File Sharing | Samba, DLNA, WebDAV, FTP |
| USB Storage Features | User permissions, Network drive mapping, NAS-like functionality |
| USB File Transfer Speed | ~130-140 MB/s (Samba) |
| Network Acceleration | Yes, but disables some analytics |
| Port Forwarding | Yes (Manual and UPnP options) |
| Device Management | Client Monitoring, MAC Filtering, DHCP & Static IP Assignments |
| Mobile App Features | Remote Router Management, VPN Setup, Traffic Monitoring |
| Advanced Configuration | Root-level OpenWrt access, CLI & Custom Scripts |
| App Store (OpenWrt-based) | AdGuard Home, ZeroTier, Tailscale, Custom Plugin Support |
| Remote Access & Control | SSH, Web UI, OpenVPN, WireGuard |
| Firmware Updates | Web-based & OTA (Over-the-Air) updates |
Gl.iNet Slate 7 Router Review – Software
The GL.iNet Slate 7 runs a customized version of OpenWrt 23.05, providing a flexible and feature-rich networking environment. The web-based management interface is similar to previous GL.iNet routers, offering a mix of beginner-friendly controls and advanced networking settings.
Users can configure WAN failover, VLANs, multiple SSIDs, and port forwarding, making it adaptable for various networking scenarios. The addition of a touchscreen interface allows for quick network monitoring, Wi-Fi access via QR codes, and VPN toggling, reducing the need to log into the full web interface for basic tasks. However, while the core interface is functional, it lacks detailed guidance for advanced settings, which could be a challenge for less experienced users.
One of the key features of the Slate 7 is its VPN support, allowing users to configure over 30 VPN services, including OpenVPN and WireGuard. With WireGuard speeds reaching up to 540Mbps, it provides a fast and secure connection for users needing encrypted traffic on public networks. The physical VPN button is a welcome addition, enabling users to instantly toggle VPN protection without accessing the interface.
VPN failover support is also included, allowing users to switch between multiple VPN providers seamlessly. However, while basic VPN setup is straightforward, more advanced configurations—such as split tunneling and custom DNS settings—require manual setup with limited on-screen guidance.
The Slate 7 also features a built-in app store, allowing users to install additional networking tools such as AdGuard Home, ZeroTier, and Tailscale. This extends the router’s functionality beyond basic networking, enabling ad-blocking, remote access solutions, and encrypted tunneling services.
While the app store adds valuable features, its interface feels somewhat outdated, and the selection of available apps remains limited compared to broader OpenWrt repositories. Users comfortable with command-line customization can access root-level OpenWrt settings, unlocking more advanced network configurations for those with the expertise to fine-tune their setup.
In file-sharing and storage management, the Slate 7 supports Samba, DLNA, FTP, and WebDAV, allowing connected USB storage to function as a basic NAS for network file sharing. The setup process is fairly straightforward, with a step-by-step wizard to create shared folders and manage user permissions.
Framing things in terms of a mobile router vs a more aggressive desktop model with 6Ghz, the Slate 7 remains a capable software-driven router, offering a solid combination of security, customization, and network flexibility, albeit with some interface and performance limitations that may require firmware optimizations in future updates.
Gl.iNet Slate 7 Router Review – Testing
Performance testing on the GL.iNet Slate 7 revealed a mix of strengths and limitations, particularly in Wi-Fi speeds, wired throughput, and storage performance. In wireless performance tests, the 5GHz band consistently delivered 2-2.1Gbps throughput, aligning closely with its 2.8Gbps theoretical maximum when using a Wi-Fi 7 USB adapter. However, the absence of 6GHz and 320MHz channel width meant that it could not take full advantage of Wi-Fi 7’s higher bandwidth capabilities. In practical use, latency remained low, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO) improved overall network stability, but competing Wi-Fi 6E routers with 6GHz support may still offer better overall performance in less congested environments.
Wired performance testing was strong, with 2.5GbE Ethernet connections delivering 230-240 MB/s transfer speeds, which is within expected limits for a multi-gigabit network. However, in USB storage performance tests, speeds were notably lower than expected. Using Samba over a 2.5GbE connection, file transfers to a connected USB SSD capped at 130-140MB/s, well below the full bandwidth potential of USB 3.0 or 2.5GbE Ethernet. This suggests either a software bottleneck or an underutilized hardware controller, limiting its effectiveness as a high-speed portable NAS.
In power consumption tests, the Slate 7 remained highly efficient, idling at 6-7W and peaking at 8.1-8.2W under full load with multiple active connections. This makes it one of the lowest-power travel routers in its class, making it ideal for users who need to power it via a laptop, power bank, or low-power USB source.
However, the lack of an internal battery means it requires a power source at all times, reducing portability compared to battery-equipped alternatives like the Puli AX. Here is the power draw of the Slate 7 when I was running my iPerf3 Tests:
VPN performance was in line with expectations, with OpenVPN reaching speeds of ~100Mbps and WireGuard peaking at ~540Mbps. This makes it suitable for secure remote access and encrypted browsing, but users requiring gigabit-level VPN throughput will need a more powerful router or a dedicated VPN server.
The physical VPN toggle button proved highly useful, allowing for instant encryption activation without navigating the web or mobile interface. However, GL.iNet’s software interface lacks clear guidance on advanced VPN configurations, which could be a barrier for less experienced users.
Gl.iNet Slate 7 Router Review – Conclusion & Verdict
The GL.iNet Slate 7 stands out as a compact, feature-rich travel router that brings together Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, dual 2.5GbE ports, and a touchscreen interface in a low-power, highly portable design. It is clearly aimed at travelers, remote workers, and security-conscious users who require flexible connectivity options and encrypted internet access while moving between different networks. With built-in VPN support, USB tethering, and multiple WAN failover options, it effectively serves as a secure gateway for multiple devices when using public Wi-Fi or mobile data connections. The inclusion of Multi-Link Operation (MLO) further enhances stability by allowing simultaneous band connections, while the physical VPN toggle button adds a convenient layer of security. However, the absence of 6GHz support and 320MHz channel width raises concerns about whether it truly takes full advantage of Wi-Fi 7 technology or simply refines the capabilities of existing Wi-Fi 6E travel routers.
In real-world performance, the Slate 7 delivers respectable wireless and wired speeds, but its Wi-Fi 7 implementation feels incomplete. While the 2.5GbE ports allow for high-speed wired networking, the lack of 6GHz means users won’t experience the full benefits of the latest wireless standard, particularly in low-interference, high-bandwidth environments. USB storage performance is another notable limitation, with Samba transfers capping at 130-140 MB/s, suggesting either a software bottleneck or underpowered hardware handling file transfers. The touchscreen interface, while useful for quick access to network settings and VPN controls, does not replace the depth of web or mobile-based configuration tools, which still require some technical knowledge to fully optimize the router’s capabilities. Additionally, while power consumption remains impressively low at around 7-8W under load, the lack of an internal battery means it must always be tethered to an external power source, reducing its portability compared to battery-powered alternatives like the Puli AX.
At a price range of $96 (early bird) to $149 (retail), the Slate 7 offers strong value for users prioritizing security, network flexibility, and multiple connection options over cutting-edge Wi-Fi performance. It is not the fastest travel router available, but it excels in delivering encrypted and stable internet access in a variety of challenging connectivity scenarios. For users who primarily require a portable router for VPN security, network redundancy, and secure multi-device management, the Slate 7 is one of the most capable options on the market. However, those seeking the absolute best wireless performance may find Wi-Fi 6E routers with 6GHz support to be a better choice for future-proofing. While GL.iNet has positioned the Slate 7 as a next-generation travel router, it ultimately feels more like an evolution rather than a revolution, making it a solid but not groundbreaking addition to the travel networking space.
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