OpenWrt review
A flexible DIY router platform with firewall, NAT, and VPN capabilities.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
OpenWrt pros and cons
- 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
OpenWrt fact sheet, pricing and score →
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