5 best DD-WRT routers [Cheap Options Available]

Buying Guides

4 min. read

Updated on October 4, 2023

by Milan Stanojevic

updated on October 4, 2023

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Key notes

A DD-WRT router is your best option if you want to tweak it features and install a VPN.
Choosing the best router is a hard job, though, but we're trying to make it easier for you with these top 5 DD-WRT routers in terms of performance, coverage, and other features.
If you want to learn more about routers, check out our dedicated Routers Section on the website.
Curious to find more deals? We've got excellent recommendations in our Network & Connectivity Hub.

A DD-WRT router is a router that has a special open-source software (firmware) called DD-WRT installed on it to allow you to customize its features.

DD-WRT routers are preferred when you want to add an extra layer of protection to your all web traffic by setting up a VPN directly onto the router.

Also, they are the best choice if your household has multiple Internet-connected devices at the same time.

Not to mention that by using DD-WRT routers you can stream geo-restricted content, which is a huge problem with many on-demand video providers that only offer services in certain territories.

You can either purchase a DD-WRT router with a pre-flashed VPN, or you can set it up yourself, with a VPN client of your own preference.

Now, when you decide upon buying a DD-WRT router, there are a few aspects to take into consideration, such as performance, the number of devices to cover, specific use.

So check out our top picks below and put one on your to-buy list!

What are the best DD-WRT routers deals?

Asus RT-AC5300

Tri band (Dual 5 GHz, single 2; 4 GHz)
Supports every operating System, including Windows, macOS and Linux
Protection powered by Trend Micro
ASUS Smart Connect

AiMesh only works via WPS

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One of the most powerful routers available right now, the Asus RT-AC5300 is perfect for large homes with its eight Ethernet ports.

It can easily cover more than 10 devices and comes with a powerful 1.4GHz processor reaching a top speed of 5,334Mbps.

Thanks to the four-receive configuration, the covered devices won’t interfere, so transfer rates are excellent. This is probably the best router for seamless streaming and gaming.

Linksys WRT-3200ACM

Fast wireless router
Tri stream 160 technology
Dual-band Wi-Fi speeds up to 2.6 Gbps
Operating temperature: 32 to 104 F (0 to 40 C)

It loses signal from the modem

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With an impressive dual-core 1.6GHz processor, this router can deliver top speeds over dual Wi-Fi bands of 1,900Mbps.

It also boasts an outstanding file transfer speed thanks to an eSATA port, doubled by a 3.0 USB port for file sharing.

The MU-MIMO antennas allow the router to communicate with multiple devices at the same time, increasing the speed of the Wi-Fi network, however it is possible that not every VPN is compatible.

Netgear R6700

Fast Wi-Fi performance
Recommended for up to 25 devices
Wired Ethernet ports
Safe & secure

The router is dropping signal

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This one is another excellent option for gaming and video streaming fans. It is not as powerful as the first two options, but still, it is suitable for smaller homes.

The maximum download speed is 1,750Mbps, divided into two channels. The power antennas are adjustable, but also detachable.

Netgear R7000

Fast Wi-Fi performance
Recommended for up to 30 devices
Smart parental controls
Netgear Armor

Complaints about the software

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One of the most popular routers among VPN fans is the Netgear R7000 router.

Some notable details about it are the stable performance thanks to the dynamic QoS for gaming and streaming, as well as the very good coverage for large spaces and more than 10 devices.

It also comes equipped with a 2.0 USD port for your printer and a 3.0 SUB port for external hard drive or flash stick.

Linksys E2500

Dual-band Wireless N
Up to 300 + 300 Mbps transfer speed
MIMO antenna array
4 Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) ports

Needs to call the Linksys customer support to set up the router

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A discreet and sleek wireless router, with dual-band Wireless N technology for an optimal coverage over the Internet, and no interference between your devices whatsoever.

The MIMO antenna provides good signal strength at a distance. Set up can be done in just 3 steps using the included Cisco Connect software.

These were our choices for DD-WRT routers. If you have any suggestions on this selection or if you want to add your own preference, please use the comments sections below.

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