Budget VPN router
GL.iNet Flint 3e (GL-BE6500) WiFi 7 Router
The Flint 3e delivers the core of GL.iNet's VPN-router formula — accelerated WireGuard, OpenWrt firmware, ad-blocking — on dual-band WiFi 7 for under $160. For gigabit homes that don't need 6 GHz, it's the smart buy.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Price checked Jul 30, 2026.
What we loved
Worth knowing
Why we recommend it
The Flint 3e delivers the core of GL.iNet’s VPN-router formula — accelerated WireGuard, OpenWrt firmware, ad-blocking — on dual-band WiFi 7 for under $160. For gigabit homes that don’t need 6 GHz, it’s the smart buy.
In our testing the highlights were clear: same OpenWrt + accelerated WireGuard stack as the Flint 3; dual-band WiFi 7 with MLO and 4K-QAM; multi-gig 2.5 GbE networking at a budget price; no subscription for any security feature.
It is not perfect — no 6 GHz band — dual-band only; fewer multi-gig ports than the full Flint 3. For most buyers in this category those trade-offs are easy to live with, but weigh them against your setup before you click buy.
