The GL.iNet Flint 3 (model GL-BE9300) is a tri band WiFi 7 router with five 2.5 gigabit Ethernet ports, OpenWrt based firmware and built in WireGuard and OpenVPN rated at up to 680 Mbps. In early November 2026 GL.iNet’s US store lists it at $199.99 against a $209.90 regular price. It is one of the cheapest ways to get BE9300 class WiFi 7 with multi gig wiring, and it suits VPN users and tinkerers better than people who want a set and forget mesh kit.
This guide pulls together the official specs, independent test results, the mesh support GL.iNet added in firmware 4.10, current pricing and the alternatives worth comparing.
Quick verdict
- Best for: multi gig fiber users, whole home VPN, home offices that need a backup WAN, OpenWrt fans
- Price: $199.99 on sale at GL.iNet’s US store (regular $209.90), early November 2026
- Strengths: five 2.5G ports, 680 Mbps WireGuard and OpenVPN, no subscription for core features
- Weak spots: WiFi 7 MLO performance was inconsistent in testing, and mesh is newer and more hands on than mainstream kits
- Skip it if: you want a polished phone app system covering a large multistory home out of the box
GL.iNet Flint 3 specs
| Spec | GL.iNet Flint 3 (GL-BE9300) |
|---|---|
| WiFi | WiFi 7 (802.11be), tri band: 688 Mbps on 2.4GHz, 2,882 Mbps on 5GHz, 5,765 Mbps on 6GHz |
| Processor and memory | Qualcomm quad core at 1.5GHz, 1GB DDR4 RAM, 8GB eMMC storage |
| Ethernet | Five 2.5G ports: one WAN, one switchable WAN or LAN, three LAN |
| Other ports | One USB 3.0, reset button |
| VPN | WireGuard and OpenVPN with DCO, each up to 680 Mbps; client and server modes; 30+ VPN providers supported |
| Coverage and devices | Up to 2,000 sq ft and over 124 simultaneous connections (GL.iNet rating) |
| Antennas | Four foldable external antennas |
| Power | 12V 4A adapter; under 25W without USB load, under 37.2W with USB load |
| Size and weight | 240 x 157 x 74 mm, 848 g |
| Warranty | Two years, 30 day money back from GL.iNet |
Source: GL.iNet official GL-BE9300 product page, checked November 2026. WiFi figures are theoretical link rates per band.
CNX Software, which covered the launch in June 2025, believes the unnamed Qualcomm chip is the IPQ5332. GL.iNet itself only lists the core count and clock speed. You need WiFi 7 clients to use 6GHz WiFi 7 features; older WiFi 6 and 6E devices connect fine at their own limits.
Real world performance: what testing found
TechRadar’s review, published August 3, 2025, tested the Flint 3 with an HP EliteBook using an Intel BE201 WiFi 7 card. The results show both the promise and the rough edges.
| Test (TechRadar) | Result |
|---|---|
| 6GHz, short range, MLO off | Steady 1,441 Mbps |
| 6GHz, MLO on | Fluctuated from about 250 Mbps to a brief 5,760 Mbps peak |
| WireGuard VPN | Capped at about 680 Mbps by the chip (Flint 2 is rated at 900 Mbps) |
| Scores | Value 4/5, Design 4/5, In use 3.5/5, Performance 3.5/5 |
Source: TechRadar, GL.iNet Flint 3 WiFi 7 router review.
The reviewer saw MLO (Multi Link Operation, the WiFi 7 feature that bonds bands) produce parsing errors and TCP retransmissions, and found that disabling hardware acceleration improved reliability. Other notes: the radio tuning leans heavily on 6GHz, which does not travel through walls as well as 5GHz; the automatic channel picker was not very effective; some higher power USB drives were not recognized; and in Access Point or WDS mode the wired web interface was blocked, so the phone app had to be used. TechRadar still called it “an exceptional piece of equipment” for the money.
Tip
If MLO is unstable on your devices, run the 6GHz band without MLO first. TechRadar’s steady 1,441 Mbps result with MLO off is still far beyond what most homes need. For placement, follow our router placement strategy for full home coverage.
Mesh support: what changed in firmware 4.10
Mesh was the Flint 3’s biggest weakness at launch; TechRadar found no node or controller mode in 2025. GL.iNet has since added native mesh in firmware 4.10, built on EasyMesh. In a September 2026 forum post, GL.iNet staff pointed Flint 3 and Slate 7 owners to stable v4.10.1 for mesh, said Flint 2 and Beryl AX support was in testing on the v4.11 beta, and said other models cannot yet be mixed into a GL.iNet mesh. eero units cannot join a GL.iNet mesh, though the two can run side by side with one in bridge mode.
GL.iNet also told forum users that dedicated mesh node products are expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. Its Velica 7 mesh system (a hub plus nodes) is listed on GL.iNet’s site but marked as not available in the US until further notice, so for American buyers a second Flint 3 remains the practical way to extend coverage. If you only have one or two weak rooms, our guide to fixing WiFi dead spots may solve the problem without a second router.
Features that set it apart
- OpenWrt underneath. A friendly web interface on top, with access to OpenWrt settings and packages when you need them. TechRadar’s unit ran a customized OpenWrt 23.05 base.
- Router level VPN. WireGuard or OpenVPN as a client protects every device, including smart TVs and consoles that cannot run VPN apps; server mode lets you reach home remotely. For how WireGuard compares with other protocols, see our explainer on ExpressVPN, Lightway and WireGuard.
- Multi WAN. The switchable port gives a second wired connection for failover or load balancing, and the USB port supports phone tethering or a cellular modem.
- Ad blocking. AdGuard Home is available in GL.iNet’s firmware for network wide filtering, with no subscription.
- 2.5G everywhere. Four 2.5G ports besides the WAN let a fast line reach a PC or a NAS such as the UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus without a gigabit bottleneck.
Price and where to buy, November 2026
GL.iNet’s US store lists the Flint 3 at $199.99 on sale, down from $209.90. The main GL.iNet product page showed $209.99 at the time of writing, so prices vary slightly by storefront. For history: GL.iNet opened preorders in June 2025 at $119 to $159 with a stated $229.90 MSRP, and TechRadar paid $189.90 direct in August 2025. Deal threads on Slickdeals have logged promotions from roughly $109 to $158 since launch, so waiting for a sale is a reasonable strategy if you are not in a hurry.
| Router | Type | US price (GL.iNet store, Nov 2026) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL.iNet Flint 3 (GL-BE9300) | Tri band WiFi 7, five 2.5G ports | $199.99 (regular $209.90) | WiFi 7 clients, multi gig, VPN |
| GL.iNet Flint 3e (GL-BE6500) | Dual band WiFi 7, no 6GHz | $169.90 | Saving money if your devices do not use 6GHz |
| GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) | WiFi 6, OpenWrt | $159.99 | No WiFi 7 devices; faster VPN rating (900 Mbps) |
| TP-Link Archer BE550 | Tri band BE9300 WiFi 7, 2.5G ports, EasyMesh | Check retailers | Buyers who prefer an app driven ecosystem |
GL.iNet prices from its US store collection page; Flint 2 VPN rating per TechRadar. Prices change with promotions.
Who should buy the GL.iNet Flint 3
- Multi gig internet users. A 2.5G WAN and four more 2.5G ports let a fast fiber plan reach wired devices at full speed.
- VPN users. 680 Mbps covers most US home plans; only traffic inside the tunnel is limited by that figure.
- Home offices. A second WAN keeps you online when the main line drops.
- Tinkerers. OpenWrt access lets you add packages far beyond typical consumer firmware.
It is a weaker fit for very large homes that need wide coverage out of the box, and for anyone who wants to set up once in a phone app and never touch a web interface. If you are still choosing between router types, start with the basics in our guide on how to connect to WiFi, then check whether your phone and laptop actually support WiFi 7 and 6GHz.
Before you buy
- Check your clients: without WiFi 7 and 6GHz devices, the Flint 3e or Flint 2 delivers most of the benefit for less
- Update firmware first: mesh needs v4.10 or later, and GL.iNet recommends connecting to the internet during setup to get the latest build
- Plan for gigabit VPN limits: a 1 Gbps or faster plan will exceed the 680 Mbps VPN ceiling
- No physical WiFi switch: GL.iNet lists only a reset button, so most settings live in the web interface or app
The verdict
The GL.iNet Flint 3 packs WiFi 7, five 2.5G ports, fast router level VPN and real OpenWrt flexibility into a router that costs about $200, a combination that is still rare at the price. The firmware has matured since launch, most notably with mesh in v4.10, but WiFi 7 MLO behavior was inconsistent in independent testing. If you value control, privacy features and multi gig wiring, put it on your shortlist. If you want the simplest possible setup, a mainstream mesh system will suit you better.
FAQ
How much does the GL.iNet Flint 3 cost?
In early November 2026, GL.iNet’s US store lists the Flint 3 at $199.99 on sale, with a $209.90 regular price. Retail promotions have dropped it lower at times.
Does the GL.iNet Flint 3 support mesh?
Yes. GL.iNet added native mesh in firmware 4.10, built on EasyMesh, and recommends stable v4.10.1 for the Flint 3. Other GL.iNet models are still being added, and eero units cannot join a GL.iNet mesh.
How fast is the VPN on the GL.iNet Flint 3?
GL.iNet rates WireGuard and OpenVPN with DCO at up to 680 Mbps. That limits traffic inside the VPN tunnel, not normal internet traffic.
What is the difference between the Flint 3 and Flint 3e?
The Flint 3 is tri band with a 6GHz radio. The Flint 3e is dual band WiFi 7 without 6GHz and costs $169.90 at GL.iNet’s US store. Both have five 2.5G ports.
Does the GL.iNet Flint 3 need a subscription?
No. VPN, AdGuard Home and multi WAN work without a paid plan. Optional cloud management is available but not required.
Is the GL.iNet Flint 3 good for a large house?
GL.iNet rates one unit for up to about 2,000 square feet. Larger or multistory homes will likely need a second unit in mesh or a wired access point.
Sources
- GL.iNet: Flint 3 (GL-BE9300) product page
- GL.iNet US store: home routers
- GL.iNet forum: guidance on mesh setup (September 2026)
- GL.iNet: Velica 7 mesh system
- TechRadar: GL.iNet Flint 3 WiFi 7 router review
- CNX Software: GL.iNet Flint 3 launch and specs
- RTINGS: GL.iNet Flint 3 router review
- OpenWrt: GL.iNet GL-BE9300 table of hardware
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