Asus Routers for DD-WRT

Model	Processor	RAM [MB]	Flash [MB]	WLAN modes	Number for Ethernet Ports	Number of USB ports	Price
RT-N66U	Broadcom 600 MHz	256	32	A/B/G/N	4 x 1000/100/10	2	149.99
RT-N16	Broadcom 480 MHz	128	32	B/G/N	4 x 1000/100/10	2	$79.99
RT-N13U	Ralink 380 MHz	64	8	B/G/N	4 x 100/10	1	$52.98
RT-N10+	Broadcom 300 MHz	32	8	B/G/N	4 x 100/10	1	$26.14
RT-N53	Broadcom 300 MHz	32	8	A/B/G/N	4 x 100/10	-	$59.99
RT-N12	Broadcom 300 MHz	32	8	B/G/N	4 x 100/10	-	$79.99
WL-500GU	Broadcom 264 MHz	32	8	B/G	4 x 100/10	2	$42.99

(Prices as of 12/16/2012)

Commentary: As stated elsewhere the Asus RT-N66U is hands down the best consumer router available and it can be easily updated to DD-WRT.   Its powerful enough to run multiple VPN tunnels for the high end, high security user.   It is also the most expensive router listed here.

The Asus RT-N16 is a good compromise that offers fast performance at a more manageable price.   Its plenty of router for most users with many of the same features as the RT-N66U (same Flash, same Gigabit ethernet, same number of USB ports).   It has plenty of power to handle a VPN or 2.

Dropping to the budget routers the new Asus RT-N10+ still offers great features for a price comparable to any other budget option, BUT you still get to run DD-WRT with a VPN (8 MB of Flash will allow a minimum installation of DD-WRT with OpenVPN).   You also get a bonus USB port for a printer or USB storage device.

The rest aren’t highly recommended unless you really need a particular feature:

• For the price why get the Asus WL-500GU over the Asus RT-N10+ unless you really need the 2 USB ports?
• Why get the Asus RT-N12 with the Asus RT-N10+ available?
• The Asus RT-N53 is ok if you really need WiFi A for older, older devices and don’t care about the USB, but why not replace that old device and rock the Asus RT-N10+?
• The Asus RT-N13U has pretty good numbers for the price, but the Ralink processor would give me some pause and probably push me to the Asus RT-N16.