alt Hacker NewsIf it's a "router" and you can't install a OpenWRT on it, then it's an absolute no-brainer to not to buy it.
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For most non-technical people this is irrelevant. Even if the router supported OpenWRT, they wouldn't know how to install it, let alone how to configure it.
Luckily, many (but certainly not all) continental West-European ISPs allow you to lease a Fritz!Box or you can buy one in a store and hook it up [1]. Perfect router/modem for consumers (not too complicated), can be configured through a web interface, and the hardware and software is developed by a German company.
[1] Many European countries have router/modem freedom, so an ISP cannot block you if you want to hook up your own gear. E.g. quite some tech people here use their own XGS-PON fiber ONT or at least their own router + modem.
I got a new lease on life for a bunch of old/slow MyBook WD Live NAS devices -- OpenWRT installs onto these PowerPC devices, rather easily.
I'd suggest buying the OpenWRT One. I've bought a bunch, and I think it's terrific.
To whom? How many people who have bought these things ever heard of OpenWRT? How many of those are capable of installing it?
Have you ever considered upgrading your refrigerator? Washing machine? Kettle? A router is a transparent appliance to most people.