GL.iNet is a Hong Kong-based tech company that builds a variety of routers, including some with modular cellular modems.
GL.iNet has a large product line, and the Spitz AX and Puli AX are their newest and most advanced routers as of mid-2023. While the Spitz AX shares the same name and a similar look as the original Spitz, it's actually a complete redesign with significantly more advanced internal components and capabilities.
Like other GL.iNet routers, the firmware is based on OpenWRT, a highly customizable open-source firmware with a good reputation for features and reliability.
The Puli AX is largely the same as the Spitz AX, except that it also includes an internal battery. The Puli AX is thicker, with a gray bottom portion that houses the battery. This increases the thickness by about 1/2" from the Spitz AX. Additionally, the Puli AX also has a status LED showing the battery charge.
Other than that, the internals of both are the same.
Product Lineup
Currently, the Spitz AX is available in two versions, differing only in the available internal modem:
- Cat-16 Version: Utilizes an LTE-only Cat-16 modem
- 5G Version: Utilizes an X62 5G modem with LTE at Cat-19.
The Puli AX only comes with the 5G module.
Specifications
- Model:
- Spitz AX GL-X3000NR (5G)
- Spitz AX GL-X3000C16 (Cat-16)
- Puli AX GL-XE3000 (5G)
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHZ
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: 2x
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not Specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Address: http://192.168.8.1
- Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: Yes
- Ethernet Ports: 1x 2.5 Gigabit WAN/LAN, 1x Gigabit LAN
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Model: GL-X3000NR & GL-XE3000NR
-
- Cellular Modem: Single 5G
- Modem Module or Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 (Quectel RM520N-GL)
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
- 5G Bands: 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
- 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, 43, 46, 48, 66, 71
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 4x4
- 5G Cellular Performance:
- Max Theoretical 5G Performance: Not Specified
- 5G Carrier Aggregation: Not Specified
-
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-19 (Max Theoretical Speed: 1.2 Gbps Down / 316 Mbps Up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: 5x Download, 3x Upload
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: 2 Nano
- LTE Performance:
-
- Model: GL0X3000C16
-
- Cellular Modem: Single 4G
- Modem Module or Chipset: Quectel EM160R-GL (Cat-16)
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
- LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 4x4
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-16 (Max Theoretical Speed: 1 Gps Down / 150 Mps Up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: 4x Download, 3x Upload
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic Indoor Antennas Included
- SIM Slots: 2 Nano
-
- Model: GL-X3000NR & GL-XE3000NR
- Dimensions:
- Spitz AX: 6.7 x 3.7 x 1.4 inches
- Puli AX: 6.7 x 3.7 x 1.9 inches
- Other Ports: USB, TransFlash (TF) slot
- Power Source: 9-36v DC
- Puli AX: 6400mAh battery
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features: Remote/Web administration, Band Locking, Multi-WAN failover, and load balancing.
- Retail Price:
- Spitz AX GL-X3000NR (5G Cat-19) - $519.00
- Spitz AX GL-X3000C16 (Cat-16) - $469.00
- Puli AX GL-XE3000 (5G Cat-19) - $556.00
News, Video & Status
GL.iNet provided a Spitz AX evaluation unit with the 5G modem. Our review is in the member area below.
Our premium MIAs can access our full testing notes here:
- Testing In Progress Forum Thread: GL.iNet Spitz AX
Related Video Overviews:
News Stories:
Alternatives to Consider
For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
This Review Contains Additional Member Exclusive Content!
We are Honored to be Member Funded! No ads, no sponsors, no selling (but may contain affiliate links)
Our members fund our in-depth independent reviews.
This entry may contain additional member exclusive content such as testing notes, field testing data, user interface tours, comparisons to alternatives, analysis, tips, videos and discounts.
Members also get interactive guidance, alerts, classroom and more.
Are you a member? Please log in above to access your member exclusive content!
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!
Amazon (affiliate) GL-X3000NR (5G)
Mobile hotspot devices are small, self-contained units that receive a cellular data signal and transform it into an internet connection. They are a cellular modem and router combined. Most can create their own personal Wi-Fi network.
They are typically designed with a specific cellular carrier in mind and require a suitable cellular data plan of their own to operate. You might see them called Jetpacks (Verizon's term for them) or MiFi (Inseego's name for them).
Here's a quick video going over the features of a hotspot, and what makes one better than another:
The guides below have been hand-picked to help further your education about selecting mobile hotspots and best utilizing them in your mobile internet setup.
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of