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KWRT vs ImmortalWrt - Comprehensive Comparison

Created: 2026-01-12
Purpose: Deep dive into the two main community OpenWrt forks available for GL-AX1800

🌟 Executive Summary

Both KWRT and ImmortalWrt are enhanced forks of OpenWrt that add features, packages, and optimizations beyond vanilla OpenWrt. However, they target different audiences and have distinct philosophies:

KWRT (Koolshare OpenWrt by Kiddin9): Chinese-focused, online firmware customization, bleeding-edge packages
ImmortalWrt: International fork with performance optimizations, broader device support, more conservative approach

1️⃣ KWRT (Koolshare OpenWrt / Kiddin9 OpenWrt)

What Is KWRT?

Full Name: Koolshare OpenWrt (also known as Kiddin9's OpenWrt or just "Kwrt")
Developer: Kiddin9
Website: https://openwrt.ai
GitHub: https://github.com/kiddin9/OpenWrt_x86-r2s-r4s

Philosophy

KWRT aims to provide maximum customization through an online build platform while maintaining the latest OpenWrt code with extensive plugin/package support. It's particularly popular in the Chinese OpenWrt community but supports international users.

Key Features

🔧 Online Firmware Customization

Web-based Builder: Visit openwrt.ai to customize firmware before download
Kernel Selection: Choose from multiple kernel versions (5.15.x, 6.1.x, 6.6.x, 6.12.x)
Package Pre-selection: Select packages to include before compilation
Theme Options: Choose default LuCI theme
File System: Ext4 support for sponsored users

📦 Extensive Package Repository

Maintains comprehensive GitHub repos for OpenWrt packages
Vast collection of open-source plugins
Many packages commonly needed by Chinese users
Third-party packages and tools not in official OpenWrt

Common Default Packages:

autocore - System auto-configuration
base-files - Core system files
bash - Full bash shell (not just busybox ash)
dnsmasq-full - Enhanced DNS/DHCP server
firewall4 - NFTables firewall
luci-app-firewall - Firewall web interface
openssh-sftp-server - SFTP support

Optional Packages (examples):

luci-app-accesscontrol-plus - Access control
luci-app-adbyby-plus / luci-app-adguardhome - Ad blocking
luci-app-aliyundrive-webdav - Cloud drive integration
luci-app-aria2 - Download management
Network proxy tools: koolss (SS/SSR), v2ray, wireguard, brook

🏗️ Architecture Support

Unlike Koolshare's original X64-only focus, Kiddin9's KWRT supports:

X86_64 - Desktop/server platforms
i386_pentium4 - Older Intel platforms
aarch64 - Generic, Cortex-A72, Cortex-A53 (← GL-AX1800 uses this)
ARM - Cortex-A9, Cortex-A7, ARM1176JZF-S
MIPS - mipsel_24kc, mips_24kc
Devices: Raspberry Pi, N1, various routers

🚀 Build Frequency

Monthly snapshots (typically around the 10th of each month)
Based on latest OpenWrt master
Dated builds (MM.DD.YYYY format)

🖥️ Web Server

Uses Nginx instead of Uhttpd
Better performance for web services
Enhanced HTTP server capabilities

For GL-AX1800 Specifically

Target: qualcommax/ipq60xx
Architecture: aarch64_cortex-a53
Build Example: kwrt-01.10.2026-qualcommax-ipq60xx-glinet_gl-ax1800-squashfs-factory.bin

Installation:

Enter U-Boot mode (hold reset, power on, 10 sec)
Browse to http://192.168.1.1
Flash .bin or .ubi factory image
For upgrades: use sysupgrade.bin

Available Files:

Factory.bin - Standard factory image
Factory.ubi - UBI format for NAND flash
Sysupgrade.bin - For OpenWrt→OpenWrt upgrades

Pros

✅ Online customization - Build exactly what you need
✅ Latest packages - Bleeding-edge versions
✅ LuCI included - Web interface by default
✅ Nginx - Better web server
✅ More pre-installed - Many useful packages out-of-box
✅ Regular builds - Monthly updates
✅ Wide hardware support - Many architectures
✅ Active development - Frequent commits

Cons

⚠️ Chinese-focused - Documentation/UI primarily Chinese
⚠️ Less stable - Monthly builds, less testing than releases
⚠️ Non-upstreamable - Custom patches not in official OpenWrt
⚠️ Larger images - More packages = bigger firmware
⚠️ Slow download - openwrt.ai server can be very slow
⚠️ Less support - Smaller international community

When to Choose KWRT

Choose KWRT if you:

Want maximum customization before download
Need specific Chinese-region packages/tools
Want the latest packages immediately
Prefer pre-configured systems
Are comfortable with monthly snapshot builds
Like having many options/plugins available
Can read/navigate Chinese interfaces

2️⃣ ImmortalWrt

What Is ImmortalWrt?

Full Name: ImmortalWrt
Type: OpenWrt fork
Developer: Chinese developer community
Website: https://immortalwrt.org
GitHub: https://github.com/immortalwrt/immortalwrt

Philosophy

ImmortalWrt aims to enhance OpenWrt with better performance, more device support, and additional packages while maintaining a more traditional approach than KWRT. Focus on performance optimization and "non-upstreamable" improvements.

Key Features

⚡ Performance Optimization

Wireless driver optimization - Enhanced Wi-Fi performance
Kernel optimization - Tuned for better speed/stability
MediaTek focus - Particularly good for MTK chips
Users report better performance vs vanilla OpenWrt in many cases
High network speed - Optimized for throughput

🔧 Out-of-the-Box Functionality

More features pre-enabled vs official OpenWrt
Less manual configuration needed
Better defaults for common use cases

📱 Device Support

Wider range of devices than official OpenWrt
Particularly: Chinese-branded routers
Single-board computers (SBCs)
Devices not officially supported by mainstream OpenWrt
Faster adoption of new hardware

🌍 Localization

Default optimized profiles for mainland China
Includes Chinese-specific optimizations
More international than KWRT
English documentation available

📦 Package Differences

Uses opkg package manager (same as OpenWrt)
More packages ported than vanilla
Includes packages commonly needed by Chinese users
Third-party packages addressing local internet requirements
Approximately 8000+ packages available

🔄 Release Model

Stable releases - e.g., 23.05.7
Snapshot builds - Daily/regular updates
More conservative than KWRT's monthly approach

For GL-AX1800 Specifically

Target: qualcommax/ipq60xx
Architecture: aarch64_cortex-a53
GCC: 12.3.0 (stable), 14.3.0 (snapshots)

Stable Release: 23.05.7

URL: https://downloads.immortalwrt.org/releases/23.05.7/targets/qualcommax/ipq60xx/
Note: GL-AX1800 support may not be in stable yet (404 errors observed)

Snapshots:

URL: https://downloads.immortalwrt.org/snapshots/targets/qualcommax/ipq60xx/
Regular builds available

File Pattern:

immortalwrt-qualcommax-ipq60xx-glinet_gl-ax1800-squashfs-factory.bin
immortalwrt-qualcommax-ipq60xx-glinet_gl-ax1800-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin

Pros

✅ Performance - Optimized for speed/stability
✅ Device support - More hardware than vanilla
✅ Stable releases - Not just snapshots
✅ LuCI included - Web interface by default
✅ More international - Better English support than KWRT
✅ Frequent updates - Bug fixes come quickly
✅ Better drivers - Enhanced wireless drivers
✅ Proven track record - Established fork
✅ Less bloated - More focused than KWRT

Cons

⚠️ Non-upstreamable - Custom patches not in official OpenWrt
⚠️ Less mainstream - Smaller than vanilla OpenWrt community
⚠️ Custom tweaks - May conflict with official packages
⚠️ Documentation - Less comprehensive than vanilla
⚠️ Update lag - Sometimes behind vanilla on security updates
⚠️ Regional focus - Still Chinese-oriented

When to Choose ImmortalWrt

Choose ImmortalWrt if you:

Want better performance than vanilla OpenWrt
Need support for Chinese/Asian hardware
Prefer stable releases over snapshots
Want more packages but not KWRT's full collection
Like the balance between vanilla and heavily customized
Need MediaTek optimization
Want frequent bug fixes
Prefer a more traditional OpenWrt experience

📊 Detailed Comparison Matrix

Feature	Vanilla OpenWrt	KWRT (Kiddin9)	ImmortalWrt
Philosophy	Upstream-first, stability	Maximum customization	Performance + support
Release Model	Stable + snapshots	Monthly builds	Stable + snapshots
Stability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Device Support	Wide	Very Wide	Widest
Package Count	~8000	~10000+	~8000+
Pre-installed	Minimal	Many	More than vanilla
Customization	Manual	Online builder	Manual
LuCI Included	Yes	Yes	Yes
Web Server	Uhttpd	Nginx	Uhttpd
Chinese Focus	No	Strong	Moderate
International	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Documentation	Excellent	Limited	Good
Community Size	Huge	Small	Medium
Update Speed	Moderate	Fast (monthly)	Fast
Build Frequency	Daily snapshots	Monthly dated	Regular
Security Updates	Fastest	Moderate	Fast
Upstream Compat.	Perfect	Modified	Modified
File Size	Smallest	Largest	Medium
Learning Curve	Medium	Medium	Easy-Medium

🎯 Which Should You Choose for GL-AX1800?

Choose Vanilla OpenWrt 25.12.0-rc2 If:

Want official, well-supported firmware
Value stability and security above all
Need reliable security updates
Want largest community support
Comfortable with SSH/manual package installation
✅ RECOMMENDED for most users

Choose KWRT If:

Want online firmware customization
Need specific Chinese-region tools
Want bleeding-edge packages immediately
Like pre-configured systems with many options
Don't mind monthly snapshot builds
Can navigate Chinese interfaces
Want Nginx web server
Enjoy tinkering with latest features

Choose ImmortalWrt If:

Want best performance optimization
Need stable releases with extra features
Want balance between vanilla and KWRT
Prefer traditional OpenWrt feel with enhancements
Like more international focus than KWRT
Want enhanced wireless drivers
Need quick bug fixes
Want more packages than vanilla but not KWRT's full selection

🔍 Technical Differences

Package Management

All three use opkg but with different repositories:

# Vanilla OpenWrt
opkg update
opkg install <package>

# KWRT
# Pre-configured with Kiddin9's repos
# Nginx instead of Uhttpd
# More packages available by default

# ImmortalWrt
# Own package repos
# More packages ported
# Chinese-specific tools included

Kernel Versions

Firmware	Kernel	Notes
OpenWrt 25.12-rc2	6.6.x	LTS kernel
OpenWrt Master	6.6.x+	Latest stable
KWRT	5.15.x -6.12.x	User selectable!
ImmortalWrt Stable	5.15.x	Conservative
ImmortalWrt Snapshot	6.6.x	Latest

GCC Toolchain

Firmware	GCC Version	C++ Support
OpenWrt 25.12-rc2	14.3.0	C++23
OpenWrt Master	14.3.0	C++23
KWRT	14.3.0	C++23
ImmortalWrt 23.05	12.3.0	C++20
ImmortalWrt Snapshot	14.3.0	C++23

📥 Download Links for GL-AX1800

KWRT

https://dl.openwrt.ai/firmware/qualcommax-ipq60xx/glinet_gl-ax1800/

Latest: kwrt-01.10.2026-qualcommax-ipq60xx-glinet_gl-ax1800-squashfs-factory.bin

ImmortalWrt Snapshots

https://downloads.immortalwrt.org/snapshots/targets/qualcommax/ipq60xx/

Latest: immortalwrt-qualcommax-ipq60xx-glinet_gl-ax1800-squashfs-factory.bin

ImmortalWrt Stable (if available)

https://downloads.immortalwrt.org/releases/23.05.7/targets/qualcommax/ipq60xx/

💡 Real-World Use Cases

Home Lab / Development

Recommendation: KWRT or OpenWrt Master

Online customization for dev tools
Latest GCC for compiling
Many packages available

Production Router / Reliability

Recommendation: ImmortalWrt Stable or OpenWrt 25.12-rc2

Stable releases
Performance optimized
LuCI included

Chinese Internet / Region-Specific

Recommendation: KWRT

Best Chinese tool support
Optimized for region
Custom packages included

Performance Testing / Benchmarking

Recommendation: ImmortalWrt

Best wireless performance
Kernel optimizations
Proven speed improvements

Learning OpenWrt / First Time

Recommendation: OpenWrt 25.12-rc2

Official documentation
Largest community
Best learning resources

🚀 My Recommendation for Your GL-AX1800

Based on having downloaded multiple firmware variants:

1st Choice: OpenWrt 25.12.0-rc2 ⭐

Stable release candidate
Native IPQ6000 support
LuCI included
GCC 14.3.0
Will become official stable soon

2nd Choice: ImmortalWrt Snapshot

If you need better performance
Stable enough for daily use
More packages than vanilla

3rd Choice: KWRT

If you want to experiment
Try the online customization
Test bleeding-edge packages

Avoid for Production: OpenWrt Master Snapshots

Too unstable (daily builds)
Use 25.12-rc2 instead

🛠️ Installation Tips

Both KWRT and ImmortalWrt install the same way as vanilla OpenWrt:

U-Boot Method (Recommended)

Power off router
Hold reset button while powering on
Hold 10 seconds until LED blinks
Set PC IP: 192.168.1.100
Browse: http://192.168.1.1
Upload factory.bin file
Wait 3-5 minutes

Via SSH (if already running OpenWrt)

scp firmware.bin root@192.168.x.1:/tmp/
ssh root@192.168.x.1
sysupgrade -n /tmp/firmware.bin

📚 Additional Resources

KWRT

Website: https://openwrt.ai
GitHub: https://github.com/kiddin9/OpenWrt_x86-r2s-r4s
Packages: https://github.com/kiddin9/openwrt-packages

ImmortalWrt

Website: https://immortalwrt.org
GitHub: https://github.com/immortalwrt/immortalwrt
Forum: Various Chinese and international forums

Community

OpenWrt Forum: https://forum.openwrt.org
Reddit: r/openwrt
GL.iNet Forum: https://forum.gl-inet.com

📝 Summary

KWRT = Customization King 👑 (online builder, many packages, Chinese-focused)
ImmortalWrt = Performance Beast ⚡ (optimized, stable, balanced)
Vanilla OpenWrt = Rock Solid 🗿 (official, supported, stable)

All three work great on GL-AX1800 with the qualcommax/ipq60xx target!

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KWRT vs ImmortalWrt - Comprehensive Comparison

🌟 Executive Summary

1️⃣ KWRT (Koolshare OpenWrt / Kiddin9 OpenWrt)

What Is KWRT?

Philosophy

Key Features

🔧 Online Firmware Customization

📦 Extensive Package Repository

🏗️ Architecture Support

🚀 Build Frequency

🖥️ Web Server

For GL-AX1800 Specifically

Pros

Cons

When to Choose KWRT

2️⃣ ImmortalWrt

What Is ImmortalWrt?

Philosophy

Key Features

⚡ Performance Optimization

🔧 Out-of-the-Box Functionality

📱 Device Support

🌍 Localization

📦 Package Differences

🔄 Release Model

For GL-AX1800 Specifically

Pros

Cons

When to Choose ImmortalWrt

📊 Detailed Comparison Matrix

🎯 Which Should You Choose for GL-AX1800?

Choose Vanilla OpenWrt 25.12.0-rc2 If:

Choose KWRT If:

Choose ImmortalWrt If:

🔍 Technical Differences

Package Management

Kernel Versions

GCC Toolchain

📥 Download Links for GL-AX1800

KWRT

ImmortalWrt Snapshots

ImmortalWrt Stable (if available)

💡 Real-World Use Cases

Home Lab / Development

Production Router / Reliability

Chinese Internet / Region-Specific

Performance Testing / Benchmarking

Learning OpenWrt / First Time

🚀 My Recommendation for Your GL-AX1800

🛠️ Installation Tips

U-Boot Method (Recommended)

Via SSH (if already running OpenWrt)

📚 Additional Resources

KWRT

ImmortalWrt

Community

📝 Summary

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