OpenWrt
OpenWrt: A flexible DIY router platform with firewall, NAT, and VPN capabilities. Ranked #19 of 36 in Network Firewall Software by our editors (8.8/10); pricing: Open source; best for DIY embedded-router firewall deployments.
At a glance
- Editor score8.8 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forDIY embedded-router firewall deployments
- Paid fromFree
- Deployment modelHybrid
- Founded2004
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free, open-source firmware with no paid plans
- nftables firewalling with configurable zones, NAT, and traffic rules
- Broad embedded hardware support with package management
Where it doesn't
- Requires compatible hardware and firmware installation
- VPN capabilities are provided through packages
- Does not cover intrusion prevention or SSL inspection
Our verdict on OpenWrt
OpenWrt is a free, open-source Linux operating system for embedded network devices, especially wireless routers. It replaces fixed vendor firmware with a writable filesystem and package management, giving users and developers control over firewall and network configuration. Its firewall tools use firewall4 and nftables, with configurable zones, forwarding rules, NAT, packet filtering, and traffic rules. OpenWrt is best suited to people building or customizing firewall deployments on supported routers, embedded platforms, or virtualized targets rather than buyers seeking a packaged commercial appliance.
Firewall configuration is the product’s central strength. Users can define zones and forwarding behavior, apply traffic rules, and configure NAT through the platform’s network tools. VPN client and server support is available through packages, including site-to-site VPN configuration options. Firmware downloads for supported hardware and support for multiple embedded platforms broaden the deployment choices, while the writable filesystem makes additional package-based customization possible. This combination fits DIY deployments that need more control than fixed router firmware provides.
The trade-off is scope and operational responsibility. OpenWrt is an operating system and firmware project, not a commercial firewall product with paid tiers, packaged support plans, or a product-wide throughput and concurrent-connection specification. Its documented capabilities focus on firewalling, routing, packages, and VPN options rather than intrusion prevention or SSL inspection. Choose OpenWrt when customizable, self-hosted firewalling on compatible embedded hardware is the priority. Choose a dedicated commercial firewall platform instead when integrated advanced inspection and a packaged product model matter more than firmware flexibility.
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OpenWrt pricing
OpenWrt fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment model | Hybrid |
| Intrusion prevention | Not verified |
| SSL inspection | Not verified |
| Site-to-site VPN | Yes |
| Firewall throughput | Not verified |
| Concurrent connections | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | openwrt.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to OpenWrt
- Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation FirewallAn enterprise firewall family combining application control, threat prevention and centralized management.9.4
- FortiGateA broad hybrid firewall platform for enterprises that need integrated network security and automation.9.3
- Check Point Quantum Security GatewayA broad network security platform for enterprises that need clustered, policy-driven gateways.9.2
See all OpenWrt alternatives →
Also Ranked In
OpenWrt is ranked in 5 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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