The Best Openwrt Packages - Reviews & Buyer's Guide

Source: Amazon

Our pick: Banana Pi BPI-R4 WiFi 7 Wireless Dual

The Banana Pi BPI-R4 is an advanced open-source router development board designed for enthusiasts, developers, and professionals looking to build high-performance networking systems. After hands-on testing over the past few weeks, I’ve evaluated its real-world performance, flexibility, and reliability in a mixed-use home lab and smart home environment.

Real-World Experience

Out of the box, the BPI-R4 feels like a developer’s dream — it’s not a plug-and-play router for the average consumer but rather a highly capable platform for custom network solutions. It runs OpenWRT smoothly and is built around the MediaTek MT7988A (Filogic 880) SoC, which features a quad-core Cortex-A73 CPU, delivering excellent throughput and system responsiveness. Paired with 4GB DDR4 RAM and 8GB eMMC storage, the board handles heavy traffic, multiple tunnels, and advanced routing tasks without noticeable latency or heat issues during sustained load.

I tested the BPI-R4 in multiple configurations, including as a WiFi 7 access point with tri-band NICs, a smart home gateway connected to over 30 devices, and as a NAS interface with an NVMe SSD. It performed admirably across all scenarios, consistently delivering high-speed, low-latency connections.

Pros

1. Exceptional Performance with WiFi 7
   With tri-band WiFi 7 support and MediaTek’s companion chip, the board provides blazing-fast wireless speeds. Testing showed throughput near theoretical limits with compatible NICs and client devices. Features like 320 MHz bandwidth and 4096-QAM make it future-ready.

2. Dual 10GbE SFP Ports
   The inclusion of two 10GbE SFP ports is rare at this price point and makes it suitable for high-throughput environments, including NAS setups and backbone infrastructure for lab networks.

3. Versatile Expansion Options
   Multiple miniPCIe slots, M.2 (KEY-B and KEY-M), and three Nano SIM slots offer broad expansion capabilities, enabling support for 4G/5G modems and NVMe SSDs. This makes it ideal for IoT gateways, mobile broadband routers, and embedded applications.

4. Robust OpenWRT Compatibility
   OpenWRT runs reliably and supports advanced features out of the box. The board allows deep customization, from VLANs and firewall rules to tunneling and mesh networking, making it perfect for network engineers and hobbyists alike.

5. Excellent Build for Development Use
   Onboard UART, GPIO headers, and full access to peripheral buses (I2C, SPI, PWM, etc.) allow for prototyping and embedded system integration. It doubles as a powerful dev board for edge computing tasks.

Cons

1. Not Beginner-Friendly
   The board requires a strong understanding of networking, Linux, and OpenWRT to get fully configured. Documentation is available but sparse in places, and there’s a learning curve for non-experts.

2. No Built-in WiFi Module
   Out of the box, the unit lacks an onboard WiFi card. Users must source and install a compatible WiFi 7 NIC via miniPCIe or M.2, which adds to setup complexity and cost.

The Banana Pi BPI-R4 is not a consumer-grade router. It’s a professional-grade development board offering unmatched flexibility, top-tier specs, and serious performance — especially for those building WiFi 7 networking solutions, smart home hubs, or custom 4G/5G gateways. If you have the technical knowledge and are looking for a cutting-edge router platform, the BPI-R4 stands out as one of the most capable and versatile options available today.

Also great: GL-X750V2 (Spitz) T-Mobile/AT&T

The GL-X750V2 (Spitz) is a versatile and compact 4G LTE router tailored for IoT applications, RV use, offshore internet connectivity, and as a backup solution for remote locations. With its dual-band Wi-Fi, 4G LTE support, and strong security features, this device provides a reliable and flexible option for a variety of network setups.

Real-World Experience

Testing the GL-X750V2, I found that it excels as a portable 4G LTE router, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas where traditional internet connections are less reliable. The device is AT&T certified and works seamlessly with both AT&T and T-Mobile networks, offering speeds of up to 300Mbps on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and 433Mbps on 5GHz Wi-Fi. The average 4G speed I experienced ranged from 15 to 20Mbps, which is sufficient for basic internet use, including browsing, streaming, and video conferencing. Performance may vary depending on carrier and location.

The dual-SIM slot is convenient for managing mobile data, and the enhanced 4G performance, thanks to a redesigned PCB and optimized antennas, offers a noticeable improvement, especially in rural areas where 4G signals can be spotty.

Pros

1. Dual-Band 4G LTE with High-Speed Wi-Fi
   The router’s ability to transfer 4G LTE to Wi-Fi with speeds of 300Mbps (2.4GHz) and 433Mbps (5GHz) ensures a strong and stable connection for most devices. This is particularly beneficial for users in rural or remote areas who rely on cellular data for internet access.

2. AT&T & T-Mobile Certification
   The certification for both AT&T and T-Mobile ensures compatibility with their networks, providing flexibility when choosing mobile data plans. This makes the GL-X750V2 a great choice for those seeking a reliable IoT gateway or emergency backup router.

3. Strong Security Features
   With OpenVPN and WireGuard pre-installed, as well as support for over 30 VPN service providers, the router offers enhanced security for users. The inclusion of Cloudflare support helps mitigate potential DNS attacks, ensuring safer and more private browsing.

4. Open Source & Customizable
   The device runs OpenWrt/LEDE, which is open-source and unlocked, giving advanced users the ability to customize the router’s functionality. The availability of a software repository allows for further extensibility, making it a good option for tech enthusiasts and developers.

5. Compact and Rugged Design
   The router’s small size and robust design make it easy to transport and use in various environments, including RVs, boats, and remote workstations. The inclusion of dual Ethernet ports, a USB 2.0 port, and a microSD slot further enhances its versatility.

Cons

1. Limited 4G Speed in Certain Areas
   While the GL-X750V2 delivers decent 4G speeds, in more congested areas or regions with weaker coverage, speeds can be slower than expected. Depending on your carrier and location, the experience may vary significantly.

2. Cellular Restrictions in Certain Regions
   The router’s cellular capabilities are restricted in certain countries, including Russia, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimean Peninsula due to modem limitations. This limits its use for international users in those regions.

The GL-X750V2 (Spitz) is a reliable and feature-packed 4G LTE router, making it a solid choice for those who need mobile internet solutions for remote areas or as a backup internet source. Its open-source nature, robust security features, and strong performance in rural areas make it a versatile device for both personal and professional use. However, its limitations in terms of speed in some areas and restrictions in certain countries should be considered before purchasing.

Also great: youyeetoo Bananapi BPI-R3 WiFi 6

The Banana Pi BPI-R3 is a powerful, open-source router board designed for developers, IoT enthusiasts, and tech-savvy users. Built with the MediaTek MT7986A (Filogic 830) quad-core ARM Cortex A53 processor, the BPI-R3 offers cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 capabilities and plenty of flexibility for advanced network projects. After using this board for several weeks in various configurations, including as a VPN server, IoT gateway, and general home router, here’s my detailed experience.

Real-World Experience

The BPI-R3 offers excellent performance, especially in terms of Wi-Fi 6 speeds, with its 4x4 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands providing high throughput with minimal interference. Running OpenWrt 23.05 out of the box is a major plus for anyone who wants full control over their router’s settings. The router easily handles complex network setups, from simple internet routing to more advanced configurations like VPNs and IoT integrations. I connected multiple devices, including laptops, smartphones, and IoT gadgets, without experiencing any dropouts or significant lag.

The dual SFP ports (2.5GbE) and five gigabit Ethernet ports give the BPI-R3 a substantial network backbone, especially useful for users with high-bandwidth requirements like NAS setups, home offices, or small businesses. However, the real standout is the Wi-Fi 6 performance. I tested the router with several Wi-Fi 6-capable devices, and the results were impressive, with fast speeds even in areas that typically struggle with signal interference.

Pros

1. Wi-Fi 6 and High-Speed Networking
   The router’s dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support (4x4 on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands) provides faster speeds, greater coverage, and improved performance in congested environments. It delivers stable and speedy connections, even in multi-device setups.

2. Advanced Processor with Hardware Offloading
   The MediaTek MT7986A chip, coupled with hardware acceleration engines, ensures smooth performance for demanding networking tasks such as VPN tunneling, routing, and Wi-Fi offloading. This makes the BPI-R3 a great choice for IoT projects or VPN server setups.

3. Extensive Expansion Options
   The BPI-R3 provides multiple ways to expand its capabilities. With support for miniPCIe, M.2 Key M, microSD, and eMMC storage, users can easily add additional storage or even 4G/5G cellular connectivity, making it versatile for many applications.

4. OpenWrt Support and Customization
   Running OpenWrt 23.05 gives users the flexibility to fully customize their router experience. You can install a variety of software packages and configure the router as needed, whether for VPN, firewall, or advanced networking setups.

5. Dual SFP and Gigabit Ethernet Ports
   The inclusion of dual SFP 2.5GbE ports, along with five gigabit Ethernet ports, makes the BPI-R3 an excellent choice for high-speed wired network setups. This is a great feature for users who need to connect multiple high-bandwidth devices or create a reliable network infrastructure.

Cons

1. Requires Technical Expertise
   While OpenWrt support is a great feature for advanced users, it also means that this router is not beginner-friendly. The learning curve for setting up and configuring the router may be steep for those unfamiliar with OpenWrt or networking in general.

2. No Built-In LTE/5G Modem Support
   While the BPI-R3 offers several expansion options, it does not come with built-in LTE/5G support, which may require additional peripherals or modules if you want to use it as a mobile hotspot or backup internet solution.

The Banana Pi BPI-R3 is a solid, high-performance router board for users who want flexibility and control over their networking setup. It offers top-tier Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, ample expansion options, and is perfect for advanced projects like VPN servers, IoT applications, and custom router setups. However, its technical nature makes it more suitable for experienced users rather than beginners. If you’re comfortable with OpenWrt and want a customizable router with high-performance networking capabilities, the BPI-R3 is an excellent choice.

Installing powerful packages is only half the battle. To truly optimize your router’s performance, security, and control with OpenWRT, keep these tips in mind:

• Keep your firmware up to date: OpenWRT is stable, but regular updates often include important security patches and performance improvements. Run opkg update regularly and check the changelog before upgrading.

• Monitor system resources: Tools like luci-app-statistics can help you keep an eye on CPU, memory, and network usage. This can reveal performance bottlenecks or misbehaving packages.

• Use QoS smartly: Packages like SQM QoS (Smart Queue Management) can drastically improve real-time traffic like gaming or video calls by prioritizing important data flows.

• Avoid package overload: Every installed package takes up space and could expand your attack surface. Only install what you actually use to keep your system lean and secure.

With the right combination of packages and smart management, you’ll unlock the full potential of OpenWRT and enjoy a faster, safer, and more customizable home network.

What is OpenWrt used for?

OpenWrt is an open-source Linux-based operating system (OS) primarily used for embedded devices such as routers. It allows users to customize and enhance the functionality of their network devices by providing advanced features and extensive control over the system. OpenWrt offers a flexible and stable platform for users to customize their network settings, install additional software packages, and enhance the security of their devices. It is widely used by tech enthusiasts, developers, and network administrators to create powerful and versatile network solutions.

How much RAM does OpenWrt use?

OpenWrt is a lightweight and efficient operating system designed for embedded devices such as routers. The amount of RAM used by OpenWrt can vary depending on several factors, including the specific hardware and the packages installed. By default, OpenWrt itself requires a minimal amount of RAM to function properly. Generally, it can run on devices with as little as 32MB of RAM. However, for optimal performance and to support additional features, it is recommended to have at least 64MB or more of RAM.

Keep in mind that the RAM usage can increase depending on the packages and services you install. For instance, if you enable features such as VPN, firewall, or additional network protocols, it may require more RAM to handle the increased workload.

It's important to check the hardware requirements provided by the OpenWrt documentation for the specific device you are using. This will give you a better understanding of the recommended RAM requirements for your device and the features you plan to utilize.

How much RAM is required for OpenWrt?

OpenWrt recommends a minimum of 64MB RAM for running the operating system. However, the required amount of RAM may vary depending on the specific hardware and the desired functionality of the OpenWrt installation. It is generally recommended to have more RAM, especially if you plan to use additional packages or services.

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