Summary
the top Wi-Fi routers.. When considering a new Virtual Private Network (VPN) setup, you have a decision to make: either install software on each device individually, or opt for a router installation to provide comprehensive coverage.
VPNs offer secure tunnels to safeguard online communication, enhancing the protection of your information against tracking or theft. Setting up a VPN environment through your router can simplify the task of securing the numerous devices we use nowadays. It may be easier than you expect, provided you have a compatible router and are familiar with the VPN installation process. Others will also have a VPN readily available, allowing you to connect with just a simple click.
What is the best VPN router right now?
ZDNET has extensive experience in testing VPN solutions and hardware. After thorough research, ZDNET recommends the ExpressVPN Aircove as the top VPN router. With a pre-installed VPN on this router, you can skip the hassle of setting up and configuring the software yourself. The speeds and coverage are truly impressive. Here are our top recommendations for VPN routers that offer excellent compatibility, speed, and coverage.
ExpressVPN Aircove
Best VPN router overall
ExpressVPN Aircove offers a range of impressive features, including Wi-Fi 6 support, a built-in VPN, and compatibility with both 802.11ax and 802.11ac. With its diverse server locations, you can enjoy a reliable and secure connection wherever you are. Plus, you can even try it out with a free trial.
The ExpressVPN Aircove stands out as the preferred choice due to its exceptional router speed, effortless setup process, and robust security features. This router provides dual-band connectivity for homes or offices, offering coverage of up to 1,600 sq. ft.
When selecting a VPN-ready router, it is important to take into account factors such as stability and speed. The Aircove can handle speeds of up to 1,200Mbps (600Mbps/2.4GHz) without using the VPN. However, it is important to note that speeds may decrease when connected to VPN servers.
One intriguing aspect is the ability to vary the servers utilized by the devices connected to the router. For instance, a gaming PC could be disconnected from the VPN, while an office laptop could be set to run through a VPN server in the US or UK.
However, in any case, you will also require an expert in network architecture. With the purchase of the router, you’ll receive a complimentary trial. Customers have praised the exceptional speed and performance of the product, although some have found the setup process to be a bit challenging.
ASUS RT-AX1800S
Best VPN router for affordability
The ASUS RT-AX1800S is equipped with several characteristics. Dual-band, operating at a frequency of 2.4GHz, offers a maximum speed of 1Gbps. It has parental controls and is compatible with AiMesh. It has one Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports. It also has a built-in VPN.
The ASUS RT-AX1800S is a low-cost virtual private network (VPN) solution. The Wi-Fi 6 variant, priced at $70 ($30 reduced), works on the 2.4GHz band and has a maximum speed of 1Gbps. Additionally, it includes complimentary protection for IoT devices with ASUS AiProtection. The router is equipped with an integrated VPN, ASUS Instant Guard, that can be activated by just clicking a button.
Users see this router as being cost-effective and are particularly delighted by the parental controls and security features it offers.
TP-Link AX6600 Wi-Fi 6 gaming router (Archer GX90)
Best VPN router for power
The characteristics of the Archer GX90 are as follows: The device is equipped with a tri-band configuration, a 1.5GHz quad-core CPU, beamforming technology, a game accelerator, and parental controls.
If you prioritize speed and power, as well as VPN functionality, the TP-Link AX6600 Wi-Fi 6 gaming router (Archer GX90) is a highly recommended device to consider.
The Archer, a tri-band device, provides users with maximum speeds of 4804Mbps (5GHz) / 1201Mbps (5GHz) / 574 Mbps (2.4GHz). It has been specifically engineered to cater to the needs of gamers, with a Game Band of 4.8Gbps. This device integrates a wide range of WAN and LAN connections with a 1.5GHz CPU. The inclusion of OFDMA and MU-MIMO functionality aims to mitigate latency and lag concerns.
In order to establish a VPN service on this router, it is necessary to setup either OpenVPN or PPTP VPN. Therefore, it is advisable to allocate a significant amount of time to fine-tune the router according to your specific requirements. The Archer GX90 is widely regarded by consumers as a reliable and high-speed router, despite its design not being suitable for everyone.
Synology RT2600ac
Best VPN router for VPN flexibility, remote work
The characteristics of the Synology RT2600ac include compatibility with multiple VPNs, high Smart Connect speed, control management capabilities, a 1.7GHz CPU, and parental controls.
If you prioritize flexibility in your VPN selection, taking into consideration productivity and home life, the Synology RT2600ac is a highly recommended alternative. The router is equipped with a high-performance 1.7GHz CPU, dual-band connection, and the capability to achieve rates of up to 2.53Gbps. Additionally, it has traffic monitoring capabilities, a Smart Connect function that effectively balances speed and range, and configurable parental controls.
In terms of virtual private networks (VPNs), the router provides many alternatives for implementing VPNs, including WebVPN, Synology SSL VPN, and SSTP VPN. Servers may be configured for the purpose of remote work and office environments.
Although the design of this router may not be exceptional, its price of $150 is undeniably reasonable. The Synology RT2600ac is widely regarded by customers as a versatile router, however some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the range of its Wi-Fi capabilities.
ASUS RT-AX82U (AX5400)
Best VPN router for security
The characteristics of the ASUS RT-AX82U (AX5400) are: The AiProtection Pro offers Wi-Fi 6 with dual-band capabilities, mobile gaming mode, 160MHz channels, and speeds of up to 5400 Mbps.
To explore a more fashionable alternative including personalized lighting effects, it is advisable to contemplate the ASUS AX5400.
This VPN-enabled router is specifically designed for gamers, both inside and outside. It has a notable feature known as Mobile Game Mode, which allows users to minimize lag and latency problems.
The ASUS AX5400 is a Wi-Fi 6 router that offers a maximum speed of 5400 Mbps. It is designed to be compatible with both 802.11ax and 160MHz channels. The router is equipped with a 1.5GHz CPU. The router is equipped with Trend Micro’s AiProtection Pro security suite and a secure VPN dubbed Instant Guard, which can be shared with a single click.
According to customer evaluations, the VPN is highly recommended for gamers seeking minimal latency and overall superb network performance. However, it is worth noting that there may be firmware-related problems.
What is the best VPN router?
The ExpressVPN Aircove is ZDNET’s leading VPN router. The router is equipped with an existing Virtual Private Network (VPN), hence eliminating the need for manual setup and configuration of the software. It exhibits remarkable velocities and extensive coverage.
Nevertheless, the exclusive nature of ExpressVPN may not be attractive to you, so you have the opportunity to choose an alternative, as outlined below.
| VPN router | Price | Built-in VPN? | Speed |
| ExpressVPN Aircove | $190 | ✅ | Up to 1,200Mbps (disconnected) | 180Mbps |
| ASUS RT-AX1800S | $70 | ✅ | Up to 1Gbps |
| TP-Link Archer GX90 | $250 | ❎ | 4804/1201/574Mbps |
| Synology RT2600ac | $150 | ✅ | 2.53Gbps (dual) |
| ASUS RT-AX82U (AX5400) | $145 | ✅ | Up to 5400 Mbps |
The MSRP is still being written. It should be acknowledged that the current pricing may vary based on the presence of sales, offers, discounts, and coupons.
Which is the right VPN router for you?
When buying a VPN-ready VPN, there are several aspects to take into account. In order to facilitate your purchasing selection, take into account:
| Choose this VPN router… | If you want… |
| ExpressVPN Aircove | An intuitive VPN router with robust coverage and high speed. Although the router is only compatible with ExpressVPN, it is well regarded for its affordability, dependability, and straightforward configuration. |
| ASUS RT-AX1800S | A cost-effective VPN option. This model has received very favorable customer evaluations and is a cost-effective option, particularly when taking into account its integrated VPN and supplementary security measures. |
| TP-Link Archer GX90 | A robust and robust router. The Archer gaming router provides tri-band connection and, while it necessitates setup, is a router that is resilient to future advancements and delivers exceptional speeds. |
| Synology RT2600ac | The adaptability of VPNs in both in-office and remote business environments. Users have the ability to configure several servers and choose from options such as WebVPN, Synology SSL VPN, or SSTP VPN. |
| ASUS RT-AX82U (AX5400) | To prioritize security. This model is suitable for those seeking a router and VPN that provide both flexibility and robust security features. |
Factors to consider when choosing a VPN router
When contemplating the acquisition of a novel VPN router, it is vital to carefully deliberate upon many crucial factors prior to reaching a purchasing decision.
DIY?: When contemplating the implementation of a VPN for one’s home network, it is advisable to evaluate the feasibility of directly deploying a VPN on the router. Alternatively, contemplate a router type that has a built-in VPN.
Cost-effectiveness: There are VPN routers that cater to a range of financial capacities. If feasible, it would be advisable to contemplate acquiring a VPN router that is capable of accommodating next-generation WI-Fi.
VPN: It is important to consider the specific VPN service you want to use. To guarantee compatibility with your selected VPN, verify that the router you choose is compatible with it.
Additional objectives: While the VPN is undeniably crucial, it is important to additionally evaluate the significance of other features, such as tri-band capabilities, gaming optimization, or supplementary security measures.
How did we choose these VPN routers?
During our evaluation of the top VPN routers for 2024, we took into account many essential elements, such as:
Speed: Investing in a new router that can handle VPN situations is futile unless it effectively performs its primary function, which is to provide reliable and consistent internet connections.
VPN support: Our product offerings include a variety of models that incorporate built-in VPNs, as well as standalone VPN services and mobile solutions designed to provide VPN safety while on the go.
Budgets: Our objective was to provide a diverse range of choices that would cater to various financial constraints. However, our primary focus was on ensuring security, efficiency, and dependability.
Customer evaluations have been thoroughly analyzed, including both favorable and unfavorable encounters.
Vendor reputation: The reputation of router manufacturers has been taken into consideration, taking into account factors like as popularity, product diversity, and accessibility.
What is a VPN?
The Virtual Private Network (VPN) refers to a network including nodes, also known as servers, which are responsible for redirecting internet traffic in order to conceal its original IP address. Virtual private networks (VPNs) provide an additional layer of encryption to safeguard data packets and online communication.
Due to the inherent lack of security on the internet, VPNs were created to address a portion of the security deficiency. Although not infallible, a dependable and credible virtual private network (VPN) may effectively safeguard one’s online privacy.
To get a comprehensive understanding of the functioning of VPNs, we recommend consulting our comprehensive guide on VPNs.
Is a VPN router worth it?
Installing a VPN directly into a router might be more cumbersome than just registering for an application. Nevertheless, it may ultimately result in time savings, since every device, such as personal computers and cellphones, that establishes a connection with your router will use the VPN and will be automatically safeguarded. Specifically, this might be advantageous if you own internet-connected gadgets, such as televisions and IoT goods, that lack the capability to host a VPN on their own hardware.
If you have many devices that need security and are working remotely, it would be advisable to configure a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your router. Nevertheless, in the case of being a remote worker, several firms may mandate the use of their proprietary VPN in order to get access to corporate resources.
However, it is important to note that some online platforms, such as streaming services, have the capability to identify the use of a VPN and may subsequently restrict access. If this situation arises, it may be necessary for you to momentarily deactivate your VPN service in order to continue viewing.
Can any router be a VPN router?
Numerous routers have evolved into sophisticated and intelligent devices that possess capabilities extending beyond the mere provision of internet connectivity. VPN software may be easily installed on many routers, and many of them promote VPN capability as a prominent feature.
Nevertheless, it is important to exercise care while installing third-party software on your router, since doing so may render its warranty null and void. This is similar to how jailbreaking mobile devices or altering the firmware of a game console may render a warranty worthless.
Why would anyone use a VPN?
Utilizing a VPN might serve as an excellent means of safeguarding your privacy. It is advisable to use virtual private networks (VPNs) while using public Wi-Fi hotspots, at the very least. However, opting to use VPNs as the default setting when online is the most advantageous choice for continually safeguarding oneself and one’s information. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide advantages in bypassing geolocation restrictions and censorship.
It is important to note that some nations either completely prohibit the use of VPNs or strongly discourage its use. Engaging in VPN use that is prohibited by law may result in financial penalties or legal action. As to NordVPN’s country guide, Belarus and Iraq are among the countries that prohibit the use of VPNs, while governments in China and Russia only allow some VPNs to function.
Does a VPN slow down your internet connection?
Generally, a high-quality VPN is unlikely to have a significant impact. There are some limitations to consider. For instance, it is important to anticipate a decrease in speed while establishing connections with servers located far away, such as from the United Kingdom to Australia. If an individual encounters significant decrease in speed when connecting to servers in closer proximity, such as from New York to Washington, it might potentially signify an issue with either the virtual private network (VPN) or the internet service provider (ISP) connection.
