Top AdvancedTomato Alternatives for Enhanced Router Control
A router's graphical user interface is crucial for most users, making router configuration accessible and manageable. While Tomato offers a solid foundation, its dated web interface, even with color scheme options, often falls short for those desiring a truly modern aesthetic. AdvancedTomato stepped in to bridge this gap, providing a clean, contemporary flat design while retaining all the powerful features of Tomato by Shibby. However, for various reasons, users may seek an AdvancedTomato alternative. This guide explores the best options to upgrade your router's GUI and functionality.
Best AdvancedTomato Alternatives
If you're looking to move beyond AdvancedTomato for even more customization, improved performance, or a different set of features, these alternatives offer compelling solutions for managing your home network.
DD-WRT
DD-WRT is a Linux-based open-source firmware, making it a powerful AdvancedTomato alternative for a wide variety of WLAN routers and embedded systems. Available for Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms, it's known for its extensive compatibility and community support, though it doesn't add specific features beyond its core functionality.
OpenWrt
OpenWrt is a niche Linux distribution primarily installed on embedded devices like residential gateways. As a Free and Open Source Linux platform, OpenWrt offers a high degree of customization and flexibility, making it an excellent AdvancedTomato alternative for users who want granular control over their network, similar to how AdvancedTomato enhances the Tomato firmware.
MikroTik RouterOS
MikroTik RouterOS is a Linux-based operating system designed by MikroTik, capable of turning a personal computer or server into a dedicated router. Unlike the open-source nature of AdvancedTomato, MikroTik RouterOS is a Commercial, Web, and Self-Hosted solution. It offers advanced features like Wi-Fi Direct and User Management, catering to users who need robust network management beyond typical home router capabilities.
Gargoyle
Gargoyle is a free firmware upgrade based on OpenWRT, but with an enhanced interface that focuses on ease of use, making it a user-friendly AdvancedTomato alternative. Available for Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, and OpenWrt platforms, it includes enhanced features like Portable functionality and Quality of Service (QoS), ideal for those seeking simpler management with powerful underlying features.
Tomato by Shibby
Tomato by Shibby is a popular TomatoUSB fork, offering significant enhancements that could serve as a foundational AdvancedTomato alternative. As a Free, Open Source Linux and Tomato-based platform, it integrates a Torrent client (Transmission) with a user-friendly GUI, NFS server integration, and support for USB 3G modems, along with QoS features. It provides the core functionality that AdvancedTomato builds upon.
Tomato
Tomato is a small, lean, and simple replacement firmware for various Broadcom-based routers. As a Free platform compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux, Tomato provides a robust base. It features a new GUI and essential QoS features, making it the original inspiration and a direct, albeit more basic, AdvancedTomato alternative for those who prefer simplicity.
EasyTomato
EasyTomato is a powerful, easy-to-use, and free bandwidth manager, perfect for environments with limited internet connections. As a Free, Web, and Tomato-based platform, it offers strong QoS features. For users who value straightforward bandwidth management above extensive GUI customization, EasyTomato provides a focused AdvancedTomato alternative, particularly for schools, hospitals, and nonprofits.
TomatoUSB
TomatoUSB is an alternative Linux-based firmware for Broadcom-based ethernet routers, serving as a modification of the famous Tomato firmware with additional features. As a Free, Open Source Linux and Tomato-based platform, it stands out with its Skinnable interface, offering a customizable look and feel that can be an attractive AdvancedTomato alternative for those prioritizing visual flexibility alongside enhanced functionality.
The best AdvancedTomato alternative depends on your specific needs, whether it's raw power, advanced features, a simpler interface, or open-source flexibility. Explore these options to find the perfect firmware to optimize your router experience.