Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit vs GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Portable WiFi Travel: Which Should You Buy?
Budget Ethernet adapter or a GL.iNet travel router: how much network do you take travelling?
Amazon Basics Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet
GL.iNet GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Portable WiFi Travel Router, Mini
Side by side
| Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit | GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Portable WiFi Travel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | See on Amazon → | See on Amazon → |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 |
| Review count | 22,123 | 7,724 |
| Brand | Amazon Basics | GL.iNet |
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Our verdict
An adapter and a router solve neighbouring problems, so decide what is actually missing. The Amazon Basics USB 3.0 adapter simply gives your laptop a gigabit wired connection, rated 4.4 by 22,123 buyers, and that is the whole story. The GL.iNet Opal, several times dearer, is a pocket-sized dual-band router weighing 145g that creates your own secure WiFi network from hotel internet, with VPN support built in, matching the 4.4 rating across 7,724 reviews. Home-desk users who just want stable wired speed need only the adapter. Frequent travellers who care about security on shared networks should pay for the Opal.
Which one is for you?
- Buy the Amazon Basics adapter if you simply need a reliable wired connection for a portless laptop. Read our full look at the Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit →
- Buy the GL.iNet Opal if you travel often and want your own secure, VPN-ready WiFi wherever you land. Read our full look at the GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Portable WiFi Travel →
Prices are pulled live from Amazon.
Prices move around, so always confirm on Amazon before deciding. Browse more options in Networking Devices or see the whole Computers & Accessories department. New to the category? Start with our buying guide.