Best OpenWrt Routers In 2023 – Complete Buyer’s Guide

These days, everyone is concerned about privacy, and a hacked router is perhaps the most awful thing that can happen to your privacy. It means that anything and everything you put on the internet is at the mercy of the invader.

However, this can be prevented with the help of an OpenWrt. It offers better security and makes sure your connection is safe.

So without further ado, let’s find out what some of the best OpenWrt routers have to offer!

What is an OpenWrt Router?

Before anything else, let’s shed some more light on what OpenWrt routers are. Earlier on, we talked a bit about OpenWrt are more secure. However, security is not the only thing OpenWrt has to offer. Basically, an OpenWrt is an embedded Linux distribution. It can be installed into a number of routers, and it also has a web interface. In addition to that, it may prove to be more stable than the default firmware your hardware has.

With an OpenWrt, you do not have to worry about your router being overburdened time and time again.

How to Choose an OpenWrt Router?

There are a few things that need to be kept in mind while opting for an OpenWrt Router. These include:

Compatibility

The first and most obvious thing is that the router chosen should be compatible with OpenWrt. It should not crash, freeze, or be unbearably unstable.

Technology

The second thing to consider should be the technology it has to offer. The latest technologies are the MU-MIMO, which is great for streaming. Other than that, we have the beamforming technology which concentrates the signals so they can better reach your device.

Processor

Another thing to look out for is how much load the device can handle. A suitable router would have a dual-core processor that enables it to give a great performance.

Quick Take – Best OpenWrt Routers

In a hurry? Below are the best OpenWrt routers:

1. Turris Omnia 2GB
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S
3. Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600 MU-MIMO Wireless Router

Review of the Best OpenWrt Routers

Now that we have gone through all the necessary details about what an OpenWrt is and how you should choose one, let’s get down to business. In the following, we will review six of the best OpenWrt routers. So let’s find out what makes them the best.

Best Overall:
Turris Omnia 2 GB

PROS

• It is fairly simple and easy to set up

• The default configuration is pretty secure

• The Turris Omnia has a great amount of coverage

• Both the open-source firmware and hardware are powerful

• The performance of the Turris Omnia is unmatched by any other

CONS

• It does not include MU-MIMO

• The router needs to be handled with a lot of care

• It can be slightly too much for someone with basic internet needs

What Recent Buyers Report

Most buyers are very satisfied with their Turris Omnia as it has plenty of features to offers. They report that Wi-Fi connectivity is superb, and so is the security. However, if you are not tech-savvy, you will need someone to help you out with the configuration.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Well, there is no denying that the Turris Omnia is a great device. It checks out on everything that an OpenWrt router should have. The best thing of all is that it is regularly update, and the updates are also automatic. With Turris Omnia, you are always protected with the latest security patches.

Who Will Use This Most

A device like the Turris Omnia would most likely appeal to a crowd with higher demands that is people who have much more to do than just your daily tasks on the internet. Other than that, people concerned about safety would also be attracted to this device.

Bottom Line

All in all, the Turris Omnia is one of the best OpenWrt routers, and it has a lot to offer to its users. However, you may need someone who knows the ropes to help you out, but that is hardly an issue, with helpful guides already present online.

All in all, the Turris Omnia is one of the best OpenWrt routers, and it has a lot to offer to its users. However, you may need someone who knows the ropes to help you out, but that is hardly an issue, with helpful guides already present online.

Runner-up:
NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S

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PROS

• It provides strong signals with a 2.4 GHz throughput

• The NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S delivers design-wise as well

• This device has 2 USB 3.0 ports and an eSATA port as well

• The MU-MIMO gives the device’s functionality a great boost

• The wireless coverage of this device is nothing short of fantastic

CONS

• The customer service by NETGEAR is not the best

• The software interface is one thing that could be improved

What Recent Buyers Report

Reviews in favor of the device clearly outnumber the ones that are against it. Buyers usually comment about the strong Wi-Fi and how the signals can reach throughout the entire house. The connectivity is also much talked about as many can use the connection without affecting the speed of the internet.

Why it Stands Out to Us

There are many reasons why the NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S stands out to us. First, is its seamless performance. Its build can handle some heavy-duty streaming. Apart from that, it has a great reach, and you can get a good connection anywhere in the house. The security of the device is also very reliable.

Who Will Use This Most

Well, just about anyone can use this device with ease. It offers great speed and connectivity, so it’s good for families and even small workplaces. Other than that, people who have some heavy-duty work such as uploading or downloading could also benefit from this device.

Bottom Line

Overall, the NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S is a unit with many features to offer. It does well on all ends, such as reliability, connectivity, and speed. Though there have been some complaints about customer service, the device is fairly simple to use and is sure to provide you with a stable and fast connection.

Best for the Money:
Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600

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PROS

• In terms of design, the Zyxel Armor Z2 is brilliant

• The default configuration is quite safe and secure to use

• Zyxel Armor Z2 provides widespread coverage for its users

• It offers MU-MIMO streaming, which is the latest technology

• The installation process is also easy and has no unnecessary complications

CONS

• Although it does offer the MU-MIMO streaming, the performance of it is pretty average

What Recent Buyers Report

Based on the most recent reviews, the Zyxel Armor Z2 is much appreciated among the masses. Its functionality is one feature that wins the hearts of most users. According to some buyers, the app associated with the router can be improved a bit. However, otherwise, it works just fine.

Why it Stands Out to Us

First of all, the design is something that you cannot ignore. It is a snazzy-looking device that will look good with any setup. Other than that, it also features some of the latest technology. Moreover, it comes at a very reasonable price and has some very great features.

Who Will Use This Most

If you need a good router and you are on a budget, then this is certainly for you. Since it is more affordable, it appeals to a wider audience. With the features it offers, it would also appeal to gamers and people who need a stable and fast connection for work.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for the best on a budget, then you should definitely consider the Zyxel Armor Z2. It would not be wrong to say that this is the complete package. Not only does it give you a fast and stable connection, but it also makes your connection safe and secure.

4. TP-Link Archer A9

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PROS

• The device performs well in all aspects

• The setup process of the device is not complicated at all

• Networking with this device is easy due to the dual-band Wi-Fi

• It saves parents from worrying about children having unlimited access

• With the beamforming technology, it can send concentrated signals directly to your device

CONS

• There have been some quality control issues with the device

• The design of this one is quite similar to the previous version, making it difficult to tell apart

What Recent Buyers Report 

Overall, most buyers are satisfied with the performance of this device. The easy setup also makes many users happy. Apart from that, it can connect to multiple devices all while providing a stable connection to each and every one. However, buyers also reported that customer service is not the best.

Why it Stands Out to Us

First, we have to mention the beamforming technology. It is one thing that really makes this device stand out. Apart from that, it has a simple setup, so just about anyone can get it up and running. Other than that, its security features give the user more control over the connection.

Who Will Use This Most

Since the device offers parental control, it is a good option for those who have kids in the household. It also is great for streaming and gaming, so gamers will also find this device pretty useful. It is also good for networking, so those who run a home business would also find this device useful.

Bottom Line

This device by TP-Link has many great features and the latest technology. However, there have been some issues with quality control as well as customer service.

5. Linksys WRT AC3200

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PROS

• It has an open-source firmware

• The updates for this device are automatic

• It supports both Tri-stream 160MHz and MU-MIMO technology

• File transfers are also very easy with this device because of the speed

• The setup process for the Linksys WRT AC3200 is very easy compared to other devices

CONS

• It cannot cater to 160 MHz users

• Although the setup is quite easy, some features are complicated

What Recent Buyers Report

Most users like how easy the router is to set up. Apart from that, the design is also a feature that many buyers have liked. Some have also reported that the performance of the device was not very consistent. Apart from that, most users enjoy the many features that this device has to offer.

Why it Stands Out to Us

In a sentence, this device is the jack of all trades. It has all the features that really count and more. The clear and stale Wi-Fi, as well as the heightened access, are all features that help this device shine. Other than that, it supports technologies such as MU-MIMO and Tri-stream, which boost the performance greatly.

Who Will Use This Most

The Linksys WRT AC3200 is not specified for any one group of people. With its features, it can be of use to anyone at all. Since it provides a stable and uninterrupted connection, it can be used for both personal and miscellaneous use and much heavier work as well.

Bottom Line

As mentioned before, the Linksys WRT AC2300 is the jack of all trades. It can provide you with anything you need to have a good and secure Wi-Fi connection. However, there have been performance issues reported about this device so one should be careful of that.

6. Linksys WRT AC 1900

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PROS

• The setup of the entire device is not complicated at all

• The connectivity of the device is quite versatile and flexible

• The device can easily be accessed and managed through the app

• It comes with parental controls so children can safely access the internet

• It has the latest technology that provides a connection that is fast and strong

CONS

• At times, there is also an unpleasant odor that accompanies it

• The Linksys WRT AC 1900 can get considerably warm when it is running

What Recent Buyers Report

Although most users have been satisfied with their experience with the Linksys WRT AC 1900, there have been some quality control concerns. The performance of this router has also been criticized.

Why it Stands Out to Us

There are a few aspects that interest us. First, is that its settings can be managed through an app. This is very convenient for the user. Apart from that, it has various USB ports and an eSATA port as well. Lastly, it has the beamforming technology, which is always a welcome feature.

Who Will Use This Most

The target audience for this Linksys router would be families with children that are still young. Undoubtedly, parental controls can come in handy when the kids log in on the internet. Moreover, with its coverage, it could make sure that each and every household member is getting their share of Wi-Fi.

Bottom Line

The Linksys WRT AC 1900 offers state-of-the-art technology, which can provide a stable connection. The connectivity is also good, and the signals are widespread. In addition to that, the router can be managed through an app, which makes it very convenient and easy to use.

Benefits of Investing in a Quality OpenWrt Router

Security isn’t the only benefit you get with a high-quality OpenWrt router. There are others, too; let’s talk about these:

Stability

An OpenWrt router will give you the best stability and performance you have experienced. It is much more powerful than your usual run-of-the-mill router. Like the routers mentioned in this review have dual processors which allow them to be more stable.

Far and Wide

With an OpenWrt router, the range of your Wi-Fi connection widens to a great extent. You can get a good and fast connection even if you are not close to it.

More Connectivity

Another benefit is that more devices can be connected. This makes establishing a network very convenient. Even though many devices can be connected to the router, it does not affect the speed of the connection.

Security

Your connection is more protected with an OpenWrt router. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about hackers infiltrating and gathering personal information such as passwords and PINs.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why one should switch to an OpenWrt router. Not only does it offer the necessary protection, but it can also handle all the load that a regular router cannot. To keep up with a fast-paced world, you need to have a faster connection, and such a unit gives you just that.