Let me start by saying this little device has revolutionized how I stay connected while traveling. The GL.iNet GL-MT3000 is about the size of a deck of cards but packs enterprise-level features that make public Wi-Fi actually usable.

The Good Stuff: Setting up was surprisingly easy - I had it running within 5 minutes at my hotel. The dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support means my phone automatically connects to the faster 5GHz band while older devices use 2.4GHz. The VPN capabilities are game-changing; I configured WireGuard once and now all my devices get encrypted protection automatically.

Real-World Performance: At a crowded airport lounge, I connected 7 devices simultaneously (laptop, two phones, tablet, and family members' devices). Speeds remained stable around 80Mbps through VPN - enough for video calls and streaming. The USB-C power means I can run it off my laptop or a power bank when outlets are scarce.

Annoyances: Like others noted, it defaults to separate SSIDs for each band which feels outdated. The range is understandably limited given its size - in larger hotel rooms, positioning matters. And yes, captive portals can be tricky until you learn the workaround (hint: connect first without VPN).

Who It's For: If you frequently use sketchy hotel Wi-Fi or share connections with family/colleagues while traveling, this is worth every penny. The security features alone justify the cost for business travelers. Tech enthusiasts will love tinkering with OpenWrt options.

After six months of global travel with this router, I can confidently say it's one of those rare gadgets that actually delivers on its promises - just pack a short Ethernet cable as backup for those weird hotel networks.