In an age where connectivity is essential, having a reliable internet connection is no longer limited to home or office environments. Travelers, remote workers, and digital nomads often find themselves in hotels, airports, or co-working spaces where WiFi is either unreliable or insecure. This is where the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) shines. Compact yet powerful, it combines portability with WiFi 6 performance, advanced security, and flexible networking options.
This review takes a deep dive into its features, specifications, design, performance, pros and cons, and who it’s best suited for—helping you decide whether this pocket-sized router should be part of your tech arsenal.
Key Features at a Glance
The GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) is designed as a travel-friendly WiFi 6 router that offers more than just basic connectivity. It is built for flexibility, security, and high-speed networking, despite its compact size.
Highlights include:
- WiFi 6 (AX1800): Delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps with improved efficiency and coverage.
- Portable Design: Pocket-sized form factor for easy travel and mobility.
- Dual-Band Support: 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for flexible connections.
- Powerful Processor: Equipped with a quad-core 1.2GHz ARM CPU for smooth multitasking.
- VPN Capabilities: Pre-installed with OpenVPN and WireGuard for secure browsing.
- Multiple Ports: Two Gigabit Ethernet ports and one USB 3.0 port.
- Mesh Networking: Compatible with EasyMesh, allowing users to extend coverage when needed.
- Security Features: WPA3 encryption and built-in firewall for enhanced protection.
- Custom Firmware Options: OpenWrt support for advanced users who want customization.
Design and Build Quality
One of the most attractive aspects of the Slate AX is its compact, portable design. Measuring just a few inches across and weighing less than a typical smartphone, this router is designed to fit comfortably in a pocket, backpack, or laptop case. Despite its small footprint, the angular matte-black casing feels durable and well-constructed, suitable for travel where devices are often tossed around.
Ventilation slots are included to prevent overheating during extended use, and LED indicators provide quick insight into power and connectivity status. It’s minimalistic yet functional—a travel router that doesn’t sacrifice aesthetics for performance.
Specifications
The Slate AX packs an impressive list of specifications considering its size:
- WiFi Standard: WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
- Speed Rating: AX1800 (600 Mbps on 2.4GHz + 1200 Mbps on 5GHz)
- Processor: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 1.2GHz
- RAM & Storage: 512MB RAM, 128MB NAND Flash
- Coverage Area: Best for small to medium rooms or apartments (not a full-home replacement)
- Ports:
- 2 x Gigabit Ethernet (WAN/LAN)
- 1 x USB 3.0 port
- VPN Support: OpenVPN, WireGuard (up to 120 Mbps OpenVPN / 550 Mbps WireGuard)
- Security: WPA3 encryption, built-in firewall
- Firmware: OpenWrt-based system for customization
- Power Options: USB-C powered for flexible use with power banks, adapters, or laptops
Performance and Connectivity
Despite its size, the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 delivers impressive performance thanks to WiFi 6 technology. The AX1800 speed rating allows for smooth 4K streaming, video conferencing, cloud work, and casual gaming. While it’s not meant to cover a large household, it performs exceptionally well in hotel rooms, apartments, or shared office spaces.
Key performance insights:
- Dual-Band Flexibility: The 2.4GHz band offers longer range, while the 5GHz band provides faster speeds for high-bandwidth tasks.
- Multi-Device Handling: Can handle several devices at once without significant slowdowns, thanks to OFDMA and MU-MIMO support.
- Wired Options: Gigabit Ethernet ports make it suitable for connecting directly to laptops, consoles, or streaming devices.
- VPN Performance: WireGuard delivers excellent speeds, making it ideal for users who need secure connections without heavy lag.
Security Features
Security is one of the Slate AX’s strongest selling points. With WPA3 encryption, a built-in firewall, and support for VPN services like OpenVPN and WireGuard, it provides a safe browsing experience even on unsecured public networks.
This makes it particularly valuable for frequent travelers, business professionals, and anyone working remotely who wants to avoid the risks of unprotected hotel WiFi. The router can also be configured to route all connected devices through a VPN tunnel, adding an extra layer of protection.
Setup and Usability
Setting up the GL.iNet Slate AX is straightforward. The device comes with an intuitive web interface and companion app that guide users through connecting to existing WiFi networks, setting up VPNs, and configuring network preferences.
Advanced users will appreciate that it runs on OpenWrt, an open-source firmware that allows for extensive customization. This means tech enthusiasts can install plugins, configure firewalls, or even set up ad-blocking at the router level.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact, pocket-sized design perfect for travel
- WiFi 6 performance with speeds up to 1.8 Gbps
- Dual-band support for flexibility
- Strong security with WPA3, VPNs, and firewall protection
- OpenWrt support for advanced customization
- USB-C powered, compatible with power banks
- Excellent VPN performance, especially with WireGuard
- Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections
Cons
- Limited coverage (not designed for whole-home WiFi)
- Smaller capacity compared to full-sized routers
- Higher price point than basic travel routers
- May require some technical knowledge to unlock advanced features
Who Is It Best For?
The GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX) is ideal for:
- Frequent Travelers: Perfect for business or leisure travelers who need a private and secure network on the go.
- Remote Workers: Professionals working from hotels, co-working spaces, or temporary offices.
- Digital Nomads: People living a mobile lifestyle who need portable, reliable, and secure internet access.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy tinkering with OpenWrt and customizing their network setup.
- Security-Conscious Users: Anyone who values VPN support and encrypted browsing when using public WiFi.
However, it’s not the best choice for those who need whole-home coverage or for households with dozens of devices connected simultaneously. For that, a full-sized WiFi 6 router or mesh system would be more suitable.
Final Verdict
The GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 Slate AX proves that big things can come in small packages. It blends WiFi 6 performance, robust security features, VPN capabilities, and portability into a travel-sized device that fits easily into your pocket.
While it’s not designed to replace a high-end home router, it excels at what it was built for: secure, fast, and flexible internet access on the go. For travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers, the Slate AX is a reliable companion that delivers peace of mind and consistent connectivity wherever you go.
If you need a portable router that doesn’t compromise on performance or security, the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 is one of the best options available today.