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.
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Editor's choice
Asus RT-AX82U
The Asus RT-AX82U is a sensible mid-range Wi-Fi 6 router. While its tri-core 1.5GHz CPU and 512MB of RAM aren’t going to run Crysis, it’s more than capable of keeping up with a home’s VPN needs. It supports OpenVPN and WireGuard for strong compatibility with most VPN providers. VPN Fusion is included to help users pick which devices connect to the VPN and which connect directly to the internet, which can help keep ping low on gaming devices.
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Best gaming
ASUS RT-AX88U Pro
- Brand
- ASUS
- Wi-Fi Bands
- 2.4GHz, 5GHz
- Ethernet Ports
- 4x 1Gbps, 2x 2.5Gbps
- USB Ports
- USB 3.0
- MU-MIMO
- 4x4
- Mesh Network Compatible
- AiMesh
With an AX6000 connection, multi-gig Ethernet, and a powerful 2.0GHz quad-core CPU, this router has plenty of power to support multiple VPN servers with VPN Fusion, as well as incredibly fast local networking speeds. It supports OpenVPN and WireGuard for fast speeds and low latency, so this router is ready for online gaming with optimization to keep pings low. Asus also includes AiProteciton Pro for free with extra security and robust parental controls.
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Best Value
TP-Link Archer AX21
The Archer AX21 is an entry-level AX1800 router that TP-Link has been wise enough to update with VPN Client support. It’s not breaking speed records with its OpenVPN support, but for streaming and browsing, it should be enough. Its 1.5GHz quad-core CPU should also be able to keep up with the VPN demands, though the VPN setup feels a little less polished than it does on Asus routers.
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Compact and customizable
Gl.iNet Slate AX
If you find yourself spending a lot of nights in a hotel, you know how tiring it can be trying to get all of your devices online. The GL.iNet Slate AX is a compact AX1800 router that you can take with you, so you only need to set up one network connection per hotel stay. It comes with the powerful OpenWrt software pre-installed with support for OpenVPN and WireGuard out of the box.
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Simple setup
ExpressVPN Aircove
The one thing all VPN routers have in common is that they’re a chore to set up — except the ExpressVPN Aircove. This easy-to-use AX1800 router isn’t winning any awards in speed or coverage. Still, its software makes setting up ExpressVPN a breeze, and its software is among the easiest when it comes to assigning devices to specific VPN servers or no VPN. With support for ExpressVPN’s Lightway, you even get speeds up to 180Mbps connected to a VPN.
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Powerful software
Synology WRX560
This mesh-capable Wi-Fi 6 router from Synology is a good pick for those looking for a lot of control over their network. Its user interface is easy to read with plenty of VPN controls, including both VPN server and VPN client with OpenVPN support. It also has robust parental controls built-in and mesh capability for coverage expansion. It has a dual-band AX3000 connection which should have plenty of speed for most families.
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Simple mesh solution
Eero 6+
This eero 6+ mesh Wi-Fi kit comes with three nodes for up to 4,500 square feet of coverage. With an Eero Plus subscription for $10 per month, you get access to Guardian VPN, which can be configured right in the Eero app. Eero 6+ isn't the most powerful Eero with AX3000 speeds, but it should be plenty for most homes with up to gigabit internet connections.
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Best Wi-Fi 7
TP-Link Archer BE550
- Wi-Fi Bands
- 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz
- Ethernet Ports
- 5x 2.5GbE
- USB Ports
- 1x USB 3.0
- MU-MIMO
- Yes
- Mesh Network Compatible
- EasyMesh
- Supported standards
- Wi-fi 7
The Archer BE550 is one of the slowest Wi-Fi 7 routers you can get, but in the early days of Wi-Fi 7 adoption, it's still a strong choice. With BE9300 tri-band speeds, this router supports Wi-Fi 7 at 160MHz at 5GHz, 320MHz at 6GHz and Wi-Fi 6 at 2.4GHz. With VPN client support for OpenVPN and the speedy WireGuard protocol, this is still a very fast router for VPNs. You can even expand your coverage with any EasyMesh-compatible node.
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.