Peplink is a large and respected company in the high-end mobile networking space, particularly well known for providing cellular connectivity for everything from fleets of vehicles to cruise ships to dispersed corporate offices.
While Peplink's Pepwave cellular integrated routers are not specifically designed with individual mobile users in mind, Peplink does offer solid and well-supported products that many advanced users have grown to rely on.
What is now known as the MAX BR series was first released back in 2015 with the original Pepwave MAX BR1 - which is now considered obsolete. The BR of the product line is short for 'Business Rugged', and the number indicates the number of embedded modems.
In mid 2021, Peplink released a completely updated MAX BR1 Pro, that is similar only in name to its predecessors. In mid-2022, they released the MAX BR2 Pro bringing in a dual modem option to the product line-up.
Everything else about the BR Pro series is truly next generation.
The BR Pro series is Peplink's focus on rugged but prosumer level mobile routers with their highest end modem options.
Product Variations
In mid-October 2023, both 5G versions became available with the x62 5G modem and the x55 will remain in distribution channels. Be sure to shop carefully using the model numbers to make sure you get the version you want - the x62 will use -5GN in the model name.
MAX BR1 Pro 5G
Initially was released in 2021 with the x55modem, and updated in mid-Oct 2023 with a x62 based modem. The 2021 model was the first major product refresh of the MAX BR line-up featuring a single 5G modem and a massive upgrade to the router chassis.
Specifications
- Model:
- x62: MAX-BR1-5GN-T-PRM (recommended)
- x55: MAX-BR1-5GH-T-PRM
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: 150
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: 2x RP-SMA Antenna Ports (2x2 MU-MIMO)
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address:
- Address: 192.168.50.1
- Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 1x 2.5 Gbps Ethernet WAN (LAN switchable), 2x 1GB Ethernet LAN, 1x vWAN with PrimeCare
- Router Throughput: 1 Gbps / 200 Mbps Encrypted
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 5G
- Modem Module or Chipset:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 (Quectel RM520N)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 (Sierra Wireless EM9191)
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Dish (Auto Switching)
- 5G Bands:
- x62: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n13, n14, n18, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n75, n76, n77, n78, n79
- x55: n1, n2, n3, n5, n28, n41, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79
- LTE Bands:
- x62: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
- x55: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz
- 5G Bands:
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 4x4
- 5G Cellular Performance:
- Max Theoretical 5G Performance:
- x62: 3.4 Gbps Down / 900 Mbps Up
- x55: 4 Gbps Down / 700 Mbps Up
- 5G Carrier Aggregation: Mid-Band & Low-Band 5G can not be combined
- Max Theoretical 5G Performance:
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-20 (Max Theoretical Speed: 2 Gbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: At least 5x Download, 3x Upload
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: 2 Nano
- Dimensions: 4.93 x 5.79 x 1.14 inches
- Power Source: 12v 2A 4-Pin Power Supply (AC adapter included, 12V adapter available)
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, Band Locking, Peplink AP Controller, Load Balancing, SpeedFusion Bonding, Synergy, vWAN
- Retail Price: $999.00
- PrimeCare: First year free, then $149/yr
Spec Sheet: MAX BR1 Pro 5G Specs Document
MAX BR2 Pro
Introduced in June 2022, this is the first dual modem option in the BR Pro series based on the Pro Chassis, adding in USB tethering and additional Ethernet ports.
Specifications
- Model:
- x62: MAX-BR2-PRO-5GN-T-PRM (recommended)
- x55: MAX-BR2-PRO-5GH-T-PRM
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: 150
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: 2x RP-SMA Antenna Ports (2x2 MU-MIMO)
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address:
- Address: 192.168.50.1
- Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 2x 2.5 Gbps Ethernet WAN (1 LAN switchable), 4x 1GB Ethernet LAN, 1x vWAN with PrimeCare
- Router Throughput: 1 Gbps / 200 Mbps Encrypted
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Dual 5G
- Modem Module or Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 (Sierra Wireless EM9191)
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint (Auto Switching)
- 5G Bands:
- x62: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n13, n14, n18, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n75, n76, n77, n78, n79
- x55: n1, n2, n3, n5, n28, n41, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79
- LTE Bands:
- x62: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
- x55: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 4G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz
- 5G Bands:
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 4x4
- 5G Cellular Performance:
- Max Theoretical 5G Performance:
- x62: 3.4 Gbps Down / 900 Mbps Up
- x55: 4 Gbps Down / 700 Mbps Up
- 5G Carrier Aggregation: Mid-Band & Low-Band 5G can not be combined
- Max Theoretical 5G Performance:
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-20 (Max Theoretical Speed: 2 Gbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: At least 5x Download, 3x Upload
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x SMA/Female antenna ports per modem, Basic Indoor Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: 2 Nano per modem (4 total)
- Dimensions: 8.58 x 7.68 x 1.6 inches
- Power Source: 12v 2A 4-Pin Power Supply (AC adapter included, 12V adapter available), POE Input
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, Band Locking, Peplink AP Controller, Load Balancing, SpeedFusion Bonding, Synergy, vWAN
- Retail Price: $2,899.00
- PrimeCare: First year free, then $249/yr
Member Exclusive Tip: Before settling on the MAX BR line-up, be sure to take a look at the B One series released in February 2024 for $299. The first model does not have a cellular modem, but we would not be surprised to see future models with this option. These routers are lower cost and features Ethernet, USB and Wi-Fi WAN - making them great for bringing in external internet sources like Starlink, cellular POE/adapter devices and mobile hotspots.
Spec Sheet: MAX BR2 Pro Specs Document
MAX BR1 Pro
This MAX BR1 Pro model offers the pinnacle of LTE technology, without support for 5G.
Specifications
- Model:MAX-BR1-PRO-GLTE-S-T-PRM
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: 150
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: 2x RP-SMA Antenna Ports (2x2 MU-MIMO)
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address:
- Address: 192.168.50.1
- Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 1x 2.5 Gbps Ethernet WAN (LAN switchable), 2x 1GB Ethernet LAN, 1x vWAN with PrimeCare
- Router Throughput: 1 Gbps / 200 Mbps Encrypted
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint (Auto Switching)
- LTE Bands:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 4G/3G: HSPA+/WCDMA: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B8, B9, B19
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 4x4
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-20 (Max Theoretical Speed: 2 Gbps Down / 150 Mbps Up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: At least 5x Download, 3x Upload Carrier Aggregation.
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: 2 Nano
- Dimensions: 4.93 x 5.79 x 1.14 inches
- Power Source: 12v 2A 4-Pin Power Supply (AC adapter included, 12V adapter available)
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Integrated GPS, Band Locking =, Peplink AP Controller, Load Balancing, SpeedFusion Bonding
- Retail Price: $699.00
- PrimeCare: First year free, then $99/yr
View our Peplink product line overview and articles - co-authored with our education & action partner at MobileMustHave (who offers advanced support, guidance and discounts to our members):
News, Videos & Status
MobileMustHave & Peplink sent us the MAX BR1 Pro 5G for evaluation in late 2021 and the MAX BR2 Pro in June 2022 - and have both in continual use since. In October 2023, we also received the x62 variants of each of these models and will be putting them into our head to head testing.
Our in progress testing notes are shared in our testing in progress forum for MIAs, and have been summarized in our members-only review below.
- In Progress Testing Forum: Peplink MAX BR2 Pro (Cellular Embedded Router)
- In Progress Testing Forum: Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G (Cellular Embedded Router)
Here is our first look video of the MAX BR Pro Series:
Related News Center Articles
Alternatives to Consider
For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
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Member Exclusive Content Below
- Thoughts & Analysis
- Deep Dive
- MAX BR1 Pro Hardware
- MAX BR2 Pro Hardware
- 5G Router Considerations
- Choosing Your Peplink & Antenna Pairings
- Hands on Testing Notes
- Alternatives to Consider
- Should You Buy a MAX BR Pro?
Purchasing Options
Purchasing Links & Disclaimer
We don't sell stuff, we are primarily member funded. Some links below may be affiliate links (see our disclaimer), which also helps fund MIRC.
The vendors displayed below provide larger discounts to our MIAs that we have negotiated instead of displaying affiliate links while they are logged in.
MIA Discounts - Learn & Save!
Our Mobile Internet Aficionados (MIA) get special discounts from the below vendors. Members please check for discount codes before ordering. With savings up to 11% off, you could save more than your membership cost!
In mid-October 2023, both 5G versions became available with the x62 5G modem and the x55 will remain in distribution channels. Be sure to shop carefully using the model numbers to make sure you get the version you want - the x62 will use -5GN in the model name. We will keep these links updated as vendors start carrying the x62 variant.
Affiliate vendor links - using these links helps support MIRC's mission (MIAs, please log in to get special discounts):
- MobileMustHave
- MAX BR1 Pro 5G - X62 | Speed Demon 5G Mobile Internet Bundle | Speed Demon Starlink Edition Internet Bundle
- MAX BR1 Pro - Cat 20 | Speed Demon VR2 Mobile Internet Bundle
- MAX BR2 Pro 5G - X62 | Ultimate Road Warrior Bundle 5G
- MobileMustHave Internet Bundles are discounted kits with antenna & other options - learn more
- TechnoRV
- Onboard Wireless
- Waveform
- Amazon
Other vendors (non-affiliate):
- 5G Store
- Wilson Amplifiers
Routers can serve as a central conductor of your local area network in your RV and boat. Mobile routers are different from residential routers in that they typically support multiple internet sources like cellular and Wi-Fi, can be powered off of 12v or AC and support external antenna for better receiving signal.
But you might not need a router in your setup. Here's a quick video overview the variety that routers come in:
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of