64/100
CONSIDERmedium confidence
GL.iNet Brume 2 (GL-MT2500/MT2500A) Security Gateway
Expert Take
The Brume 2 is a niche VPN security gateway running OpenWrt, best for users who need a dedicated VPN server or cascading setup at home or for SMBs. Limited to ~1Gbps throughput due to single 2.5GbE + 1GbE ports, making it unsuitable as a primary router. Competitive at ~$60 but outperformed by alternatives in raw performance.
Pros
- Runs on OpenWrt v21.02 with full customization and package supportlinuxlookup.com
- Achieves 355 Mbps VPN throughput via WireGuard for efficient remote accessgl-inet.com
- MediaTek MT7981B dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 1.3GHz with 8GB eMMC and 1GB DDR4 provides headroom for VPN taskslinuxlookup.com
- USB 3.0 port enables mobile tethering and network storage via Samba, WebDAV, DLNAlinuxlookup.com
- Built-in DNS-based ad blocking for network-wide filteringyoutube.com
- Supports SD-WAN site-to-site tunneling for small/medium business deploymentsgl-inet.com
Cons
- Only 1x 2.5GbE WAN + 1x 1GbE LAN limits total throughput to under 1Gbps with no expansionforum.openwrt.org
- HTTPS access reportedly fails on snapshot firmware builds in testingforum.openwrt.org
- Active fan inside the compact metal enclosure may cause long-term reliability concernsforum.openwrt.org
- Firewalla offers better security features and simpler setup at similar price pointthe-gadgeteer.com
Expert Quality
64
Deal Score
78
Price
$73.59
Current Price
$73.59$79.99-8%
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