At a Glance
- One of the most popular ways to enhance the capabilities of the RT-AC68U is to install a custom firmware, such as DD-WRT or Merlin.
- If you are looking for a firmware that is easy to use and offers a wide range of features, then Merlin is a good choice.
- If you are looking for a firmware that offers the best possible performance and customization options, then DD-WRT is a good choice.
The ASUS RT-AC68U is a popular high-performance router that offers a wide range of features and customization options. One of the most popular ways to enhance the capabilities of the RT-AC68U is to install a custom firmware, such as DD-WRT or Merlin. In this blog post, we will compare DD-WRT and Merlin, two of the most popular custom firmwares for the RT-AC68U, to help you decide which one is right for you.
DD-WRT vs Merlin: Feature Comparison
| Feature | DD-WRT | Merlin |
| — | — | — |
| VPN Support | Yes | Yes |
| QoS | Yes | Yes |
| Ad Blocking | Yes (via third-party packages) | Yes |
| IPv6 Support | Yes | Yes |
| Web Server | Yes | No |
| SSH Server | Yes | Yes |
| Telnet Server | Yes | No |
| Remote Management | Yes | Yes |
| DDNS Support | Yes | Yes |
| OpenVPN Server | Yes | Yes |
| L2TP/IPSec Server | Yes | Yes |
| PPTP Server | Yes | Yes |
| Firewall | Yes | Yes |
| MAC Filtering | Yes | Yes |
| URL Filtering | Yes (via third-party packages) | Yes |
| Time Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Traffic Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Diagnostics Tools | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Scheduler | Yes | Yes |
| Guest Network Support | Yes | Yes |
| Parental Controls | Yes (via third-party packages) | Yes |
Performance
Both DD-WRT and Merlin offer significant performance improvements over the stock firmware of the RT-AC68U. However, there are some differences in performance between the two firmwares. DD-WRT is generally considered to be the more performant firmware, especially in terms of wireless performance. However, Merlin is also a very capable firmware and offers excellent performance in most areas.
Stability
Both DD-WRT and Merlin are stable firmwares. However, DD-WRT is known to be slightly more stable than Merlin. This is because DD-WRT has a longer history of development and has been tested on a wider range of hardware.
Ease of Use
Merlin is generally considered to be the easier firmware to use. It has a more user-friendly interface and is easier to configure than DD-WRT. However, DD-WRT offers more advanced features and customization options, which may be appealing to some users.
Which Firmware is Right for You?
The best firmware for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a firmware that is easy to use and offers a wide range of features, then Merlin is a good choice. If you are looking for a firmware that offers the best possible performance and customization options, then DD-WRT is a good choice.
Key Points: The Ultimate Choice
Ultimately, the best way to decide which firmware is right for you is to try them both and see which one you prefer. Both DD-WRT and Merlin are excellent firmwares that offer a wide range of features and customization options. With either firmware, you will be able to unlock the full potential of your ASUS RT-AC68U router.
Popular Questions
Q: Which firmware offers better wireless performance, DD-WRT or Merlin?
A: DD-WRT is generally considered to be the more performant firmware, especially in terms of wireless performance.
Q: Which firmware is more stable, DD-WRT or Merlin?
A: DD-WRT is known to be slightly more stable than Merlin.
Q: Which firmware is easier to use, DD-WRT or Merlin?
A: Merlin is generally considered to be the easier firmware to use.