GL.iNet GL-B1300 (Convexa-B) Home AC Gigabit VPN Router, 400Mbps(2.4GHz)+867Mbps(5GHz) High Speed, DDR3L 256MB RAM/32MB Flash ROM, OpenWrt Pre-Installed, Wi-Fi Networking, Power Adapter Included

This is an amazing piece of kit for the price. As others have said, it can operate in two modes: a simple interface that gets you up and connected quickly (but also has several advanced features), and then an advance mode that has the Luci graphical interface for the open-source OpenWRT OS on which the router runs. (This is a BusyBox variant of Unix/POSIX/Linux, and you can configure it to your heart's content if you have some Linux knowledge, but this is not needed for everyday users.)The signal strength has been very good both in 5GHz and in 2.4GHz bands.The router has a USB port, so you can set it up, for example, as a media server by attaching a large external USB drive, or as your own personal "cloud", or even as a wireless backup device.It works in repeater mode, has Wireless Mesh options, or as a bridge device. It also has PPPoE, 3/4G and Pone tethering, so you could use this as an ad-hoc travel router (though personally I would choose one of the dedicated travel routers this company produces for that).Aesthetically it's quite pleasing, with rounded corners, and all-white design, and very discreet dim operating lights that would not bother you at night (they are actually very hard to see during the day unless you cup your hand over the router -- this is a positive!).Within two days of my setting up this router, a new firmware became available (yesterday!). I installed it, and was astounded to see that it is now configurable from the simple (non-advanced) interface to run as an OpenVPN server (it was already configurable as an OpenVPN client). This means that you can use a simple piece of software on your PC/Mac/Android/iOS to connect to this box from anywhere in the world, and your connection will appear to be coming from within the UK. Great for accessing UK services when you're away from home, or for security if you need to log in to your Internet banking while you're at a public hotspot from anywhere. Just note that if you install this box as a repeater, behind your main router, you might need to do some extra configuration to get the VPN running. I had to go to the configuration files in the OS and set the public IP address of my main router, and then open the required port in my main router. You wouldn't have this problem if this box *is* your main router connected directly to your ISP's modem or to ethernet. Note this option is still in Beta, so I'd expect this to improve in the interface with the next firmware. But it's great to know that these options are available. Another uber-geeky option is Shadowsocks, available only from the advanced interface. Plus many others.All-in-all, I'm very pleased with this. It's powerful but can also be used easily by non-tech users.

I am very impressed with this router it is easy to configure via pc in a web browser or phone app the iOS app can be a bit buggy but not to much of a problem I have a 350mbps broadband connection openvpn gives me speeds of between 20 and 20mbps where wireguard gives me speeds of over 100mbs the phone app also has a quick QR setup if your vpn service provides it I use Strongvpn that supports this I will be adding another to my network(Also has Tor build in)

Excellent router. Received quickly and very well packaged. Although easy and quick to set up, this is a very powerful piece of kit running OpenVPN which I thoroughly recommend.

Wall-mounted, good signal on 2.5 and 5GHz bands, occasional reboots with very heavy traffic loads but otherwise great.Only 2 LAN ports so may need additional switch for some uses - does support 802.1q vlan tagging as openwrt on the ethernet ports.Mains adapter is fixed wall-block and 1m cable which can be limiting for mounting higher up a wall.

The most powerful device in GL.iNet line is the most easiest to use too. The device is physically of durable plastic, looks very well done. What positively surprised me has been the gui: there are two levels, let's say, a first level of its configuration is the easy mode. It allows to set up most of the most important settings without wasting time searching among a billion other settings: to configure the router I've spent 5 minutes, OpenVPN configuration is literally just dropping the ovpn file on the config page. A second layer is given by the advanced mode: here you'll find the million other settings, given by the fantastic OS OpenWRT. For the very-advanced user the router allows access via ssh. I would recommend this router to everyone looking for a very powerful device (read the specs) with a reasonable price tag.

The quick start guide was spot on. The initial online software update was quick and event free. The standard configuration (aka basic) options are easy to set up.I've a pile of special requirements though:- separate LAN for Chinese IoT devices- updating dynamic DNS- mix of 2.4 GHz and 5GHz devices- VPN gateway- local DNSAnd abracadabra all this is available through the advanced options - with many more available through plugins/packages. Advanced mode is a very competent port of vanilla OpenWRT (Google it if you want to know more) so bags of online help with that. Don't expect a manufacturer helpline for that stuff though.Hardware-wise - A good amount of RAM and ample FLASH. Coverage is what you would expect from wifi. The 5GHz is fast (2.4 GHz is congested where I am - 40-50 APNs visible - but performs as expected). No bells, no whistles, no flashing lights to speak of and a small and innocuous housing.What is not to like?