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The use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) has become increasingly popular for its ability to encrypt and anonymize internet traffic, thus boosting privacy and security effortlessly. VPN routers are gaining traction as a means to offer comprehensive VPN security across the whole network. Such routers allow all devices connected to the network to utilize VPN services, offering a cohesive experience and extra convenience.
These routers are specifically designed to handle the complex encryption and protocols needed for a secure VPN connection, making them especially suitable for businesses or households that require consistent network protection across many devices.
With a VPN router, setting up security on each individual device is no longer necessary, as the router encrypts and routes all data through your VPN service.
When choosing a VPN router, it’s essential to consider VPN service provider compatibility, hardware and processor capacity (to handle multiple, simultaneous connections), and the advanced settings options as well, so you can customize and manage security features, etc. Ease of installation and ongoing maintenance are also important factors to keep in mind.
We’ve taken the time to research and test various VPN routers to discover which offer the most effective combination of privacy, security, and performance, ensuring your network is protected with minimal hassle.
With this valuable information, you can make an informed decision and confidently choose the right VPN router for your needs, so let’s dive in and take a closer look at each of these routers.
Best VPN Routers
We compiled list as the best VPN routers available on Amazon, ensuring you can enjoy secure and private internet access throughout your home or office.
TP-Link ER605 V2 Gigabit VPN Router
Price: $59.99
This TP-Link router is an excellent choice for anyone looking to optimize their network with reliable connections, advanced security, and VPN support.
Pros
- Multiple WAN ports for optimized bandwidth usage
- Omada SDN integration for flexible control options
- Abundant security features including VPN
Cons
- Requires some networking knowledge for VPN setup
- WAN load balancing doesn’t allow for traffic distribution customization
- Limited IPv6 support
We recently tried the TP-Link ER605 V2 Wired Gigabit VPN Router and were pleased with its performance. The router offers five Gigabit ports, including up to three WAN ports, ensuring optimal bandwidth usage. Additionally, the USB WAN port supports mobile broadband, providing a backup option in case of connectivity issues.
The integration of Omada’s Software Defined Networking (SDN) platform is impressive, enabling seamless control of network devices like gateways, access points, and switches from a single interface. The cloud access and SDN compatibility make management across different sites a breeze.
In terms of security, the TP-Link ER605 doesn’t disappoint. It comes with advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, and IP/MAC/URL filtering to protect your network and data. The support for multiple VPN connections, including LAN-to-LAN IPsec, OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP, adds an extra layer of security.
However, it’s also worth noting that setting up a VPN on this router might be slightly challenging for those without networking knowledge. Additionally, the WAN load balancing feature could use some enhancements in terms of traffic redirection customization. We also noticed that the router has limited IPv6 support, which may be a drawback for some users.
Overall, the TP-Link ER605 V2 Gigabit VPN Router is a reliable and powerful device offering a solid solution for both home and small business networks. Its advanced features, combined with the seamless management options and robust security, certainly make it a worthwhile investment if it fits your needs.
GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango Portable Mini Travel Wireless VPN Router
Price:
$30.90
The GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango is a very good choice for those in need of a portable and user-friendly VPN router with some handy features.
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- OpenWrt pre-installed for customization
- Dual Ethernet ports extend functionality
Cons
- 2.4 GHz band only for Wi-Fi
- Configuration might require some networking knowledge
- USB power source not included
We recently tried out the GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango, a portable mini wireless VPN router. Its compact size (weighs only 1.41 oz and measures 2.3 x 2.3 x 1 inches) makes it great for on-the-go use. Plus, with OpenWrt pre-installed, you have the option to easily customize its features and settings. It’s perfect for our travels, as we can securely connect to public Wi-Fi networks and create a private network.
The router has two Ethernet ports for added functionality, a bonus when needing a proper wired connection. However, one downside is that it only supports the 2.4 GHz band for Wi-Fi – so there’s no dual-band support for faster speeds on the 5 GHz band.
Like the first router we mentioned, setting up the GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango was mostly straightforward, but those less familiar with networking might find the configuration process a bit daunting.
Also, note that the router requires a USB power source such as a laptop, power bank, or 5V/2A DC adapter, which is not included in the package. The package does come with the mini router, USB cable, Ethernet cable, and a user manual.
Overall, the GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mango is a reliable and budget-friendly choice for users who want a portable VPN router for safer and more flexible internet access while traveling.
ASUS AC1900 WiFi Router (RT-AC67P)
Price: $53.99
We recommend the ASUS AC1900 WiFi Router for its reliable performance, fast internet speeds, and wide coverage.
Pros
- Fast dual-band internet speeds
- Secure and reliable network
- Wide coverage with AiRadar Beamforming
Cons
- Complex installation for some users
- Occasional connectivity issues
The ASUS AC1900 WiFi Router is a great option for home users in need of reliable and fast internet connections. Powered by 5G Wi-Fi and 256QAM technology, it offers a total speed of up to 1900 Mbps (600 Mbps for 2.4 GHz, 1,300 Mbps for 5 GHz), making it perfect for streaming 4K content without any lag.
One thing we really appreciate about the RT-AC67P is its 6-layer advanced network security, which ensures a safe and reliable Wi-Fi experience. Additionally, its AiRadar Beamforming technology extends coverage up to 3000 sq ft, providing better connectivity across your household.
The router supports MU-MIMO, allowing multiple compatible devices to connect simultaneously at their maximum speeds. Furthermore, the ASUS Router App enables easy network management and troubleshooting without needing a PC.
However, once again, some users may find the installation process to be complicated, taking a bit longer than expected. A few users have also reported occasional connectivity hiccups, but the general consensus remains that the ASUS AC1900 WiFi Router delivers solid performance and wide coverage for a seamless internet experience.
In conclusion, the ASUS AC1900 WiFi Router (RT-AC67P) is a dependable choice for anyone looking for a secure, high-speed, and reliable wireless network. Its wide coverage and advanced features make it worth considering, despite the few drawbacks mentioned.
GL.iNet GL-MT1300 (Beryl) VPN Wireless Travel Router
Price: $74.90
We think GL.iNet GL-MT1300 (Beryl) is a reliable and portable travel router for those seeking secure connections and extra features on the go.
Pros
- Impressive dual-band WiFi speeds
- Pre-installed VPN and Tor services for enhanced security
- OpenWrt installed for added functionality
Cons
- May require technical know-how for VPN setup
- Limited number of LAN ports
- Slightly higher price compared to basic travel routers
The GL.iNet GL-MT1300 (Beryl) is a nice addition to our travel gear due to its user-friendly design and portability. With impressive dual-band WiFi speeds, we experienced stable and reliable connections, even when supporting multiple devices simultaneously. We found it particularly useful in hotel settings, where it allowed us to easily connect and extend Wi-Fi coverage.
This travel router keeps your internet safe by offering pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard services, compatible with over 30 VPN providers. Additionally, it comes with a pre-installed Tor service, which appeals to us and other privacy-conscious users.
Setting up VPN connections might require some research, especially for users unfamiliar with VPNs, but having pre-installed OpenVPN and WireGuard helps immensely here, setting this apart from some of the other routers on our list.
Another useful feature is the pre-installed OpenWrt, which allows installation of various applications, plus other customizations for our unique needs. Although it would have been convenient to have more LAN ports available, the Beryl still provides three Gigabit Ethernet ports to cater to our needs.
Considering its security features and performance, we definitely believe the GL.iNet GL-MT1300 (Beryl) is a worthy investment for travelers and digital nomads alike, who prioritize online safety and functionality.
GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Wireless VPN Router
Price: $89.99
The GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) is a reliable and versatile VPN router that can secure your connection while traveling or at home.
Pros
- Dual-band AC wireless router with stable and powerful CPU
- Open source and customizable with OpenWrt operating system
- Pre-installed with OpenVPN and WireGuard for VPN compatibility
Cons
- VPN speed may be limited when using OpenVPN
- Requires consistent VPN client for Internet Kill Switch feature
- AdGuard Home setup may require some technical skills
- Higher price compared to basic travel routers
Having recently used the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Wireless VPN Router, we were impressed with its dual-band network that provides fast internet speeds, making it perfect for both work and entertainment. The router, powered by a highly stable IPQ4018 @717MHz CPU, allows for seamless internet browsing and streaming.
We appreciated that the Slate Plus runs on the latest OpenWrt 21.02 operating system, which significantly reduces signal interference. This customizable, open-source router enables users to install applications based on their preferences, making it an excellent option for those who like to tinker with their tech.
One of our favorite features is the built-in VPN client and server, with OpenVPN and WireGuard pre-installed. This makes the GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) compatible with 30+ VPN service providers.
We unfortunately found the VPN speed to be somewhat limited when using OpenVPN, but it did improve with WireGuard. If you’re planning to use a VPN connection, it’s essential to consider this limitation, however.
Another potential downside is the VPN Internet Kill Switch feature, which requires a consistent VPN client running at all times. Additionally, setting up AdGuard Home might be challenging for users with little technical knowledge, but online resources can assist with the process.
In summary, the GL.iNet GL-A1300 (Slate Plus) Wireless VPN Router is a great option for those seeking a customizable, open-source router with VPN capabilities. It’s easy to set up and secure, making it ideal for travelers and home use.
While the VPN speed and some features may require technical skills to optimize, the benefits of this VPN router make it worth considering.
TP-Link ER7206 Multi-WAN VPN Router
Price: $147.99
This high-performance VPN router offers excellent security features, increased network capacity, and Omada SDN integration, making it a worthy investment for your home or office network.
Pros
- High network capacity for many devices
- Robust security features including VPN support
- Omada SDN integration for efficient network management
Cons
- Basic configuration interface
- Requires some technical knowledge for setup
- Documentation could be better
We were quite impressed with the TP-Link ER7206 Multi-WAN VPN Router’s performance. The increased network capacity allowed us to connect numerous devices without any issues, and we saw a significant improvement in our network’s overall speed and reliability.
One of the standout features of this router is its robust security measures. The advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, and IP/MAC/URL filtering help protect your network and data. Moreover, the router supports multiple VPN connections, including LAN-to-LAN IPsec, OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP, ensuring secure communication.
We were also pleased with the integration of Omada SDN, which enhanced our network management experience. The cloud access and Omada app granted us centralized control of our network from multiple sites, easily monitoring and managing devices right from our smartphones.
On the downside, the configuration interface is basic, and the documentation could be improved, making the setup process a bit more challenging for non-technical users. However, once the router was up and running, we had no problems with its performance or stability.
All in all, the TP-Link ER7206 Multi-WAN VPN Router delivered on its promises, providing high network capacity, strong security features, and efficient network management through Omada SDN. If you need a reliable VPN router for your home or office network, we highly recommend considering this product.
TP-Link Multi-WAN Wired VPN Router (Renewed)
Price: $49.99
This renewed TP-Link VPN router offers excellent value for money, with solid performance and the added benefit of Amazon’s Renewed Guarantee.
Pros
- Great price and value for a renewed product
- Up to 4 Gigabit WAN ports
- Omada SDN Integrated
Cons
- Renewed product might have slight cosmetic blemishes
- Limited to 802.11ac wireless communication standard
- No USB port for 3G/4G dongle support in v1.6
We recently got our hands on the TP-Link Multi-WAN Wired VPN Router, which comes under Amazon’s Renewed program. The router worked seamlessly, showing no signs that it was pre-owned or refurbished. The performance was impressive, especially considering the price we paid for it.
Setting up the router was quite simple, and the SPI Firewall and load-balancing features were useful for managing our home network. We particularly appreciated the Omada SDN integration, giving us greater control over our network devices. The four Gigabit WAN ports provided impressive connectivity options, ensuring all our devices stayed connected without a hitch.
However, being a renewed product, there’s the possibility for slight cosmetic blemishes, which may be a concern for some users. In addition, this router only supports the 802.11ac wireless communication standard, which might not be suitable if you’re looking for the more advanced 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standard.
Lastly, it’s important to note that the v1.6 version of this router does not have a USB port for 3G/4G dongle support.
In conclusion, we believe that the TP-Link Multi-WAN Wired VPN Router is an solid option if you’re in the market for a renewed VPN router. With its impressive features, ease of use, and the assurance of the Amazon Renewed Guarantee, this router should fit the requirements of most home users.
Cudy 2023 Gigabit Multi-WAN VPN Router
Price: $49.99
The Cudy 2023 Gigabit Multi-WAN VPN Router is a reliable choice for those seeking enhanced security and load balancing features, without the need for any wireless connections.
Pros
- Up to 4 Gigabit WAN ports
- Multiple VPN options (PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN, IPsec, and WireGuard)
- Load balancing and internet access control
Cons
- No wireless capability
- Possible limitations with concurrent feature usage
- Complex setup process for beginners
We recently tested the Cudy 2023 Gigabit Multi-WAN VPN Router and found it to be a powerful solution for those looking to optimize their internet usage. With up to 4 Gigabit WAN ports, it effectively distributes data streams across multiple connections, ensuring optimal bandwidth usage.
One aspect we particularly appreciate is the robust VPN support, which includes PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN, IPsec, and WireGuard options. This wide range of VPN options allows users to choose the best-suited protocol for their specific needs, further enhancing security and privacy.
Another excellent feature of the Cudy 2023 router is its load balancing capabilities, intelligently distributing data streams to elevate the utilization rate of multi-line broadband. Additionally, the router offers easy internet access control through IP/MAC/URL filtering, enabling users to better monitor online behavior and set employee access restrictions.
It’s essential to note, however, that the Cudy 2023 does not offer wireless capability, so users seeking a combined router/Wi-Fi solution will need to look elsewhere. Additionally, there have been reports of limitations when using multiple features simultaneously, which could also be a drawback for some users.
While the Cudy 2023 offers an extensive feature set for advanced users, its setup process may be complex for beginners. Less experienced users might want to consider an alternative, more user-friendly option.
For those familiar with networking equipment, though, the Cudy 2023 is a fantastic choice for optimizing internet usage and ensuring reliable network security.
TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75)
Price: $179.99
This router is perfect for gamers and heavy internet users seeking fast, reliable, and secure connections.
Pros
- Incredible tri-band WiFi 6E speeds up to 5400 Mbps
- Excellent capacity for connecting multiple devices simultaneously
- Supports VPN Client (OpenVPN, PPTP VPN, L2TP VPN) for added security
Cons
- May require a separate modem for some internet service providers
- More expensive, certainly not the most affordable option on the market
- Advanced features, like TP-Link HomeShield, may require a paid subscription
We recently upgraded our home network with the TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75) and immediately noticed the improvements. The seamless whole-home coverage, blazing fast speeds, and capacity to handle all our devices simultaneously truly impressed us.
The router’s Tri-Band WiFi 6E technology delivered up to 5400 Mbps, making it perfect for smooth gaming, 4K streaming, and video conferencing. It also supported VPN Client services like OpenVPN, PPTP VPN, and L2TP VPN, providing an extra layer of security and privacy to our home network.
However, it’s worth noting that some internet service providers may require a separate modem for connectivity. While slightly more expensive than other routers, the features and performance of the Archer AXE75 do justify the price in our opinion.
One other note, some advanced features like TP-Link HomeShield may require a monthly subscription fee.
In summary, the TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75) enhanced our gaming and overall internet experience with its fast connections and extensive features. We highly recommend it to anyone seeking a high-performance, reliable, and secure home network upgrade. If you’re looking for one of the best, this router is right up there near the top of that short list.
CISCO DESIGNED Meraki Go Ethernet Router Firewall Plus
Price: $334.85
The Meraki Go Ethernet Router Firewall Plus is a must-have for those seeking an easy and secure VPN setup with comprehensive features.
Pros
- Quick and easy setup, with cloud-based management
- Enterprise-grade security, site-to-site and client VPN
- No additional fees or licenses required
Cons
- Very expensive
- Requires mobile app or web portal for control
- Optional subscription for increased protection
- VPN setup may seem too simple for advanced users
We recently had the pleasure of using the CISCO DESIGNED Meraki Go Ethernet Router Firewall Plus to enhance our network security and user experience. This powerful router and firewall combo provided enterprise-grade security, seamless site-to-site and client VPN, and excellent network performance.
Setting up the Meraki Go Router Firewall Plus was a breeze. The stateful firewall and router can be managed via the Meraki Go mobile app or web portal, allowing us to add multiple admins who could help manage our networking equipment. We appreciated the peace of mind provided by this device, as it allowed us to block websites, prioritize bandwidth, and set usage limits on the entire network.
One thing to keep in mind is that this router requires management through the app or web portal. Although we found it intuitive and user-friendly, we also understand that it might not be everyone’s preference. Moreover, some may desire more granular VPN options, but honestly we found the simplicity quite refreshing.
Buying Guide
First and foremost, make sure that your chosen router is compatible with your VPN service provider. Some routers may not support certain VPN protocols or may have limitations in their firmware. Always check the router’s specifications to ensure it will work well with your own VPN.
Consider your network’s performance requirements. Generally, a faster processor and more RAM will deliver better VPN throughput. This is crucial for activities such as streaming, gaming, or large file transfers. Some routers are listed with their processor and RAM specifications, which can be helpful.
Security is another essential aspect when choosing a VPN router. Look for features like strong encryption standards (e.g., AES-256), support for multiple VPN protocols (e.g., OpenVPN, WireGuard, etc.), and the ability to set up custom firewall rules. These features will ensure that your network remains secure and your privacy is protected.
Ease of setup and management should be taken into account as well. Some VPN routers come with pre-installed VPN client software, making setup a breeze. Additionally, a user-friendly interface can make it easier to manage your VPN and router settings.
Lastly, it’s important to assess your budget and find a VPN router that fits your needs without breaking the bank. Keep in mind though that investing in a more advanced router may save you money in the long run by offering better performance and security.
Here’s a quick summary of the key features to consider when choosing a VPN router:
- VPN compatibility: Ensure your router works well with your VPN service provider
- Performance: Look for a router with a powerful processor and sufficient RAM to support your network’s demands
- Security: Seek a router that offers strong encryption, multiple VPN protocol support, and custom firewall rules
- Ease of setup and management: Favor routers with pre-installed VPN software or a user-friendly interface
- Budget: Determine a VPN router that meets your requirements without breaking the bank
By evaluating these factors, you can find the best VPN router to suit your specific needs, and enjoy a secure, high-performing network.
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