If your looking for a well supported OpenWRT or LEDE router available from Amazon this is a list of my findings and opinions.
Historically the Linksys WRT AC1200 has been my router of choice for projects but with prices remaining around 150 USD it has become less desirable for small projects. My ideal router pick would be:
- Under 100 USD
- 2.4 and 5 Ghz support
- Good OpenWRT / LEDE support
- Available from common retailer sources
My current findings and reviews ordered based on preference
Current Favorites
GL.iNet GL-AR750
Con
- Travel router
- Not explicitly listed on the LEDE supported hardware page (as of 2017-11-20)
Pro
- Price
- 5Ghz support
GL.iNet Brand – General
Con
- Mostly travel routers.
- No 5Ghz support (as of 2017-11-20)
Pro
- Price
- Advertise themselves as OpenWRT compatible and are listed on the LEDE supported hardware page.
Linksys WRT AC1200
Con
- Price. Currently $145 as of 2017-11-20
Pro
- Well supported on LEDE project.
- Personal experience installing and running OpenWRT is good.
Don’t bother with these
NETGEAR N750 – WNDR4300v1
Con
- ONLY V1 is supported and Amazon doesn’t clarify what is sold.
Pro
- Price. 50 USD
- LEDE Support
NETGEAR N600 – WNDR3400v3
Con
- Amazon doesn’t clarify if version 3 is sold
- Memory a little less than N750
Pro
- Price. 35 USD
- LEDE Support
NETGEAR N750 – WNDR4300v2
Con
- V2 is not supported.
Pro
- Price. 50 USD
- LEDE Support
Kasda AC1200
Con
- Isn’t listed on the OpenWRT or LEDE as a supported router (as of 2017-11-20)
- Contain a customized version of OpenWRT based on review.
Pro
- Good price
NETGREAR WNR3500L
Con
- No 5 Ghz support
Pro
- Advertised as OpenWRT compatible
- Price
- LEDE firmware available
TP-Link Brand
Prior to the Linksys WRT series of OpenSource routers this was my preferred brand but then TP-Link started locking their firmware images making it difficult to upgrade from a stock image to OpenWRT / LEDE
Con
- TP-Link locked the firmware to prevent OpenWRT / LEDE upgrades
- No longer easy to upgrade
Pro
- Decent prices