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Best VPN Routers

Updated August 2018
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Netgear
Nighthawk AC1900
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Bottom Line

While the built-in VPN is somewhat of an afterthought, this robust router’s ability to support a plethora of devices at once and its open-source friendliness make it a top choice.

Pros

Super-fast routing capability with excellent range. Built-in VPN enables secure remote access to the home network, and router includes DynamicDNS for added convenience.

Cons

Some reported issues with router dropping Wi-Fi connectivity after recent firmware updates. Users may need to set channels manually to avoid interference from nearby routers.

Best Bang for the Buck
GL.iNet
Mini Travel Router
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Bottom Line

A super-light VPN router that’s easy to carry along on trips, but sturdy enough to use regularly at home, too.

Pros

Compact and light for travel. Relatively easy for experienced users to set up. Very good range, with stable operation over long periods. Easy firmware updates are a big plus. Travelers like its USB tethering capability with smartphones.

Cons

Instructions are somewhat lacking, which can confuse less experienced VPN users. Only 1 USB port. Can drop connection frequently for no clear reason.

Cisco Systems
4-port VPN Router
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Bottom Line

A reliable, highly configurable VPN router that is powerful enough for smaller businesses’ needs, but works well in the home, too.

Pros

Extremely fast router with a solid, secure firewall and a built-in VPN. Experienced users can quickly and easily set up VPN between multiple units and configure its security settings. Bandwidth management is a plus.

Cons

Router often needs manual updating, particularly when setting up VPN or DNS. Security certificate doesn’t always work with newer browsers. Disconnects frequently. Can get overburdened in multi-device, high-bandwidth environments.

Cisco Systems
Gigabit Dual WAN VPN 14 Port Router
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Bottom Line

A dependable mid-range router for small networks that offers plenty of sophisticated features, but may be too complex for less experienced users.

Pros

Very easy to install on a home network. Handles dozens of port forwarding rules without an issue. Handles higher-speed connections well. Highly configurable through website interface.

Cons

Can only be configured through a web interface. May have trouble with gigabit speeds. VPN client software must be purchased separately. Load balancing is somewhat complicated, with few instructions available.

UTT
Dual Band Wireless AC VPN Router
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Bottom Line

A sturdy router with a strong Wi-Fi signal and a highly configurable, business-grade VPN. Its mostly manual configuration can be a challenge for newer users.

Pros

Plenty of functionality both as a router and VPN. Wi-Fi signal is strong enough to go through most walls. Business-grade features are a nice plus. Works with iOS and Android clients.

Cons

Load balancing is so-so. VPN server name is limited to 12 characters. Most settings must be manually configured, making this a tough device for newer users to figure out.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

  • 6 Models Considered
  • 1 Experts Interviewed
  • 154 Consumers Consulted
    • Zero products received from manufacturers.

    We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

    Why trust BestReviews?
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    The team that worked on this review
    • Devangana
      Devangana
      Web Producer
    • Katie
      Katie
      Editorial Director
    • Samantha
      Samantha
      Writer
    ×

    Netgear

    Nighthawk AC1900

    Netgear

    Nighthawk AC1900

    While the built-in VPN is somewhat of an afterthought, this robust router’s ability to support a plethora of devices at once and its open-source friendliness make it a top choice.

    $144
    ×

    GL.iNet

    Mini Travel Router

    GL.iNet

    Mini Travel Router

    A super-light VPN router that’s easy to carry along on trips, but sturdy enough to use regularly at home, too.
    $40
    ×

    Cisco Systems

    4-port VPN Router

    Cisco Systems

    4-port VPN Router

    A reliable, highly configurable VPN router that is powerful enough for smaller businesses’ needs, but works well in the home, too.
    $89
    ×

    Cisco Systems

    Gigabit Dual WAN VPN 14 Port Router

    Cisco Systems

    Gigabit Dual WAN VPN 14 Port Router

    A dependable mid-range router for small networks that offers plenty of sophisticated features, but may be too complex for less experienced users.

    $165
    ×

    UTT

    Dual Band Wireless AC VPN Router

    UTT

    Dual Band Wireless AC VPN Router

    A sturdy router with a strong Wi-Fi signal and a highly configurable, business-grade VPN. Its mostly manual configuration can be a challenge for newer users.

    $105