The best VPN routers of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

ZDNet

TechnologyZDNet·Jun 13, 2026·22 min read

The best VPN routers of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Setting up a virtual private network (VPN) on your router has become more accessible as more models on the market that already come with VPNs preinstalled. By configuring and enabling a VPN router, you can protect all devices connected to it simultaneously. This is important as censorship and privacy concerns continue to grow worldwide. VPN adoption rates are surging -- and they have become crucial privacy tools. As VPNs encrypt your online communication and mask your IP address, they also allow you to avoid geolocation blocks and appear to be from another location, opening access to streaming content and services typically available only in other regions.

In ZDNET's latest update, we updated our guide with the latest news in the VPN space and refreshed our FAQs, answering more of your most common questions. We also removed ExpressVPN's Aircove, which, while it remains a great VPN router, is out of stock online. Our replacement choice is the Synology RT6600ax. In addition, we added the ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 as an alternative pick.

Also: Best VPN services 2026: Expert tested and recommended

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What is the best VPN router right now?

Our pick for the best overall VPN router is the Privacy Hero 2. This router, currently on sale for $160 with the code ZDNET, has our top preinstalled VPN, NordVPN. This router offers impressive speeds, coverage, and server selection, and during my testing, I found it achieved high success rates in accessing various streaming content libraries.

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 is also interested in VPN-ready routers that reduce the potential complexity of installing the software. We also frequently conduct speed and security tests to ensure our favorite VPNs hold their weight against competitors. Read on to discover our 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 due to its ease of use, useful (and quick) settings change dashboard, and overall reliability.

Why we like it: After reviewing this model, what stood out the most was how easy it is to set up and use, as the idea of spending time delving into a router's technical settings to configure a VPN won't appeal to most of us.

With the Privacy Hero 2, this task 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.

I also like 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.

A few years or so after receiving this router, I still use the same hardware daily without any issues. In my particular setup, I use a standard router for my home appliances and smart devices, and this one for my smart TV.

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.

You can spend an extra $30 to upgrade your Nord subscription to a two-year term, or plans start from $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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Synology

If you want granular control and monitoring in your VPN router setup, check out the Synology RT6600ax.

Why we like it: The Synology RT6600ax's strengths are in control. Once you've set up this router, you have a huge range of settings to explore like network segmentation, which allows you to create up to five separate networks for managing connected devices.

This router's VPN functionality (VPN Plus) allows you to set up your hardware as a VPN server, connect via SMB, RDP, SSH, and other protocols, or route your traffic through a standalone VPN service.

You can also download an accompanying app to monitor your router and its traffic. Parental controls and threat protection are also available.

Who it's for: This VPN router is best suited to those comfortable with router configuration and who don't mind taking the time to set up networks and a VPN connection.

Who should look elsewhere: It's expensive at $330, even though it's an older model, so you might want to opt for a more affordable option on our list.

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ASUS

The Asus RT-AX1800S isn't the best of the best, but it is one of my top choices if you need an affordable entry-level VPN router.

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 a wallet-friendly 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 to customize security options and set up a "Kid's Network" for parental controls.

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 $300. It's expensive, sure, but it will last you years.

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 a convenient way to use a VPN while you travel -- and hardware portable enough not to cause problems.

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 $99 price point (on Amazon when it is in stock, or $150 on FlashRouters) 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

Synology RT6600ax

$330

✓

Up to 6,600Mbps

Asus RT-AX1800S

$70

✓

Up to 1,000Mbps

ASUS RT-BE88U

$300

✓

7200Mbps with multi-link operation and 4096-QAM.

GL.iNET Beryl-AX

$99

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 a router that supports VPN connections out of the box or that comes with VPN software preinstalled, such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark.

When it comes to VPN routers, convenience is key. While many routers today that aren't advertised as "VPN routers" are compatible with them, installation varies and it can be a technical, time-consuming process with the wrong hardware.

Once configured, your PCs, laptops, smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices all benefit from the same VPN protection. This makes VPN routers particularly convenient for households with many connected devices.

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 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.

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.

Synology RT6600ax

A VPN router that gives you granular control over your connections, traffic, and networks. This fast, tri-band router and its accompanying app will appeal the most to those with some technical knowledge.

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 debating which VPN router will suit your needs, consider the following crucial factors before you sign up to a contract:

Do it yourself vs. plug-and-play: If you want a VPN for your home network, consider how comfortable you are installing one directly on your router. DIY options often require some technical knowledge and a willingness to change your router settings. If you want the simplest and quickest option, pick a router with a pre-installed VPN.

Preinstalled options: 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 options if you rely on a single router. You may also be tied to a particular provider for six months, a year, or more.

Affordability: VPN routers are available across a range of budgets, from entry-level models to future-proof, premium devices that support next-gen Wi-Fi protocols. If you can, consider purchasing a premium 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, as mesh routers can reduce blind spots.

VPN selection: 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, along with 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. This means they probably aren't suitable for router use. 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 our recommendations for the best VPN routers of 2026, we evaluated each model and 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. We've scouted for models that don't drastically drop your speed beyond what a VPN typically requires: between 5% and 35%.

Home coverage: Coverage is just as important as speed for VPN-ready routers. We considered traditional router models and options that provide scalable mesh networking for larger homes needing wider internet coverage. It's a bonus when you don't need to purchase additional extenders, but if you do, they should be readily available.

VPN support: We included a range of models with built-in VPNs, standalone VPN support, and mobile products for on-the-go VPN protection. Flexibility is important, as one VPN's capabilities and configuration requirements will suit some users but not others.

Budgets: We have listed routers that suit different budgets. Although our priorities are security, speed, and reliability, we included affordable products that provide solid VPN support alongside future-proof routers that may cost more but will provide top-tier performance.

Vendor reputation: We considered the reputation of router manufacturers, including their popularity, variety, and product accessibility.

Customer reviews: We 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: We'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. We have chosen to avoid tariff-restricted routers whenever 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

Leaked documents revealed the success of China's VPN crackdown.

If you use a VPN on Polymarket, expect IPs to be blocked and, potentially, a request to identify yourself.

The European Union called VPNs a "loophole" and a stumbling block for imposing age verification laws.

ExpressVPN has now passed 27 independent security audits. We explain what that means.

Utah is trying to ban VPN use to circumvent online age-verification requirements.

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.

This depends on what you want to use your VPN for.

If you want blanket coverage across all your devices, using a router will save you time and effort, since you will not have to install the VPN on each device. Once installed and configured properly, you can set and forget your VPN in the knowledge that it is protecting every device connected to your router.

However, you will have easier control and more flexibility if you install a VPN on individual devices. You can easily reach settings, turn your VPN on and off, pause the service, and flip between different servers.

Yes, and this is one of the reasons that people use VPN routers.

Most smart TVs don't natively support VPNs, and so you are limited to using routers or other hardware, such as streaming sticks.

If you set your VPN server to a different country, you might be able to access streaming services locked to specific locations, but with a caveat. Some streaming services will detect a VPN and block your traffic, or they might limit you to content available only under universal licenses.

Latest updates

June 2026: In ZDNET's June update, we updated our guide with the latest news in the VPN space and refreshed our FAQs, answering more of your most common questions. We also removed ExpressVPN's Aircove, which, while it remains a great router, is out of stock online. Our replacement choice is the Synology RT6600ax. In addition, we added the ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 as an alternative pick.

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.

More VPN routers to consider

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

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 $170 Flint 2 is a great alternative VPN router for performance.

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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ASUS

If you want a powerful router setup that covers a large home -- with VPN installation a convenient feature -- opt for the ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16. It's expensive at $1,045, but you will receive two routers, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, a VPN, parental controls, and coverage for up to 8,000 sq ft.

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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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