10 Best Openwrt in 2025 - Features and FAQs

Source: Amazon

Best 5G Mobility: GL.iNet GL-XE3000 (Puli AX) 5G Router

Pros:

• Dual-SIM Flexibility

• Built-in Battery Backup

• Advanced VPN Support

• Multi-WAN Options

Cons:

• Limited VPN Speed

The GL.iNet Puli AX (GL-XE3000) stands out as a powerful 5G Wi-Fi 6 router built for mobility and reliability. Its dual-band design delivers combined speeds up to 3 Gbps, making it capable of supporting multiple devices for streaming, gaming, and work. The inclusion of dual-SIM support with automatic failover ensures a stable connection even when one network drops. With MU-MIMO technology and beamforming, it maintains consistent performance across various connected devices, from laptops to smart TVs.

Beyond speed, the built-in 6400mAh battery is a key advantage for users who need uninterrupted connectivity in RVs, remote sites, or outdoor events. The router also integrates OpenVPN and WireGuard for encrypted network traffic, appealing to those who prioritize data security. Multi-WAN capabilities add another layer of versatility, allowing users to combine Ethernet, cellular, and tethering connections for seamless internet access.

From a customer standpoint, the Puli AX is highly practical for travelers and professionals who need portable, fail-safe internet. However, users seeking maximum VPN throughput may find its speed cap limiting for heavy encrypted traffic. Overall, it delivers an excellent balance of speed, portability, and secure connectivity for modern mobile lifestyles.

Best Travel Router: GL.iNet GL-E750V2 (MUDI) 4G LTE OpenWrt VPN Router

Pros:

• Built-in 4G LTE

• Strong VPN Security

• Long Battery Life

• Compact Design

Cons:

• Limited VPN Speed

The GL.iNet Mudi (GL-E750V2) is a portable 4G LTE router designed for travelers who need secure and reliable internet anywhere. Supporting Wi-Fi speeds up to 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 433 Mbps on 5 GHz, it provides stable performance for smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The inclusion of a SIM card slot allows users to stay connected without depending on public Wi-Fi, making it ideal for work, streaming, and communication on the go.

Security is a major highlight. With built-in OpenVPN and WireGuard support, Mudi enables encrypted browsing through 30+ VPN services, offering strong protection for remote workers and privacy-conscious users. The router’s OpenWrt system allows advanced customization, while DNS and guest mode features enhance network control and safety.

Its 7000mAh battery ensures up to 8 hours of use, and the lightweight, pocket-sized build adds true portability. Travelers appreciate its convenience and flexibility, especially the universal power adapters included. However, VPN speed limitations may be noticeable during heavy encrypted transfers. Overall, the GL.iNet Mudi balances portability, security, and practicality, making it a trusted companion for mobile professionals and frequent travelers.

Best Open-Source Performance: Banana Pi BPI-R4 WiFi 7 Wireless Dual-Band WiFi Router Board

Pros:

• Powerful Quad-Core CPU

• 2x 10GbE + 4x GbE Ports

• Wi-Fi 7 Ready

• Rich Expansion Interfaces

Cons:

• Wi-Fi 7 Module Sold Separately

The WayPonDEV Banana Pi BPI-R4 is a high-performance open-source router board built for advanced users and developers. Equipped with a MediaTek MT7988A quad-core ARM Cortex-A73 CPU running at 1.8 GHz, 4 GB DDR4 RAM, and 8 GB eMMC storage, it delivers exceptional processing power for complex networking and data-intensive tasks. Designed for next-generation networking, it supports Wi-Fi 7 with tri-band capability once paired with a compatible NIC module, ensuring ultra-fast and stable wireless performance.

Connectivity is another strong point. The board features dual 10GbE SFP ports and four Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed wired networking, along with USB 3.2 and M.2 interfaces for 5G modules or NVMe SSDs. Its rich peripheral support—including miniPCIe, GPIO, and SIM slots—makes it highly flexible for diverse applications like home automation, NAS systems, and gaming routers.

From a user perspective, the Banana Pi BPI-R4 stands out for its open-source OpenWRT compatibility and developer-friendly layout, allowing full customization of network configurations. However, those expecting ready-to-use Wi-Fi 7 functionality should note that the NIC module is not included. Overall, it is a powerful and versatile platform ideal for enthusiasts and professionals building high-speed, customizable network solutions.

Best Developer Router Board: Banana Pi BPI-R4 Wi-Fi 7 Wireless Dual-Band WiFi OpenWRT Router

Pros:

• Quad-Core A73 CPU

• Dual 10GbE + 4GbE Ports

• Wi-Fi 7 Ready

• Extensive Expansion Options

Cons:

• Requires Separate Wi-Fi 7 Module

The WayPonDEV Banana Pi BPI-R4 is an advanced OpenWRT-compatible router board designed for developers and networking enthusiasts. Powered by the MediaTek MT7988A (Filogic 880) quad-core Cortex-A73 processor, it offers robust performance with 4 GB of DDR4 RAM and 8 GB of eMMC storage. This combination makes it capable of handling demanding routing, VPN, and data transfer workloads. The board’s architecture supports up to 36 Gbps throughput, positioning it as a high-end foundation for custom Wi-Fi 7 solutions.

Its connectivity options are equally impressive. With two 10GbE SFP ports and four Gigabit Ethernet ports, the BPI-R4 ensures flexible and high-speed wired networking. It also includes USB 3.2, M.2 slots for 5G modules or NVMe SSDs, and multiple miniPCIe interfaces for Wi-Fi NICs. This versatility allows users to tailor the system for diverse applications, from NAS setups and smart home hubs to enterprise-level gateways.

From a practical standpoint, the BPI-R4 appeals to power users who value open-source flexibility and deep system control. However, its lack of an included Wi-Fi 7 module means additional setup and hardware investment are necessary for full wireless capability. Overall, it’s a cutting-edge choice for developers seeking a customizable, high-speed router platform with exceptional scalability.

Best Compact Wi-Fi 6 Router Board: youyeetoo Banana pi R3 Mini Travel Router Board WiFi 6

Pros:

• Quad-Core MT7986A Chip

• Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6

• 3 High-Gain Antennas

• OpenWRT Support

Cons:

• Limited Onboard Storage

The youyeetoo AZ2-US-BPTCR3MINI01 (Banana Pi R3 Mini) is a compact yet powerful Wi-Fi 6 router board designed for both performance and portability. Powered by MediaTek’s MT7986A quad-core processor, it combines 2 GB of RAM with 8 GB of onboard storage to deliver efficient data handling and stable wireless performance. Supporting 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz dual-band operation, it achieves up to 6 Gbps throughput—ideal for streaming, gaming, or remote work on the go.

Three fixed high-gain antennas enhance coverage, ensuring strong and consistent connections in homes, offices, or travel environments. With OpenWRT snapshot image support, users gain flexibility to customize firmware, optimize performance, and integrate the board into advanced network setups. Its gigabit Ethernet connectivity and low latency further improve reliability for wired and wireless applications.

From a user perspective, the BPI-R3 Mini appeals to tech enthusiasts and professionals who value open-source flexibility in a portable form factor. While the onboard storage may feel limited for large-scale applications, it remains an excellent choice for those seeking a small, high-performance router board that blends Wi-Fi 6 speed with versatile networking capabilities.

Whether OpenWrt is better than stock firmware depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when comparing OpenWrt and stock firmware:

Customization: OpenWrt offers extensive customization options that allow you to tailor your router's settings and features to your specific requirements. You can install additional packages, modify advanced network settings, and even develop custom applications. Stock firmware, on the other hand, may offer limited customization options and restrict access to advanced features.

Security: OpenWrt is known for its robust security features, including regular security updates, firewall capabilities, and support for VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). Since OpenWrt is open-source, vulnerabilities can be quickly identified and patched by the community. Stock firmware may also provide security features, but the frequency and effectiveness of updates can vary depending on the manufacturer.

Performance: OpenWrt can potentially improve the performance of your router by optimizing resource usage and providing more efficient network management. However, this depends on how you configure OpenWrt and the hardware capabilities of your router. In some cases, stock firmware may offer better performance out of the box, especially if it's specifically optimized for your router model.

Compatibility: OpenWrt supports a wide range of router models from various manufacturers, making it a versatile option for users with different hardware configurations. Stock firmware is typically designed and tested for specific router models, ensuring compatibility but limiting your options if you want to switch to a different firmware.

Ease of Use: Stock firmware is often designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, making it suitable for users who prefer a straightforward setup process and intuitive user interface. OpenWrt, while powerful, may have a steeper learning curve and require more technical expertise to configure and maintain.

In summary, whether OpenWrt is better than stock firmware depends on your specific requirements and technical proficiency. If you value customization, security, and performance optimization, OpenWrt may be the better choice. However, if you prioritize simplicity, compatibility, and ease of use, stock firmware may be more suitable for your needs.

Is OpenWrt a Linux distribution?

Yes, OpenWrt is a Linux-based open-source firmware project primarily designed for embedded devices such as routers, access points, and other networking equipment. It is built upon the Linux kernel and utilizes various open-source components and software packages to provide a flexible and customizable platform for networking devices.

OpenWrt provides a complete Linux distribution tailored specifically for embedded devices, offering features such as a package management system, a web-based user interface, and support for a wide range of networking protocols and technologies. Its modular design allows users to install additional packages and customize their router's functionality according to their specific needs.

In summary, while OpenWrt is not a traditional desktop or server Linux distribution, it is based on the Linux kernel and provides a comprehensive Linux-based firmware solution for embedded networking devices.

Is OpenWrt better than pfSense?

Comparing OpenWrt and pfSense is like comparing apples to oranges, as they serve different purposes and target different use cases. Here are some key differences between the two:

Use Case:
OpenWrt: OpenWrt is primarily designed as open-source firmware for consumer-grade routers and networking devices. It focuses on providing customizable and feature-rich firmware for home and small office networks.
pfSense: pfSense, on the other hand, is a full-featured firewall/router software distribution based on FreeBSD. It is designed for use on dedicated hardware or virtual machines and targets more advanced networking needs, including small to medium-sized business networks, enterprise environments, and even home users with more complex requirements.

Features:
OpenWrt: OpenWrt offers a wide range of features suitable for home and small office networks, including firewall capabilities, Quality of Service (QoS), VPN support, and network monitoring tools. It emphasizes flexibility and customization, allowing users to install additional packages and tailor their router's functionality to their specific needs.
pfSense: pfSense offers advanced firewall and routing features, including stateful packet filtering, VPN support (including IPsec and OpenVPN), multi-WAN load balancing, and high availability clustering. It also includes features such as captive portal, DHCP server, and intrusion detection/prevention system (IDS/IPS), making it suitable for more complex network deployments.

Ease of Use:
OpenWrt: OpenWrt can have a steeper learning curve for users who are not familiar with Linux-based systems or networking concepts. While it offers extensive customization options, configuring advanced features may require some technical expertise.
pfSense: pfSense is known for its user-friendly web-based interface, which simplifies the configuration and management of advanced networking features. It includes wizards and graphical tools that make it easier for users to set up and maintain their firewall/router.

In summary, whether OpenWrt or pfSense is better depends on your specific requirements and technical proficiency. OpenWrt is well-suited for home and small office networks that require flexibility and customization, while pfSense is more suitable for users with advanced networking needs and larger-scale deployments.

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Choosing the best OpenWRT router ultimately depends on what you value most—whether it’s performance, customization, or long-term reliability. OpenWRT transforms an ordinary router into a flexible, high-performance network hub that gives users complete control over firmware, security settings, and network optimization. For advanced users, it’s the perfect balance between open-source freedom and enterprise-grade stability.

If you’re looking to enhance your home or small business network, investing in an OpenWRT-compatible router ensures future-proof connectivity and the ability to tailor your network to your exact needs. With the right setup, OpenWRT doesn’t just extend your router’s capabilities—it redefines what your network can do.