A virtual private network (VPN) is one of the best ways to encrypt your online communication, mask your IP address, circumvent censorship, and enhance your personal privacy. Many users simply download their chosen VPN’s desktop or mobile software, install the app, sign in, choose a server, and go. However, you can also install your VPN on your router or purchase one with the service pre-installed.
Setting up a VPN environment via your router provides blanket security and privacy coverage across home devices. This means you don’t need to install VPN software on each gadget, and the process is easier than you think if you have compatible hardware. Some router manufacturers also provide hardware with preinstalled VPNs. In any case, opting for a VPN-ready router is an excellent way to enhance your home security and online privacy.
Also: Best business VPNs of 2025
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What is the best VPN router right now?
My pick for the best overall VPN router is the Privacy Hero 2. This $190 router has our top preinstalled VPN, NordVPN, saving you the hassle of setting up and configuring the software. It also offers impressive speeds, coverage, and server selection. It’s also great for accessing different streaming content libraries and reducing YouTube ads.
ZDNET has years of experience testing VPN solutions and hardware. We closely monitor and test standalone VPN software. The team also takes an interest in any VPN-ready routers that reduce the potential complexities of installing the software. I also frequently conduct speed and security tests to ensure my favorites hold weight against their competitors.
Read on to discover my other favorite VPN routers that offer excellent VPN compatibility, speed, coverage, and additional privacy features.
The best VPN routers of 2025
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The Privacy Hero 2, available from FlashRouters, is my top pick for VPN-ready routers in 2025.
Why we like it: After reviewing this model, what stood out the most was how easy it is to set up and use. The idea of spending time diving into the technical area of a router to configure a VPN won’t appeal to most. With the Privacy Hero 2, this job is done for you.
The Privacy Hero 2 is lightweight, and the VPN itself can be managed through an online dashboard. You can select from VPNs, including NordVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access, or opt for protocols such as WireGuard.
In addition, you can quickly swap between streaming servers and the country you would like to appear from.
I also liked just how easy it was to switch server locations and countries from my web browser. This is a handy feature if you are checking out different streaming and content libraries, or if you are having trouble with a specific server.
Review: Is a VPN-ready router the ultimate Wi-Fi upgrade? I tested one to find out
An ad-blocker is also included by default, and it works pretty well as a way to reduce clutter during online sessions, including watching YouTube videos.
Who it’s for: This model is suitable for medium-sized homes and offers speeds of up to 3,000Mbps. It also comes with a year of free NordVPN access, so you can enjoy VPN connectivity for 12 months before having to renew.
The Privacy Hero 2’s typical recommended retail price (RRP) is $250. However, this model has been on sale at a price of $190 for some time.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want a VPN router that is cheaper or suitable for travel, check out my other recommendations.
Privacy Hero 2 features: Dual-band | Wi-Fi 6 – Wireless AX | 1.3GHz CPU | Up to 3,000Mbps | WireGuard compatible | Medium home support | One year of NordVPN free | Currently on sale
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The ExpressVPN Aircove is another one of my top picks thanks to its speed, ease of setup, and security.
Why we like it: When selecting a VPN-ready router, consider stability and speed among your priorities. The $190 Aircove achieves speeds up to 1,200Mbps (600Mbps/2.4GHz) when the VPN is not in use. You should still expect speeds to drop marginally when you are connected to VPN servers.
ExpressVPN is one of my favorite VPNs of 2025. This is largely due to consistently minimal speed loss during my tests, as well as its suitability for beginners, streaming, and traveling. If you plan to use a VPN on your router 24/7, it is an excellent choice, either via Aircove or another VPN-ready router.
There’s also a feature to diversify the servers used by devices connected to the router. For example, you might not want to connect your gaming PC to the VPN and have an office laptop run through a U.S. or U.K. server. Parents and guardians can also take advantage of parental control settings.
Also: ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
Who it’s for: It offers dual-band connectivity for homes and offices, providing coverage of up to 1,600 square feet, making this router another suitable option for family homes.
You will need an
Customer feedback indicates that users enjoy its excellent speed and performance, but there are some reports of instability.
Who should look elsewhere: If $5 per month is a bit more than you want to spend on a VPN, I’ve listed other router options with cheaper or free VPNs included.
ExpressVPN Aircove features: Wi-Fi 6 | Built-in VPN | 802.11ax, 802.11ac | Diverse server locations | Ad-blocking | Threat manager | Parental controls | Includes free trial
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The Asus RT-AX1800S isn’t the best of the best, but it is one of my top choices if you need something entry-level and affordable.
Why we like it: The Wi-Fi 6 model operates on the 2.4GHz frequency and offers up to 1,000Mbps speeds. It also offers free Internet of Things (IoT) device security via Asus AiProtection.
This router features a built-in VPN, Asus Instant Guard, which can be activated with the press of a button. This removes the need to subscribe to another service.
The Asus RT-AX1800S is compatible with AiMesh and includes five Ethernet ports — one Gigabit WAN (wide area network) and four Gigabit LAN (local area network). You can also purchase Wi-Fi extenders if you need to increase its range in larger homes.
Customers say this router is great value for money, and many are impressed with the parental controls and security functions. The free VPN is designed to be user-friendly, but some customers report occasional disconnection issues.
Who it’s for: This is one of the most affordable VPN-ready routers on the market. Over at Amazon, you will only pay $70 while it’s on sale, making it a top choice if you need something budget friendly.
Who should look elsewhere: The built-in VPN will help you preserve your privacy, but it’s unlikely to match the standards of competitors such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN. If you want the best in terms of speed and reliability, consider one of my other recommendations.
Asus RT-AX1800S features: Dual-band | 2.4GHz | Up to 1,000Mbps speeds | Parental controls | AiMesh compatible | One Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports | Currently on sale
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This VPN-ready router is powerful enough to see you through the years to come and is hardware to consider if you want to utilize multiple connections simultaneously.
Why we like it: The Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 is optimized for gamers who will appreciate its gaming accelerator, 2.5G/10G LAN and WAN ports, and quad-core processing power. This option also includes Asus’ VPN Fusion feature.
VPN Fusion lets you connect to multiple VPN servers simultaneously. You can assign your devices to different VPN tunnels such as selecting a server for your PC, another for your smart TV, and so on.
Also: Best Mini PCs of 2025
Who it’s for: Customer reviews suggest the VPN is an excellent option for gamers, and the VPN Fusion feature is popular with those who do not mind getting technical and deep-diving into customization and settings.
This router is currently on sale for $250 if you opt for the 10G port model.
Who should look elsewhere: Some customers consider the price point to be high, and it’s far from the most affordable router on the market.
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 features: Wi-Fi 6E | Tri-band | 6GHz band | VPN Fusion | 2.5G, 10G LAN/WAN ports | Quad-core processor | Gaming accelerator | Range booster | Currently on sale
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The GL.iNET Beryl-AX is an excellent option if you want flexibility in your VPN choice, and you want to take your router with you when you travel.
Why we like it: This pocket-sized, powerful router has a 1.3GHz processor and can reach speeds of up to 3000Mbps. It also includes a Gigabit Ethernet port and a USB port.
Also: Best VPNs for Canada in 2025
The router offers implementation options with all the major VPN providers, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, IPVanish, and Private Internet Access, as it supports the OpenVPN, WireGuard, and OpenWRT protocols.
As a bonus, you can have your router preconfigured with your preferred VPN upon purchase.
Who it’s for: Customers say this router is portable, works extremely well, and is easy to configure, making it my top choice for a travel-friendly VPN router. For further protection when you’re traveling, check out ZDNET’s extensive research on the best travel VPNs.
Who should look elsewhere: It’s small, but its $150 price point may deter some customers. However, it is cheaper on Amazon, or you can use the code ZDNET on Flashrouters for $30 off. Additionally, service plans can be expensive, which may prompt you to look elsewhere.
GL.iNET Beryl-AX features: Multi VPN-compatibility | Travel-friendly | 1.3GHz processor | Gigabit Ethernet port | OpenVPN, Wireguard, and OpenWRT compatibility
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|
VPN router |
Price |
Built-in VPN? |
Speed |
|
Privacy Hero 2 |
$190 |
✓ |
Up to 3,000Mbps |
|
ExpressVPN Aircove |
$190 |
✓ |
Up to 1,200Mbps (disconnected) | 180Mbps |
|
Asus RT-AX1800S |
$70 |
✓ |
Up to 1,000Mbps |
|
Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 |
$250 |
x |
Up to 11,000Mbps |
|
GL.iNET Beryl-AX |
$150 |
x |
Up to 3,000Mbps |
*MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on available sales, deals, discounts, and coupons.
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There are advantages and disadvantages to using a VPN-enabled router or a standalone VPN app, the most important of which are below.
|
VPN router |
VPN app |
|
A VPN router provides blanket coverage for all of your devices at home. |
A VPN app’s coverage is limited by the number of simultaneous connections you are allowed under one account. |
|
A VPN router can be complicated to set up, and most routers do not come with a built-in VPN. You could also risk your router’s warranty when installing a VPN. |
VPN apps are typically easy to install and use. |
|
Install once, and protect everything. |
You must install VPN apps individually. |
|
VPN coverage and security is on permanently. |
VPN apps have to be opened and services have to be enabled. |
|
You need a VPN subscription and, in most cases, a paid one. |
Free, limited plans and paid options are available. |
|
You need a compatible router. |
You need a compatible PC or mobile device. |
|
A VPN router can protect devices that don’t have native support, such as TVs. |
VPN usage is limited to the available apps and operating system (OS) compatibility. |
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A VPN router service is a VPN that can either be installed directly on a compatible router or has already been enabled on a specific router.
Today’s routers are often compatible with VPNs but installing them isn’t always the same process. You may have to be comfortable with a deep dive into technical settings and have a basic understanding of networking to do so.
Some VPN providers offer routers with preinstalled VPN software, but you must sign up for a subscription. Consider using a VPN-ready router if you do not want to have to go through the process of installing the software manually on all of your devices or if you want to ensure that every device connected to your Wi-Fi network is protected. Just keep in mind that you may be locked to a particular VPN and it may be difficult to switch providers in the future.
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Installing a VPN on your router allows all your devices to access the same VPN network and connection. This creates blanket protection and IP masking, but it can be challenging to set up.
Remember that your router will act as a VPN client rather than a server and share the VPN with devices connected to it. Here are some general steps to take, although they may change depending on your router and existing setup:
- Check your router’s compatibility. Not every router will run a VPN natively, but many modern routers do have the capacity.
- Sign up for a VPN service. Unless your router comes with a built-in VPN, you will likely need a subscription.
- Access your VPN’s firmware. You will need to do so through your router’s internet protocol (IP) address.
- Under settings, you should find a VPN tab, and you will need to enable VPN services and choose between a static or dynamic IP address.
- The VPN client can now be installed, although you may need to tweak your network settings.
For an extensive installation guide, check out:How to set up a VPN on your router
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Choosing the best VPN router involves many factors. If you want to purchase a VPN-ready router, you will find the best use cases for each of our recommendations below.
|
Choose this VPN router… |
If you want… |
|
Privacy Hero 2 |
The best VPN-ready router overall. The Privacy Hero 2 is one of the most user-friendly options on the market with good coverage and speed. It’s compatible with NordVPN — one of our favorite VPNs. |
|
ExpressVPN Aircove |
A user-friendly VPN router with solid coverage and speed. While the router is exclusive to ExpressVPN usage, it is one of our favorites due to its price, reliability, and easy setup. |
|
Asus RT-AX1800S |
An affordable VPN solution. This model has highly positive customer reviews and, for the price point, is a steal — especially when you consider its built-in VPN and additional security controls. |
|
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 |
VPN versatility at home. You can use the Asus VPN Fusion feature to customize your VPN experience and operate multiple server connections simultaneously. |
|
GL.iNET Beryl-AX |
To take your VPN router with you on your travels. This router is one of the best travel-friendly, portable routers that is compatible with major VPN providers. |
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When you are researching a new VPN router, consider these points before making a purchase:
- Do it yourself? If you want a VPN for your home network, consider installing one directly on your router. DIY options often require some technical knowledge, and you will need to be comfortable changing your router settings.
- Preinstalled options: If you don’t want to tamper with router settings yourself to install a VPN, consider a router model that comes with a VPN preinstalled. Pre-installed VPNs may be custom VPNs provided by the router manufacturers or they will be the result of partnerships with third-party VPN providers.
- Affordability: VPN routers are available for a variety of budgets. If you can, consider a future-proof VPN router that can support next-generation Wi-Fi and provide good coverage and speeds. Larger homes will need more square footage of coverage.
- VPN: You also need to take into account the VPN service you want to use. If you have a preferred VPN, ensure that the router you want supports it.
- Subscriptions: You will likely need to purchase a subscription, as free VPNs will usually limit your device connections. While there are a handful of free VPN plans offered by trustworthy vendors, most of them come with limitations. These may not be suitable for use on a router, as you may quickly run out of bandwidth. As a result, you should factor in the cost of a VPN subscription, even if it is just a basic plan.
- Other purposes: The VPN might be the most important aspect, but you should also consider whether other features are important to you, such as tri-band functionality, gaming optimization, or additional security features.
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While compiling my recommendations for the best VPN routers of 2025, I considered a number of important factors, including:
- Speed: There’s no point investing in a new router capable of handling VPN environments unless it serves its core purpose: providing fast, solid, and stable connections to the internet.
- Home coverage: I considered traditional router models and options that provide scalable mesh networking for larger homes needing a wider internet coverage net.
- VPN support: I included a range of models with built-in VPNs, standalone VPN support, and mobile products for VPN protection on the go. I know that what might suit one user won’t always suit another, so the VPN options must be flexible.
- Budgets: I covered different budgets. Although my priorities are security, speed, and reliability, I wanted to ensure that we included affordable products alongside future-proofed routers.
- Customer reviews: I also examined customer reviews in depth, including positive and negative experiences, and factored this feedback into our recommendations.
- Vendor reputation: I considered the reputation of router manufacturers, including their popularity, variety, and product accessibility.
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If you want to install a VPN directly onto a router, the process can be more of a hassle than just signing up for an app. It can also save you time in the long run as any device that connects to your router will use the VPN and be protected. This can be particularly useful if you have internet-connected devices, including TVs and IoT products, that cannot support a VPN on their own hardware.
You might want to consider setting up a VPN on your router if you work from home with numerous devices needing protection. If you are a remote worker, some organizations may require you to use their own VPN to access corporate resources.
Some online platforms, such as streaming services, will detect when you are using a VPN and may block you. If this is the case, you may have to temporarily disable your VPN service to resume watching.
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Latest news
- Thousands of TP-Link routers were infected by a botnet designed to spread malware.
- The U.K.’s new and controversial Online Safety Act sparked a surge in VPN downloads.
- A new age verification law passed in France and prompted some adult websites to vacate the country. This led to an upsurge in Proton VPN installations.
- The CEO of a company that acquired VPNSecure and then canceled the lifetime subscriptions of users expressed his regrets. The action led to extreme customer backlash online.
While VPN software is not included in the current tariff changes — at least, at the time of writing — the infrastructure, hardware, and equipment that support VPN services are likely to be, eventually, these costs may be passed on to the consumer.
Regarding home routers, unfortunately, some models might rise in price, and stocks may be impacted as many global shipping firms have temporarily stopped deliveries to the U.S. due to tariff changes and uncertainty.
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Latest updates
- August 2025: In ZDNET’s August update, we performed editorial changes, updated the latest news on VPNs, and added additional information on our top picks and alternatives. We also removed the TP-Link Archer GX90 from our top picks.
- June 2025: In ZDNET’s June update, we performed substantial editorial and layout changes. We also removed out-of-stock options.
Many routers are now intelligent devices capable of far more than providing an internet connection. Today, you can install VPN software on many different routers, and VPN support is often promoted as a major feature.
A word of caution: Installing third-party software on your router might void its warranty, just as jailbreaking mobile devices invalidate a warranty.
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A VPN can be a great tool for protecting your privacy. At the very least, VPNs should be used when you are taking advantage of public Wi-Fi hotspots, but using them while you’re online as a default is the better option to protect yourself and your information. VPNs are also beneficial in circumventing geolocation blocks and censorship.
Some countries either ban VPN usage entirely or heavily discourage it. If using a VPN is illegal, you may be fined or prosecuted. According to NordVPN’s country guide, Belarus and Iraq ban VPNs, whereas governments in China and Russia only permit specific VPNs.
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It’s possible, but it depends on several factors. VPNs handle traffic in different ways, but overall, it is highly unlikely that company IT administrators will be able to access your home network via your VPN connection. If you are on a work-issued laptop with software that allows such connections, however, IT administrators will most likely be able to monitor your activities and tap into resources on the device.
Additionally, while VPN tunnels encrypt your traffic and mask your online activities, you can be monitored if you use a VPN designed, licensed, or owned by your employer. VPNs can protect corporate resources, and you should keep work and private online activities separate.
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Yes, but a high-quality VPN shouldn’t make a noticeable difference. There are caveats; for example, you should expect a slowdown when connecting to servers across a long distance, such as from the U.K. to Australia. If, however, you experience severe speed loss when you are connecting to servers closer to you, such as from New York to Washington, this may indicate a problem with either the VPN or your internet service provider (ISP) connection.
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Sometimes. Some router manufacturers, like Asus, will include a VPN or VPN support, but if you want a high level of control over your VPN, you will likely need to factor in the cost of a VPN subscription.
Typically, VPN providers market their pricing on monthly equivalent models. However, you often pay for your chosen subscription upfront. For example, a VPN marketed with a $1 monthly cost on a yearly contract will likely require you to pay $12 upfront, plus tax. However, some VPN router providers will give you the first year of a VPN subscription for free.
You enjoy the best discounts when signing up for longer terms. Two years is usually the longest term you can sign up for, although some VPN providers offer five-year subscriptions.
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Free VPNs, unless they are provided by the router manufacturer, aren’t typically suitable for use with routers. This is due to the limitations imposed on free plans, which include capped bandwidth or limited servers, which can impact speed. If you want blanket coverage in your home, you won’t want to deal with bandwidth and speed limits, and so we recommend you opt for a paid plan.
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More VPN routers to consider
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The $127 Flint 2 is a great alternative VPN router for performance, and it is currently on sale. This router is compatible with a range of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard, and features Ethernet ports, as well as AdGuard support.
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If you like the idea of the Aircove but want a more portable model, consider the $170 Aircove Go. This model is best suited for use with ExpressVPN and includes a 30-day trial of the VPN service.
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If you’re looking for a router for travel on a budget, the $30 GL.iNet model is a solid option. While it isn’t the newest travel router out there, it’s small, compact, and supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard.
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The InvizBox 2 is a preconfigured VPN router with robust security standards, an ad-blocker, and multiple VPN hotspot options. Plans start at $99 with the hardware included, and OpenVPN is supported.
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A router compatible with VPN services is one route to travel down, but if you would rather stick to apps, explore our guides on the best VPNs of 2025, the best VPNs for streaming, and the best free VPNs around.
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