If you want to secure your computer or smartphone, just download a VPN app and you’re good to go. However, what about all the other devices in your home, such as Smart TV or Internet-of-Things (IoT) refrigerator?
You can protect them at once by purchasing a VPN-enabled router – it will encrypt the traffic to and from every Internet-connected device! To help you pick the best one, we’ve curated a list of the best VPN routers that you can buy in 2024.
But first, let’s revisit the benefits of setting up a VPN router:
Why Do You Need a Home VPN Router?
Most households have multiple devices that connect to the Internet. You would have to install a VPN app separately on each one to keep them secure, which can be a hassle and costly. In this scenario, a VPN router is an effective way to protect your entire home network.
Your traffic is typically unencrypted, meaning your online activities can be tracked by interested third-parties like ISPs, hackers, or the government. A VPN safeguards the traffic using encryption; even if someone intercepts it, they won’t be able to steal your data.
By using a VPN router, you’re able to secure all the devices connected to it. From tablets and smartphones to game consoles and smart TVs, you name it—a VPN router has you covered! However, enhanced security isn’t the only advantage you can get from it.
You can also gain access to geo-locked content and censored websites, regardless of your physical location. That’s right, a VPN router will enable you to use the Internet with complete freedom on any connected device.
16 Best VPN Routers for Homes
1. Asus AX68U
Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0
Speed: 802.11ac, 802.11ax
Pros & Cons:
- Easy router setup via the Asus App
- Blazing-fast Wi-Fi 6 (Wireless-AX) speeds
- Enhanced with Merlin upgraded firmware
- Maintains and builds on most premium Asus router standard features
- Elevated VPN setup and implementation options
- FlashRouters support
- No WireGuard support
Looking for a router to revamp your underperforming Wi-Fi network? The Asus RT-AX68U upgraded with after-market Merlin firmware from FlashRouters is the perfect option to take full advantage of the latest WiFi 6/Wireless-AX ready devices.
Built-in support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 features, such as expanded MU-MIMO and more efficient signal processing. This allows you to create a network ready to handle the modern home internet demands like online gaming or 4K streaming.
Merlin enhances VPN capabilities with the intuitive VPN Director tool, which enables you to manage multiple VPN connection locations with multiple VPN providers, all in one place.
The AsusWRT Merlin-powered RT-AX68U adds upon your favorite stock firmware features, like Asus router mobile app management, AiMesh, and more. Plus, it gives you access to enhanced network reporting and visualization tools you won’t find anywhere else.
You can find the complete list of specifications here.
2. Flint GL-AX1800
Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x USB 3.0
Speed: 802.11ac, 802.11ax
Pros & Cons:
- Perfect for 7-12 continuous connections
- Super-fast Wi-Fi 6 (Wireless-AX) speeds
- WireGuard protocol support
- Built-in ad-block & DNS encryption
- Dashboard VPN and router management suite
- Open-source firmware
- Lots of add-ons
- Oddly placed USB 3.0 port
Built using the highly versatile OpenWRT project, the Flint GL-AX1800 unlocks Wi-Fi 6 on your newest devices. You can now easily stream, game, and work simultaneously on multiple devices without experiencing performance issues, as the Flint GL-AX1800 supports the WireGuard protocol.
You can find the complete list of specifications here.
3. Slate
Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
Connectivity: 2 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x USB 3.0
Speed: 802.11ac, 802.11ax
Pros & Cons:
- Ultra-fast WiFi 6 (Wireless-AX) speeds
- Small enough to travel with
- WireGuard protocol support
- Built-in ad-Block & DNS encryption
- Easy-to-use VPN management suite
- Lots of add-ons
- Not the most powerful router on the market
- Recommended for 1-5 simultaneous connections only
This company portable router is a powerhouse solution for anyone looking to travel. Boasting Wi-Fi 6, support for WireGuard, and built-in Cloudflare DNS, it’s the ultimate travel companion for speed, stability, and security.
You can find the complete list of specifications here.
4. Asus AX58U
Frequency Bands: 2.4 Ghz & 5 Ghz
Connectivity: 1 x Gigabit WAN, 4x Gigabit Ethernet, 1x USB 3.1
Speed: 802.11ac, 802.11ax
Pros & Cons:
- Wi-Fi 6
- Built-in Merlin
- No WireGuard support
The Asus RT-AX58U gets the fundamentals right and combines high-speed dual-band Wi-Fi 6 performance with a reasonable price. It’s simple to use, has decent parental controls, and even offers a web browser interface for the more experienced user.
You can find the complete list of specifications here.
5. Asus AX86U
Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
Connectivity: 1 x 2.5 Gbps LAN/WAN, 2 x USB 3.0
Speed: 802.11ac, 802.11ax
Pros & Cons:
- Wi-Fi 6
- Specialized gaming port
- Design is somewhat bulky
The Asus RT-AX86U is a top-of-the-line Wireless AX solution that lets you unlock the latest advancements in Wi-Fi technology, giving all your devices a performance boost. The Asus RT-AX86U from FlashRouters also comes with Merlin, one of the most popular open-source firmware projects.
You get to keep all your favorite Asus features like Ai Mesh and Ai Protection Pro while also unlocking a personalized VPN management dashboard. In addition, the AX86U offers a specialized 2.5Gbps ethernet port, perfect for the avid gamer.
6. Asus AX88U
Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
Connectivity: 8 x Gigabit LAN, 2 x USB 3.1
Speed: 802.11ac, 802.11ax
Pros & Cons:
- 8 LAN ports
- Malware protection built-in
- High-speed performance with Wi-Fi 6
- Expensive
This expensive router, equipped with 802.11ax circuitry, produces fast 160MHz throughput and file-transfer speeds, and its normal 802.11ac performance is also quite strong. If your budget allows it, the RT-AX88U is the ideal choice if you are ready for Wi-Fi 6 today and want to make your wireless network future ready.
You can find the complete list of specifications here.
7. Asus AXE11000
Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, & 6 GHz
Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit LAN,1 x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN, 2 x USB 3.2
Speed: 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11axe
Pros & Cons:
- Supports Asus features likes Asus Router App, AiMesh, and AiRadar
- Built-in malware protection
- Wi-Fi 6 features like OFDMA and expanded MU-MIMO
- Merlin open-source firmware pre-loaded
- Currently no support for WireGuard protocol
- Requires manual VPN server load (FlashRouters does provide a guide)
- Pricey
The Asus AXE11000 is one of the fastest and most well-engineered Wi-Fi routers available today. It not only has high-speed data transfers, but also offers top-notch security, priority support, as well as a gaming accelerator.
8. Asus RT-AC88U AC3100 Dual Band Gigabit WiFi Gaming
Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
Connectivity: 8 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0
Speed: 802.11ac
Pros & Cons:
- 8 LAN ports
- Easy to use web interface
- Great speed at range
- Mediocre NAS server performance
- Awkwardly placed USB 3.0 port
In 2015, the Asus RT-AC88U was dubbed as the “Lexus of wireless routers”. Today, it’s still quite popular avid gamers and provides excellent coverage for large homes – an area of up to 464 square meters! The 2.4 GHz offers an impressive top speed of up to 1000 Mbps, whereas the 5GHz performance isn’t bad either.
Best part of all, the router is capable of prioritizing gaming traffic so that you can enjoy a lag-free experience. If you’re looking for a VPN-capable router to protect your whole space at one go, the Asus RT-AC88u is the right choice for you.
You can find the complete list of specifications here.
9. Linksys WRT3200ACM AC3200 MU-MIMO Gigabit WiFi Router
Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x USB 2.0/ESATA, 1 x USB 3.0
Speed: 802.11 ac & 802.11n
Pros & Cons:
- Great features
- Support for open source firmware
- Sometimes spotty coverage
The Linksys WRT3200ACM is another good choice when it comes to VPN routers – it’s versatile and powerful with a sensible design. The 2.4 GHz band delivers speeds as high as 600 Mbps, while the 5GHz band performance is superb as well. You can download and install DD-WRT firmware on it for VPN compatibility.
The router boasts a 1.8 GHz Dual-Core ARM processor, so it’s ideal for data-intensive tasks like video calls, gaming, and streaming. Furthermore, you have useful features to play around with like smart wifi and guest access.
You can find the complete list of specifications here.
10. Netgear Nighthawk X4S VDSL/ADSL Modem Router D7800
Frequency Bands:
Connectivity: 5 x Gigabit Ethernet / 2 x USB 3.0 / 1 x ESATA
Speed: 802.11ac & 802.11n
Pros & Cons:
- Built-in VDSL 2 modem
- Good wireless performance
- Special hardware is required for optimal speeds
- No 1024-QAM
The Netgear Nighthawk D7800 is among the most visually appealing routers available in the market today. It has a solid black finish and comes with four antennas. You have fast speeds of up to 2,533 Mbps with Quad Stream technology and a powerful Dual Core 1.4 GHz processor. Dynamic QoS allows device and application prioritization for smoother gaming and streaming.
Since the VDSL 2 modem is built straight into Netgear Nighthawk D7800, it eliminates the need to lease or purchase one separately and saves you some money. All in all, it’s a great router that you can use with a VPN.
You can find the complete list of specifications here.
11. Synology RT26000AC
Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz & 5GHz
Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x SD
Speed: 802.11ac
Pros & Cons:
- Great range
- Easy-to-use web interface
- Price is a bit steep
The Synology RT26000AC is one of the best VPN routers for home use. It’s a great router on its own with smooth connections and excellent speeds – up to 800 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and up to 1,700 Mbps on the 5GHz band. Additionally, the Synology Router Manager (SRM) allows its functions to be controlled with ease.
In addition to supporting dual WAN connectivity and MU-MIMO, the router offers great coverage and built-in parental controls. What’s more, the capabilities of Synology RT26000AC can be expanded by installing plugins.
You can find the complete list of specifications here.
12. Asus RT-AC5300
Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz & 2 x 5GHz
Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0
Speed: 802.11ac & 802.11n
Pros & Cons:
- Advanced gaming features
- Good Wi-Fi coverage
- Excessively large
The Asus RT-AC5300 is a powerful gaming router that offers an array of features to make network and online gaming as lag free as possible. Its eight antennas provide excellent coverage and ensure your Wi-Fi signal is directed throughout your home. The two separate 5 GHz bands and the single 2.4 GHz band all work simultaneously and offer a maximum throughput of 5,334 Mbps.
While the might not be according to your taste, an Asus RT-AC5300 is a great choice nonetheless. This also means it’s a great option for a VPN router, especially if you don’t mind the hefty price tag.
You can find the complete list of specifications here.
13. TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router
Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz & 5GHz
Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x USB 2.0
Speed: 802.11ac
Pros & Cons:
- Reasonable 5GHz performance
- Affordable
- Poor 2.4 GHz speed
- Lack of MU-MIMO
TP-Link’s Archer C7 AC1750 isn’t as fancy as the other VPN routers on the list. However, it’s affordable and perfect for users who want nothing more than a simple router. The speeds are reasonable, reaching 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1,300 Mbps on the 5GHz band. There’s no MU-MIMO available, but the dual-band capability will provide a strong connection anywhere in the house.
If you’re searching for a budget router to use with VPN, then look no further than the TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750. It isn’t crammed with unnecessary features and offers device and application prioritization along with parental controls.
You can find the complete list of specifications here.
14. Linksys WRT32X Gaming Router
Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x ESATA/USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0
Speed: AC3200
Pros & Cons:
- Good Wi-Fi speed
- Easy-to-use custom firmware
- Quite expensive
The Linksys WRT32X takes all the successful components of Linksys WRT3200ACM and puts them in a router with custom-built firmware that’s easy to use and attractive (from a visual design standpoint). This makes it one of the best VPN-capable routers that money can buy, but this repackaging comes at a premium price.
If you want to experience reliable ping performance during your online gaming sessions, then the Linksys WRT32X is just the router for you. It has all the must-have features such as Killer Prioritization Engine, MU-MIMO, and more.
You can find the complete list of specifications here.
15. D-Link DIR-885L/R
Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x USB 3.0
Speed: 802.11ac
Pros & Cons:
- Wide range of features
- Great performance
- Hefty price tag
D-Link DIR-855L/R is one of the best mid-range VPN routers out there. It combines speed (up to 1,000 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and up to 2,167 Mbps on 5 GHz) with excellent Wi-Fi coverage and comes packed with an array of features geared towards gaming and streaming.
The user interface for setting up and configuring D-Link DIR-855L/R is easy-to-use as well as nicely designed. There’s DD-WRT open source firmware support as well, giving you the flexibility to customize the VPN router according to your needs.
You can find the complete list of specifications here.
16. Netgear Nighthawk X4S Smart Wi-Fi Router R7800
Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x ESATA, 2 x USB 3.0
Speed: 802.11ac
Pros & Cons:
- Inexpensive
- Reasonable speed
- 5 GHz performance could be better
Netgear Nighthawk X4S is a great VPN-capable router for gaming and streaming. It’s simple to work with and offers excellent coverage to keep all your Wi-Fi devices connected (as well as protected), no matter where you’re in the house.
The reasonably priced router offers an average speed of 1,700 Mbps, which isn’t bad. Furthermore, MU-MIMO ensures efficient allocation of bandwidth and you can modify the available settings easily via the intuitive Nighthawk app.
You can find the complete list of specifications here.
Check Out These Recommendations from Our Support Team
The PureVPN support team works with hundreds of our customers on a daily basis and has a list of VPN router recommendations that you should take a look at.
If you already have a VPN-capable router, you can turn it into a VPN hotspot for your household devices by subscribing to a PureVPN account.
Don’t want to go through the hassle of setting up a VPN on your router? We’re partnered with FlashRouters to offer you a variety of routers pre-configured with PureVPN.
Downsides of VPN Routers
While using a VPN router has its advantages, there are certain downsides that you need to consider as well. These include:
The setup process can be tricky. If you don’t get a pre-flashed VPN router, you’ll have to set up the VPN yourself. You might find the process complicated, especially if you’re not a tech-savvy person.
You trade off some control. It’s simple to switch to another VPN server on your laptop or mobile device, but it isn’t as easy on a router, which can be inconvenient if you’re looking to access geo-blocked content.
Your connection to the router isn’t protected. Your data only starts getting encrypted when it reaches the VPN router. This means your unencrypted traffic can be intercepted while traveling between your device and the router. However, this isn’t a serious threat as hackers need to be near your home to do that.
Final Word
So, what are you waiting for? Set up a VPN router in your home and protect all your mobiles, computers, and other devices in one go!
Haris Shahid
January 1, 2024
4 months ago
