MikroTik RouterOS
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 p
MikroTik RouterOS: Linux-based Router OS for MikroTik Hardware
MikroTik RouterOS offers extensive routing, firewall, VPN, wireless access point, bandwidth management, hotspot gateway and other networking capabilities in a licenses package.
What is MikroTik RouterOS?
MikroTik RouterOS is a Linux-based network operating system developed by the Latvian company MikroTik for use on their proprietary hardware devices. It was first released in 1996 and has seen continual development and improvement over the past 25+ years.
RouterOS is designed specifically for high performance routing and networking applications. It runs on MikroTik's RouterBOARD hardware and the more full-featured hAP devices. RouterOS includes extensive routing protocols support for IPv4 and IPv6 (static routes, RIP, OSPF, BGP), firewall and NAT functionality, VPN capabilities, wireless access point control for WiFi networks, point-to-point wireless links, bandwidth management QoS, hotspot gateway features, VLAN support, real-time performance monitoring tools and more.
Some key capabilities of RouterOS include:
- Layer 3 routing engine with support for static routes, RIP, OSPF, BGP routing capable of handling high bandwidth loads.
- Stateful firewall, NAT capabilities, with bandwidth management QoS traffic shaping abilities.
- Site-to-site VPN and client VPN capabilities using protocols like IPsec, PPTP, L2TP, EoIP tunneling.
- Built-in wireless controller for managing wireless access points and WiFi networks.
- Point-to-point wireless bridge connections.
- Hotspot gateway functionality for authentication and accounting of public WiFi users.
- Extensive monitoring and analytics capabilities for tracking network statistics.
- Runs on MikroTik's RouterBOARD hardware or more advanced hAP devices.
RouterOS offers very robust routing and networking functionality in a licensed OS package designed specifically to run on MikroTik proprietary hardware devices.
MikroTik RouterOS Features
Features
- Extensive routing capabilities
- Firewall functionality
- VPN support
- Wireless access point management
- Bandwidth management
- Hotspot gateway
- Networking capabilities
Pricing
- One-time Purchase
- Custom Pricing
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
Official Links
Reviews & Ratings
Login to ReviewThe Best MikroTik RouterOS Alternatives
View all MikroTik RouterOS alternatives with detailed comparison →
Top Network & Admin and Router Software and other similar apps like MikroTik RouterOS
PfSense
pfSense is a free and open source firewall and router platform based on FreeBSD. It has an extensive range of features and capabilities for managing network traffic and security.Some key features and capabilities of pfSense include:Stateful packet filtering firewallNetwork Address Translation (NAT)Virtual Private Network (VPN) support including OpenVPN, IPSec, and...
OpenWrt
OpenWrt is an open source project and Linux-based operating system targeting embedded devices such as wireless routers. It provides a fully writable filesystem with package management that allows users to customize the device through the use of packages to suit their needs.Some key features of OpenWrt include:Supports a wide range...
DD-WRT
DD-WRT is an open source firmware for wireless routers and access points. It provides enhanced features and better performance compared to the stock firmware that comes with most routers.Some key features of DD-WRT include:Advanced networking capabilities like VLANs, VPN server, dynamic DNS, and bandwidth monitoring.Overclocking CPU speed for better performance.Customizable...
OPNsense
OPNsense is an open source firewall and routing software platform based on FreeBSD. It started as a fork of PfSense in 2014 and has since developed into a feature-rich networking solution with a strong focus on security and privacy.Some key features and capabilities of OPNsense include:Stateful packet inspection firewall for...
VyOS
VyOS is an open-source network operating system based on Linux that is used to configure and manage network components such as routing, firewalling, load balancing, VPN, and more. It provides a unified interface and command-line for configuring various networking functions.Some key features of VyOS include:Open source and community-driven developmentRuns on...
IPFire
IPFire is an open-source firewall operating system that is based on the Linux kernel. It was first released in 2008 and is developed by a community of developers led by Michael Tremer. IPFire focuses on providing an easy-to-use yet highly customizable firewall solution.Some key features of IPFire include:Stateful packet inspection...
OpenWISP
OpenWISP is an open source firmware and management system for Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs). It provides a web interface and APIs to allow WISPs to easily manage a large number of access points and customer networks remotely.Key features of OpenWISP include:Open source firmware for wireless access points and routers...
Cisco IOS
Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System) is an operating system that runs on Cisco routers, switches, and other networking devices. It provides the core functionality for Cisco devices including:Routing protocols like OSPF, BGP, EIGRP for routing traffic across networksSwitching functions for bridging traffic within a LANSecurity features like firewalls, VPNs, and...
Tomato by Shibby
Tomato by Shibby is a popular customized firmware for Asus routers based on the open-source Tomato firmware. It enhances the standard Tomato firmware with additional features and customization options.Some key features of Tomato by Shibby include:Bandwidth monitoring and graphs to track internet usage over timeEnhanced Quality of Service (QoS) options...
Vilfo OS
Vilfo OS is a free and open source Linux-based operating system focused on privacy, security, and user freedom. It aims to provide a lightweight yet fully functional desktop operating system for daily computing needs.Some key features of Vilfo OS include:Based on Debian/Ubuntu, using stable and thoroughly tested software packagesShips with...
OpenContrail
OpenContrail is an open-source network virtualization and SDN controller platform aimed at enabling organizations to build secure multi-tenant private and public cloud environments. It provides a comprehensive set of SDN and NFV features for data centers including:Virtual networks, subnets, gateways, firewalls, and load balancersIntegrated DHCP, DNS, and IPAM servicesMulti-hypervisor support...
Freshtomato
Freshtomato is an open source router firmware that is based on the Tomato and TomatoUSB projects. It is designed to replace the firmware on compatible routers and provides advanced features and increased customization options.Some key features of Freshtomato include:Support for bandwidth monitoring and graphs to track internet usageadvanced Quality of...
DANOS
DANOS (Data Center Network Operating System) is an open-source network operating system developed by IP Infusion, optimized for virtual networking environments. It is based on Linux and provides core networking services like layer 2/3 switching, routing, security, and monitoring on bare metal switches, white box hardware, and network disaggregation platforms.Some...
AdvancedTomato
AdvancedTomato is a popular alternative open source firmware for routers based on Broadcom chipsets. It is a fork of Tomato firmware and builds on it by adding advanced features beyond what the stock firmware typically provides.Key features of AdvancedTomato include:Modern and intuitive graphical user interface for administration and configurationAdvanced QoS...
Junos OS
Junos OS is a network operating system developed and released by Juniper Networks in 1998. It runs on Juniper's routing, switching, and security devices, providing advanced networking and security capabilities oriented toward reliability, automation, programmability, and high performance.Key features of Junos OS include:Support for IP routing protocols like BGP, OSPF,...
Securityrouter.org
Securityrouter.org is an open-source router firmware that focuses on security and privacy. Based on OpenWrt, it hardens the router against common cyber threats and gives users more control over their network traffic.Key features include:Encryption of traffic through features like VPN support, DNS over TLS, and HTTPSAd blocking and anti-malware blocking...
TomatoUSB
TomatoUSB is a popular custom firmware for consumer-grade routers based on Broadcom chipsets. It provides advanced features and better performance compared to the stock firmware that comes with most routers.Some of the key features of TomatoUSB include:Modern and intuitive web-based interface for configuring the routerIn-depth bandwidth monitoring and quality of...
