Xiaomi AX3000T vs Cudy WR3000E: which router should I choose for OpenWrt?
I was advised to choose between these two models following “Escobar’s rule,” but I can’t decide. I’m leaning toward the Cudy WR3000E, but the Xiaomi AX3000T has more available information and can be recovered even after being turned into a “brick.” Please help me choose between these two routers for OpenWrt. I don’t need to consider other options as I’ve already conducted extensive research on routers.
Xiaomi AX3000T vs Cudy WR3000E: OpenWrt Support Comparison
Both Xiaomi AX3000T and Cudy WR3000E support OpenWrt, but they offer different installation and usage experiences. The Cudy WR3000E is simpler to install and more predictable, while the Xiaomi AX3000T offers better hardware specifications but comes with compatibility risks and a more complex flashing process.
Table of Contents
- Basic Characteristics and OpenWrt Support
- Installation and Flashing Process
- Performance and Stability
- Reliability and Recovery from Failures
- Final Recommendations
Basic Characteristics and OpenWrt Support
The Xiaomi AX3000T is equipped with a MediaTek MT7981B (2x A53), 256MB RAM, and 128MB Flash. According to the OpenWrt Wiki, the device is supported in OpenWrt 24.10.3, but there are significant limitations. It’s important to note that the router has different revisions (RD03/RD23) that may have different hardware components, including different flash chips (ESMT F50L1G41LB or Winbond W25N01KV).
The Cudy WR3000E also has good OpenWrt support. As users note on Reddit, the WR3000E “works quite well,” and the flashing process takes about 15 minutes from stock firmware to the latest OpenWrt version.
| Parameter | Xiaomi AX3000T | Cudy WR3000E |
|---|---|---|
| SoC | MediaTek MT7981B | MediaTek MT7981B |
| RAM | 256MB | 128MB |
| Flash | 128MB | 128MB |
| OpenWrt Support | Yes, with caveats | Yes, official |
| Versions | RD03/RD23 (different chips) | More unified hardware platform |
Installation and Flashing Process
The Xiaomi AX3000T presents significant challenges when installing OpenWrt. As reported on the OpenWrt forum, newer firmware versions are locked, and flashing often requires access to the UART port. There are serious issues with different flash chips - if you try to flash a device with a Winbond chip using incompatible firmware, it may become a “brick.”
The Cudy WR3000E is significantly easier to install. The process includes:
- Downloading the official OpenWrt firmware from the Cudy website
- Flashing through the web interface
- Reinstalling clean OpenWrt via sysupgrade
As one user notes: “Cudy has an OpenWRT image available on their website which you have to flash before flashing vanilla OpenWRT” - this makes the process much more predictable and secure.
Important: For the Xiaomi AX3000T, always check your device version and flash chip type before flashing to avoid bricking.
Performance and Stability
The Xiaomi AX3000T shows good performance but has some issues. Users on the OpenWrt forum report problems with 802.11ax performance when there are obstacles (such as brick walls) in the Wi-Fi signal path. Some users also note that “at different times, some web pages didn’t load on the first attempt, requiring a second or third reload.”
The Cudy WR3000E shows stable operation but with some limitations. According to user reports, the device works great overall, “except when using the 5GHz band.” Performance is sufficient for internet connections up to 1Gbps, as users note: “Cudy WR3000E is just enough for 1Gbps internet.”
Reliability and Recovery from Failures
The Xiaomi AX3000T has an advantage in recovery from failures. As noted on GitHub, there’s a possibility to recover using the Xiaomi recovery tool, even after becoming a “soft brick.” This makes it more reliable in the long term for experienced users.
The Cudy WR3000E is more predictable in installation but has less free space after installing OpenWrt - only 6.81MB, as users report. This limits the ability to install additional packages and could be a problem for some use cases.
Final Recommendations
Based on the analysis, I would recommend the following:
-
For beginner users: The Cudy WR3000E is a simpler and more predictable choice. The flashing process takes about 15 minutes and doesn’t require device disassembly or UART access.
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For experienced users willing to take risks: The Xiaomi AX3000T offers better value for money, but requires attention to device version and flash chip type.
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If recovery reliability is the priority: The Xiaomi AX3000T has an advantage thanks to the ability to recover through official Xiaomi tools.
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If simplicity and speed of installation is the priority: The Cudy WR3000E wins with official support and a predictable process.
Considering your mention of “Escobar’s rule” (choosing what is simpler and more reliable), I would recommend the Cudy WR3000E for most users, especially if you’re not willing to disassemble the device and work with UART. However, if you’re willing to handle additional complexity for better performance and recovery reliability, the Xiaomi AX3000T could be a good choice.
Sources
- OpenWrt Wiki - Xiaomi Mi Router AX3000T
- OpenWrt Forum - Xiaomi AX3000T support discussion
- Reddit - Cudy WR3000 vs WR3000E OpenWrt support
- GitHub - Xiaomi AX3000T softbricks issue
- OpenWrt Forum - Cudy WR3000E 5GHz performance
- Reddit - Xiaomi AX3000T vs Cudy WR3000H comparison
- OpenWrt Forum - Cudy WR3000 performance issues