Is the Merlin firmware more secure than the factory?

[lenovomen]

Hi,

Is the Merlin firmware more secure than the factory because it contains more security updates? If my router has not received an update since 2023, am I better off with Merlin because it is more secure? What is the reason for this? The continuous, regular kernel updates? Or why is it more secure?

 

[Tech9]

Two different branches of the firmware with different security updates applied at different time. You’ll switch to Asuswrt-Merlin now, Asus will release a new firmware tomorrow… which one is more secure? You can play this firmware switching game forever. Your choice. Just let your router work for you. Don’t work for the router. Both are secure enough.

 

[jerry6]

Merlin is quicker to update security patches , Asus is months behind at times . in over 10 years using Merlin have had zero problems .W hen Merlin releases FW it is bug free Asus , you are a beta tester at least that is my experience

 

[Tech9]

Merlin releases FW it is bug free Asus

As per RMerlin own statement he has no time and resources to debug Asuswrt base. Whatever I found broken in Asuswrt is usually broken in related Asuswrt-Merlin as well. This is my experience. If there is something broken in closed source proprietary components - has to be fixed upstream first.