Hello guys.
I know $40 is very low price for a new openWRT supported decent router. So I searched in internet these two models TP-Link Archer C7 (v2) and Linksys EA7500. Support OpenWRT but both of them is nearly 10 years old(as I saw one is from 2014 and second 2016) So I am kind of hesitant if I should go for them. would you guys suggest me to buy one of these? If not which other model with openWRT support and decend wifi capabilities would you suggest me to go?
Thanks in advance.
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Your just pissing cash in the wind buying ancient HW like that. Why are you so keen to get WRT ?
At that budget, you’re going to be hard pressed to find anything newer. That’s not a dealbreaker though. The important thing is that the device is still supported by OpenWRT and receiving updates. I have a TP-Link Archer A7 running OpenWRT set up at my parents’ house and it has been rock solid for several years now. They can be found < $40 refurbished and around $55 new on Amazon.
Cudy X6 or WR3000, they are just a bit over $40 and should be good for latest 23.05.2
Thank you very much, these two seems to be what I need. Just one more question, I looked up this table https://openwrt.org/toh/start?dataflt%5BBrand*%7E%5D=cudy and there is no WR3000 mentioned, are you sure it supports openWRT?
The ToH sometimes might not be very updated, but you can check the firmware selector:
For more details I recommend you to discuss in OpenWrt reddit sub or their forum.
They’re missing USB, so when other options in the same price range can be had for the same under-40, like RT1800, then it’s kind of a bummer to be paying the same price for no USB.
It really depends on use case, if I don’t need it, then I wouldn’t care. Previously I bought the no USB Netgear WAX206 and flashed to OpenWrt, since it’s marketed as small business AP so the signal range was way better then most devices I can find in similar price range. USB? I don’t need it on a router so I am OK.
What about mini pc or thin client + wifi card?
If you don’t need wifi, you could get a 1GB ram raspberry pi 4 + TP-Link USB dongle for a second 1GBps interface.
Can you be a bit more specific about what your needs are?
Linksys is fine, keep in mind there is V1 and V2 that are supported by openwrt, and apparently v3 is not supported. V1 got a bit better cpu. Also, if you can stretch your budget and want wifi6, check totolink x5000r on Ali express, time to time they appear on sale.
You can look for a Xiaomi AX3200 EU or another Xiaomi router in that price range.
They usually offer great value for the price and work very well with OpenWrt.
The AX3200 has mt7622 and can even handle SQM at 300+ Mbps
RT1800 and RT3200 are pretty good candidates as far as pricing goes. (RT1800 is 39$ on Walmart 3rd party right now.)
Note that RT1800 actually has USB3, whereas RT3200 is USB2, but RT3200 has better OpenWrt support.
Both have been $50 and under at Walmart.
Another possible option for a super router is $79 Dynalink; if it was an Asus or Netgear with these same specs, they’d probably be selling it for $200.
Out of these 3 options, the RT3200 is the most well supported, so if you want it to work, probably get that one.
Also, WAX202 has been on sale for $29 or $39 often enough, but I think those may be gone; no USB, so, not the best unless you get it super cheap.
As far as Cudy goes that someone else recommended, I’d advise against it, because it’s missing USB and the specs are often the most barebone compared to alternatives on sale at the same price.
If I had a strict $40+tax budget, I’d probably investigate if RT1800 is supported properly, and get that one.