Ever feel like your home Wi-Fi is letting you down? You’re not alone. Many routers out of the box are okay, but they don’t offer the power and flexibility that tech enthusiasts crave. That’s where OpenWrt comes in, turning a regular router into a super-powered network hub.
But finding the perfect router to run OpenWrt can feel like a maze. You want something that works well, is easy to set up, and won’t break the bank. It’s tough to know which models have the right hardware or the best community support. This often leads to frustration and wasted money on the wrong device.
This post is your friendly guide to choosing the best router for your OpenWrt journey. We’ll break down what makes a router great for OpenWrt, highlight key features to look for, and suggest some top picks. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to pick a router that unlocks the full potential of your home network.
Our Top 5 Router For Openwrt Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Router For Openwrt Detailed Reviews
1. youyeetoo Banana Pi OpenWrt One – WiFi 6 Official OpenWrt Router Mainline Support
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for a super-powered internet experience with the youyeetoo Banana Pi OpenWrt One! This awesome router is made by the smart folks behind the OpenWrt operating system and Banana Pi. It comes with OpenWrt already loaded, so you can start using it right away. It’s built with a fast MediaTek MT7981B chip and has 1GB of RAM, making it great for all your online adventures.
What We Like:
- Super-fast WiFi 6 for speedy internet.
- Runs official OpenWrt, which is powerful and customizable.
- Has a quick 2.5Gbit WAN port and a 1Gbit LAN port.
- You can add an M.2 SSD for more storage.
- It supports RTC and PoE, and has a MikroBUS socket for adding cool new features.
What Could Be Improved:
- More RAM might be helpful for very demanding tasks.
- The design could be a bit more user-friendly for beginners.
This router is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants a fast, flexible, and powerful home network. It’s perfect for tech enthusiasts who love to tinker and get the most out of their devices.
2. WayPonDEV Banana Pi WiFi 6 OpenWrt One Router Board
Rating: 8.9/10
Unleash the power of next-generation wireless with the WayPonDEV Banana Pi WiFi 6 OpenWrt One Router Board. This cutting-edge device is built on the MediaTek MT7981B (Filogic 820) SoC and MediaTek MT7976C WiFi 6 chipset. It’s the official first development board for the OpenWrt open-source community. This board is perfect for creators, developers, and anyone interested in IoT, WiFi 6 routing, NAS, or network communication. You can easily learn and develop with OpenWrt software.
What We Like:
- Blazing-fast WiFi 6 speeds for a better internet experience.
- Powerful MediaTek MT7981B SoC with dual ARM Cortex-A53 cores for smooth performance.
- Generous 1GB of DDR4 RAM for multitasking.
- One 2.5GbE WAN port and one Gigabit LAN port for high-speed wired connections.
- M.2 SSD interface for adding fast external storage.
- USB 2.0 Type-A port and a mikroBUS expansion port for added versatility.
- Support for OpenWrt, giving you full control and customization.
- Integrated security features like WPA, WPA2, and WPA3.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 16MB NOR flash might be limited for users wanting extensive custom firmware.
- While versatile, it requires technical knowledge for advanced setup and development.
This router board offers a fantastic platform for those who want to explore and build with OpenWrt. It’s a great choice for DIY projects and learning about advanced networking.
3. GL.iNet GL-AXT1800(Slate AX) Portable Gigabit Travel Router
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 (Slate AX), a super-handy travel router that packs a punch! This little device is like a mini powerhouse for your internet needs, whether you’re hopping between hotels or just want a more secure connection on the go. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket but powerful enough to give you a great Wi-Fi 6 experience.
What We Like:
- Super-fast Wi-Fi 6 speeds of up to 1800 Mbps, meaning smooth streaming and quick downloads.
- It can connect to many devices at once, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
- Built-in VPN support (OpenVPN and WireGuard) makes it easy to stay safe online and protect your privacy.
- You can turn a public Wi-Fi network into your own private, secure one, great for hotels and cafes.
- It has a neat feature to share files from a USB drive, like your own mini cloud storage.
- Runs on OpenWrt, which lets you customize and add extra features if you like.
- A physical switch lets you easily turn on VPN or AdGuard Home.
What Could Be Improved:
- The physical switch needs to be set up in the admin panel before it can be used.
The Slate AX is a fantastic choice for anyone who travels often or wants a more secure and customizable home network. It really makes staying connected simple and safe.
4. GL.iNet GL-MT6000(Flint 2) WiFi 6 Router with Wide Coverage
Rating: 9.4/10
The GL.iNet GL-MT6000 (Flint 2) is a powerful WiFi 6 router designed for gamers and heavy internet users. It boasts super-fast speeds and wide coverage, making it ideal for smooth streaming and intense gaming sessions. With its advanced features and easy setup, it’s a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their home network.
What We Like:
- It has WiFi 6 speeds up to 6 Gbps for super-fast internet.
- It’s a high-speed gaming router that keeps your connection stable during multiplayer battles.
- OpenVPN and WireGuard VPN speeds are very fast, up to 900Mbps.
- It supports AdGuard Home, which blocks annoying ads and trackers.
- It can connect over a hundred devices at once, perfect for smart homes.
- Setup is easy with a video tutorial or by connecting to a computer.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s important to update the firmware right away for the best performance.
This router offers excellent performance for gaming and managing many devices. It’s a solid choice for a faster, more reliable internet experience.
5. GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) Secure Travel WiFi Router
Rating: 9.2/10
The GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) is a powerful and compact travel WiFi router designed to keep you connected and secure wherever you go. It offers fast dual-band AC1200 speeds, allowing you to enjoy smooth streaming and gaming. This router is incredibly portable, fitting easily into your pocket, making it ideal for frequent travelers. Setting it up is straightforward, and it comes with helpful guides to get you connected quickly. Plus, it has full Gigabit ports for fast wired connections.
What We Like:
- It offers fast AC1200 dual-band speeds, with 300 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 867 Mbps on 5GHz, perfect for different online activities.
- The router is very lightweight (145g) and pocket-friendly, making it super easy to carry on trips.
- It features full Gigabit Ethernet ports (2 LAN, 1 WAN) for speedy wired connections.
- The Opal supports OpenVPN and WireGuard, and it’s compatible with many VPN services to keep your internet private and safe.
- You can easily turn a public Wi-Fi connection into your own secure private network.
- It has retractable antennas that help improve the WiFi signal strength.
- A physical toggle switch lets you easily turn your VPN on or off, though you need to set it up first.
What Could Be Improved:
- The toggle switch for the VPN needs to be configured in the admin panel before it can be used.
- It does not support easytethering.
The GL.iNet GL-SFT1200 (Opal) is a fantastic option for anyone needing reliable and secure internet on the go. Its blend of speed, portability, and security features makes it a top choice for travelers and remote workers.
Choosing the Right Router for OpenWrt
OpenWrt is a powerful operating system that you can install on many routers. It lets you customize your network and add cool features. But not all routers work with OpenWrt. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re buying a router for OpenWrt, some things are super important.
- CPU Speed and RAM: Think of these like the router’s brain. A faster CPU and more RAM mean your router can handle more tasks at once. This is good for things like VPNs or running many devices. Look for routers with at least a dual-core CPU and 256MB of RAM. More is better!
- Flash Storage: This is where OpenWrt and its add-ons are stored. More flash means you can install more features and packages. Aim for at least 32MB of flash. 64MB or 128MB is even better for future-proofing.
- Ethernet Ports: You’ll need ports to connect your modem and other wired devices. Most routers have 1 WAN port (for the internet) and 4 LAN ports (for your devices). Make sure they are Gigabit Ethernet ports for faster speeds.
- Wi-Fi Standards: Modern routers use Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). These offer faster speeds and better performance. OpenWrt supports these, so you can get the most out of your Wi-Fi.
- Developer Support: Some routers have a bigger community of people who use OpenWrt. This means you’ll find more guides and help if you get stuck. Check websites like the OpenWrt Table of Hardware to see which routers are well-supported.
Important Materials
Routers are mostly made of plastic. The quality of the plastic can make a difference.
- Sturdy Plastic Casing: A router with a solid, well-built plastic case will last longer. It protects the inner parts from damage. Cheap, flimsy plastic might crack easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Improved Quality:
- Good Cooling: Routers work hard. Good ventilation helps them stay cool. This stops them from slowing down or breaking.
- Reputable Brands: Brands known for making good networking gear often produce routers that are easier to work with for OpenWrt.
- Active Community: As mentioned, a strong community means you’ll get help and updates.
- Reduced Quality:
- Proprietary Hardware: Some routers use special chips that are hard for OpenWrt to support. This makes installation difficult or impossible.
- Lack of Updates: If the manufacturer stops releasing firmware updates, it can be harder to keep OpenWrt running smoothly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using OpenWrt on a router gives you a lot of control.
- For the Tech-Savvy: If you like to tinker and customize, OpenWrt is perfect. You can set up advanced firewalls, VPNs, ad-blockers, and even turn your router into a server.
- For Better Performance: OpenWrt can often give you better performance than the original software. You can fine-tune settings to get faster speeds and a more stable connection.
- For Security: OpenWrt is known for its security features. You can update it quickly to fix any security problems.
- For Older Routers: Sometimes, OpenWrt can breathe new life into older routers that are no longer supported by their manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is OpenWrt?
A: OpenWrt is a free, open-source operating system that you can install on routers. It lets you change and improve your router’s functions.
Q: Do all routers support OpenWrt?
A: No, not all routers support OpenWrt. You need to check if a specific router model is compatible.
Q: How do I know if a router is compatible with OpenWrt?
A: You can check the official OpenWrt Table of Hardware on their website. This list shows compatible routers and installation instructions.
Q: What are the minimum specs I should look for in an OpenWrt router?
A: It’s good to have at least a dual-core CPU, 256MB of RAM, and 32MB of flash storage. More is always better.
Q: Is it difficult to install OpenWrt?
A: The difficulty can vary. For some routers, it’s straightforward. For others, it might involve more technical steps.
Q: Can OpenWrt improve my Wi-Fi speed?
A: Yes, by allowing you to fine-tune settings, OpenWrt can often help improve Wi-Fi speed and stability.
Q: What kind of features can I add with OpenWrt?
A: You can add many features like VPNs, ad-blockers, network monitoring tools, and custom firewall rules.
Q: Do I need to be a computer expert to use OpenWrt?
A: While some advanced features require technical knowledge, basic OpenWrt usage is manageable with online guides and community support.
Q: What happens if I install OpenWrt and it doesn’t work?
A: If OpenWrt isn’t installed correctly or isn’t compatible, your router might become unusable (bricked). Always follow installation guides carefully.
Q: Where can I find help if I have problems with OpenWrt?
A: The OpenWrt website has forums and documentation. Many online communities and tech blogs also offer support.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.