Which router should I buy?

Question: I want to buy a new router which is supported by OpenWrt, but don't know which. Can the forum help me?

Before asking on the forum: Please think about your requirements and provide answers to these questions. (We're going to ask them anyway, so save everyone time by doing this first. Thanks.)

• How fast is your internet connection? (What speed does your ISP advertise: under 10mbps, 10-50mbps, 50-100mbps, higher?)
• Do you need Wi-Fi? (2.4GHz only, both 2.4GHz and 5GHz? Most routers provide both bands these days.)
• Do you need Gigabit Ethernet? (For attaching additional devices with an Ethernet cable.)
• Do you need USB ports? How many? USB 2.0 or 3.0? (For attaching external hard drives, printers, etc.)
• How many family members/devices must the router support? (Most routers easily handle 5-6 people and their devices.)
• What other services do you want? (Do you need VPN, media server, web server, etc.?)
• Finally, please define your price range. Saying “as little as possible” is not helpful. You certainly have an upper limit, therefore let the forum know if it is under $30, under $75, and so on. The forum responses will always mention a least expensive device that meets your requirements, and often suggest alternatives.

Resources:

1. See Supported Devices and Table of Hardware: Ideal for OpenWrt
2. See also Buyers' Guide
3. See the OpenWrt forum
   • What's your favourite cheap OpenWrt device?
   • What's your favourite enthusiast OpenWrt device?
   • Which OpenWrt router for up to $50?
   • Which OpenWrt router for up to $100?
4. In case you still have questions, take a look at the OpenWrt forum:
   https://forum.openwrt.org/c/hardware-questions-and-recommendations.