In today’s digital age, safeguarding your internet connection and activities is crucial. One way to enhance your privacy and security is by using a virtual private network (VPN). While many individuals already use standalone VPN apps, installing a VPN directly on your router ensures that all devices connected to your network benefit from increased privacy and security by default.
To help you select the best VPN router for your needs and budget, we’ve conducted thorough testing and comparisons. Our review process includes evaluating aspects such as design, connectivity, speed, coverage, and additional features like parental controls. This guide aims to provide comprehensive insights to assist you in determining whether you need a VPN router and helps you find the right one.
The Best VPN Router in 2024
If you’re looking for a router that can provide you with secure and reliable VPN connectivity, you’re in the right place. After extensive testing, we’ve compiled a list of the best VPN routers available in 2024. Our top picks offer excellent performance, advanced security features, and easy-to-use interfaces. Here are our recommended VPN routers:
- ASUS RT-AX88U
- Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200
- Linksys WRT3200ACM
- TP-Link Archer C5400X
- Synology RT2600ac
Each of these routers has been thoroughly tested to ensure that it provides reliable VPN connectivity and excellent performance. You can be confident that our recommendations are based on extensive testing and research.
The Best VPN Router Overall
The Asus RT-AX58U is the best VPN router overall, offering impressive Wi-Fi 6 performance, simple setup, and good parental controls. With a speed of up to 3000Mbps, this router provides fast and reliable internet connectivity for most homes.
One of the standout features of the Asus RT-AX58U is its strong Wi-Fi 6 performance. Wi-Fi 6 is the latest technology in networking, delivering faster speeds, greater coverage, and the ability to handle more simultaneous connections. The Asus RT-AX58U offers all the core Wi-Fi 6 functionality and performance at an affordable price.
Setting up the Asus RT-AX58U is a breeze, thanks to its router app. The app makes it easy to customize the router to suit your exact needs, including setting up a VPN connection. The router also comes with built-in support for connecting to a VPN provider and a built-in VPN server, enabling secure connections to your home network while on the move.
In addition, the Asus RT-AX58U comes with a comprehensive dashboard that gives you many ways to customize the router’s settings. This includes Adaptive QoS, which lets you prioritize internet traffic for specific applications, and AiProtection Pro, which provides advanced security features to protect your network from online threats.
While the Asus RT-AX58U may not match up with high-end Wi-Fi 6 routers in terms of features, it provides more than enough power for most homes. The router’s dual-band connectivity may be a drawback for some users, but it is still capable of delivering fast and reliable internet connectivity.
Overall, if you’re looking for a VPN router that offers strong Wi-Fi 6 performance, simple setup, and good parental controls, the Asus RT-AX58U is the best option.
The Best ExpressVPN Router
If you’re looking for a VPN router that’s quick and easy to set up, ExpressVPN’s Aircove is a great option. With a well-designed dashboard and no technical expertise required, you can have it up and running in under ten minutes.
One of the standout features of the Aircove is its ability to connect up to five locations simultaneously. This means that you can have some devices using your fastest local server, while others connect to your favorite streaming location or the best server for your work.
In terms of router performance, the Aircove offers Wi-Fi 6 support for potential speeds of up to 1,200Mbps, a 1.2 GHz 64-bit Quad-Core CPU, four gigabit Ethernet ports, and coverage of up to 1,600 square feet.
It’s worth noting that the VPN features of the Aircove only work with ExpressVPN, so you will need a separate subscription to connect. However, once that’s set up, the Aircove’s jargon-free dashboard makes it even easier to operate than most VPN apps.
Overall, the Aircove is a speedy Wi-Fi 6 router with ExpressVPN built in, making it a convenient and efficient option for those looking for a VPN router that’s quick and easy to set up.
Pros
- Quick and easy setup
- Speedy Wi-Fi 6-powered performance
- Connect up to five locations simultaneously
Cons
- VPN features work with ExpressVPN only
For a more in-depth look at the Aircove’s features and performance, check out our full ExpressVPN Aircove review.
The Best VPN Router for Gaming
If you’re a serious gamer, you know that a fast and reliable internet connection is essential for a smooth gaming experience. However, you also need to ensure that your online activity is secure and private. That’s where a VPN router comes in handy. Among the many options available in the market, the TP-Link Archer GX90 stands out as the best VPN router for gaming.
The TP-Link Archer GX90 is a high-performance gaming router with advanced features and technologies that guarantee a seamless gaming experience. It boasts Wi-Fi 6, tri-band speeds, and a dedicated Gaming Band network with 4.8Gbps speeds. This router’s connectivity options include 2.5Gbps Ethernet and a couple of USB ports, making it an excellent choice for gamers who need to connect multiple devices.
One of the most impressive features of the TP-Link Archer GX90 is its built-in support for connecting to VPN providers via OpenVPN, L2TP, or PPTP. This means that you can set up a VPN without changing the firmware. Additionally, the GX90 has a built-in VPN server that allows you to securely access your home network from anywhere in the world.
Setting up a VPN on the TP-Link Archer GX90 is a breeze. All you need to do is select your VPN provider and enter your credentials. You can also choose between a range of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP.
Apart from its VPN capabilities, the TP-Link Archer GX90 is an excellent gaming router. It has a Game Accelerator feature that optimizes your network for gaming, ensuring that you get the best possible performance. The router also supports MU-MIMO, which enables multiple devices to connect to the network simultaneously without compromising speed.
The TP-Link Archer GX90 is a bulky and expensive router, but its impressive gaming performance and built-in VPN capabilities make it worth the investment. If you’re looking for a VPN router that can handle all your gaming needs, the TP-Link Archer GX90 is the way to go.
The Best Feature-Packed VPN Router
If you’re looking for a VPN router with excellent features, the Asus RT-AC86U is a great choice. This router boasts a robust design with angled surfaces and red slashes that give it a unique visual appeal. However, the ergonomics of the case are not ideal, as it has to stand up, and there is no wall mounting option.
The Asus RT-AC86U router comes with an extensive firmware that includes buttons to handle tasks buried in the firmware, such as disabling the radios and turning off the lights. The dual-core CPU of the router is 1.8GHz, and it has four gigabit LAN ports and two USB ports. The MU-MIMO technology supports a theoretical transfer speed of up to 2,900Mbps, and the Asus 5GHz Quad-Stream system optimizes traffic for the best gaming and streaming performance.
The router’s comprehensive dashboard offers an array of options, including the ability to run the router as a VPN client or server. Additionally, you can install third-party firmware for even greater control if you need more power. The Asus RT-AC86U may not have the leading-edge technologies of other routers, but it is less than half the price of some, yet still offers enough power for many users.
In terms of connectivity, the Asus RT-AC86U router has five gigabit LAN ports, one USB 2.0 port, and one USB 3.0 port. The router also features MU-MIMO, Traffic Analyzer, Adaptive QoS, and WTFast Gamers Private Network. The router’s speed is 802.11ac 1734Mbps down, and its coverage is excellent.
Overall, the Asus RT-AC86U is a feature-packed VPN router that offers great speed and coverage. Its complex firmware may be a downside for some, but its extensive firmware, unique design, and affordable price make it a great choice for many users.
The Best Premium VPN Router
If you’re a high-end home or business user looking for a do-everything VPN router, the Synology RT6600ax is an exceptional product that offers many advanced network features. While it may look like another bland and boring router, it delivers tri-band Wi-Fi speeds of up to 6,600Mbps, making it a great choice for gaming and other demanding tasks.
One of the most impressive features of the Synology RT6600ax is its configurability. The router can operate multiple Wi-Fi networks, each with their own custom settings and rules, giving you complete control over your network. Additionally, it has a comprehensive firewall, exceptional content filtering, optional threat and intrusion detection, and a whole lot more to ensure your network is secure.
The VPN features of the Synology RT6600ax are equally impressive. It can be set up to connect to most of the big providers, but it also has a VPN server that gives you remote access to your network. This is particularly useful for SMBs who need to remotely operate PCs and servers.
While the Synology RT6600ax may be overkill for basic home Wi-Fi requirements, it offers a phenomenal set of features for power users and anyone with more complex requirements. It’s a great choice for those who need a VPN router that can handle everything they throw at it.
Overall, the Synology RT6600ax is a great investment for high-end home and business users who need a VPN router that can do it all. With its tri-band Wi-Fi, advanced network features, and VPN capabilities, it’s a reliable and powerful router that offers excellent value for its price.
The Best General Purpose VPN Router
If you’re looking for an all-round VPN router that can handle fast Wi-Fi 6 performance, gaming-focused features, and security features, the Asus RT-AX86U is a great choice. While it’s not the cheapest router on the market, it offers good value for its features.
The router boasts 802.11ax speed up to 5700 Mbps down, 4 x Gigabit LAN, Gigabit Wan, 2.5G Wan, and 2x USB 3.2 connectivity. It also includes MU-MIMO, Traffic Analyzer, Adaptive QoS, Parental Control, and NVIDIA Geforce Now Cloud Gaming Optimization features.
Setup is relatively easy with a browser-based dashboard offering the most depth and control, while a simpler app is available for Android and iOS. The router also includes built-in malware protection from Trend Micro and extensive parental controls that go beyond what is offered by most competitors, at no extra cost.
In our tests, the Asus RT-AX86U delivered above-average speeds even in the most difficult-to-reach corners of the office. The excellent interface makes it easy to set up and manage a connection to your preferred VPN.
Overall, if you’re willing to invest in a high-performance router with advanced features and strong security, the Asus RT-AX86U is a great choice.
The Best Enterprise VPN Router
When it comes to choosing the best enterprise VPN router, the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 is a top contender. This router boasts impressive specifications, including 802.11ac 5GHz down speeds of up to 2,167 Mbps and 2.4GHz down speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. It also offers 4 LAN ports, WAN, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 connectivity.
One of the standout features of the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 is its eight external antennas, which support four 1,000Mbps streams on the 2.4Ghz band and two 5Ghz channels with four streams running up to 2,167Mbps. Additionally, the router supports link aggregation, which allows you to use two Ethernet ports as if they were one, effectively doubling throughput.
Despite its enterprise-level power, the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 remains accessible to regular consumers. The setup process is straightforward, with an app and clear instructions to guide you through the initial steps. Additionally, TP-Link’s Router Skill enables you to carry out common tasks using simple Alexa commands.
While the router’s design may not be the most visually appealing, its functionality more than makes up for it. With support for MU-MIMO, tri-band Wi-Fi, and Alexa voice control, the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 is a fast and powerful option for individuals and enterprises alike.
Reasons to Buy
- Fast and powerful
- Alexa and IFTTT support
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful enterprise VPN router that’s easy to use and offers excellent performance, the TP-Link Archer C5400 v2 is definitely worth considering.
The Top VPN Router for Gaming
When it comes to gaming, having a reliable and fast internet connection is crucial. A premium VPN router can help improve your online gaming experience by providing a secure and stable connection. After extensive research and testing, the best premium VPN router for gaming is the Linksys WRT3200ACM.
Features
The Linksys WRT3200ACM offers a range of features that make it the perfect choice for gamers. These include:
- Tri-Stream 160 technology for faster Wi-Fi speeds
- 1.8 GHz dual-core processor for improved performance
- Open-source firmware for customization and flexibility
- MU-MIMO technology for multiple devices
- Four external antennas for wider coverage
Performance
The Linksys WRT3200ACM provides excellent performance for gaming. It offers fast and stable Wi-Fi speeds, with the Tri-Stream 160 technology ensuring that multiple devices can be connected without any lag. The router’s 1.8 GHz dual-core processor also helps to ensure that there is no slowdown during intense gaming sessions.
Security
The Linksys WRT3200ACM offers a range of security features to help protect your online gaming experience. These include:
- WPA2 encryption for secure connections
- VPN support for added privacy
- Parental controls for safe browsing
Overall, the Linksys WRT3200ACM is the best premium VPN router for gaming, offering fast and stable Wi-Fi speeds, a range of features, and excellent security options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you consider when choosing a VPN router for home use?
When choosing a VPN router for home use, you should consider the following factors:
- VPN compatibility: Ensure the router is compatible with your VPN service provider.
- Speed: Look for a router with a fast processor and enough RAM to ensure smooth performance.
- Range: Consider the size of your home and the router’s range to ensure it can cover all areas.
- Security features: Look for routers with advanced security features such as firewalls, malware protection, and parental controls.
- Price: Consider your budget and look for a router that offers good value for money.
How do VPN routers enhance the gaming experience?
VPN routers can enhance the gaming experience by providing a secure and stable connection, reducing lag, and protecting against DDoS attacks. They can also allow you to access geo-restricted games and content, and protect your privacy while gaming.
Can you recommend VPN routers that come pre-configured?
Yes, there are several VPN routers that come pre-configured, making it easy to set up and use. Some popular options include:
- Asus RT-AC5300
- Netgear Nighthawk X10
- Linksys WRT3200ACM
What are the top VPN router options for small businesses?
When choosing a VPN router for a small business, you should consider the following factors:
- VPN compatibility: Ensure the router is compatible with your VPN service provider.
- Speed: Look for a router with a fast processor and enough RAM to ensure smooth performance.
- Security features: Look for routers with advanced security features such as firewalls, malware protection, and VPN client support.
- Scalability: Consider the number of users and devices the router can support.
- Price: Consider your budget and look for a router that offers good value for money.
Some top VPN router options for small businesses include:
- Cisco RV345P
- Netgear FVS318N
- TP-Link SafeStream TL-R600VPN
Which routers are compatible with major VPN service providers like NordVPN?
Many routers are compatible with major VPN service providers like NordVPN. Some popular options include:
- Asus RT-AC5300
- Netgear Nighthawk X10
- Linksys WRT3200ACM
- TP-Link Archer C7
- D-Link DIR-885L
Are there benefits to using a VPN router at home, and is it necessary?
Using a VPN router at home can provide several benefits, including:
- Enhanced security and privacy: A VPN router encrypts your internet traffic and protects your online privacy.
- Access to geo-restricted content: A VPN router can allow you to access content that is not available in your region.
- Protection against cyber threats: A VPN router can protect against malware, phishing attacks, and other cyber threats.
While using a VPN router is not necessary, it can provide additional security and privacy benefits for your home network.