Routers / Compare

GL.iNet Flint 2 vs TP-Link Archer AX21

A

Product A: GL.iNet

Flint 2

58 of 90 known

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B

Product B: TP-Link

Archer AX21

45 of 90 known

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All 90 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AGL.iNet Flint 2

BTP-Link Archer AX21

General

3 of 9 differ

Series

Flint1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026The page lists the router as GL.iNet's Flint line. The previous Flint is the GL-AX1800.

Archer1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

GL-MT60001Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Title: Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) Wi-Fi 6 High-Performance Home Router. GL.iNet also sells the same GL-MT6000 as Fortify, bundled with ExpressVPN, see the Fortify datasheet.

Archer AX21 V51Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The page is for hardware version V5 (support page: Archer AX21(US) V5.6). The maker's US pages also carry V3 and V4. V3 has a USB 2.0 port, 12 V 2 A power and 260.2 x 135.0 x 38.6 mm, and is end of life. V4 lists 260.2 x 135.0 x 38.6 mm. This entry covers V5 only, the version Amazon sells.

GTIN / EAN

Not available

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

October 20238Press articlecnx-software.com/2023/10/05/gl-inet-flint2-ax6000-router-900-mbps-wireguard-vpn-mediatek-mt7986-socRead 15 October 2026CNX Software article of 2023-10-05 on the new Flint2 (GL-MT6000). It says GL.iNet had not disclosed pricing and the router would be available in the next few weeks.

Not available

Status

Available6Maker product pagegl-inet.com/pages/firmware-versionsRead 15 October 2026Firmware status table: GL-MT6000 firmware 4.9.1, status Active, EOL date N/A and Supported Until N/A. The product page is live and sells the router. No end date for security updates is published.

Available1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The V5 page has a Buy Now button and the support page lists firmware 1.1.2 built 2025-08-14. The maker's US end-of-sale list (V9) gives an end-of-sale notice date of 2026-08-18 and an end-of-sale date of 2027-02-14 for versions 4.6 and 5.6, so it is still sold.6Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2026/202609/20260921/US%20EOS_List_Home%20-%20V9.pdfRead 14 October 2026Archer AX21 versions 4.6 and 5.6 (US): end-of-sale notice 2026-08-18, end of sale 2027-02-14. Versions 1.20, 1.26, 2.0, 2.6 and 3.6 had end-of-sale dates from 2024-05-29 to 2024-11-30. Stored as available until the end-of-sale date passes.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

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SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

GL.iNet Flint 313Reviewtechradar.com/pro/phone-communications/gl-inet-flint-3-wi-fi-7-router-reviewRead 23 October 2026TechRadar's Flint 3 review says the Flint 2 preceded it.14Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Flint-3-OpenWRT-WiFi-7-router-with-five-2-5-Gb-network-ports-Tailscale-and-Wireguard-available-for-pre-order-at-an-unbelievable-price.1033782.0.htmlRead 23 October 2026Notebookcheck calls the Flint 2 GL.iNet's previous model and the Flint 3 its latest model.

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Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$1599Reviewcnx-software.com/2023/12/26/gl-inet-gl-mt6000-flint-2-wifi-6-router-review-unboxing-teardown-first-tryRead 15 October 2026Review of 2023-12-26, one month after first shipments: it can be purchased for $159 with free shipping on the company's store. This is the store price in USD at launch time and not a stated MSRP. Pre-order prices were lower and are not stored. Tax is not included.

Not available

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

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ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Black12Reviewthe-gadgeteer.com/2024/07/20/gl-inet-flint-2-gl-mt6000-wi-fi-6-high-performance-router-review-go-beyond-the-basics-for-your-network-setupRead 15 October 2026Review text: a tapered, black plastic, rectangular shape with four antennas that flip up for use.

Black1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The product photos show a black unit. The page gives no colour name.

Form factoriMesh system is a product line sold in packs of mesh units, e.g. eero, Deco and Orbi. A standalone router that can join a mesh as an option is a router. A travel router is a pocket-size router sold for travel.

Router1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Standalone home router with no mesh system.

Router1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Standalone router, compatible with TP-Link OneMesh extenders and EasyMesh.

SegmentiThe maker's own product category, e.g. ASUS ROG is Gaming and ASUS ExpertWiFi is Business. It is not assigned from price or features.

Home1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026The page sits under GL.iNet's home routers, next to the other Flint models and Fortify.

Home1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Listed under the maker's WiFi routers for homes.

Wi-Fi

9 of 14 differ

Wi-FiiThe newest Wi-Fi generation the product supports.

Wi-Fi 61Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Specifications, Protocol: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax. The page headline says Wi-Fi 6 AX6000.

Wi-Fi 61Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Standards and protocols: Wi-Fi 6, IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/a on 5 GHz and 802.11ax/n/b/g on 2.4 GHz.

Wi-Fi speed classiThe maker's class name, e.g. BE19000 or AXE11000. It adds up the top link rates of all radios. No single device reaches it. A Wi-Fi 6E class starts with AXE, also when the maker writes AX, so eero's AX5400 is AXE5400. The class is not the model number, so GL.iNet's GL-AXT1800 is AX1800.

AX60001Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Headline: GL-MT6000 Wi-Fi 6 AX6000 Home Router.

AX18001Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026WiFi Speeds: AX1800, 5 GHz 1201 Mbps and 2.4 GHz 574 Mbps (802.11ax).

Wi-Fi radiosiOne row per radio in one unit. A quad-band unit with two 5 GHz radios has two 5 GHz rows.

AGL.iNet Flint 2

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)	Dedicated backhaul
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 6	4	40	1,148	No
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 6	4	160	4,804	No

Source1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Specifications, Wi-Fi Speed: 1148 Mbps (2.4 GHz) and 4804 Mbps (5 GHz). The datasheet says 4x4 on both bands. The maker prints no channel widths. The widths follow the 802.11ax rates: 1148 Mbps with 4 streams is 40 MHz, since 20 MHz would give 574 Mbps, and 4804 Mbps with 4 streams is 160 MHz, since 80 MHz would give 2402 Mbps. The 5 GHz band has DFS channels in the US, Canada, the EU and the UK.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026Hardware, Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 4x4 1148Mbps (2.4GHz) and 4x4 4804Mbps (5GHz). No channel widths are printed.

BTP-Link Archer AX21

Band	Wi-Fi	Streams	Max channel width (MHz)	Max link rate (Mbps)
2.4 GHz	Wi-Fi 6	2	40	574
5 GHz	Wi-Fi 6	2	80	1,201

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The overview shows Wi-Fi 6 2.4 GHz at 40 MHz, 2x2, 574 Mbps and Wi-Fi 6 5 GHz at 80 MHz, 2x2, 1201 Mbps. WiFi Capacity lists 4 streams in total.

Radio bandsiRadios that work at the same time in one unit. Tri-band is 3 and quad-band is 4, also when two radios use the same frequency band.

2=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

2=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

6 GHz band

No=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

No=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Combined Wi-Fi link rateiSum of the top link rates of all radios in one unit. It is close to the number in the speed class. No single device reaches it.

5,952Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

1,775Mbps=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Wi-Fi streamsiSpatial streams of all radios in one unit, e.g. 12 for a tri-band router with 4x4 on each band.

8=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

4=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Max Wi-Fi channel widthiWidest channel of any radio, e.g. 320 on the 6 GHz band.

160MHz=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

80MHz=CalculatedFrom Wi-Fi radios

Wi-Fi featuresiFeatures the maker names for the product. Band steering puts all bands under one network name and moves devices between them, e.g. Smart Connect. Band steering over only some of the bands, such as 2.4 and 5 GHz on a tri-band router, counts. AFC is Automated Frequency Coordination, which allows standard power on 6 GHz. Support that needs a later firmware counts, and the firmware goes in the source note.

Not available

OFDMA, Beamforming, Target Wake Time, Band steering1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026WiFi Capacity: OFDMA and Airtime Fairness. The overview lists Beamforming and Target Wake Time. Smart Connect is in the datasheet. MU-MIMO is not listed and is not stored.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Smart Connect assigns each device to the best available band, stored as band_steering. Target Wake Time and OFDMA are listed in the highlights.

External antennasiAntennas outside the case, as the maker counts them.

41Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Specifications, Antennas: 4 x 2.4GHz + 5GHz two-in-one Wi-Fi Antennas.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026External Antennas: 4 x 2.4GHz + 5GHz Dual Band Antennas.

41Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026WiFi Range: 4x Fixed High-Performance Antennas.

Internal antennasiAntennas inside the case, as the maker counts them.

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Detachable antennasiThe external antennas screw off and can be replaced. Fixed antennas that only fold or turn do not count.

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No1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The page calls the four antennas fixed.

Coverage of one unit (claimed)iThe maker's claimed area that one unit covers. A square feet claim is converted exactly and rounded to a whole m². A claim for a whole pack is stored separately. An area that a trusted review quotes from the maker counts, and the source note names the review.

139m²3Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000-fortify_datasheet_20260914.pdfRead 15 October 2026Datasheet of the Fortify edition, which is the same GL-MT6000 with an ExpressVPN interface: coverage of up to 1,500 sq. ft. based on internal testing. Converted to 139 m2 (139.35). The Flint 2 pages print no coverage. GL.iNet lists Fortify and Flint 2 as separate firmware editions of one GL-MT6000 board, so only hardware claims are taken from this datasheet. Its QoS and SQM lines are not stored.

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Connected devices per unit (claimed)iThe maker's claimed maximum number of devices one unit serves. A claim for a whole mesh pack is not stored here.

863Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000-fortify_datasheet_20260914.pdfRead 15 October 2026Same Fortify datasheet: supports up to 86 connected devices, based on internal testing.

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Ports and modem

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PortsiData ports on the main unit. The power input is not a port. A combo port takes an RJ45 cable or an SFP+ module and is counted once. WAN or LAN means the maker says the port can be either, including auto-sensing ports.

AGL.iNet Flint 2

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)	Version
RJ45	1	WAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	1	WAN or LAN	2.5	Not available
RJ45	4	LAN	1	Not available
USB-A	1	Not available	5	USB 3.0

Source1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Specifications, Interface: 1 x 2.5G WAN Ethernet port, 1 x 2.5G WAN/LAN Ethernet port, 4 x LAN Ethernet ports and 1 x USB 3.0 port. Ethernet Speed: 2 x 2.5G ports and 4 x 1G ports. USB 3.0 is stored at 5 Gbps, the standard rate. GL.iNet does not print that rate.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026Ethernet Speed: WAN port 2 x 2.5G ports (10/100/1000/2500Mbps), LAN port 4 x 1G ports. Interface: 1 x WAN, 5 x LAN, USB3.0 Type-A + 5V/2A. The product page shows one of the 2.5G ports as WAN/LAN.

BTP-Link Archer AX21

Port	Count	Role	Max speed (Gbps)
RJ45	1	WAN	1
RJ45	4	LAN	1

Source1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Ethernet Ports: 1x Gigabit WAN Port and 4x Gigabit LAN Ports. The V5 page lists no USB port.

Ethernet portsiRJ45 ports of all roles, WAN and LAN.

6=CalculatedFrom Ports

5=CalculatedFrom Ports

Multi-gig portsiWired network ports of 2.5 Gbps or faster, RJ45 or fiber.

2=CalculatedFrom Ports

0=CalculatedFrom Ports

Fastest WAN portiThe fastest port that can take the internet connection.

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

Fastest LAN portiThe fastest port for wired devices. A port that can be WAN or LAN counts here too.

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

1Gbps=CalculatedFrom Ports

USB ports

1=CalculatedFrom Ports

0=CalculatedFrom Ports

SFP+ portiA slot for a 10 Gbps fiber or DAC module.

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

Built-in modemiModems inside the router. A port for an external modem does not count. A fiber slot counts only when the fiber module is in the box.

Not available

Not available

Modem standardsiStandards of the built-in modem as published, e.g. DOCSIS 3.1, VDSL2 35b, GPON or 5G NR.

Not available

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Mesh

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Mesh technologiesiMesh systems the unit can join, by the maker's name, e.g. AiMesh, EasyMesh or TP-Link OneMesh.

Not available

EasyMesh, TP-Link OneMesh1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The overview says to add EasyMesh-compatible devices. The specifications list OneMesh as supported. The datasheet says it is compatible with EasyMesh but has no Wi-Fi EasyMesh certification.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026EasyMesh: Supported. The footnote says it is compatible with standardized EasyMesh but has not obtained the Wi-Fi EasyMesh certification.

Units per packiUnits in the box. The base lists every pack size sold. Each pack variant holds its own. A standalone router is 1.

11Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026One router is sold. The variants on the shop page differ only by plug.

11Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026One router is sold.

Coverage of the pack (claimed)iThe maker's claimed area for a whole pack. Each pack variant holds its own claim. The claims of single units are never added up.

Not available

Not available

Identical unitsiEvery unit in a pack is the same model, so any unit can be the router. Not true for systems with a separate satellite model, such as NETGEAR Orbi.

Not available

Not available

Satellite modeliModel number of the satellite when it differs from the router unit.

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Satellite portsiData ports on one satellite. Only when the satellite differs from the router unit.

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Ethernet backhauliMesh units can link to each other over an Ethernet cable.

Not available

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Software

5 of 7 differ

ManagementiWays to set up and manage the router. A web interface is a full settings page in a browser on the local network. A status page alone does not count.

Mobile app, Web interface4Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Setup works in the web Admin Panel at 192.168.8.1 or in the GL.iNet app.

Mobile app, Web interface1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Management Features: Tether App and Webpage.

Online account requirediSetup and management need an online account with the maker, with no local way around it.

No4Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Setup: open 192.168.8.1, choose a language and set an admin password. GoodCloud and AstroWarp are separate optional cloud services.

No3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/47481Read 14 October 2026Archer AX21(US) V5.60 Quick Installation Guide: method two sets the router up in a web browser at tplinkwifi.net and asks only for a login password. The TP-Link ID is optional for more cloud service.

Operating modesiModes the maker lists. Media bridge connects wired devices to another router over Wi-Fi. Extender, range extender and WDS modes count as repeater.

Router, Access point, Repeater2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026Network Mode: Router, Access Point, Extender, WDS. Extender and WDS are stored as repeater.4Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Network mode page and datasheet: router, access point, extender and WDS.

Router, Access point1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Working Modes: Router Mode and Access Point Mode.

Network featuresiFeatures the maker lists that work without a paid subscription. An IoT network is a separate network for smart home devices. Dual WAN uses a second internet connection as a backup or to share the load. Only features the maker clearly says are free. Parental controls counts when a free feature pauses or schedules internet access per person or device, such as eero Profiles, even when content filters need a subscription. When the maker's pages contradict each other, leave the feature out.

Guest network, Dual WAN, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Page: Multi-WAN, failover and load balancing, parental control (a local option and a Bark option) and AdGuard Home. The datasheet adds the guest SSID and DDNS. No VLAN, IoT network or IPTV is stated.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026Wireless Configuration lists a guest SSID. System Function lists Remote manage via Cloud/DDNS. Firewall Function lists port forwarding, open port and DMZ. No VLAN, IoT network or QoS is listed in this version.4Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Overview lists Multi-WAN with failover and load balance, Guest Network, Dynamic DNS and Parental Control with a local option and a Bark option.

Guest network, IPTV, QoS, Parental controls, Dynamic DNS1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Guest Network: 1x 5 GHz and 1x 2.4 GHz. IPTV lists IGMP Proxy, IGMP Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN, so VLAN is not stored. QoS by Device, DDNS (TP-Link, NO-IP, DynDNS) and Parental Controls (URL Filtering, Time Controls) are listed. The router has no paid service and the page names no subscription.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Parental Controls: URL Filtering, Time Controls. Quality of Service: QoS by Device. Guest Network: 1x 5 GHz and 1x 2.4 GHz.

VPN serveriProtocols the router can serve, to reach the home network from outside. A paid VPN service is not a VPN server.

OpenVPN, WireGuard1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Specifications: OpenVPN and WireGuard client and server. Tor, ZeroTier and Tailscale are not in the schema options.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026VPN: OpenVPN client & server, WireGuard client & server. Maximum OpenVPN speed 880 Mbps with DCO support and WireGuard 900 Mbps.

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, WireGuard2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026VPN Server: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, Wireguard VPN Server. The V5 product page lists only OpenVPN and PPTP servers. The datasheet is newer and is used, and the V5 firmware notes mention L2TP/IPSec VPN and a VPN kill switch.

VPN clientiProtocols the router can use to connect to an outside VPN server.

OpenVPN, WireGuard1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Specifications: OpenVPN and WireGuard client and server.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026VPN: OpenVPN client & server, WireGuard client & server.

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, WireGuard2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026VPN Client: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP, Wireguard VPN Client. The V5 product page lists no VPN client row.

USB applicationsiWhat the USB port can be used for. Cellular modem is a USB 4G or 5G modem used as an internet connection or backup.

File server, Media server, Cellular modem4Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Internet setup: plug a cellular USB modem into the router's USB port to share its internet. Network Storage is a listed application.5Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/interface_guide/network_storageRead 15 October 2026Network Storage guide: Samba, WebDAV and DLNA for a USB flash drive or hard disk. The guide covers all GL.iNet models. It is stored as file server and media server. The Flint 2 has a USB 3.0 port.

Not available

Security

4 of 5 differ

Wi-Fi securityiEnhanced Open encrypts an open network without a password.

WPA3-Personal1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Protected by Multiple Layers of Security: WPA3 protocol. No other Wi-Fi security mode is named for this model.

WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal, WPA2-Enterprise1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026WiFi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3 and WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026WiFi Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (802.1x).

Security serviceiThe maker's built-in security service by name, e.g. AiProtection Pro, HomeShield, NETGEAR Armor or eero Plus.

AdGuard Home1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026AdGuard Home is named as the security layer in the firmware.

Not available

Security service costiWhat the service costs after any free trial. Basic free means the basic features are free and the full set needs a subscription. When the free and paid tiers share one name, such as HomeShield, it is basic free. NETGEAR Armor has no free tier after its trial, so it is paid. When the paid tier is a separate add-on, such as eero Plus, it is paid.

Free1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026AdGuard Home is part of the firmware at no extra cost. Parental controls by Bark are a separate option.

Not available

Automatic firmware updatesiThe router can install firmware updates by itself.

Not available

Yes1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Cloud Service: Auto Firmware Upgrade and OTA Firmware Upgrade.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Cloud Service: Auto Firmware Upgrade, TP-Link ID, DDNS.

Security updates untiliPublished end date of security updates for this model. It is not calculated from a number of years. A published minimum date, such as "at least through" or "or later", counts as the stated date. The source note says it is a minimum and names the region.

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Smart home

None of 5 known

Thread border router

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Matter controlleriCan add and control Matter devices. Being a Matter device alone does not count.

Not available

Not available

Zigbee hubiA built-in Zigbee radio that controls Zigbee smart home devices.

Not available

Not available

BluetoothiVersion of the Bluetooth radio in the router, often used for setup.

Not available

Not available

Smart home platformsiSmart home and voice platforms the router works with, e.g. Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

Not available

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Hardware

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System on chipiMain chip or platform as published, e.g. Broadcom BCM4916 or Qualcomm Networking Pro 620. A chip maker name alone, such as Broadcom, is not stored.

MediaTek MT7986A1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026The page names a MediaTek quad-core 2.0 GHz CPU and no chip. The datasheets print MT7986 and MT7986A, see their entries.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026CPU: MT7986 Quad-core, @2.0GHz. The Fortify datasheet prints MT7986A. CNX Software calls it the MediaTek MT7986 (Filogic 830) and ServeTheHome names the MT7986AV. The stored name follows the maker's MT7986A with the MediaTek maker name from the product page.3Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000-fortify_datasheet_20260914.pdfRead 15 October 2026CPU: MT7986A Quad-core @2.0 GHz.8Press articlecnx-software.com/2023/10/05/gl-inet-flint2-ax6000-router-900-mbps-wireguard-vpn-mediatek-mt7986-socRead 15 October 2026SoC: MediaTek MT7986 (Filogic 830), quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 at 2.0 GHz, with 1 GB DDR4 and 8 GB eMMC.

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CPU cores

41Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Specifications, CPU: MediaTek Quad-core, @2.0 GHz.

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CPU clockiHighest published processor clock.

2GHz1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Specifications, CPU: MediaTek Quad-core, @2.0 GHz.

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RAMiRouter RAM in GB. When any trusted source prints a GB figure, use it, e.g. 1 GB rather than 1024 MB converted. Convert MB with 1000 MB per GB only when MB is the only figure, e.g. 512 MB is 0.512, and keep the original figure in the source note. Same rule as streaming devices.

1GB1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Specifications, Memory / Storage: DDR4 1GB / eMMC 8GB.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026Memory / Storage: DDR4 1GB / eMMC 8GB.

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Flash storageiBuilt-in flash memory for the firmware in GB. Convert MB with 1000 MB per GB, as for RAM. A memory card or USB drive does not count.

8GB1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Specifications, Memory / Storage: DDR4 1GB / eMMC 8GB. The eMMC holds the firmware and packages. The validate peer-median warning is expected, since other routers print 128 or 256 MB of flash.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026Memory / Storage: DDR4 1GB / eMMC 8GB.

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Cooling faniA fan inside the unit. Passive cooling does not count.

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Power

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Power supplyiHow the main unit gets power. USB is a USB-C power adapter. PoE is power over an Ethernet cable.

External DC adapter4Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Package: 1 x Power adapter. Setup: put the two-piece power adapter together, connect it to the router and plug it into an outlet.

External DC adapter1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026The page lists a power adapter in the package.

Rated power inputiDevice input rating as published, in volts and amps.

12 V, 4 A1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Specifications, Power Input: DC5521, 12V/4A (5.5*2.1mm).2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026Power Port: DC5521, 12V/4A (5.5*2.1mm).

12 V, 1.5 A1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Power: 12 V, 1.5 A.

Included adapter outputiRated output of the power adapter in the box. This is not power use.

48W3Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000-fortify_datasheet_20260914.pdfRead 15 October 2026Package contents: 1 x Power Adapter (12V/4A). 12 V times 4 A is 48 W. CNX Software also describes the supply in the Flint 2 box as 12V/4A.9Reviewcnx-software.com/2023/12/26/gl-inet-gl-mt6000-flint-2-wifi-6-router-review-unboxing-teardown-first-tryRead 15 October 2026Unboxing: a 12V/4A power supply with a plug adapter.10Reviewservethehome.com/gl-inet-gl-mt6000-flint-2-wifi-router-review-mediatek-openwrtRead 15 October 2026The device came with a 48 W 12 V power supply with a changeable wall connector, per the power consumption page.

18W1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 202612 V times 1.5 A is 18 W. Package Content lists a power adapter.

Power use (typical, claimed)iThe maker's typical or average power use of one unit. A published range, such as 14 to 16 W, is left out.

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Power use (max, claimed)iThe maker's maximum power use of one unit. Power given out over PoE is not included. A published range, such as 14 to 16 W, is left out. A figure measured with the power adapter counts.

20W1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Specifications, Power Consumption: <20W. Stored as 20 W, the printed upper bound.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026Power Consumption: <20W.

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Measured

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Wi-Fi throughput (measured)iTom's Guide throughput, one row per test position. Tool, client, direction and walls are in the source note. Other reviewers' results go in source notes only.

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Fastest Wi-Fi throughput (measured)iHighest measured row with the client connected to the main unit. Compare only results from the same reviewer.

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Wi-Fi throughput through a wall (measured)iTom's Guide throughput at 25 ft through one wall, with the client on the main unit.

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Range (measured)iDistance at which the reviewer's client lost its connection to the main unit.

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Power use under load (measured)iWall power of the main unit during the reviewer's throughput or saturation test.

12W11Measurementservethehome.com/gl-inet-gl-mt6000-flint-2-wifi-router-review-mediatek-openwrt/3Read 15 October 2026ServeTheHome, Power Consumption and Noise: 5.6 W at idle and the reviewer did not get the device over 12 W during its wired and wireless test suite, with the supplied 48 W 12 V power supply. The stored 12 W is that upper limit. The sound meter did not rise above the 34 dBA noise floor.

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Energy use per day (measured)iEnergy the router used over 24 hours of the reviewer's test use. This is not the power at one moment.

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Dimensions and weight

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DimensionsiOne unit in its normal position, with antennas folded flat or removed. Height is bottom to top. For a round unit, width and depth are both the diameter. A size the maker prints with antennas up goes in Dimensions with antennas.

Width233Height53Depth137mm(9.2 × 2.1 × 5.4 in)1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Specifications, Dimension / Weight: 233 x 137 x 53mm / 761g. The page prints no axis labels. The router is a flat box, so 233 mm is taken as the width, 137 mm as the depth and 53 mm as the height. The Gadgeteer prints the same figures as 9.2 x 5.4 x 2.1 in and shows the router with the antennas folded down. CNX Software printed 233 x 137 x 57 mm from an early specification.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026Dimension / Weight: 233 x 137 x 53mm / 761g, with no axis labels.12Reviewthe-gadgeteer.com/2024/07/20/gl-inet-flint-2-gl-mt6000-wi-fi-6-high-performance-router-review-go-beyond-the-basics-for-your-network-setupRead 15 October 2026Specs list 9.2 x 5.4 x 2.1 in (233 x 137 x 53 mm) and 26.8 oz (761 g), copied from the maker. The photo caption says the router has its antennas folded down.

Width261.1Height41Depth134.5mm(10.3 × 1.6 × 5.3 in)1Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026Dimensions (W x D x H): 10.3 x 5.3 x 1.6 in (261.1 x 134.5 x 41 mm). Stored as width, depth and height. The page does not say whether the antennas are folded.

Dimensions with antennasiOne unit with its external antennas up, as the maker prints it.

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WeightiOne unit without power adapter and cables.

761g(1.7 lb)1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Specifications, Dimension / Weight: 233 x 137 x 53mm / 761g.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026Dimension / Weight: 233 x 137 x 53mm / 761g.

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Wall mountableiThe maker says the unit can be mounted on a wall.

Yes3Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000-fortify_datasheet_20260914.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, Installation Method: Desktop+Wall-mountable. No bracket is named.9Reviewcnx-software.com/2023/12/26/gl-inet-gl-mt6000-flint-2-wifi-6-router-review-unboxing-teardown-first-tryRead 15 October 2026Teardown: the bottom cover has a sticker and two wall mounting holes.10Reviewservethehome.com/gl-inet-gl-mt6000-flint-2-wifi-router-review-mediatek-openwrtRead 15 October 2026Hardware overview: the bottom has vents, the login information, rubber feet and mounting points. The inside shows a MediaTek MT7986AV and a MT7531AE switch.

Yes3Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/47481Read 14 October 2026Q5 says to keep the antennas upright when the router is hanging on a wall. No bracket is named.

Certifications

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Wi-Fi Alliance certification IDiCertificate ID in the Wi-Fi Alliance product finder.

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FCC IDiFCC ID of the main unit.

2AFIW-MT60004Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Regulatory Statements: FCC ID: 2AFIW-MT6000.

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Other certifications

CE, FCC, RoHS, MIC, WEEE, SRRC2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026Certification: CE, FCC, RoHs, MIC, WEEE and SRRC. The Fortify datasheet of 2026-09-14 lists more marks, such as UKCA, IC and RCM, for the same model.

FCC, CE, RoHS2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Certifications: FCC, CE, RoHS.

In the box

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In the boxiItems as the maker lists them for the exact pack.

GL-MT6000 Router, Power Adapter, Ethernet Cable, User Manual & Warranty Card, Converter, Thank You Card2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026Package list: 1 x GL-MT6000 Router, 1 x Power Adapter, 1 x Ethernet Cable, 1 x User Manual & Warranty Card, 1 x Converter, 1 x Thank You Card. The Converter is the plug adapter for the shipping country.4Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Package contents: Flint 2 (GL-MT6000), user manual, thank you card, Ethernet cable, power adapter and a converter based on the shipping country.

Wi-Fi Router Archer AX21, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide2Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Package Contents: Wi-Fi Router Archer AX21, Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide.

Links

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Product page

www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-mt60001Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v51Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax21/v5Read 14 October 2026

Spec sheet

static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdf2Maker spec sheet (PDF)static.gl-inet.com/www/images/products/datasheet/mt6000_datasheet_20251103.pdfRead 15 October 2026

www.tp-link.com/us/document/1073552Maker spec sheet (PDF)tp-link.com/us/document/107355Read 14 October 2026Datasheet Archer AX21(US) V5.6.

Manual

docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-mt60004Owner's manualdocs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) User Guide in English on the 4.x documentation site.

www.tp-link.com/us/document/1091824Owner's manualtp-link.com/us/document/109182Read 14 October 2026Archer AX21 Installation and User Guide, listed on the V5 support page. The viewer page is linked and the guide text was not read.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

2years1Maker product pagegl-inet.com/products/gl-mt6000Read 15 October 2026Hassle-Free 2 Year Warranty on the product page. Region not stated.

2years5Maker product pagetp-link.com/us/support/replacement-warrantyRead 14 October 2026US warranty page: Wi-Fi routers bought on or after 2023-09-01 have a 2 year warranty.

Both are also in the API. Back to all routers.