Most router makers power their products with their own default firmware. It provides general functionality to the devices. However, if you have used the conventional firmware in your router, you may identify that this firmware is quite insufficient.
To access more options, most users want highly configured firmware with more features. So, if you want a more featureful router, you need to know which is the best router for Tomato.
Tomato is an advanced firmware that comes with Broadcom Chipset design based on HyperWRT. Tomato is powered by Linux, and it offers a large range of benefits to you.
Let’s check out some benefits you can get from Tomato routers.
Benefits of a Tomato Router
Routers configured with Tomato firmware employ Ajax which permits web pages to load faster and easier without refreshing the page repeatedly. In addition, developers prefer Tomato firmware in routers since it comes with 2 prominent mods, Tomato from Shibby.
These benefits will help you to get why you need the best router for Tomato.
So, let’s have a look at some benefits of Tomato Routers
Integrated BitTorrent
Tomato routers feature an in-built BitTorrent client in its firmware. It permits users to manage torrents, bandwidth and other valuable features for boosting download speed.
A Tor client also comes with Tomato routers that help you to route traffic through various nodes. It is more effective for traffic routing rather than broadcasting your real data over the internet.
Integrated BitTorrent will help you to select the best router for Tomato, among other available options.
Bandwidth Stats and Dynamic DNS setup
Tomato Routers let you show their Bandwidth Statistics that are especially suitable for work settings. Moreover, it also allows administrators to monitor detailed bandwidth usage data by you and for the entire network.
If you want to set up a Smart DNS service for unblocking Voice-on-Demand services, you can use the tomato router. The firmware allows you to set up a Smart DNS service without affecting your internet speed, just like VPN.
Ajax UI and Advanced USB Support
Ajax-based UI is another major reason why you choose the best router for Tomato. The Ajax-based interface automatically boosts web browsing. It also decreases load times for large web pages with Adobe flash elements and lots of media.
Tomato routers also help you select devices you want to add, like network hard drives, 4G MIFI devices and printers.
Apart from the above features, the best Tomato router will offer you features like:
- L2TP VPN, PPTP and OpenVPN Configuration
- Traffic stats by IP Address or user
- Advance Bandwidth Controls and Quality of Service
So, you have got the reasons why Tomato firmware is the best router firmware at present. Now, it’s time to know some best Tomato routers in the current tech market.
Best Router for Tomato – Top 5 Routers for You
Not all the routers support Tomato firmware and if you try to install it on a non-supported router, it may brick the device. So, it is better to get a Router with built-in Tomato firmware.
Here are some options you can avail for the best results.
1. Netgear R7000
Netgear R7000 is the best router for Tomato if you are looking for a cheaper option. You can flash the device with open-source firmware to get access to extra customisations.
Netgear R7000 offers an excellent user interface, VPN and other features. Moreover, you will get an OpenVPN client to remotely monitor or connect the external VPN servers.
Features offered by Netgear R7000:
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 ac) Wireless quality
- Up to 600 Mbps 2.4 GHz Internet Speed
- Up to 1300 Mbps 5 GHz Internet Speed
- 1GHz Dual Core process
- 15+ Supported devices
- 256MB RAM with 128MB NAND memory
- Up to 1500 Square feet of Wi-Fi range
The compatibility of Netgear R7000 makes it the best choice for users who want a cost-friendly option. Despite being a budget-friendly router, Wi-Fi coverage is a strong aspect of Netgear R7000.
This Tomato router comes with Beamforming technology assembled with 3 powerful antennas. By using this technology, R7000 can direct strong Wi-Fi signals to your device with better throughput.
2. Linksys EA6900
If you are looking for the best router for Tomato in terms of an open-source firmware-supported device, you can select Linksys EA6900. Since this router comes with loaded stock firmware, it will take up to 2 hours to finish the installation process.
Linksys EA6900 is a next-gen router that features 3 high-performance antennas and 802.55ac Wi-Fi 5 support. In addition, it will offer extraordinary near-band speeds and throughput.
Apart from these, its advanced security features make it the best router for Tomato.
Here are some specifications you will get with Linksys EA6900:
- 25+ Supported devices
- Up to 2000 Square feet of Wi-Fi range
- Up to 1300 Mbps 5GHz network speed
- Up to 600 Mbps 2.4Ghz network speed
- Wi-Fi 5 Wireless standard
Apart from the above, LinkSys EA6900 gives you premium and basic upgradable security features like external attack and virus infestation prevention and weekly scan.
3. ASUS RT-AC68U
ASUS RT-AC68U is another good option for you while searching for the best router for Tomato firmware. It is a decently strong router that boasts some functional and practical features to make it a usable choice.
With decent coverage with 3 strong antennas and with features like 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, this router has been updated significantly since the release of RT-AC66U. The hardware configuration of ASUS RT-AC68U, coupled with firmware stabilisation, makes this router a good purchase for you.
Let’s have a look at the features ASUS RT-AC68U offers:
- 128 MB NAND Memory with 256MB RAM
- Dual-core processor
- 25+ supported devices
- Up to 200 Square feet of Wi-Fi range
- Up to 1300 Mbps 5 GHz internet speed
- 600 Mbps 2.4 GHz internet speed
- Smart multitasking feature
- Protected by Trend Micro
ASUS RT-AC68U is a decently strong router that possesses some functional and practical features. Just like Linksys, ASUS RT-AC68U is also compatible with DD-WRT and Tomato.
Apart from these, you can manage all its configurations through the webpage of Asus Wi-Fi or its app. In addition, its 2.4 GHz band made speeds at around 15 Mbps and 187 Mbps.
So you can tag ASUS RT-AC68U as a gaming router that will permit you to run bandwidth-intensive games only without any latency or throughput issues.
4. Linksys WRT3200ACM
Linksys WRT3200ACM is the best router for Tomato if you want to connect more than 30 devices within your network. Moreover, Linksys WRT3200ACM comes with the fastest processors available to routers supported with any open-source firmware.
This router is often promoted for users searching to customise their firmware. So if you are looking for firmware customisation, you should choose Linksys WRT3200ACM.
With a decent antenna setup, Linksys WRT3200ACM boasts high Wi-Fi speeds to cover your home or workplace. The key selling point of this router is its compatibility with open-source firmware.
Here are the features that make it the best router for Tomato in terms of a higher number of supported devices:
- Up to 600 Mbps 2.4Ghz network band
- Up to 2600 Mbps 5Ghz network band
- More than 30 supported devices
- Up to 3000 Square feet of Wi-Fi range
- 1.8 GHz Dual-core processor
Apart from the above features, this router lets you access any website without disclosing your IP address through VPN-pass. Additionally, WRT3200ACM provides an SPI firewall that lets you protect your home network and devices with WPA/WPA2 encryption.
5. Netgear Nighthawk R8000 X6
If you are searching for the best router for Tomato from all aspects, you are recommended to get the Netgear Nighthawk R8000 X6. This router not only supports open-source firmware but also is best for multiple things like:
- Device support
- Security Support
- Highest speed and largest coverage
- Routing functionalities
This Next-gen Router comes with a tri-band configuration merged with strong hardware and excellent data rates. This thing makes it one of the best choices for you if you prefer Tomato firmware.
Nighthawk R8000 X6 placed itself as an update over R7000 in terms of overall performance. This is the best router for Tomato firmware since it supports WPA/WPA2 enterprise and personal security standards.
In addition, you can easily work on your PC or mobile without worrying about compromising your sensitive or personal information.
Final Verdict
So, now you can easily select the best router for Tomato according to your needs. Moreover, installing Tomato offers you a plethora of things you can do with the device. However, it is also important to make a smart choice, and this guide will help you to proceed.
