VPN support on a router can mean a few different things, but to most people, it means using an encrypted VPN service to add a layer of protection between your device and the internet at large. For this, you need a router with VPN client support, and luckily, a few of the best Wi-Fi routers have this feature by default. TP-Link, for example, has even been adding VPN client mode to its routers, even the cheap ones, with firmware updates.
If you’re an online gamer, you’ll want a router with a feature like Asus' VPN Fusion that allows you to choose which devices are connected to the VPN and which aren’t. Even the most popular VPN services will add a few milliseconds of delay, which can lead to lag during matches. That same ping increase during everyday computing or streaming will hardly be noticeable and a worthwhile tradeoff to some.
-
Asus RT-AX82U
Editor's choice
-
ASUS RT-AX88U Pro
Best gaming
-
TP-Link Archer AX21
Best Value
-
Gl.iNet Slate AX
Compact and customizable
-
ExpressVPN Aircove
Simple setup
-
-
Synology WRX560
Powerful software
-
Eero 6+
Simple mesh solution
-
TP-Link Archer BE550
Best Wi-Fi 7
Choose your router software wisely
The relative openness of Asus' router software, ASUSWRT, has allowed the company to become a clear leader in smaller categories like VPN support. While many routers have supported VPN Server for ages, VPN Client support has grown alongside the best VPN services in popularity, even if VPNs aren’t as safe as many think. TP-Link, notably, has been quick to update many of its routers with VPN Client support.
The Asus RT-AX82U is a great starting point for those looking for a fast Wi-Fi 6 router with software that allows customers to get deep into the settings or just manage things from afar with an app. Its dual-band AX5400 connection should have no issues keeping up with a gigabit connection (when a VPN isn’t being used), and while it's not the most powerful router you can get, it should have no trouble keeping up with multiple simultaneous devices using a VPN. There are cheaper Asus routers with VPN Client support, the addition of VPN Fusion in a software update makes the RT-AX82U a better pick for frequent VPN users.
If you want a VPN quickly and don’t mind giving up some flexibility, the ExpressVPN Aircove is second to none in ease of use and setup. You have to use ExpressVPN, but signing in to your account is a matter of moments on this router, and choosing which VPN you want each device on is a breeze with a drag-and-drop GUI. You can even set different VPNs for different devices, so if you want a streaming device that always thinks it’s in another country, you have that option.
VPN Client vs. VPN Server
Looking through the spec sheets, you may have seen that a lot more routers support VPN Server than VPN Client. VPN Client allows you to connect to a remote VPN server, like those owned or rented by a VPN service, as a client. By making your router that client, all the devices connected to it will be directed through that VPN. For most VPN users, VPN Client is what they expect when looking for a VPN router.
VPN Server, on the other hand, makes your router the server to which clients can connect. This is useful if you’re away from home and want to connect to the internet or your local network as if you were home. This is also commonly used by corporations or institutions as a way to make sure their data is secure, even with people working away from the office.
VPN Server is very cool, but for many home users, it’s not all it's cracked up to be. First, you will be relying on your home internet’s upload speed for your connection, which can be quite low with cheaper cable internet plans. Fiber and 5G ISPs tend not to restrict upload speeds as much, but your mileage will vary. You’ll also be stuck using a dynamic IP on most residential ISPs, which means that the address to your home network can change at any time, and you’ll need a service to keep your VPN connected. An increasing number of manufacturers are making this easier, like AmpliFi, Asus, and Eero, by connecting with an app, but it’s far from perfect and requires setup before you leave home.
FAQs
ZDNET has years of experience in testing VPN solutions and hardware. Our pick for the best VPN router overall is the ExpressVPN Aircove. This router has a VPN already installed, saving you the work of setting up and configuring the software. It also offers impressive speeds and coverage.
What is the best router to use with a VPN? ›
ZDNET has years of experience in testing VPN solutions and hardware. Our pick for the best VPN router overall is the ExpressVPN Aircove. This router has a VPN already installed, saving you the work of setting up and configuring the software. It also offers impressive speeds and coverage.
What routers are compatible with Pia VPN? ›
Yes, PIA works with most retail routers, including ASUSWRT and MERLIN, and DD-WRT. Unfortunately, your ISP router won't work with PIA because ISPs block VPN installation to retain control over your network.
Do I need a special router for VPN? ›
It is worth noting that most ISP routers and modems don't support a VPN connection. However, you can combine an ISP modem with a VPN-supported router for a VPN to work. If you're looking for a VPN-supported router, here are a few suggestions that will benefit both home users and SMEs: Linksys WRT 3200 ACM.
Is A VPN router better than a VPN? ›
Is a VPN router better than a VPN? Yes. There are many advantages for multiple devices. A VPN router allows you to connect several devices at the same time, protecting them all with a secure, encrypted connection.
Is PIA the strongest VPN? ›
Private Internet Access, or PIA, is one of the cheapest virtual private networks on the planet. Despite its low cost compared to rival VPNs, PIA boasts strong privacy, solid features and excellent streaming support. While it's not the fastest VPN, I appreciate PIA's commitment to privacy and transparency.
Is PIA still a good VPN? ›
Is PIA VPN safe? PIA is a secure VPN provider, however, it wouldn't top our most secure VPNs list. This VPN has customizable encryption levels and works on RAM-only servers, but is based in a privacy-unfriendly jurisdiction.
How do I know if my router is compatible with a VPN? ›
The simplest way to find out if your device is compatible with VPNs is to look at the manual or Google the exact model plus “VPN compatible.” It's important to note that most routers ISPs provide are not compatible with VPNs.
Is NordVPN or Surfshark better? ›
NordVPN offers more than 6300 ultra-fast VPN servers covering 111 countries, while Surfshark has over 3,200 servers covering 100 countries. Overall, NordVPN has more servers in Europe and North America, while Surfshark offers more choices in Asia, Africa, and South America.
What is a virtual VPN router? ›
A VPN server router not only acts as a gateway to provide network sharing, but it can also allow you to freely access VPN services. By setting up a VPN server on your router, your connections to the router will become invisible to the internet, making each device anonymous.
ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Router, Subscription-Free Network Security, Parental Control, Built-in VPN, AiMesh Compatible, Gaming & Streaming, Smart Home.
Does VPN affect WiFi router? ›
Also, remember that a VPN connection on your router will likely be slower than connecting to the VPN from your device (unless you have a very powerful router). If you've set up your VPN on your router and the speed is too slow, you may want to use the VPN primarily on your computer/phone only.
Does a VPN router slow down internet speed? ›
A VPN will slow down your internet connection. With a premium VPN (Virtual Private Network), that slowdown should be unnoticeable. But no matter whether it is paid or free, a VPN will slow down your connection because it needs some of that bandwidth for encryption purposes.
