In this post:
- Do You Need DD-WRT?
- 1. Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk X6
- 2. Best Open-Source Router: Linksys WRT3200ACM
- 3. Best for Medium Homes: D-Link DIR-882-US
- 4. Best WiFi Coverage: ASUS RT-AC68U
- 5. Best for Streaming: Netgear Nighthawk R6700
- 6. Best Budget Router: TP-Link Archer A7
- 7. Best for Home Use: Linksys E2500 N600
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Verdict
While the capabilities of the DD-WRT firmware can lift up the restrictions of the stock firmware on your router, you can't install the open-source firmware on any random device. And, if you've decided to take control of your home network by installing DD-WRT, you'll need to get a compatible router. But which one?
Compatibility with DD-WRT is a major aspect before flashing DD-WRT on a router. But that's not the only factor to look into. There are many other things to consider, such as speed capabilities, coverage area, etc. So, I tested 24 routers compatible with DD-WRT and qualified the 7 best options for 2024 that tick all the boxes:
- Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk X6
- Best Open-Source: Linksys WRT3200ACM
- Best for Medium Homes: D-Link DIR-882-US
- Best WiFi Range: ASUS RT-AC68U
- Best for Streaming: Netgear R6700
- Best Budget Router: TP-Link A7
- Cheapest Option: Linksys E2500 N600
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Do You Need DD-WRT?
Almost every modern wireless router has stock firmware that allows you to optimize your wireless network, set parental controls, etc. However, there are certain limitations, if you're interested to use your router's hardware to the fullest potential, then you might need the DD-WRT firmware. But if you're okay with the features provided by the stock firmware, you don't have to.
Installing open-source firmware like DD-WRT, Tomato, OpenWRT, etc gets your router a whole arsenal of features and tools to fine-tune, control, and optimize your network usage experience. Features like content filtering and parental controls, online privacy protection, advanced optimization for separate online activities, and malware protection are just a drop of water in a vast ocean.
To provide my readers with the best routers that support DD-WRT, I installed it on 24 models and observed them against several aspects. It includes suitability with DD-WRT, wireless and wired speeds, and coverage, and listed ones that passed with flying colors.
Before we start, let me mention that DD-WRT routers can be expensive. But, I understand that my readers want options suitable for different needs and budgets. I have gone for a sizeable list to let you get your ideal device. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.
Related: DD-WRT vs OpenWrt – What's Best?
1. Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk X6
The Netgear Nighthawk X6 is a versatile and reliable router that stands out in the space of DD-WRT routers with its tri-band operations and in-built Genie software. Besides, I was extremely impressed by its ease of installation and overall performance it delivers alongside boasting high-grade security. These weren’t to be seen in its preceding model, Nighthawk R7000.
Why is it a suitable choice?
To be honest, this DD-WRT-compatible router is a sitting beast. With a powerful 1GHz dual-core processor and ample flash storage, you won’t have to worry about storing the firmware, settings, and passwords. Besides, its high-speed performance, simple setup, and increased controls compared to its competition take the router at the top of my list.
The thing that makes it a good router for DD-WRT is its ease of installation, courtesy of the sophisticated Genie software setup wizard. Following the instructions, you can install and set up the firmware within minutes. Connect your router to the website and let the wizard do the magic. Once it’s done, get ready to explore a whole lot of features.
Getting started on security, you get the most up-to-date features, including WPA/WPA2 enterprise encryption alongside NAT or Network Address Translation firewalls and Stateful Packet Inspection, among others. As a result, it’s not just about the popular VPN connection.
Also, installing the DD-WRT firmware makes controlling the router much easier. You can toggle through the available security features using the app besides checking through the connected devices and regulating other of its aspects.
Wireless Speeds
Integrating an additional 5GHz band, this Netgear router offers a lot more on the speed front. Boasting maximum throughput speeds of 3.2 Gbps, it seems fair to pair the device up with any internet plans with Gigabit speeds.
And doing the same, I extracted download and upload speeds at 970 Mbps and 215 Mbps, respectively, on the 5GHz band. The additional band facilitated a few extra Mbps by clearing out the congestion and taking the data through available channels, leading to faster data transfer. Besides, the MU-MIMO technology also helped in this respect.
On the other hand, the overly congested and low-frequency 2.4GHz band has a respective speed output of 525 Mbps and 115 Mbps for downloads and uploads. The speeds seemed perfectly fine for handling bandwidth-intensive tasks like online gaming, 4K streaming, and video conferencing, sending emails and browsing social media.
👉 How To Speed Up Your Internet.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
Apart from speed, I found the device excels in its coverage aspect. With 6 powerful antennas, the router can dissipate strong signals across a 2,600 Sq Ft area or an average-sized apartment or workspace. Besides features like Beamforming+, MU-MIMO, and advanced QoS, you will get 5 signal bars on the devices you connect.
I connected 28 devices to my father’s workspace without experiencing any speed drops. Taking up the devices a bit higher would work, but there might be a drop in a few Mbps, which is enough, especially for low-bandwidth tasks like emailing and browsing social media.
Ports & Connectivity
Netgear hasn’t been lenient in giving out the ports, and with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, there’s a possibility for you to create an Ethernet backhaul. It gives you an extra possibility to boost your speeds a notch and let your bandwidth-hogging devices enjoy a few extra Mbps and run at a constant throughput.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Netgear Nighthawk X6 is a reliable router that comes with some high-end features to qualify as the best DD-WRT router. Easy installation, multiple customizations, greater speeds, coverage, and others make it climb to the top of my list. The only disadvantage of this device would be its price, which is much higher than other routers on my list.
Pros
- Excellent wireless throughput
- Additional 5GHz band
- Advanced security features
- Multiple customizations with DD-WRT
Cons
- Premium-priced
Alternative Product Suggestion
If you aren’t satisfied with the speed or Wi-Fi standard, I would suggest going for its upgrade, Netgear Nighthawk X10. It comes with a super-fast processor and Wi-Fi 6 support. Besides, DD-WRT runs smoother than ever with all customization and security features.
2. Best Open-Source Router: Linksys WRT3200ACM
Linksys has continued on its quest to reinvent ways for users to get online and has slowed down in making revolutionary designs and focused on giving out evolutionary choices instead. Its WRT3200ACM is a prime example of that. With faster speeds, decent antenna setup, and compatibility with open-source firmware makes it an upgraded option over WRT1900AC.
Why is it a suitable choice?
The suitability of a router with any open-source firmware, especially DD-WRT, varies on how easier it is to install. Linksys has ensured users don’t have to walk the extra mile to get the firmware installed in the router. Just log in to the admin portal, replace the firmware, and voila. You are ready to explore the limitless world of possibilities that comes with the firmware.
In terms of security, aside from WPA/WPA2 enterprise-grade wireless encryption standard, you get access to some advanced features like a configurable and solid firewall that protects your network from unauthorized access. Besides, there is VPN support that lets you access any website without revealing your actual IP address.
Other than security, installing the firmware allows you to alter the broadcasting power of your antennas and can make adjustments to boost their overall coverage.
Wireless Speeds
Regarding speeds, Linksys WRT3200ACM gets a big boost with the 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi 5 support. So, testing the Cox Gigablast plan with its 5GHz band got download speeds at around 915 Mbps while upload speeds clocked at 195 Mbps. All these were near-band speeds and let you attend Zoom calls on around 50 devices and stream UHD videos on 20 devices at once.
Besides that, its lower-frequency band attained speed values at around 545 Mbps and 75 Mbps for downloads and uploads. So even the congested and low-frequency band speeds could allow one to take over high-bandwidth tasks.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
Boasting a 4-antenna setup, you can expect decent coverage with this Linksys WRT3200ACM utility router, and it didn’t fail to deliver the promise in my tests. Despite the interferences, signal strength was good enough in a 2,000 Sq Ft home, and there were no visible dead spots in any of the corners. And even the smart lights were functional in the extremities.
Ports & Connectivity
Similar to my previous recommendation, this router also comes with a decent selection of ports that takes your overall download speeds to 960 Mbps, which is a boost over wireless speeds. Apart from that, the latest USB 3.0 port ensures faster data transfer, so connect your flash drive and get going.
Conclusion
Overall, WRT3200ACM is a value-added router suitable for people looking to experience a plethora of customizations with a DD-WRT AC router. Furthermore, you experience faster speeds and decent coverage, adding a few brownie points to its overall score. However, the reason for its second position would be one less 5GHz band compared to my top model.
Pros
- Faster data transfer
- Support MU-MIMO and beamforming
- Fast 5GHz throughput
- Several customizations with DD-WRT firmware
Cons
- No 160MHz clients available
Alternative Product Suggestion
If you are looking for a router with similar functionalities and DD-WRT compatibility, ASUS AC3100 can be a valid choice. There are a plethora of features that make it a quality and reliable router for gaming. These include WT fast game accelerator, AiMesh compatibility, and more.
3. Best for Medium Homes: D-Link DIR-882-US
D-Link DIR-882-US, costing less than $150, has everything you’d expect from a DD-WRT wireless router. It is a dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 router with a 3-antenna setup, which allows the device to dissipate strong signals over multiple devices at a time and help rejuvenate dead zones in your space.
Besides, if you are a loyal D-Link user, you get much more from its preceding model, DIR-878.
Why is it a suitable choice?
The in-built firmware of DIR-882 is rather simplistic and basic, with simple labeling and menus that make it easy to navigate. But installing DD-WRT gives you a ton of features, customizations, and security, making it a super-functional device. You won’t have to call upon a techie to install it but rather follow through with the provided instructions to get it done.
As for features, the D-Link router integrates a simple priority-based QoS function that lets you label your devices according to their priority. Besides, there’s a VPN server which can be a handy feature in some cases.
In terms of security, an in-built WPA/WPA2 encryption keeps your user credentials and datasets encrypted and safe. Besides, installing DD-WRT firmware gives you a ton of security features like DDoS functionality, firewall protection from viruses and malware, along with preventing unauthorized access.
Wireless Speeds
I put DIR-882-US to wireless performance test in a real-life scenario, and my test device was Macbook Pro 2017 built-in 802.11ac compatible Wi-Fi standard. In the proximity tests, respective speeds on its 5GHz band paired with a Gigabit plan were 895 Mbps and 157 Mbps. While, in long distances, speeds didn’t dip much, valuing around 745 Mbps and 115 Mbps.
Besides, on its 2.4GHz band, speeds averaged 557 Mbps and 67 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads. Considering the costs, I found the device to have a decent speed output. Without any doubt, connect any of your devices to stream your favorite movies and play your games.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
In terms of coverage, DIR-882-US performed exceedingly well courtesy of 4 transmit antennas to cover a maximum distance of around 1,800 Sq Ft. Besides, the integration of technologies like MU-MIMO and QoS lets you experience strong signals on 20 connected devices at once.
Ports & Connectivity
DIR-882-US flaunts 4 GigE LAN ports along with 2 USB ports, with one being the latest USB 3.0. You can plug in your networking as well as non-networking devices to the router to further boost your speeds by 30-40 Mbps and run your online games at maximum fps. Besides, the USB port supports printers, so you can connect one to get printouts much faster.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this device by D-Link has great wireless capabilities for a strong wireless range and solid 2.4GHz performance. Despite not offering many features compared to competitors, it definitely justifies its lower price. However, it stays much behind my previous two recommendations and therefore stays lower down the list.
Pros
- Strong WiFi coverage
- Good WiFi speed
- Good value for money
- Latest features like MU-MIMO and beamforming
Cons
- No access point mode
4. Best WiFi Coverage: ASUS RT-AC68U
Asus RT-AC68U is a leap forward to its preceding model, RT-AC66U, which came just a year ago. The latest model combines the latest technologies with powerful hardware to perform excellently. It boasts a new Wi-Fi chip alongside a fast 800MHz dual-core processor and DD-WRT compatibility that further gives out many additional features.
Why is it a suitable choice?
When it comes to installing DD-WRT in Asus RT-68U, just follow the detailed instructions available on the official website. It took me around 15 minutes to get the installation process done. Now let’s talk about the range of customizations and security features you get with this.
Alongside WPA/WPA2 enterprise encryption, DD-WRT can run IPv6, which is more advanced and secure than IPv4 and offers support to multiple IP addresses. A firewall also blocks unauthorized access and protection against viruses and malware. Other than that, there’s a VPN feature that lets you encrypt the entire internet traffic.
Besides security, there’s a boost in the overall wireless range and performance of the router, as well as numerous customization options to have full control over your router's task.
Wireless Speeds
Asus RT-68U with 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 standard performed exceedingly well in my speed tests. Pairing with Xfinity's 500 Mbps plan, download speeds on its 5GHz band averaged at around 475 Mbps while upload speeds were 95 Mbps. On the other hand, respective download and upload speeds at the 2.4GHz band were 225 Mbps and 55 Mbps.
Apart from that, RT-68U performed exceptionally well in my 48-hour stress test on both its bands and didn’t disconnect once during the entire period.
The speed outputs are less than my previous recommendations, but with 500 Mbps, you can simultaneously stream 4K movies on Netflix on nearly 20 devices. Alternatively, you can download an HD movie within a minute and an entire music album within seconds.
👉 The Best TV Streaming Plans.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
Besides speed, the router delivered an excellent range in my tests, covering around 1,500 Sq Ft, the size of my grandpa’s house. This was not the case when I installed the preceding model; there were a few dead spots in the nooks. Besides, the integration of QoS, beamforming and MU-MIMO ensures my 15 connected devices had any throughput issues.
Ports & Connectivity
Asus offers a decent selection of ports, including 4 Gigabit LAN ports that provide an option to establish an Ethernet backhaul and experience faster speeds. If you have many bandwidth-hogging devices at home, consider plugging them directly and eliminate any clunkiness while running low-bandwidth tasks wirelessly.
Other than that, there’s a USB 3.0 port to which you can connect your flash drive for faster data transfer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, RT-AC68U is a DD-WRT-supported wireless router that offers many features and aspects that keep it still a valid choice even after so many years. In addition to excellent coverage, you get faster wireless and wired speeds, and it is powerful enough for data sharing, media streaming, and personal cloud services.
Pros
- Simple user interface
- Decent coverage
- Excellent near-band speeds
- Secured with advanced security features
Cons
- No WAN ports
5. Best for Streaming: Netgear Nighthawk R6700
Netgear R6700 packs powerful hardware alongside a plethora of advanced technologies, which makes it a desirable choice among people seeking reliable budget-friendly options. Besides, a decent arrangement of ports lets you experience even higher speeds by spending the same. And when I compare it to the previous model, it definitely excels in terms of performance and range.
Why is it a suitable choice?
As per the manufacturer’s spec sheet, this router is compatible with most open-source firmware, and trying so DD-WRT would be a valid option.
I didn’t have to debrick the router, which is a massive plus point. The entire method is recommended on the official site, you just need to follow the instructions to get it done. It’s a much easy endeavor, and even my father could do it without much help. Besides, the firmware is much more stable than the in-built software.
Once installed, you get a plethora of security features unlocked that aren’t available with the built-in firmware. Your home network and connected devices are safe from viruses, malware, and unauthorized attacks. Besides, you get several customizations to have complete control over the router.
Wireless Speeds
Netgear R6700 doesn’t stay very far behind those high-end routers in terms of speeds. Paired with a 500 Mbps Cox plan, download and upload speeds averaged 420 Mbps and 75 Mbps in the proximity test. While taking it a distance apart cost a few hundred Mbps, taking respective speeds at around 215 Mbps and 25 Mbps. All the speeds were measured on the 5GHz band.
Such speeds allowed me to send my thousand slide presentations to my employer within a few minutes, and I could download multi-gigs of movies within seconds to watch in my free time.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
The versatile and reliable router by Netgear boasts 3 high-performance antennas that offer a range of up to 1,200-1,300 Sq Ft. Technologies like MU-MIMO and beamforming allow the signals to centralize the signals on the connected devices rather than spreading them around. So, you can get at least 3-4 signal bars on 12 connected devices at once.
Ports & Connectivity
In terms of ports, Netgear hasn’t been very lenient but does give you enough to connect your networking devices and experience faster speeds. There are 4 GigE ports capable of delivering speeds at around 450-470 Mbps with 500 Mbps connection, while it also supports Gigabit ports. So you can make your investments accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the R6700 is a budget-friendly device capable of delivering decent performance with mid-tier internet plans. The coverage is great, and the installed firmware stays stable to let you experience a multitude of aspects on offer. But, lesser speeds, coverage, and security options compared to my previous recommendations have pushed it down the list.
Pros
- Decent speeds
- Stable firmware
- 4 Ethernet ports
- Decent coverage
Cons
- Slow 2.4GHz speeds
6. Best Budget Router: TP-Link Archer A7
The penultimate product on my list is from a reputed and big-name networking company, TP-Link. The Archer A7 might not feature those high-end features as its competitors but considering its price, it does adequate value. Also, you get a whole lot of exciting features and upgrades compared to its older model, Archer A6.
Why is it a suitable choice?
TP-Link Archer A7 is compatible according to the manufacturer's spec sheet, so you can install the DD-WRT firmware with peace of mind. Although I felt the process to be a tad complicated compared to my previous recommendations, it does work well with the router. The firmware is stable, and its security feature keeps your home network safe and secured.
In addition to WPA/WPA2 enterprise encryption, there’s a DDoS functionality along with an SPI firewall that keeps your devices safe from unwanted threats. There are a plethora of customizations on offer that lets you have total control over the router.
Wireless Speeds
Use of many speed-boosting techniques like IPTV streaming and advanced beamforming, this router from TP-Link balances price and performance. I used my Dell laptop to test the speed limit for the high-frequency band, and the speeds were decent.
Considering the high throughput capacity of 1.9 Gbps, I paired the router with a 300 Mbps plan to get download speeds at around 280 Mbps while upload speeds scored at 45 Mbps. However, I didn’t bother testing on the low-frequency band with multiple interferences and congestions.
I used Archer A7 every day for a week to send and receive emails, play a few games, and watch videos without many hiccups or network drops.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
Despite featuring a 3-antenna setup, the A7 came short of filling my grandpa’s 1,500 Sq Ft home and left numerous dead spots. Using my Dell laptop, it had a range of around 1,000-1,100 Sq Ft and should be enough for any small to mid-sized home. Besides, courtesy of technologies like beamforming and MU-MIMO, all of my 10 bandwidth-hungry devices could run simultaneously.
Ports & Connectivity
The rear side of the Archer A7 has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, each rated to deliver speeds at around 1 Gbps. So, connecting my Dell laptop and Xbox 360 got me speeds at around 430 Mbps with the 500 Mbps Xfinity plan.
Also, the minimal lags with wireless connection were also eliminated while gaming or streaming, when paired with a gaming-centric modem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it might not be the largest, fastest, or most powerful router available in retail space, but its affordable price tag makes it one of the best bargains. Although 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.
For more details, you may read my full review of the Archer A7.
Pros
- Reasonable performance
- Bargain router
- Great compatibility with open-source firmware
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Limited range
7. Best for Home Use: Linksys E2500 N600
The final product on this DD-WRT router list is an inexpensive yet reliable device with some functionalities like dual-band operations, 2 powerful antennas, and decent Wi-Fi support. Courtesy of these, you can expect a decent performance from this device and a viable upgrade over any of your traditional and outdated routers.
Why is it a suitable choice?
DD-WRT compatibility is the major reason this Linksys router made into my list. The installation process is pretty simple, and you require downloading the firmware from the official website and running the setup. That’s it. Your newly installed DD-WRT firmware is now ready to use.
With this installed, there’s not only an inclusion of multiple customizations but some advanced security features that keep your residential network safe. Besides, an available VPN lets you access any webpage without getting detected.
Wireless Speeds
In terms of wireless speeds, although the technologies and standards are not the latest, but are adequate to let you easily run any bandwidth-intensive tasks. With 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 support, the router can deliver a maximum speed output of 192 Mbps and 15 Mbps for downloads and uploads with the 5GHz band.
However, the device failed miserably in the distance tests. At 40 feet, the device averaged speeds at around 45 Mbps and 5 Mbps, respectively, for downloads and uploads. The speeds might seem low but should be enough to let you easily download or stream HD movies.
WiFi Coverage & Connections Capacity
Coverage isn’t a strong suit of this router, and with 2 internal antennas in place, you could expect a maximum range of 800-900 Sq Ft, i.e., a small home. If you have a large home and this device is installed, I would recommend pairing it with a Wi-Fi extender to eliminate the potential dead zones.
Besides, you can connect up to 8-9 bandwidth-hogging devices irrespective of the range without dropping in speeds.
Ports & Connectivity
Linksys E2500 N600 boasts a decent selection of ports which lets you get some additional speeds through Ethernet backhaul. Plugging my Dell laptop into it got me speeds around 289 Mbps with my 300 Mbps connection, which is much more in comparison to wireless.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with relatively low throughput speeds and short range, Linksys E2500 is a perfect DD-WRT compatible router for small homes and offices with a small space. This is why the router is ranked at the bottom of my list. However, its design, affordable price, and ease of use still make it a valuable purchase for novice internet users looking for affordable DD-WRT-ready routers.
Pros
- DD-WRT compatible
- Easy to use
- Decent speeds
- 4 Ethernet ports
Cons
- Short range
Frequently Asked Questions
DD-WRT in a router offers a range of functionalities to explore. Users are provided with a versatile interface to make certain tweaks in the internal settings and get access to some advanced settings which are restricted by the manufacturer. Besides, several advanced security measures keep your home network and devices secured.
As compared to well-known open-source firmware like Tomato, installation and configuration of DD-WRT firmware can be a tad complicated. However, a lot of documentation is available online for guided instruction on the process. So, if you are willing to scour those thick manuals or are tech-savvy, DD-WRT can majorly enhance your router’s performance.
DD-WRT is a quality open-source firmware that can also unlock its technical capabilities apart from enhancing the overall functionalities of your router. The device, as a result, can extract more power which is important for increasing the overall range. However, increasing range and extracting power can cause the router to overheat, so keep that in mind.
There are only limited routers that are compatible with DD-WRT, so check for the manufacturer’s instructions for confirmation. However, you can select one from the provided list of routers and install it following the provided guide.
OpenWRT offers greater control over a router than DD-WRT but also comes at the price of simplicity. The former requires a person to have adequate knowledge to use it properly and extract its full potential, which is not the case with DD-WRT.
Verdict
I would like to wrap up my list of DD-WRT-compatible routers. As mentioned above, installing this firmware provides you with several customizations, but it's important to make a smart selection. If the list didn't get you an ideal device, here are my personal favorites:
- If you need a top-notch router to pair with DD-WRT firmware and there’s no budget restriction, then opt for Netgear Nighthawk X6. It boasts features like tri-band operations, powerful hardware and some advanced technologies that make it a top-choice model.
- Now, if budget is a bit of an issue yet you need an effective and reliable router, then consider going for D-Link DIR-882-US. Costing less than $150, it brings some quality features to the table, which makes it a viable option.
- Finally, if you want a budget router with decent speeds and range and a range of customizations with DD-WRT, TP-Link Archer A7 is a viable option.
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