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 devices in your home, such as Smart TV or Internet-of-Things (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 benefits of setting up a VPN router:
Why Do You Need a Home VPN Router?
Most households have multiple devices that connect to the Internet. You 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 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 & Cons:
- Easy router setup via the Asus App
- Blazing-fast Wi-Fi 6 (Wireless-AX) speeds
- Enhanced with Merlin upgraded firmware
- Maintains and builds on most premium Asus router standard features
- Elevated VPN setup and implementation options
- 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 enhances VPN capabilities with the intuitive VPN Director tool, which enables you to manage multiple VPN connection locations with multiple VPN providers, all in one place.
The AsusWRT Merlin-powered RT-AX68U adds upon your favorite stock firmware features, like Asus router mobile app management, AiMesh, and more. Plus, it gives you access to enhanced network reporting and visualization tools you won’t find anywhere else.
You can find the complete list of specifications 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 & Cons:
- Perfect for 7-12 continuous connections
- 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 can find the complete list of specifications 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 & Cons:
- 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
- Recommended for 1-5 simultaneous connections 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 can find the complete list of specifications 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 & Cons:
- 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 can find the complete list of specifications here.
