There is no doubt that DD-WRT routers are the best way to have everything on your web connection. If you have a capable router with DD-WRT firmware installed in it, you will get the latest tools that will allow you to control, fine-tune, and optimize your web browsing experience. It comes with a lot of unique features, such as parental controls, content filtering, advanced optimization for different online activities, online privacy protection, and protection against malware. But now the most important question that peeps into our minds is: what are the best DD-WRT routers in recent times?
You should know that DD-Routers are quite expensive. In this article, we are going to discuss the best routers for DD-WRT within different budgets so that the users can get a lot of options and pick the best one amongst them.
A Short Note On DD-WRT
The term WRT present in DD-WRT means wireless router. The term DD present in DD-WRT signifies Dresden, Germany. It is the city where the technology was first developed.
DD-WRT is nothing but software, known as firmware. It is permanently integrated with a piece of hardware, such as a router. Firmware affects the interaction of any device with other devices.
DD-WRT firmware helps to replace the existing firmware on a standard router. This process is known as flashing.
If you flash your router with DD-WRT, you will be able to alter how the router communicates with the devices that are connected to it. It also affects the way your router sends information to and from the internet.
The programmers of DD-WRT created it in Linux, which is an open-source software program that allows anyone to edit it and share their versions of the software with others. You will find DD-WRT available online for free. That is why you will be able to put it on your router without spending money.
How Will You Choose the Best DD-WRT Router?
When you want to go for a DD-WRT router, you will surely want a device that comes with granular control over your internet connection. Before buying a DD-WRT router, you must consider the things that are mentioned below:
Specifications
When you are going to buy a DD-WRT router, you must take a look at the specs first. Some routers have single-core CPUs, whereas in end models there are more powerful CPUs and plenty of RAM. Some cheap DD-WRT routers are capable of bringing some specs that can run only on the built-in system, and if you install third-party firmware, it will cause problems.
Connectivity options
For basic web browsing, a 2.4GHz connection is enough, but for more advanced tasks, you have to depend on a 5GHz connection. If you want to stream in HD and 4K and want to play multiplayer games, you must go for a 5GHz connection.
DIY Flashing or pre-flashing
If you want to buy a router, it can be bought directly from the manufacturer. The firmware flash upgrade can be done yourself. If you are concerned about the budget, you may go for this option. But you have to keep in mind that when you do all these things, you are invalidating the warranty of a new router and running the risk of turning the machine into a paperweight if you make any mistake. Rather, you may buy it pre-flashed from a third-party company. Do not worry. You will get a warranty, and the router is tested to check whether it is working properly or not with DD-WRT before you receive it.
Also read: Best WPA3 Secure Routers
The Advantages Of Using DD-WRT Router
You will get a lot of advantages from using a DD-WRT router. They are as follows:
- There is a powered USB connection to the DD-WRT router that can read hard drives as well as flash memory cards. You will be able to create stable network storage properly with the help of this router.
- You may choose whether you want to use a VPN provider or not if you use a DD-WRT router. You will be able to get access to a lot of blocked websites all over the world if you use this router. It is very easy to connect it with your mobile phone, tablet, television, etc.
- You will be able to connect with any type of software. This comprises printers, scanners, and copiers, among other things. When you try to connect with your computer, you will get an extra option other than a USB flash drive.
- It can use the domain name system. You will be able to speed up your hostname look-up as soon as you catch the servers. You will be able to access those websites that take a lot of time to load.
- This router comes with a smooth wireless connection. It will help you to do your work more quickly, more specifically, and with a wider wireless range. This router has taken the wireless connection to an entirely new level.
The List Of The Best DD-WRT Routers In 2024
There are a lot of DD-WRT routers available on the market. You have to pick the best one for you. Here is a list of the best DD-WRT-compatible routers along with their short descriptions.
Asus AC 5300
One of the best DD-WRT routers is supposed to be the Asus AC 5300 in today’s market. A slew of antennas is equipped in this router model from Asus so that the signal quality can be increased. Moreover, there are four Ethernet ports in this router.
It has tri-band support, which is why this router is capable of offering speeds up to 5.3 Gbps. Moreover, it can cover a range of up to 5000 square feet.
That is why, if you are looking to buy a DD-WRT router that is capable of covering a large home, the Asus AC 5300 can be the best choice for you. There is a special feature in this router that is known as the AniMesh feature that enables the router to cover the maximum area.
This router is equipped with the MU-MIMO feature, which gives faster speeds to each device. You will get a better overall connection with this router.
This router can be the best choice for you if you are a game lover. There is a protection feature in this router that helps to analyze the network and keep the data safe and secure from hackers.
GL.iNet GL-MT300N
If you are looking for a budget-friendly DD-WRT router, you may easily go for the GL.iNet GL-MT300N router without any confusion. It is a mini-travel router. It is capable of delivering Wi-Fi connectivity, no matter where you are. You will get 16 GB of storage data on this popular DD-WRT router. This will help you store some data, especially when you are traveling. This router is so small that it can be carried in a bag. The best thing about this router is that it is capable of taking a wire connection and converting it into a Wi-Fi connection. Moreover, the device can be easily plugged into a laptop, power bank, and many other components.
Linksys WRT AC 3200
Tri-stream 160 technology is used by this Linksys WRT AC 3200 and it is capable of providing a speed of up to 2.6 GB/s. You will be able to reduce the amount of lag and poor connectivity issues that you have to face once you use this device. This router is designed with MU-MIMO technology that lets you connect more than one device on the same network without affecting the sport. The speed will remain the same. There are several ports like eSATA, LAN, and USB on the backside of the router. The router can be controlled through the mobile. You may download Wi-Fi apps on your smartphone. You will be able to see who and what is getting connected to the network with the help of this app.
Netgear Nighthawk X4S
Netgear Nighthawk X4S router is capable of providing a maximum speed of up to 2.5 Gbps. There are two USB 3.0 ports and one eSATA port in this DD-WRT router. A unique feature known as Ready Share Vault is in-built into this router that helps to automatically back up the PC connection to the attached storage.
Netgear R6700
You will get a complete package at a reasonable or e if you go for this router. It is the best DD-WRT router 2021. The design of this router is a unique comparison with other routers made by Netgear. There is a front-placed USB 3.0 that you can use for external storage devices. You will be able to create entertainment hubs very easily and get access to those hubs from other devices. The most interesting thing about this router is that it is equipped with three high-power antennas that you can not only adjust but also you may remove according to your requirements. This router can support networks of up to 1750 Mbps and is divided into two channels. The router is capable of bringing top-rated results in terms of storage performance. The router provides very fast NAS performance. It is great for gaming as well as streaming. But the setting procedure of this router is quite difficult.
Netgear R7000
This router from Netgear is one of the favorites for all users. That is why it has been placed among the best DD-WRT routers. The most attractive point for liking this router so much is that it can be obtained at a pocket-friendly price. This router is equipped with a 1 GHz dual-core CPU. It is an 802.11 ac dual-band router with a total throughput of 1900 Mbps. This router is perfect for larger homes according to Netgear. There are four standard Ethernet ports and two USB ports at the back of the device. One is a USB 2.0 model suitable for a printer or other low-bandwidth device. The second port is USB 3.0 which is perfect for attaching a USB 3.0 hard drive or a flash stick so that you will be able to share files across your home network.
The people who have a lot of square footage to cover must go for this router as it is comparatively cheaper than other routers. It is capable of providing fast network conductivity. So you will be able to have a better experience with it. The performance of this router is very good which you can not imagine having in this price range.
To Sum Up
The people who are looking for the best DD-WRT routers in 2022 may go through this article. This article will help them to know all the features and special qualities of the routers. You will be able to choose your best DD-WRT router and get a great overall experience while you use this router. The most important fact is that DD-WRT firmware is completely free. You do not need to spend a penny on installing DD-WRT in your router. But you should keep in mind that DD-WRT firmware is not compatible will all routers. So you must check whether it is compatible with DD-WRT firmware or not before buying a router.