VPN support on a router can mean a few different things, but to most people, it means using an encrypted VPN service to add a layer of protection between your device and the internet at large. For this, you need a router with VPN client support, and luckily, a few of the best Wi-Fi routers have this feature by default. TP-Link, for example, has even been adding VPN client mode to its routers, even the cheap ones, with firmware updates.
If you’re an online gamer, you’ll want a router with a feature like Asus' VPN Fusion that allows you to choose which devices are connected to the VPN and which aren’t. Even the most popular VPN services will add a few milliseconds of delay, which can lead to lag during matches. That same ping increase during everyday computing or streaming will hardly be noticeable and a worthwhile tradeoff to some.
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Source: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN Aircove
Simple setup
$190 at Amazon
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Choose your router software wisely
The relative openness of Asus' router software, ASUSWRT, has allowed the company to become a clear leader in smaller categories like VPN support. While many routers have supported VPN Server for ages, VPN Client support has grown alongside the best VPN services in popularity, even if VPNs aren’t as safe as many think. TP-Link, notably, has been quick to update many of its routers with VPN Client support.
The Asus RT-AX82U is a great starting point for those looking for a fast Wi-Fi 6 router with software that allows customers to get deep into the settings or just manage things from afar with an app. Its dual-band AX5400 connection should have no issues keeping up with a gigabit connection (when a VPN isn’t being used), and while it's not the most powerful router you can get, it should have no trouble keeping up with multiple simultaneous devices using a VPN. There are cheaper Asus routers with VPN Client support, the addition of VPN Fusion in a software update makes the RT-AX82U a better pick for frequent VPN users.
If you want a VPN quickly and don’t mind giving up some flexibility, the ExpressVPN Aircove is second to none in ease of use and setup. You have to use ExpressVPN, but signing in to your account is a matter of moments on this router, and choosing which VPN you want each device on is a breeze with a drag-and-drop GUI. You can even set different VPNs for different devices, so if you want a streaming device that always thinks it’s in another country, you have that option.
VPN Client vs. VPN Server
Looking through the spec sheets, you may have seen that a lot more routers support VPN Server than VPN Client. VPN Client allows you to connect to a remote VPN server, like those owned or rented by a VPN service, as a client. By making your router that client, all the devices connected to it will be directed through that VPN. For most VPN users, VPN Client is what they expect when looking for a VPN router.
VPN Server, on the other hand, makes your router the server to which clients can connect. This is useful if you’re away from home and want to connect to the internet or your local network as if you were home. This is also commonly used by corporations or institutions as a way to make sure their data is secure, even with people working away from the office.
VPN Server is very cool, but for many home users, it’s not all it's cracked up to be. First, you will be relying on your home internet’s upload speed for your connection, which can be quite low with cheaper cable internet plans. Fiber and 5G ISPs tend not to restrict upload speeds as much, but your mileage will vary. You’ll also be stuck using a dynamic IP on most residential ISPs, which means that the address to your home network can change at any time, and you’ll need a service to keep your VPN connected. An increasing number of manufacturers are making this easier, like AmpliFi, Asus, and Eero, by connecting with an app, but it’s far from perfect and requires setup before you leave home.
