The GL.iNet Marble AX3000 is a compact Wi-Fi router designed for people who want simple setup, useful security features, and a cleaner-looking home network. Unlike most routers, this model can be mounted behind an included picture frame, allowing it to blend into a room instead of sitting openly on a shelf or desk. In this review, we look at the router design, setup process, included features, speed test results, range performance, and how it compares to the smaller GL.iNet Opal travel router.
The GL.iNet Marble AX3000 is a small wireless router with a unique design. It can be wall mounted, placed on a surface, or hidden behind the included plastic picture frame. That makes it a good option for anyone who wants a router that does not look like a traditional networking device.
Small routers can be useful for a few reasons. First, they have a smaller footprint, so they are easier to install in apartments, condos, bedrooms, home offices, dorm rooms, or tight networking spaces. Second, they are often easier to use because they have fewer ports and a simpler layout. Third, depending on the model, compact routers can also work as travel routers.
The Marble AX3000 fits into that hybrid category. It is designed as a small home router, but because of its size and Wi-Fi connection options, it can also be useful while traveling. For example, you can connect it to a hotel, airport, or cruise ship Wi-Fi network and then connect your own devices through the router.
Inside the box, the Marble AX3000 includes the router, documentation, mounting hardware, a flat Ethernet cable, a power cord, screws, wall anchors, and the picture frame that allows the router to be hidden from view.
The router has ventilation built into the body for cooling. On the front, it includes a DC power connection, one WAN port, two LAN ports, and a reset button. Underneath the router, there is mounting hardware that helps with wall installation or placement behind the picture frame.
The Marble AX3000 includes several features that make it more flexible than a basic home router. It is built on OpenWrt and includes VPN support, AdGuard Home, parental controls, IPv6 support, Tor, and Multi-WAN functionality.
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| OpenWrt | Provides a flexible router platform with advanced networking options. |
| OpenVPN and WireGuard | Allows VPN client and server configuration directly on the router. |
| AdGuard Home | Helps block ads, trackers, and unwanted domains at the network level. |
| Parental Controls | Provides basic controls for managing internet access. |
| Three 1-Gigabit Ports | Includes one WAN port and two LAN ports for wired connections. |
| Multi-WAN | Supports multiple network interfaces at the same time. |
Setting up the Marble AX3000 is straightforward. First, connect power to the router. Then download and open the GL.iNet app. The app can scan the QR code on the back of the router and walk you through the setup process.
After connecting to the router's Wi-Fi network using the default password, you can configure the router using the admin interface. The router provides two main ways to get online:
During setup, you should create a new admin password. Avoid weak passwords such as "password" and use something strong and unique to help protect your network.
The Marble AX3000 admin screen shows important network information, including the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless networks. From the dashboard, you can change the Wi-Fi name, update the Wi-Fi password, manage connected devices, review Ethernet port status, and access advanced settings.
The main menu includes tabs for VPN, applications, network settings, system settings, language, theme, reboot, and logout. The applications section includes AdGuard Home, parental controls, Dynamic DNS, and Tailscale. The network section includes firewall, NAT, and other routing settings.
The Marble AX3000 was tested from several locations around the home. The router was placed near the center of the house and tested on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The router includes four internal antennas, so the test focused on real-world speed and range instead of just listed specifications.
| Test Location | 2.4 GHz Result | 5 GHz Result |
|---|---|---|
| 25 feet, clear line of sight | 80 Mbps download, 53 Mbps upload | 440 Mbps download, 240 Mbps upload |
| 25 feet, no line of sight | 68 Mbps download, 2 Mbps upload | 440 Mbps download, 356 Mbps upload |
| 100 feet, no line of sight | Less than 2 Mbps download, less than 1 Mbps upload | 176 Mbps download, 77 Mbps upload |
| 75 feet outside, clear line of sight | 45 Mbps download, 31 Mbps upload | 167 Mbps download, 77 Mbps upload |
The 5 GHz results were clearly stronger than the 2.4 GHz results in several tests. At shorter distances, the Marble AX3000 performed well. At longer distances, especially on 2.4 GHz with no clear line of sight, performance dropped significantly.
The video also compares the Marble AX3000 to the GL.iNet Opal travel router using the same four test locations. The Opal is smaller and more travel-focused, while the Marble AX3000 is larger and better suited as a home router that can also travel when needed.
| Test Location | Opal 2.4 GHz Result | Opal 5 GHz Result |
|---|---|---|
| 25 feet, clear line of sight | 50 Mbps download, 42 Mbps upload | 166 Mbps download, 264 Mbps upload |
| 25 feet, no line of sight | 52 Mbps download, 33 Mbps upload | 119 Mbps download, 214 Mbps upload |
| 100 feet, no line of sight | 2 Mbps download, about 3 Mbps upload | 58 Mbps download, 70 Mbps upload |
| 75 feet outside, clear line of sight | Almost 44 Mbps download, about 20 Mbps upload | 37 Mbps download, 56 Mbps upload |
In this comparison, the Marble AX3000 was faster at closer range, especially on the 5 GHz band. At longer distances, the difference was less dramatic. The Marble AX3000 has the advantage of AdGuard Home, while the Opal has the advantage of being smaller and more focused on travel use.
The Marble AX3000 is a good option for someone who wants a compact router for a small home, apartment, condo, office, or secondary network. It is also a practical choice if you do not like seeing routers, antennas, and cables out in the open. The included picture frame design is unusual, but it is also useful for keeping the router discreet.
This router is not designed to compete with large, high-performance mesh systems or expensive gaming routers. However, for a smaller space, travel use, or a simple network setup, it offers a strong mix of features, convenience, and clean design.
The GL.iNet Marble AX3000 is a solid compact router with a unique hidden-router design. It is simple to set up, includes helpful features like OpenWrt, VPN support, AdGuard Home, and parental controls, and performs well at close to moderate range.
It is not the fastest router tested, and long-range 2.4 GHz performance was weak in some areas. Still, if you have a smaller home, apartment, condo, or office and want a router that is easy to hide, the Marble AX3000 is a strong option. It also has enough travel-friendly flexibility to be useful on the road when needed.
What's up, my techies? This is Ultimate Tech Hub. Welcome back to the channel.
In today's video, we are going to take a look at a new router from a company called GL.iNet. This is the Marble AX3000. The AX3000 is a small router that can be wall mounted, or you can place it behind the provided picture frame. By doing this, you can keep your router out of sight.
If you watch our channel, and I know you do, you have already seen our video on the Opal travel router. Later in this video, we will compare both of these routers. If you have not seen the review on the Opal router yet, there will be a link at the end of this video, so make sure to watch it.
There are some benefits to having a small wireless router. The first benefit is obvious. A smaller wireless router has a smaller footprint, so it can be installed just about anywhere. The second benefit is that smaller routers tend to be simpler to use because there are fewer ports, fewer connections, and sometimes fewer features.
The third benefit is that smaller routers can often be used as travel routers. That means when you go on vacation, you can take the router to an airport, cruise ship, hotel, or other location. All you have to do is configure the router to the local Wi-Fi, such as the hotel Wi-Fi or cruise ship Wi-Fi, and you are good to go.
In today's video, we are going to test the Marble AX3000 and its features. We are also going to test the range and speed. Lastly, we will compare it to the smaller Opal router.
The AX3000 includes OpenWrt, OpenVPN, WireGuard, Bark, and AdGuard. It also includes parental controls and three 1-gigabit ports. The AX3000 is priced at $89.99.
What exactly do you get with the Marble AX3000? You get documentation, including the easy setup guide. It also includes a picture frame, and the Marble AX3000 can be installed behind it. Basically, you can hide your wireless router, which is pretty cool.
The picture frame is made entirely of plastic. It does include a colorful picture, but you can personalize it with your own unique picture.
Here is the star of the show: the Marble AX3000. The AX3000 has plenty of ventilation for cooling. On the front of the AX3000, we have a DC power connection, a WAN port, two LAN ports, and a reset button. Underneath the router, there is some mounting hardware.
The package also includes a flat-style Ethernet cable, another mounting bracket, and a power cord with a U.S. standard adapter. Lastly, you get mounting screws and wall anchors. That is everything you get with the Marble AX3000.
One intriguing thing about this router is its size and shape. It is basically perfect for travel. It is a home router that can also be used as a travel router, which is very cool.
It also includes a unique photo frame where you can hide the router behind it. That way, you will never see your router because it is discreetly hidden. If you are not a big fan of looking at routers and switches, this is a perfect idea. It is functional, but hidden.
Now we are going to set up the AX3000 and test it. Do not forget that at the end of the video, we will compare it to the Opal travel router. Make sure to watch that review as well. There will be a link at the end of this video.
First, plug in the power to the router. Then download the GL.iNet app, install it, and open it. Next, allow the app to take pictures and record audio so you can scan the QR code on the back of the router.
The app will take you through the setup process. One of my favorite features about this router is the easy setup process. The app will automatically find your router. Then you connect to the router's Wi-Fi, type in the default password, and you are good to go.
Once you connect to the Wi-Fi, tap "Allow This Time." At this point, you are connected without internet, but do not worry. We are going to fix that.
There are two options here. First, you can connect your modem to the router's WAN port using an Ethernet cable. Then your router will have internet.
The second option is to connect to a local Wi-Fi network. This option would be useful if you were using it as a travel router, such as on a cruise ship, in a hotel, or at an airport. You would simply connect the router to the local Wi-Fi.
To do that, open a browser. We used Brave. Type in the IP address of the router. That information is on the back of the router, along with the SSID and default password.
Next, set up the router. Choose your language, then create a brand-new admin password. Please do not use "password" as your password.
After that, go to your phone's wireless network settings and look for the local Wi-Fi network you want to use, such as the Wi-Fi network on a cruise ship. Connect to the network with the password, and now the Marble AX3000 has internet.
Now let's take a look at the admin screen and all the features. On the main admin screen, you will see all the networking information about the AX3000. This includes the wireless SSIDs for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
If you click one of these icons, you can modify the wireless network, including changing the SSID or password. Above these icons, you also have AdGuard, IPv6, VPN, and Tor.
At the top left, you have the Multi-WAN icon, which allows multiple network interfaces at the same time. Below that icon, you can see your current devices connected to the router. Further down, you will see information about your Ethernet ports, including both the WAN and LAN ports.
At the top right, the three bars contain all the features of the AX3000. There are plenty of features on the AX3000, and I will show you the most important ones you need to know.
First, we have VPN. This allows you to set up a VPN on the router. It also contains WireGuard client, WireGuard server, and Tor.
Next is the Applications tab. Here you will find AdGuard Home, parental controls, Dynamic DNS, and Tailscale.
The next tab is the Network tab. This contains the firewall, NAT settings, and basically all of your network settings.
The next tab is the System tab. From here, you can change your time zone, change the admin password, and reset your firmware. The next four tabs are language, theme, reboot, and logout.
Now we are going to do a speed test as well as a range test. We have the Marble AX3000 in the center of our home. One thing to note is that the AX3000 has four internal antennas, and we will find out how well they work.
From 25 feet away with clear line of sight to the router, we achieved 80 Mbps download and 53 Mbps upload on the 2.4 GHz band. On the 5 GHz band, we got 440 Mbps download and 240 Mbps upload.
At 25 feet away with no line of sight to the router in a different room, we got 68 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload on the 2.4 GHz band. On the 5 GHz band, we got 440 Mbps download and 356 Mbps upload.
At 100 feet away with no line of sight to the router, we barely achieved a signal at all on the 2.4 GHz band. Our speeds were terrible, with less than 2 Mbps download and less than 1 Mbps upload. On the 5 GHz band, we achieved 176 Mbps download and 77 Mbps upload.
Our last test was 75 feet away outside by the pool with clear line of sight to the router. On the 2.4 GHz band, we achieved about 45 Mbps download and 31 Mbps upload. On the 5 GHz band, we achieved 167 Mbps download and 77 Mbps upload.
As promised, we are going to test the Opal travel router using the exact same four tests.
From 25 feet away with clear line of sight to the router, we achieved 50 Mbps download and 42 Mbps upload on the 2.4 GHz band. On the 5 GHz band, we got 166 Mbps download and 264 Mbps upload.
At 25 feet away with no line of sight to the router in a different room, we got 52 Mbps download and 33 Mbps upload on the 2.4 GHz band. On the 5 GHz band, we achieved 119 Mbps download and 214 Mbps upload.
At 100 feet away with no line of sight to the router, we achieved a measly 2 Mbps download and about 3 Mbps upload on the 2.4 GHz band, which is pretty bad. On the 5 GHz band, we got 58 Mbps download and 70 Mbps upload.
Our last test was 75 feet away outside by the pool with clear line of sight to the router. On the 2.4 GHz band, we achieved almost 44 Mbps download and about 20 Mbps upload. On the 5 GHz band, we achieved 37 Mbps download and 56 Mbps upload.
As far as comparing the Marble AX3000 to the Opal travel router, the Marble AX3000 was slightly faster at closer range. At longer ranges, it was about the same as the Opal travel router.
The only clear differences between these two routers are that the AX3000 is larger and has no external antennas or USB port. However, the AX3000 does have AdGuard, and the Opal travel router does not.
The Opal travel router is really meant for travel. It is smaller and comes with more wireless options, including repeater, tethering, and cellular. However, because the AX3000 is small, it can also be used as a travel router.
As far as my review goes, the Marble AX3000 is a solid router. It is not super fast, but if you have a small home, apartment, or condo and you want something simple that just works, then the Marble AX3000 is a fantastic choice.
We will have both product links listed below. Make sure to check out the Opal travel router video as well. With that, guys and gals, I will see you in the next video real soon. Peace.
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