GL.iNet GL-BE9300 (Flint 3) Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router $254.91 Delivered @ GL.iNet via Amazon AU

470
L4RQ894M
This post contains affiliate links. OzBargain might earn commissions when you click through and make purchases. Please see this page for more information.

15% off coupon. Dosen't stack with $5 VISAFIVE coupon.

I wanted a Wi-Fi 7 Tri-band MLO Router. Best I could find from a reputable brand. Some say it's "not worth it" over the prior model. Leave that decision up to you.

Has 2.5 Gigabit ports to support the new fastest 2 Gigabit plans from NBN next month. Run's a fork of OpenWRT, can install lots (not all) of packages. Supports USB tethering for cellular backup via phone or dongle.

(not sure why link dosen't work here it is again: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FB8X43KJ)

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

Referral Links

Referral: random (3)

Referee gets 10% off. Referrer gets 500 points.

Related Stores

Amazon AU
Amazon AU
Marketplace
GL.iNet
GL.iNet

Comments

  • +8

    Wow! 25-37W for a router?! Day'um.

    Along with the fact dozens of blobs are closed source, makes sense why the Flint2 is still in demand.

    Probably the best value wifi7 router out there atm, but still a shame :(

    • +1

      yeh its a lot of power. I found the major things I want are supported so its fine for me.

      2.5gig ethernet, Ad block, Tailscale support, backup Cellular

      • +11

        So does the flint2 though, at 8.5W.

        Though you said you need wifi7, so I guess that makes up for it.

    • +2

      I have mine from the preorder, didn't check the power consumption but the thing covers my place like no other did, MLO is also very cool and silly at the same time (hitting 8.6Gbps on a wifi 7qualcomm card on my desktop)

    • Why is it a shame?

      • +5

        Moving from open source to closed source always is.

        And the fact that (any brand) wifi7 isn't matching the efficiency.

        The fact my file server uses less than a router is wild to me.

        Still cool tech.

        • Thanks for clarifying .. I've still got a lot to learn, but might be easier avoiding this research project of wifi router equipment and just sticking with the Asus RT-BE92U. what do you think?

          EDIT … sounds like the BE92U has a pretty weak CPU. Maybe there are better options.

    • +6

      It only draws 37.2W if 15W is coming in from the power supply and going straight back out the USB 3 port to something plugged into it. Flint2s and 3s both have the same rating power supply. 12V/4A. If the 3 really drew a lot more power doing the same they'd have given it a bigger power supply.

        • So you are arguing that GL-iNet would only supply their product with a power supply just big enough. If that's the case, why would they have supplied the 2 with a 48W power supply if it only uses 8.7W as is claimed here.

          • @GordonD: Why spread misinformation, what are you gaining from it?

            Have you measured your Flint2?

            I have. All 3 of mine are within 2W of each other; thats between 6.9W and 9W.

            SPX Labs also saw a 6.3W reading, so I'm not alone, just not sure why some are better.

            We can zoom call and I can show you if you'd like.

            So you are arguing that GL-iNet would only supply their product with a power supply just big enough.

            Huh?
            No, you implied that, I disagreed.

            You stated:

            Flint2s and 3s both have the same rating power supply. 12V/4A. If the 3 really drew a lot more power doing the same they'd have given it a bigger power supply.

            You implied that because the 3 consumes multiple times more than the 2 (8W vs 25W), they should have given it a bigger power supply.

            I'm saying the included 48W power supply is still enough.

            why would they have supplied the 2 with a 48W power supply if it only uses 8.7W as is claimed here.

            Cost saving.

            12v transformers\regulators come in specific sizes. You want to use the cheapest possible that gives the required output.
            1A is too small with a USB device attached, so the next step is 4A.

      • https://www.tpcdb.com/product.php?id=7698

        24W is 400% higher.
        To most, that is a lot more.

        Ive also measured first hand as low as 6.9W (rarely though), I can show you this if you'd like.

        SPX labs got as low as 6.3W.

        https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PiTEbkOOt1o&t=382

    • +2

      Wow! 25-37W for a router?! Day'um.

      Yeah wifi 7 radios are hungry…

      Along with the fact dozens of blobs are closed source, makes sense why the Flint2 is still in demand.

      There's not really a choice with the Flint 3, given it's Qualcomm IPQ53xx (still early support in OpenWrt) and a WiFi 7 access point (there's barely any work on MLO done at the moment, and that's most likely just base work in preparation for the OpenWrt Two platform and other mt76 users)

      Probably the best value wifi7 router out there atm

      GL.Inet will also be the manufacturer for the OpenWrt Two hardware, which will be done when it's done. There's also that Mercusys MR47BE, but that's obviously not as open and currently is more expensive than the Flint 3. (Although I think the Mercusys might be IPQ93xx)

    • Mercusys Halo H47BE 2 pack was better if you don't need many software features, it was $363 with $50 CB delivered ($156.50/ea)

      Only 3x 2.5Gbps not 5, but still BE9300. Lacks settings as they're more for mesh / hotspots, not usually as a main router, but they still can be used as one.

    • It definitely draws more, but from one youtube review I found, it seems to be around 11W: https://youtu.be/1AEoPJb3HF4?t=453

  • +1

    Do these support meshing a few together?

    • +1

      Yes but haven't tried

    • +1

      They don't. They provide an AP extend mode, but that isn't mesh.

    • I think the answer is yes but not with a few simple clicks in the GUI. Openwrt does support mesh but it's probably a bit of manually configuration (most likely in the advanced native luci ui).
      I've never done it myself.

      https://youtu.be/t4A0kfg2olo?si=tyPe-GOGGYomCgrq

    • Possibly look into Mercusys Halo H47BE 2 packs on sale for this if they're compatible, they got down to $313 delivered for 2.

      Limited software, only 3x 2.5Gbps ports, but mesh supported and BE9300 still.

    • +1

      Not at the moment. The current GL firmware for this doesn't support mesh yet.

      This router switched to use Qualcomm chipset and GL still have work to do on the firmware in order to support mesh. Furthermore, the 5GHz band is now 2x2. Yes, it does have 6GHz band (also 2x2). At this price (and based on the specs), you can tell it is not using the latest Qualcomm chipset (but the more cost effective one).

  • No link?

  • Pre order was at $189. I will wait

    • +2

      GL inet devices, like samsung only have their best prices with the preorder deals. If I have to guess this might go to $220-210 at most but never to the pre order pricing. I hope I'm wrong for everyone's sake because it's a great device and excellent value for a wifi 7 router/AP

  • How would your compare to the Asus RT-BE92U?

  • This or a ubiquiti UX7?

    • I considered it but it's 2x the price

      • what does this thing do? ..https://www.centrecom.com.au/ubiquiti-unifi-express-7-mesh-scalable-super-compact-10g-cloud-gateway

        • Ubiquiti UniFi Express 7 is a router with tri-band Wi-Fi 7.

          • @Twix: that's the same as this Flint 3, right?

            • +1

              @matt-ozb: That is right. Flint 3 has more ethernet ports. Express 7 requires a switch for more ethernet ports.

              Router WAN port LAN ports
              GL.iNet Flint 3 one 2.5GbE WAN port four 2.5GbE LAN ports
              Ubiquiti UniFi Express 7 one 10GbE WAN port one 2.5GbE LAN port
              • @Twix: hmm .. now I'm confused! … Flint 3, Ubiquiti Express 7, Ubiquiti Router 7?

                looks like Asus RT-BE92U has a weak CPU, so maybe avoid?

                • +1

                  @matt-ozb: Asus RT-BE82U has a fast 2.0GHz quad-core CPU. Flint 3 is a good buy for the price. Ubiquiti will cost more.

    • +1

      If you plan to get more access points or you want mesh setup (UniFi access points can run in wireless mesh like mode), the maybe UX7 (there are other Ubiquiti offerings to consider). Flint 3 currently doesn't support mesh (whether you can go raw OpenWRT and set it up that way I am not sure).

      UX7 doesn't have to be run as a router, it can be used as an access point (if you have UCG-Fiber, UDR7 etc…).

  • joined Leaptel - got their TP VX230V modem. (both ozbargain deals!)
    DNS problem once a day at least - ie chrome/IE so need reboot tp modem
    Took a bite at AX86U Pro AX5700 as you do since ozbargain deal (sigh for now) - is tp link suppose bridge or just plug asus rt router into nbn.
    Can't get it to bridge - plugging directly nbn works/no dns problems BUT extremly unpredictable…. ie wait a minute for a webpage load half the time…
    stayed up till 3am as wife wfh and she wasn't pleased. can't win lol.
    coming from a not so savvy tech background so any advice would be good.
    * leaptel uses CGNAT - which i turned off.

    • +1

      I am also on Leaptel. I actually replaced an old router with the one in this deal due to dropouts. if you buy modem from them they are supposed to help you fix it. good luck

    • +1

      Plug Asus directly to the NBN box using the same cable plugged in to the tp router It replaces the TP VX230V. But check the TP settings and mimic in Asus router.
      If you have FTTP, asus router should be set as wireless router mode which is default. If thats the case, plug and play

  • +5

    Flint 2 is the best router I've ever owned! Zero regrets.

    AdBlock in the router is awesome. Rock solid WiFi, never have to reboot it. Signal strength upstairs is much stronger than my old TPG WiFi 7 device.

    • Mine was a little unstable when bought, but since new firmwares now is perfect. I do have it automatically reboot once per week to keep it clean.

    • Do you have issues with cashback not tracking with adguard on?

      • +3

        Yes that's quite normal. I disable adguard before cashback websites

        • How easy is it to disable on the router? Can you do it from an app?

  • +1

    So with this device you can tether a cellular phone to share over Wifi?

    • Yes via usb

  • +1

    I grabbed one of these from the earlier preorder deal posted a few months back - has been very solid no issues at all. Like some have said did consider flint 2 but this was still a massive upgrade from my previous Asus68u and I've got a few things that support wifi 7. I can finally get my full FTTP speeds on my wifi network vs having to be wired in. MLO is awesome.

    • -1

      Does the parental control feature have granular settings like blocking specific urls like youtube or roblox server for a specific time/day duration?
      Also, can you create multiple wifi networks for guest, child and iot devices?

      • Yes

        • Do you mind uploading screenshots of the interface?

          • +1

            @Brakus: I have Flint 2, assuming Flint 3 will have similar pages

            • @kz: Awesome. Thank you!
              Can you have more than 2 wifi networks?

              • @Brakus: I'm not sure to be honest but it may be possible if you know advanced configurations. I can't find anything in the basic configuration for more than 2 wireless networks.

  • +9

    After a lot of research I got the Flint 2 last week for $176. Flint 3 is a downgrade other than the fact that it has Wifi 7 only useful if you actually have Wifi 7 capable devices.

  • Router aside, is this a decent Wifi 7 AP? Looking for one that does 6 GHz but won't break the bank

  • cheers! grabbed one. need to ditch my pos netgear xr1000.

  • Hate to say this but… bad deal.

    • Why is that?

      • Flint 3 is worse than Flint 2. And this price is sorta high for this kind of router. I expect around $210 maybe

        • Unless you need multiple 2.5g ports?

  • I currently have an ORBI mesh for a small single story house. If I got this or a flint 2, could I get rid of my 2 pack ORBI mesh and only use this ? Or would I still leave one wired ORBI router in the garage to extend in AP mode?

Login or Join to leave a comment