In this guide to the best VPN routers, we've listed the top routers that make it easy to connect to the internet via a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
If you subscribe to a VPN, or are interested in doing so, then buying the best VPN router for your needs will allow you to browse the internet safely and anonymously.
We've carefully picked the best VPN routers no just because they are compatible with VPNs, but because they make setting up and configuring the VPN quick and easy. Many people may think that using a VPN router is for advanced users only, but the best VPN routers on this page allow pretty much anyone to set up a VPN in a matter of minutes.
The best VPN routers we list on this page can be used no matter what VPN service you sign up to. Plus, they will make sure that even with your network traffic going through a VPN, your internet speeds won't be impacted too much.
While you can sign up for VPNs through browser extensions, by using the best VPN router for your budget, you're ensuring that all your network traffic goes through the VPN. This means every device on your network can take advantage of the security and privacy benefits of the VPN you sign up with.
So, read on for our list of the best VPN routers.
The Linksys WRT 3200 ACM is our choice for the best VPN router. Its no-nonsense design hides a remarkably versatile and powerful router that is a great choice for VPN users. You can install DD-WRT firmware for VPN compatibility, and it comes with four antennas and three bands for fast and wide-ranging network speeds. It also has four Gigabit Ethernet ports and USB 3.0, making it an excellent router in its own right, even without a VPN.
Anyone who’s familiar with Asus, and especially its more gamer-centric products knows exactly what they’re getting themselves into here – especially regarding design. However, if you're not a gamer, and just looking for the best VPN router, then don't discount the Asus RT-AC86U. It has some excellent VPN features that makes it a fast performer that won't see your internet speeds dropping too much when using a VPN. You can also install third party firmware if you want greater choice.
The Asus RT-AC5300 is an excellent high-end gaming router that comes with a number of advanced features for making online and network gaming as lag and frustration free as possible. It also means it's a brilliant VPN router, and if you don't mind the expense, this is a great choice. The spider-like design won't be to everyone's tastes, but the eight antennae serve a purpose, as they can be used to direct your Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, giving this router an excellent range.
On the surface, the Linksys WRT32X might not look that different than Linksys’ heavy-hitter, the WRT3200. And, well, that’s not actually that far off. The WRT32X takes all of the successful components of that highly rated router, and puts them in a router with a custom firmware that’s extremely easy to navigate and a very subdued and attractive visual design, making it one of the best routers with VPN you can buy. You will be paying a premium for this repackaging, but if you’re looking for reliable ping performance that online gaming requires, the Linksys WRT32X takes one of the best VPN routers and tailors it to your needs.
If you're looking for a dependable mid-range VPN router that combines speed with a great Wi-Fi range and features aimed at games, then you'll definitely want to consider the D-link DIR-885L/R. It has a good selection of ports, and the user interface for setting up and configuring the router is nicely designed and easy to use. It also supports DD-WRT open-source firmware, which makes this a flexible and powerful VPN router that you can customise for your needs.
If routers had a fashion contest, Netgear’s D7800 would be among the top contenders. Its solid black finish is complemented by a quartet of antennas. Plus it’s damn fast and bettered by its inclusion of a duo of USB ports paired with an eSATA connector. The real centerpiece, though, is the VDSL 2 modem built into the Nighthawk X4S D7800, negating the need to buy or lease one separately. The outfitted software isn’t too shoddy either; a simple Dynamic QOS system makes it a breeze to govern a multitude of devices on a single home network. Best of all, it's a great router to use with a VPN.
