TP-Link Archer A5: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

The TP-Link Archer A5 runs OpenWrt 25.12.2 on the ramips/mt76x8 target, and has been supported since 19.07.0. Its WiFi 5 (AC) wireless on the mt76 driver rates fair for open-source driver support (0.65/1.0), installation is rated moderate, and it is still sold new.

Drivers: Fair (0.65) WiFi 5 (AC) Install: moderate

Hardware data and retail listings last checked .

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Specifications

SoC MediaTek MT7628A
CPU 1 core @ 580 MHz
RAM 64 MB
Flash 8 MB
Ethernet ports 5
WiFi generation WiFi 5 (AC)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n · 5GHz: a/n/ac
WLAN hardware MediaTek MT7628A, MediaTek MT7612E
WLAN driver mt76
OpenWrt target ramips / mt76x8
Package architecture mipsel_24kc
Current release 25.12.2
Supported since 19.07.0
Install method U-Boot TFTP recovery, see devicepage
Install difficulty moderate
Power supply 12 VDC, 1.0 A
Device type Home router
Estimated throughput 72 Mbps
Availability available

Installing OpenWrt on the Archer A5

Installation on this device is rated moderate. Expect to use a recovery mode, TFTP or a vendor tool rather than a plain web upload. Documented methods: U-Boot TFTP recovery, see devicepage.

Jan 2020: See device page and use instructions for Archer C50 v4 to create install image for C50 v5 (US version).

Official OpenWrt device page for the Archer A5

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

Hardware versions

The Archer A5 ships in several hardware revisions with different chipsets. Match the version printed on your device label before flashing.

Version Target Current release WLAN hardware
V5 shown above ramips/mt76x8 25.12.2 MediaTek MT7628A, MediaTek MT7612E
V6/CA/EU/RU ramips/mt76x8 25.12.2 MediaTek MT7628, MediaTek MT7613

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.