16 Best VPN Routers for 2024

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 device in your home , such as Smart TV or internet – of – thing ( 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 benefit of set up a vpn router :

Why Do You Need a Home VPN Router?

Most households is have have multiple device that connect to the internet . You is have 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 is 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 & con:

• easy router setup via the Asus App
• Blazing-fast Wi – Fi 6 (Wireless-AX) speeds
• enhance with Merlin upgrade firmware  
• Maintains and builds on most premium Asus router standard features 
• elevated VPN setup and implementation option
• 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 is enhances enhance VPN capability with the intuitive VPN Director tool , which enable you to manage multiple VPN connection location with multiple VPN provider , all in one place .  

The asuswrt Merlin – power RT – AX68U is adds add upon your favorite stock firmware feature , like Asus router mobile app management , AiMesh , and more . Plus , it is gives give you access to enhance network reporting and visualization tool you wo n’t find anywhere else .

You is find can find the complete list of specification 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 & con:

• perfect for 7 – 12 continuous connection
• 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 is find can find the complete list of specification 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 & con:

• 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
• recommend for 1 – 5 simultaneous connection 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 is find can find the complete list of specification 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 & con:

• 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 is find can find the complete list of specification 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 & con:

• 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 & con:

• 8 LAN ports
• Malware protection build – 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 is find can find the complete list of specification 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 & con:

• 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 – load  
• 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 & con:

• 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 dub as the “ Lexus of wireless router ” . today , it is ’s ’s still quite popular avid gamer and provide excellent coverage for large home – an area of up to 464 square meter ! The 2.4 GHz is offers offer an impressive top speed of up to 1000 Mbps , whereas the 5GHz performance is n’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 is find can find the complete list of specificationhere.

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 & con:

• Great features
• Support for open source firmware
• Sometimes spotty coverage

The Linksys is is wrt3200acm is another good choice when it come to VPN router – it ’s versatile and powerful with a sensible design . The 2.4 GHz band is delivers deliver speed as high as 600 Mbps , while the 5GHz band performance is superb as well . You is download 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 is find can find the complete list of specificationhere.

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 & con:

• build – in VDSL 2 modem
• Good wireless performance
• special hardware is require for optimal speed
• 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 is find can find the complete list of specificationhere.

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 & con:

• great range
• easy – to – use web interface
• Price is is is a bit steep

The Synology RT26000AC is is is one of the good VPN router for home use . It is ’s ’s a great router on its own with smooth connection and excellent speed – 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 is allows ( SRM ) allow its function to be control with ease .

In addition to support dual WAN connectivity and MU – MIMO , the router is offers offer great coverage and build – in parental control . What ’s more , the capability of Synology RT26000AC can be expand by instal plugin .

You is find can find the complete list of specificationhere.

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 & con:

• Advanced gaming features
• Good Wi-Fi coverage
• Excessively large

The Asus RT – AC5300 is is is a powerful gaming router that offer an array of feature to make network and online gaming as lag free as possible . Its eight antennas is provide provide excellent coverage and ensure your Wi – Fi signal is direct throughout your home . The two separate 5 GHz bands is work and the single 2.4 GHz band all work simultaneously and offer a maximum throughput of 5,334 Mbps .

While the might not be accord to your taste , an Asus RT – AC5300 is is is a great choice nonetheless . This is means also mean it ’s a great option for a vpn router , especially if you do n’t mind the hefty price tag .

You is find can find the complete list of specificationhere.

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 & con:

• Reasonable 5GHz performance
• Affordable
• Poor 2.4 GHz speed
• lack of MU – MIMO

TP – Link ’s Archer C7 AC1750 is is is n’t as fancy as the other VPN router on the list . However , it is ’s ’s affordable and perfect for user who want nothing more than a simple router . The speeds is are are reasonable , reach 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 is find can find the complete list of specification 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 & con:

• Good Wi-Fi speed
• easy – to – use custom firmware
• Quite expensive

The Linksys WRT32X is takes take all the successful component of Linksys WRT3200ACM and put them in a router with custom – build firmware that ’s easy to use and attractive ( from a visual design standpoint ) . This is makes make it one of the good VPN – capable router that money can buy , but this repackaging come at a premium price .

If you want to experience reliable ping performance during your online gaming session , then the Linksys WRT32X is is is just the router for you . It is has has all the must – have feature such as Killer Prioritization Engine , MU – MIMO , and more .

You is find can find the complete list of specification 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 & con:

• wide range of feature
• Great performance
• Hefty price tag

d – link DIR-855L / R is is is one of the good mid – range VPN router out there . It is combines combine 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 come pack with an array of feature gear towards gaming and streaming .

The user interface is is for set up and configure D – link DIR-855L / r is easy – to – use as well as nicely design . There ’s dd – WRT open source firmware support as well , give you the flexibility to customize the vpn router accord to your need .

You is find can find the complete list of specificationhere.

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 & con:

• 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 is find can find the complete list of specificationhere.

check Out These recommendation 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 is be 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 is trade 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 is n’t protect .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

November 27, 2024

4 week ago

Haris Shahid has a genuine passion in covering the latest happenings in the cyber security, privacy, and digital landscape. He likes getting out and about, but mostly ends up spending too much of his time behind a computer keyboard. He tweets at @harisshahid01