GL.iNet GL-MT6000 Flint 2 vs GL.iNet GL-BE6500 Flint 3e
The GL-BE6500 Flint 3e is the better router on paper: it has newer Wi-Fi 7 and has 5 multi-gig ports. The GL-MT6000 Flint 2 doesn't beat it on any spec that matters.
We earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases made through our links, at no extra cost to you. This never affects our specs. How we make money.
Key differences
-
Wi-Fi
GL-BE6500 Flint 3e wins
The GL.iNet GL-BE6500 Flint 3e has Wi-Fi 7 against Wi-Fi 6.
-
Wired
Evenly matched
Both top out at 2.5 Gbps with a similar number of ports.
-
Security & VPN
Evenly matched
Much the same security, VPN and parental features.
Other differences
- Wi-Fi standard GL-BE6500 Flint 3e wins
The GL-BE6500 Flint 3e uses the newer Wi-Fi 7 against Wi-Fi 6 on the GL-MT6000 Flint 2, which brings Multi-Link Operation and faster links to new phones and laptops.
- Multi-gig ports GL-BE6500 Flint 3e wins
The GL-BE6500 Flint 3e has 5 multi-gig ports against 2.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the GL-MT6000 Flint 2 if…
- You prefer its app and design: it covers the same essentials as the GL-BE6500 Flint 3e.
Choose the GL-BE6500 Flint 3e if…
- You want the newer standard: it has Wi-Fi 7, with Multi-Link Operation and faster links to new phones and laptops.
- You'll wire several fast devices: it has 5 multi-gig ports.
- You have a large home: it claims 2,500 sq ft per unit.
Full spec comparison
The GL-BE6500 Flint 3e leads on Wi-Fi; elsewhere the two are closely matched.
Green cells with a ✓ mark the better spec in that row. Tick "Show differences only" to hide the rows where they match.
Overview
| Spec | GL.iNet GL-MT6000 Flint 2 | GL.iNet GL-BE6500 Flint 3e |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | GL.iNet | GL.iNet |
| Model number | GL-MT6000 | GL-BE6500 |
| Hardware version | — | single version |
| Type | Wi-Fi Router | Wi-Fi Router |
| Pack options | single unit | 1-pack |
Wi-Fi
The GL-BE6500 Flint 3e is ahead on Wi-Fi.
It has newer Wi-Fi 7, and the GL-MT6000 Flint 2 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | GL.iNet GL-MT6000 Flint 2 | GL.iNet GL-BE6500 Flint 3e |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Speed class | AX6000 | BE6500 |
| Bands | Dual-band | Dual-band |
| Radios | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz |
| Total Wi-Fi speed | 5,952 Mbps | 6,452 Mbps |
| 2.4 GHz speed | 1,148 Mbps | 688 Mbps |
| 5 GHz speed | 4,804 Mbps | 5,764 Mbps |
| Max channel width | — | 160 MHz |
| Multi-Link Operation (MLO) | No | Yes |
| MLO modes | not applicable | — |
| 320 MHz on 6 GHz | No | No |
| Modulation | — | 4096-QAM |
| Spatial streams | 4x4 on 2.4 GHz + 4x4 on 5 GHz | 5 GHz: 4x4 MIMO |
| OFDMA | — | Yes |
Coverage
Both claim similar coverage.
Placement and your walls will matter more than the difference between them.
| Spec | GL.iNet GL-MT6000 Flint 2 | GL.iNet GL-BE6500 Flint 3e |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage (per unit) | — | 2,500 sq ft |
| Max devices | — | 100 |
| Antennas | 4 | 4 |
| Antenna type | External | External |
Ports
The GL-BE6500 Flint 3e is ahead on wired ports.
It has 5 multi-gig ports, and the GL-MT6000 Flint 2 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | GL.iNet GL-MT6000 Flint 2 | GL.iNet GL-BE6500 Flint 3e |
|---|---|---|
| WAN ports | 1x 2.5G WAN (plus 1x 2.5G configurable WAN/LAN) | 1x 2.5G (LAN1 can be switched to a second WAN) |
| LAN ports | 1x 2.5G (WAN/LAN) + 4x 1G (datasheet: 5 LAN incl. WAN/LAN port) | 4x 2.5G (one is the switchable WAN/LAN port) |
| Fastest wired port | 2.5 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps |
| Multi-gig ports | 2 | 5 |
| SFP ports | None | None |
| USB ports | 1x USB 3.0 Type-A (5V/2A) | 1x USB 3.0 Type-A |
| USB functions | network storage (NAS), 4G/5G modem or phone tethering | file sharing, NAS/media server, printer sharing, remote downloads, 4G/5G modem tethering/failover |
| Cellular / tethering | USB tethering and USB cellular modem supported via Internet > Tethering/Cellular; no SIM slot | No built-in modem; USB 4G/5G modem or phone tethering supported |
| Configurable WAN/LAN | Yes | No |
| Link aggregation | — | Yes |
| Dual-WAN failover | Yes | Yes |
Hardware
Both are evenly matched on hardware and support.
| Spec | GL.iNet GL-MT6000 Flint 2 | GL.iNet GL-BE6500 Flint 3e |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek MT7986 quad-core 2.0 GHz | Qualcomm Quad-core @1.5GHz |
| RAM | 1,024 MB | 1,024 MB |
| Flash storage | 8,192 MB | 512 MB |
Mesh
Little separates them on mesh and backhaul.
| Spec | GL.iNet GL-MT6000 Flint 2 | GL.iNet GL-BE6500 Flint 3e |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh support | Yes | — |
| Mesh ecosystem | GL.iNet Mesh (proprietary) | — |
Software & security
Both offer much the same software features.
VPN, parental controls and security options are close.
| Spec | GL.iNet GL-MT6000 Flint 2 | GL.iNet GL-BE6500 Flint 3e |
|---|---|---|
| Management | Web admin panel (192.168.8.1) + GL.iNet app + GoodCloud remote | GL.iNet mobile app + web Admin Panel (OpenWrt LuCI for advanced) |
| Web interface | Yes | Yes |
| Firmware | OpenWrt-based (OpenWrt 21.02 per datasheet), LuCI access | OpenWrt 23.05-based (GL.iNet SDK v4.8) |
| VPN server | OpenVPN, WireGuard | OpenVPN, WireGuard |
| VPN client | OpenVPN, WireGuard, Tailscale, ZeroTier | OpenVPN, WireGuard |
| Security suite | AdGuard Home (DNS filtering), Bark parental control | AdGuard Home + Bark parental controls |
| Subscription | Core features free; Bark parental controls have an optional paid tier (Bark footnote) | None for router features; Bark Home Plan is free (premium Bark tiers are optional) |
| Parental controls | Yes | Yes |
| QoS | Yes | — |
| Guest network | Yes | Yes |
| PPPoE | Yes | Yes |
| IPv6 | Yes | Yes |
| WPA3 | Yes | Yes |
| Firewall | Firewall with port forwarding, DMZ, policy routing | — |
| IoT network | Yes | — |
| Gaming features | None (ultra-low latency claim only) | — |
| LEDs can be turned off | Yes | Yes |
| Smart home | None | — |
Design & power
Both are similar on design and power.
| Spec | GL.iNet GL-MT6000 Flint 2 | GL.iNet GL-BE6500 Flint 3e |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 233 x 137 x 53 mm | 240 x 157 x 74 mm |
| Weight | 761 g | 848 g |
| Color | — | black |
| Power | 12V/4A DC adapter, DC5521 (5.5x2.1mm) | 12 V / 3 A DC adapter (DC5521, 5.5 x 2.1 mm) |
| Power consumption | <20 | 36 W |
| Weather rating | Indoor only | indoor (desktop router) |
| Operating temperature | 0 to 40 °C | 0 to 40 °C |
Support
| Spec | GL.iNet GL-MT6000 Flint 2 | GL.iNet GL-BE6500 Flint 3e |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty (US) | 2 years | 2 years |