What OpenWrt is, in one paragraph
OpenWrt describes itself as a highly extensible Linux distribution for embedded devices, usually routers. It has a fully writable filesystem with optional package management, so you can add only the features you need. It is a community project represented by Software in the Public Interest. It aims for frequent minor releases to fix critical bugs and security issues. The about page does not describe any warranty or formal support commitment. [1]
What GL.iNet firmware adds on top
GL.iNet routers such as Flint 2 run GL.iNet firmware built on OpenWrt. The Flint 2 datasheet lists OpenWrt 21.02, with OpenVPN and WireGuard clients and servers, policy routing, Multi-WAN, encrypted DNS and a guest SSID. These are set up in GL.iNet's own admin panel, not in raw OpenWrt settings. [2]
For anything beyond that, the Plug-ins page manages OpenWrt packages, and LuCI is one click away under Advanced Settings. The same GL.iNet firmware 4 docs cover the Beryl AX travel router, which GL.iNet's mesh page lists as GL-MT3000. So what you learn on one GL.iNet router mostly carries over to another. [3][4][5]
The trade-offs side by side
| Area | What you gain | What you give up |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Policy VPN routing, Multi-WAN, encrypted DNS in the GL.iNet panel [2] | More settings to understand and keep consistent |
| Packages | Install OpenWrt packages from the Plug-ins page [3] | GL.iNet is not liable for security issues from third-party plug-ins [3] |
| Advanced access | LuCI for settings the GL.iNet panel lacks [4] | GL.iNet says it is not responsible for LuCI maintenance [4] |
| Upgrades | Online or local upgrades, with a Keep Settings option for local upgrades [6] | User-installed packages must be reinstalled after upgrading [6][7] |
| Firmware choice | Some models, such as the GL-MT6000, have official OpenWrt images [8] | Flashing wrong images can brick a router [8] |
How updates really work
GL.iNet offers an Online Upgrade, which fetches the latest official firmware, and a Local Upgrade from a downloaded file. A local upgrade can also downgrade or install beta firmware. Keep Settings is offered on local upgrades, but you will be prompted to reinstall user-installed packages. GL.iNet says not to tick Keep Settings when downgrading, and to keep the power on during the upgrade. [6]
An Accept Preview Plan option lets you try features before final release, and GL.iNet warns these upgrades may not be stable. The upgrade page does not describe an automatic update schedule. Plan to check for updates yourself. [6]
Upstream OpenWrt works the same way. Its sysupgrade guide says anything not specifically saved is lost and manually installed packages must be reinstalled. It also suggests not keeping settings every 12 to 16 months. [7]
How things break, and how to avoid it
Most problems come from mixing tools. Changing the same setting in the GL.iNet panel and in LuCI, or updating packages that GL.iNet pre-installed, makes it hard to know which setting is in force. GL.iNet's Plug-ins page specifically advises against updating pre-installed official plug-ins such as AdGuard Home or Tailscale. [3]
Flashing a different firmware carries the most risk. For the GL-MT6000, OpenWrt's hardware page warns to flash only sysupgrade images, because a factory image may brick the router. It also warns that replacing the OEM bootloader removes the U-Boot recovery web page and raises the risk of a hard brick. [8]
- Write down every non-default setting before you change anything.
- Make one change at a time, then test it.
- Keep a list of packages you installed so you can reinstall them after upgrades.
- Keep the GL.iNet panel as the source of truth; use LuCI only for things it cannot do.
- Have a fallback connection, such as a phone hotspot, while you experiment.
Who should stay with ISP or mainstream firmware
- Your only complaint is Wi-Fi coverage. Placement, an access point or mesh may fix that without new firmware.
- Nobody in the home wants to check for firmware updates and reinstall packages afterward.
- You rely on ISP support, and the ISP only supports its own gateway.
- You need nothing from the trade-off table above.
- In those cases, compare mainstream routers in our Flint 2 alternatives guide.
Questions before you decide
Is GL.iNet firmware the same as OpenWrt?
No. GL.iNet firmware is based on OpenWrt (the Flint 2 datasheet lists OpenWrt 21.02), with GL.iNet's own admin panel and features. OpenWrt's hardware table describes the OEM firmware as an OpenWrt fork. You can still reach the standard LuCI interface from GL.iNet's Advanced Settings.
Will my installed packages survive a firmware upgrade?
Do not count on it. GL.iNet says you will be prompted to reinstall user-installed packages after an upgrade, even with Keep Settings. OpenWrt's sysupgrade guide says manually installed packages have to be reinstalled.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- OpenWrt: About OpenWrt Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- GL.iNet: GL-MT6000 datasheet (ver. 20251103) Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- GL.iNet Router Docs 4: Plug-ins Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- GL.iNet Router Docs 4: What is LuCI Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- GL.iNet Router Docs 4: Mesh Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- GL.iNet Router Docs 4: Upgrade Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- OpenWrt: Sysupgrade (upgrading OpenWrt firmware) Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- OpenWrt Table of Hardware: GL.iNet GL-MT6000 Accessed 30 Oct 2026
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