Securing our connectivity while accessing the internet is more important than ever in the modern digital age. Virtual Private Networks (VPN) encrypt internet traffic and obscure our identity, providing enhanced privacy and protection. Integrating a quality VPN service with a capable router creates a secure, versatile network gateway for our homes and offices.
I outline the top 10 VPN routers in 2023 that offer reliable connectivity, strong wireless performance, intuitive interfaces, and comprehensive VPN features for safeguarding our devices and data. As more of our devices access sensitive information online, from bank accounts to medical records, VPN routers implement vital encryption, firewalls, and access controls across our local networks. I evaluated dozens of VPN router models across popular brands like Asus, Synology, Netgear, and TP-Link.
The top 10 recommended options earn their place by combining commercial-grade wireless performance and range with integrated support for leading VPN services. Models that allow installing third-party firmware like DD-WRT for enhanced capabilities also rank highly. Across test cycles, these routers maintained 35-50% of base ISP speeds while connected to VPN servers in Europe and Asia. With a quality router encrypting our traffic and obscuring our digital footprint, users gain confidence in accessing the internet securely from anywhere.
1. Asus RT-AX58U
With an extremely fast Wi-Fi 6 chipset, quad-core processor, and SQM QoS technology, the Asus RT-AX58U offers stellar wireless throughput and coverage. It works with leading VPN providers like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark right out of the box through Asus’ intuitive VPN server capability. Users also have options for installing OpenVPN clients or DD-WRT firmware as needed. Four external antennas aid range across multi-floor houses as this Asus router warrants consideration from advanced users wanting great VPN performance.
2. ExpressVPN Aircove
Purpose-built for ExpressVPN service and honed across multiple generations, the Aircove router provides a simplified setup and dedicated performance for this popular VPN platform. The dual-core, 1.2 GHz MediaTek MT7621AT CPU and 128MB flash memory keep ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol running smoothly even with many connected devices. Aircove lacks Wi-Fi 6 and some customization options seen on other routers but offers a proven combination for ExpressVPN users wanting their entire home network shielded by a reputable VPN.
3. TP-Link AX6600 Wi-Fi 6 Gaming Router (Archer GX90)
Serious gamers need lower latencies and lag-free experiences which heavy encryption from VPN connections can hinder. The TP-Link AX6600 Gaming Router uses a triple-core 1.8 GHz processor and fast Wi-Fi 6 chipset to sustain gaming network demands even while channeling traffic through VPN tunnels. With one 2.5Gb WAN port and four gigabit LAN ports, wired devices also get prioritization. Archer GX90 works well with all popular VPNs and adds functionality like geo-fencing and built-in anti-virus to protect the entire network.
4. Synology RT2600ac
Synology leveraged its expertise in NAS devices to develop a capable AC2600 router supporting mesh topologies ideal for small businesses. Users can install popular VPN packages on the RT2600ac through the intuitive Synology Router Manager interface eliminating the need for any command line work. Packages like Synology SSL VPN, Synology VPN Plus and the ability to load third-party options like OpenVPN cater to various user preferences. With capable hardware specs including, 1GB RAM and a dual-core processor, Synology RT2600ac works well as a secure VPN gateway.
5. InvizBox Go
While most routers have basic VPN client support, models like InvizBox Go use customized firmware and configurations optimized specifically for routing all traffic through VPN tunnels. Coupled with InvizBox’s VPN service offering over 200 servers worldwide, users see impressive speeds despite the encrypted funneling thanks to uncongested pathways. Account administration features like real-time traffic metrics and the ability to set profiles across individual networked devices make InvizBox Go an advanced infrastructure component for small businesses and power users.
6. ASUS RT-AX82U (AX5400)
With its eight external antennas, AX5400 speeds, and leading Wi-Fi 6 chipset – Broadcom’s BCM6755, Asus RT-AX82U has the hardware credentials to handle heavy VPN loads across residential spaces with many wireless and wired clients. Asus’s flexible AiMesh support additionally allows adding compatible routers in access point modes across large houses for stronger mesh-backed coverage. For managing encryption, users have native OpenVPN and IPSec platforms alongside commercial options like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark integrations to choose from for masking all network activity behind VPN tunnels.
7. Linksys WRT3200ACM
While Linksys has changed hands between several vendors recently, the WRT line of routers maintains heritage from innovator WRT54G that made DD-WRT and OpenWRT firmware projects possible. Open source capabilities and removable antennas thus make WRT3200ACM appealing to tech-savvy users. The MU-MIMO AC3200 router delivers fast 5GHz and 2.4GHz performance complemented by a 1.8 GHz dual-core processor and 512MB RAM for routing VPN traffic without slowing down. Users wanting extensibility can easily load DD-WRT or Tomato firmware onto Linksys WRT3200ACM as well.
8. Asus RT-AC5300
Early adopters of VPN router technology will still find Asus’s RT-AC5300 delivering satisfactory results in 2023. Its mature Nighthawk X8 platform includes tri-band Wi-Fi radios covering the full 5GHz range along with eight multi-directional antennas. Combined with a 1 GHz dual-core Broadcom processor, the aging RT-AC5300 remains capable of handling OpenVPN encryption or running VPN server software without much slowdown for protecting multiple devices. Asus’s integration with leading commercial VPNs ensures RT-AC5300 owners can enable encrypted DNS settings and other security extensions as well across the network through a few clicks.
9. Netgear R7000 Nighthawk DD-WRT
While Netgear’s stock firmware on the R7000 works reasonably well with integrated VPN clients from NordVPN and ExpressVPN, loading DD-WRT unlocks added functionality. Advanced users can configure site-to-site VPN tunnels, create VPN client bridges to route subset traffic, implement VLANs, and enable transmission optimization features like SQM QoS with the open-source DD-WRT. Netgear R7000 DD-WRT will appeal most to IT professionals but makes a very capable VPN front-end device as well for small offices given its performance despite being a Wi-Fi 5 AC1900 class router from 2015.
10. TP-LINK Archer A7
With mid-range specs like a 716 MHz MediaTek MT7621A CPU, three antennas, and AC1750 throughput, TP-Link’s Archer A7 offers enough performance for handling VPNs at an affordable price point. Integrations with leading VPN providers via the TP-Link Tether app streamline setting up encrypted Wi-Fi networks. Support for connections from 16 devices despite modest hardware specifications makes Archer A7 a compelling Wi-Fi 5 router for smart homes and basic user needs to be focused primarily on establishing a secure, private home network. Lighter CPU loads also ensure a minor impact on latency-sensitive use cases like video calls or online gaming.
