Here are the Best DD-WRT Routers Under $100 in 2020 can deliver to your setup right now. Now that 10 routers are here, promising network speeds of up to 6Gbps, it's only a matter of time before this is matched by our at-home internet bandwidth.
Many manufacturers make wireless routers with the average non-technical user in mind. The user may never know, but they can never utilize the full potential of such a router.
The DD-WRT is a Linux-based firmware for specific router models, that is designed to unlock the full potential of a router. The firmware lifts all the restriction of the default firmware, providing you with unlimited options. The best DD-WRT router is a powerful and multi-purpose router.
The possibilities with it are endless. You get enhanced connection speeds, and you can be able to encrypt your whole network, any many more features.
Best DD-WRT Routers Under $100 | Complete Guide
1. NETGEAR R7000-100NAS Nighthawk AC1900 WIFI Router
Key Features
The Nighthawk series is Netgear’s fastest and most angular. Their D7000-100NAS represents the top of the line performance you can expect from a compatible CenturyLink modem router combo.
Though this device is not on the CenturyLink approved list, it has been confirmed by many users to work fine on even the fastest CenturyLink networks. Just make sure that your service isn’t on a bonded VDSL line.
This router supports VDSL2 while remaining backward compatible with ADSL2/2+ service. Its dual-band AC1900 wireless speeds far exceed the possible transfer speeds of either protocol, though, so there is no need to worry about performance with this behemoth.
Netgear’s proprietary Beamforming+ technology also helps deliver the best wireless coverage throughout your home.
If you can look past the Nighthawk D7000’s hefty price tag, you will be able to set aside any worries about wireless speed or coverage. And if you use the Internet as much as I do, it is well worth the cost.
2. ASUS AC5300 WIFI Router
Key Features
If you don’t mind spending a pretty penny to get your hands on a DD-WRT-compatible router, the Asus AC5300 is a great option. The router comes with a slew of antennas all around to maximize signal quality and has four ports on the back for hardwiring computers, game consoles.
It offers maximum throughput of up to 5.3Gbps, thanks to tri-band support, and can deliver coverage at up to 5,000 square feet, so it’s ideal for larger homes. Still, if your coverage isn’t where you’d like it to be, the AC5300 comes with an AiMesh feature that lets you connect multiple Asus routers to it to further expand your coverage.
Since older and slower devices can sometimes throttle your entire network, the AC5300 ships with a MU-MIMO feature that will deliver the fastest speed to each device, which ensures a better overall connection.
If you’re a gamer, you’ll be happy to know that the Asus AC5300 has built-in support for WTFast Gamers Private Network for accessing the “route-optimized services” to deliver stable and fast connectivity while you’re playing video games.
A feature called AiProtection on the AC5300 is powered by security company Trend Micro and will analyze your network to identify vulnerabilities and keep your data safe from hackers.
3. NETGEAR R7800-100NAS Nighthawk X4S AC2600 WIFI Router
Key Features
One of Netgear’s most advanced routers, the Nighthawk X4S allows access to 802.11ac wireless networks and delivers speeds that easily exceed 2.5Gbps. Interestingly, Netgear has designed its Nighthawk X4S to be about more than routing and offers the ability for you to plug in a variety of storage devices through the router’s two USB 3.0 ports and 1 eSATA port. It also comes with an app called ReadyShare Vault that will automatically back up your PC connections to the attached storage.
Although the Nighthawk X4S is fast, it works over two Wi-Fi bands, which means its top speeds will be slower than other tri-band options. However, the router ships with a Dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) feature that will prioritize bandwidth and ensure some of the latency-sensitive apps you care most about, such as video games and Netflix, are delivering the best experience.
4. Linksys WRT 1200AC Wireless Router
Key Features
The Linksys WRT1200AC is a superb router, although perhaps just a little too pricey for what you get. Despite this, it is a popular router that has been proven to provide both good range for its spec and fantastic performance (again for its spec). The great news is that FlashRouters provides this router pre-flashed for use with a huge number of different VPNs. As such, this is a quick and easy option that delivers more than enough power for most people's needs.
Where this router really performs is due to its inclusion of both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. This allows a hard drive to be connected directly to the router via a gigabit connection, and allows it to be used as a fast network storage server (without having to buy a NAS server).
5. Linksys WRT AC3200 Wireless Router
Key Features
The WRT AC3200 has what the Linksys calls, “Tri-Stream 160” technology that can offer speeds up to 2.6Gbps. The big advantage to the WRT3200, however, might come in the form of a Dynamic Frequency Selection certification, which allows it to send signals over airspace not typically crowded by other wireless products.
That results in a cleaner connection between device and router and should reduce the amount of lag and poor connectivity issues you could face. You’ll also find MU-MIMO support, which means the router will dole out connections individually to each device to ensure some of your older products don’t slow down your newer and faster hardware.
On the rear, you’ll find a variety of ports, including eSATA, USB and LAN. That all translates to the ability to connect external storage and other, hardwired products with ease. There’s even a Wi-Fi app for your smartphone of choice that lets you see who and what is connecting to your network and unclog it if (and when) things get out of hand. You can even connect to that app regardless of whether you’re on the network.
6. TRENDnet AC1900 Wireless Router
Key Features
TRENDnet might not have the most well-known brand, but its AC1900 router supports DD-WRT. And according to customers, it works quite well. The TRENDnet AC1900 has what the company calls GREENnet technology, which reduces its power consumption by 50 percent compared to previous models.
Unlike some tri-band models, the AC1900 doesn’t have a slew of antennas jutting out from its box. Instead, the device is designed to fit into any area in the house without detracting from your interior design with unsightly antennas. Because of that, however, you shouldn’t expect the kinds of speeds you’d get in higher-end options. The AC1900 can deliver speeds up to 1.3Gbps over 802.11ac and just 600Mbps over 802.11n.
Still, if you can live with the slower speeds and want to take advantage of the AC1900’s price tag, you’ll find a USB 3.0 port and USB 2.0 port for adding external storage. The LAN ports on the back are also Gigabit-compatible, so you should be able to derive solid speed.
You’ll be able to set up both a secure network and guest network with the AC1900 to keep others away from your sensitive files. The router also comes with parental controls for blocking specific websites from loading on any device that connects to your network. If your kids connect to the Web on other networks that aren’t protected, however, you won’t be able to control what they see.
7. ASUS AC5300 WIFI Router
Key Features
The Asus RT-AC5300 is the Death Star of wireless routers. Although the AC88U is slightly better when it comes to technical specifications, the AC5300 wins every time when it comes to performance. This is in part thanks to the eight external antennas, which are set up in a four-transmit, four-receive (4T4R) configuration, and give it fantastic range. 4T4R also helps to avoid interference between devices, thereby increasing transfer rates. The router also allows users to set up two real 5GHz networks.
In addition, the router is loaded with MU-MIMO technology (Multi User - Multiple Input Multiple Output), as well as specialized gaming technology to further reinforce the amazing wireless technology.
On the whole, if you're looking to deck out your home or office with a router that will support your 4K video streaming, and endless wireless devices.
8. GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mini Travel Router
Key Features
The GL.iNet GL-MT300N is the epitome of budget-friendly routing. The yellow brick-like device is actually a mini travel router that will deliver wireless connectivity wherever you may be going. And it’s also one of the cheapest options you can find. DD-WRT comes pre-installed and you’ll even find 16GB of storage on the device, so you can store some content while you’re on the go. And since it’s so small, you can pop it into a bag and bring it with you without fear of it taking up too much room.
One of the nice things about the GL.iNet GL-MT300N is that it can take a wired connection at a coffee shop or airport and convert it into a wireless connection for you. And although it doesn’t come with a built-in battery, the device can be plugged into laptops, power banks or other components, and siphon power to deliver connectivity.
Simply said, the GL.iNet GL-MT300N is the cheapest way to get access to DD-WRT, VPN software like OpenVPN, and even TOR.
9. Linksys X2000 Wireless Modem Router
Key Features
You may have noticed by now, but if you have the misfortune of being stuck with an ADSL2+ Internet connection, your wireless gateway’s range is far more important than its speed.
This is because your service acts as a bottleneck, hence why those who live in smaller homes might prefer the Linksys X2000 over our slightly more robust suggestions from Netgear.
This modem/router combo delivers more middle of the road wireless range, and can easily be found for under $100.
The X2000 has a built-in N300 router, which is on par with what a majority of ISPs will provide you as rental gear. Its range is nicely boosted thanks to an embedded MIMO antenna.
The modem portion of this device isn’t compatible with VDSL, so speed won’t be much of a concern. After all, ADSL services max out at 24 Mbps, well before your router will have to break a sweat.
Wired connections will be on the slower side as well, as the X2000’s three ethernet ports are fast ethernet rather than gigabit.
This gateway does not have a USB port either, so don’t count on being able to easily network a hard drive.
Ultimately, the most appealing element of this modem/router is its price tag. Its feature set still offers plenty for the casual user, so despite not having some more premium features, the X2000 is still a worthy pick.
10. D-Link EXO DIR-869
Key Features
When it comes to routers, and even DD-WRT models, you’ll see that many of them look alike. Tech companies aren’t usually willing to take big risks in terms of design decisions. And if they do, we’re usually talking about the least affordable routers. However, D-Link’s EXO might be an exception to this rule.
The EXO DIR-869 comes with a triangular design and sharp edges all around. It comes equipped with four Ethernet (Gigabit) ports, one WAN port – and sadly, it’s missing any USB ports which truly is a shame. On the upside, it supports the latest Wi-Fi standard and it’s dual-band based, which means that you can get pretty fast Web connection by using this router. And thanks to its external antennas, this model should cover pretty large homes with ease.
Choosing a DD-WRT router and a VPN
Flashing a router with DD-WRT is tricky, which is why most people opt to buy a pre-flashed router. If you aren’t a particularly technical person, a pre-flashed router is the best option. For people who have the expertise (or the patience to learn) - flashing and installing a VPN on a router is achievable. However, please bear in mind that not every router can be flashed with DD-WRT.
One thing to bear in mind is that although a flashed DD-WRT router protects all your devices, the protection of all those devices is going to be limited by the quality of your chosen VPN's service. That is why it is vital to ensure you get a reliable and trustworthy VPN service installed on a DD-WRT router. Failure to do this will mean that all your devices suffer from the same substandard VPN service.
When selecting a VPN for DD-WRT, the same VPN considerations apply as when selecting a VPN for using directly on independent devices. Encryption must be strong, and it must be implemented to a high standard. Servers must be located in a good spread of locations, and those servers must provide fast speeds for enjoying the internet. Furthermore, customer service and VPN provider's professionalism should be considered, so that you can quickly resolve any issues.
DD-WRT Privacy
If you are going to go to the trouble of installing a VPN on a flashed DD-WRT router, it is vital that the VPN is world class. For that reason, all of the VPNs in this guide provide the very best encryption available on the market (OpenVPN encryption). In addition, they have a proven track record of providing privacy for their subscribers. They also have watertight privacy policies, which means that your data will remain private at all times: on all of your devices.
DD-WRT Connection Speeds
One of the main advantages of a VPN is that subscribers can overcome censorship and geo-restrictions. Connecting to a VPN server in the US or UK, for example, means that the VPN user appears to really be in one of those countries. Many VPNs provide very slow connection speeds, which means that streaming in HD is nigh on impossible.
Set up OpenVPN Encryption on DD-WRT VPN
Setting up OpenVPN varies for different VPN providers. See our installation guide to find out how to install a VPN on your DD-WRT router.
Check That Your Router Supports OpenVPN
Make sure your DD-WRT router supports OpenVPN. Most DD-WRT routers accept OpenVPN by default, but it's worth checking. If you want to connect with OpenVPN (and you do!), make sure when you buy your router that it supports OpenVPN.
Now navigate to your VPN's website and log in. On your VPN's downloads page, download the .ovpn files (or at least the one for the server that you wish to connect to).
Many manufacturers make wireless routers with the average non-technical user in mind. The user may never know, but they can never utilize the full potential of such a router.
The DD-WRT is a Linux-based firmware for specific router models, that is designed to unlock the full potential of a router. The firmware lifts all the restriction of the default firmware, providing you with unlimited options. The best DD-WRT router is a powerful and multi-purpose router.
The possibilities with it are endless. You get enhanced connection speeds, and you can be able to encrypt your whole network, any many more features.
Best DD-WRT Routers Under $100 | Complete Guide
1. NETGEAR R7000-100NAS Nighthawk AC1900 WIFI Router
Key Features
- Frequency - 2.4 GHz
- Coverage - 1800 sq ft
- Device - 30
- Mobile App - Yes
The Nighthawk series is Netgear’s fastest and most angular. Their D7000-100NAS represents the top of the line performance you can expect from a compatible CenturyLink modem router combo.
Though this device is not on the CenturyLink approved list, it has been confirmed by many users to work fine on even the fastest CenturyLink networks. Just make sure that your service isn’t on a bonded VDSL line.
This router supports VDSL2 while remaining backward compatible with ADSL2/2+ service. Its dual-band AC1900 wireless speeds far exceed the possible transfer speeds of either protocol, though, so there is no need to worry about performance with this behemoth.
Netgear’s proprietary Beamforming+ technology also helps deliver the best wireless coverage throughout your home.
If you can look past the Nighthawk D7000’s hefty price tag, you will be able to set aside any worries about wireless speed or coverage. And if you use the Internet as much as I do, it is well worth the cost.
2. ASUS AC5300 WIFI Router
Key Features
- Frequency - 2.4 GHz
- Coverage - 5000 sq ft
- Device - 30
- Mobile App - No
It offers maximum throughput of up to 5.3Gbps, thanks to tri-band support, and can deliver coverage at up to 5,000 square feet, so it’s ideal for larger homes. Still, if your coverage isn’t where you’d like it to be, the AC5300 comes with an AiMesh feature that lets you connect multiple Asus routers to it to further expand your coverage.
Since older and slower devices can sometimes throttle your entire network, the AC5300 ships with a MU-MIMO feature that will deliver the fastest speed to each device, which ensures a better overall connection.
If you’re a gamer, you’ll be happy to know that the Asus AC5300 has built-in support for WTFast Gamers Private Network for accessing the “route-optimized services” to deliver stable and fast connectivity while you’re playing video games.
A feature called AiProtection on the AC5300 is powered by security company Trend Micro and will analyze your network to identify vulnerabilities and keep your data safe from hackers.
3. NETGEAR R7800-100NAS Nighthawk X4S AC2600 WIFI Router
Key Features
- Frequency - 2.4 GHz
- Coverage - 2600 sq ft
- Device - 45
- Mobile App - Yes
One of Netgear’s most advanced routers, the Nighthawk X4S allows access to 802.11ac wireless networks and delivers speeds that easily exceed 2.5Gbps. Interestingly, Netgear has designed its Nighthawk X4S to be about more than routing and offers the ability for you to plug in a variety of storage devices through the router’s two USB 3.0 ports and 1 eSATA port. It also comes with an app called ReadyShare Vault that will automatically back up your PC connections to the attached storage.
Although the Nighthawk X4S is fast, it works over two Wi-Fi bands, which means its top speeds will be slower than other tri-band options. However, the router ships with a Dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) feature that will prioritize bandwidth and ensure some of the latency-sensitive apps you care most about, such as video games and Netflix, are delivering the best experience.
4. Linksys WRT 1200AC Wireless Router
Key Features
- Frequency - 1.3 GHz
- Coverage - 1500 sq ft
- Device - 18
- Mobile App - Yes
Where this router really performs is due to its inclusion of both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. This allows a hard drive to be connected directly to the router via a gigabit connection, and allows it to be used as a fast network storage server (without having to buy a NAS server).
5. Linksys WRT AC3200 Wireless Router
Key Features
- Frequency - 2.4 GHz
- Coverage - 1800 sq ft
- Device - No limit
- Mobile App - Yes
The WRT AC3200 has what the Linksys calls, “Tri-Stream 160” technology that can offer speeds up to 2.6Gbps. The big advantage to the WRT3200, however, might come in the form of a Dynamic Frequency Selection certification, which allows it to send signals over airspace not typically crowded by other wireless products.
That results in a cleaner connection between device and router and should reduce the amount of lag and poor connectivity issues you could face. You’ll also find MU-MIMO support, which means the router will dole out connections individually to each device to ensure some of your older products don’t slow down your newer and faster hardware.
On the rear, you’ll find a variety of ports, including eSATA, USB and LAN. That all translates to the ability to connect external storage and other, hardwired products with ease. There’s even a Wi-Fi app for your smartphone of choice that lets you see who and what is connecting to your network and unclog it if (and when) things get out of hand. You can even connect to that app regardless of whether you’re on the network.
6. TRENDnet AC1900 Wireless Router
Key Features
- Frequency - 5 GHz
- Coverage - 1900 sq ft
- Device - 25
- Mobile App - Yes
TRENDnet might not have the most well-known brand, but its AC1900 router supports DD-WRT. And according to customers, it works quite well. The TRENDnet AC1900 has what the company calls GREENnet technology, which reduces its power consumption by 50 percent compared to previous models.
Unlike some tri-band models, the AC1900 doesn’t have a slew of antennas jutting out from its box. Instead, the device is designed to fit into any area in the house without detracting from your interior design with unsightly antennas. Because of that, however, you shouldn’t expect the kinds of speeds you’d get in higher-end options. The AC1900 can deliver speeds up to 1.3Gbps over 802.11ac and just 600Mbps over 802.11n.
Still, if you can live with the slower speeds and want to take advantage of the AC1900’s price tag, you’ll find a USB 3.0 port and USB 2.0 port for adding external storage. The LAN ports on the back are also Gigabit-compatible, so you should be able to derive solid speed.
You’ll be able to set up both a secure network and guest network with the AC1900 to keep others away from your sensitive files. The router also comes with parental controls for blocking specific websites from loading on any device that connects to your network. If your kids connect to the Web on other networks that aren’t protected, however, you won’t be able to control what they see.
7. ASUS AC5300 WIFI Router
Key Features
- Frequency - 2.4 GHz
- Coverage - 5000 sq ft
- Device - 30
- Mobile App - No
The Asus RT-AC5300 is the Death Star of wireless routers. Although the AC88U is slightly better when it comes to technical specifications, the AC5300 wins every time when it comes to performance. This is in part thanks to the eight external antennas, which are set up in a four-transmit, four-receive (4T4R) configuration, and give it fantastic range. 4T4R also helps to avoid interference between devices, thereby increasing transfer rates. The router also allows users to set up two real 5GHz networks.
In addition, the router is loaded with MU-MIMO technology (Multi User - Multiple Input Multiple Output), as well as specialized gaming technology to further reinforce the amazing wireless technology.
On the whole, if you're looking to deck out your home or office with a router that will support your 4K video streaming, and endless wireless devices.
8. GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mini Travel Router
Key Features
- Frequency - 2.4 GHz
- Coverage - 1000 sq ft
- Device - 24
- Mobile App - Yes
The GL.iNet GL-MT300N is the epitome of budget-friendly routing. The yellow brick-like device is actually a mini travel router that will deliver wireless connectivity wherever you may be going. And it’s also one of the cheapest options you can find. DD-WRT comes pre-installed and you’ll even find 16GB of storage on the device, so you can store some content while you’re on the go. And since it’s so small, you can pop it into a bag and bring it with you without fear of it taking up too much room.
One of the nice things about the GL.iNet GL-MT300N is that it can take a wired connection at a coffee shop or airport and convert it into a wireless connection for you. And although it doesn’t come with a built-in battery, the device can be plugged into laptops, power banks or other components, and siphon power to deliver connectivity.
Simply said, the GL.iNet GL-MT300N is the cheapest way to get access to DD-WRT, VPN software like OpenVPN, and even TOR.
9. Linksys X2000 Wireless Modem Router
Key Features
- Frequency - 2.4 GHz
- Coverage - 2000 sq ft
- Mobile App - Yes
This is because your service acts as a bottleneck, hence why those who live in smaller homes might prefer the Linksys X2000 over our slightly more robust suggestions from Netgear.
This modem/router combo delivers more middle of the road wireless range, and can easily be found for under $100.
The X2000 has a built-in N300 router, which is on par with what a majority of ISPs will provide you as rental gear. Its range is nicely boosted thanks to an embedded MIMO antenna.
The modem portion of this device isn’t compatible with VDSL, so speed won’t be much of a concern. After all, ADSL services max out at 24 Mbps, well before your router will have to break a sweat.
Wired connections will be on the slower side as well, as the X2000’s three ethernet ports are fast ethernet rather than gigabit.
This gateway does not have a USB port either, so don’t count on being able to easily network a hard drive.
Ultimately, the most appealing element of this modem/router is its price tag. Its feature set still offers plenty for the casual user, so despite not having some more premium features, the X2000 is still a worthy pick.
10. D-Link EXO DIR-869
Key Features
- Frequency - 2.4 GHz
- Coverage - 1800 sq ft
- Device - 30
- Mobile App - Yes
When it comes to routers, and even DD-WRT models, you’ll see that many of them look alike. Tech companies aren’t usually willing to take big risks in terms of design decisions. And if they do, we’re usually talking about the least affordable routers. However, D-Link’s EXO might be an exception to this rule.
The EXO DIR-869 comes with a triangular design and sharp edges all around. It comes equipped with four Ethernet (Gigabit) ports, one WAN port – and sadly, it’s missing any USB ports which truly is a shame. On the upside, it supports the latest Wi-Fi standard and it’s dual-band based, which means that you can get pretty fast Web connection by using this router. And thanks to its external antennas, this model should cover pretty large homes with ease.
Choosing a DD-WRT router and a VPN
Flashing a router with DD-WRT is tricky, which is why most people opt to buy a pre-flashed router. If you aren’t a particularly technical person, a pre-flashed router is the best option. For people who have the expertise (or the patience to learn) - flashing and installing a VPN on a router is achievable. However, please bear in mind that not every router can be flashed with DD-WRT.
One thing to bear in mind is that although a flashed DD-WRT router protects all your devices, the protection of all those devices is going to be limited by the quality of your chosen VPN's service. That is why it is vital to ensure you get a reliable and trustworthy VPN service installed on a DD-WRT router. Failure to do this will mean that all your devices suffer from the same substandard VPN service.
When selecting a VPN for DD-WRT, the same VPN considerations apply as when selecting a VPN for using directly on independent devices. Encryption must be strong, and it must be implemented to a high standard. Servers must be located in a good spread of locations, and those servers must provide fast speeds for enjoying the internet. Furthermore, customer service and VPN provider's professionalism should be considered, so that you can quickly resolve any issues.
DD-WRT Privacy
If you are going to go to the trouble of installing a VPN on a flashed DD-WRT router, it is vital that the VPN is world class. For that reason, all of the VPNs in this guide provide the very best encryption available on the market (OpenVPN encryption). In addition, they have a proven track record of providing privacy for their subscribers. They also have watertight privacy policies, which means that your data will remain private at all times: on all of your devices.
DD-WRT Connection Speeds
One of the main advantages of a VPN is that subscribers can overcome censorship and geo-restrictions. Connecting to a VPN server in the US or UK, for example, means that the VPN user appears to really be in one of those countries. Many VPNs provide very slow connection speeds, which means that streaming in HD is nigh on impossible.
Set up OpenVPN Encryption on DD-WRT VPN
OpenVPN is by far the most secure VPN encryption on the market. It is the VPN encryption that we recommend that you use, so you should set up the VPN on your DD-WRT router to connect using it.
Setting up OpenVPN varies for different VPN providers. See our installation guide to find out how to install a VPN on your DD-WRT router.
Check That Your Router Supports OpenVPN
Make sure your DD-WRT router supports OpenVPN. Most DD-WRT routers accept OpenVPN by default, but it's worth checking. If you want to connect with OpenVPN (and you do!), make sure when you buy your router that it supports OpenVPN.
Now navigate to your VPN's website and log in. On your VPN's downloads page, download the .ovpn files (or at least the one for the server that you wish to connect to).
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