7 Best Routers for Tomato Firmware of 2023

When looking for a good internet connection, we all want the equipment that will give you the best performance every day. Most of the routers with manufacturers’ software will only give you an average performance. Therefore, it is important to get the best router for Tomato firmware.

A Tomato router will give you excellent performance in eliminating dead spots, improving the Wi-Fi speed, and offering you more options in security and privacy. This is effected by getting access to the router’s advanced settings and configurations.

When looking for the best router for Tomato firmware, several things feature to make up the best router. Most of the routers come on the higher end, making them a little bit difficult to acquire. However, we have made the work simple for you by focusing on both pricey and affordable routers.

For the best open-source routers, you can consider the best OpenWRT router or the best DD-WRT router if you have not picked the best Tomato router. The open-source routers give you better router performance, privacy, and security.

The criteria we have used in selecting the Tomato router list are their performance, hardware, and compatibility. The ability to work with Tomato is, of course, the basic principle of selection. Below are our best picks.

Best router for Tomato firmware

RouterSpecificationsFeaturesCheck it out
Netgear Nighthawk smart wifi router (R7000)Best router for Tomato firmwareDual-band,
Speed: Up to 1900Mbps
Range: Up to 1800 sq. ft.
Devices: 30 devices
Best for VPN services
CHECK IT OUT
Linksys WRT3200ACM RouterBest router for ease in customizationDual-band,
WiFi speed: Up to 3200Mbps,
Range: Up to 2600 sq. ft,
Devices: Multiple
Technology designed for tweaks
CHECK IT OUT
Asus-RT-N66U dual-band wireless-N900 gigabit routerBest for excellent VPN featuresDual-band,
Speed: Up to 1750Mbps,
Devices: Up to 32 devices,
Range: Up to 3,000 Sq. ft,
Adaptive QoS
CHECK IT OUT
Linksys E2500 (N600) Advanced simultaneous dual-band routerBest budget router for Tomato firmwareDual-Band,
Speed: Up to 600Mbps,
Devices: Up to 20,
Range: Up to 1500 sq. ft,
4 Fast Ethernet ports,
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Asus AC3200 Triband Gigabit Wifi routerBest gigabit router for Tomato firmwareTri-band,
Speed: Up to 3200 Mbps,
Devices: Multiple,
Ethernet: 4 Gigabit LAN Ports,
Range: Up to 3,000 Sq. Ft,
CHECK IT OUT
TP-Link N450 wifi router (TL-WR940N)Best for parental controlsSingle-Band,
Speed: Up to 450Mbps,
Devices: Up to 15,
Range: Up to 1500 Sq. ft.,
3 x 3 MIMO
Ethernet ports: 4x Fast Ethernet
CHECK IT OUT
Linksys WRT54GL wifi broadband routerBest broadband router for TomatoSingle-band,
Speed: wireless data transfer rates up to 54 Mbps,
Devices: Up to 15,
Range: Up to 1500 Sq. ft,
Four Fast Ethernet ports
CHECK IT OUT

What is Tomato firmware?

The Tomato firmware is an open-source router firmware that replaces the router manufacturer’s firmware that boosts the router’s performance. The firmware is embedded in the hardware of your router.

The Tomato firmware enables you to have close control of your router’s functionality thus helping to achieve performance improvements that can not be achieved in the manufacturer’s firmware.

Some of the features that are enhanced by the Tomato firmware include:

  • The range and performance: The firmware enables you to tweak the router settings including improving the signal strength.
  • Monitor the bandwidth usage by several devices. This monitoring can be done on a real-time basis. You can use the results of the monitoring to tweak the router connection settings.
  • Better security and privacy

Release of the firmware and its compatibility

The router firmware was developed and released in 2008 in the original format. From that time there have been several firmware updates and versions that have been developed by several individuals and companies.

The most popular Tomato firmware is Tomato by Shibby. The Linux core firmware has a partial basis on HyperWRT. However, it is majorly based on an Ajax-based interface. Because it uses a popular and easily operated interface, most people prefer it for their routers.

The firmware is compatible with Broadcom-based firmware that is used in several routers including Netgear routers, Asus routers, and Linksys routers.

Tomato firmware features

The firmware gives you options to tweak your router configurations and settings to get the performance that you want to derive from your router. Some of the advanced features provided for by the best Tomato router include:

  • Advanced QoS- the feature enables you to prioritize bandwidth to your devices according to their needs. The feature in Tomato firmware is so advanced and thus this benefits the internet intense devices.
  • Dynamic DNS
  • Advanced Port Forwarding
  • Advanced wireless modes

The biggest benefit of using Tomato Firmware is its ability to add features you won’t find on your typical router. If you’re tired of slow speeds or dropped connections, then upgrading to Tomato firmware may be what you need! With features like WDS bridging (repeating) and Wireless Client Station modes, this software will take your home network’s performance to new heights.

The Tomato firmware offers several features that you won’t find in other firmware. Features like WDS (wireless bridging), AP and client modes, Auto channel selection are just some of the things that make this software different from others.

With these features, you can easily turn an old router into a powerful device without having to buy expensive hardware or hire someone to do it for you!

The other often used open-source router firmware is the DD-WRT. The DD-WRT routers can give you a verifiable improvement in the router’s performance.

Benefits of Tomato routers

Getting the Tomato firmware for your router comes with several advantages. These performance enhancement features make the best router for Tomato firmware a must-have if you are a sucker for getting all the juice from your router.

The following are some of the advantages of a Tomato router:

  • The Tomato firmware gives your router a better performance
  • The routers offer advanced VPN features for your privacy. The VPN features in a Tomato router can even be controlled remotely.
  • You will get restriction of IP addresses when using the Tomato router
  • The Tomato router is able to give you the ability to block harmful websites after screening them
  • For enhanced privacy and security, the Tomato routers offer you guest networks. You can also set up VLAN networks.
  • The router also offers MAC address filtering. This feature enables you to filter unauthorized devices that are connected to your network.
  • These routers are able to offer support for USB file sharing.
  • A Tomato router can fix operation timings
  • Finally, the Tomato router offers interoperability with the media server through the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA).

Which is the best router for Tomato firmware

Netgear Nighthawk smart WiFi router (R7000)- AC1900

Netgear Nighthawk R7000: Best router for Tomato firmware

Enjoy fast wifi and network reliability from the Netgear R7000 (also available from Flashrouters) with dual-band and excellent signal strength. The design of the router is fantastic, with a lovely shape and color. When it comes to performance, its excellence dominates too similar to the other excellent Netgear routers.

The Netgear Nighthawk R7000 Tomato router has coverage of 1800 square feet, with the sum of the dual bands being 600+1300 Mbps. Within the range, you will connect to up to 30 devices with internet stability getting maintained.

The strength and the speed of the internet are perfect in that it gives room for using devices that consume a lot of the internet like gaming consoles and streaming players. It, therefore, makes it possible to upgrade your home to a smart one.

Connecting wired devices in the Netgear Nighthawk R7000 Tomato router is made possible by the Ethernet ports. The 4×1 gigabit ports make connections to wired devices easy and reliable. There are also USB ports, both 2.0 and 3.0, that allow you to connect to the cloud for storage and sharing.

Various technologies make the functionality of the router outstanding. The dual-core processor and the three amplified antennas work with beamforming technology for an extended range and a stable network. Featuring are also smart connect and dynamic QoS that add up to excellent functionality.

You will experience perfect safety when using the internet of the WPA2 protocols. Smart parental controls will help in making the internet safer for your child. You will also execute measures that will help your child to utilize the internet gainfully.

The presence of Netgear armor is essential because it makes internet safety more pronounced. It will help in keeping threats such as malware at bay hence safety for devices and users.

Pros

  • Easy to set up
  • Excellent internet safety
  • Stable connection for a broader range
  • Lovely design

Cons

  • May experience latency when too many devices are connected

Linksys WRT3200ACM Router

Linksys WRT AC3200 Router: The best DD-WRT and Tomato router

Looking for a high-performance Tomato router? Look no further, the Linksys WRT AC3200 router (also available from Flashrouters) should be the first choice for you. The router is also one of the DD-WRT router’s top picks.

Known for its easy setup, ease in use of open-source firmware, and its high-performance router should be the router of choice for Tomato. The router offers you an excellent configuration process using either a manual process or the standard configuration wizard.

The Linksys Tomato router offers excellent internet speeds on both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands. With a maximum throughput of 3,200Mbps on the dual-band router, you are assured of an excellent connection for every online activity.

The 5GHz performed well in our tests with speeds of 600Mbps at a few feet away from the router. At 30 feet, the speeds were 350Mbps. These speeds gave us an exceptional gaming experience while my colleague was watching a 4K movie online. However, the 2.4GHz band speeds are not as excellent.

The Linksys Tomato router has one of the best MU-MIMO performance among the tested devices at close range or a distance.

The USB file transfer rate is also exceptional. The speeds averaged above 80Mbps for both write tests and read tests speeds on our tests.

The router is made for ease in the installation of the open-source firmware. The ease in setup coupled with the exceptional performance enabled us to conclude that the Linksys WRT 3200ACM is the best router for Tomato firmware.

What is also exceptional for this Tomato router is the customization possible with the open-source firmware. You can even overclock the router to improve the performance and range!

Pros

  • Excellent Wi-Fi speeds
  • Easy to customize for Tomato
  • Has MI-MIMO
  • Exceptional USB file transfer rate
  • Has a great range

Cons

  • Offers average 2.4GHz band Wi-Fi speeds in our tests

Asus-RT-N66U dual-band wireless-N900 gigabit router

Asus RT-N66U Router

Asus RT-N66U is a dual-band and Tomato compatible router that boasts excellent connectivity. It comes in a beautiful shape and color that makes a perfect match for your home devices. Being a gigabit router, it has high speeds and reliable connections.

The dual bands have a robust transmission of signals with rates of 900 Mbps for the two. Featuring on the router are gigabit Ethernet ports, which allow for the connection of wired devices. The Ethernet ports offer a reliable speed and signal strength stability.

Are you a fan of downloading and storing content routers? This router should be the perfect choice for you. Using any USB device, you will have a quick connection to the router’s storage and your cloud storage.

The range coverage of the router is impressive because of the presence of the three detachable antennas. The antennas of this router are high-powered hence a stable connection within the range they cover. You will, therefore, not experience latency while downloading content or surfing.

File sharing with this router is fast and reliable.  The USB ports are multi-functional and use 3G to have transfers implemented. 3.0 USB ports have a very high sharing speed, making your files upload and download a time-efficient process.

The setup process of the ASUS RT-N66U router (also available from Flashrouters) is fast and very effective. Using the ASUSWRT Dashboard user interface, you will quickly set up the Tomato WiFi router and monitor the progress.

You will also have access to various controls using the interface. This can be used to set the Asus RT-N66U optimal settings for Tomato firmware.

Pros

  • Excellent signal strength
  • Perfect internet speeds
  • Coverage over a broader range
  • Easy to set up and manage
  • Easy to share content within networks
  • A more comprehensive range of coverage

Cons

  • Speed is not high compared to other routers under the same category

Linksys E2500 (N600) Advanced simultaneous dual-band router

Linksys E2500 (N600) Advanced simultaneous dual-band router: Best budget router for Tomato firmware

Enjoy simultaneous streaming and dual-band from Linksys E2500 router that comes with the 802.11n wireless technology. You will love using this router because of its double capacity for browsing.

The Linksys Tomato E2500 router has a combination transfer speed of 300+300 Mbps. You will therefore have your printers, smartphones, computers, etc. You will therefore enjoy fast speeds for both wired and wireless devices.

More about the Linksys Tomato router is that it has technologies such as the MU-MIMO technology that facilitates simultaneous streaming. It works in an antenna array hence providing an extended range for connection of your devices.

The wired devices use the four fast Ethernet ports to connect to your devices. The speeds are 10/100 Mbps, which are suitable for the streaming of content. Within the wifi range, the stability of the network is good, and the speeds get maintained.

The security of the internet is another exciting feature of this Linksys Tomato WiFi router. It gets secured with WPA/WPA2 with a powerful SPI firewall. You will have a chance to set up the guest wifi and implement other security measures effortlessly.

Featuring is the Cisco Connect Software that helps in setting up and managing the Tomato E2500 WiFi router functions. The setup involves three less confusing steps.

Pros

  • Simple set up process
  • Customizable security settings
  • Fast Ethernet ports
  • Lovely shape and design

Cons

  • The speed is not high compared to other high performing routers

Asus AC3200 Triband Gigabit Wifi router

Asus AC3200 Triband Gigabit Wifi router: Best gigabit router for Tomato firmware

Enjoy lifetime security from the Asus AC3200 router that comes with a lovely design and excellent functionality. A fantastic thing about this router is that it will automatically select a band suitable for the best functionality of each device you connect.

Sharing within your network using this router is a faster and efficient process because of the internet speeds. The 3.0 USB ports that are used by this router are ten times faster than the 2.0 ports hence faster speeds of sharing.

Controlling the router functions and apps is by the use of ASUSWRT Graphical User Interface. Within the interface, you will use a CD to set up the router, a process of around 30 seconds. Other security measures and actions towards the functionality of the router can get implemented using the interface too.

The safety of the Tomato WiFi router gets ensured by the trend micro, which offers triple strength. It also allows you to implement parental controls and keeps your privacy very safe. However, their security protocols do not have support for AiMesh systems.

Featuring also is an ASUS AiCloud 2.0 that plays a role in ensuring that you effectively sync, access, and share files anywhere with any connected device. The rate of transfer gets maintained at the highest speeds.

Moreover, the router has performance technologies such as beamforming technology responsible for comprehensive coverage and excellent functionality of devices and the universal 256QAM that ensures the data rates under optimal usage.

Finally, the router’s speeds get a perfect boost from the 802.11ac technology—no latency for your connected devices and gaming devices.

Pros

  • Awesome internet speeds
  • Perfect storage and access of files over the internet
  • Ease of set up and management
  • Has latest wifi technology
  • Smart parental controls
  • Lifetime security

Cons

  • The graphical user interface may be confusing to people with technophobia

TP-Link N450 wifi router (TL-WR940N)

TP-Link N450 wifi router (TL-WR940N): Lowest priced Tomato router

If you are looking for an affordable router under $50, this model proves to be the best choice.  It has a stable network with a 450 Mbps speed, which is ideal for intensive tasks such as online gaming, VoIP, video streaming, etc.

The Tomato TI-Link router is compatible with phoneline internet and many computer software and operating systems.  It has three antennas that help in boosting the range of coverage. It also ensured that within the covered range, the internet is stable.

Moreover, the router has 802.11n technology, which is a faster wireless technology. The range coverage of the technology is also broader and more stable. You will therefore have no worries of latency and internet stability once your devices are connected.

Another feature of the Tomato WiFi router is the bandwidth control, which ensures that each device is allocated adequate internet depending on the device’s needs. If you have game consoles or other surfing devices, you will have each of them perform to the best.

There is also a WPS button that allows you to do security encryption with a single touch. Your devices are, therefore, very safe with the internet. Another beautiful feature of this router is that it has smart parental controls that will give you an easy time to manage your children.

In your workplace, the Tomato TP-Link router will provide safety to your data and sharing. Your work computers and the privacy of your employees are therefore guaranteed. In case of any technological challenges, you will get the available 24 hours to support the company’s technical team.

Finally, the router comes at an affordable price. The brand is reputable hence the best service ever. It has a legacy of routers that have fantastic support to connected devices over long distances.

Pros

  • Comes at an affordable price
  • Easy to set up and manage
  • Smart parental controls and data safety
  • Powerful network stability
  • Reaches devices over an extended range

Cons

  • The speed is not sufficient for many devices.

Linksys WRT54GL wifi broadband router

One thing that will attract you to this router is its elegant design and colors. However, the primary thing that you will experience while using this router is fast internet speeds. The compatibility with both wired and wireless devices is excellent.

More about the router is that it has a four-port switch that allows you to use either wireless or G Access Point.  Sharing the same internet connection between the WAN and LAN ports by the router is simple because of the compliance with the 802.11 b/g protocols.

Featuring are two antennas with WPA2 standards that ensure safety within the connection, and the range is stable. The antennas are so powerful that they ensure that several devices have access to a very stable connection.

Moreover, the router’s security is excellent in that it has an SPI Firewall that keeps it away from external attacks. Your connected devices and your users enjoy maximum safety when using the router.

The compatibility of the Tomato Linksys router is also an attractive feature. You will have all wired and wireless compatible devices correctly connected. Various operating systems such as Windows XP work excellently with this router.

Pros

  • Excellent quality and design
  • Comes at an affordable price
  • Has a firewall for maximum safety
  • Excellent compatibility with operating systems and devices
  • Comfortable setting up and management

Cons

  • The speed is not enough for many devices

Choosing the best router for Tomato firmware

Different routers have different criteria for selection. The best router for Tomato has its criteria to meet for the best functionality. The Tomato-compatible routers are evaluated for criteria other than compatibility.

Below are the specific features you should focus on in the selection of the best router for Tomato.

USB support

The best router for Tomato must have USB support. It should have ports to allow access to devices to the Tomato firmware. You will have an easy time connecting devices such as printers and Mifi devices to the router.

User-friendliness and Ajax base-Interface

It should be easy to set up and manage your Tomato-compatible router. The interface plays two significant roles, including speeding up internet activities such as browsing and sharing activities. It also makes it easy to share content between devices and cloud storage.

Advanced QoS

The best router should have a service to boost its performance. The bandwidth configuration allocates various websites and apps to stream content and access services. It also ensures that each device gets the required internet to have its services running.

Internet security

Your router should be very safe hence ensuring that your users and devices are always safe. Having VPN protection is perfect in ensuring internet safety.

How to flash Tomato to a router?

This is the process of installing Tomato to a router

Total Time: 30 minutes

Prepare and Download the Tomato Firmware

Before starting the installation process, it is important to ensure your router is compatible with Tomato. If it is compatible, search for the correct version of Tomato for your router. You will also require to download the firmware restoration utility for your router. Also, get the router’s stock firmware to install in case the Tomato firmware installation process experiences some challenges.

Connect the router to the computer using an Ethernet cable

For an easy Tomato firmware flashing process, connect the router to the computer containing the downloaded firmware files using an Ethernet cable.

Reset your router’s memory

The router requires to have enough space for installation while also having the initial configuration for ease in flashing the router with Tomato. To reset the router, you can press the reset button on the router. You can follow the steps highlighted in resetting a Netgear router since the processes are similar.

On the Web user interface disable WiFi and Enable the Static IP Address

If you don’t perform this step, the Tomato flashing process will be interrupted quarter way. The static IP address will enable the router to complete the Tomato installation process without making any changes to the IP address.

Enable the router’s Firmware Restoration Mode

Not all routers have the restoration mode. However, for routers with the restoration mode, you can perform this task by First unplugging the router from the power supply. This is followed by pressing and holding the reset button on the back of the router then powering the router back. Continue holding the reset button for about 10 seconds. Finally, the power LED starts to blink slowly, it is time to release the reset button.

Upload and flash the router with the Tomato firmware

Once you have set the router on the firmware restoration mode, upload the Tomato firmware. You can do this by selecting the Tomato firmware files on your computer and press Upload on the restoration utility on your computer. Once the flashing process starts, you will see the progress bar which will run to 100% within a few seconds or minutes. The router will automatically restart after it reaches 100% or you can manually restart the router.

Configure the new router settings

Once the process of flashing the router with Tomato firmware is complete, you can use the router default settings to login into the router interface. You can use the router’s default IP address to access the router which is 192.168.1.1 for most routers. Then change the router’s login details.

How to install Tomato firmware on Linksys router

Final verdict

With the compilation of the routers, you should have got the best option. Making a quick pick will be the best decision to make at this point. Our best picks will offer you a guaranteed and high-quality service. The guide on how to flash Tomato to a router will help you get the best from your router.

The biggest problem with wireless networking is that it can be unreliable. We’ve all had the experience of a mobile device losing its connection to the network at an inopportune time (like when you’re trying to stream video). And even if your devices stay connected, interference from other wireless networks and electronic devices can cause slow speeds or dropped connections.

Wireless security is another issue for many people – especially since new vulnerabilities come out every month. It’s hard to keep up!

And finally, we have limited range on our wireless networks… sometimes so much that we need repeaters just to get coverage in certain parts of our houses and businesses! This means more equipment and more setup/maintenance headaches.

Tomato firmware solves these problems by boosting performance through advanced features like Quality of Service (QoS), WMM®, Band Steering™ technology, Smart Roaming™ Technology.

The Tomato router list above will help you get a device that will suit your home well. You are assured that the Tomato firmware will improve your router performance. In addition, you will be able to tweak the settings to suit your home.

Tomato Routers FAQs

Can my router run Tomato?

Some routers can run Tomato while others can’t. Thus, as you think about flashing your router, you will need to check the compatibility on the Tomato website. There are many benefits of installing Tomato on your router including improving the capabilities of your router and increase control over your network. Thus you get remote access, improved security, and monitoring capabilities.

Which router firmware is best?

We recommend DD-WRT as your alternative router firmware because it is widely used and for those who want closer control over the router. However, Tomato is very easy to install and manage. Therefore, if you want an easier system to configure, the Tomato firmware is better.

What is FreshTomato based on?

FreshTomato is a system based on Linux. The software is dedicated for use on routers that come with a Broadcom chipset. Moreover, the router must be distributed on the GPL license. Like all Tomato firmware updates the FreshTomato, which is an advanced system, has a friendly user interface making it easy to install and configure.

Where can I download Tomato firmware?

You can download the Tomato firmware from the Tomato website. You need to know which version of the Tomato firmware that you want and also the model of the router you will use the firmware on. The main website can guide you on the router model and firmware to download.

What is tomato by shibby?

Tomato is a third-party wireless router firmware that is based on Linux. It is a firmware that is easy to install and configure, unlike the other alternative router open-source firmware. You can get a router that is already flashed or can flash the router yourself.