My solely expertise with GL.iNet routers has been by means of ExpressVPN’s rebranded Aircove fashions, which use customized firmware moderately than GL.iNet’s normal OpenWrt-based system. After I not too long ago upgraded to a 2500Mbps CityFibre connection by means of Aquiss and skilled add velocity points with my Unifi Cloud Gateway Max, the GL.iNet Flint 3 appeared on the advisable router record. Whereas it didn’t resolve my downside (defective ONT), I got here away extraordinarily impressed with the router itself.
Key Specs
The Flint 3 gives tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with theoretical mixed speeds of 9300Mbps throughout three bands: 688Mbps at 2.4GHz, 2882Mbps at 5GHz, and 5765Mbps at 6GHz. It helps Multi-Hyperlink Operation (MLO) for cross-band connections and optimised latency.
{Hardware} contains 5 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, a USB 3.0 port, 1GB DDR4 RAM, and 8GB eMMC storage. 4 foldable exterior antennas with FEM amplification present protection. The router runs OpenWrt 23.05 with kernel 5.4.213, giving entry to over 5000 plugins and superior configuration choices.
Software program options embody GoodCloud for distant administration, AstroWarp for machine monitoring, VLAN help, Multi-WAN, load balancing, and failover protocols. For safety, you get AdGuard Dwelling integration, parental controls, and complete VPN help (OpenVPN, WireGuard, Tor, ZeroTier, Tailscale) with as much as 680Mbps throughput.
OpenWrt and MediaTek Criticism
A standard criticism is that this router doesn’t use vanilla OpenWrt and has switched from MediaTek to Qualcomm chipsets, leading to technically slower 5GHz speeds. This displays a broader Wi-Fi 7 development the place manufacturers have moved from 4×4 MIMO to 2×2 MIMO plus a 6GHz radio. For house customers, 4×4 MIMO gives restricted advantages since consumer units are usually 2×2 at finest. The benefits (improved vary, increased capability, higher mesh backhaul) are questionable for many house environments, and GL.iNet doesn’t help mesh anyway.
Some GL.iNet fans argue the Flint 2 is superior with higher OpenWrt help. I haven’t examined the Flint 2, so I can solely decide this router by itself deserves.
Design and Construct
The field accommodates the router, a considerable energy brick, and a flat Ethernet cable. The Flint 3 continues the Flint 2’s design language with heavy air flow for warmth administration. The completely connected antennas fold flat or angle to go well with placement. Whereas detachable antennas would have been good for third-party upgrades, the inventory antennas are high-quality.
Having 5 2.5GbE ports is uncommon at this worth level. Most routers supply one 2.5GbE WAN port and 4 1GbE LAN ports. This configuration is superb for future-proofing and permits file transfers approaching 280MB/s with appropriate units like NAS models or trendy PCs.
The entrance panel incorporates a single dual-colour LED that glows blue throughout regular operation and could be disabled if wanted. The 48W energy adapter (12V/4A) is substantial however essential for the two.5GbE ports, Wi-Fi radios, and USB units.
The aesthetic gained’t go well with everybody. In contrast to glossy mesh methods, the Flint 3 appears like correct networking gear with its matte black end, angular vents, and 4 tall antennas. It fits a house workplace or server cabinet higher than a lounge.
Setup and Interface
Setup is easy through smartphone app or net browser. I used the browser methodology for higher management. Hook up with the default Wi-Fi community, navigate to 192.168.8.1, and observe the wizard to set language, admin password, and Wi-Fi credentials. The router detected my PPPoE connection routinely and related instantly after getting into credentials.
The interface is notably responsive, doubtless because of the quad-core processor and beneficiant RAM. GL.iNet makes use of a customized pores and skin over OpenWrt that’s clear and simple to navigate. The dashboard reveals community standing, related units, and real-time site visitors. Nevertheless, you may entry the LuCI interface for superior OpenWrt management, permitting you to put in software program packages, configure firewall guidelines, and tweak parameters that client routers lock down.
The router runs OpenWrt 23.05 with Linux kernel 5.4.213. This older kernel is tied to Qualcomm’s QSDK drivers. Whereas open-source purists would possibly complain, it’s secure and GL.iNet backports safety fixes.
AdGuard Dwelling
I favor AdGuard Dwelling over PiHole for network-wide advert blocking and safety. I host it on a Proxmox mini PC however switched to the Flint 3’s built-in model throughout testing. Having AdGuard Dwelling built-in saves operating it on separate {hardware}. Contemplating a Raspberry Pi 5 prices round £60, it is a wise answer for most individuals.
The advert blocking, looking safety, protected search, and parental management options present superior safety in comparison with the safety suites from manufacturers like Netgear and TP-Hyperlink.
VPN Options
VPN capabilities are a significant promoting level. Whereas most routers help WireGuard, OpenVPN, and L2TP, they usually require handbook setup with configuration recordsdata and certificates. GL.iNet gives pre-defined choices with easy authentication, making the method user-friendly by means of drag-and-drop configuration or direct API login.
I achieved speeds near the 680Mbps specification with an area WireGuard server. That is exceptionally quick for a router, permitting everlasting VPN use with out considerably impacting fibre speeds.
Coverage-based routing permits you to route particular units or domains by means of the VPN whereas others use the traditional connection. That is ideally suited for bypassing UK age verification checks or accessing geo-blocked content material with out affecting gaming PC latency.
Tailscale Integration
I journey often and work from an workplace, so distant house community entry has change into important. My Unifi Cloud Gateway Max has Teleport, however efficiency could be inconsistent. Tailscale combines WireGuard with SSO, entry management lists, and extra options.
The Flint 3 has built-in Tailscale and may operate as a subnet router, offering full house community entry (printers, NAS, cameras) with out putting in Tailscale on each machine. I’ve discovered Tailscale to be the most suitable choice for distant entry and admire its integration right here.
Moreover, you may configure Tailscale to override DNS settings, so putting in it in your telephone and pointing it to the Flint 3’s AdGuard Dwelling occasion provides you advert blocking on cellular knowledge connections.
Efficiency Testing
The quad-core Qualcomm processor dealt with my 2500Mbps PPPoE connection effortlessly whereas concurrently operating Wi-Fi and AdGuard Dwelling. PPPoE authentication, utilized by many UK ISPs together with Aquiss, Zen, and Vodafone, requires CPU cycles that may bottleneck older routers. The Flint 3 gained’t be your limiting issue on high-speed FTTP plans.
Wi-Fi efficiency in my brick-built semi-detached house was spectacular. Shut vary on 6GHz delivered speeds exceeding 1.8Gbps, quicker than normal Gigabit wired connections. Medium vary on 5GHz maintained 800-900Mbps with noticeably higher penetration than my earlier ISP router. Lengthy vary on 2.4GHz remained secure for 4K streaming even within the furthest corners. The 6GHz band dropped off extra rapidly than 5GHz, which is predicted given the upper frequency.
Mesh Wi-Fi Limitations
The primary concern in comparison with different manufacturers is the dearth of user-friendly mesh Wi-Fi. TP-Hyperlink has EasyMesh and Asus has AiMesh, each permitting community growth with extra routers as satellites. GL.iNet helps extender mode and quick roaming with 802.11k/v/r, so you may replicate the performance, however this requires networking information past common house customers. Nevertheless, individuals shopping for this router for its superior options ought to handle the setup. GL.iNet boards point out mesh performance is in improvement.
Energy Consumption
Wi-Fi 7 radios and a pair of.5GbE PHYs are power-hungry. The router attracts roughly 10-12W idle and stays beneath 20W beneath typical load. The datasheet lists most consumption beneath 25W with out USB and beneath 37.2W with USB. Whereas increased than fundamental ISP routers, it’s akin to different high-performance Wi-Fi 7 fashions.
Thermal administration is first rate. The router will get heat beneath however massive vents stop overheating. I skilled no thermal throttling or instability throughout prolonged testing.
Pricing and Options
The GL.iNet Flint 3 has an RRP of £175 however has dropped to £133 on Amazon. When you don’t want Wi-Fi 7 or all 2.5GbE ports, the Flint 2 usually prices £135 (as little as £105).
Equally priced alternate options embody the TP-Hyperlink Archer BE550 (£170, tri-band Wi-Fi 7, 5 2.5GbE ports, EasyMesh), Asus RT-BE82U (£200, dual-band Wi-Fi 7, 5 2.5GbE ports, AiMesh), Asus RT-BE92U (£220, tri-band Wi-Fi 7, 10GbE port, AiMesh), and Netgear Nighthawk RS200 (£160, dual-band Wi-Fi 7).
Conclusion
The GL.iNet Flint 3 is my favorite client router I’ve reviewed, and I’d use it as my important router if I weren’t dedicated to Unifi. {hardware} specs, it’s priced attractively towards competitors. Most sub-£200 Wi-Fi 7 routers are dual-band, so that you miss the ultra-fast 6GHz community advantages.
The primary draw back is the dearth of true mesh help, limiting enchantment to smaller properties or requiring Wi-Fi extenders. Nevertheless, if mesh isn’t crucial, the built-in options surpass every other client router I’ve used.
The intensive VPN options are wonderful. Due to the On-line Security Act, VPN utilization has elevated, making this excellent for companies like SurfShark or NordVPN. Area-based coverage routing is right for bypassing age checks on websites like Reddit.
The GoodCloud service makes this interesting for small IT corporations and MSPs managing a number of routers. My firm makes use of Draytek for smaller purchasers, and GL.iNet may very well be superior.
I’m a Tailscale convert, and having this built-in is ideal for distant house community entry. It’s far superior to straightforward WireGuard VPN connections.
I’m additionally an enormous AdGuard Dwelling fan, and this function advantages most house customers. It’s simple to make use of, considerably improves looking expertise, and enhances safety past what Netgear and TP-Hyperlink present (and cost for).
I give this router a really robust suggestion. Nevertheless, I haven’t used the Flint 2. If you would like vanilla OpenWrt, higher VPN throughput, and aren’t eager about Wi-Fi 7’s elevated speeds, that’s doubtless the higher alternative.
Execs
Complete VPN help
Cons
No user-friendly mesh Wi-Fi
