A compact IEEE 802.11ax router with WireGuard and OpenVPN support at up to 500 Mbps in our tests. Built on a quad-core IPQ6000 processor (1.2 GHz), the Slate AX offers one of the best VPN-speed-to-price ratios among all GL.iNet models. The device suits anyone looking for a reliable, secure VPN router where privacy, cybersecurity and network performance matter.
Internet connectivity
The Slate AX gets internet through a gigabit WAN port or by connecting to an existing Wi-Fi network in repeater mode. One of the most common use cases among our customers is connecting the Slate AX to a Starlink or Starlink Mini terminal. Starlink provides high-speed internet access, while the Slate AX delivers VPN at up to 500 Mbps in our tests, fully realizing the potential of such a connection.
VPN and encryption
The router supports WireGuard (up to 500 Mbps in our tests) and OpenVPN with DCO support (up to 500 Mbps in our tests). Both protocols work in client and server modes. The device is compatible with most commercial VPN services. For the best compatibility, speed and privacy protection, we recommend GemiGuard VPN. The VPN runs at the router level, so all connected devices automatically work through the secure tunnel without the need to install a VPN client on each individual device. A policy routing feature is also available, allowing you to selectively route the traffic of specific devices through the VPN or around it.
Power and mobility
The Slate AX is powered via USB Type-C (5 V / 4 A). In addition to the bundled power supply, the device runs from most power banks and USB adapters — making it convenient for quickly deploying a secure network anywhere. Power consumption does not exceed 8.75 W at full load, and under normal operation it stays below 4.5 W. Its small size (125 × 82 × 36 mm, weight 245 g) and USB Type-C power make it easy to carry the router and deploy a network in just minutes.
Privacy and cybersecurity with GemiGuard Mirage
The GemiGuard Mirage package is available for the Slate AX — our software solution for enhancing the privacy and cybersecurity of GL.iNet devices. Mirage for the GL-AXT1800 includes: BSSID randomization, MAC address randomization, automatic clearing of system logs, removal of connected Wi-Fi client history and hardened encrypted DNS. These features reduce the device’s digital footprint and protect user privacy.
Slate AX vs GL.iNet Flint 3e (GL-BE6500) — which model to choose?
Customers sometimes compare these two models. They are different device classes in terms of positioning: the Slate AX is a compact router powered via USB Type-C and can run from a power bank, supports IEEE 802.11ax across two bands and is equipped with three 1 Gbps Ethernet ports (1 WAN + 2 LAN), making it more affordable and convenient for quickly deploying a secure network away from home. The Flint 3e is a Wi-Fi 7 router of the Flint series: the IEEE 802.11be standard across two bands (2.4 + 5 GHz), five 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports (1 WAN + 1 WAN/LAN + 3 LAN), a quad-core Qualcomm IPQ5332 processor at 1.5 GHz, 1 GB of DDR4 memory and 512 MB of NAND, WireGuard above 750 Mbps in our tests and power from an external 12 V DC adapter (DC5521). If you need a compact VPN router for travel, remote locations or power-bank scenarios — choose the Slate AX. If you need a router for home or office with higher Wi-Fi and VPN throughput — choose the Flint 3e.
Network features and protection
The Slate AX supports WPA3 encryption, DNS over TLS and DNS over HTTPS to protect DNS queries from interception, the IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, as well as a built-in firewall with support for port forwarding, port opening and DMZ. The VPN router is equipped with three 1 Gbps Ethernet ports (1 WAN + 2 LAN), a USB 3.0 Type-A port and a MicroSD card slot (up to 512 GB) — convenient for local data storage or deploying a file server via Samba or WebDAV. The device works in several modes: classic router, access point (AP), wireless or wired bridge — allowing flexible integration into any existing network.
IEEE 802.11ax and device connectivity
The Slate AX supports a combined Wi-Fi speed of up to 1800 Mbps (600 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band and 1200 Mbps in the 5 GHz band). IEEE 802.11ax technologies — OFDMA, MU-MIMO and BSS Coloring — improve the stability and efficiency of data transmission when a large number of devices are connected simultaneously. Two external antennas (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) fold down for compact storage.
OpenWrt, custom firmware and full technical support
GL.iNet firmware is based on OpenWrt and gives you full control over settings and additional options. Our team of system administrators, network engineers and DevOps specialists supports the router for its whole life, handles warranty repair or replacement directly, and builds custom firmware and set-ups on request.
What’s in the box
GL.iNet Slate AX router (GL-AXT1800), USB Type-C power supply (EU plug), Ethernet cable, warranty card, quick start guide.
GemiGuard Mirage for the GL.iNet Slate AX. Mirage for this device includes DNS encryption, system log wiping, removal of connected Wi-Fi client history, MAC and BSSID randomization. More about Mirage →
Useful resources
Full technical specifications
- Wi-Fi standards
- 802.11b · 802.11g · 802.11n · 802.11a · 802.11ac · 802.11ax
- Wi-Fi bands
- 2.4 GHz · 5 GHz
- Wi-Fi speed
- 1200 Mbps (5 GHz) · 600 Mbps (2.4 GHz)
- Ethernet interfaces
- 3 (1 WAN + 2 LAN)
- Ethernet speed
- 1 Gbps · 10 Mbps · 100 Mbps
- VPN protocols
- OpenVPN · OpenVPN (with DCO support) · WireGuard
- WireGuard speed
- up to 500 Mbps (our tests)
- OpenVPN speed
- up to 500 Mbps with DCO (our tests)
- Network modes
- wireless bridge · wired bridge · router · access point
- Operating system
- GL.iNet firmware based on OpenWrt
- Processor
- Qualcomm IPQ6000, quad-core, 1.2 GHz
- RAM
- DDR3 512 MB
- Storage
- 128 MB NAND flash memory
- MicroSD slot
- up to 512 GB
- USB ports
- 1x USB 3.0 Type-A
- Antennas
- 2 pcs., external
- Antenna type
- non-removable
- Power port
- USB Type-C
- Supply voltage
- 5 V
- Power consumption
- < 4.5 W
- Operating temperature
- 0–40° C
- Color
- black
- Dimensions
- 125 × 82 × 36 mm
- Weight
- 245 g
- Humidity
- 5% - 95%, non-condensing
- Warranty
- 24 months
- Certifications
- CCC · CE · FCC · MIC · RoHS · WEEE
- In the box
- GL.iNet Slate AX (GL-AXT1800) router · USB-C power adapter with EU plug · Ethernet cable · user manual