Peplink MAX BR1 Mini vs. Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G
Compare the features and performance of two of Peplink’s most popular cellular–WiFi routers
Peplink MAX BR1 Mini
Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G
As of , we no longer carry Peplink MAX BR1 cellular–WiFi routers.
The Peplink MAX BR1 Mini (MAX-BR1-MINI) and the Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G (MAX-BR1-PRO-5GH) are routers that convert cellular internet data to WiFi. Both units are rugged, fast, high-performance solutions for use in homes, small offices, RVs, and boats.
This comparison will help you decide which router is best for your cellular data needs.
Price
- Peplink MAX BR1 Mini: $499.99
- Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G: $999.99
Because of its superior features and performance, the BR1 Pro 5G antenna is twice the price of the BR1 Mini.
Cellular features
The BR1 Mini and the BR1 Pro 5G are both capable routers that operate on frequencies that will continue to be the backbone of cellular service for many years to come. The BR1 Pro 5G covers more 4G/LTE bands—only some of which are used in the United States—but it also has 5G capabilities which allow for faster data transmission.
The Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G has 4 cellular antenna ports, which gives it greater data throughput (as seen in the Performance data, below).
WiFi features
The BR1 Pro 5G offers the faster WiFi 6 standard
and has more transmit power for a stronger network and larger coverage area.
WiFi WAN allows the router to connect to another WiFi network—like one in an office or RV park—and rebroadcast its internet data instead of using your cellular data plan. The BR1 Pro 5G offers WiFi WAN as a standard feature. WiFi WAN is available on the BR1 Mini with a feature pack license, purchased separately as part of a 2‑ or 4‑year PrimeCare plan; once purchased, it remains active for the life of your router.
Ethernet features
The BR1 Mini offers Gigabit Ethernet speeds through its WAN port, while the BR1 Pro 5G offers faster 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet speeds.
Ethernet WAN allows the router to connect to another wired network—cable, DSL, fiber, satellite (including Starlink), etc.—and rebroadcast its internet data instead of using your cellular data plan. The BR1 Pro 5G offers Ethernet WAN as a standard feature. Ethernet WAN is available on the BR1 Mini with a feature pack license, purchased separately as part of a 2‑ or 4‑year PrimeCare plan; once purchased, it remains active for the life of your router.
GPS
Both routers have a GPS connector and come with a magnet-mount GPS antenna. The router’s onboard software stores up to seven days of GPS location data.
Performance
The BR1 Pro 5G has faster data throughput with lower nominal power consumption, both with and without Peplink’s SpeedFusion service. (See the next section.)
SpeedFusion features
With both routers, Peplink’s SpeedFusion service is included free for the first year and is available for additional years with a PrimeCare subscription.
Hot failover will automatically switch WAN data sources if the primary source becomes unavailable. For example, with hot failover enabled, if you’re using WiFi WAN in an RV park and the park’s WiFi goes down, your router will immediately switch to cellular or other data source.
Connection resiliency (WAN smoothing) and combined multiple connections (bandwidth bonding, available only on the BR1 Pro 5G) provide faster and more reliable data connections.
Interfaces
The BR1 Mini and BR1 Pro 5G both have a power port with a GPIO interface that detects the ignition signal status of a vehicle and starts up or shuts down the router when the vehicle’s engine is started or turned off. (See Peplink’s wiring guide.)
The BR1 Mini offers Power over Ethernet capability, if you need to operate it as part of a network and in a location where you don’t have access to an AC power outlet.
Hardware specs
125.7 × 107 × 35 mm
146.8 × 129 × 29.3 mm
430 g
580 g
⁻40°–65°C
⁻40°–65°C
The BR1 Pro 5G is ¼ inch shorter and nearly 1 inch longer and wider than the BR1 Mini.
Best uses
The Peplink MAX BR1 Mini is the better choice if price is more important to you than features. The BR1 Mini supports slower LTE networks, which are expected to continue operating for at least the next decade. Its throughput is more than sufficient to stream audio and video on phones, laptops, tablets, and smart TVs.
The Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G is the better choice if you want the latest features and the best performance, especially in a home or office network. It supports LTE and 5G networks, offers more WiFi transmit power and faster Ethernet, and has greater throughput speeds. It’s also the better option if power consumption is a concern (in RVs and boats, for example).
Contact us if you have any questions about either of these routers. We’ll be happy to discuss your situation and recommend the best solution for your needs.
