Basic/Cheap WiFi router to use as Access Point

Hardware Questions and Recommendations
1

I'd like to add an extra router to my network, configured as an access-point only. I currently have OpenWRT on a TP-Link Archer C7, but that's in the basement, and between ducting and the steel beam down the center of the house I suspect the signal isn't as good as we'd like. I have Ethernet ports various locations around the house, so there's no problem plugging one in.

Since I've already been out of work for a year, I want to find a low-cost option, one I could put a simple OpenWRT image on (since it would just be an AP, wouldn't need to support advanced router functions). The cheaper ones at Staples and BestBuy are all TP-Link ones not supported by OpenWRT (and with the reported back-doors in TP-Link products I wouldn't run them unmodified)

2

You would have to define cheap. But I recently picked up a Cudy WR3000H, which is supported in 24.10.2 (but I am running SNAPSHOT), it has a 2.5Gb WAN port and 4x 1Gb LAN ports, 802.11ax, with a MediaTek 7981BA SOC. So far very happy with it, upgraded from a TP-Link Archer A7, and picked it up w/ coupon from Amazon for $59.99 (right now it's $69.99).

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3

Since you mentioned BB and Staples, I assume you're shopping in US ..
How much are you willing to spend?

Have you checked sites like https://offerup.com ?

4

Google Wifi AC-1304 perhaps?
(priced from $10 onward at shopgoodwill or ebay)
Installation is a bit of work though

5

I ended up finding a used Archer C7 for a little over $20. Since I'm already using one with OpenWRT I already know it's capability, and I can flash the same FW on it.

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6

Not the first things that comes to mind for a purchase in 2025, there should be much better (wifi6) things around in a similar price range.

7

At $20??? I doubt that. Besides, I need to save up for an OpenWRT One.

8

W00t had E8450 on sale for $20 last week, or so.

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9

Never even heard of that site before.

10

Interesting - it's owned by Ama$on.

I also suggest seeking deals on UntilG0ne.

11

Do you want an OpenWRT One as a replacement for the main TP-Link Archer C7 router?

12

At some point I do want to switch my home network to a proper standalone router, it will be another year or so before I can plan on doing that.

13

My goto cheapo used router is a google onhub router. It's a 3x3 ac, quad core, 1 GB ram, 4 GB flash. They are usually available for $20 or less on ebay; check that includes power supply those cost a lot for a $20 device. Google dropped support so they are now ewaste if not for openwrt.

I don't recommend combo units. I've kept the same router for a while but been through three different of WiFi setups.

14

Little less expensive is the WR3000S which has the same hardware less 2.5GB eth WAN.

15

I just picked up a Linksys MR7350, I like that brand and those are about 28 - 35 dollars US on eBay. Wifi 6, decent build and USB port on the back of the unit can't beat it.

16

I would recommend looking into inexpensive repeaters/range extenders.

Even if it's a bit dated and does not have Wifi 6/AX, one of my all-time favorites is still the TP-Link RE650 v1, offering excellent coverage, 4x4 MU-MIMO, and an unobtrusive design.

17

Try a Xiaomi AX3000T. Get them for $28 - $34 on AliExpress. You get a brand new router with a MediaTek MT7981BA Dual Core ARMv8 processor, 256GB RAM and 128MB flash. It does 802.11ax 2x2, has 4 gigabit ports and uses only 6W.

Flashing them to OpenWRT is easy with the xmir-patcher scripts.

Performance has been solid. Routing performance over a 160MHz Wifi gets you 450-900 Mbit at 6m distance and the range is better than a FritzBox. A TailScale VPN subnet router does about 75Mbit on this device.

18

I second the MR7350. great little router. Running DDWRT on mine / working great. I believe the openwrt build for this little router is still very early. these are about $20 - $35ish on ebay in the US. 256mb flash, 512mb ram. 1 usb, quad core Qualcomm IPQ6028 - leaving mine around 1440 Mhz, Yes, DDWRT is very stable on this router. i imagine openwrt will be also when it gets worked on again.

19

What power supplies do these come with / country.

20

Don't.
You (might) get the brand new and unsupportable V2 with insufficient RAM for Openwrt.

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