MX Linux vs OpenWrt
MX Linux
mxlinux.orgOpenWrt
openwrt.orgSide by side
| Figure | MX Linux | OpenWrt |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Operating Systems | 8.1 (#11) | 8.6 (#5) |
| Intended users | The project describes MX as a midweight desktop operating system designed for stability, performance and efficient desktops. | OpenWrt says users should know GNU/Linux and basic networking concepts before installing it. |
| Security updates | The FAQ says MX is based on Debian Stable and automatically receives its security updates. | The downloads page says the outdated 24.10 release will continue to receive limited security and bug fixes for some time. |
| Support | Support resources include videos, documentation and the MX Linux Forum. | The project says support may be provided voluntarily by developers and users, but is not guaranteed. |
Plans
In their own words
MX Linux
MX Linux is a free family of Linux operating systems built from Debian Stable repositories for desktop use focused on efficiency, stability, and performance. The project is a cooperative venture between the antiX and MX Linux communities. Its official editions use Xfce, KDE, or Fluxbox, and graphical MX tools cover tasks such as boot options and repository management. MX Package Installer provides access to popular applications from Debian Stable, MX Test Repo, Debian Backports, and Flatpak; listed compatibility also includes Snap on supported setups and AppImage. MX Updater checks packages, offers upgrade modes, and can schedule unattended upgrades. Live USB and snapshot tools support portable operation and remastering. The Xfce edition comes in standard and Advanced Hardware Support versions; KDE includes Dolphin and KDE Connect. MX automatically receives Debian Stable security updates, and its ISO Signature Verifier checks signed checksums. It can be installed on desktop and laptop computers or run live from removable USB media. Support resources include videos, documentation, a user manual, and a forum.
OpenWrt
OpenWrt is a Linux operating system for embedded devices, commonly wireless routers. Its writable filesystem and optional package management let users customize devices by adding packages; the project lists more than 27,000 packages and services. Configuration is available through an SSH command-line interface or a web interface, and the Table of Hardware helps check device support before installation. Hardware capacity is a key consideration: OpenWrt identifies 8 MB flash and 64 MB RAM as bare minimums, while warning against devices at those limits for current, secure use. The downloads page lists OpenWrt 25.12.5 as the current stable release and describes development snapshots as generally untested. The older 24.10 release is slated to receive limited security and bug fixes for some time. OpenWrt is free software, with no subscription or licensing fees. The project says users should know GNU/Linux and basic networking concepts before installing it; voluntary support from developers and users is not guaranteed.