OpenWRT vs Mikrotik for home user?
OpenWRT vs Mikrotik for home user?
In short, I'm searching for a decent router with some advanced QoS features to prioritize gaming and calls. I need VLAN support for guest segmentation and possibly ALS. Since my internet will eventually be around 150 Mbps, I'm looking for something that fits. The options I have are: Mikrotik RB750GR3 (~60$), Ruijie Reyee RG-EG105G-V3 (~63$), a surprisingly affordable used OpenWRT model from JCG Q20 (~14$), and another budget OpenWRT unit. For the most value, which one should I choose? I think Mikrotik/Reyee are solid for reliability, but OpenWRT could work well at such a low price. The JCG Q20 has fewer ports but can be replaced with a smart switch if needed. I'm planning to connect 2 PCs on gigabit LAN, possibly 4-6 phones, plus a guest Wi-Fi, a CCTV, and a Linux NAS/server. There might also be some IoT devices.
They all rely on the same SoC, making the choice about interface preference the main concern. For me, MikroTik stands out—it's strong and dependable, well-supported, and has a big community, though it demands some networking skills. I wouldn't risk it for international brands.