Why Choose a VPN Router

While it’s true that you can download VPN apps to most of your smart devices, some like smart TVs, fridge, and robot vacuum cleaners will still be left out. Plus, most VPN subscriptions can cover only a handful of Wi-Fi and wired devices anyway. Switching to a VPN router in your house can help overcome shortcomings of a VPN client. Secondly, with a VPN router, you can bypass geographical restrictions on content that’s not available in your location. This ‘set it and forget it method’ will protect all the devices at home with VPN. Needless to say, VPN routers for home usage is a smarter decision than tirelessly using Chrome extensions or apps to encrypt data.

Connectivity: 4 x LAN, 1 x WAN, 1 x USB 2.0 | Data Transfer Rate: 1750Mbps | Area Coverage: 2500Sft However, budget pricing means you will have to trade-off some features. Unlike other VPN routers on this list, it lacks Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) ability to connect with multiple users simultaneously. Although, it does have Quality of Service (QoS) and parental controls.  Pros Cons

The user interface needs workSingle USB 2.0 port

2. Asus RTAC5300

Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x WAN, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.0 | Data Transfer Rate: 5300Mbps | Area Coverage: 5000Sft When it comes to the best home VPN routers, you can expect nothing but quality from a brand like Asus. And it’s safe to say that Asus RTAC5300 doesn’t disappoint in that regard. It features a bulky crown-like design with 8 removable and adjustable antennas which can easily cover an area of up to 5000 square feet. On top of that, it supports AiMesh to create a flexible whole-home mesh network by adding additional compatible devices. Aside from the above, Asus RTAC5300 is a feature-rich VPN router with game-enhancement options, MU-MIMO data streaming, 4X4 data transmissions, and a wealth of management settings. With its well-designed app, users can easily manage network traffic, diagnose connection issues and even update the firmware. Whether you’re a gamer or love to stream in 4K, the router can handle it all with the latest 802.11ac technology, making it a popular choice among gamers. Pros

Simple setupIdeal for gamersFantastic firmware with plenty of options

Cons

Slightly expensiveBulky designSingle USB 3.0 port

3. Synology RT2600AC

Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x WAN, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x SD Card Reader | Data Transfer Rate: 2530Mbps | Area Coverage: 3000Sft The Synology RT2600AC is a powerful yet cheap VPN router. This quad-stream VPN router for home users can deliver speeds up to 1733Mbps on the 5GHz band and up to 800Mbps on the 2.4GHZ band. What’s more, it can easily cover an area of up to 3000 square feet which should be enough for most homes. Additionally, there’s room for even more storage up front, with an SD card slot, that can be used simultaneously along with the USB. However, the most talked-about feature of this router is the firmware known as Synology Router Management (SRM). It features a modern operating system allowing you to search, view notifications, open multiple windows, and do a lot more. It has a bunch of other options as well including MU-MIMO simultaneous data streaming, automatic band steering, and beamforming. Priced at around $200, the Synology RT2600AC checks all the right boxes with plenty of management options along with an easy-to-use web interface. Pros

Simple setupTwo USB ports and SD card slotLots of management options

Cons

The mobile app needs improvement

4. Linksys WRT32X AC3200 

Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0 | Data Transfer Rate: 2160Mbps | Area Coverage: 3000Sft Linksys WRT32X AC3200 is yet another home VPN router for your nest that focuses on gaming. The router is open-source-ready, meaning you can customize it with OpenWrt and DD-WRT. Plus, you can turn the router into a web server, create hotspots, detect network intrusion, and more. And for connectivity, it has four wired gigabit ethernet ports along with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0/eSata ports.  Like most others, it’s equipped with MU-MIMO technology ensuring that multiple clients connected via Wi-Fi will get served simultaneously. So, no more fighting for the bandwidth. Besides, it also has a companion app for creating separate guest networks, prioritizing your devices, and setting parental controls. Overall, Linksys WRT32X AC3200 manages to impress the mass with its open source firmware and prompt customer support. Pros

Open source firmwareMU-MIMO TechnologyExcellent customer support

Cons

Slightly expensiveAverage data transfer speeds

5. NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000P

Connectivity: 4 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x USB 3.0, | Data Transfer Rate: 1300Mbps | Area Coverage: 1800Sft NETGEAR Nighthawk strikes a perfect balance between price and performance. Setting up the R7000P is a simple task via either the mobile app or through the web-based interface. In terms of hardware, Netgear Nighthawk R7000P includes 3 antennas supporting up to 1.9Gbps wireless speeds thanks to its dual-core 1 GHz processor. Plus, it can handle up to 30 devices which is enough for regular home usage.  Security is at the forefront with the NETGEAR Nighthawk. It features the Netgear Armor (powered by BitDefender) that provides protection against phishing and malware, while also scanning all your devices for vulnerabilities. Our only gripe is the below par coverage of up to 1800 square feet. That said, while you can get a decent VPN router for around $150, you’ll be unlikely to find one as good as the NETGEAR Nighthawk R7000P for less. Pros

Easy setupMU-MIMO technologyMalware and parental-control options

Cons

Average data transfer speedsLimited range

Wrap Up: VPN Routers for Home Users

All of these VPN home routers can not only be used indoors but also at small businesses. While picking one, do look out for key features such as the setup process, range, and connectivity options. Rest assured, you’ll be enjoying a seamless and secured experience if you decide to go with any one of the listed above.  Also Read: 5 Best Free VPN Apps for Android TV