GL.iNet GL-A1300 Pocket VPN Travel Router - Portable VPN Router

In this review the GL.iNet GL-A1300 Pocket VPN Travel Router is presented as a compact travel-oriented router for privacy conscious users and frequent travelers; the single biggest reason to buy is its built-in VPN support and programmable OpenWrt platform that secures multiple devices at once. Setup is straightforward and the device is aimed at people who need to connect to public or hotel Wi-Fi login pages while keeping traffic protected by OpenVPN or WireGuard, and the review focuses on real-world use rather than marketing claims.

Key Features

• Dual Band AC: Provides combined wireless throughput with 400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps on 5 GHz to support mixed device loads while traveling.
• Built-in VPN Client and Server: OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed so users can secure traffic for all connected devices without per-device software.
• Open Source OpenWrt: Slate Plus runs OpenWrt 21.02, letting advanced users install packages, tweak settings, and reduce interference with custom firmware options.
• Hardware and Portability: A compact 118 x 84 x 33 mm body and included power adapter and Ethernet cable make it easy to carry and deploy in hotels, cafes, or RVs.
• Network Storage Support: USB storage with SAMBA and WebDav support enables simple file sharing across the local network when a drive is attached.
• Physical Toggle and Policies: A configurable hardware switch lets users quickly enable features like AdGuard Home or the VPN client, and VPN routing policies allow selective routing for specific sites or IPs.

Who It's For

The GL-A1300 is best for travelers, remote workers, and small-group users who need to secure multiple devices behind a single VPN connection and want the flexibility of OpenWrt. Its small footprint and easy setup appeal to people who move between hotels, airports, and cafes and want to avoid exposing laptops and phones to open networks.

It is less suited for users who need enterprise-class throughput for many simultaneous heavy streams, since real-world VPN speeds depend on protocol choice (WireGuard is much faster than OpenVPN) and ISP limits. Casual home users without interest in custom firmware may find simpler consumer routers more plug-and-play.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong travel-friendly design with compact size and included accessories for quick deployment.
• Powerful VPN support with both OpenVPN and WireGuard pre-installed for immediate use.
• OpenWrt programmability and features like AdGuard Home and encrypted DNS for advanced privacy controls.

Cons

• Maximum VPN speeds vary significantly by protocol; OpenVPN is noticeably slower than WireGuard in real use.

Specifications

Wireless	Dual band AC: 400 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + 867 Mbps (5 GHz)
CPU	IPQ4018 @ 717 MHz
VPN Performance	OpenVPN up to 28 Mbps, WireGuard up to 170 Mbps
OS	OpenWrt 21.02 (open source, programmable)
Network Storage	SAMBA and WebDav via external USB drive
Size & Weight	118 x 84 x 33 mm; 429 g
Package Contents	Router, US power adapter, Ethernet cable, user manual, 1-year limited warranty

Our Verdict

The GL-A1300 is a practical choice for travelers and privacy-minded users who want a single, portable device to secure multiple devices with WireGuard or OpenVPN. Its OpenWrt base and network storage options add flexibility, and while OpenVPN speeds are modest, WireGuard delivers strong performance, making it good value for those who need on-the-go privacy and customization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can it handle hotel Wi-Fi and captive portals?
Yes, the router is designed to connect to public or hotel Wi-Fi login pages and share that connection securely to your devices.

Does it require extra software to use VPN?
No, OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed; the router can run the VPN client so connected devices do not need individual VPN apps.

Can I use a USB drive as network storage?
Yes, attach an external USB hard drive and use SAMBA or WebDav to share files on the local network.