ASUS RT-AC88U: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

ASUS RT-AC88U router
Image: OpenWrt Table of Hardware, CC BY-SA 4.0

The ASUS RT-AC88U runs OpenWrt 24.10.4 on the bcm53xx/generic target, and has been supported since 22.03.0. Its WiFi 5 (AC) wireless on the brcmfmac driver rates limited for open-source driver support (0.45/1.0), installation is rated easy, and it is still sold new.

Drivers: Limited (0.45) WiFi 5 (AC) Install: easy

Hardware data and retail listings last checked .

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Specifications

SoC Broadcom BCM4709C0KFEBG
CPU 2 cores @ 1400 MHz
RAM 512 MB
Flash 128 MB (NAND)
Ethernet ports 9
USB 1x 2.0, 1x 3.0
WiFi generation WiFi 5 (AC)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n · 5GHz: a/n/ac
WLAN hardware Broadcom BCM4366B1, Broadcom BCM4366C0
WLAN driver brcmfmac
OpenWrt target bcm53xx / generic
Package architecture arm_cortex-a9
Current release 24.10.4
Supported since 22.03.0
Install method Asus Firmware Restoration tool, CFE TFTP recovery, CFE TFTP + serial recovery, CFE web recovery
Install difficulty easy
Power supply 19V, 2.37A via barrel jack
Device type Home router
Estimated throughput 489 Mbps
Availability available

Installing OpenWrt on the RT-AC88U

Installation on this device is rated easy. You can flash it from the stock web interface without opening the case or using a serial cable. Documented methods: Asus Firmware Restoration tool, CFE TFTP recovery, CFE TFTP + serial recovery, CFE web recovery.

Flashing third-party firmware can brick a router and usually voids the warranty. Always check that the firmware image matches your exact hardware version.

Other routers to consider

Ruckus R500

WiFi 5 (AC) Drivers: Excellent $173

MikroTik RB962UiGS-5HacT2HnT (hAP ac)

WiFi 5 (AC) Drivers: Excellent $115

Ubiquiti UniFi UK-Ultra

WiFi 5 (AC) Drivers: Excellent $100

Not sure which fits? Take the 60-second quiz.