Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

OpenWISP

openwisp.org

WebLinuxAPISelf-hosted
Visit openwisp.org
Spec score 7.6 #3 of 19 in Guest Wi-Fi Providers

What it is

OpenWISP is a free, open-source network deployment and management system built on Linux OpenWrt. It supports API, Linux, self-hosted and web environments in a hybrid deployment model. Reusable templates, tags, group templates and dynamic variables organize configurations for devices, groups and organizations, while policy automation and API access are available. Administrators can create VPN configurations and cryptographic keys or certificates for WireGuard, OpenVPN and ZeroTier. Monitoring covers ping success, round-trip time, Wi-Fi clients, mobile signal quality, traffic patterns and access technology. Firmware upgrades work on individual devices or in batches. The RADIUS module supports SMS verification, user management, social login, SAML single sign-on, session limits, Change of Authorization and REST access. Hotspot captive portals support registration, authentication, phone verification, social login and paid subscriptions. Commercial support and sponsorship plans are available.

Spec sheet

Purpose
OpenWISP is an open-source solution built on Linux OpenWrt for network deployment, monitoring, and management.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openwisp.org
Security
The deployment page describes secure-by-default configurations and automated SSL certificate management for its cloud-ready professional images.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openwisp.org
Support
Commercial support offers deployment and maintenance, proactive monitoring, expert assistance, and encrypted nightly backups with restoration.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openwisp.org
Founded
2008Read 28 Sep 2026 · openwisp.org
Configuration
Reusable templates, tags, group templates, and dynamic variables support device, group, and organization configurations.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openwisp.org
Firmware
The firmware upgrader supports individual and batch device upgrades.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openwisp.org
Hardware
The FAQ says OpenWISP can control any OpenWrt-compatible hardware and can also work with non-OpenWrt devices using protocols such as SSH, SNMP, and APIs, with some feature adaptation.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openwisp.org
Hotspots
Hotspot deployments can use captive portals for registration, authentication, social login, phone verification, and paid subscriptions.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openwisp.org
Installation
The FAQ recommends installing OpenWISP with the OpenWISP Ansible role.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openwisp.org
Monitoring
Monitoring includes metrics such as ping success, round-trip time, Wi-Fi clients, mobile signal quality, traffic patterns, and access technology.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openwisp.org
Network access
The RADIUS module supports SMS verification, user imports and generation, social login, SAML single sign-on, session limits, Change of Authorization, and a REST API.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openwisp.org
Support limits
Commercial support excludes code training and support for third-party OpenWISP extensions.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openwisp.org
VPNs
OpenWISP can generate configurations and cryptographic keys or X.509 certificates for WireGuard, OpenVPN, and ZeroTier.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openwisp.org
Who it suits
The FAQ describes OpenWISP as suited to small teams managing large networks, hotspot and municipal Wi-Fi operators, and organizations familiar with OpenWrt; it may be a poor fit for networks with fewer than 20 devices or organizations without IT expertise.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openwisp.org

Plans and prices

GitHub sponsorship $5 a month Starting from 5$ per month Accessible to anyone Read 8 Oct 2026 · openwisp.org
Platinum Sponsorship €700 a year €700.00 per year 8 hours of support · logo placement · community acknowledgment · quarterly insights and analytics Read 8 Oct 2026 · openwisp.org

Every OpenWISP plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan with open-source code
  • Works with OpenWrt-compatible hardware
  • VPN configuration for three named protocols
  • Batch firmware upgrades
  • RADIUS and captive-portal features

Limits

  • May be unsuitable below 20 devices
  • IT expertise is expected
  • Commercial support excludes third-party extensions
  • Some non-OpenWrt features require adaptation

Who it suits

OpenWISP fits small teams managing large networks, hotspot and municipal Wi-Fi operators, and organizations familiar with OpenWrt. The FAQ cautions that it may not suit networks with fewer than 20 devices or teams without IT expertise.

Verdict

OpenWISP covers configuration, monitoring, firmware, VPN, network access and hotspot operations in one hybrid system. Its fit depends on network scale and the operator’s OpenWrt and IT experience.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to OpenWISPAll alternatives →