When maximizing your network’s potential, OpenWRT routers stand out as top contenders for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike.
These routers offer unparalleled customization and control over your network settings, allowing you to optimize performance to meet your specific needs. With a vibrant community contributing to their development, OpenWRT routers provide a robust and secure networking solution.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best OpenWRT routers on the market, highlighting their features and benefits to help you make an informed decision for your networking needs.
How We Choose the Best OpenWRT Routers
Linux kernel-based OpenWRT routers boast a vast range of features and capabilities. To ensure we select the best options for our readers, we consider the following criteria when evaluating our top picks:
- CPU & RAM: The processing power and memory are crucial factors in determining a router’s performance, especially for tasks like gaming or streaming.
- Wireless Speed & Range: Most OpenWRT routers come with 802.11ac wifi standard, offering high-speed connections and improved range compared to their predecessors. However, we also consider the number of antennas and their placement to provide optimal coverage throughout your home or office.
- Customizability & Ease of Use: One of the main selling points of OpenWRT routers is their ability to provide advanced customization and control. We factor in how user-friendly the interface is and the availability of third-party firmware support.
- Security Features: With online threats constantly evolving, having a secure network is crucial. Our top picks offer robust security features, such as firewall protection and VPN support, to keep your data safe.
- Price: We understand that budget is an important consideration for many buyers. That’s why we’ve included various options to suit different budgets without compromising on quality and performance.
Proprietary firmware on traditional routers can limit customization and control over your network, often leading to slow speeds and frustrating buffering issues. You can say goodbye to these limitations with OpenWRT routers and enjoy a seamless online experience.
1 . Linksys Hydra Pro Mesh WiFi 6E Router
Why We Love It
The Linksys Hydra Pro Mesh wifi 6E Router is a game-changer for those seeking lightning-fast speeds and expanded coverage throughout their home or office. With its dedicated 6 GHz band, this router offers ultra-fast data streaming without any interference from other devices.
Additionally, with the ability to connect up to 55+ devices at once, it’s perfect for larger households or small businesses. Its user-friendly interface and easy setup through the Linksys App make it a top pick for those new to OpenWRT routers.
Its ethernet ports also allow for stable and reliable connections, while its advanced security features provide peace of mind when it comes to protecting your data.
You Should Know
Its external antennas may be a bit bulky, so it may not fit in tight spaces. However, these antennas also help to provide better coverage and range throughout your home or office. Its features and performance make it worth the investment for those looking for cutting-edge technology.
Openwrt firmware installation and setup are also required for this router, which may require some technical expertise. Its coverage is 2700 square feet, which is sufficient for big home properties, so additional nodes may need to be added for complete coverage.
Get this router if you are looking for top-of-the-line performance, ultra-fast speeds, and excellent coverage. Its Amazon rating is 4.2 out of 5 stars, with customers praising its easy setup and impressive speeds.
Check Price On Amazon2 . WayPonDEV Banana Pi OpenWRT Router
Why We Love It
The WayPonDEV Banana Pi OpenWRT Router offers impressive speed and performance, with its Triductor TR6560 + TR5220 wifi SoC and dual-core ARM Cortex A9 processor. Its support for 802.11ax wifi standard provides high-speed connections, and its dual-band capability ensures minimal interference from other devices.
One standout feature of this router is its support for WPA, WPA2, and the newer WPA3 encryption protocols, providing advanced security for your network. Its ability to support up to 5Gbps message forwarding makes it a top choice for high-speed performance.
Open source firmware OpenWRT is pre-installed, making it easy to customize and optimize your network according to your needs. Its two ethernet ports also allow for stable and reliable connections, perfect for gaming or streaming.
You Should Know
This router may not be suitable for beginners, requiring OpenWRT firmware installation and setup. It also does not come with a case, so additional protection may be needed if using it in a high-traffic area.
Hardware flow offloading may be required for optimal performance, which may require some technical expertise. However, its impressive features and capabilities make it a top pick for a powerful OpenWRT router.
Overall, the WayPonDEV Banana Pi OpenWRT Router is a solid choice for those looking for high-speed performance and advanced security features.
Check Price On Amazon3 . NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart wifi Router
Why We Love It
The NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart wifi Router offers both speed and reliability with its 1 GHz dual-core processor and three amplified antennas. Its advanced technology, such as Dynamic QoS and Beamforming+, ensures optimal performance for all your devices.
With the ability to connect up to 25 devices at once, it’s perfect for larger households or small businesses. Its USB port allows for easy sharing of a storage drive or printer, and its advanced security features provide peace of mind when it comes to protecting your network.
Its WIFI chip, which supports the 802.11ac standard, allows for fast and stable connections, while its dual-band capability ensures minimal interference from other devices. Its advanced features make it a top choice for those looking for a reliable and high-performance router.
You Should Know
Well-executed patch antennas or internal antennas can be every bit as good as a real Yagi in terms of gain and are much more compact. Still, the NETGEAR Nighthawk’s external antennas may not be suitable for those looking for a sleek and minimalistic design.
When set up on the web interface, you can do a whole lot more than route: you can use it as a wired/wireless repeater, bridge it in the background to the main router, set up VLANs or multiple SSIDs, etc. This may be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with advanced networking concepts. To install OpenWRT on it, you need to solder a serial cable to the board and install some kind of switch in order to get access. Therefore, this router may not be ideal for those looking for a plug-and-play option.
Get this router if you need a strong WIFI signal to reach all corners of your home or office and if you want advanced features and security measures.
Check Price On Amazon4 . ASUS AC1750 wifi Router
Why We Love It
The ASUS AC1750 Wi-Fi router offers a combination of speed, stability, and coverage with its AiRadar Beamforming technology. Its concurrent dual-band AC1750-level wifi ensures smooth streaming for all your devices.
One standout feature of this router is its MU-MIMO technology, which allows for full-speed connections on multiple devices simultaneously. This is especially useful for larger households or small businesses with several devices connected to the network at once.
Its parental control feature also provides peace of mind for parents concerned about internet addiction. The easy setup and control through the ASUS Router App make it a convenient choice for those looking for a user-friendly router. Its bridge mode is also a plus for those looking to expand their network.
You Should Know
While the ASUS AC1750 Wi-Fi router offers impressive features, some users have reported issues with its firmware updates. It may also not be suitable for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
To access point mode, you will need to set up a separate SSID and password. This may be inconvenient for some users. Powerful device placement may also be needed to ensure optimal performance.
Overall, the ASUS AC1750 Wi-Fi router is a solid choice for those looking for reliable and advanced features in their router. Its high-end specs and user-friendly interface make it a top contender in the market.
Check Price On Amazon5 . TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 wifi 7 Router
Why We Love It
The TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 wifi 7 Router is a top-of-the-line router with impressive features and performance. Its seven wifi technology provides lightning-fast speeds and a strong wireless signal for all your devices.
One standout feature of this router is its full compatibility with EasyMesh routers and range extenders, making it easy to expand your network and create seamless whole-home mesh wifi coverage. It also offers advanced security features, including TP-Link’s premium HomeShield service that protects against network and IoT threats.
The all-in-one device, the TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 wifi 7 Router, is a top choice for those looking for a powerful and secure home network solution. In the OpenWrt project, this router is also known as Archer BE550. Its easy setup and management through the Tether app make it a user-friendly option for all kinds of users.
You Should Know
With its six optimally positioned antennas and Beamforming technology, the TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 wifi 7 Router ensures maximum coverage and minimal interference for a reliable connection. Additionally, it has a USB 3.0 port for easy file sharing and a VPN server for remote access.
However, for power users or those with higher network demands, this router may not be the most cost-effective option. It’s a high-end device that may not be suitable for those on a tight budget.
While the TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 wifi 7 Router offers impressive features, it may be on the pricier side for some users. It also requires a separate modem to connect to your internet service provider. Try to assess your needs and budget before making a purchase decision.
Check Price On AmazonFAQs
Can I run OpenWrt on a PC?
Yes, OpenWrt can be installed on a PC as long as it meets the hardware requirements. However, this may require some technical knowledge and is not as user-friendly as installing it on a router.
Can I install custom software or applications on my OpenWrt router?
Yes, you can install custom software and applications through the OpenWrt package manager. This allows for a wide range of functionality and customization on your router.
Is OpenWrt secure?
OpenWrt takes security seriously and regularly releases updates to address any vulnerabilities. However, the level of security also depends on how you configure and use the router.
Does OpenWrt have a VPN?
Yes, OpenWrt has built-in support for configuring a VPN server or client on your router. This allows for secure remote access to your home network.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the best OpenWRT router can significantly enhance your networking experience by providing advanced customization options, robust security features, and improved performance. By opting for one of the top OpenWRT routers available, you can take control of your network like never before, ensuring seamless connectivity and optimal speeds for all your devices.
Whether you’re a tech-savvy enthusiast looking to push the boundaries of your network capabilities or a professional seeking reliable and secure networking solutions, investing in a high-quality OpenWRT router is a decision that can truly elevate your digital experience. Embrace the power of OpenWRT routers and unlock a world of possibilities for a more efficient and secure network environment.
