In July 2024, Peplink released the MAX BR2 router—a basic, inexpensive, low-performance dual-modem router with two Cat-4 LTE modems.
Peplink is now offering a new variant with dual Cat-7 modems on the same BR2 platform for $699, $100 more than the Cat-4 model.
The addition of Cat-7 modems to this router makes this option much more attractive for those looking for a basic dual-modem LTE router. Cat-7 significantly outperforms Cat-4 in both uploads and downloads. Cat-4 has peak speeds of 150 Mbps down and 50 Mbps up, while Cat-7 supports up to 300 Mbps down and 150 Mbps up. Cat-7 also supports many more modern cellular technologies that can provide other benefits, and Cat-7 is the minimum modem level we recommend for an LTE modem.
The BR2 router still has the same plusses and minuses as before:
On the plus side:
- Dual modems
- Low price
- Peplink features and ecosystem
- USB tethering of smartphones (iOS is not yet supported), mobile hotspots, and USB modems for a third WAN option
On the negative side:
- Only supports Wi-Fi 5
- Slow internals with a throughput cap of only 300 Mbps
The router comes with five Gigabit Ethernet ports—1x WAN and 4xLAN, including one that supports Power Over Ethernet as an option to power the router. As with most Peplink routers, a second WAN is available via Peplink's vWAN feature.
Dual-modem options from Peplink are always welcome, and the addition of a Cat-7 option significantly improves this router over the Cat-4. If you are looking for a low-end dual-modem router, we think it is definitely worth skipping the Cat-4 model and paying another $100 for the Cat-7. However, you should also consider the long-term utility of a non-5G device that utilizes older technology and standards that will become obsolete sooner than a more modern router design.
The BR2 Cat-7 model is available now from Peplink retailers for $699.
Key Mobile Internet Related Considerations:
- The MAX BR2 is a lower-end device with only Cat-4 or Cat-7 LTE modems as options, Wi-Fi 5, and slow internals
- The MAX BR2 is primarily intended for industrial and IoT use that prioritizes redundancy over performance
- Most nomads looking for a cellular router will likely be better served by a higher-end device, but the Cat-7 options can work for basic low-performance redundancy.
For more information:
Related Content at the Mobile Internet Resource Center:
- Guide: Selecting Mobile Routers
- Gear Center: Peplink BR1 Mini & BR2 Routers
- Gear Center: Peplink Product Line-Up
- Learning Center: Peplink for Mobile Internet
Related Updates:
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of