When you want to set up a new Virtual Private Network (VPN), you have two options: you can use software that needs to be installed on each PC, mobile device, and Internet of Things (IoT) device, like a compatible TV, or you can install a VPN on your router. The best VPN routers, use encrypted tunnels to keep your online conversations safe.
When encryption is used with networks of servers that hide your IP address, your online identity can be hidden and your data can’t be intercepted or decoded. This makes it harder to track you or steal your information. Setting up a VPN through your router can make it easier to protect the many devices we use these days, and it can be much easier than you think as long as you start with a compatible router.
After setting up most routers and making sure the connection is stable, all you have to do to use the VPN feature is turn it on. Also, some routers already have VPNs built in, so all you have to do to stay safe is click a button. Below we have mentioned some of the best VPN routers.
Best VPN Routers
Netgear R6400 DD-WRT FlashRouter
Specifications
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Max Speeds | 2.4 GHz: 450 Mbps, 5 GHz: 1300 Mbps |
| Ports | 1xUSB-A, 1xWAN, 4xLAN |
| VPN Protocol | OpenVPN |
Netgear makes great routers, like the R6400, which is a Wi-Fi 5 workhorse that covers a home of up to 1,750 square feet reliably. You get one of Netgear’s best-rated routers, and the speeds are fast enough for gaming and streaming. The only problem is that they don’t support VPN services from the outside by default.
If you want the quality of a Netgear router and the best VPN routers you choose, you’ll need to “flash” or install firmware on your router. That could make your warranty on the device invalid or even “brick” your router.
Go to FlashRouters to avoid all of that. They are a tech company that takes routers from big brands and updates them so that they can run VPN services without any problems. The most important thing is that they come with tech support and a one-year warranty.
Pros
- Out-of-the-box VPN capabilities, handled by pros
- Good speeds at a decent price
- The reliability of a Netgear router
Cons
- Not WiFi 6
- More expensive than doing it yourself
Asus RT-AX58U
Specifications
| Frequency Band Class | Dual-Band |
| Wireless Communication Standard | 802.11a |
| Frequency | 5 GHz |
| Uses For Product | Security |
Wi-Fi 6 is the best VPN routers, advanced networking technology. It has powerful features that give it faster speeds, wider coverage, and the ability to handle even more connections at once. With the Asus RT-AX58U, you get all of the most important Wi-Fi 6 features and performance at a price that is a steal.
It doesn’t match up everywhere with the high-end Wi-Fi 6 competition. It has two bands, not three. The CPU has three cores instead of four. There is no 2.5Gbps port, and you can only connect via USB. But this might be a problem for users who need a lot of power, but there is actually more than enough power here for many homes.
Pros
- Strong Wi-Fi 6 performance
- Simple set-up
- Good parental controls
Cons
- Dual-band only
ExpressVPN Aircove
Specifications
| Speed | up to 3000Mbps |
| Connectivity | 1x Gigabit WAN, 4x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB 3.1 |
| Features | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Security Protocol | WPA2, WPA3 |
The ExpressVPN Aircove is our best VPN routers because of how fast it is, how easy it is to set up, and how safe it is. The router can be used in homes or offices and has a coverage area of up to 1,600 square feet.
Even if a router can connect to a VPN, you still need to think about how stable and fast it is. When the VPN isn’t being used, the Aircove can handle speeds of up to 1,200Mbps (600Mbps/2.4GHz). However, as you might expect, speeds will drop when you connect to VPN servers.
Pros
- Built-in VPN
- Easy setup
- Up to 1,600 sq. ft. coverage
Cons
- VPN exclusivity
TP-Link Archer A7 AC1750 Wireless Dual Band Router
Specifications
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Max Speeds | 2.4 GHz: 450 Mbps, 5 GHz: 1300 Mbps |
| Ports | 1xUSB-A, 1xWAN, 4xLAN |
| VPN Protocol | OpenVPN, PPTP |
If you want a VPN-capable router for less than $100, we think the TP-Link Archer A7 AC1750 is the best VPN routers. Most of the time, discounts bring the price down to just over $50. For that price, you get speeds that are good enough for streaming and mid-level gaming, and the coverage area is big enough for an average three-bedroom house.
TP-Link is steadily building a name for itself by making networking equipment and smart home devices that work well and are compatible, and this router is no exception. The sleek black box with three antennas is small and doesn’t stand out. Routers that can reach farther will have more than one antenna.
The multiple signal points work together to make an array that helps Wi-Fi signals reach more places in more ways. This inexpensive choice has both OpenVPN and PPTP VPN protocols built in, so it will work with almost all of the major VPN services.
Pros
- Great price
- Decent speeds
- Reliable performance
Cons
- Not Wi-Fi 6
TP-Link AX6600 Wi-Fi 6
Specifications
| Frequency Band Class | Tri-Band |
| Wireless Communication Standard | 802.11n, 802.11ax, 802.11b, 802.11ac |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet |
| Included Components | Power Adapter, RJ45 Ethernet Cable, Quick Installation Guide |
If you think the TP-Link Archer GX90 isn’t for office users because it’s big, has eight sharp antennas, and is black and red, you’d be right. It’s a high-end, high-performance gaming router with a tonne of advanced features and technologies.
We’re not just talking about Wi-Fi 6 or, say, tri-band speeds. The GX90 can set up a separate 4.8Gbps Gaming Band network on its own. It has 2.5Gbps Ethernet and a few USB ports for connecting devices, and it can be set up as a mesh network with other TP-Link routers.
On the best VPN routers, the TP-Link Archer GX90 doesn’t need new firmware because it can connect to VPN providers through OpenVPN, L2TP, or PPTP without any changes. Interested? The GX90 also has a VPN server built in, so you can access your home network securely from anywhere in the world.
Pros
- High-end gaming performance
- Set up a VPN without changing firmware
- Built-in VPN server
Cons
- Bulky
- Expensive
FAQs
Are VPN routers worth it?
You should also use a VPN router if you have a device that you only want to connect to a VPN server and never to your regular connection. A VPN router is also helpful if you are using an operating system like Tails OS, which is not compatible with most VPN apps.
Is it better to have VPN on device or router?
Setting up a VPN on your router can be better than setting one up on just a few of your devices: Your whole home network is safe, including smart home and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The VPN can be connected to by any device that can connect to your network.
Does a VPN router slow down Internet speed?
But how much your speed is changed depends on what’s going on. Your internet speed can be affected by how fast it was before you got a VPN, which VPN brand you’re using, and how far away you are from your VPN server.
