8 Best Routers for OpenWRT in 2023 [Tried & Tested]

Earlier, I posted about Tomato-compatible routers and DD-WRT routers. Based on my experience, setting up OpenWRT is more difficult than Tomato and DD-WRT. However, the updates, stability, packages, and support are much better in OpenWRT.

Not to mention, once the firmware is installed, there are 3000 ready-to-install packages in their store to boost the router’s performance.

Most routers are not compatible with open-source firmware like OpenWRT. Hence, finding a good router that works with OpenWRT and suits your needs can be daunting. Worry not. I’ve tested over 17 supported models, installing the firmware, testing packages, speeds, security, coverage, etc., and here are my 8 best recommendations for 2023:

1. Best Overall: Linksys WRT3200ACM
2. Best Runner-Up: ASUS RT-AC85P
3. Best OpenWRT Pre-installed: TAKTIKAL Cat16 Pro
4. Best Budget Option: TP-Link Archer A7
5. Best Wi-Fi 6 Router: GL.iNet GL-AX1800
6. Best for Small Homes: D-Link DIR-860L
7. Best for Large Homes: Cudy WR2100
8. Cheapest Option: GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext

8 Best Routers for OpenWRT in 2023

Note that my focus didn’t stay on listing routers with high-end specs but tried to include options that performed well, irrespective of their price and features. Rest assured, you will get options suitable for diversified needs and budgets.

Now, without further ado, let’s dig into the reviews!

1. Best Overall: Linksys WRT3200ACM

Starting my list with a popular open-source router that allows users to substitute the stock firmware with an open-source code to access advanced monitoring capabilities and customization options. However, compared to the older models, it brings several upgrades like faster speeds, greater coverage, and greater connection capability.

Why is it a suitable choice?

Flashing Linux-based alternatives like OpenWRT to stock firmware feels like a walk in the park, as the manufacturer has made the router with such in mind. So, OpenWRT is very much stable with the 22.03.2 release update. You can just login into the online portal, download the code and install it according to the steps mentioned.

Linksys doesn’t encourage installing any open-source firmware, and the process can get tricky, especially if you aren’t well-versed in it. But tech-savvy users with a working knowledge of such software can explore limitless possibilities with OpenWRT.

Security Features

In addition to in-built WPA/WPA2 encryption, you get advanced features like a firewall, GCC format security, and RELRO protection. In short, it’s safe with the features in hand, irrespective of what you store. OpenWRT further tweaks certain technical aspects of a router to minimize latency and increased throughput.

Wireless Speeds

The device exhibits excellent wireless capability. With 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 support and a maximum throughput capacity of 3.2 Gbps, it’s safe to pair any internet plan with speeds equal to or below 1 Gbps. So, pairing the same with its 5GHz band extracted download and upload speeds at around 945 Mbps and 135 Mbps.

Installation of OpenWRT gave a 5% boost in speeds, taking my downloads at around 990 Mbps while uploads clocked at 150 Mbps. On the other hand, the respective speeds on the 2.4GHz band were 575 Mbps and 107 Mbps without a boost.

Courtesy of such speeds, playing games like Destiny 2, Red Dead Redemption 2, or any such graphics-intensive tasks felt like a breeze. I played such games at 144 FPS for hours without experiencing any lags or hiccups.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

In terms of coverage, the device boasts a 4-antenna setup that sends strong signals across 2,000-2,200 Sq Ft, so installing it in a mid-sized space would be a viable option. I placed it in my friend’s home, eliminating all the network dead zones without much trouble.

Besides, integrating technologies like MU-MIMO, QoS, and others concentrates the signals rather than dissipating them, and all my 25 devices ran HD videos without any buffering.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

WRT3200ACM boasts a decent selection of ports with 4 Gigabit Ethernet and 2 USB ports, 1 being USB 3.0. With the Ethernet ports, you can create an Ethernet backhaul that lets you experience speeds up to 995 Mbps for downloads. By plugging a device directly, there isn’t any interference to inflict a drop-down in speeds.

Besides, the availability of advanced USB ports lets you experience faster data transfer into a flash drive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, WRT3200ACM is an excellent OpenWRT-compatible router that, being priced moderately, offers advanced Wi-Fi technologies and ensures faster data transfer through the blazing 5GHz band. There are an adequate number of ports to let you connect your bandwidth-hogging devices to run lag-free.

2. Best Runner-Up: ASUS RT-AC85P

If you’re searching for a Wi-Fi 5 router that offers excellent throughput and range, then ASUS RT-AC85P is worth every penny. Its three powerful antennas can cover 2,000 Sq Ft homes with strong connectivity in every nook. These features make it a much better upgrade than its previous version, RT-AC65P.

Why is it a suitable choice?

Installation of OpenWRT in this router feels like a breeze. You must follow the steps thoroughly to get it done in no time. Besides, the best part is the 22.03.2 release (as updated on October 17, 2022) is super stable and lets you explore various customizations and security features without much trouble.

The open-source firmware further enhances the router’s capability to extract more power and boost its overall range, allowing you to experience strong signals throughout the house. The speeds and throughput of the router get also receive a major boost.

Security Features

An advanced firewall safeguards your home network and connected devices from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Aside from that, features like WPA/WPA2 encryption, VPN, DDoS, and others further increase security.

Wireless Speeds

In light of the highly reputed Asus RT series, I had high expectations for this model but what it achieved was beyond my it. The router performed well on both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, making it an ideal router for 2,000 Sq Ft homes.

My tests with an 802.11ac router over the 5GHz band yielded average download and upload speeds of 978 Mbps and 105 Mbps with the Xfinity Gigabit plan. Comparatively, respective speeds over the low-frequency 2.4GHz band were 567 Mbps and 93 Mbps. So with such high speeds up my sleeve, I could get anything done without worrying about lags or latencies.

Other than that, MU-MIMO and QoS further boost the speeds by a few Mbps, taking up your network-using experience by a notch.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Besides speeds, this OpenWRT-compatible router performed really well in my coverage tests. The 3 high-gain external antennas worked harmoniously with the beamforming technology to dissipate signals to up to 1,900 Sq Ft.

Other than that, supporting technologies like MU-MIMO and others ensure there aren’t any speed drops on your connected devices. The maximum limit is 15.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

Asus RT-AC85P boasts a decent arrangement of ports, including 4 Gig-E LANs, 1 Gig-E WAN, and 1 USB 3.1 port. The Gigabit Ethernet ports (LAN/WAN) let you add a few more devices to run high-intensive games and stream 4K videos without any latency issues.

Aside from that, the USB port connects your non-networking devices like printers, scanners, and flash drives and offers faster file transfer rates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, RT-AC85P is a reliable OpernWRT-supported router that boasts helpful and functional features to take your network-using experience to a new level. It has everything from firmware stability to speed, throughput, and range, making it my runner-up choice.

3. Best with OpenWRT Pre-installed: TAKTIKAL Cat16 Pro

If you need an OpenWRT pre-installed router with a SIM card slot, TAKTIKAL Cat16 Pro is my top recommendation.

Have you ever wondered about having a SIM card router with excellent features and tools that let you conveniently experience high-speed internet? With TAKTIKAL 4G LTE-A Cat16 Pro, you don’t need to go through the hassle of setting up the internet connection with the router; insert a compatible SIM and power it on.

Besides, its powerful antennas and 802.11ac WiFi support offer excellent speeds and throughput.

Why is it a suitable choice?

Unlike other routers where you have to sit down burning your brain fluids to install OpenWRT firmware, this comes with a pre-installed Goldenorb-customised OpenWRT operating system. You get a plethora of customizations and security features just out of the box. Besides, you can expect a boost in the router’s speeds and coverage.

Security Features

Alongside some basic security features like WPA3 and DDoS functionality, there are some advanced ones like APN, Band locking, TTL configuration, OpenVPN, and others. All of these work harmoniously to keep your network safe and secure. Besides, there are some other helpful features Dynamic DNS, Load balancing, and connection failover.

Wireless Speeds

TAKTIKAL 4G LTE-A Cat16 Pro allows you to connect up to 5 bands at once through the network carrier aggregation to support maximum speeds of up to 1 Gbps and 150 Mbps for downloads and uploads. These are top speeds in ideal settings, so connecting any 300 Mbps internet plan should pan out well in real time.

Connecting my iPhone 13 with the 5.8GHz band allowed me to download UHD movies at 295 Mbps while my files were uploaded at 45 Mbps in a best-case scenario. The 2.4GHz band speed outputs were very low, at least 115 Mbps and 15 Mbps for downloads and uploads.

So, graphics-intensive tasks like UHD streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing should work well with the 5.8GHz band, while you can still perform simple tasks like web browsing on the other band.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

The SIM-operated router has 4 upgraded 4G LTE wide detachable band padded antennas to deliver strong signals over ample space. Testing in my grandpa’s house, the router eliminated dead spots from most corners, and I could play games on over 25 devices without lags.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

Taktikal has offered a decent selection of Gigabit ports on its front panel, which lets you connect multiple devices and experience faster internet speeds. With zero interferences in wired connections compared to wireless ones, you can consider upgrading your plan to 600 Mbps. Your download speeds can reach up to 560 Mbps, allowing you to browse at even faster speeds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, TAKTIKAL 4G LTE-A Cat16 Pro is a great router with OpenWRT pre-installed. The best thing about it is that it comes with a SIM card slot, so you won’t have to go through the hassle of self-installing internet connections.

However, all of these come at a high price, and in my opinion, other routers in this price range come with many advanced and top-notch features. So, it’s only viable for those with zero knowledge of OpenWRT firmware and those who belong to rural areas where cable ISPs like Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, etc., aren’t available.

4. Best Budget Option: TP-Link Archer A7

TP-Link Archer A7 costing less than $60, is the best budget router that ingrains dual-band WiFi, plenty of Gigabit ports, and many settings to manage your network. The device performed decently well in my throughput and proximity tests alongside integrating advanced security features, making it worth every dollar spent.

Besides, the manufacturer has made several upgrades compared to its predecessor, Archer A6.

Why is it a suitable choice?

Archer A7 is a manufacturer-certified wireless router that supports open-source firmware, so OpenWRT should work. You will find detailed installation instructions on the official website. You don’t need to be a techie to fill your device with advanced security features, customization, and a performance boost.

Security Features

OpenWRT in a device unlocks a variety of security measures, including a firewall, VPN, DDoS functionality, and others. It doesn’t let any external devices allow you to access your network or any stored data, along with infestations from viruses, malware, or ransomware.

Wireless Speeds

Archer A7 boasts excellent features out of the box, including  IPTV streaming and advanced beamforming that takes its wireless capabilities up by a notch. Testing with Cox Blast on the high-frequency 5GHz band, download speeds were around 545 Mbps, while 96 Mbps were upload speeds.

While considering the maximum throughput of 600 Mbps for the 2.4GHz band, the 250 Mbps download speeds were much more than I expected. On the other hand, upload speeds raked at 35 Mbps. I have been using A7 for over a week to attend video calls, play games, browse social media, and stream 4K videos without much throughput issues.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Although the manufacturer made 2,000 Sq Ft coverage claims on the spec sheet, there was quite a deviation in real-time results. With interferences from multiple networking devices and thick walls, it could cover a maximum area of around 1,200-1,400 Sq Ft. However, the results may vary per the environment you’re residing in.

Concerning device capacity, the wireless router integrates MU-MIMO technology that focuses the signals to the connected devices, with a maximum limit of 15. There was no drop in signal bars despite running graphics-intensive tasks on them, and the limit could increase if light tasks like sending emails are carried out.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

Archer A7 boasts a decent arrangement of ports with 4 GigE LAN ports on its rear panel. Connecting my Dell laptop to it extracted speeds at around 578 Mbps for downloads. Also, if you have limited devices to connect directly, you can upgrade your IP to 1 Gbps to get lightning-fast speeds. However, there isn’t any USB 3.0 port for faster data transfer.

Conclusion

Overall, A7 is not a high-tech model in the sea of options, but with some advanced features, it qualifies to be a viable OpenWRT router. However, the range was a tad disappointing but should be enough for a mid-sized home, besides including some advanced security features to keep your devices safe and secured. Also, it lacked a USB 3.0 port, common in most of its competitors.

For more details, read my full review of the Archer A7.

5. Best Wi-Fi 6 Router: GL.iNet GL-AX1800

Note: This router can only run an older version of OpenWRT.

Next on my list is a budget-friendly Wi-Fi 6 router that stood tall in most of my performance tests. The device’s wireless capabilities and powerful hardware stand it apart from other routers compatible with OpenWRT. Besides, it takes a leap forward from its predecessor, GL-MT1300, regarding speeds, coverage, and hardware.

Why is it a suitable choice?

GL.iNet GL-AX1800 makes the third position, courtesy of OpenVPN & Wireguard. Plus, it’s one of the few options that can handle many devices on the network. So you won’t have to go through the stress of connecting limited devices.

Security Features

Some basic yet latest features like IPv6 and WPA3 encryption exist. There’s also support for more than 30 VPN services on WireGuard and OpenVPN, which encrypts the data shared within the network. You can access any webpage or files securely and remotely, sitting in the comfort of your home.

Besides that, an additional Adgaurd Home feature blocks online trackers and repetitive ads, allowing you to enjoy your content without disruption. In short, your network and associated data are safe from those deadly cyber-attacks.

In-built OpenWRT firmware further grants users to optimize and customize their devices fully. Also, the extra storage lets you install applications of your choice.

Wireless Speeds

Out of the box, Flint comes with dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support that takes its maximum throughput capacity to 1.8 Gbps. Supporting OpenWRT further increases its speeds by a notch, which made me pair it with a Cox Gigablast internet plan.

I tested this device in my usual setup at my grandpa’s 100-year-old 1,500 Sq Ft house, and the download speed score at 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands was 957 Mbps and 94 Mbps. Similarly, upload speeds for the respective bands averaged 526 Mbps and 59 Mbps.

The internet speeds work well for mass device connectivity, heavy-duty data transmission, and ultra-low latency gaming.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Coverage isn’t the strong aspect of this device, but its 4 non-removable antennas can boost its range to up to 1,500 Sq Ft. So, there were a few weak network spots in my testing area.

Additionally, the integrated MU-MIMO does give you a strong network connection in the area and supports as many as 45 devices with 4K videos playing. And the count increases to 120 if devices if you’ve got a lot of devices to connect to the network for low-bandwidth requirements.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

GL.iNet GL-AX1800 has 5 Gigabit ports on its rear panel, which you can use to create an Ethernet backhaul and enjoy better gaming, 4K video streaming, and video conferencing with your friends and family. Apart from that, a USB 3.0 port fosters faster data connectivity.

Conclusion

All in all, this OpenWRT router is quite a good option if you want the latest Wi-Fi 6 wireless standard. You can expect a faster and lag-free throughput and a multitude of security features. However, the device lacks 160MHz channels and can only run OpenWRT’s older version, which is quite disappointing, and hence at this position.

6. Best for Small Homes: D-Link DIR-860L

The penultimate product on my list is D-Link DIR-860L which boasts some next-gen technologies considering the price bracket it belongs. Some examples include 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 technology to deliver next-level throughput speeds and decent coverage. Aside from that, there’s my D-Link cloud management which lets you monitor and manage your network remotely.

Why is it a suitable choice?

I have been using D-Link DIR-860L for a few weeks and can confirm that it is a good router to use with OpenWRT. The installation process is a cakewalk, browse the official website, download the software and find the stepwise instructions to power the router with advanced firmware. Let me tell you, it took the performance to a new level.

Security Features

Its uscan feature performs a detailed network scan once a week to provide you with a detailed report and eliminate any existing threats. Like other devices, you will get features like DDoS functionality, VPN, firewall, and others, that keep your network safe. Other than that, functionalities like simpler interfaces, port forwarding, and DNS are made available.

Wireless Speeds

This D-Link router might not be as powerful as my previous recommendations in terms of wireless capabilities. Still, with a maximum throughput of 1200 Mbps, it is definite to work with any internet plan equal to or less than 300 Mbps.

In my proximity tests with the same, download speeds clocked at 275 Mbps while upload speeds were around 35 Mbps. While taking my testing device a few feet apart, speed dropped by 50%, valuing at 130 Mbps and 15 Mbps, respectively. All the speeds were measured for the 5GHz band.

Irrespective of inferior features, the device almost matched my previous recommendation in terms of speed and cost several dollars less. So you can also stream 4K videos, play games, and work on online projects simultaneously.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

Coverage is the major lagging aspect of this D-Link router. With embedded Omni-directional antennas, the maximum range of this device can extend up to 900-1,000 Sq Ft, a size of a small or a mid-sized room or workspace.

And residing in such space, I worked on 10 devices available without experiencing any lags or latencies. The number might vary on where you are using this router.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

Coverage might not be the strong suit of DIR-860L, but it compensates it with the number of ports it offers. There are 5 Ethernet ports capable of delivering gigabits of speed, which is a big step up from what you get wirelessly. However, the major disadvantage of this router is an inferior USB port, which eliminates the scope for faster data transfer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, DIR-860L is a budget-friendly router that boasts useful and functional features to deliver a seamless network experience. However, the range was a tad disappointing but should be enough for a mid-sized home, besides including some advanced security features to keep your devices safe and secured.

7. Best for Long Range: Cudy WR2100

In search of a WiFi router to use in a large house? Get Cudy WR2100 that comes with a long range of up to 3,500 Sq Ft.

Now, presenting a value-based router that is OpenWRT ready is coming out of the box. If you’re a techie who needs an affordable device with a plethora of security features and customization options, then Cudy WR2100 is a reliable option. Besides, the throughput speeds and range are enough to fulfill most of your networking needs.

Why is it a suitable choice?

This OpenWRT-ready device by Cudy comes with 128MB DDR3 RAM and 16MB flash, providing ample space to install the OpenWRT firmware and some additional applications to get more out of your router. Besides, in contrast to what many say, firmware installation isn’t rocket science. You will find the software on the website. Just download and install.

Security Features

The device is built-in L2TP/PPTP VPN clients like OpenVPN and WireGuard, which establish a remote server to transfer all your online traffic and data, securing it alongside. Moreover, the router comes with WPA/WPA2 encryption standards along with 20+ DDNS support and a firewall to keep your home and workplace network safe and secure.

The integration of OpenWRT also makes the router easily operable for novices, besides jacking up some of its technical aspects, thereby resulting in higher throughput and range.

Wireless Speeds

Cudy WR2100 has a concurrent dual-band WiFi, where the 2.4GHz band delivers a longer range, and 5GHz is for faster speeds, maximizing at 1733 Mbps. So, any mid-tier internet plan should couple well with the router. And doing the same, the download and upload speeds on the 5GHz band averaged 585 Mbps and 65 Mbps, while 285 Mbps and 25 Mbps on the 2.4GHz.

Lesser throughput on the low-frequency band means your bandwidth-hogging devices need to be connected to the 5GHz band, where you can play online games and stream 4K videos without lags or latencies. At the same time, the 2.4GHz band is still usable for simple tasks like sending emails and browsing social media for hours.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

This is one of the best-rated long-range routers for people residing in large homes with multiple devices interfering with the signals. Its 4x5dBi High gain antennas boost the overall sensitivity, providing powerful penetration through walls. I could play online games even 150 feet away from the router.

Moreover, the device excels in terms of device connectivity. Its powerful CPU and MU-MIMO technology allowed me to stream UHD movies on 25 devices, including smart TVs, laptops, and mobile devices, without any buffering.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

Similar to other OpenWrt routers on the list, this one also boasts 5 Gigabit (one WAN and 4 LAN) ports to let you explore the possibility of Ethernet backhaul. A notch boosts the speed to handle additional devices and tasks. Besides, a USB 3.0 port enables you to connect your peripheral devices for faster throughput.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cudy WR2100 costing less than $60, offers a lot to compete with many high-end routers. Its coverage and connections capability exceed my previous three recommendations. However, its inferior 2.4GHz band speed took the router down to the 4 position.

8. Cheapest OpenWRT Router: GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext

Quality routers don’t always come with big names. The best routers for travelers would be ones they can carry everywhere, where routers like GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext come into frame. Its portable nature makes it a contender for the best travel router.

Besides, there’s OpenWRT pre-installed, which makes it a great option if you are looking for an OpenWRT wireless router.

Why is it a suitable choice?

GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext comes with OpenWRT custom firmware installed straight off, which makes it an easy-to-use and fast router. Rather than the janky UI, you’ll see in most routers, one with a simple yet lag-free performance is indeed refreshing.

Security Features

Simply put, you don’t need to reach for the refresh button a lot, and there were practically no lags or latencies when I worked with it. You can even set Cloudflare DNS from the settings in no time to add to the privacy. Besides that, a separate VPN service lets you securely and remotely access a website in the comfort of your home.

Wireless Speeds

Concerning performance, the GL.iNet isn’t on par with those high-end routers I discussed above, but considering its features, it’s indeed a quality device. In my tests, I paired this device with a 200 Mbps Xfinity plan, and speeds clocked at 187 Mbps and 25 Mbps for downloads and uploads.

The test results indicate that this device can quickly get most of your bandwidth-intensive tasks done. But the only issue would be connecting many devices can result in lags or latencies.

WiFi Coverage & Devices Capacity

This GL.iNet isn’t reliable if you want to sheath your mid-sized home with strong signals. Although considering its small build and portability, a 500-600 Sq Ft coverage should be enough for travelers. Also, you can connect a maximum of 5-6 devices at once without experiencing any lags or network dropouts.

Port Setup & Wired Connectivity

Finding a cheap router with such an arrangement of ports is tough. 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports let you plug in your devices and experience faster speeds. A USB 2.0 port enables you to connect peripheral devices and transfer data at decent speeds.

Conclusion

To sum up, GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext is a travel-friendly router that provides the best bang for the buck. Features like dual-band WiFi, in-built OpenWRT OS, and Gigabit WAN port make it an excellent travel router available at a great price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

OpenWRT is an open-source firmware made exclusively for devices working on a Linux-based operating system. So, its limited compatibility makes selecting quality routers much more difficult.

I feel the curated should help you get your desired device, but if you are still confused, here is a list of some best OpenWRT-supported devices:

• If you are a techie and need a powerful device with OpenWRT compatibility, consider going for Linksys WRT3200ACM. It boasts quality and functional features like stable throughput and great coverage.
• Next, if you want a powerful router with OpenWRT pre-installed, I recommend taking TAKTIKAL Cat16 Pro. It comes with a SIM card slot, so you can use it without the hassle of installing a cable connection.
• Finally, in the budget section, there’s TP-Link Archer A7. Aside from compatibility, there are some cool options for a seamless network user experience.

Saying that I’d wrap up this guide. I hope you find this guide informative and that it serves your purpose of finding the best OpenWRT router. Let me know in the comments which model you have gone for. Also, post any queries you have regarding the devices mentioned above.