I'm very new to both the Flint 2 routers and OpenWRT, and I'm hoping someone can help me better understand the current firmware versions available.
I've come across the following firmware versions and would appreciate some clarification on the differences between them:
4.8.1 – Release Candidate – 2025-08-22
4.8.0-op24 – Beta – 2025-07-29
4.8.1 – Snapshot – 2025-08-26
From what I gather, these represent different stages of development, but I'm unsure which version would be considered the most stable or recommended for daily use. Could someone please explain the distinctions between a Release Candidate, Beta, and a Snapshot in this context?
Additionally, I’d welcome any recommendations on which version to install, particularly with stability and reliability in mind.
-op24 is more closely based on 'pure'/'vanilla' OpenWrt. It does not use the proprietary MediaTek SDK. Normally that'd be an indication of a potiential preformace drop vs the rates/specs advertised by GL.iNet but the odd report I've seen on this forum is that it is close to the same.
I always prefer stable but if I had the Flint v2 I'd go for op24. Stable is always there if need be. Don't use RC or Snapshot unless you like being on 'the bleeding edge' & have time to troubleshoot &/or file bug reports... or want to indulge your inner masochist.
In terms of stability, the general order is:
Stable > Release Candidate >= Beta > Snapshot
The Op24 version can be considered somewhere between Stable and Beta.
As a rule of thumb, we recommend using the Stable release for most users.
If you encounter specific issues, you may consider upgrading to a Release Candidate or Beta version.
Snapshot builds are intended only for advanced users who want to test the very latest features or fixes, and they may come with instability.
Maybe it is more helpful to others to explain the meaning.
Beta is a version, which has new features and users who seek for an adventure or specific needs that one new feature, can choose it. Sometimes it is one feature, sometimes there are some features. But be at all time aware, you are the tester of a new feature.
Release Candidate is after some betas the version, which should be released, only a few Bugfixes are inserted from feedback of the users/testers. But in general that will be very near to the next stable. In some cases a RC1 and RC2 will be provided, depending on the dev team.
In more general I would say most users should be happy with stable. Even than they find get why something is working or not. A router is pretty complex.
In some cases more advanced users suggest the beta or RC is better. But this will be a very specific scenario, not for all users.
