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!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Openwrt Routers
- OUR TOP PICK: Turris Omnia 2GB
- NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S
- Zyxel Armor Z2 AC2600 MU-MIMO Wireless Router
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: TP-Link AC1900
- Linksys WRT AC3200
Comparison Chart of the Best OpenWrt Routers
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Our Top Pick |
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| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews | |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews | |
Best Budget Option |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews | |
| View Latest Price →Read Customer Reviews |
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:
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
CONS
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 LineAll 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
PROS
CONS
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
PROS
CONS
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.
PROS
CONS
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.
PROS
CONS
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.
PROS
CONS
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.