A VPN router is an essential tool for anyone who wants to boost their privacy and security online. By routing all your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a VPN server, a VPN router protects your data from prying eyes. It also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content unavailable in your location.
Choosing the right VPN router can be tricky with so many models available. In this guide, we compare the top options to help you pick the best one for your needs.
What to Look for in a VPN Router
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a VPN router:
VPN Protocols Supported
Make sure the router works with your preferred VPN protocol like OpenVPN, IKEv2 etc. The more protocols it supports, the more flexible it is.
Speed and Performance
Look for routers that offer the fastest Wi-Fi standards like 802.11ac and the latest 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6. Fast processors, large RAM and tri-band support also boost speed.
Number of Devices Supported
If you have lots of connected devices at home, pick a router that can handle them simultaneously for the best experience.
Advanced Features
Useful extras like a VPN kill switch, robust firewall, split tunneling etc. enhance privacy and customization.
Reliability and Ease of Use
See if the interface is intuitive and read reviews to ensure the router is stable for hassle-free long term usage.
The 5 Best VPN Routers
Based on the above criteria, we picked the top 5 VPN routers across different categories:
1. Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk R6400
If you want a reliable VPN router that checks all the boxes, the Netgear Nighthawk R6400 is a fantastic choice.
It offers fast dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi speeds up to 1750 Mbps. The 1GHz dual-core processor and 256MB RAM provide excellent performance for gaming, 4K streaming and more.
This Netgear router supports OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. It has useful extras like a VPN kill switch, DoS protection and SPI firewall. The setup is also easy with the Netgear genie app.
With 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 USB ports, you can connect several wired devices and storage drives. It can also handle over 25 wireless devices without slowing down.
For the price, features and reliability, the Netgear Nighthawk R6400 is undoubtedly the best overall VPN router you can currently buy.
Speed: Up to 1750Mbps | Devices: 25+ | Protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard
2. Fastest VPN Router: Asus RT-AX86U AX5700
If raw speed is what you‘re after, the feature-loaded Asus RT-AX86U AX5700 dominates the competition.
With the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology and 160MHz bandwidth support, this Asus router delivers astonishing wireless throughput up to 5700 Mbps! It also has a powerful 1.8GHz quad-core chipset to handle the speeds.
Despite the blazing fast performance, the Asus RT-AX86U still offers excellent VPN support with protocols like OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec and PPTP.
It has loads of advanced features too like AiMesh for mesh networking, adaptive QoS, mobile app control and Trend Micro security.
With robust hardware, great software and easy monitoring, the Asus RT-AX86U AX5700 is the undisputed champion if you want the fastest VPN router money can buy.
Speed: Up to 5700Mbps | Devices: 100+ | Protocols: OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP
3. Best Budget: TP-Link Archer AX10
Finding an affordable yet capable VPN router can be tricky. But the TP-Link Archer AX10 hits the sweet spot between price and performance.
It supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard for speeds up to 1148 Mbps over the 5GHz band and 574 Mbps on 2.4GHz. The three antennas offer wide and reliable signal coverage.
The Archer AX10 works great with OpenVPN protocol for secure VPN access. Despite the low price, you still get useful extras like OneMesh, beamforming, MU-MIMO and parental controls.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive VPN router under $100 that doesn’t compromise on features, the TP-Link Archer AX10 is an outstanding choice.
Speed: Up to 1148Mbps | Devices: 100+ | Protocols: OpenVPN
4. Best for Range: Asus RT-AX88U AX6000
The Asus RT-AX88U AX6000 is tailor-made if you have a large home and need wide Wi-Fi coverage.
This Asus router is among the first to support the revolutionary 160MHz bandwidth for blistering fast 6048 Mbps speeds! It uses eight high-gain antennas and ASUS RangeBoost technology to deliver seamless signals across big spaces up to 5000 square feet.
Under the hood, the RT-AX88U packs a powerful 64-bit 1.8GHz quad-core chipset. As you’d expect from Asus, this router works very well with OpenVPN and other leading VPN protocols.
For big households that demand awesome VPN performance with extended reach, the feature-packed Asus RT-AX88U AX6000 is an elite choice.
Speed: Up to 6048Mbps | Coverage: 5000 sq. ft. | Protocols: OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP, IKEv2
5. Best for Multiple Devices: GL.iNet GL-AX1800
If your household connects lots of phones, laptops, TVs and other gadgets, you need a router that can handle them all. And the GL.iNet GL-AX1800 is purpose-built for such busy environments.
This Wi-Fi router uses innovative OFDMA and MU-MIMO tech to connect over 120 devices simultaneously! It delivers fast speeds up to 1.8Gbps so even with many clients, the performance doesn’t take a hit.
The GL-AX1800 is very flexible on the VPN front too supporting WireGuard, OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec protocols.
For large families with many wired and wireless devices, the GL.iNet GL-AX1800 is the best choice if you need a VPN router.
Speed: Up to 1.8Gbps | Devices: 120+ | Protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPSec
The Benefits of Using a VPN Router
Here are the biggest perks you get by setting up a VPN router at home or office:
🔒 Enhanced security – VPN routers encrypt all traffic so hackers can’t spy on what you do online
🌐 Bypass geo-blocks – Access streaming sites, apps and content not available in your country
🛡️ Protect public WiFi – Stay safe from snoopers when connecting from hotels, cafes etc.
📵 Foil throttling – Bypass ISP bandwidth caps for HD streaming and downloads
🔑 Anonymity – Hide your IP and physical location for greater privacy
For convenience, reliability and security, a quality VPN router is an excellent investment for any home network.
Bottom Line
Installing a VPN at the router-level to protect all your traffic is crucial if you care about privacy. We hope our recommendations for the best VPN routers help you pick the right one as per your budget and needs. Each of these routers has great performance coupled with useful security features to take your home connectivity to the next level!
