The best VPN routers for securing all your devices
Overview
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Table of Contents
The VPN — virtual private network — used to have a bit of a dodgy reputation. It was once considered a means for conducting nefarious activities online. These days it just makes sense for everyone to have an extra layer of security when browsing online. Especially when doing things like checking your internet banking.
Without a VPN, your data is effectively open to anyone because it's not encrypted. While most people don't have to worry too much about being spied on, it's still an unnecessary risk. Circumvent that risk by installing a VPN. It's simple enough to find a good quality VPN.
But before you just buy yourself a VPN, we'd recommend getting a router to install it first. It's easier than installing a VPN client into every single device. Confused? It does sound a bit complicated if you're not tech-minded. To help, we've put together a guide and a list of the best routers for VPNs.
What is a VPN?
The world of VPNs can quickly become quite complicated, but we’ll give you a quick rundown. A virtual private network encrypts your activity to shield your data and let you use the internet anonymously. It gives you an extra layer of privacy and security against hackers and data collectors. A VPN on your device will make your IP address untraceable and keep your data secure, which is especially handy if you’re using an unsecured public WiFi network. Even in your own home, a VPN is useful for secure browsing, bypassing some regional restrictions, and more.
How do you install a VPN?
The set-up is where things can get fiddly. One method is to install a VPN client onto every single device in your home. The odds are though, you have multiple devices that connect to your WiFi network, from your laptop and phone to your TV — maybe even kitchen appliances if you've gone all-in with a smart home. Installing a VPN on every device takes time and effort. Instead, you can download a single VPN client directly to your router. That way, every device connected to your router will use the VPN automatically. It's the safest option, especially if you have kids or tech novices in your home, and if you want to keep things secure with minimal hassle.
What is a VPN router?
Routers don’t (usually) have a pre-installed VPN, but you can download a VPN onto them. Some support the OpenVPN standard which means you can configure a VPN with any provider that supports this, while others can have their firmware changed to a third-party alternative that supports VPNs. Setting up a VPN on your router can be tricky. But if you know what you’re doing and you have lots of devices you want to be covered by a centralised VPN, you’ll probably find that the benefit outweighs the trouble — it's certainly less hassle than setting up a VPN on each device separately.
Should you use a VPN with your router?
Configuring your router with a VPN means that any device connected to your router is protected under that VPN. So, you don’t have to get multiple VPNs, and smart devices that can’t otherwise be configured to use a VPN are protected. Most VPN subscriptions limit the number of devices you can connect to, and you have to pay extra if you want to add on any additional devices. Configuring your router to a VPN acts as a sort of loophole that gets around those limitations. Because the router pairs with any device connected to your wireless network, they’re all protected by that one VPN.
One instance where a VPN router is actually very useful is if you happen to own a small business like a cafe where random people will be connecting to your WiFi throughout the day. The VPN router will help protect customers’ data and it falls to the individual if they want protection on their devices once they leave.
What are the downsides to using a VPN on your router?
As already mentioned, VPNs can be a pain to set up. It’s not like downloading an app on your phone. Just looking at the ExpressVPN setup instructions might be enough to discourage the average person from trying. But if you're tech-minded or good at following instructions, you'll be able to master it. We believe in you. And remember that protecting your devices via a VPN on your router means that devices won’t be protected when you leave your home and are no longer connected to your network.
Additionally, not every service you use functions properly under a VPN. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu work to block VPN usage to prevent users from accessing geo-blocked content (i.e. only available in other countries). Banks might also block VPNs to prevent cybercriminals from accessing accounts.
What are the best VPNs to use with routers?
Our top picks are probably NordVPN and ExpressVPN. It's worth taking your time when it comes to selecting a VPN, because there are a lot of different services out there offering similar sets of features. Fortunately, we can help you find the best VPN.
What is the best VPN router?
The decision is ultimately yours and depends on your own smart home set-up and internet usage, but we've done the hard work of researching and put together this list of top VPN routers. There's something for everyone here.
These are the best VPN routers in 2025.
ASUS RT-AC86U
Best For Most Households
The Good & The Bad
- Highly rated for speed
- Useful features for gamers
- Extensive firmware options
- MU-MIMO technology
- Tricky VPN client setup
- Older model
Why We Like It
If you're a VPN user who needs a little bit of everything from your router, the ASUS RT-AC86U is a beacon of WiFi brilliance. Though it's an older model compared to other routers on this list, it gets consistently good reviews for its speed and features. For those of us still using WiFi 5 devices (which is most of us) this router is pretty much unbeatable.
The router comes equipped with a commercial-grade network security system, which is there to protect your devices. VPN capabilities ramp up your online protection even further. Reviewers have rated the ASUS RT-AC86U for having an easy server set-up, though installing the VPN client can be a bit more complicated. Many users opt to use ASUS's Merlin firmware as their VPN service, which makes things a little more straightforward.
As well as VPN capabilities, it has some gaming friendly features, including an adaptive QoS and Gaming Boost, both of which reduce lag during gameplay.
Details
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX1 1000
Best For Gaming
The Good & The Bad
- VPN Fusion feature
- Super fast for gaming
- Extendable & AI Mesh compatible
- VPN-based security features
- Certainly not cheap
- No built-in VPN client
Why We Like It
It’s not hard to miss the fact that the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX1 1000 is built for gaming. This futuristic router looks like a beast and that's exactly what it is. But if you’re a dedicated gamer who also wants the benefit of a VPN, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX1 1000 has rock solid VPN credentials too.
For starters, it uses something called VPN Fusion. This is a clever bit of technology that prevents any lag in your gaming from VPN usage. It essentially allows you to run both a VPN and an ordinary internet connection at once, so other people on the network can use a VPN while you simultaneously enjoy blazing gaming speeds.
Blazing speeds are of course another reason to splash out on this router, not to mention port forwarding, game boost at the push of a button, and extendable coverage with ASUS Ai Mesh, which connects to other ASUS routers. You also get cyber security that uses VPN technology to guard mobile devices on public WiFi in places like cafes and hotels.
Details
Synology RT6600AX
Best For Office Features
The Good & The Bad
- Excellent operating system
- Creates up to five networks
- Lots of VPN customisation
- File sharing & management
- VPN features quite work specific
Why We Like It
Not everyone needs the level of VPN features you get with the Synology RT6600AXc. That's because it's made more for the work environment.
It's compatible with most VPN providers but also has its own VPN client, which gives you licence-free access to networks. As in, there's no extra cost. This is especially good for offices or homes with lots of users. The VPN server gives you remote access and control of your computer and network, allowing you to set up a virtual office that suits all of your team's workflow and schedules.
If that all sounds a tad confusing, then the Synology RT6600AX is probably above and beyond your VPN needs. But for serious network usage, it's a serious piece of kit. It offers competitive speeds, along with built-in security, network segmentation, and other features to customise your user experience.
Details
GL.iNet Slate AX
Best For Travel
The Good & The Bad
- Very portable
- Lots of VPN support
- OpenVPN and WireGuard built in
- Impressively fast
- Not much at this price
Why We Like It
If you’re a frequent traveller, or you’re always away working, but always dissatisfied with the quality of the free WiFi — you know, the kind you get in cheap hotels or underequipped Airbnbs — the GL.iNet Slate AX is a solution. More than that, it’s a reliable travel buddy. Just pop this portable gadget in your bag and connect when you get to your destination.
The GL.iNet Slate AX — also known as the GL-AXT1800 — offers not only impressive speeds but security too. It’s comes with both OpenVPN and WireGuard pre-installed, plus compatibility with more than 30 VPN providers. In terms of impressive numbers, it will support 120 devices. That's a darn sight more than you’ll get from the standard hotel WiFi, which often struggles with anything more than a smartphone and laptop.
Reviewers have actually found very little fault with this handy gadget. It’s mini and mighty but, most importantly, it's also affordable.
Details
Aircove
Best For VPN Beginners
The Good & The Bad
- Developed by ExpressVPN
- Super easy VPN set up
- Connects to multiple VPN locations
- Come with a free trial
- Good security & parental controls
- Still requires subscription
- Higher spec available
Why We Like It
We get it: The idea of setting up a VPN can be daunting. Particularly if you’re a first time VPN user. It’s a lot to get your head around. If that sounds like you, we recommend the Aircove router, which is made by top VPN brand ExpressVPN and simplifies the whole situation with a quick-and-easy, fuss-free set-up. You’ll be up and running in five minutes, max.
As you’d expect, this has a ExpressVPN built-in, though you’ll still have to sign up for a subscription to use it. The router does come with a six-month free trial, however. It also gives you the ability to connect to five VPN locations at once, meaning you can stream content from overseas while also connecting to other sites and services locally or, indeed, in other places around the globe.
It’s actually pretty powerful, too. It reaches speeds that will more than suffice for 4K streaming and regular gaming demands, plus it can connect to as many devices as you can throw at it. Add in robust security and easy app control to make this a serious all-rounder for VPN newbies.
Details
Topics Cybersecurity Streaming
Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.
Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable's sister site, AskMen.
Matt Ford is a freelance contributor to Mashable.
