With the wide selection of wireless routers available, any user can find the right option for their needs and budget. If you’re looking to upgrade a router to improve your network, and want to take advantage of the powerful DD-WRT, this list will help you choose the best wireless router for you.
Since some of the most popular online services such as YouTube and Netflix use up a lot of bandwidth, it is important to have a high performance router that can support these applications and boost your network.
There are many options available, but we have selected the wireless routers that stand out for their exceptional performance and speed.
DD-WRT
Before we take a look at the most efficient wireless routers that you can get, it’s important to consider DD-WRT Firmware and its benefits. DD-WRT is an open-source router firmware that aims to improve your wireless router reliability and security. It is absolutely possible to use a VPN service directly with a router flashed with DD-WRT. That enable you to secure your connection and get access to websites and services that are not available in your location.
DD-WRT can further enhance the performance of your wireless router and improve your network setup. For example, you can take one of the DD-WRT routers presented on this list, and combine it with the router that you are currently using. In that scenario, the DD-WRT router can be used to connect to your VPN service. This ensures that you can browse internet securely and change your IP address to watch restricted online content.
The main advantage of DD-WRT firmware the flexible platform that allows you to extend the functionality of your router. You can setup features like bandwidth management and static IP address. Here is some more of what DD-WRT offers:
- Improved Network Stability and detailed Network Status Information
- Real-time bandwidth graphics and statistics
- Access to information about wireless networks in your area so that you can adjust your network effectively.
- OpenVPN, L2TP and PPTP VPN client/server integration
- WPS Disabled
- DHCP Server
- Wi-Fi hotspot integration
- Virtual LAN support
- Telnet/SSH support
- Dynamic DNS service integration
- Advanced Wireless Modes
- SPI Firewall/IP Tables
- JFFS2 support
- NAT support
- Wake-on-LAN – Remote network access
- Advanced Port Forwarding
- Adjustable antenna transmission settings to improve Wi-Fi coverage
- WDS, Kaid and IPV6 support
Benefits of Using a DD-WRT Router
Flashing a router with DD-WRT can greatly improve the performance of a router.
However, this is a process that requires technical knowledge in order to avoid damaging the device permanently. Flashing also voids the warranty. If you think you’re up to the task, you can check out our guide on the matter. You have been fairly warned if you do though!
On the other hand, buying a pre-flashed router is a convenient solution for users who do not have the technical skills for flashing. There are many websites that offer routers that have DD-WRT already installed. These devices offer remarkable capacity, good value for money, and a list of features that you didn’t even know existed. You can easily setup a VPN service with DD-WRT and OpenVPN, or even re-purpose and old router into a Wi-Fi repeater.
The following DD-WRT routers will astound your with their high performance, security and speed:
Netgear Nighthawk R7000 – Read Full Review

The stylish Netgear Nighthawk will immediately catch your attention with its impeccable design, but its incredible speed is what will truly impress you. The Nighthawk is a premium dual-band 802.11AC router with a 1GHz processor and improved QoS that ensures a better experience while streaming online content. The Nighthawk is ideal for avid gamers and it comes with a networked USB 3.0 port and three mighty external antennas.
It is the top wireless router for VPN services thanks to its outstanding processor, which can support consistent data encryption and decryption that takes place within your network.
With its 1 GHz (1000 MHz) processor, the Nighthawk R7000 is beyond other DD-WRT routers that only offer between 300 and 800 MHz. While its price its around $400 USD ($250 on Amazon), the Netgear Nighthawk R700 DD-WRT router is without a doubt, the best wireless AC router available.
Asus RT-AC66U

For users that are looking for a high quality wireless AC router for a lower price, the Asus RT-AC66U is the right choice. DD-WRT transforms this router into a powerful and reliable solution that suits users who want to upgrade their network setup. A pre-flashed DD-WRT version is available for under $300 USD.
Asus RT-N16

The Asus RT- N16 is a trustworthy DD-WRT Router that provides solid performance. It is a popular option due to its impressive 128/32 MB RAM/Flash capacity and consistently good speed. It is available for around $180 USD.
Cisco Linksys E1200

The Linksys E1200 is a single-band 2.4 GHz Wireless-N router that offers a convenient option for those who are on a budget. For less than $90 USD, you can enjoy the benefits of a router flashed with DD-WRT. Apart from offering affordability, the E1200 provides a solid performance and while it is not as powerful as high-end routers, it works great as a wireless repeater or extender.
Netgear WNDR4000

For a top of the line Wireless-N router, choose the Netgear WNDR4000. This dual-band 5GHz router offers great performance to maintain the stability of your connection. It is the right solution for anyone that wishes to upgrade their router setup without opting for wireless-AC and it can be purchased for less than $150 USD.