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OpenWrt VS Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

Compare OpenWrt VS Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and see what are their differences

Contents:
  1. » Base Details
  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

OpenWrt logo OpenWrt

OpenWrt is an open-source firmware based on Linux for wireless routers

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B logo Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B is another powerful and next-generation computer board that is best for all the computer users who want to enjoy 3D games or create a software development.
  • OpenWrt Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-14
  • Raspberry Pi 3 Model B Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-31

OpenWrt features and specs

  • Customizability
    OpenWrt provides a high degree of customizability, allowing users to install and configure a wide variety of software packages to tailor the firmware to specific needs.
  • Performance
    Being lightweight and efficient, OpenWrt can enhance router performance, leading to faster network speeds and more reliable connections.
  • Security
    OpenWrt receives regular updates and has strong security features, including state-of-the-art encryption and support for VPNs, which can help protect your network.
  • Community Support
    A large and active community surrounds OpenWrt, providing extensive documentation, forums, and support, which can be very helpful for troubleshooting and learning.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source project, OpenWrt allows users to freely inspect, modify, and share the software, contributing to transparency and community-driven improvements.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    OpenWrt is compatible with a wide range of devices, from routers to embedded devices, making it a flexible option for various hardware.

Possible disadvantages of OpenWrt

  • Technical Complexity
    The high level of customization and advanced features can be overwhelming for inexperienced users, requiring a steep learning curve to effectively manage the firmware.
  • Potential Stability Issues
    Although generally stable, custom configurations and new updates can sometimes lead to instability or bugs, which may require troubleshooting.
  • Limited Manufacturer Support
    Using OpenWrt might void the warranty or result in limited support from the router manufacturer, as it replaces the stock firmware with a third-party alternative.
  • Initial Setup
    The initial installation and setup process can be complex and time-consuming, especially for users who are not familiar with command-line interfaces and networking concepts.
  • Resource Intensive on Low-End Hardware
    On lower-end or older hardware, OpenWrt might not perform optimally, and some features could be too resource-intensive to function properly.

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B features and specs

  • Affordability
    The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B is cost-effective, making it accessible for hobbyists, educators, and developers who are looking for a budget-friendly computing solution.
  • Versatility
    It can be used in a wide range of applications, from learning programming and building DIY projects to functioning as a media center and running home automation systems.
  • Built-in Connectivity
    Features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing for wireless networking and communication without the need for additional dongles or peripherals.
  • Supportive Community
    A strong and active community provides extensive resources, tutorials, and troubleshooting assistance, making it easier to learn and maximize the device's potential.
  • GPIO Pins
    Equipped with 40 GPIO pins, allowing users to connect and control various hardware components and sensors for custom electronics projects.

Possible disadvantages of Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

  • Performance Limitations
    While capable for a variety of tasks, its processing power and memory may struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking.
  • Not Suitable for Heavy Applications
    The Raspberry Pi 3 Model B may not perform well with resource-intensive applications like high-end gaming, video editing, or large-scale server tasks.
  • Limited RAM
    Only comes with 1GB of RAM, which can be a bottleneck for certain applications and limits the number of tasks that can be run simultaneously.
  • Thermal Management
    Under heavy load, the device may experience overheating issues, requiring additional cooling solutions such as heat sinks or fans.
  • Storage Dependence
    Relies on a microSD card for storage, which can be less reliable and slower compared to traditional SSD or HDD storage solutions.

Analysis of OpenWrt

Overall verdict

  • Yes, OpenWrt is considered good for users who need a robust and customizable router firmware that can be tailored to specific network requirements.

Why this product is good

  • OpenWrt is widely regarded as a good choice for custom router firmware due to its flexibility, extensive community support, and ability to enhance network performance. It allows users to install additional software packages and customize their network settings in ways not typically available on stock firmware. Additionally, OpenWrt regularly updates to address security vulnerabilities, providing a secure environment for diverse networking needs.

Recommended for

  • Tech-savvy users looking to extend their router functionality
  • Individuals interested in improving network security
  • Users who require advanced networking features
  • Anyone wanting to repurpose old hardware into a stable networking device
  • Open-source enthusiasts who appreciate community-driven projects

OpenWrt videos

+ Add

Upgrading Your Home Router to OpenWRT and Why It Is Worth It

More videos:

  • Review - Playing with OpenWrt Wireless Settings
  • Review - Make Your TP-LINK Router into a High Power Router with OpenWrt

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B videos

+ Add

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B Overview & Setup | RS Components

More videos:

  • Review - Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ 2018 Review and NEW GAMES!!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenWrt and Raspberry Pi 3 Model B)

OpenWrt

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

Operating Systems
90 90%
Operating Systems
10% 10
Electronics
0 0%
Electronics
100% 100
Linux
92 92%
Linux
8% 8
Single Board Computer
0 0%
Single Board Computer
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare OpenWrt and Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

OpenWrt Reviews

Best pfSense Software Alternatives and Competitors
Both pfSense and OpenWRT are formidable and versatile alternatives for network administration software. While OpenWRT is designed for embedded devices such as routers, Pfsense focuses on firewalls and routing functions that are more complex. Pfsense is more user-friendly, while OpenWRT provides more configuration options. Both are supported by thriving online communities...
Source: www.zenarmor.com
The Best Open Source Router OS Software for Large or Small Networks
OpenWrt also offers a range of advanced networking configurations, including support for Quality of Service (QoS), network address translation (NAT), and virtual LAN (VLAN) tagging. These features make OpenWrt an attractive option for businesses and organizations that require more advanced networking capabilities. The open-source nature of OpenWrt means that users can...
Source: www.comparitech.com
Best free Linux router and firewall distributions of 2023
Unlike IPFire, OpenWRT has a large number of optional packages in its repository. As a result, you can configure this OS in countless different ways. Most importantly, OpenWRT has drivers for all hardware supported by Linux. This means that almost all Wireless hardware is supported, making it the most versatile OS for creating Access Points.
Source: teklager.se
Top 7 pfSense Alternatives
OpenWRT is made primarily to replace the software on existing routers, but it can also run on x86 (PCs, server hardware, VMs) machines. It is a very mature OS and has some of the best Wi-Fi support around, unlike a lot of other router software options. It has a pretty good GUI and a ton of add-on packages.
Source: hometechhacker.com
7 Best Router Firmware | Open Source | 2022
OpenWrt Project is a Linux based alternative open source firmware for routers in 2022 and embedded systems. And it is one of the best Open Source Firmware that offers you an utterly writable filesystem along with package management. It allows for full customization and lets you customize the device for any application.
Source: viralhax.com

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B Reviews

We have no reviews of Raspberry Pi 3 Model B yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenWrt seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 104 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

OpenWrt mentions (104)

  • AI is killing the web. Can anything save it?
    It's not just SO. Pretty much any site running git-scm caved under pressure from AI bots and is now inaccessible without javascript - kernel, openwrt, etc, etc... https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/stable/linux.git https://openwrt.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 3 months ago
  • Recommendation for a wifi router with L2TP or other VPN server support?
    If your current router supports a custom firmware like openWRT then you could do this without having to buy a new one. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • OpenWrt Site Account Creation
    Unfortunately, I can't create an account via Github on the openwrt site. Source: about 2 years ago
  • openwrt.org not loading
    Anyone else having trouble reaching openwrt.org right now? I can't get the forums, main page or downloads. I've done plenty of troubleshooting and there isn't anything else on my network having trouble reaching anything else on the internet. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Things just got a little weird, my current network is down, I'm a newb trying to start from the ground up and I found out I actually have another (newer) wifi router.... what to do?
    On the router. openwrt.org has lots of great documentation that lays out exactly what you're looking for and then some. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Raspberry Pi 3 Model B yet. Tracking of Raspberry Pi 3 Model B recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing OpenWrt and Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, you can also consider the following products

MikroTik RouterOS - The main product of MikroTik is a Linux-based operating system known as MikroTik RouterOS.

Udoo x86 Ultra - Udoo x86 Ultra is a modern PC, known as the most powerful X86 maker board and an Arduino 101 compatible platform.

pfSense - pfSense is a free and open source firewall and router that also features unified threat management, load balancing, multi WAN, and more

Intel NUC - Intel NUCs are available as Kits(Barebones), Boards(Mainbaord only) and as perconfigured Mini-PCs.

OPNsense - OPNsense® you next open source firewall. Free Download. High-end Security Made Easy™. Offers Intrusion Prevention, Captive Portal, Traffic Shaping and more.

VyOS - VyOS in an open source Linux-based operating system sold and distributed by Sentrium corporations. It is geared toward IT specialists and network administrators for the purpose of securing network and company data... read more.

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