This was posted 2 months 30 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) Wi-Fi 6 AX6000 2.5G Multiport Router $182.34 Delivered @ GL.iNet via Amazon AU

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GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) Wi-Fi 6 AX6000 2.5G Multiport Router $182.34 Delivered @ GL.iNet via Amazon AUAffiliate
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Clear on 18/03/2025 - 20:02 amazon.com.au (2306 clicks)
Last edited 18/03/2025 - 20:07 by 1 other user
7B8B2I7O
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This has been very popular previously and now it's back on sale for those after a high performance, open source router with plenty of features.

Like others from this brand it natively supports OpenWRT firmware, allowing full access to OpenWRT’s features and add-ons. It offers fast VPN integration with WireGuard and OpenVPN, along with built-in AdGuard Home for network wide ad blocking. The hardware is powerful and frequently receives firmware updates.

It features two 2.5G network ports with both being able to be used as WAN ports for a secondary connection, failover etc, 4 gigabit LAN ports, 4x4 WiFi 2.4GHz speeds up to 1148Mbps and 5GHz up to 4804Mbps, USB 3.0 port, 4 antennas and a multi plug charger.

  • Redeem the coupon 7B8B2I7O at checkout

Specifications:

  • 6x Ethernet ports (WAN/LAN)
  • 1x USB 3.0 port
  • 1x Reset button
  • MediaTek Quad-core @ 2.0 GHz
  • DDR4 1GB / eMMC 8GB
  • IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
  • 1148Mbps (2.4GHz), 4804Mbps (5GHz)
  • 2x 2.5G Ports (10/100/1000/2500Mbps)
  • 4x 1G Ports (10/100/1000Mbps)
  • Antennas 4x 2.4GHz + 5GHz two-in-one Wi-Fi Antennas
  • LEDs 1x dual color LED indicator for Power and Internet
  • Power Input DC5521, 12V/4A (5.5x2.1mm)
  • Power Consumption <20W
Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
This is part of Amazon Big Smile Sale for 2025
Computing Big Smile Sale GL.iNet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 Wireless Router

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closed Comments

    • littlesoldier on 19/03/2025 - 00:38
      +6

      Depends, GL.iNet are great for advance users as the OS is build based on OpenWRT
      It can be very useful for tech users to setup things like plugins, VPN etc. (eg. I have installed ShadowSocks client in GL iNet Beryl AX so to bypass firewall when travelling in China)

      Asus AX86U Pro stock firmware already provide many features without the need to setup / install (flashing to Merlin firmware will even enhance further)
      Asus routers support Mesh network with other Asus routers (even older ones such as AC68U)
      so its a great use of old routers as a AiMesh nodes

      My take:
      If you only run 1 router without the need of Mesh, GL.iNet Flint 2 should provide very close performance to Asus AX86U Pro (might even outperform)
      and Flint 2 is cheaper than AX86U Pro ($182.84 vs $299 Amazon price)

      If you are advance user and would like to run third party plugins, Flint 2 is the way to go (especially you know some linux/bash and can SSH to the router)

      If you are normal users and just want an easy-to-setup router, or you already have other Asus routers and would like to setup Mesh network
      AX86U Pro is a solid choice

      • shaidas on 19/03/2025 - 00:56

        Very well said..couldn't agree more

      • rygle on 19/03/2025 - 07:35
        +3

        I disagree strongly.

        I would think most people would find the Flint 2 has a very friendly Web GUI.

        If you want the harder experience you can certainly do that (re+flashing to full blown/vanilla OpenWrt, SSH, scripting), but it is not at all needed. Even vanilla OpenWrt has a great GUI that has a learning curve, certainly, but is far from having to do anything on the command line. And the gl.inet factory firmware adds a better proprietary GUI over the top that is renowned for being user friendly.

        One of the reasons that people have the impression that the Flint 2 is a hard device to use is that it became extremely popular during its early days (even pre official release) when the drivers had some issues that are now totally sorted out. The chip manufacturer MediaTek and gl. Inet and the OpenWrt community worked together and sorted it out within a few months. And that was a brand new chipset.

        Even in the early days people recognised the amazing capabilities of the Flint 2, the ease to customise it, to flash OpenWrt vanilla to it. But all that stuff is not necessary and the device with either the factory GUI forked version of OpenWrt has done an amazing job of simplifying some quite advanced capabilities.

        Vanilla OpenWrt has more capabilities, but even that has varying levels of user experience. Sure, you can choose the harder experience, but for the vast bulk of its advanced stuff you don't have to.

        Both the Asus and the Flint 2 are good devices, but I personally think the Flint 2 is the very best device on the market from a whole bunch of perspectives, not least being price to performance to capability. But it still comes with a very friendly GUI, just don't confuse that for lack of capability.

        • littlesoldier on 19/03/2025 - 08:53
          +3

          To be clear, I never said that Flint 2 has a bad GUI. In fact, Flint 2 is excellent, particularly for more advanced users who want flexibility and customisation. However, Asus routers are designed to cater to a broader audience, making them more user-friendly for general consumers.

          For example, Flint 2 allows users to install a wide range of plugins directly through its GUI. However, since these plugins are primarily OPKG packages (with over 5000 available from the repository), users need to understand which ones are compatible with the router. Some plugins may not work properly due to hardware limitations or the MediaTek MT7986A chipset.

          In contrast, the Asus RT-AX86U Pro offers a fully integrated experience where all features in the GUI are pre-tested and optimized for the router. Features like QoS, AiMesh, AiProtection, and DDNS are readily available and easy to configure without requiring additional plugins. This makes Asus routers more suitable for general users who prefer an out-of-the-box experience without the risk of misconfigurations affecting system stability.

          Flint 2: Provides a user-friendly GUI for essential setups (WAN, LAN, DHCP, WiFi, VPN, etc.), but advanced configurations require more technical knowledge. The ability to install plugins adds great flexibility but requires users to verify compatibility.

          Asus RT-AX86U Pro: Offers a more streamlined experience with all features fully tested and functional out of the box. Suitable for general users who want a hassle-free setup without worrying about potential compatibility issues.

          In short, Flint 2 is ideal for tech-savvy users who enjoy customisation, while Asus routers prioritise ease of use for the general public.

          • rygle on 19/03/2025 - 09:18
            +1

            @littlesoldier: If you take both on their GUI, both have a friendly GUI.

            All the stuff about add-ons, SSH, Linux is all by choice. It's like Windows has PowerShell and services, but 95% of the time you have to choose to go there. Even Macs have a shell and lots of hidden ways of tweaking things if you choose to go there.

            The default GL.iNet GUI experience is none of that and it will hold your hand all the way and does not push you out of a highly hand held GUI experience even when adding all sorts of things that the Asus would never dream of. That is a huge part of what GL.iNet have built a reputation for, doing great interfaces on very capable devices in a way that hides the complexity.

            It is 'fully tested'. To say otherwise is disingenuous or ill-informed. There were some initial hardware driver issues, but they were fixed about 12 months ago, very shortly after the Flint 2's actual release date. There have been several more updates since then but not anything serious.

            Even if you go the next step and install vanilla OpenWrt it is still GUI driven until you choose otherwise.

            • littlesoldier on 19/03/2025 - 09:40
              +1

              @rygle: while Flint 2 GUI is friendly
              the default GUI has less features provided compare to Asus router
              and you will need to install opkg packges (which requires experience / knowledge to do it)
              here's some comparison from ChatGPT

              Feature Asus RT-AX86U Pro Flint 2 (GUI Default) Flint 2 (Requires OPKG Customization)
              QoS (Quality of Service) ✅ Built-in GUI (Adaptive QoS, Bandwidth Limiter) ❌ Not available ✅ Requires sqm-scripts via OPKG
              Parental Controls ✅ Built-in (Web & App Filtering, Schedules) ✅ Basic site blocking & schedule control ✅ Advanced filtering via adblock or dnsmasq OPKG
              AiProtection (Security) ✅ Built-in (Malware & Intrusion Protection) ❌ Not available ✅ Requires manual firewall & banIP via OPKG
              DDNS (Dynamic DNS) ✅ Built-in (No-IP, Asus DDNS) ✅ GUI supports No-IP, DynDNS, Cloudflare ✅ Custom DDNS providers require OPKG & script setup
              VPN Server (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPsec) ✅ Built-in GUI ✅ GUI for OpenVPN & WireGuard ✅ Advanced customization (policy-based routing) via OPKG
              VPN Fusion (Selective VPN by Device/App) ✅ Built-in GUI ❌ Not available ✅ Requires vpn-policy-routing via OPKG
              Traffic Analyzer (Real-time Monitoring) ✅ Built-in GUI ❌ Not available ✅ Requires nft-qos or vnstat OPKG setup
              DDoS Protection (Firewall Security) ✅ Built-in ❌ Not available ✅ Requires banIP or iptables custom rules
              Port Forwarding & NAT Rules ✅ Built-in GUI ✅ GUI available ✅ Advanced custom NAT rules require OPKG (iptables)
              USB File Sharing (Samba, FTP, NFS) ✅ Built-in GUI ❌ Not available ✅ Requires samba36-server or vsftpd via OPKG
              UPnP / NAT-PMP ✅ Built-in GUI ✅ Built-in GUI ❌ No OPKG required
              USB 4G/5G Modem Support ✅ Built-in GUI ❌ Not available ✅ Requires usb-modeswitch & wwan via OPKG
              Summary
              • ✅ Asus RT-AX86U Pro offers a fully integrated, plug-and-play experience.
              • 🔧 Flint 2 provides basic network settings via GUI, but advanced features require OPKG customization.
              • 🛠 Flint 2 users need to install packages manually (e.g., sqm-scripts for QoS, vpn-policy-routing for selective VPN, banIP for security).
              👉 Which Router is Best for You?
              • If you want an easy-to-use, fully-featured router with everything built-in → ✅ Asus RT-AX86U Pro
              • If you prefer flexibility, open-source packages, and don’t mind manual setup → ✅ Flint 2 with OPKG customization
              • lufee on 19/03/2025 - 09:49
                +1

                @littlesoldier: Just want to add that RT-AX86U Pro only has one 2.5 gig port, which could be configured as either a WAN or LAN port,

                Whereas Flit 2 has two 2.5 gig port so little bit more future proof in regard to upcoming 2gig NBN speed.

                Might be worth thinking about ASUS RT-BE86U if you're into Asus.

                • littlesoldier on 19/03/2025 - 10:03

                  @lufee: Both 2.5Gbps and Wifi7 are still a bit overkill for most users IMO
                  devices that supports Wifi7 are still picking up
                  and probably still requires a few years before NBN 2Gbps become widely available

                  For 2.5Gbps LAN use, probably best use case is to attach to NAS?

              • rygle on 19/03/2025 - 09:52
                +5

                @littlesoldier: And we all know ChatGPT must be right….

                Samba fire sharing is available by changing a slider to on
                https://docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/interface_guide/network…

                USB Tethering (to a phone) is a simple setting
                https://docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/interface_guide/interne…

                USB cellular modem support is built in
                https://docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/interface_guide/interne…

                • littlesoldier on 19/03/2025 - 09:59
                  +1

                  @rygle: I have not verify the full results from ChatGPT but you get my points….LOL
                  The fact is, by just comparing "default GUI" Asus router does provide more features than GL iNet ones
                  I believe at the end its up to user to make their decision on what they need is best for them

                  For myself, I have long history of owning both brands (first mango back in 7 years ago) and both are great in their use case

                  • rygle on 19/03/2025 - 10:20
                    +2

                    @littlesoldier: I have discounted pretty much all the things that ChatGPT "proved"

                    Asus does not provide more.

                    No non-GUI needed for any of the stuff you mentioned for Flint 2.

                    Don't know what you are trying to prove, but keep digging that hole…

                    • littlesoldier on 19/03/2025 - 10:22

                      @rygle: then probably the major reason to get Asus over Flint 2 is Mesh network supports

                      • rygle on 19/03/2025 - 10:37

                        @littlesoldier: Mesh is covered by AP mode, extender mode, WDS mode, all GUI based by clicking a button.

                        https://docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/interface_guide/network…

                        WDS and 802.11s are both much more industry standards based mesh options than Asus offers, which is tied to their brand only.

                        Everyone knows that mesh is just a marketing term for all kinds of non-standards proprietary hackfests. WDS and 802.11s are built in standards based protocols with the flint 2.

                        • littlesoldier on 19/03/2025 - 10:49

                          @rygle: WDS and mesh are not truely the same

                          A mesh network is more dynamic than what typical WDS functionality can provide. Mesh nodes typically support multiple wireless hops before reaching a node that's wired into the network, whereas an AP with WDS might only be able to wirelessly connect to another AP wired onto the network. Mesh nodes are also usually self-healing, meaning a wireless node should choose the best node to wirelessly connect to rather than being statically configured with WDS to a single AP. Thus if the airwaves change, there’s interference or an obstruction blocking the signal to one node, it could automatically switch to another node within range that provides a higher quality connection. This provides redundancy, so if one mesh node goes down or has a poor connection, the remaining nodes should still be operational and serving end-users.

                          https://interline.pl/Information-and-Tips/Mesh-Routing-And-W…

                          • rygle on 19/03/2025 - 11:03
                            +1

                            @littlesoldier: To have a self-healing mesh requires at least 3 routers.

                            I have strong signal right through my house with one Flint 2

                            My Flint 2 cost less than the Asus and is more capable in so many ways. You are attempting to split hairs and failing.

                            I have set up a 3 Router network for a community group using just fast roaming 802.11r, which is basically extender mode and gives high availability and clients pick the strongest signal, but honestly I think one Flint 2 would cover it just as well.

                            • littlesoldier on 19/03/2025 - 11:09

                              @rygle: thats why I say at the beginning, everyone has a different use case and choices
                              for your home 1 Flint 2 is enough

                              some homes having multi-levels with concrete or brick walls might benefit with mesh networks

                              Mesh routers (or AiMesh in Asus) requires simple setup to add new nodes to the network
                              it only requires to setup the primary router, then adding nodes which will populate all the config to nodes without setup indidually

                  • rygle on 19/03/2025 - 10:38

                    @littlesoldier: Flint 2 ≠ Mango

                    • littlesoldier on 19/03/2025 - 10:51

                      @rygle: just saying my very first Gl iNet router is Mango
                      over the years I got a few more Gl iNet routers such as Beryl and Beryl AX

                      • rygle on 19/03/2025 - 10:52

                        @littlesoldier: Flint 2 ≠ Beryl AX

                        • littlesoldier on 19/03/2025 - 10:57

                          @rygle: they both use the very similar GUI and base OpenWRT / Luci
                          both using v4 firmware and features are the same
                          major difference are on the hardware side (eg. processor, ports, ram, wifi speed, antennas etc.)

                          • rygle on 19/03/2025 - 11:07

                            @littlesoldier: Only SOC, switch chip, PHYs, ram, system storage, WiFi speed, WiFi streams, antennas, Ethernet ports, USB type.

                            So hardly any difference. 🤣🤣

                            • littlesoldier on 19/03/2025 - 11:11

                              @rygle: I am comparing the feature setup user experience between routers, I dont see much difference between Flint 2 and Beryl AX

                              anyway I think its enough for the conversation, enjoy your Flint 2 :)

                              • rygle on 19/03/2025 - 11:27
                                +2

                                @littlesoldier: I just want people to be informed by actual facts, not chatgpt hallucinations.

                                And I believe on a forum like OzBargain, the price performance ratio matters, and in most use cases, whether hand-held/simple GUI (for most functions) or complicated shell scripts (only if one chooses) the Flint 2 stacks up.

                                I do not begrudge you your opinion and wish you well, but I prefer to stick to facts.

              • rygle on 19/03/2025 - 10:11
                +1

                @littlesoldier: Selective VPN by Device/App:
                https://docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/3/tutorials/vpn_policies/

                Plus many VPN tutorials (99% GUI based)
                https://docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/tutorials/

                DDOS protection
                Has a built in iptables based, GUI configured firewall

                Parental Controls
                Has built in Bark parental control software
                https://docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/interface_guide/parenta…

              • Pashka on 19/03/2025 - 14:47

                @littlesoldier: Wow all this discussion on a router worth $182.34 Delivered with excellent specs vs Asus RT-AX86U Pro @ $479.00 @ https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/networking/modems-&-rout…

                May as well as compare apples and water melons.

                • littlesoldier on 19/03/2025 - 14:48

                  @Pashka: Not $479 but $299 in Amazon AU delivered
                  https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/898044

                  Its apple to apple when comparing both products in Amazon AU price

                  Besides, you point out another fact that GL iNet only sell their products online (eg. Aliexpress and Amazon)
                  while Asus sell routers in both online and physical stores
                  From brand perspective, Asus is well known brand and has been making networking devices for many years, with great local product supports and warranty

                  On the otherhand, GL iNet doesnt have a local office (their head office is in Hong Kong)

                  I do agree GL iNet products are great and cost justified (and personally owned 5 GL iNet routers)
                  But its up to personal decision and use case in choosing a right router
                  Price and spec are just some of the factors

                  • Pashka on 19/03/2025 - 17:45

                    @littlesoldier: Yes you are correct Amazon has this at $299.00 atm down from $429.00. Just goes to show how overpriced Asus products are.
                    I was an Asus convert but imo Asus has lost its way.

                    • littlesoldier on 19/03/2025 - 18:50

                      @Pashka: Probably up to customer to decide whether it’s worth the extra money

                      But what I can tell is their routers are pretty solid, many people still runs their RT-AC68U which has been established in the market over 10 years. My AC68U that bought in 2013 still runs today as a AI Mesh node

                      • Pashka on 30/03/2025 - 21:09

                        @littlesoldier: I have always had ASUS products but my last Asus laptop has left me wanting.

                        Just out of warranty and it has issues, and Asus washes it hands as it is just out of warranty.
                        It is a home laptop and I don't game, so it has hardly been thrashed.

                        My previous Asus laptops I still have and are working fine, but too old for Win 11.

                        That is why I ditched the idea of buying an Asus RT-AX88U Pro for the Flint 2 and have been very happy with it and saved a heap of coin in the process.

  • vinataba on 19/03/2025 - 00:04

    Thanks. I have ordered this with the Beryl AX too. Hopefully it is a worthy upgrade from TUF AX3000 😀

  • The Fat Cat on 19/03/2025 - 00:53

    Just ordered one. Time to decommission the virtualised opnsense and TP-Link WAP combo. Thanks!

    • poida97 on 19/03/2025 - 10:52

      Curious about your reason for going this way if you could share.
      Were you not happy with opnsense itself or the fact that it was on a VM?

      currently on an ac68u + eap ap
      Thinking about switching the router to a mini PC based opnsense install.

      • rygle on 19/03/2025 - 11:13
        +1

        Some reasons might include (not my setup, just guessing reasons why)

        • Power saving
        • Complexity saving
        • WiFi improvement together with routing on one device
        • Device rationalising/minimising - complexity, power
        • Size
        • Noise?
        • Capability of Flint 2, can run docker etc
      • The Fat Cat on 19/03/2025 - 12:59
        +2
        1. Powersaving & less heat
        2. I want to mess around with the proxmox node without my network going down
        3. TP-Link AX 1800 doesn't have good wifi speeds and I'd be more comfortable with OpenWRT based WAP
        4. Simplify setup & have a more resilient network
  • VvaughnVillain on 19/03/2025 - 07:52

    Just bought a ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX6000 for 355. Would it be worth returning as this is cheaper and looks about the same? Not sure of the difference.

    • kfp187 on 19/03/2025 - 09:29

      Ive had both…
      Both are similar…. the ASUS I felt had better range and easier to set up that whole AIMesh stuff.
      The Gl.Inet has some great in built features but must say the lack of mesh could be a deal breaker.
      Gl.inet has Adguard Home, tailscale, wireguard server and client. (which to be fair the ASUS can do all but tailscale but not out of the box).

      Hopefully thats helped… if you need Mesh go the Asus if not return and get this instead.

      • rygle on 19/03/2025 - 10:51

        Or just go to the network tab and choose AP mode (if Ethernet connected), or extender or WDS mode (if WiFi connected).

        https://docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/interface_guide/network…

        • kfp187 on 19/03/2025 - 16:36

          Would that work like mesh though? will devices switch over to the stronger signal AP?

          • Franck P on 23/03/2025 - 16:15

            @kfp187: Most newer WIFI routers nowadays support 802.11k, 802.11v. If you put the second router in AP mode. Your phone should roam from one WIFI router to another one if it detects a stronger WIFI signal. It might not be as smooth as if you have all the routers from the same brand. But it should still do WIFI roaming.

  • ArtieD on 19/03/2025 - 08:29

    I've used this with HFC for ~2years now and it has been fantastic.

    The UI is simple but has many advanced options that others have mentioned.

    I have loved the simplicity of the AdGuard Home across the network that is built in too.

    • yy193 on 19/03/2025 - 09:01

      I use a Beryl bought just bought the flint 2.

      With the Beryl, whenever i reboot it, it turns adguard off and I have to manually turn it back on.

      I have tried adding it to the startup in Luci but no avail.

      Does it do this on the Flint 2?

      • ArtieD on 19/03/2025 - 10:10

        I've never turned it off to be honest.

        But after a firmware update it still runs as normal, so I would not expect this to be an issue.

    • Pashka on 30/03/2025 - 21:13
      +1

      How to agree. I was a bit hesitant as I had no exposure to the operating system, turns out it works straight out of the box with some minor input from you, the same that you would do for any new router.

  • klonky on 19/03/2025 - 09:45

    Hows the wifi range on this? I have an Asus ax56u which doesnt quite cover the whole house. Would this be a good replacement?

    • lufee on 19/03/2025 - 09:56
      +2

      Flit 2 has ax6000 and ax56u has ax1800 so it would be good replacement, or you could get another cheaper Asus for AI mesh.

  • Dinjay on 19/03/2025 - 10:19

    This is a great price. I have the Flint 2 flashed with Openwrt, and so far it has been solid.

    There is one curiosity: lan2 slot was limited to 100Mbps unless it was connected to a hub/router. If it's connected to a hub/router, then the link goes back up to 1Gbps. All the other lan ports seem to always work at 1Gbps.

    Has anyone else seen these symptoms?

  • jiancoek on 19/03/2025 - 10:25

    Dumb question here, is this type of router good or better invest in Mesh type of router ?

    • Clear on 19/03/2025 - 10:30

      It depends on your environment. Usually if you're in a multi storey house or wanting to reach further out to a shed or granny flat in the backyard I'd often recommend a mesh router. This one does do mesh with compatible routers but I'd say the setup isn't quite as user friendly as other off the shelf options like TP Link Deco

  • sn0w on 19/03/2025 - 10:33

    Sorry for a noob question, but is the Wireguard and OpenVPN features meaningless in regards to security and hiding IP unless I have a separate VPN subscription?

    • Tinqer on 19/03/2025 - 11:05
      +1

      Yeah a VPN hides you by funneling your traffic through a server that's somewhere else, so if privacy is the goal you still need to pay for some other service.

    • rygle on 19/03/2025 - 11:19

      Even most paid VPNs are pretty useless at hiding IP address in all honesty. It is not hard for government level tech to track traffic in and out of VPNs, and they will mostly also just hand over the logs when asked.

      Best to assume that whatever you do will be visible to someone if they start digging.

      • DeToxin on 19/03/2025 - 12:12
        +1

        I thought some VPN providers don't keep logs?

        • venomin on 19/03/2025 - 13:28
          +2

          https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ijfqfLrJWLUVBfJZ_Yal…
          ^always a good resource to consult

          • DeToxin on 19/03/2025 - 15:29

            @venomin: Thats a fantastic spreadsheet - I feel better about swapping from PIA to Nord now

        • rygle on 19/03/2025 - 13:50

          That's what they say, but how would you know?

          https://www.pcworld.com/article/2367508/vpns-and-the-law-how…

          And that is far from the only way to track you.

          Your ISP records lots of stuff and even when you use encryption they may have a record of which ip addresses you went to, when and various other metadata.

          Authorities can also compare in and out points of VPN services and correlate data. I've read about cases where they've done it.

          Also, there are many other things tracking you for other purposes that the govt can tap into. Amazon, Microsoft, Google, YouTube, Facebook, X, eBay, other Cloud Services.

          Even if you are very careful there are so called super-cookies on the server end that track you by getting common information like operating system, browser, browser plugins, screen resolution, CPU, ram, video card, usage patterns. Even if you use blockers, they can track you by what you are blocking, what cookies are not being saved, etc. When all those bits of information are assembled, it is likely to be very unique.

          I'm not trying to be paranoid, just don't think that VPNs are worth what they make out they are. They are high profit snake oil in many cases.

          They might protect you from a man in the middle attackgrabbing your bank password (by virtue of encryption,if you are lucky) when using a renegade public WiFi hotspot, but they don't make your activities invisible.

          Always assume that someone can see what you're up to.

          Here's a fun read
          https://www.quora.com/Does-using-a-VPN-really-prevent-the-tr…

          • DeToxin on 19/03/2025 - 15:35

            @rygle: Let's be honest, I doubt any govt is going to make a request for the average joe using a VPN.

            Sure there may be other means for infrastructure providers to correlate data about you and try to match things up, but as a basic layer of protection, VPNs are undoubtedly good.

            If you're the unabomber then sure, some of the things you mention will probably come into play, but for most people, I doubt it.

  • vorno on 19/03/2025 - 11:59

    Is this wall / ceiling mountable?

  • DeToxin on 19/03/2025 - 12:11

    anyone got thoughts on whether it's worth upgrading to this from an RT-AC88U?

    Also, I've done some googling and it seems like I could still use the ac88u as a wireless access point while using the flint as the main router - is that correct?

    I think I'm using 6 of the ethernet ports on my router atm, so might need to add a swtich to the Flint2, but I'm thinking that wifi6 might offer better throughput for local game streaming from my pc to my phone (play games in bed sometimes).

    • Pashka on 19/03/2025 - 19:57
      +2

      I upgraded from an Asus RT-AC88U to the Flint 2. I was going to buy an Asus RT-AX88U Pro but found this had the same specs and was less than half the price.

      I had no issues with my RT-AC88U with Merlin , brillant router, just was at End Of Life for firmware updates so possible security risk.

      This router had better wifi than the Asus which was fantastic. Paid $220.00 when the Asus was around $600.00

      Its been a year now and it has been rock solid.

      • DeToxin on 19/03/2025 - 21:15

        Thanks for your insights!
        I'm trying to work out if I can run the ac88u as a wireless access point that's hardwired to the flint 2 - is that possible? And will I still be able to use the ethernet ports on the ac88u if it's in access point mode?

        • Rgh on 19/03/2025 - 23:05
          +1

          Yes - I’m no expert but I’ve set up a dumb AP myself on an old netcomm router by hardwiring via a lan cable. I believe this can be done for almost all routers. From memory you need to turn off DHCP to make it a dumb AP. All my lan ports and wifi worked fine from this router too.

          I believe they can both be setup on the same wifi logon/password credentials too and if you want o go even further there may be a way to setup fast switching between wifi networks and have this based on the connection strength. I am a bit out of me depth on the last points though but it was something I looked into before realising I didn’t need those feature and could stick to one router.

          • DeToxin on 20/03/2025 - 05:57

            @Rgh: Cool, thanks heaps. I already ordered but would just return it if I want able to use the 88u as a second access point with it

  • Naigrabzo on 19/03/2025 - 13:38

    Boys, I have a Fritz.box 7490 which is flaky WIFI (on NBN FTTN) so got this router.

    Do you know whether I can get rid of Fritz altogether or replace it with something else so all my routing be done by the Gl.inet router?

    Thanks.

    • Twix on 19/03/2025 - 14:36

      No you need a VDSL2 modem for nbn FTTN. Configure the Fritzbox modem in bridge mode. Plugin the ethernet cord from the Fritzbox modem LAN to the GL.iNet router LAN port.

      Check if you're eligible to swap from nbn FTTN to FTTP here. This way you plug in the GL.iNet Flint 2 router to the nbn fibre NTD.

      • Naigrabzo on 19/03/2025 - 14:38
        +1

        Understood. I wil investigate the bridge option…. Thanks!!

        Alas no fibre to my kerb or property.

        • Twix on 19/03/2025 - 14:40

          More FTTP upgrades are coming to Canberra over the next few years. Keep an eye out.

          • Naigrabzo on 19/03/2025 - 16:10
            +1

            @Twix: Thanks mate. I don't need faster but would like more stability. I am getting lag spikes and this can affect intense gaming. :)

            • Twix on 19/03/2025 - 16:21
              +1

              @Naigrabzo: FTTP has the faster speed tiers, lower latency and best stability. Check that you are connected to the Fritzbox modem 5GHz Wi-Fi.

              Who is your nbn ISP?
              Is it possible to use ethernet?

              • Naigrabzo on 20/03/2025 - 09:55
                +1

                @Twix: Thanks man. My connection is 5Ghz but it drops out alot (2.4 does the same). I have chcked channels and changed them manually as well to check to no avail. When connected I get 100/20 as per my connection from Superloop.

                All diagnostics look fine! All my wired connections are absolutely fine.

                One thing I need to do is to check the power supply for my Fritz. Apparently it can be an issue.

                • Twix on 20/03/2025 - 10:51

                  @Naigrabzo: Hopefully the GL.iNet solves your problem. When is it being delivered?

    • shutuptakemymoney101 on 19/03/2025 - 19:30

      Not utilizing VoIP on the Fritz? If so you'll need an ATA, IP phone or similar.

      • Naigrabzo on 20/03/2025 - 09:56
        +1

        I don't have a home phone or VOIP. Many years ago I had VOIP….. which is why I bought the Fritz. IT used to be a nice modem/router with all included.

  • shutuptakemymoney101 on 19/03/2025 - 19:47

    Aaargh!!, would love to pull the trigger on one now just to play around with. I have no immediate need to upgrade my current Asus RT-AX86U though so I'll resist until the Flint 3 is released.

    GL.iNet are starting to hype the introduction of the Flint 3, hopefully it isn't far off and we'll see these prices again or (hopefully) cheaper for the Flint 2.

  • chinura on 20/03/2025 - 00:26

    Hi, can I use this with superloop nbn to premises 100/20 connection,
    Any related videos how to connect

  • No ONE on 20/03/2025 - 13:38

    I'm experiencing a constant drop out. how to know if it is flint 2 router related or NBN provider related?

  • sschen on 20/03/2025 - 17:45

    What are people's opinions of this router vs the Xiaomi BE7000 for about the same price? The Xiaomi BE6500 is even cheaper at nearly half the price

    • Clear on 20/03/2025 - 19:37

      Despite being listed as "WiFi 7" they don't have the 6GHz band as it hasn't been approved for use in China. Xiaomi have started region locking a lot of them too, so ones with Openwrt support previously won't work on newer hardware revisions with most models not supporting it. Perfectly fine if you intend on using their firmware.

      • Limbot on 20/03/2025 - 21:04

        Their WiFi 7 Slate does not include 6Hz but has a separate MLO 802.11be SSID band alongside seperate 2.4 and 5 bands.

        • Clear on 20/03/2025 - 21:06

          The Flint 3 will have 6GHz. Still miles ahead of Xiaomi BE7000 and BE6500 as sschen is asking about.

  • Thrifty McGifty on 22/03/2025 - 13:15
    +4

    My review after just installing the Flint2:
    - wifi coverage is great. Coming from a TP-Link Archer wifi5, this one goes so much further. Even on wifi5 or less clients. I used to need an AP inside our metal shed, but not anymore.
    - GUI is great. I recently installed openwrt on an old Wireless-N router, and it looked very confusing. Flint's GUI is quite good and easy to use.
    - Can do everything I need to out of the box. I thought I'd have to flash openwrt, but I was able to setup my pihole to do the DNS and dhcp serving, and forward a port for a server very easily.

    I'm very happy with it so far.

  • roshade on 25/03/2025 - 08:49

    Looks like it’s back in stock but the code has expired

  • brisdaz on 01/04/2025 - 22:57

    Back in stock at a smaller discount of $207.20

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