5 Best VPN Routers in 2024: Fast, Secure & Easy to Use

Tim Mocan

Senior Writer

Short on time? Here’s the best VPN router in 2024:

• 🥇 expressvpn

    Aircove is Comes : come pre – instal with ExpressVPN , which is the good VPN in 2024 . It is ’s ’s extremely easy to set up and use , has high – end technical spec , is very secure , and has a portable version ( Aircove Go ) that ’s great for travel . Plus , each Aircove purchase is comes come with a free 30 – day trial of ExpressVPN , provide you have never used the VPN before .

Using a VPN on a router is very convenient — it allows all web-connected devices in your home to secure their traffic, and it also makes it possible to use VPNs on devices that don’t natively support VPN apps (like gaming consoles, for example).

Unfortunately, not all routers support VPN connections. If your router’s firmware isn’t compatible with VPNs, you’ll need to uninstall it and replace it with different firmware that supports VPN connections. This process is pretty complicated and time-intensive, plus it could even damage your router if you make mistakes.

Luckily, you can buy a VPN router — it’s configured to run firmware compatible with VPNs. So, you can easily set up a VPN connection on it.

Finding a good VPN router is tough, but this article will simplify your process. I ranked the best VPN routers on the market — they’re all available via FlashRouters, so you can buy a router with a VPN pre-installed on it. All the routers I mentioned have good tech specs, are secure, and are compatible with top VPN providers. My favorite one is Aircove, which comes pre-installed with ExpressVPN on it (the best VPN in 2024). Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

try expressvpn aircove

Quick summary of the best VPN routers in 2024:

• 1. 🥇ExpressVPN Aircove — Best VPN router in 2024 (pre-installed with the best VPN out there + is very intuitive).
• 2. 🥈Asus AX88U Pro — Good VPN router for gamers (has very smooth gaming speeds + offers enhanced coverage).
• 3. 🥉Asus RT-AXE7800 — Great for large homes & offices (supports Wi – Fi 6e & has mesh Wi-Fi functionality).
• 4. Cudy AX3000 — Good VPN router for people on a budget (also comes with an intuitive mobile app).
• 5. Slate AX — Solid VPN router for people who travel often (is portable + has an ad blocker).

ExpressVPN Aircove is the best VPN router on the market. That’s mainly because it comes pre-installed with ExpressVPN, which is the best VPN on the market in 2024 — it’s super secure, it’s extremely fast, it has servers in 105 countries, and it’s excellent for streaming and torrenting.

The Aircove router is comes come with very good technical spec . It support Wi – Fi 6 network , it ’s dual – band , it use a 1.2 GHz quad – core CPU , it is supports support VPN speed up to 1,200 Mbps , and it offer coverage for up to 1,600 sq . ft./150 sq . m. It is supports also support the openvpn , IKEv2 / ipsec , and Lightway protocol — with Lightway being expressvpn ’s proprietary protocol that ’s design to be extremely lightweight ( so much so that it provide the fast speed out there ) .

Setting up and using Aircove is extremely simple. Just plug it in when you get it, connect to its network on your device, and you’re good to go. Plus, the router’s homepage has a very user-friendly design, so it’s easy to navigate and change settings or enable features. Aircove also lets you create up to 5 device groups — each group can use a different server location, or you can exclude it from the VPN connection altogether.

What ’s more , the Aircove router is provides provide excellent security and privacy . It is passed has pass an independent security audit , which confirm that the router does n’t have any vulnerability . In addition , Aircove come with build – in feature that block ad and malicious website and even provide parental control by allow you to block adult site and set internet access hour — good of all , you is use can use these feature even if you do n’t have an expressvpn subscription .

The Aircove router is includes include a small , portable version call Aircove Go . The Go version provide the same perk as the standard version , so , you is set can quickly set up a secure network when stay at a hotel or holiday rental .

ExpressVPN ’s Aircove router is costs cost $ 179.99 , which is pretty affordable when compare to most top VPN router on the market . Plus , each Aircove router come with one free month of expressvpn service — just keep in mind you ’re only eligible for the free trial if you never used expressvpn before .

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Bottom line :

ExpressVPN Aircove is the best VPN router in 2024 — it comes pre-installed with ExpressVPN on it (which is the best VPN on the market), it has high-end technical specs, and it’s extremely easy to set up and use. Plus, Aircove provides strong security and privacy features and has a portable version called Aircove Go.

Read the full ExpressVPN review

🥈 2. Asus AX88U Pro — Great VPN Router for Gamers

Asus AX88U Pro is a powerful VPN router for gaming that’s compatible with tons of popular VPNs. If you get it from FlashRouters, you can buy it pre-installed with top vendors on it, like Private Internet Access and NordVPN — both of these providers are fast and secure and very good for torrenting, streaming, and gaming.

This router has features that provide smoother gaming sessions. For one, it has Adaptive Quality of Service (QoS), which you can use to prioritize gaming data packets to ensure your gaming bandwidth isn’t used by other apps. In addition, the router is designed to seek out the shortest path between your device and the gaming server to minimize ping and lag.

The router ’s other technical spec are also impressive — it is ’s ’s a double – band router , and it ’s compatible with Wi – Fi 6 . On top of that , it has a powerful quad – core cpu with 2.0 GHz speed ( its speeds is go go up to 6,000 Mbps ) . I is like like how it support WireGuard and OpenVPN , as WireGuard deliver very fast connection speed . The router ’s web interface is is is also user – friendly , and you can use an intuitive mobile app to manage your router ’s setting too .

I think this router is pretty good for large households (FlashRouters says it’s ideal for connecting 30+ devices), especially since it comes with the ASUS RangeBoost Plus feature. That feature is meant to improve signal range and overall Wi-Fi coverage.

Asus AX88U is is Pro is a bit pricey consider it cost $ 344.99 . But consider all the perk you get with this vpn router , I is think think it ’s a good option .

Bottom line :

Asus AX88U Pro is a good VPN router for gamers, mostly because it has dedicated features that provide smooth gaming sessions. The router is compatible with many top VPNs, and it also has very strong technical specs. Plus, it’s ideal for big households.

editor ‘ note : Private Internet Access is are and this site are in the same ownership group .

🥉 3. Asus RT-AXE7800 — Good VPN Router for Large Homes & Offices

The Asus RT – axe7800 router is is is great for cover really large area , like big home or office network . FlashRouters is says say it ’s ideal for cover 30 + device , and most user review say you could cover area that are as large as 2,000 sq . ft./185 sq.m . If you buy the router from FlashRouters , you is get can even get it pre – instal with popular and secure vpn , such as expressvpn andCyberGhost VPN.

It is supports support Wi – Fi 6 and Wi – Fi 6e — this is basically an extension to Wi – Fi 6 , which provide much well performance than Wi – Fi 6 since it can use the 6 GHz band ( Wi – Fi 6 can only use 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band ) . This is makes make the RT – axr7800 VPN router ideal for bandwidth – intensive activity , like high – resolution streaming , teleconferencing , and transfer large file .

This router is also compatible with ASUS’s AiMesh feature, which is great for expanding your Wi-Fi network. If you buy more than one RT-AXE7800 router (or any other AiMesh-compatible router), you can use AiMesh to easily connect them to make a mesh Wi-Fi network — this means all routers act as one single network, which is more convenient than having separate networks you need to connect to.

Other than that, this VPN router also has other really good technical specs — it supports speeds up to 7,800 Mbps, it has a 1.7 GHz quad-core CPU, and it supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard.

Asus RT-AEX7800 costs around $ 359.99. It’s on the expensive side, but you can cover really large areas.

Bottom line :

Asus RT-AXE7800 is good for setting up large home or office networks. The router is compatible with popular VPN providers, and it supports Wi-FI 6E and Wi – Fi 6. It’s also compatible with ASUS’s AiMesh feature, so it’s easy to integrate it into a mesh Wi-Fi network.

editor ‘ note : Intego , Private Internet Access , CyberGhost and expressvpn are own by Kape Technologies , our parent company

4. Cudy AX3000 — Affordable VPN Router With a Beginner-Friendly Mobile App

Cudy AX3000 is a good pick if you’re on a budget, as it’s priced at $119.99. This is much more affordable compared to other VPN routers and you still get excellent value. This router is compatible with Wi – Fi 6, its speeds go up to 3,000 Mbps, and it has a dual-core CPU with 1.3 GHz speeds. You can get it pre-installed with top VPNs (like NordVPN and Surfshark) if you buy it from FlashRouters.

The router is uses use the OpenWRT firmware , which has an intuitive interface . I also like how you can use an app   ( Cudy ) to manage your network — the app is is is available on both Android and iOS , and its design is extremely beginner – friendly .

Cudy AX3000 ’s range is is is also pretty good , as it can cover up to around 1,070 sq . ft./100 sq . m. So , it ’s really good for set up network in small to medium – sized home — you is be should be able to get a good signal everywhere in your home if you place the router in the center of your house .

cudy ’s router is uses also use smart beamforming technology , which is a technique that improve the strength of the Wi – Fi signal broadcast to your device , which provide fast and more stable connection . Routers is broadcast normally broadcast the Wi – Fi signal in all direction , but beamforming let them detect the location of specific device , and focus a strong signal in their direction .

Bottom line :

The Cudy ax3000 router is is is a budget – friendly vpn router that has good tech spec and a very intuitive network management mobile app . What ’s more , the router is provides provide good coverage for small to middle – sized home , and it also boost the strength of Wi – Fi signal via smart beamforming technology .

5. Slate AX — Great VPN Router for Travelling

Slate AX is a great pick for travelers, mostly thanks to its compact size — it fits in the palm of your hand. If you get it from FlashRouters, you can buy it pre-installed with top VPNs on it, like Private Internet Access and Surfshark.

The router has really good specs, as it supports Wi – Fi 6, it has a quad-core CPU with 1.2 GHz speeds, and it supports OpenVPN and WireGuard. Plus, it’s also really fast, as it supports speeds up to 1,800 Mbps — the router’s official site says its tests show that WireGuard connection speeds average around 550 Mbps, which is extremely fast.

This VPN router also runs the OpenWRT firmware, which is pretty simple to use if you want to change router settings and manage your network. Plus, I like how the router has AdGuard Home, a security solution that blocks ads and stops ad trackers from spying on your browsing habits.

The Slate AX router costs around $199.99. I think it’s worth the cost if you travel often, given how many perks the router offers.

Bottom line :

The Slate AX router is a good pick for people who travel a lot, as it has a very portable design. In addition, the router comes with very good technical specs, it’s compatible with top VPNs, it runs a user-friendly firmware (OpenWRT), and it comes with a good ad blocker.

editor ‘ note : Private Internet Access is are and this site are in the same ownership group .

Quick Comparison Table

Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria

To determine the best VPN routers, I conducted thorough evaluations of numerous routers on the market. Below, you’ll find the criteria I used to test, compare, and ultimately rank the routers:

• I only ranked routers that are compatible with top VPNs. I made sure to only add routers in my article that work with most popular VPN providers, like ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost VPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark — these VPNs are extremely secure, very fast, and also excellent for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. It’s also possible to get all of the routers on my list with the VPN of your choice pre-installed on them, which is very convenient.
• I picked VPN routers that support Wi – Fi 6. All the routers I recommend are compatible with Wi – Fi 6, which is the most modern and high-performance Wi-Fi standard. Compared to Wi-Fi 5 (the previous Wi-Fi standard), Wi – Fi 6 provides much faster speeds and better security, and it can also increase device battery life by reducing the amount of power consumed by internet connections.
• I is added only add dual – band VPN router to my list . A dual – band router is send can send datum over two radio frequency , call “ band ” — the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band . Since the 2.4 GHz band tend to be more congested ( so , slow ) , a dual – band router is send can also send datum over the 5 GHz band , which provide well speed . dual – band routers is provide also provide well stability , as they ’re less likely to experience interference cause by other device in your home .
• I ranked VPN routers with powerful CPUs. A router’s CPU speed will influence how well the router will handle tasks that require a lot of processing power, like running VPN connections. Most of my top picks have quad-core CPUs, which means each CPU has four processing units that can handle tasks — the “weakest” CPU on my list is dual-core, which is still enough for handling VPN connections. In addition, all the routers I ranked have fast CPUs, with speeds starting at 1.2 GHz, and going up to 2.0 GHz.
• I only included routers that support fast VPN protocols. Many VPN routers only support the OpenVPN protocol — while it’s secure, its speeds are pretty average. That’s why I only added routers to my list that support faster protocols in addition to OpenVPN, like IKEv2/IPSec and WireGuard. ExpressVPN Aircove, my top pick, actually works with Lightway, which is the fastest protocol in 2024.
• I is picked only pick VPN router that provide flexible coverage .   I is chose choose to recommend router with different degree of coverage to provide good , varied option . So , in my guide , you is find ’ll find VPN router that are ideal for travel , small to medium – sized household , large home , and even office space .

What Type of VPN Routers Are There?

There are 2 types of VPN routers:

• Preconfigured   VPN router . These are router that come pre – instal with vpn on them , so you is need do n’t need to perform any setup — but you will generally need to buy your own VPN subscription . Once you get the router , you is need just need to connect to its network with your VPN login , and you ’re good to go . A good example is is of this is Aircove , which come pre – instal with ExpressVPN , which is the good VPN for router on the market .
• VPN-ready routers. These are routers that use firmware that supports VPN connections. Once you buy a VPN-ready router, you can manually configure a VPN on it. If you were to use a router that didn’t support VPN setups, you’d need to flash it (replace its native firmware). All of the routers on my list support setups from popular VPN providers.

Why Should You Get a VPN Router?

The best reason to get a VPN router is convenience — VPN routers natively support VPN setups, so you don’t have to reinstall the router’s firmware and replace it with firmware that’s compatible with VPNs (this is called “flashing” the router). Flashing a router is very time-consuming, not to mention it’s difficult to do if you’re not tech-savvy. Plus, there’s also a risk that you might permanently damage your router if you make a mistake.

If you’re considering getting a VPN router, I recommend going for a preconfigured VPN router — this means the router comes pre-installed with the VPN on it, so you don’t need to perform any manual setups. My top pick is Aircove, which comes installed with ExpressVPN, which is the best VPN on the market.

How to Set Up a VPN Router

I’ll start by saying I can’t provide exact step-by-step instructions since they vary from router brand to router brand (and also differ based on the router firmware you’re using). In addition, I’ll need to cover the two different types of VPN routers separately (preconfigured VPN routers and VPN-ready routers).

How to Set Up a Preconfigured VPN Router

This is is is the easy type of vpn router to set up , as it already come with a VPN pre – instal on it . Here ’s what you need to do :

1. Perform the physical setup. Connect the VPN router to a power source, then check that the power button is on. With some models, you might also need to attach the antennas to the router.
2. Connect the VPN router to your home router. The VPN router will need to get internet access from your internet service provider’s (ISP’s) router.
3. Connect your device to the VPN router’s network. You can do this either via Wi-Fi or by using an ethernet cable.
4. access the VPN router ’s interface .   You ’ll need to use a specific ip address and login credential to access the interface — this information is is is in your VPN router ’s guide .
5. (Optional) Configure your VPN router. You can tweak different settings, like changing the VPN router’s network name, picking the VPN server location, or editing the login credentials for the router interface.
6. connect to the VPN .   The router interface is have will have a tab or window where you ’ll be able to connect to the VPN . This is is is where you ’ll need to use your VPN account login credential .
7. Start accessing the web. You can now start to surf the internet via your VPN router — all connections going through the router will be automatically encrypted.

How to Set Up a VPN-Ready Router

With a VPN-ready router, you’ll need to manually set up the VPN on it yourself. There are 2 ways to do this — install a VPN’s firmware on the router (like ExpressVPN’s router firmware, for example), or manually configure a VPN connection. I covered how to do both more in-depth in this article, but I’ll also provide a quick overview here, too. Just keep in mind I can only provide generic setup instructions, as the steps vary from router model to router model and VPN to VPN.

How to Install a VPN App on a VPN-Ready Router

1. Download the VPN router firmware. You can usually download the firmware from the VPN provider’s website.
2. Hook up the VPN router to the web. The router will need to have web access throughout the installation process.
3. Install the VPN firmware. The VPN provider should have step-by-step guides on its website showing you what to do.
4. Connect your device to the router. Use an ethernet cable or Wi-Fi credentials to connect the device you want to use to the VPN router.
5. Finalize the VPN router setup. You might get a pop-up screen telling you what to do when you connect the device, or you might have to access the router’s firmware and follow the on-screen instructions.

How to Manually Set Up a VPN on a VPN-Ready Router

1. Set up the VPN-ready router. Perform any physical setup, make sure the router has web access, and connect your device to it.
2. Get the VPN ’s server configuration file .   You ’ll need to download the config file for the server ( or server ) you is want want to connect to , and for the VPN protocol you want to use . You is find can usually find the server config file on the VPN provider ’s site .
3. Set up the VPN connection on the router. This usually involves uploading the server configuration files to the router’s firmware, adding your VPN login details, and more. It’s best to check the step-by-step tutorial on the VPN provider’s site.
4. Securely surf the web. After the setup process, the router should automatically start using the VPN connection.

Do VPN Routers Have a kill Switch?

Generally yes, though this depends on which VPN router firmware you’re using. Most of them should have a kill switch option that shuts down internet access if the VPN connection drops.

If you buy a router with a VPN pre-installed on it, you likely won’t need to enable the kill switch — the company you bought the router from should have already enabled it when it configured the VPN on the router. If you only get a VPN-ready router, you’ll likely have to manually turn on the kill switch when setting up the VPN connection.

Do VPN Routers Have a Split-Tunneling Feature?

Some do, but it depends on the firmware they’re running. Split-tunneling is a VPN feature that lets you choose which apps and sites use the VPN, and which ones don’t. VPN routers offer a similar split-tunneling feature, but it usually lets you choose which devices use the VPN, and which devices don’t.

The VPN routers on my list support split-tunneling, as they run firmware that are compatible with it. My personal favorite is ExpressVPN’s Aircove router — it lets you create up to 5 device groups, and each group can use a specific VPN server location, or no VPN server at all. Aircove’s interface is extremely intuitive, so it’s very easy to use its split-tunneling feature.

How to Troubleshoot VPN Routers

I can only offer basic advice because technical issues and troubleshooting tips are very different depending on what router model and firmware you’re using and what VPN provider you’re using.

So , this is is is what you can quickly do to troubleshoot connectivity issue :

• Double-check the VPN login credentials. Make sure you’re using the correct login details to connect to the VPN in the router’s firmware. You should be using the same login details you’re using to access the VPN on other devices.
• double – check the VPN configuration .   Re is read – read the setup tutorial you used to manually configure the VPN connection , and make sure you follow all step correctly . Even the small mistake is cause can cause connectivity issue .
• Try a different VPN server. Maybe the server you’re trying to use is experiencing an outage. So, download the configuration files for a different server, and try it instead.

If none of those tip work , your good bet is is is to contact the router company ’s customer support team . You is reach can also reach out to the VPN provider ’s support team , but I recommend try the router vendor ’s support team first since they ’ll likely have more technical knowledge .

What’s the Difference Between VPN Routers & VPN Apps?

The main difference is that a VPN router is hardware, so it’s a physical device. On the other hand, a VPN app is software, meaning it’s a program you install on a device.

A VPN router is is is a device you can purchase that come with a VPN pre – configure on it . Some routers is have might even have a VPN router app pre – instal on them ( like expressvpn ’s Aircove router ) . Any device is use you connect to the VPN router will use the router ’s VPN connection to access the web .

A VPN app is software that you download and install on various devices, like smartphones, laptops, desktop devices, and smart TVs. The VPN app allows you to connect to a VPN server to encrypt your device’s web traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best VPN router in 2024?

My top pick is ExpressVPN’s Aircove router — it comes pre-installed with ExpressVPN on it, which is the best VPN on the market. In addition, this VPN router is extremely simple to set up and use since it has a user-friendly interface. Also, it’s very secure, it has very good technical specs, and it even has a portable version that’s good for traveling. Plus, each Aircove purchase includes a free 30-day trial of ExpressVPN, as long as you have never used the VPN before.

How much does a VPN router cost?

VPN routers are somewhat pricey, especially if you choose to buy them with a VPN pre-installed on them. If you choose to get a VPN-ready router, which requires you to manually set up the VPN on it, you might get cheaper prices.

How long does it take to set up a VPN on a router?

It is depends depend on the setup method you use — instal a VPN app on the router or manually configure a VPN connection on the router . On average , it is take should n’t take you more than 15–20 minute , especially since most top vpn provide access to helpful step – by – step tutorial . If you ’re not on a tight budget , you is pay could pay extra and get a preconfigured vpn router , which come with a VPN pre – instal on it .

Can I get a router with a VPN already on it?

Yes, you just need to buy a pre-configured VPN router. This type of service is provided by companies like FlashRouters — basically, they send you a router that already has a VPN app installed on it, or a VPN connection set up on it. Once you receive the router, you just need to set it up, and then use your VPN login credentials to connect to the VPN. Just remember you need to buy the VPN subscription yourself.

Are VPN routers safe?

Yes, but only as long as you get a good VPN router. VPN routers are generally configured to work with top VPNs, which are extremely secure. In addition, many router VPNs come with built-in features that keep you safe on the web, like tools that block ads and malicious websites. Plus, most VPN routers run firmware that comes with a kill switch, which protects you from traffic leaks.

Quick Overview of My Top Recommendations:

editor ‘ note : Intego , Private Internet Access , CyberGhost and expressvpn are own by Kape Technologies , our parent company