OpenWrt vs MikroTik RouterOS

Struggling to choose between OpenWrt and MikroTik RouterOS? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

OpenWrt is a Network & Admin solution with tags like open-source, linux, embedded-devices, wireless-routers, customizable, extensible.

It boasts features such as Package management system allows installing additional software, Supports a wide range of hardware platforms and architectures, Modular design allows customizing the firmware, Supports IPv6 networking, Includes firewall, VPN, and routing functionality and pros including Free and open source, Highly customizable and extensible, Large repository of available packages, Active community support, Regular security updates.

On the other hand, MikroTik RouterOS is a Network & Admin product tagged with networking, router, firewall, vpn, wireless, hotspot, bandwidth-management.

Its standout features include Extensive routing capabilities, Firewall functionality, VPN support, Wireless access point management, Bandwidth management, Hotspot gateway, Networking capabilities, and it shines with pros like Highly customizable and powerful networking solution, Suitable for a wide range of networking scenarios, Supports a wide range of hardware devices, Offers a comprehensive set of networking features.

Feature	OpenWrt	MikroTik RouterOS
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Network & Admin	Network & Admin

Product Overview

OpenWrt

Description: OpenWrt is an open source project and Linux-based operating system targeting embedded devices such as wireless routers. It allows users to customize and add more functionality to their router firmware.

MikroTik RouterOS

Description: MikroTik RouterOS is a Linux-based router and firewall operating system designed for use on MikroTik's hardware devices. It offers extensive routing, firewall, VPN, wireless access point, bandwidth management, hotspot gateway and other networking capabilities in a licenses package.

Key Features Comparison

OpenWrt Features

• Package management system allows installing additional software
• Supports a wide range of hardware platforms and architectures
• Modular design allows customizing the firmware
• Supports IPv6 networking
• Includes firewall, VPN, and routing functionality

MikroTik RouterOS Features

• Extensive routing capabilities
• Firewall functionality
• VPN support
• Wireless access point management
• Bandwidth management
• Hotspot gateway
• Networking capabilities

Pros & Cons Analysis

OpenWrt

Pros

• Free and open source
• Highly customizable and extensible
• Large repository of available packages
• Active community support
• Regular security updates

Cons

• Steeper learning curve than commercial router firmware
• Manual configuration required for some features
• Limited compatibility with some consumer routers
• No official support from a company

MikroTik RouterOS

Pros

• Highly customizable and powerful networking solution
• Suitable for a wide range of networking scenarios
• Supports a wide range of hardware devices
• Offers a comprehensive set of networking features

Cons

• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Limited user-friendly interface compared to some commercial alternatives
• Licensing can be complex depending on the specific use case

Pricing Comparison

OpenWrt

• Open Source

MikroTik RouterOS

• One-time Purchase
• Custom Pricing