Best DD-WRT Router You Can Buy in 2022

DD-WRT is a Linux based open-source router firmware project created to unlock the hidden potential of your wireless router.

Most routers ships with stock firmware that is developed by the manufacturer of the router. Stock firmware is designed for easy user experience and avoids any advanced technical stuff that may seem confusing to the non-technical user.  

However, custom router firmware projects like DD-WRT, OpenWRT etc. lift the restrictions of the stock firmware and allow full control of the device.

It can greatly enhance the router’s features such as stability, privacy, network security and wireless connectivity.

Here’s the summary of the best DD-WRT routers:

Before proceeding:

1. All these routers are DD-WRT compatible. However, I am mentioning other interesting features of these routers. For full-specifications visit the official website of these routers.

2. The features mentioned here are for routers with stock firmware. Some of these features may not work with open-source router firmware.

3. These are not the only supported routers. Check the DD-WRT router firmware website to know about other supported routers.

4. The router mentioned here may have different versions. Some manufacturers create new routers using different hardware without changing the model number. Therefore, make sure you are buying the right version (one that is compatible with DD-WRT).   

5. You should do your research about the latest firmware version in the DD-WRT forums/website before you proceed with the flashing process.

6. Flashing third-party firmware may brick your device. I/Techsphinx shall not be held responsible for any damages.

Best DD-WRT Routers

1. Linksys WRT3200ACM

The first DD-WRT compatible router on this list is Linksys WRT3200ACM. It is a dual-band router that offers a maximum speed of up to 2600 Mbps on the 5GHz band and up to 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.

Thanks to its TRI-stream 160 technology that increases bandwidth from 80Mhz to 160Mhz, you can enjoy 4K HD streaming, gaming etc. in high quality without any lag.

Linksys WRT3200ACM has MU-MIMO to provide reliable connections to multiple devices simultaneously and beamforming technology that optimizes performance and reduces interference by focusing wireless signals to connected devices.

Moreover, this router supports WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption standards and you can easily set up and manage this router using the Linksys Smart WiFi App or through a web browser.

If you want an open-source router combined with powerful hardware that is compatible with both OpenWRT and DD-WRT router firmware, then this is the router you’re looking for.

Hardware Specs of Linksys WRT3200ACM:

Features:

• TRI-STREAM 160 MHz Dual-band (2.4 and 5GHz) open-source router.
• Maximum speeds of up to 600 Mbps (2.4 GHz) and 2600 Mbps (5 GHz).
• MU-MIMO and Beamforming technology supported.
• Supports multiple operation modes (Router, Access Point, Wired Bridge, Wireless Bridge and Repeater).
• Supports WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption.
• Compatible with both OpenWRT and DD-WRT.
• Easy setup and management with Linksys Smart Wi-Fi App or web browser.

Shop now at Amazon

2. ASUS WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AC5300)

Asus RT-AC5300 is a Tri-band (2.4GHz, 5GHz and 5GHz) WiFi gaming router that offers a maximum speed of up to 2167 Mbps on each of its 5GHz band and up to 1000 Mbps on the 2.4Ghz band.

It has MU-MIMO technology included to provide reliable connections to multiple connected devices simultaneously. RT-AC5300 has 8 (4 transmit and 4 receive) antenna-design along with the AiRadar beamforming technology for an increased WiFi coverage and strong connection across connected devices.

It is also compatible with the AiMesh technology that allows you to connect other compatible ASUS routers to create a powerful and flexible whole-home Wi-Fi network.

Moreover, Asus RT-AC5300 is also officially compatible with the Merlin router firmware. You can easily manage all its configurations using the Asus Router app or through the web browser.

If you want a gaming router to use with DD-WRT router firmware, then this router is simply the best choice.

Hardware Specs of Asus RT-AC5300:

Features:

• Tri-band (dual 5 GHz, single 2.4 GHz) Wireless Router.
• Maximum speeds of up to 2167 Mbps (5 GHz-1), 2167 Mbps (5 GHz-2) and up to 1000 Mbps (2.4 GHz).
• Supports MU-MIMO and AiMesh technology.
• AiRadar beamforming for faster and stronger WiFi connectivity.
• Supports multiple operation modes (Accesspoint, AiMeshnode, Mediabridge, Repeater, Router).
• Supports Link Aggregation for superfast Wired connection of up to 2 Gbps.
• Easy setup and management through a web browser or Asus Router App.

Shop now at Amazon

3. NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart WiFi Router (R7800)

Netgear Nighthawk R7800 is a simultaneous dual-band router that offers a maximum speed of up to 1730 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and up to 800 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.

It is equipped with 4 external antennas for better WiFi coverage. If that’s not enough for you then the beamforming+ technology included will boost speed, reliability and range of WiFi connections to the connected devices.

Thanks to the ReadySHARE technology, you can easily share a storage drive with any connected device or create personal cloud storage that you can access from anywhere.

You can easily set up and manage the router configurations through Nighthawk App or via the web browser.

If you are in the market for a balanced router, that you can use for day-to-day tasks like streaming videos, playing games, surfing the internet, connecting smart home devices and being compatible with DD-WRT, then this router will be a great addition to your networking world.

Hardware Specs of Netgear R7800:

Features:

• Simultaneous Dual Band (2.4 and 5 GHz) WiFi router.
• Maximum Speeds of up to 800 Mbps (2.4 GHz) and up to 1730 Mbps (5 GHz).
• Beamforming+ technology is included to boost speed, reliability and range of WiFi connections.
• Support for creating personal cloud storage to access files from anywhere.
• Supports WPA2 wireless security protocol, Double Firewall and DoS attack protection.
• Setup and Manage the router using the Nighthawk App.

Shop now at Amazon

4. ASUS AC1900 WiFi Gaming Router (RT-AC68U)

Another Asus device on this DD-WRT router list. Asus RT-AC68U is a dual-band router that offers a maximum speed of up to 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and up to 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.

Just like the previous Asus RT-AC5300 router, this one also supports AiRadar technology for increased WiFi coverage and strong connection across connected devices.

Also, with the included AiMesh technology, you can connect the RT-AC68U to other compatible ASUS routers to create a powerful and flexible whole-home Wi-Fi network.

As for security, AC68U supports the WPA/WPA2-Personal, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise security standards. You can easily manage all the configurations through the Asus Router app or via the webpage.

Along with DD-WRT compatibility, this router has official support for the Asus Merlin router firmware. If you want a gaming router without emptying your pockets, then give this router a try.

Hardware Specs of Asus RT-AC68U:

Features:

• Asus Dual-Band (2.4 and 5GHz) wireless router.
• Maximum speeds of up to 600 Mbps (2.4 GHz) and 1300 Mbps (5 GHz).
• Supports Asus AiRadar and AiMesh technologies.
• WPA/WPA2-Personal, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise security standards are supported.
• Supports multiple operation modes (Accesspoint, AiMeshnode, Mediabridge, Repeater, Router).
• Easy setup and management through a web browser or Asus Router App.

Shop now at Amazon

5. NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 AD7200 (R9000)

The last on the DD-WRT router list is Netgear Nighthawk R9000. It is a Tri-band WiFi router that offers a maximum speed of up to 800 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, up to 1733 Mbps on the 5GHz band and up to 4600 Mbps for 60GHz band devices.

Nighthawk R9000 is equipped with 4 high-performance antennas along with MU-MIMO for simultaneous streaming and beamforming technology to amplify WiFi signals to maximize range and throughput.

Other notable features that R9000 includes are; Plex Media Server, Amazon Drive Cloud Backup and voice control with Alexa.

If you want a router with WiFi technology that delivers ultra-smooth 4K streaming, a great VR gaming experience, instant downloads and is compatible with DD-WRT router firmware, then check out this premium device.

Hardware Specs of Netgear R9000:

Features:

• 160 MHz Tri-Band Wireless Router.
• Uses 802.11ac + 802.11ad technology.
• Maximum speeds of up to 800 Mbps (2.4 GHz), 1733 Mbps (5GHz) and up to 4600 Mbps for 60GHz band devices.
• MU-MIMO and Beamforming technology included.
• Plex included for media streaming.
• Supports Amazon cloud drive backup.
• Supports WPA/WPA2 encryption security.
• Works with Alexa for voice control.

Shop now at Amazon

Conclusion

This concludes the best DD-WRT router list. However, these are not the only routers that are compatible with DD-WRT router firmware. There are many other routers that support the DD-WRT router firmware.

Also, check out: Best routers compatible with OpenWRT and Best Routers to run Tomato Firmware.