- Installing a VPN onto your router is the easiest way to secure every device on your home network.
- Despite this, there are still some VPNs that can’t be installed on routers, and others that don’t provide setup instructions for ASUSWRT firmware.
- I extensively tested more than 70 leading providers to find out which VPNs are best for Asus routers.
- NordVPN is my #1 choice for Asus routers. It’s strong on security, with high speeds, exceptional unblocking ability, and detailed configuration instructions. Also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
These days, it can feel like every device you own has internet access. That’s a problem considering most Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have strict connection limits and even if you find one that doesn’t, you’ll still have to manually install it on every device. What if there was a better solution? Well, there is: you just have to setup a VPN on your router. This will encrypt the traffic of any device that connects, hiding their real IP addresses and shielding you from ISP snooping and throttling.
You’re actually in a great position to get started too, since most Asus routers come with a built-in OpenVPN client, meaning more VPNs are compatible with Asus routers than other brands. Here’s a rundown of my top Asus VPNs, but you’ll find more detailed reviews of each further down the page.
The best VPNs for Asus routers
- NordVPN My top Asus router VPN. With a large server network and superfast speeds, NordVPN is great for securely streaming and browsing. Also comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Asus routers. - Surfshark Best budget Asus VPN. Delivers superfast speeds, an extensive privacy toolkit, and first-class streaming ability. No connection limits.
- ProtonVPN Speedy servers in 120 countries. Can reliably access all kinds of streaming services and puts your privacy first. Simple setup for Asus routers.
- ExpressVPN The only VPN with its own router app. Very fast, able to block ads across a whole network, and perfect for streaming. Strong on security.
- IPVanish A privacy-focused VPN and a popular option for torrenters. Works with most streaming sites, allows any number of connections, and doesn’t keep any logs of your activities.
- PureVPN A no-logs service that works almost anywhere in the world. Supports major streaming apps, offers very high speeds, and provides manual setup guides for Asus routers.
- PrivateVPN Unblock a ton of geo-restricted content with this secure, speedy VPN. A reputable provider with DNS leak protection and 256-bit encryption. Even works in countries with extreme censorship.
Many VPNs claim to work with Asus routers but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock Asus routers and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
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How I found the best VPNs for Asus routers
There are many solid Asus router VPNs out there, but they differ in terms of security, performance, and other factors. To make sure I only recommended the best of the best, I looked for providers that scored highly across the five main areas below:
- Speed: I tested each VPN’s speeds multiple times using a 250 Mbps connection (the US average broadband speed). This approach accounts for consistency too, so you’ll know exactly what kind of performance to expect.
- Router suitability: What makes this VPN a good choice for routers? I looked for step-by-step setup instructions for AsusWRT, OpenVPN, and Asuswrt-Merlin firmware. Bonus points if a service offers features from its regular apps (such as ad-blocking or obfuscation) on routers as well.
- Security and privacy: The whole point of a VPN is to keep you safe, which is why I require a no-logs policy, unbreakable encryption (AES-256 or better), leak protection, and a kill switch at a bare minimum.
- Ease of use: I’m a big fan of services that make day-to-day browsing as simple as possible. This might be by offering task-specific servers, unlimited connections, or just strong unblocking ability.
- Streaming ability: Streaming platforms are increasingly adept at detecting signs of VPN usage. I looked out for VPNs that can access popular apps so you can watch your favorite shows securely.
You can read more about my testing methods and the results of those tests in the methodology section below. First, let’s take a closer look at the providers that impressed the most.
Best VPNs for Asus routers: My hands-on review
I’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – the #1 choice for Asus routers.
| No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | ExpressVPN | IPVanish | PureVPN | PrivateVPN |
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ProtonVPN.com | ExpressVPN.com | IPVanish.com | PureVPN.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Asus routers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Streaming Services | Netflix Amazon Prime BBC iPlayer Hulu | Netflix Amazon Prime BBC iPlayer Hulu | Netflix Amazon Prime | Netflix Amazon Prime BBC iPlayer Hulu | Netflix Amazon Prime BBC iPlayer Hulu | Netflix Amazon Prime | Netflix Amazon Prime | Average Speed for Asus | 194.17 Mbps | 189.94 Mbps | 164.04 Mbps | 115.28 Mbps | 136.74 Mbps | 140.50 Mbps | 34.91 Mbps | Popular Sites Unblocked | 95% | 88% | 87% | 86% | 85% | 80% | 85% | Total number of servers | 8,900 | 4,500+ | 17,411 | Undisclosed | 3,200+ | 6,000+ | 200+ | Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited | Free: 1, VPN Plus: 10 | 14 | Unlimited | 10 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best deal (per month) | $3.39 Up to 74% off 2 year plans | $2.29 Up to 87% OFF + 3 months free | $2.99 SAVE 70% on a 2-year plan | $2.44 SAVE 81% + 4 months free on 2 year basic plan | $12.99 Best MONTHLY Deal $12.99 | $1.99 Up to 87% off on 5 year plans | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Best VPNs for Asus routers
Here’s my ranked list of the best VPNs for Asus routers:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9.7 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
| Router suitability: | 10.0 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 9.2 / 10 |
| US speed: | 10.0 / 10 |
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is the best Asus router VPN. Its website provides detailed installation instructions for AsusWRT (Asus’ native firmware), OpenVPN, and Asuswrt-Merlin, or you can buy a pre-configured Asus router with NordVPN installed from FlashRouters. This service allows torrenting, works in countries with extreme online censorship, and offers access to 8,000+ servers in 120 countries. Having problems? Don’t worry: customer support is available 24 hours per day over live chat.
NordVPN has built a reputation as a superfast provider, so I put it to the test using a 250 Mbps connection. After three tests at different times of day, this VPN delivered an average speed of 194.17 Mbps, faster than any other service in this list. This makes it a strong choice for any data-intensive task like streaming, making video calls, or downloading large files. Here are the full test results:
This provider has an extremely strong security toolkit, with 256-bit AES encryption on OpenVPN connections, a kill switch, and automatic protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. NordVPN also blocks ads and trackers, supports split tunneling, and has servers designed for accessing the dark web, bypassing country-wide censorship, and encrypting your traffic twice. What’s more, NordVPN doesn’t keep logs, which I know for sure thanks to its extensive audit history.
NordVPN also has its own apps for Android, MacOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire devices.
Buy this VPN if:
- You need a speedy, capable VPN that works anywhere
- You want a provider that has a huge amount of support material
- You’re primarily interested in enhancing your online privacy
- You’d like to be able to easily access almost any major streaming site
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re not bothered about advanced features
BEST ASUS ROUTER VPN:NordVPN is my #1 choice for Asus routers. It has tons of high-speed servers to choose from and can unblock most streaming platforms. Works in places like China and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9.5 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Router suitability: | 10.0 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 9.2 / 10 |
| US speed: | 9.8 / 10 |
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is the best low-cost VPN for Asus routers. That said, it offers an extreme amount of versatility, with servers in 100+ countries and the ability to access stubborn streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix from anywhere in the world. It provides both text and video-based setup instructions for Asus router configuration, with 24/7 live chat in case you’d rather have someone walk you through it one-on-one. Also, since this VPN has no connection limit, you could technically secure every device you own without installing it on a router.
Despite its low price, Surfshark has proven it’s faster than some of its more expensive rivals. This time around, it delivered an average speed of 189.95 Mbps, making it the second-fastest VPN I tested. It could be slightly more consistent though, since the results varied by nearly 30 Mbps. Take a look:
Surfshark is no slouch when it comes to security and privacy either. This VPN comes equipped with uncrackable ChaCha20 encryption, multi-hop servers, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. It doesn’t keep any activity logs, has been audited several times, and can even change your IP address every few minutes for maximum anonymity. Surfshark works in places with strict censorship and removes some of the web’s biggest annoyances with automatic ad and tracker-blocking tool.
Apps are available for Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want to access a wide range of geo-blocked sites
- You’d like strong security at an affordable price
- You’re looking for a high-speed, no-logs VPN
- Your provider must offer 24/7 live chat
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’d prefer a service that offered its own router firmware
BUDGET ALTERNATIVE:Surfshark is the best budget VPN. Offers step by step Asus installation instructions. Very fast speeds, no connection limit, and powerful security tools, plus great streaming ability. Every plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our in-depth Surfshark review.
3. ProtonVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.9 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
| Router suitability: | 10.0 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 7.2 / 10 |
| US speed: | 8.2 / 10 |
Website: www.ProtonVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ProtonVPN is known for two things: being extremely privacy-conscious and having a massive network. There are over 15,000 servers to choose from, spread across 120 countries, with some designed for encrypting your data twice, accessing the dark web, or torrenting safely. This VPN works flawlessly with streaming platforms like Netflix and provides manual setup instructions for a dozen different types of firmware. Support staff are available around the clock via live chat, just in case you need help.
I decided to test ProtonVPN’s servers at three different times of day so that I could see just how much variability there was. This service achieved an average speed of 164.04 Mbps with roughly 7 Mbps of fluctuation, which is excellent. In fact, with performance like this, you’ll be able to handle data-intensive tasks like streaming, gaming, or downloading large files without any slowdown or stuttering.
Just like Proton Mail, ProtonVPN takes your security seriously. It stops anyone from seeing what you get up to online using 256-bit ChaCha20 encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. There’s also a strict no-logs policy in place, ensuring ProtonVPN can’t divulge details of your activities after the fact. This service supports split tunneling and port forwarding, plus it has a combined ad and tracker-blocker. There is a stealth protocol but this isn’t strong enough to beat China’s Great Firewall, sadly. Signing up anonymously is easy since ProtonVPN accepts cash and Bitcoin.
ProtonVPN works with most router types and firmware, but also offers support for Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a provider with lots of documentation and 24/7 live chat
- Your VPN must be ultra-fast and ready for anything
- You’d like a service boasting a spotless privacy record
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You were hoping to use advanced privacy tools on your router
GREAT MULTIPURPOSE VPN:ProtonVPN is suitable for streaming, torrenting, or gaming, and delivers some of the fastest speeds I’ve seen. There’s a first-class customer support team plus a 30-day money-back guarantee, even on monthly plans.
Learn more with our full review of ProtonVPN.
4. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.6 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.0 / 10 |
| Router suitability: | 10.0 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.2 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 9.2 / 10 |
| US speed: | 5.4 / 10 |
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is the only provider with its own router firmware. This lets you protect Asus routers without losing access to additional features like ad-blocking, a kill switch, and obfuscation capable of beating the world’s strictest censorship. With servers in 105 countries and exceptional unblocking ability, you’ll be able to access virtually any region-locked streaming service, torrent, or game as much as you like. Live chat-based support is available 24/7 and in my experience, staff are friendly, helpful, and quick to reply.
ExpressVPN’s custom Lightway protocol was designed to minimize speed loss when using distant servers, and is available on routers (provided you’re using ExpressVPN’s own firmware). After a full day of testing, this VPN had an average speed of 115.28 Mbps and just 6 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest results. That’s not bad at all, and will allow you to watch live TV, make video calls, and torrent without any noticeable performance issues. See for yourself:
So how does this service fare where privacy is concerned? Actually, very well. ExpressVPN uses unbreakable encryption, a kill switch, and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection to shield your activities from snoopers. That’s not all; it also offers ad and tracker-blocking as well as an adult content filter. There’s a zero-logs policy in place and this provider has had its apps, infrastructure, and privacy policy audited on multiple occasions. You can sign up anonymously by paying in Bitcoin.
ExpressVPN now has three subscription tiers: Basic (starting at $3.49 monthly), Advanced ($4.49 p/m), and Pro ($7.49 p/m). This makes it easier to find a plan that fits your cost range and privacy needs. These plans allow for up to 14 simultaneous connections, but a router counts as just one! If you need to protect other devices separately, apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a VPN with its own router firmware
- You’d like a speedy service that’s great for day-to-day tasks like streaming
- You’d like to use advanced security features, even when the VPN is installed on a router
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re looking for a VPN with lots of customization options
RELIABLE VPN:ExpressVPN is a lightweight, novice-friendly option for Asus routers. Not only is it quick, it refuses to compromise on privacy and can unblock most major streaming sites. Works in places like China. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of ExpressVPN.
5. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.2 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 8.1 / 10 |
| Router suitability: | 10.0 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.7 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 7.8 / 10 |
| US speed: | 6.6 / 10 |
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is another great option for anyone with an Asus router. It boasts 3,200 self-owned servers in 100+ countries and can reliably access major streaming apps like Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix US, regardless of your location. The website provides setup guides for various firmware including AsusWRT and Asuswrt-Merlin but staff are available 24/7 over live chat, just in case. Finally, IPVanish lets you connect any number of devices, even if it’s not installed on a router.
I’ve seen IPVanish outpace plenty of better-known services but it’s important to retest regularly so that any recent tweaks or optimizations are accounted for. In my latest round of tests, this VPN delivered an average speed of 136.74 Mbps. Needless to say, that’s fast enough for torrenting, watching live broadcasts, and most other day to day tasks. There was a little more variance than I’d like but overall, I was impressed by IPVanish’s performance. Here are my full test results:
IPVanish puts privacy at the heart of everything it does, refusing to keep any logs and repeatedly undergoing independent audits for your peace of mind. Its security toolkit includes 256-bit encryption (AES or ChaCha20, depending on which protocol you’re using), a kill switch that keeps you safe following an unexpected disconnection, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Additional features include ad and tracker-blocking, OpenVPN obfuscation, multi-hop servers, and a link safety-checking tool. You can also use IPVanish’s split tunneling feature to control which apps’ traffic is encrypted.
Want to get IPVanish VPN practically for free? It now offers an Advanced plan that bundles the VPN with 1 TB of cloud storage and a cloud-based secure browser. This essentially shows your activities happening on a remote computer, so they’re not linked to your connection at all. Better still, IPVanish’s Advanced plan only costs around a dollar more than the Essential subscription.
IPVanish has its own apps for iOS, Android, Linux, MacOS, and Windows.
Buy this VPN if:
- You’d like step-by-step setup instructions for Asus routers
- You demand steady speeds and reliable connections
- You want a zero-logs provider with a good degree of security
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want to pay in cryptocurrency
FAST, PRIVATE VPN:IPVanish boasts strong security and privacy, along with fast speeds. Works perfectly with most major streaming sites and doesn’t impose any bandwidth or connection limits. Annual plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
See our full review of IPVanish.
6. PureVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7.7 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Router suitability: | 6.7 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.7 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 7.3 / 10 |
| US speed: | 6.8 / 10 |
Website: www.PureVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS
PureVPN operates roughly 6,000 servers spread across 65 countries. I love that there are virtually no limitations with this provider; it works in countries with extreme censorship, unblocks a wide range of streaming platforms, and allows torrenting across its entire network. The support section of its website walks you through the process of installing the service on your Asus router, but if you need help, staff are always available over live chat.
PureVPN is a versatile, affordable service that’s fairly easy to install on most routers. I was able to stream, torrent, and play online games without the slightest performance issue. In fact, after a full day of testing, PureVPN delivered an average speed of 140.50 Mbps – enough to download a 1GB file in less than a minute. Now, it wasn’t the most consistent – one result was almost 70 Mbps lower than the others, but even the slowest one was enough for most tasks. You’ll find its full speed test results below:
It goes without saying that your privacy is paramount. PureVPN shields your online activities from snoopers (such as your ISP) using a combination of uncrackable encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. Better still, it doesn’t keep any logs, meaning it couldn’t reveal what you get up to even if it wanted to. How do I know? Because this provider has been audited not once, but four times. Best of all, it accepts a variety of anonymous payment methods including cryptocurrency, which really cements its privacy-first reputation.
In addition to routers, PureVPN works with Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and macOS devices.
Buy this VPN if:
- It’s important that your VPN be able to beat most online restrictions
- You’re looking for speed, reliability, and 24/7 support over live chat
- You want to choose from thousands of servers around the world
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You wanted tracker-blocking tools, not just in-app but on your router too
SAFE BROWSING ANYWHERE:PureVPN works just about everywhere, even places like China and the UAE. It’s very security-conscious and doesn’t compromise on speed. Best of all, every plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there’s no risk.
Check out our complete PureVPN review.
7. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 6.5 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 8.2 / 10 |
| Router suitability: | 6.7 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Streaming: | 7.8 / 10 |
| US speed: | 1.0 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN has a smaller network than some others in this list, with around 200 servers in 63 countries. Still, it has plenty to offer including compatibility with Asus routers and the ability to beat the world’s toughest online censorship. I was able to use sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and ITVX while connected, and torrenting is permitted on any server. You can manually set up an OpenVPN, L2TP, or WireGuard connection, which is great since the last of these protocols isn’t even supported in-app yet. Live chat-based customer support is available 24/7.
This service doesn’t have the same level of performance as other VPNs I’ve tested but it’s still quick enough to handle any day to day task. PrivateVPN delivered an average speed of 34.91 Mbps, though I’d prefer if it was slightly more consistent since it speeds varied by 16 Mbps. Take a look at the full results below:
Privacy is one area where this VPN really excels. It hides your browsing activities from snoopers using unbreakable AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. PrivateVPN actually lets you swap between 128-bit and 256-bit encryption, allow certain apps to bypass its encryption, and sidestep country-wide censorship in places like China. There’s a strict no-logs policy in place but PrivateVPN hasn’t proven it with an independent audit just yet.
PrivateVPN has its own apps for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a VPN capable of accessing just about anything
- You’re looking for a service that puts your privacy above all else
- You’d like to be able to speak to staff directly if something goes wrong
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re searching for the fastest provider on the market
SECURE, RELIABLE CONNECTIONS:PrivateVPN makes up for its small network by providing top-tier security, unblocking all but the toughest streaming sites, and easily bypassing the world’s toughest censorship. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our detailed PrivateVPN review.
Recent VPN Product Updates
Market-leading VPNs continuously add new features to enhance their product offerings and security. Here are some of the most recent updates to my recommended VPNs:
NordVPN
- Open-sourcing of the Linux platform improves visibility and user accessibility (October 2025)
- Browser extensions now support timezone spoofing in addition to location spoofing (October 2025)
- Scam call protection expanded to detect more categories of unwanted calls (September 2025)
- Network stability advanced with automatic connection recovery (June 2025)
- Collaboration efficiency improved through Meshnet drag-and-drop transfers (June 2025)
- Privacy monitoring expanded to track 50 email addresses via Dark Web Monitor (June 2025)
Surfshark
- 100Gbps servers deployed in Amsterdam to accommodate higher performance needs (October 2025)
- Server infrastructure has surpassed 4,500 for increased global diversity (October 2025)
- New web blocker added to safeguard kids from harmful online material (October 2025)
- Selective routing perfected with Bypasser’s cross-platform availability (April 2025)
- Server flexibility enhanced through seven additional dedicated IP locations: Istanbul, Warsaw, Las Vegas, and more (April 2025)
Proton VPN
- NetShield’s ad-blocker now filters nearly all known phishing sites and reduces incorrect flags (October 2025)
- New servers have been introduced in Panama, Armenia, Mongolia, and Laos (October 2025)
- Expanded crypto payment support now includes Monero, Litecoin, and Ethereum (October 2025)
- Threat detection enhanced with NetShield’s anti-phishing capabilities (Spring 2025)
- Streaming versatility expanded to support approximately 100 entertainment platforms (Spring 2025)
ExpressVPN
- Overhauled iPad application for a more native tablet look and feel (October 2025)
- Introduced pricing tiers: Basic ($3.49), Advanced ($4.49), Pro ($7.49) (September 2025)
- EventVPN launched as a no-cost service to transform the free VPN space (September 2025)
- Service management improved with streamlined account deletion (March 2025)
IPVanish
- IPVanish published its Q4 2025 transparency report, reaffirming its no-logs stance (January 2026)
- App updates introduced the ability to filter and connect to RAM-only servers across supported platforms (December 2025)
- The network now reaches 150+ locations with access to over 56,000 IP addresses (October 2025)
- OpenVPN compatibility is now available on iOS devices, supporting both iPhone and iPad (September 2025)
Using a free VPN with an Asus router
Most free VPNs support the major operating systems, but they are unlikely to support router configuration. Even if you find one that works with routers, you’ll soon realize that your problems have only just begun.
Free VPNs have few servers to choose from, and many users are trying to access them. This means you’ll have to endure slow, unreliable connections, which clearly isn’t ideal when you’re trying to cover all the devices in your home. You may even have to wait to connect to a server, which means you’ll be unprotected indefinitely.
What’s more, free VPNs are known for their shady business practices. If they’re not constantly bombarding you with ads, they’re likely tracking your activity and selling the data to advertisers who will target you with ads themselves. Some free VPNs fail from a security standpoint, too, by using weak or non-existent encryption. There have even been reports of free VPNs infecting devices with malware.
When protecting every device in your home, it’s essential that you go with a reputable VPN provider that prioritizes security, privacy, and user experience. If you’re concerned about the cost, remember that every VPN listed here comes with a money-back guarantee of at least 30 days, so you can make sure you’re 100% happy with your choice before committing long-term.
How to set up your VPN with an Asus router
The exact setup you use will depend on your Asus router model, the firmware it’s flashed with, your chosen VPN provider, and which protocol you want to use. I’ll provide links to some individual guides below, but the general steps will be similar.
Here’s how to configure an Asus router (with AsusWRT firmware) with OpenVPN:
- Choose a suitable VPN provider and submit payment. I recommend NordVPN.
- Log in to the VPN website and download the VPN configuration files for your desired location (these are usually available within the setup tutorial section of the site). You should be provided with a username and password for later use.
- Open a new tab in a web browser and go to your router dashboard, which you can usually access by entering 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 into the URL bar.
- Sign in to your Asus router control panel. Navigate to VPN > VPN Client > Add Profile.
- Select your protocol, in this case OpenVPN.
- Add a description for your profile and enter the username and password you were provided with in step 2.
- Click Choose File, add the configuration file you downloaded earlier, and hit Upload.
- Once the file has finished uploading, select OK. The profile has now been added.
- To connect to the VPN, select Activate next to the new profile.
Note that this will configure the VPN for one location. You can download configuration files for multiple locations and repeat this process to add a new profile for each location. Then, you simply activate and deactivate profiles as needed.
Do you need a VPN provider for your Asus router?
Most VPN providers have strict connection limits, which means that users with large families or lots of devices often have to make difficult decisions about what traffic exactly gets protected. However, no matter how many devices are on your network, a router still only counts as a single connection. In other words, using a VPN on your Asus router effectively allows you to get maximum value from your subscription.
Another reason to use a VPN on your router is that it lets you change the location for all connected devices at once. This is especially handy for older game consoles and smart TVs that may not support VPN software natively. Other VPN features will also apply to all connected devices, such as traffic encryption, ad blocking, anti malware, and parental controls (where available).
VPNs for Asus routers FAQs
Can I run an Asus router with the original Tomato firmware?
Yes, you can use the original Tomato firmware on an Asus router, but not all models are compatible. A better idea may be to use The FreshTomato project, a fork of the original Tomato firmware that offers support for several Asus routers. Some of the supported models include the Asus RT-AC66U, Asus RT-AC66U_B1, Asus RT-AC67U, Asus RT-AC68U/R/P, Asus RT-AC5300, and Asus TUF-AX3000_V2.
It’s important to note, before installing, to check your router model’s compatibility. The installation can be a little tricky, so being tech-savvy is a big plus. If not, consider getting professional help. You can always switch back to the Asus firmware if things go wrong. You do this by using the Asus Firmware Restoration Utility.
However, remember that while Tomato firmware offers more features and customization, it might deliver a different WiFi performance than the Asus firmware due to differences in driver versions.
What are the limitations of VPN routers?
There are four main limitations with VPN routers. The first is that the manual configuration process is far trickier than simply installing an app and has the potential to brick your router if done incorrectly.
Additionally, because only your home network’s traffic is encrypted, you won’t have the same level of privacy when browsing away from home. Conversely, if each device installed the VPN app, you’d be protected regardless of which network you were using.
Changing location in a VPN app is as simple as selecting your desired server from a list. If your VPN is only installed on your router, though, you’ll have to download the configuration file for each server you’d like to use, then manually go into your router’s settings panel and tell it to use the appropriate one for a given situation.
Finally, all devices on your network are locked to the same location. In other words, if your router sends data through a US server, no device on your network could access UK-only services like BBC iPlayer.
What is VPN passthrough on an Asus router?
VPN passthrough sounds complicated, but you might know it by its other name: split tunneling. This feature effectively allows specific websites to bypass the VPN entirely, which can be helpful for ensuring you get the highest possible speeds. It’s important to enable this only for websites that aren’t processing sensitive information since you won’t get any of your VPN’s privacy benefits.
You can also use VPN passthrough to access foreign and local services simultaneously. Say, for instance, that you were visiting the UK and wanted to stream TV from back home but also watch BBC iPlayer. In this case, you could connect to a US server and simply add the iPlayer website to your exemptions list.
Is it possible to set up a router to be a VPN server and client?
Some of the more expensive home routers can be run as both a VPN server and client, although generally, homebrew solutions involve hosting your own VPN server on a separate device (such as a PC) and simply giving your router the information it needs to connect.
It’s worth mentioning that while free, this process is more time-consuming than setting up a commercial VPN. Additionally, you will be restricted by your network’s upload speed, which usually means significantly slower speeds overall.
How do I check which version of OpenVPN my Asus router has?
To check the version of OpenVPN on your Asus router, you can follow these steps:
- Log into your router’s control panel and select VPN in the left sidebar menu.
- Once logged in, look for the “Advanced Settings” tab in the router’s interface. Click on it to expand the options.
- Locate and click on the “VPN Settings” option.
- You should find information about the installed OpenVPN version on the VPN settings page. The specific location of this information may vary depending on the router’s firmware version and interface design.
- The OpenVPN version number will be in the format of “2.x.x” or “2.x.x-xxxx” where “x” represents specific version numbers.
By following these steps, you should be able to identify the version of OpenVPN installed on your Asus router.
Asus router setup tutorials for the above providers
Below are links to the Asus router setup tutorials for the providers listed above.
NordVPN
- How to configure your Asus router running original firmware (AsusWRT)
- AsusWRT Merlin setup with NordVPN
Surfshark:
ProtonVPN:
- How to set up your AsusWRT router for Proton VPN using OpenVPN
- How to set up Proton VPN on AsusWRT-Merlin routers using OpenVPN
ExpressVPN:
- How to set up ExpressVPN with OpenVPN on your Asus router
- How to set up the ExpressVPN router app for Asus RT-AC68U, RT-AC87U, RT-AC56R, RT-AC56S, and RT-AC56U
IPVanish:
PureVPN:
PrivateVPN:
See also:
- Best VPNs for DD-WRT routers (+ set up guide)
- Best VPNs for Tomato routers (+ set up guide)
I have in-house interest speeds of 950mbps for both download and upload. When I enable my new ASUS ZenWiFi AX Mini (XD4) router with NordVPN, my speeds drop to 60mbps for both download and upload. That is over 15x slower. I tried multiple times with consist results. Asus routers do not have VPN throughput to maintain faster speeds. Seek other options.