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The best virtual private network (VPN) routers are ASUS RT-AX86U router, the mid-range and preloaded ExpressVPN Aircove router, and the powerful budget TP-Link Archer AX21. These three router choices were chosen for their speed, features, capabilities, performance, bandwidth, and VPN accessibility for your home network.
All three are Wi-Fi 6-capable, pair well with mesh systems, can handle multiple devices, and have solid options for VPN providers.
If you’re still wondering about what router to choose, check out what we’ve rounded up.
Having a VPN on your router means protecting every internet-connected device in your home. Some smart home devices and gaming consoles may not be able to install a VPN server, but a router enabled with the software can still protect those devices. This is especially important for gamers and families with kids online who want added security.
Here are our top three:
| Router | Best Overall ASUS RT-AX86U
|
ExpressVPN Aircove | TP-Link Archer AX21 |
| Price | $288.99 on Amazon | $189.90 on Amazon | $74.99 on Amazon |
| Built-in VPN | Yes — Express VPN | ||
| Wi-Fi 6 | |||
| Notable features | Free lifetime ASUS AiProtection Pro security, mobile game mode, AiMesh compatible | 1,600 square-foot coverage, Wi-Fi 6 capable, multi-screen 4k streaming support | Improves device battery life, OneMesh technology, easy-to-use app |
| Details | Learn More at ASUS | Learn More at ExpressVPN | Learn More at TP-LInk |
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In addition to the ASUS RT-AX86U looking like a Sith lord, it’s as powerful as one, too. With its Wi-Fi 6 capabilities and AiMesh compatibility, this device is in charge.
The Wi-Fi 6 capabilities, Ethernet wired and wireless options, as well as being AiMesh ready means you can set up a dead-zone-free system throughout your space.
The ASUS RT-AX86U isn’t really compatible with DD-WRT or Tomato if you’re looking to do a firmware update for a VPN configuration. It does, however, come with proprietary ASUSWRT-Merlin firmware that supports a lot of different VPN options.
What this means is that you won’t have to figure out how to install the firmware update. The AX86U comes with that already done so you can follow the instructions provided to install your chosen VPN.
This is the priciest router on our list, and if you’re uncomfortable with installing your own VPN, it may not be the best choice for you. If you’re partial to using a firmware upgrade you’re familiar with, you won’t be able to with this router.
But if you’re looking for a powerful router that allows you to stream video while another family member is streaming a 4k game, you’ll be happy with this choice.
| Price | $288.99 on Amazon |
| Built-in VPN | No |
| Speed | Up to 5,700 Mbps |
| Wi-Fi 6 | Yes |
| Number of ports | 6 |
| Wi-Fi standards | 802.11ax |
| Notable features | Free lifetime ASUS AiProtection Pro security, mobile game mode, AiMesh-compatible |
| Details | Learn More at ASUS |
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The ExpressVPN Aircove is really the first of its kind to come pre-installed with a notable VPN service. ExpressVPN is considered one of the best VPN services available, and having it pre-installed on a Wi-Fi 6-capable router is just a bonus.
The biggest downside is that you’ll have to purchase an ExpressVPN subscription separately, but your Aircove works effectively with or without an active subscription. Additionally, if you already have a mesh Wi-Fi system in your home, Aircove has the ability to integrate with one node to cover devices using that node.
Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
One of the most impressive features of the Aircove is the ability to configure up to five different VPN channels for different devices. This means if you want your gaming console running out of Japan while your laptop is pinging in the U.K., you can configure each channel to connect to a different location. Oh, and if you need to access the internet without a VPN, you can do that too.
This allows you to play a Japanese game on your console while watching different regional content on Netflix on your laptop. If you’re wondering whether any of this VPN use is legal, it is throughout most of the world.
You should note that internet speeds do have the potential to drop when ExpressVPN is active. Also, this router does lock you into having only one VPN option, and ExpressVPN is a little costlier than competitors such as NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost.
Lastly, this router isn’t the most expensive we’ve seen, but it isn’t the cheapest either. As with all tech equipment, you get what you pay for. If you’re not comfortable with any aspect of installing a VPN on a router, the Aircove may be the perfect choice for you.
| Price | $189.90 on Amazon |
| Built-in VPN | Yes — ExpressVPN |
| Speed | 1,200 Mbps |
| Wi-Fi 6 | Yes |
| Number of ports | 4 |
| Wi-Fi standards | 802.11ax, 802.11ac |
| Notable features | 1,600 square-foot home coverage, Wi-Fi 6 capable, multi-screen 4k streaming support |
| Details | Learn More at ExpressVPN |
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Just because the Archer AX21 is our budget option, that doesn’t mean it isn’t powerful. The AX21 is Wi-Fi 6 capable and delivers speeds up to 1,200 Mbps, all for under $100. The AX21 also allows you to create a mesh system by connecting Wi-Fi extenders. This means your entire space is blanketed in Wi-Fi.
If you’ve looked at TP-Link routers and read they tend to overheat, don’t worry about that with this one. Its silicon feet keep enough airflow around the router to stop the overheating problem.
The Tether app, which you can use to control the Archer AX21 from your phone, is available on iOS and Android devices, and allows you to complete the setup, change parental controls and other settings, and check the status of added network devices such as Wi-Fi extenders.
The one real caveat to the Archer AX21 is that you can’t add the VPN protocol from the Tether app. You’ll need to access TP-Link’s web GUI to install a VPN. TP-Link does provide a walkthrough for anyone wanting to do this. Supported protocols listed for the AX21 are OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP over IPsec, and the site specifically names ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access (PIA), and others as compatible.
Accessing the web GUI may be a hassle, but for a Wi-Fi router with fast connection speeds that costs less than $100, it’s a good trade-off.
| Price | $74.99 on Amazon |
| Built-in VPN | No |
| Speed | 1,200 Mbps |
| Wi-Fi 6 | Yes |
| Number of ports | 4 |
| Wi-Fi standards | 802.11 g, 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11ax, 802.11a, 802.11ac |
| Notable features | Improves device battery life, OneMesh technology, easy-to-use app |
| Details | Learn More at TP-LInk |
Our choices certainly aren’t the only VPN routers on the market. There’s so much information out there, though, so we wanted to pick routers that might appeal to everyone.
If Wi-Fi 6 isn’t your game or you’re not married to the idea of a mesh system, you can look to one of these runners-up. The NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 and Synology RT2600ac can easily handle streaming services, a high number of devices, and other heavy internet traffic.
The Nighthawk X10 has seven wired ports, covers 2,500 square feet of your space, and has speeds up to 4,600 Mbps. With all of this plus parental controls, you may wonder why we didn’t choose this router.
Although it does have the capability to install a VPN protocol, it isn’t Wi-Fi 6 enabled. If we’re moving into the future, we can’t look back. Eventually, Wi-Fi 5 (what we’re using) will be phased out. Why not purchase a product with Wi-Fi 6 now that will last you a while instead of one that will need to be retired in a few years?
With a price point higher than our ASUS choice (the NETGEAR is $398.79 as of writing), we decided to go with the ASUS for its Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. It’s also reported that the setup for this router can be laggy, and there are definite dead zones.
The Nighthawk seems to respond well to one Wi-Fi extender but doesn’t seem to love multiple ones, which means no mesh system. If you have a large space or dense walls, this may not be for you.
Synology might not be a brand you’re familiar with, but this router can definitely hang with the more popular brand names. The RT2600ac is sleek with four ports, a ton of power, and comes in at about $150 on Amazon at the time of writing.
The RT2600ac has speeds up to 2,500 Mbps and supports multiple VPN options such as OpenVPN, PPTP, SSTP, Synology SSL VPN, L2TP/IPSec, and WebVPN. You can create up to five separate networks, which is excellent for family, friends, and visitors.
You can even restrict online time and block websites within specific categories such as online shopping if you really want a lot of controls to help with productivity.
Ultimately we went with a different choice because this one is a little bigger design-wise and doesn’t have Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. But for around $150, it’s a powerful router with a lot of potential.
There are two options when it comes to a VPN on your router. Pre-flashed and unflashed routers are both readily available for purchase, but there are some key differences.
A pre-flashed router comes with a VPN already installed while an unflashed router does not. Whether you know what VPN software and security features you want or are just shopping for a compatible router, you’ll have different options to consider. There are drawbacks and benefits to both.
If you know what VPN encryption you want, you can purchase a pre-flashed router. This is also a great option if you know you want a VPN on your router, but aren’t completely confident in setting it up.
If you're not sure what specific VPN protocol you need yet, or want extra customization, you can purchase an unflashed router with the capabilities to install your preferred VPN. This also gives you the ability to more easily change VPNs if the one you choose doesn’t have the features you’d like.
If your VPN choice is unsupported, you’ll have to replace your router’s firmware to install the VPN protocol of your choice.
When you’re looking for a router that supports a VPN, you’ll want to make sure the router has the option to install the VPN you want. You’ll also need to make sure speed and range are prioritized. A high-speed router means nothing if the range doesn’t include all your devices.
If you have a large home or living space, you’ll also want to consider a router that adapts easily to a mesh Wi-Fi setup.
Features and settings to look for:
If you’re looking for an unflashed router the ASUS RT-AX86U is Wi-Fi 6 capable, blazing fast, and great for gamers. If you prefer your VPN to come pre-installed, the ExpressVPN Aircove is also Wi-Fi 6-capable, has 1,600 square feet of range, and allows you to customize what connected devices run through the VPN and which ones don’t.
The ExpressVPN Aircove comes pre-installed with ExpressVPN and is a high-powered star while the ASUS RT-AX86U allows you to install your own VPN into its custom firmware for easy setup. The ExpressVPN Aircove reaches speeds of up to 1,200 Mbps while the ASUS RT-AX86U maxes out at 5,700, and both allow you to game and stream without interruptions.
Yes, your router needs to be able to allow a firmware change to install a VPN or it needs to come with a VPN pre-installed. Most routers don’t come with the capability to install a VPN.
Whether you need a VPN router depends on what you’re doing online. If you want your traffic to be encrypted, want to access a variety of regional catalogs on streaming services, or have a gamer living in your space, you should consider a VPN router.
We chose these routers based on speed, performance, VPN compatibility, and ease of use. The ASUS RT-AX86U is a beast that can handle all the online traffic your household can throw at it. Whether you have a family of gamers or four roommates each streaming 4K movies while working online and checking TikTok, the AX86U will keep everyone online seamlessly.
The ExpressVPN Aircove is one of the first of its kind preloaded with a notable VPN, and it still manages to be Wi-Fi 6 capable. If you already have an ExpressVPN subscription, you can log in and protect your network in a matter of minutes. Finally, our choice for the TP-Link Archer AX21 gives you all the controls you need for a fraction of the ASUS and Aircove routers.
| Price | Best for | Details | |
| ASUS RT-AX86U | $288.99 on Amazon | Best overall | Learn More at ASUS |
| ExpressVPN Aircove | $189.90 on Amazon | Best for pre-installed VPN | Learn More at ExpressVPN |
| TP-Link Archer AX21 | $74.99 on Amazon | Best for performance on a budget | Learn More at TP-LInk |
Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
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