The best VPN routers you can buy

ZDNET's top VPN router is the ExpressVPN Aircove. This router has a VPN already installed, saving you the work of setting up and configuring the software. It has impressive speeds and coverage.

However, its ExpressVPN exclusivity might not appeal to you, so you could also select another option, as below.

*MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on available sales, deals, discounts, and coupons.

There are many factors to consider when you are purchasing a VPN-ready VPN. To make your purchase decision easier, consider:

When you are considering a new VPN router, there are some key points you should mull over before making a purchase decision:

• DIY?: If you want a VPN for your home network, you should consider whether or not you would be happy to install a VPN directly on your router. If not, consider a router model with an in-built VPN.
• Affordability: There are VPN routers available that suit a variety of budgets. However, if you can, you might consider a future-proof VPN router able to support next-generation WI-Fi.
• VPN: You also need to take into account the VPN service you want to use. If you have a preferred VPN, ensure that the router you want supports it. 
• Other purposes: The VPN might be the most important aspect, but you should also consider whether or not other features are important to you -- such as tri-band functionality, gaming optimization, or additional security features. 

While we were deciding on the best VPN routers of 2024, we considered a number of crucial factors, including:

• Speed: There's no point investing in a new router capable of handling VPN environments unless it serves its core purpose, which is to provide solid and stable connections to the internet. 
• VPN support: We have included a range of models with in-built VPNs, VPN support for standalone VPN services, and mobile products for VPN protection on the go.
• Budgets: We wanted to provide a variety of options suitable for different budgets, but our priorities were security, speed, and reliability. 
• Customer reviews: We have also examined customer reviews in-depth, including both positive and negative experiences. 
• Vendor reputation: We have kept in mind the reputation of router manufacturers, considering popularity, variety, and product accessibility. 

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a network of nodes -- or servers -- that reroute internet traffic to mask its original IP address. VPNs also add a layer of encryption to protect data packets and online communication. 

As the internet was not designed to be inherently secure, VPNs were developed to bridge part of the security gap. While they are not a foolproof solution, a reliable and trustworthy VPN can help protect your online privacy.

If you want to understand how VPNs work in more detail, check out our guide on everything you need to know about VPNs.

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. However, it can save you time in the long run as any device -- including PCs and smartphones -- that connects to your router will use the VPN and will be automatically protected. In particular, this can be 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 have numerous devices which need protection and if you are working from home. However, if you are a remote worker, some organizations may require you to use their own VPN to access corporate resources.

A caveat, though: 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 disable your VPN service to resume watching, temporarily.

Many routers are now smart, intelligent devices capable of doing far more than just providing an internet connection. You can install VPN software on a range of routers today, and many tout VPN support as a feature. 

However, a word of caution: if you are installing third-party software on your router, you might end up voiding its warranty -- just as jailbreaking mobile devices or changing the firmware of a gaming console can result in a warranty becoming invalid.  

A VPN can be a great tool for protecting your privacy. VPNs should be used when you are taking advantage of public Wi-Fi hotspots, at the least, but using them while you're online as default is the better option to consistently protect yourself and your information. VPNs are also beneficial in circumventing geolocation blocks and censorship.

You should keep in mind, however, that some countries either ban VPN usage entirely or heavily discourage their use. If using a VPN is illegal, you may be subject to fines or prosecution. According to NordVPN's country guide, countries that ban VPNs include Belarus and Iraq, among others, whereas governments in China and Russia only permit specific VPNs to operate. 

Typically, yes, although a high-quality VPN -- hopefully -- will not 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 UK to Australia. If you experience severe speed loss when you are connecting to servers closer to you, however, such as from New York to Washington, this may indicate a problem with either the VPN or your ISP connection.

You can put VPN software on a myriad of devices, ranging from PCs to mobile devices and routers. While we have showcased what we consider to be the best VPN-supporting routers in 2023, we can't highlight every worthy option -- and so you can check out alternative products below, including subscriptions: