Instead of installing your VPN service on each device using a VPN router can help ensure that all devices are connected to your network. VPN services protect your data from all sides and keep your IP address secret. Game consoles are not always able to support VPN services. However they can connect to your router and that router has a VPN from the preferred VPN provider then those devices are automatically secured.
Some routers do not allow you to connect to the VPN service, while others require firmware updates to work with your preferred VPN provider. We’ve identified five of the best VPN routers that allow you to install your favorite VPN service, including one that installs it for you.
Netgear R6400 DD/WRT FlashRouter is Best Overall — Best Value: TP Link AC1750 Wireless Dual-Band Router Best Mesh: ASUS ZENWIFI AX (XT8) Mesh Router. Fastest: ASUS ROGrapture GT-AX11000 Triband Gaming Router. Best choice for small businesses: T-Link Omada EER7206 Multi-WAN VPN Router
How We Picked the Best VPN Routers
Our experience with VPN routers has shown us that it can be difficult to find a router compatible with your VPN service. Even guides that recommend VPN routers usually recommend ones that are not compatible with other VPN providers. We made sure that all five routers had built-in VPN protocols that could work with most major VPN providers. Even if you need to complete the installation process, you won’t be stuck in case your router can’t communicate with your VPN.
Then look at the performance of the router. Reliability is always our top priority when recommending tech gear, and every router we’ve reviewed has proven their worth in that department. We also consider speed important so we eliminated any router that offered maximum data rates of less than 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band.
We selected routers that were most suitable for various users as everyone is different.
You don’t need VPN capabilities however a reliable router is all you need. Check out our list of the best routers.
Best VPN Routers: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall: Netgear R6400 DD-WRT FlashRouter
What made it on the FlashRouters list is a plug and play solution that lets you enjoy the reliability and security of Netgear routers. FlashRouters also takes care of the technical aspect of setting up the VPN service on your router.
Specifications: WiFi Standard: WiFi 5Max Speeds: 2.4 GHz: 450 Mbps, 5 GHz: 1300 Mbps– Ports: 1xUSB-A, 1xWAN, 4xLAN– VPN Protocol: OpenVPN- Price: $214.99
Pros:– Out-of-the-box VPN capabilities, managed by pros– Good speeds at a decent price– The reliability of Netgear routers.
Disadvantages: Not WiFi 6-Cost more than doing it yourself
Netgear makes great routers, including their R6400 router, a WiFi 5 powerhouse that’s reliable for covering up to 1,750 square feet of space. It is one of the highest rated routers made by Netgear and is fast enough to stream video and games. They don’t support external VPN services natively (they offer their Bitdefender VPN as part of their $100/year Armor Security package, but it’s not possible to choose your own service).
You will need to “flash” your router or install the firmware if you are looking for the superior quality of Netgear with VPN protection. VPN. This could possibly void the warranty on the device, or even “brick” your router (as in, make your router as useful as a brick). To avoid this, go to FlashRouters. They are a technology-based company that takes routers from leading brands and upgrades them to run VPN services seamlessly. They also provide technical support and one-year warranties.
While FlashRouters are more expensive than paying for the router alone, the service and security you get from having professionals upgrade your router is worth it. If you’ve already signed up for a VPN service you like, you can give FlashRouters your details for the service at checkout, and they’ll deliver your router with your VPN ready to go.
Best Budget: TP-Link Archer A7 AC1750 Wireless Dual Band Router
Why It Made The Cut: The Archer A7 consistently wins in the reliability department, making it an excellent choice for a router that can be used as a VPN for a very low price.
Specifications: WiFi Standard: WiFi 5-Maximum speeds: 2.4 GHz: 450 Mbps, 5 GHz: 1300 MbpsPorts: 1xUSB A, 4xLAN, 1xWAN VPN Protocol: OpenVPN, PPT– Price: $79.99 (With current discount, $59.99)
Pros:– Great price– Decent speeds– Reliable performance
We think the Archer AC1750 is the best VPN-capable router under $100. The cost of the router is reduced to $50 when you take advantage of regular discounts. For that price, you get decent speeds capable of handling medium-range streaming and gaming. The coverage area can accommodate an average three-bedroom home.
TP-Link is making a solid name for itself through networking equipment and smart home devices that are praised for their functionality and compatibility at affordable costs. This router is no different. It is a basic black box with three antennas. Multiple antennas are an option on routers that are capable of providing wider ranges — the multiple signal points form an array that allows WiFi signals to cover larger areas with more directions. Compatible with both OpenVPN and PPTP VPN protocols, this budget option is compatible with all major VPN services.
Best Mesh: ASUS ZenWiFi AX (XT8) Mesh Router
The reason why the triband WiFi 6 mesh router of ASUS was chosen is sleek, fast and powerful. It also has security features and a range of VPN protocols that allow you to add your own VPN service.
Specs:– WiFi Standard: WiFi 6Max Speeds: 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps 5 GHz-1: 1201 Mbps 5 GHz-2: 4804 Mbps- Ports 1xWAN, USB-Ax1, 3xLAN– VPN Protocol L2PT OVPN, PPTP, Ipsec- – Price 250 dollars
Pros Pros include:– Fast maximum speeds– Great price for coverage– Attractive design and expandable with other ASUS routers
Cons: Sometimes setting up satellite (secondary routers) can be a challenge.
Finally companies are creating routers that look as good as they function. Mesh routers, which are often modeled after battlebots, are nice in your gaming area, but not so good in your living space. The ZenWiFi mesh router from ASUS comes in small sleek towers of white or black, and since all mesh routers cover large homes with blankets of WiFi connectivity.
ZenWiFi routers are based on the fast and future-proof WiFi 6 protocol and can cover up to 5,400 square feet when using two units. These routers are compatible with almost all WiFi 6 routers. They also work with devices that use WiFi 5 or 4. The AiMesh technology lets you connect other ASUS routers (like the mecha-spider), so you can extend your mesh network as you need.
ZenWiFi routers also come with ASUS’ AiProtection, which includes parental controls as well as extra security features to ensure your network is secure. Adding multiple VPN protocols allows you to add another layer of security by installing your favorite VPN service.
Best for Speed: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Tri-band Gaming Router
The reason it made the list: It’s hard to find a more efficient VPN router. In addition, it comes with security features and the ability to play without using your VPN.
Specifications: WiFi Standard WiFi 6– Maximum speeds: 2.4GHz: 1148 Mbps; 5 GHz-1, 4804 Mb; 5 GHz-1, 4804 Mbps; 5 GHz-1, 4804 Mbps. 5-GHz-1 4804 Mbps. Ports: 2xUSB, 1xWAN. 4xLAN. 1xMultiGig Ethernet. VPN protocol: L2PT. OVPN. PPP. IPsec. Price: $449.99 (With current discount), $399.99
Pros:– Great speed for gaming and streaming– Provides VPN Fusion for gaming without having to use your own VPN– Mesh compatible with other ASUS routers
Spider legs aren’t just for aesthetics. They also form an antenna array that creates an even stronger signal for your device. The ASUS Gaming Republic line is recognized for its ability to boost a gamer’s performance and the Rapture GTX-11000 can provide what gamers expect from a router: speed . Billed as the first 10 gig WiFi router, it operates WiFi 6, has a quad-core processor, and offers some of the fastest data rates out there.
AiMesh compatibility means you can connect to other ASUS routers for mesh coverage and it also comes with ASUS’ AiProtection added security features. For VPN connectivity the Rapture GT-AX11000 is equipped with a number of VPN protocols, but takes it a step further with the availability of VPN fusion. Similar to tunneling, VPN fusion allows your router to cover all devices that are connected to your VPN service, but allows some devices to bypass the VPN and connect directly to the internet. It is a great feature for gamers, as one second of delay can be the difference between winning and dominance.
At $450, it’s not cheap, however, it’s a great choice for those who need high data speeds for gaming, live streaming, etc. and it also provides the anonymity and encryption that VPN services offer.
Best for Small Businesses: TP-Link Omada ER7206 Multi WAN VPN Router
Why it was chosen This is a fantastic option for a low price, for small business owners who need the security of an external VPN and a built-in firewall.
Specifications:—WiFi Standard:Max Speeds: Wired — Ports 2xWAN/LAN, 1xLAN 2xWAN/LAN VPN Protocol IPsec. OpenVPN. L2TP. PPTP. Price: $150
Advantages:– Native and external VPN capabilities.– Strong security measures. Excellent price
Cons:– Requires a wireless access point accessory for WiFi coverage
Data security is essential for businesses. Like other routers, the Omada ER7206 TP-Link business router can be configured for any VPN service (ExpressVPN or NordVPN), PIA, ProtonVPN etc. It also functions as a VPN for users outside the office (these remote employees) allowing them. to securely connect to the network without being physically in the office.
Another benefit for businesses is the multiple LAN/WAN ports. Using the TP-LInk dashboard, you can change the port to work as a second WAN allowing you to have more than one internet service provider. This is a great idea considering that many companies will need to shut down when their ISP shuts down.
The router is hardwired. To get WiFi connectivity, you will need to add an internet hotspot. TP-Link has many of these. Additional security features include advanced firewalls, IP filtering, DoS blocks and more. This is great for small-scale businesses, but it will also work well for home networks, providing an additional layer of security to their VPN-enabled router.
Things to Consider Before Buying a VPN Router
Some VPN providers restrict the number of devices you can connect when using their service. A router is considered a single device, but you can connect a large number of devices using WiFi or Ethernet cables. You can set up your VPN service on your router to encrypt all data. Your IP address is hidden and you can access remote servers around the world. Here is some information about routers and VPNs.
Installation: If FlashRouters is your top choice, the installation will be completed for you. You can connect to your VPN enabled router right out of the box. If not, you will need to install your VPN service on your router yourself. Fortunately, most VPN providers that offer router coverage also offer tutorials on how to set it up. Here are the guides from ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Proton VPN to name just a few.
VPN service: A VPN router does not always include a VPN service. Although some routers offer their own VPN service, it is not the same as subscription VPN services that you can choose. You will have to sign up for VPN services before you can choose your router. It is important to ensure that your router is compatible with the selected service. Most of the main services are compatible with all our options. Once you have purchased your router, you will need to install the VPN service.
Modems vs. Routers: Buying an internet router will not necessarily connect you to the internet, you will typically need a modem as well. Many internet service providers can install an internet connection in your home via coax cable or DSL lines. Fiber optic internet requires the use of a modem. Your ISP usually provides either a lease or recommends a modem that is compatible with it. The modem connects to your router, which then connects to your device.
FAQs
Q: Is a VPN router worth it?
A VPN router is worth the investment if you have game consoles or smart devices that you want to protect with VPN services. These devices are generally not compatible with VPNs. Routers are an excellent choice if you have many devices that you want to protect through your VPN service, as some VPN providers restrict the number of devices that can be connected to an account to five or six. Your VPN service automatically covers all devices that are connected to your router once you install it.
Q: Can the police track a VPN?
It is possible for the police to monitor if you use a VPN. Most people who are worried about the authorities are not concerned about whether VPN use can be detected or not, they are more concerned about the public visibility of their information. Most VPN services use encryption to protect your data and hide your internet activities. The majority of paid VPN services will adhere to a “no logs” policy. This means they will not keep records of your online activities. This means that if the authorities were to ask the VPN service for details about its users, the VPN service would have no records to pass on.
Q: Can VPN mess up your WiFi?
VPNs can potentially slow down your WiFi’s interaction with the internet, as your requests and responses (traffic) must go through the remote server. While this may delay the time it takes to connect, most VPN companies try to minimize the impact.
Final Thoughts on VPN Routers
Setting up VPN on your router can be difficult, particularly for those who are not technologically proficient. FlashRouters is a great place to start your VPN journey. They offer a large variety of routers that can be upgraded to work with VPNs. The company will configure your preferred VPN service on your router so you can use it right out of the box. In addition, technical support is included with the purchase.
This post was written by non-news editorial staff of Recurrent Media, owner of Futurism. Futurism may receive a percentage of sales for products featured in this article.
A virtual private network (VPN router) is a router that acts like any other router, but contains a VPN. It is powered by firmware that allows it to manage VPN connections, and then allows multiple devices in the home to connect to the VPN service.
How do I get VPN on my router?
To enable VPN:
- Start with an Internet browser on a computer or any mobile device connected to your router’s network.
- Enter the user ID and password of the router. …
- Select Advanced > Advanced Setup > VPN Service. …
- Click Apply to activate the VPN Service.
Can routers integrate VPN? Which routers have built-in VPNs Many routers come with a built-in VPN which means you don’t have to worry about installing one yourself. Flashrouters.com offers a variety of secure router options. Secure Wi-Fi can be achieved from scratch using a VPN router.
Is there a completely free VPN?
Other top free VPN providers include ProtonVPN, Hide.me, TunnelBear, Atlas VPN, Windscribe, and ZoogVPN with each having their own unique advantages and features. Our top pick for free VPNs is PrivadoVPN. It is the best free VPN for Windows and Mac users.
Are there any totally free VPNs?
VPNBook. VPNBook is another completely free VPN. There are no bandwidth limits, service restrictions, or premium services.
What is the best completely free VPN?
{“status”:”Failure”,”error”:”Sorry, we could not process your text, please report this to us. This work will not increase your usage. Please try again in a moment.”}Can you buy a router with built in VPN?
A VPN router is a router that can automatically connect to VPN servers. This safeguards your entire network. Most routers can be installed with NordVPN but you can also buy routers with VPN software pre-installed and they will encrypt your connection from the start.
Can any router be used as a VPN router? It is important to note that most ISP routers and modems cannot support a VPN connection. However, you can connect an ISP modem and a VPN-supported router to make VPN work.
Should I get a router with VPN?
A VPN router is also recommended if you only need to connect to a VPN server and not to your normal internet connection. A VPN router can also be beneficial when you are using an OS that most VPN apps are incompatible with such as Tails OS.
Can I put a VPN on my router?
Installing a VPN application on your smartphone, laptop or tablet is a great way to improve your security and privacy. You can also install VPN on routers. VPN on routers if you want to protect your entire network, as well as devices that do not support VPN functionality.
Are all routers compatible with VPN?
All routers can be used with any router that supports VPN but not all routers will let you install the VPN on the router itself. Certain consumer routers will not let you install VPN software on them. Contact the manufacturer to confirm compatibility. This is the short answer.
How can I determine if my router is VPN compatible? You can refer to the manual for your router to determine if it is VPN compatible. If you use an ISP modem (they usually come as a combination router and modem device) and you have an ISP modem, then you probably can’t use your router as a VPN client.
Are all routers VPN routers?
You can buy routers that come with VPN software installed, or you can install the VPN software on your router yourself. Not all routers can support VPN software. Additionally there are some limitations to VPN services. VPN services work with all routers. For more details on this, check out how to configure a VPN router.
Do some routers block VPN?
Many routers block common VPN protocols such as Point-to-Point Tunneling or SSTP. There is a possibility to let these protocols communicate without restriction, however it is much easier to change the settings within the VPN tool the tool itself.
Can my router be blocking my VPN?
Your router’s firewall is the best place to block VPN from your network. The only limit here is your technical knowledge and the features offered by your router.
Why is my WIFI blocking my VPN?
Certain Wi-Fi networks do not allow VPN connections. They restrict VPN access through a firewall or network settings. If this error appears when you connect to Secure VPN for the first time, it may be due to a firewall or network settings.
Does ExpressVPN slow down internet?
VPN services can slow down your internet connection by adding a layer of encryption. ExpressVPN however, has a fast and constantly optimized network, which means you won’t notice a difference.
Why is my internet slow when I use a VPN? However, the encryption and rerouting process increases the time it takes for internet traffic to travel from your device to the destination. You may experience a slowdown in your internet connection when using a VPN. VPN.
Does ExpressVPN speed up internet?
All VPNs can slow down your internet connection. However, ExpressVPN is consistently rated as one of the fastest VPN services. Most users will not notice any differences in speed.
Why does ExpressVPN slow internet?
Your VPN server is far from you and this may be the reason that your internet speed is not fast or what your expectations are. Insufficient connectivity between your VPN provider and the VPN.
Does VPN enhance Internet speed?
Most of the time, you will not get a speed increase by using the VPN. This is because the VPN does not increase the amount of bandwidth you can access beyond the bandwidth your connection is capable of.
Can I install VPN on WIFI router?
Are you able to install a VPN on your Wi-Fi router? A VPN application can be installed on your smartphone, tablet or laptop to improve your privacy and security. You can also install a VPN on routers if you want to protect the entire network, and devices that do not support VPN functions.
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