The best VPN routers of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

At first glance, using a virtual private network (VPN) might seem like it requires a steep learning curve — especially if you would rather install one directly on your router. However, if you pick the right hardware from the start, it’s quick and easy. Installing a VPN on your router can protect all your devices simultaneously. The process is easier than you think, as some router manufacturers provide products with preinstalled VPNs.

VPNs are crucial privacy tools that more of us than ever are adopting to access restricted streaming services, bypass age verification checks, or to stop surveillance in its tracks. VPNs encrypt your online communication and mask your IP address, allowing you to avoid geolocation blocks and appear to come from another location. They also often include additional security features such as password managers, data breach scanners, or dedicated IP addresses.

In ZDNET’s latest update, we made a thorough editorial update that included replacing the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 with the ASUS RT-BE88U. We also added the GL.iNET Mango to our alternatives.

Also: Best VPN services 2026: Expert tested and recommended

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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 router, currently on sale for $180, has our top preinstalled VPN, NordVPN, saving you the hassle of setting up and configuring the software. It 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, alongside supporting hardware and associated services. 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 favorite VPNs hold their weight against competitors. Read on to discover my other favorite VPN routers that offer excellent VPN compatibility, speed, coverage, and additional privacy features.

Also: Best business VPNs of 2026

The best VPN routers of 2026

Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

The Privacy Hero 2, available from FlashRouters, is my top pick for VPN-ready routers in 2026.

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 delving into a router’s technical settings 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 such as NordVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access, or opt for protocols like 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 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 enabled by default and helps reduce clutter during online sessions, including when watching YouTube videos. I recommend you research which servers are best for this purpose.

Two years or so on, I still use this router daily without any issues.

Who it’s for: This model is suitable for medium-sized homes and offers speeds up to 3,000Mbps. It also comes with one year of free NordVPN access.

It doesn’t hurt that NordVPN is currently on sale too, with plans starting at $3.09 per month.

The Privacy Hero 2’s typical recommended retail price (RRP) is $250. However, this model has been on sale at $180 for some time. As a ZDNET reader, use the code ZDNET at checkout for an additional $20 off, bringing the price down to $160.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want a cheaper or travel-friendly VPN router, check out my other recommendations.

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ExpressVPN

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, prioritize stability and speed. The $190 Aircove achieves speeds up to 1,200Mbps (600Mbps at 2.4 GHz) when the VPN is not in use.

Although you should still expect speeds to drop marginally when connected to VPN servers, they are still among the best available, based on my frequent testing and VPN reviews.

ExpressVPN is one of my favorite VPNs of 2026. 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 that supports ExpressVPN’s protocol.

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 while an office laptop runs through a US or UK server. Parents and guardians can also use 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 , but the router includes a free six-month trial.

ExpressVPN subscriptions have recently dropped in price, with plans beginning at $2.79 per month on a two-year contract.

Customer feedback indicates that users enjoy its excellent speed and performance, but there are some reports of instability.

Who should look elsewhere: If ExpressVPN doesn’t appeal to you, I’ve listed other router options with cheaper or free VPNs included.

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ASUS

The Asus RT-AX1800S isn’t the best of the best and is on the older side, but it is one of my top choices if you need something entry-level and affordable at only $70.

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 a single button press. This removes the need to subscribe to another service, although you won’t necessarily enjoy all of the benefits of a standalone VPN.

The Asus RT-AX1800S is compatible with AiMesh and includes five Ethernet ports — one Gigabit WAN and four Gigabit LAN. You can also purchase Wi-Fi extenders to increase the router’s range in larger homes.

Customers say this router is a great value for the money, and many are impressed by the parental controls and security features. The free VPN is designed to be user-friendly, but some customers report 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, making it an affordable top choice.

Who should look elsewhere: The built-in VPN will help you preserve your privacy, but it’s unlikely to match the standards of competitors like ExpressVPN or NordVPN in terms of speed and security features. If you want the best in terms of speed and reliability, consider one of my other recommendations.

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ASUS

The Asus RT-BE88U is powerful enough to see you through the years to come and is a hardware option to consider if you want to use multiple connections simultaneously.

Why we like it: The Asus RT-BE88U is built for performance and connectivity.

You’ll achieve the best performance and speed with a wired connection, and with a variety of ports at your disposal, you won’t run out of options. This router comes with a 10 Gigabit SFP+ port, 4x 2.5G ports, and 4x 1G ports. Mobile tethering is also available.

Regarding VPN usage, you can use VPN Fusion, which lets you run multiple VPN tunnels simultaneously. The Asus RT-BE88U supports VPN protocols including WireGuard and OpenVPN.

You can also group devices via VLANs if you want to customize security options and set up a “Kid’s Network” for parental control.

As a bonus, this router’s antennae are detachable if you want to change their position. It’s a small feature, but considering how annoying router antennae can be, it’s a nice quality-of-life improvement.

Who it’s for: Many customers say this VPN provides noteworthy coverage and rapid speeds, and this VPN-ready router is best suited for those who want versatility and port flexibility.

This router is currently on sale for $290, a $60 discount. It’s expensive, sure, but it’s probably the most future-proof router on our list.

Who should look elsewhere: It’s far from the most affordable router on the market, even when on sale, which might sway your decision.

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GL.iNET

The GL.iNET Beryl-AX is an excellent option if you want flexibility in your VPN choice and want to take your router with you on the road.

Why we like it: This pocket-sized, powerful router features a 1.3GHz processor and delivers up to 3000Mbps. It also includes a Gigabit Ethernet port and a USB port and is designed to be an ideal plug-and-play portable VPN.

Also: Best VPNs for streaming in 2026

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 — making it one of the most flexible options in our recommendations.

As a bonus, you can have your router preconfigured with your preferred VPN at purchase, saving you the time and effort of configuring it yourself.

Who it’s for: Customers say this router is portable, reliable, and 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 (normally $180) may deter some customers. Additionally, service plans can be expensive in the long term, which may lead 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	$160	✓	Up to 3,000Mbps
ExpressVPN Aircove	$190	✓	Up to 1,200Mbps (disconnected) \| 180Mbps
Asus RT-AX1800S	$70	✓	Up to 1,000Mbps
ASUS RT-BE88U	$290	✓	7200Mbps with multi-link operation and 4096-QAM.
GL.iNET Beryl-AX	$150	x (configuration available)	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.

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.

A VPN router is hardware that is either compatible with VPNs or comes with a pre-installed service.

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 usually subscribe.

Try a VPN-ready router if you do not want to install the software manually on all 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.

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

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 — and is currently available with a free one-year subscription.
ExpressVPN Aircove	A user-friendly VPN router with solid coverage and speed. While the router is exclusive to ExpressVPN, it is one of our favorites for its price, reliability, and ease of setup. ExpressVPN is also our top choice for speed.
Asus RT-AX1800S	An affordable VPN and router solution. This model has highly positive customer reviews and is a steal at $70 — especially given its built-in VPN and additional security controls.
ASUS RT-BE88U	Speed and performance. You can use the variety of ports and connections to customize your VPN experience on this dual-band router, which comes with 10G ports, network security, and built-in VPN support.
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 compatible with major VPN providers in 2026, and it is currently on sale.

When you are researching a new VPN router, consider the following factors before making a purchase:

Do it yourself? If you want a VPN for your home network, consider whether you would be comfortable installing one directly on your router. DIY options often require some technical knowledge and a willingness to change your router settings, which may also void your warranty.
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. Preinstalled VPNs may be custom VPNs provided by router manufacturers or the result of partnerships with third-party VPN providers. This is convenient, but it may limit your VPN choices if you are relying on only one router.
Affordability: VPN routers are available for a variety of budgets. If you can, consider a future-proof VPN router that supports next-generation Wi-Fi and delivers reliable coverage and high speeds. Larger homes will need more square footage of coverage, and mesh networking is often an advantage in these cases.
VPN: You also need to consider the VPN service you want to use. If you have a preferred VPN, ensure that the router you want supports it. Many router vendors list the third-party VPN services they support alongside the protocols you can use, such as WireGuard.
Subscriptions: You will likely need to purchase a subscription, as free VPNs usually limit the number of devices you can connect. While there are a handful of free VPN plans offered by trustworthy vendors, most of them come with limitations, such as support for only one device or a monthly bandwidth cap. 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.

While compiling my recommendations for the best VPN routers of 2026, I considered a number of factors, including:

Speed: There’s no point investing in a new router capable of handling VPN environments unless it provides fast, reliable, and stable internet connections. I’ve looked for models that don’t drastically drop your speed beyond what a VPN typically requires: between 5% and 35%.
Home coverage: I considered traditional router models and options that provide scalable mesh networking for larger homes needing a wider internet coverage net. It’s a bonus when you don’t need to purchase additional extenders, but if you should have to, they should be readily available.
VPN support: I included a range of models with built-in VPNs, standalone VPN support, and mobile products for on-the-go VPN protection. 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 I included affordable products alongside future-proofed routers that may cost more.
Vendor reputation: I considered the reputation of router manufacturers, including their popularity, variety, and product accessibility.
Customer reviews: I also examined positive and negative customer reviews and factored this feedback into our recommendations. No router is perfect, but any with glaring customer complaints is avoided.
Tariffs: I’ve attempted to steer clear of routers with shipping issues to the US, but as this issue is constantly shifting, this is not always possible.

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.

Latest news

The European Union called VPNs a “loophole” and a stumbling block for imposing age verification laws.
Utah is trying to ban VPN use to circumvent online age-verification requirements.
A Windows infostealer is masquerading as a fake VPN to infect Windows machines and steal user data.
Google cautioned users against downloading suspicious VPNs, with some of them branded malicious — especially those being advertised as a way to avoid age verification checks on pornography.
Some Firefox users were granted access to a free VPN in its experimental phase via the browser, although it will not provide the same level of features as standalone VPN services.
ExpressVPN launched EventVPN, a free VPN based on an advertising model for Mac and iOS.
The Tor Project quietly launched a beta VPN app in Google Play.

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.

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. However, before making a purchase, find out whether the router supports WireGuard or OpenVPN. These protocols are most often used to manage VPN server connections.

A word of caution: Installing third-party software on your router might void its warranty, just as jailbreaking mobile devices does the same.

Yes. “Split tunneling” is a way for VPNs to create dedicated tunnels and separate your traffic into encrypted, VPN-protected streams or untouched paths. You can enable split tunneling under your VPN’s settings.

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 bypassing geolocation blocks, accessing streaming services and content libraries worldwide, and circumventing censorship. In some countries, new online age verification laws can be avoided in the same way.

At home, you can use a VPN on your router to provide blanket coverage for any device connected to the hub. This includes your laptop, PC, smartphone, streaming dongles, and even your TV.

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.

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. Try to connect to another server close by and then run a speed test to see if that resolves the issue.

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, many VPN router providers will give you at least the first year of a VPN subscription for free to entice you to buy the router — and potentially carry on with the favored VPN service.

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 three to five-year subscriptions.

VPN costs vary, although they typically fall in the $2 – $5 per month range. Monthly costs are often prohibitive at over $10, but this is done deliberately to entice consumers into signing up for longer.

The best deals are often found if you choose a two-year plan or longer. Annual plans provide you with more flexibility, but they can cost you upwards of $5 per month.

The general rule when it comes to VPN subscriptions is the longer you sign up for, the cheaper it will be.

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.

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.

Latest updates

May 2026: In ZDNET’s May update, we performed a thorough editorial update, which included switching out the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 for the ASUS RT-BE88U. We also added the Mango to our alternatives.
November 2025: In ZDNET’s November update, we included updates to our favorite VPN routers and new deals.
October 2025: In ZDNET’s October update, we performed editorial changes, news updates, and revised our existing FAQs.
September 2025: In ZDNET’s September update, we performed structural and editorial copy changes and we added more information on our favorite VPN routers. We also provided more alternative VPN-ready routers to consider.

More VPN routers to consider

GL.iNet

An alternative VPN router we like is the GL.iNet MT2500A, otherwise known as the Brume 2.

This model is compatible with WireGuard and OpenVPN and can also be used to handle VPN connections for accessing work resources. Users find it easy to set up and configure, and it’s also reasonably priced at $90.

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GL.iNet

The Mango, GL.iNet’s $30 pocket VPN router, is a cheap, convenient way to use a VPN via WireGuard or OpenVPN when you are relying on public Wi-Fi networks away from home.

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GL.iNet

The $170 Flint 2 is a great alternative VPN router for performance, and a 15% discount is available at GL.iNet.

This router is compatible with a range of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard, and features Ethernet ports and AdGuard support. Users praise its speed, reliability, and connections.

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Amazon

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. It’s certainly worth considering if you want a rapid, secure VPN while on the road and you don’t want to go through the hassle of installing a VPN manually on a router.

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A router compatible with VPN services is one option, but if you would rather stick to apps and direct installation, explore our guides on the best VPNs of 2026, the best VPNs for streaming, and the best free VPNs.

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