5 Best VPN Routers for Gaming, Business & Personal Use in 2024

Hey there! Choosing the right VPN router can be confusing with so many models and technical jargon. As an online privacy guru, let me make it simple to pick the perfect VPN router for securing your home network and devices.

I‘ve tested and reviewed all the top options from Linksys, Netgear, Asus and more to recommend the 5 best VPN routers for gaming, streaming, business and personal use this year.

Let‘s dive in…

Why Do You Need a VPN Router?

Before we get to the good stuff, let me quickly explain what a VPN router does and why it‘s so valuable:

A VPN router is a regular wireless router that also lets you connect to a Virtual Private Network service. This encrypts and routes ALL internet traffic from your connected smart home devices, laptops, tablets, etc. through an encrypted tunnel to the VPN server.

The key benefits are:

• Encrypt Internet traffic to prevent spying & attacks
• Hide your IP address and location
• Bypass geographic blocks to access restricted content
• Remote access to your home network when traveling
• Extra protection for public WiFi hotspots
• Secures devices like smart TVs that don‘t support VPN apps
• Consistent VPN protection without configuring each device

According to a 2021 IDG survey, 78% of organizations use a VPN to support remote workers. And with cybercrime damages projected to cost $10.5 trillion annually by 2025 (Cybersecurity Ventures), a VPN router is a simple way to add a layer of defense.

Now let‘s get into the juice… here are my recommendations for the top VPN routers in 5 key categories:

1. Linksys WRT3200ACM – Best Overall VPN Router

The Linksys WRT3200ACM strikes the ideal balance of speed, connectivity, and customization options in an affordable package making it my top overall pick.

This popular AC3200 tri-band router delivers 600Mbps speeds on 2.4GHz and a blistering 2.6Gbps on 5GHz with features like MU-MIMO for simultaneous streams. The 1.8Ghz dual-core CPU ensures snappy performance even with multiple connections.

Setting up the VPN is a breeze through Linksys‘ simple browser-based interface. Just input your VPN credentials and you‘re protected within minutes!

The WRT3200ACM nicely supports OpenVPN, IKEv2 and the ExpressVPN client router app out of the box. Link Aggregation lets you combine two LAN ports for up to 2Gbps throughput.

While suitable for novices, advanced users can unlock greater capabilities by flashing the open-source DD-WRT or Tomato firmware. If you need wider WiFi coverage, Linksys offers Intelligent Mesh to add satellites via the app.

For under $200, the Linksys WRT3200ACM delivers rock-solid connectivity, great VPN support, and versatility making it my #1 recommendation for powering your secure home network.

Key Specs:

• WiFi Speed: AC3200 (600Mbps + 2.6Gbps)
• Processor: Dual-core 1.8Ghz
• Memory: 512MB RAM
• Features: Tri-band, MU-MIMO, OpenVPN, ExpressVPN app, DD-WRT/Tomato supported
• Price: $180

2. Synology RT2600ac – Best VPN Management

If you want advanced control over your VPN setup, the Synology RT2600ac is a top choice thanks to the company‘s excellent Router Manager interface.

The easy-to-use web portal allows nice VPN customization including a full-featured VPN server, rich logging, and options like IKEv2, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec protocols. The powerful quad-core processor ensures top-notch encryption speeds.

This AC2600 router delivers up to 800Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1.73Gbps on 5GHz for combined dual-band speeds of 2.53Gbps. The four gigabit LAN ports allow for fast wired expansion.

Useful extras like parental controls, wireless scheduling, external USB drive support, and application-based QoS makes the Synology RT2600ac well-suited for family use.

Priced under $200, the Synology RT2600ac shines with its advanced VPN management capabilities, great speeds, and suite of built-in security protections.

Key Specs:

• WiFi Speed: AC2600 (800Mbps + 1.73Gbps)
• Processor: Quad-core 1.7Ghz
• Memory: 512MB RAM
• Features: Robust VPN server & client, 4 x Gigabit LAN, QoS, Parental controls
• Price: $185

3. Asus RT-AX86U – Best for Gaming & Streaming

The Asus RT-AX86U is my top recommendation for gamers, streamers, and media enthusiasts thanks to its ultrafast WiFi 6 speeds.

Powered by a quad-core 1.8Ghz CPU, this AX5700 router delivers up to 1.1Gbps on 2.4GHz and a blazing 4.8Gbps on 5GHz making it ideal for 4K streaming and low-latency gaming.

The Asus Router app lets you monitor connected devices, run speed tests, and customize settings like Adaptive QoS to prioritize game traffic. AiProtection provides multi-layered security including a VPN client to keep your network safe from attacks.

This router also has great range with eight high-gain antennas and DFS band optimization to reduce WiFi interference. For media power users, the Asus RT-AX86U brings next-gen speed and security.

Key Specs:

• WiFi Speed: AX5700 (1.1Gbps + 4.8Gbps)
• Processor: 1.8Ghz Quad-core
• Memory: 1GB RAM, 256MB Flash
• Features: WiFi 6, Adaptive QoS, Mobile App, Lifetime Security
• Price: $250

4. Netgear Nighthawk RAX120 – Fastest WiFi

The Netgear Nighthawk RAX120 takes the crown for the fastest VPN router available. Harnessing the full potential of WiFi 6, it achieves wireless speeds up to 4.8Gbps on 5GHz and 1.2Gbps on 2.4GHz for a total of 6.0Gbps!

This router is powered by a quad-core 1.8Ghz processor and uses next-gen features like OFDMA for simultaneous transmissions. The eight high-gain antennas amplify signals for maximum coverage across large homes.

Netgear Armor security provides real-time threat defense including anti-virus, data theft prevention, and instant security alerts. VPN setup is simple with the Nighthawk app or web portal.

If you want the absolute fastest WiFi money can buy, the Netgear RAX120 delivers extreme speed and security for the ultimate media experience.

Key Specs:

• WiFi Speed: AX6000 (1.2Gbps + 4.8Gbps)
• Processor: 1.8Ghz Quad-core
• Memory: 1GB RAM
• Features: WiFi 6, 8 Amplified antennas, Netgear Armor security
• Price: $350

5. TP-Link Archer C5400X – Best Tri-Band

The TP-Link Archer C5400X is an excellent high-performance tri-band router that won‘t break the bank.

Delivering AC5400 class speeds up to 1,100Mbps (2.4Ghz) + 2,167Mbps x 2 (5Ghz), the Archer C5400X provides enough bandwidth for 4K streaming, VR gaming, video conferencing and more with minimal buffering.

Setting up VPN is easy through the Tether app for iOS/Android or web portal. It nicely supports protocols like OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPsec. Alexa support even lets you control the router hands-free.

Useful extras include link aggregation to combine two LAN ports for 2Gbps throughput, robust parental controls, and HomeCare for identifying vulnerabilities.

With tri-band versatility and robust connectivity, the budget-friendly Archer C5400X is a great choice for large households.

Key Specs:

• WiFi Speed: AC5400 (1,100Mbps + 2,167Mbps x 2)
• Processor: 1.8Ghz 64-bit Quad-core
• Memory: 1GB RAM
• Features: Tri-band, MU-MIMO, Alexa support, PPTP/L2TP/OpenVPN
• Price: $180

Now that you‘ve seen my top recommendations, let‘s explore what features to look for when shopping for the ideal VPN router for your needs…

VPN Router Buying Guide

Here are the most important criteria to evaluate:

VPN Protocols Supported – Make sure the router is compatible with your desired VPN service. OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2 are common protocols.

Processor – Dual or quad core CPUs ensure the encryption/decryption speed isn‘t bottlenecked. 1.5Ghz or greater is ideal.

WiFi Performance – Faster standards like WiFi 6, MU-MIMO, tri-band, beamforming give you maximum wireless throughput.

Memory – At least 512MB RAM provides enough capacity for VPN data across multiple connections.

Wired Ports – Multiple gigabit LAN ports allow expansion. Link aggregation combines two ports.

Antennas – More high-gain antennas give you expanded WiFi range and signal strength. External > internal.

Security Features – Look for threat protection like anti-malware, intrusion detection, parental controls, and guest networks.

VPN Setup – Easy browser-based or app setup makes configuring your VPN a breeze.

WiFi Coverage – Mesh options or range extenders boost coverage for large homes.

Budget – Determine how much performance and functionality you need. Prices range from $100 to $400+

Matching the right features to your environment is key – don‘t overbuy! Let‘s now explore the VPN service side of the equation…

Best VPN Services for Routers

Once you have your new VPN router, you need to choose the right VPN provider to power its protection. Here are my top recommendations:

ExpressVPN – My personal favorite VPN and the one I use daily. Very fast connections, reliable performance, and easy router setup. Lots of server locations worldwide. 30-day money back guarantee is nice for testing.

NordVPN – A market leader with 5000+ servers worldwide. Specialty servers for gaming, P2P, double VPN security. Provides detailed setup instructions for supported routers.

Surfshark – Budget-friendly pricing and very fast speeds. Allows unlimited device connections which is perfect for VPN routers.

Private Internet Access (PIA) – Reliable connections and good for streaming. Port forwarding support is useful for P2P transfers.

Be sure to choose a highly-rated VPN that offers native apps or configuration files for your specific router model. This will ensure the smoothest setup process.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about securing your network with a VPN router:

What is a VPN router used for?

A VPN router lets you connect your whole home network through an encrypted VPN tunnel. This adds a layer of security, blocks ads & malware, hides your IP address, and lets you bypass geographic restrictions.

Does a VPN router slow your speed?

Connecting through a VPN adds a bit of encryption overhead so you can expect a modest speed loss, usually around 10-25% max. Using protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN UDP minimize the impact.

Do I need a special router for a VPN?

Most modern routers support VPN functionality through third-party firmware like DD-WRT or out of the box. Some specific "VPN routers" come pre-loaded with VPN software but a regular router will work fine in most cases.

How many devices can use a VPN router?

Depending on the processor strength, most quality VPN routers can handle 20-50 connected devices smoothly. Tri-band models provide more throughput for simultaneous connections.

What‘s the difference between VPN routers and WiFi routers?

A VPN router is essentially a normal WiFi router that also allows you to connect through a Virtual Private Network. This tunnels and encrypts your internet traffic for privacy and security.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has helped demystify VPN routers so you can choose the right one for your needs! My top overall recommendation is the Linksys WRT3200ACM which hits the sweet spot with fast AC3200 tri-band speeds, excellent VPN support, and advanced DD-WRT firmware options.

Investing in a good VPN router for your home network provides tremendous flexibility to securely access content anywhere, block malicious sites, bypass restrictions, hide your IP address, and protect all connected devices with just a few clicks.

Here‘s to your newfound internet freedom! Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. Stay secure out there!