Hey there! If you clicked on this article, I‘m guessing you‘re looking to upgrade your home Wi-Fi network with a shiny new VPN router for extra security and privacy. Maybe you want to access websites and video streams blocked in your country, or just prevent your internet service provider from snooping on which sites you visit every day.
There are definitely great reasons to add VPN protection across all your household devices. The problem is picking the right hardware to enable it among the pile of routers available these days!
Not to worry – by the end of this guide, you‘ll understand exactly what features to look for when choosing a VPN router best suited for your personal needs and budget. I‘ll be with you every step of the way using my decade of experience testing networking gear hands-on, so don‘t hesitate to keep asking questions!
First, let‘s quickly run through the key decision factors:
What To Look for in a VPN Router
Wi-Fi Performance Standards
The fastest routers today use the latest Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E standards (designated Wi-Fi 802.11ax) which can achieve crazy wireless bandwidth beyond 5,000 Mbps! For comparison, that‘s 5-10x faster than Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4 routers based on 802.11ac and 802.11n technology.
With a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 router, you can game, download files, stream 8K video etc. across all your gadgets without worrying about congestion or buffering even when using a VPN.
Of course you pay more for this level of speed. Decent budget Wi-Fi 5 options still work great for basic usage. The key is matching future bandwidth needs.
Processor & RAM
A more powerful processor lets your VPN router encrypt, decrypt and route traffic quickly without delays especially when connecting many devices simultaneously. 1-1.8 Ghz quad-core CPUs are ideal.
For multitasking efficiency, RAM above 128MB keeps performance smooth by caching active processes. Routers below $100 may only pack 64MB RAM which can get maxed out quicker.
Number of Ethernet Ports
Having access to more Ethernet LAN ports allows directly wiring stationary devices like desktop PCs, home media centers and gaming consoles to the router. This prevents congesting the Wi-Fi bandwidth only for mobile devices needing wireless access.
VPN Protocol Support
Your VPN router needs compatibility with popular protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2 etc. to work with leading commercial VPN services such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN and CyberGhost. Each protocol has particular device compatibility, speed and encryption advantages.
Protocols like WireGuard offer excellent connection speeds and device support. Without checking for VPN protocol compatibility first, you risk limited VPN server choices down the line!
Now let‘s jump into my five router recommendations for every scenario and budget…
Best Overall: ASUS RT-AX86U
Highlights:
- Wi-Fi 6 speeds up to 5700 Mbps
- Quad core 1.8Ghz processor + 1GB RAM
- Lifetime free internet security
- 8 x Gigabit LAN ports
For most people looking for a reliable high-performance future-proof router with every bell & whistle, the ASUS RT-AX86U checks all boxes by delivering incredibly fast Wi-Fi 6 speeds beyond 5Gbps to all your household devices for gaming, 8K video streaming and more.
It uses a high-end 1.8Ghz quad-core processor and tons of RAM to handle media streaming, downloads and VPN encryption without breaking a sweat – crucial when connecting 30+ devices simultaneously!
Setting up the router is simple using the ASUS mobile app on iOS or Android. From there, you can monitor bandwidth usage, run speed tests, set parental controls and more from your phone.
Gaming traffic gets automatically prioritized thanks to Adaptive QoS monitoring. Lag spikes become ancient history even on crowded networks!
On the security front, ASUS AiProtection powered by Trend Micro blocks external hacking attempts and malware. Lifetime free internet security keeps your network rock solid.
With eight ethernet ports for connecting wired devices plus dual USB 3.0 ports for shared storage, the ASUS RT-AX86U has all bases covered for a powerful modern home network.
For less than $250, it‘s my top mainstream recommendation for tech savvy users wanting future-proof Wi-Fi 6 upgrades today with customizable VPN support.
Click here to check price on [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/RT-AX86U-AX5700-802-11ax-Lifetime-Internet/dp/B086PPRMVB?crid=2UMIIOZAEXHOQ&keywords=asus%2Brt-ax86u&qid=1671163126&sprefix=asus%2Brt-ax8%2Caps%2C276&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=marcuszhou-20&linkId=f221a dense 90f8b8f73&language=enUS&ref=as_li_ss_tl) right now.
Fastest Performance: Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500
Highlights:
- Wi-Fi 6E support up to 10.8Gbps speeds
- Quad-core 2.0GHz processor
- Dynamic QoS prioritization
- Great for 8K video & VR gaming
- Lifetime security via Netgear Armor
If you have gigabit fiber internet or plan on upgrading soon, the flagship Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 unleashes full Wi-Fi 6E tri-band speeds beyond 10Gbps to keep up with multi-gig plans!
It adds a dedicated ultra-fast 6GHz band for minimal interference plus 160MHz channel support. Newer phones, laptops and devices with 6E compatibility get exclusive access for maximum wireless performance.
Netgear Dynamic QoS constantly evaluates network conditions and shifts bandwidth to devices needing it most whether for low latency VR gaming, video calls or 8K video. No more competing for bandwidth!
Effortless security protection is included via Netgear Armor against external threats and malware. It blocks suspicious connections automatically. Set up custom user profiles to manage kids‘ access too.
With its ultra powerful quad core 2.0Ghz processor, the RAXE500 handles high speed usage flawlessly. Two USB 3.0 ports allow adding external drives for quick access to huge media libraries over Wi-Fi.
If affordable 10Gbps Wi-Fi 6E performance is what you‘re after from your next VPN router without sacrificing security, the Netgear RAXE500 fits the need for speed!
Click to check latest price on [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Introducing-Nighthawk-10-8Gbps-Quad-Band-Dynamic/dp/B08MWCWH2X?crid=2HJAEM7Y2EX65&keywords=netgear+raxe500&qid=1671164281&sprefix=netgear+rax%2Caps%2C396&sr=8-3&linkCode=ll1&tag=marcuszhou-20&linkId=fee2bfb3ab5e1663e32d1d1828 plague 5119&language=enUS&ref=as_li_ss_tl).
Best Budget: TP-Link Archer AX21
Highlights
- AX1800 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6
- 300+2167 Mbps speeds
- 4 external antennas
- 1.5Ghz triple-core processor
- Under $100!
If you want affordable Wi-Fi 6 upgrades without denting your wallet too badly, the TP-Link Archer AX21 packs tremendous value.
For just under $100, you still get modern hardware like the 1.5Ghz triple core processor and 128MB RAM for zippy performance when connecting tons of phones, laptops, security cams etc.
It uses four external antennas for broadcasting strong signals across larger spaces up to 2,500 sq. feet. Band steering lets devices switch between 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands automatically based on signal strength.
Useful extras like a built-in access point mode and WPA3 encryption shouldn‘t be missing at this price but thankfully are both present.
Managing settings is easy via TP-Link‘s Tether app. Enable guest networks, set device limits, adjust LED brightness etc. remotely even when traveling. Port forwarding support allows connecting to devices over VPN as well.
For those needing Wi-Fi 6 speed boosts on a tight budget, the Archer AX21 delivers beautifully as the best bang for buck under $100.
Click to view latest pricing on [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wireless-AX1800-Smart-Router/dp/B09G5W9TQT?crid=1WO3JKCAHSGYG&keywords=tp%2Blink%2Barcher%2Bax21&qid=1671164741&s=electronics&sprefix=tp-link%2Barcher%2Bax21%2Celectronics%2C311&sr=1-3&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=marcuszhou-20&linkId=f221ade 90f8b8f73&language=enUS&ref=as_li_ss_tl).
Most Ethernet Ports: Netgear Nighthawk RAX120
Highlights:
- AX6000 Wi-Fi speeds up to 4.8Gbps
- 1.8Ghz Triple-core 64-bit CPU
- 8 x Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
- Link aggregation support
- Lifetime security w/ Netgear Armor
For smart homes and offices with lots of stationary devices like desktop PCs, IP cameras, network storage etc. that mainly need superfast wired connections, the Netgear Nighthawk RAX120 is a powerhouse.
It starts with high-end Wi-Fi 6 support reaching speeds beyond 4.8Gbps. But more importantly, you get a whopping eight Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports on the back ready for wired expansion!
Commercial-grade link aggregation lets teaming two ports for 2Gbps throughput to a NAS for example. The three core 1.8Ghz processor manages traffic beautifully.
Netgear Armor blocks external cyberattacks and malware. You can limit kids‘ access with age-based profiles. Dynamic QoS keeps latency low automatically for voice calls or gaming sessions when network usage spikes.
With robust wired connectivity that can scale to 60+ devices, the security-minded Netgear Nighthawk RAX120 has pro-grade management suitable even for small businesses.
Click here for live pricing data on [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-8-Stream-Router-RAX120/dp/B08M9QY7TY?crid=2I7MWU5KAVUAT&keywords=netgear%2Bnighthawk%2Brax120&qid=1671666904&sprefix=netgear%2Bnighthawk%2Brax%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-3&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=marcuszhou-20&linkId=f221a dense 90f8b8f73&language=enUS&ref=as_li_ss_tl).
Best for Gamers: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000
Highlights:
- 11,000Mbps Wi-Fi 6E tri-band speeds
- Quad-core 1.8Ghz CPU + 1GB RAM
- 8 x Gigabit LAN ports
- Adaptive QoS prioritization
- 2.5G WAN/LAN port
If low latency and reliable connectivity for multiplayer gaming is vital in your household, the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 delivers enthusiast-grade wireless domination!
By unlocking lightning fast 11Gbps Wi-Fi 6E performance and eight ethernet ports for lag-free wired expansion, it keeps hardcore gamers supremely happy.
The dedicated 6GHz band gives new phones/laptops an exclusive performance lane free from legacy device interference. Meanwhile Adaptive QoS monitoring ensures your matches get bandwidth priority when needed.
A high-end 1.8Ghz quad core processor manages encryption duties and geo-unblocking seamlessly even under load without disturbing your frag streaks!
ROS Gaming apps provide fine tuning tools from one dashboard like ping monitoring, connection benchmarking and real-time throughput tracking so you know speeds stay consistent.
With desktop-like wired and wireless throughput tuned for gaming traffic, the ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 guarantees utterly dependable connectivity when ping counts!
Click here for direct Amazon link to check pricing.
Hopefully by now you‘ve got a clearer idea which VPN router matches your household‘s size, usage needs and budget!
I wanted to quickly go over answers to some frequently asked questions from readers as well before wrapping up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special firmware or software to set up my VPN router initially?
Configuring VPN access on most commercial routers is very straightforward without needing third party firmware or software. Simply connect to the router admin interface from a web browser, then enter your VPN provider login details such as username/password to connect.
Some exceptions are routers offering DD-WRT or Tomato custom firmware by default instead of the standard stock firmware. These give advanced users extra customization ability.
How much will a VPN router slow down my connection speed?
In most cases, connecting devices through a VPN router causes less than 10-15% reduced internet speeds for web browsing, email, music streaming and regular usage based on your available bandwidth. Activities involving large sustained data flows like gaming, video streaming and file downloads are impacted more, sometimes up to 30%.
For example on a 100Mbps fiber plan, your effective bandwidth may max out around 85 Mbps across multiple simultaneous device connections using VPN encryption. Extremely fast plans above 500 Mbps suffer relatively less slowdown. Using geographically nearby VPN servers also helps minimize speed loss.
I hope you‘ve found my recommendations genuinely useful! Let me know if you need any other buying advice or have issues setting up your new router once purchased. I‘m always glad to help out. Enjoy your new secure Wi-Fi network!
