In today‘s digital world, VPN routers have become an essential tool for security, privacy and access to restricted content. By installing a VPN at the router level, all devices connected to your home network are protected through encrypted tunnels. This helps bypass geographical restrictions, shield your online activities from prying eyes, and overcome censorship or throttling by ISPs.
This article explores 12 top-rated VPN routers to truly unlock the potential of your internet connection. We‘ll look at key factors like security, speed, number of simultaneous connections and more to help you choose the best option for your needs. Read on to discover how these VPN routers can provide a smooth, safe and restriction-free online experience across all your devices!
Why You Should Use a VPN Router
Here are 5 compelling reasons to install a VPN router in your home or office:
Heightened Security
By encrypting all traffic, VPN routers add a vital layer of protection against cyber threats targeting your network. Features like firewalls, intrusion prevention systems and malware blocking offer robust security for your data and devices.
Complete Privacy
Your browsing activities, downloads, identity and location are concealed from your ISP and hackers when connected through a VPN router. By masking your IP address, no one can monitor what sites you visit.
Overcome Online Restrictions
Connecting through international VPN servers lets you bypass censorship, blocked websites and geo-restricted platforms in your country. Access US Netflix libraries, news sites, gaming portals that may be unavailable locally.
Protect All Connected Devices
Unlike VPN apps that secure individual devices, routers shield everything on your network in one go. Smartphones, PCs, smart home gadgets and more benefit from the encryption simultaneously.
Convenience and Flexibility
Once set up, VPN routers provide smooth security that you don‘t have to turn on and off for each device. Connections are automated in the background as you surf the web unhindered across all your gadgets.
How to Choose the Best VPN Router
With a wide range of VPN routers available, keep these aspects in mind while deciding:
✅ Security Features – Firewall, anti-malware, VPN kill switches and DNS leak protection ensure watertight security for your network traffic.
✅ Speed and Performance – Faster processors, RAM and WiFi standards like 802.11ax ensure lag-free VPN speeds for gaming, streaming etc.
✅ VPN Protocols – OpenVPN and WireGuard offer reliable connections. Look for routers supporting different protocols for more flexibility.
✅ VPN Client Compatibility – The router should work seamlessly with top VPN services or have its own easy-to-use client software.
✅ Simultaneous Connections – Consider concurrent VPN connections supported to allow multiple devices to use the network smoothly.
Now let‘s explore 12 of the best VPN routers available today:
1. GL.iNet GL-A1300
|
Key Features
Price: $89.99 Buy: Amazon |
GL.iNet‘s GL-A1300 is a top-rated portable VPN router with strong encryption and secure public WiFi connections. I love that it lets you isolate guest devices on a separate network. With OpenVPN, WireGuard and a useful VPN kill switch, it provides rock-solid privacy without speed lags.
2. ASUS AC1900
|
Key Features
Price: $59.99 Buy: Amazon |
This ASUS router delivers superfast 1900 Mbps speeds to handle 4K streams, VR gaming and video calls without buffering. The intuitive mobile app also makes it simple to manage parental controls, media priorities and security settings from anywhere.
3. NETGEAR Nighthawk
|
Key Features
Price: $107.10 Buy: Amazon |
NETGEAR‘s Nighthawk leverages cutting-edge WiFi 6 standard for faster network speeds with minimal congestion even on crowded bands. With a 1.5 Gbps throughput, it effortlessly handles high-bandwidth tasks across 1500 square feet of coverage.
4. Encrouter
|
Key Features
Price: $139 Buy: Amazon |
Encrouter sets itself apart with user-friendly VPN profiles – you can forcibly route some devices through US servers while routing others privately. Its integrated VPN service includes 70+ worldwide locations for circumventing geo-blocks. With brawny WiFi 6 performance, 4K streaming works flawlessly!
5. Synology RT2600ac
|
Key Features
Price: $149.99 Buy: Amazon |
This high-performance router from Synology has it all – blistering WiFi speeds topping 2.5 Gbps, robust VPN support for remote access, as well as useful built-in threat and bandwidth management tools. Top marks for strong reliability too!
6. TP-Link AX3000
|
Key Features
Price: $107.99 Buy: Amazon |
This WiFi 6 router from TP-Link marries next-gen speed with useful innovations like voice control through Amazon Alexa. Effortless management coupled with OFDMA and beamforming translates to smoother 4K streaming, gaming and downloads across connected devices.
7. ExpressVPN Aircove
|
Key Features
Price: $189.90 Buy: Amazon |
Integrating ExpressVPN into a hardware router was a stroke of genius! Aircove hides your network behind an encrypted VPN tunnel with "split tunneling" to customize privacy levels for individual devices. With 5 min quick installation and optimization for 4K streams, this is truly hassle-free anonymity.
8. ASUS WiFi 6 RT-AX57
|
Key Features
Price: $99.99 Buy: Amazon |
This WiFi 6 router from ASUS challenges speeds up to 3000 Mbps thanks to powerful 1024-QAM encoding. Both OFDMA and MU-MIMO allow up to 4X capacity boost, ensuring buttery-smooth 4K streams across mobiles, consoles and laptops simultaneously.
9. TRENDnet AC3000
|
Key Features
Price: $260.37 Buy: Amazon |
TRENDnet‘s tri-band wireless router is designed for performance with 1733 Mbps 5GHz throughput! Commercial-grade QoS prioritization ensures lag-free gaming and calls while 6 antennas provide whole home WiFi. Also handles 20+ VPN connections for offices!
10. Tenda AXE5700
|
Key Features
Price: $159.99 Buy: Amazon |
Tenda‘s AXE5700 WiFi 6E router unlocks unprecedented performance powered by the new 6 GHz band. Now enjoy a congestion-free network for 8K video, VR gaming and video conferencing without any lag! This future-proof tri-band router has my vote!
11. Cudy AX1800
|
Key Features
Price: $59.90 Buy: Amazon |
Cudy AX1800 delivers WiFi 6 enhancement minus the premium price tag! For smoothing out 1080p video calls, online schooling and moderate downloads over 2000 sq ft, its smart beamforming and barebones OS work great!
12. GL-X750V2
|
|
Key Features
Price: $129.90 Buy: Amazon |
GL.iNet‘s Spitz GL-X750V2 leverages 4G LTE networks for internet access ideal for RVs and rural homes. With an AC750 throughput plus powerful OpenVPN encryption out-of-the-box, I could seamlessly work plus stream movies from anywhere without a regular ISP!
Final Thoughts
Say goodbye to online restrictions by deploying one of these secure VPN routers in your home network. With powerful encryption shielding your devices and traffic, you gain anonymity plus the ability to access geo-blocked resources anywhere globally.
I hope reviews of my top 12 choices above have helped summarize key capabilities like speed, features and ease-of-use for making an informed purchase. Investing in a good VPN router pays dividends by not only improving network privacy but also significantly enhancing your content access and streaming experience online.
