TP-Link Deco M5: OpenWrt Compatibility Report

The TP-Link Deco M5 runs OpenWrt 25.12.4 on the ipq40xx/generic target, and has been supported since 25.12.0. Its WiFi 5 (AC) wireless on the ath10k-ct driver rates good for open-source driver support (0.70/1.0), installation is rated easy, and it is still sold new.

Drivers: Good (0.70) WiFi 5 (AC) Install: easy

Hardware data and retail listings last checked .

Where to buy

We have no current retail listing for the TP-Link Deco M5. See current alternatives for devices we already have links for.

Not finding a listing does not mean you cannot buy one. Our retail links come from hand research rather than a live stock feed, so this device may well still be on sale somewhere we have not checked yet.

Specifications

SoC Qualcomm IPQ4019
CPU 4 cores @ 717 MHz
RAM 256 MB
Flash 32 MB
Ethernet ports 2
WiFi generation WiFi 5 (AC)
Radios 2.4GHz: b/g/n · 5GHz: a/n/ac
WLAN hardware Qualcomm Atheros IPQ4019, Qualcomm Atheros QCA8072
WLAN driver ath10k-ct
OpenWrt target ipq40xx / generic
Package architecture arm_cortex-a7_neon-vfpv4
Current release 25.12.4
Supported since 25.12.0
Install method U-Boot web recovery
Install difficulty easy
Power supply 12 VDC, 1.2 A
Device type Home router
Estimated throughput 501 Mbps
Availability available

Installing OpenWrt on the Deco M5

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: U-Boot 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.