When you’re looking for a new virtual private network (VPN) setup, you have a choice: you can install VPN software directly on the devices you want to protect, or you can install a VPN on your router.
VPNs provide encrypted tunnels that protect online communications, making it more difficult to track you or steal your information. They also allow you to mask your IP address so that it appears as if you’re in a different location.
Also: The best VPN services: Expert tested
Setting up a VPN environment via your router provides blanket coverage across devices connected to the router, including your smartphone, PC, and smart TV. This saves you the job of installing VPN software on each device, and the process can be far easier than you think — as long as you have compatible hardware.
Some VPN providers even have routers with a VPN that is already installed and ready to go. In either case, opting for a VPN-ready router can be an excellent way to improve your home security and online privacy.
What is the best VPN router right now?
ZDNET has years of experience testing VPN solutions and hardware. Our team of experts has researched and performed hands-on testing for decades, and we strive to give you the best recommendations for VPNs and supporting routers based on this experience and customer feedback.
Overall, our pick for the best VPN router is the ExpressVPN Aircove. This router has one of our favorite VPNs preinstalled, saving you the job of setting up and configuring the software. It also offers impressive speeds and coverage.
Below are our recommendations for the best VPN routers of 2024, offering excellent VPN compatibility, speed, coverage, and additional privacy features.
The best VPN routers of 2024
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ExpressVPN Aircove
Best VPN router overall
The ExpressVPN Aircove is our top pick thanks to its speed, ease of setup, and security. It offers dual-band connectivity for homes and offices, providing coverage of up to 1,600 square feet.
When you pick a VPN-ready router, you still need to consider stability and speed. The $189 Aircove manages speeds of up to 1,200Mbps (600Mbps/2.4GHz) when the VPN is not in use, although, as you should expect, speeds will drop when you are connected to VPN servers.
ExpressVPN is one of our top picks as the best VPN in 2024, largely due to consistently low speed loss results during our speed tests. If you plan to use a VPN on your router 24/7, it is an excellent choice — either via Aircove or another VPN-ready router.
There’s also a feature to diversify the servers used by devices connected to the router. For example, you might want a gaming PC disconnected from the VPN and an office laptop to run through a US or UK server. Parents and guardians can also take advantage of parental control settings.
Read the review: The best VPN services: Expert tested
Customers report excellent speed and performance, although it can be tricky to set up. You will also need an ExpressVPN subscription, but a free trial is included with the router. We consider ExpressVPN to be one of the top VPNs on the market, with excellent speed and stability. Plans begin at $6.67/month.
The Aircove is currently available on Amazon.
ExpressVPN Aircove features: Wi-Fi 6 | Built-in VPN | 802.11ax, 802.11ac | Diverse server locations | Ad blocking | Threat manager | Parental controls | Includes free trial
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TP-Link AX6600 Wi-Fi 6 gaming router (Archer GX90)
Best VPN router for power
If you want speed and power first and a VPN second, you should consider the $200 TP-Link AX6600 Wi-Fi 6 gaming router (Archer GX90).
The tri-band Archer offers speeds of up to 4,804Mbps (5GHz) / 1,201Mbps (5GHz) / 574Mbps (2.4GHz) and has been designed with gamers in mind (hence the 4.8Gbps Game Band). It combines a plethora of WAN and LAN ports with a 1.5GHz processor. OFDMA and MU-MIMO support is included, alongside a gaming accelerator, to reduce latency and lag.
You can also add a OneMesh extender if you want to use mesh networking to increase coverage in your home and eradicate connectivity blind spots.
To set up this router with a VPN service, you must configure either OpenVPN or PPTP VPN, so be prepared to spend some time tuning the router to your needs. Many customers consider the Archer GX90 to be a solid, fast router, although its design doesn’t suit everyone. If you’re concerned about the antennas, they are detachable.
Archer GX90 features: Tri-band | High speeds | 1.5GHz Quad-Core CPU | Beamforming | Game Accelerator | Parental controls | Large home support | TP-Link HomeShield
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ASUS RT-AX1800S
Best VPN router for affordability
The ASUS RT-AX1800S is an affordable VPN solution. The Wi-Fi 6 model, available for only $67, operates on the 2.4GHz frequency and offers up to 1Gbps speeds. It also offers free IoT device security via ASUS AiProtection. The router has a built-in VPN, Asus Instant Guard, which you can activate with just a button click.
This router is compatible with AiMesh and includes five Ethernet ports (One Gigabit WAN and four Gigabit LAN). You can also purchase Wi-Fi extenders if you need to increase its range in larger homes.
Customers say this router is great value for the money, and many are impressed with the parental controls and security functions. The free VPN is designed to be as user-friendly as possible, although some users report occasional disconnection issues.
ASUS RT-AX1800S features: Dual-band | 2.4GHz | Up to 1Gbps speeds | Parental controls | AiMesh compatible | One Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports
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ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000
Best VPN for multiple connections
For a more stylish option with custom lighting effects, consider the $398 ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000.
This VPN-ready router is future-proof and while it’s optimized for gamers — who will appreciate the router’s gaming accelerator, 2.5G LAN and WAN ports, and quad-core processing power — this option also includes Asus’ VPN Fusion feature.
VPN Fusion is designed to let you connect to multiple VPN servers simultaneously. For example, you can assign your devices to different VPN tunnels — selecting a server for your PC, another for your smart TV, and so on.
Customer reviews suggest the VPN is an excellent option for gamers, and the VPN Fusion feature is popular with those who do not mind getting technical. Still, some customers consider the price point to be high.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 features: Wi-Fi 6E | Tri-band | 6GHz band | VPN Fusion | 2.5G LAN/WAN Port | Quad-core processor | Gaming accelerator
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GL.iNET Beryl-AX
Best VPN router for travel
The GL.iNET Beryl-AX is an excellent option if you want flexibility in your VPN choice, and you want to be able to take your router with you when you travel.
This pocket-sized powerful router has a 1.3GHz processor and can reach speeds of up to 3000Mbps. It also includes a Gigabit Ethernet port and a USB port.
When it comes to VPNs, the router offers implementation options with all the major providers, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, IPVanish, and Private Internet Access. This is because the router has been designed to support the OpenVPN, Wireguard, and OpenWRT protocols.
As a bonus, upon purchase, you can choose to have your router preconfigured with your preferred VPN.
Customers say this router is portable, works extremely well, and is easy to configure. At $150, many users also consider this router to provide value for their money.
GL.iNET Beryl-AX features: Multi VPN-compatibility | Travel-friendly | 1.3GHz processor | Gigabit Ethernet port | OpenVPN, Wireguard, and OpenWRT compatibility
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|
VPN router |
Price |
Built-in VPN? |
Speed |
|
ExpressVPN Aircove |
$170 |
✓ |
Up to 1,200Mbps (disconnected) | 180Mbps |
|
TP-Link Archer GX90 |
$200 |
x |
4,804Mbps/1,201Mbps/574Mbps |
|
ASUS RT-AX1800S |
$67 |
✓ |
Up to 1Gbps |
|
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 |
$398 |
x |
Up to 11000Mbps |
|
GL.iNET Beryl-AX |
$150 |
x |
Up to 3,000Mbps |
*MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on available sales, deals, discounts, and coupons.
There are advantages and disadvantages to using a VPN-enabled router or a standalone VPN app, the most important of which are compared below.
|
VPN router |
VPN app |
|
A VPN router provides blanket coverage for all of your devices at home. |
Coverage is limited by the number of simultaneous connections you are allowed under one account. |
|
A VPN router can be complicated to set up, and most routers do not come with a built-in VPN. You may also risk your router’s warranty when installing a VPN. |
VPN apps are typically easy to install and use. |
|
Install once, and protect everything. |
You must install VPN apps individually. |
|
VPN coverage and security is on permanently. |
VPN apps have to be opened and services have to be enabled. |
|
You need a VPN subscription and, in most cases, a paid one. |
Free, limited plans and paid options are available. |
|
You need a compatible router. |
You need a compatible PC or mobile device. |
|
A VPN router can protect devices that don’t have native support, such as TVs. |
VPN usage is limited to the apps for the service that have been developed and OS compatibility. |
A VPN router service is a VPN that can either be installed directly on your router, or has already been enabled on a specific router. Today’s routers are often compatible with VPNs, but installing them isn’t all the same.
Some VPN providers also offer routers with preinstalled VPN software, but you must sign up for a subscription. You should consider using a VPN-ready router if you do not want to install your VPN manually on all of your devices or if you want to ensure that every device connected to your Wi-Fi network is protected.
Installing a VPN on your router allows all of your devices to access the same VPN network and connection. This creates blanket protection and IP masking, but it can be challenging to set up.
Remember that your router will act as a VPN client rather than a server and share the VPN with devices connected to it. Here are some general steps to take, although they may change depending on your router and existing setup:
- Check your router’s compatibility. Not every router will run a VPN natively — although many modern routers do have the capacity.
- Sign up for a VPN service. Unless your router comes with a built-in VPN, you will likely need a subscription.
- Access your VPN’s firmware. You will need to do so through your router’s IP address.
- Under settings, you should find a VPN tab, and you will need to enable VPN services and choose between a static or dynamic IP address.
- The VPN client can now be installed, although you may need to tweak your network settings.
For an extensive guide on installing a VPN on your router, check out:How to set up a VPN on your router
Choosing the best VPN router involves many factors. If you want to purchase a VPN-ready router, you will find the best use cases for each of our recommendations below.
|
Choose this VPN router… |
If you want… |
|
ExpressVPN Aircove |
A user-friendly VPN router with solid coverage and speed. While the router is exclusive to ExpressVPN usage, it is one of our favorites due to its price, reliability, and easy setup. |
|
TP-Link Archer GX90 |
A heavy-duty, powerful router. This gaming router offers tri-band connectivity and while it does require configuration, the Archer is a future-proof router offering excellent speeds. |
|
ASUS RT-AX1800S |
An affordable VPN solution. This model has highly positive customer reviews and, for the price point, is a steal — especially when you consider its built-in VPN and additional security controls. |
|
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 |
VPN versatility at home. You can use the ASUS VPN Fusion feature to customize your VPN experience and operate multiple server connections simultaneously. |
|
GL.iNET Beryl-AX |
To take your VPN with you on your travels. This router is one of the best options on the market as a travel-friendly, portable device that is compatible with major VPN providers. |
When you are researching a new VPN router, there are some key points you should consider before making a purchase decision:
- DIY: If you want a VPN for your home network, consider whether you want to install a VPN directly on your router.
- Preinstalled options: If you don’t want to tamper with router settings yourself to install a VPN, consider a router model that comes with a VPN preinstalled.
- Affordability: VPN routers are available for a variety of budgets. If you can, consider a future-proof VPN router that can support next-generation Wi-Fi and provide good coverage and speeds.
- VPN: You also need to take into account the VPN service you want to use. If you have a preferred VPN, ensure that the router you want supports it.
- Subscriptions: You will likely need to purchase a subscription. While there are a handful of free VPN plans offered by trustworthy vendors, most of them come with limitations. These may not be suitable for use on a router, as you may quickly run out of bandwidth. As a result, you should factor in the cost of a VPN subscription, even if it is just a basic, paid plan.
- Other purposes: The VPN might be the most important aspect, but you should also consider whether other features are important to you — such as tri-band functionality, gaming optimization, or additional security features.
While compiling our recommendations for the best VPN routers of 2024, we considered several crucial factors, including:
- Speed: There’s no point investing in a new router capable of handling VPN environments unless it serves its core purpose: providing solid and stable connections to the internet. We considered traditional router models and options that provide mesh networking for larger homes.
- VPN support: We have included a range of models with built-in VPNs, VPN support for standalone VPN services, and mobile products for VPN protection on the go. We know that what might suit one user won’t always suit another, so there must be flexibility in choosing the right VPN solution.
- Budgets: We have provided various options for different budgets. Although our priorities are security, speed, and reliability, we wanted to ensure that we included affordable products alongside future-proofed routers.
- Customer reviews: We also examined customer reviews in depth, including positive and negative experiences, and we factored this feedback in when deciding on our recommendations.
- Vendor reputation: We have considered the reputation of router manufacturers, including their popularity, variety, and product accessibility.
-
Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with an available support team.
For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page.
If you want to install a VPN directly onto a router, the process can be more of a hassle than just signing up for an app. It can, however, save you time in the long run as any device that connects to your router — like a PC or a smartphone — will use the VPN and will be automatically protected. This can be particularly useful if you have internet-connected devices, including TVs and IoT products, that cannot support a VPN on their own hardware.
You might want to consider setting up a VPN on your router if you have numerous devices needing protection, and you work from home. If you are a remote worker, some organizations may require you to use their own VPN to access corporate resources.
A caveat: some online platforms, such as streaming services, will detect when you are using a VPN and may block you. If this is the case, you may have to temporarily disable your VPN service to resume watching.
What VPN should I use for my router?
Here’s a list of ZDNET’s favorite VPNs:
Also: The best VPNs of 2024
Can any router be a VPN router?
Many routers are now smart, intelligent devices capable of far more than providing an internet connection. Today, you can install VPN software on many different routers, and VPN support is often promoted as a major feature.
A word of caution: installing third-party software on your router might void its warranty, just as jailbreaking mobile devices or changing the firmware of a gaming console can invalidate a warranty.
Why would anyone use a VPN?
A VPN can be a great tool for protecting your privacy. At the very least, VPNs should be used when you are taking advantage of public Wi-Fi hotspots, but using them while you’re online as a default is the better option to protect yourself and your information. VPNs are also beneficial in circumventing geolocation blocks and censorship.
Some countries either ban VPN usage entirely or heavily discourage it. If using a VPN is illegal, you may be fined or prosecuted. According to NordVPN’s country guide, countries that ban VPNs include Belarus and Iraq, among others, whereas governments in China and Russia only permit specific VPNs.
Does a work VPN expose my home network to my employer?
It’s possible (albeit unlikely), but it depends on several factors. VPNs handle traffic in different ways, but overall, it is highly unlikely that company IT administrators will be able to access your home network via your VPN connection. If you are on a work-issued laptop with software that allows such connections, however, IT administrators will most likely be able to monitor your activities and tap into resources on the device.
Additionally, while VPN tunnels encrypt your traffic and mask your online activities, you can be monitored if you use a VPN designed, licensed, or owned by your employer. VPNs can protect corporate resources, and you should keep work and private online activities separate.
Does a VPN slow down your internet connection?
Typically, yes, although a high-quality VPN will hopefully not make a noticeable difference. There are caveats; for example, you should expect a slowdown when connecting to servers across a long distance, such as from the UK to Australia. If you experience severe speed loss when you are connecting to servers closer to you, however, such as from New York to Washington, this may indicate a problem with either the VPN or your ISP connection.
You can put VPN software on many devices, from PCs to mobile devices and routers. While we have showcased what we consider to be the best VPN-supporting routers in 2024, we can’t highlight every worthy option — so you can check out alternative products below, including subscriptions: