By configuring a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to your Asus router, you can rest assured that the traffic to and from every internet-connected device is encrypted, providing you with a secure online experience. Additionally, a VPN can be a powerful tool to bypass geo-restrictions set by sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, giving you more control over your online content.
Asus is one of the best options for VPN routers. Most Asus routers come with a built-in OpenVPN client which makes for easy setup. This also means that more VPNs are compatible with Asus routers than with routers made by other brands. The robust hardware and user-friendly interface of Asus routers make them an ideal choice for VPN setup. However, not all VPNs work well with Asus routers, and those that do offer varying levels of performance.
Ready for our expert recommendations? We’ll delve into more detail shortly, but if you’re eager for a quick overview of the best VPNs for Asus routers, here’s a sneak peek at our list:
- NordVPN:Â Our top recommendation for an 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:Â A budget Asus VPN with strong security features and unlimited simultaneous connections. Impressed average speeds and reliable performance with streaming platforms.
- IPVanish: A privacy-focused VPN and a popular option for torrenters. A powerful streaming VPN that works with plenty of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
- ExpressVPN: This VPN is easy to set up on compatible router models. Optimum speeds for streaming. It offers many key features, including strong security and 256-bit AES encryption.
- PrivateVPN: Unblock a ton of geo-restricted content with this small but speedy VPN. A reputable provider with DNS leak protection and 256-bit encryption.
- PureVPN: A no-logs service that works almost anywhere in the world. Supports most streaming platforms, offers very high speeds, and provides manual setup guides for Asus routers.
- ProtonVPN: Speedy servers in over 80 countries. Can reliably access all manner of streaming services and puts your security first. Simple setup instructions for Asus routers.
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.
There are many solid Asus router VPNs out there, but they differ in terms of security, performance, and other factors. Here are the main criteria used to compile this list of the best VPNs for Asus routers:
- Compatible and easy to configure with Asus routers
- Offers fast speeds
- Utilizes strong security features
- Can unblock most popular streaming sites
- Keeps no logs
- Offers excellent customer support
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Best VPNs for Asus routers – Our hands-on review
We’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Asus routers.
| No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | PrivateVPN | PureVPN | Proton VPN |
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | PrivateVPN.com | PureVPN.com | protonvpn.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 BBC iPlayer Hulu | Netflix Amazon Prime BBC iPlayer Hulu | Netflix Amazon Prime | Netflix Amazon Prime | Netflix Amazon Prime | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 74 Mbps | 400 Mbps | 100+ Mbps | Popular Sites Unblocked | 95% | 88% | 85% | 86% | 85% | 80% | 87% | Total number of servers | 6,000+ | 3,200 | 2,200+ | Undisclosed | 200+ | 6,500+ | 3,800 | Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 8 | 10 | 10 | Free: 1, VPN Plus: 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best deal (per month) | $2.99 74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months | $1.99 87% OFF + 4 months free | $2.19 SAVE up to 83% | $4.99 SAVE: 82% + 6 months free on 2 year plans | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free | $1.99 85% off the 5-yr standard plan | $2.99 SAVE 70% on a 2-year plan |
Best VPNs for Asus routers
Our ranking methodology of the best VPNs for Asus routers is based on many factors which we have discussed in the following reviews. Let’s take a look at our ranked list of the best VPNs for Asus routers:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our first pick for an Asus router VPN. For manual configuration, NordVPN provides tutorials for both AsusWRT (Asus’ native firmware) and Asuswrt-Merlin (a custom firmware). Pre-configured NordVPN Asus routers are available through FlashRouters. This VPN allows torrenting and has blazing-fast speeds for streaming and downloading. It can access many popular streaming sites such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
One thing that makes NordVPN stand out is its focus on strong security. It uses military-grade encryption alongside perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and leak protection. Extras include automatic wifi protection, double VPN, and Tor over VPN. This provider maintains no logs.
NordVPN has a ton of servers to choose from with over 6,200 in 111 countries. Native apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Plans allow for up to ten simultaneous connections. Customer support representatives are very knowledgeable and can be reached via the website’s live chat feature at any time of day.
Pros:
- Best in speeds testing
- Easy to set up with compatible Asus routers
- Operates a huge server network
- Comes with security extras
- Unblocks a ton of streaming platforms
- 24/7 support
Cons:
- Bit of a learning curve for desktop apps
Our score:
BEST ASUS ROUTER VPN:NordVPN is our #1 choice for Asus routers. It has tons of high-speed servers to choose from and can unblock most streaming platforms. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included, making this a risk-free option.
Check out our in-depth review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that provides fantastic performance per dollar value. The low price doesn’t stop it from offering the full package, including compatibility with routers. While there isn’t the option to buy a pre-configured Surfshark router, you can configure one yourself. The Surfshark website offers a tutorial for setting up the VPN with routers running the AsusWRT firmware. Surfshark is capable of accessing popular streaming sites such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer. It has great speeds for streaming and downloading.
Security and privacy features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, perfect forward secrecy, leak protection, and the option of using a double-hop VPN. Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy.
This provider currently runs over 3,000 servers in 50 countries. One of the perks of a Surfshark plan is you can connect as many devices as you like at one time. Apps are available for Linux, MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Should you run into issues, customer support is always available.
Pros:
- Can be set up with Asus native software
- Bypasses restrictions on Netflix and other sites
- Offers tight security and privacy
- No connection limit
- Around-the-clock support
Cons:
- Some servers can be slow
Our score:
BUDGET ALTERNATIVE:Surfshark is a powerful streaming VPN and doesn’t limit the number of connections per account. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our in-depth Surfshark review.
3. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish offers a fast, secure service and can be set up with Asus routers. The website includes tutorials for configuring the VPN with both AsusWRT and Asuswrt-Merlin firmware. If you prefer a plug-and-play solution, pre-configured IPVanish Asus routers can be purchased through FlashRouters. IPVanish is a popular option for torrenters and unblocks some streaming platforms, including Netflix US.
Privacy is at the forefront of IPVanish’s mission, and the VPN keeps no logs whatsoever. Security features include a built-in kill switch and leak protection. Your traffic is concealed using 256-bit encryption alongside perfect forward secrecy.
IPVanish is generous in its connection limit, allowing up to 10 devices (nine in addition to your router) to connect to the VPN at any given time. This is ideal for families with lots of mobile devices to protect. You can download software versions for iOS and Android, as well as Windows and MacOS. This provider operates around 1,100 servers in 60 countries. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat.
Pros:
- Has tutorials for Asus router setup
- Fast and reliable
- Provides secure, encrypted connections
Cons:
- Doesn’t accept cryptocurrency payments
Our score:
FAST, PRIVATE VPN:IPVanish boasts strong security and privacy, along with fast speeds. It operates a 7-day refund policy.
See our full review of IPVanish.
4. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is an all-round solid VPN and a reputable provider. You can configure the VPN with your Asus router yourself or purchase a pre-configured ExpressVPN Asus router from FlashRouters (a pricier option). This VPN comes with its own (optional) easy-to-use custom firmware, which is compatible with select Asus models (RT-AC56(U/R/S), RT-AC68U, RT-AC87U). ExpressVPN allows torrenting and can unblock plenty of geo-restricted sites such as Netflix (US, UK, and other libraries), Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. You have a choice of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries.
A stellar security suite includes 256-bit AES encryption with perfect forward secrecy. ExpressVPN’s network lock (kill switch) is enabled permanently in routers. Protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks further protects your information. This provider doesn’t log any information that could be used to identify you, such as an IP address.
ExpressVPNs plans allow for up to five simultaneous connections; a router counts as just one. If you need to protect other devices separately, apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. 24/7 live chat support is available to help with any issues.
Pros:
- Provides easy-to-follow tutorials for Asus router setup
- Includes the option to use intuitive custom firmware
- Provides superior speeds
- Easily unblocks Netflix and other sites
- Offers strong security
Cons:
- Costs a bit more than some competitors
- Could offer more customizable features
Our score:
RELIABLE VPN:ExpressVPN is a solid alternative for use with Asus routers. It’s fast and reliable and offers prompt and knowledgeable customer support. Subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of ExpressVPN.
5. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is a smaller provider than others on the list in terms of network size, but it still has lots to offer, including compatibility with Asus routers. Two tutorials are provided for setup with Asus RT routers, one for OpenVPN and the other for L2TP. PrivateVPN is fast and reliable and can unblock a ton of popular streaming sites.
This provider lives up to its name in terms of security and privacy. It keeps no logs at all and protects traffic with 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, leak protection, and a kill switch.
Users have access to around 150 servers in 60 countries. Six devices can be connected at a time, and native apps are available for Android, iOS, MacOS, and Windows. Live chat support is available most of the time, but not 24/7.
Pros:
- Configurable with Asus routers
- Pegs fast speeds
- Great at unblocking restricted media
Cons:
- Operates a small server network
- Doesn’t offer 24/7 live chat
Our score:
SECURE, RELIABLE CONNECTIONS:PrivateVPN makes up for its small size  with a high-quality user experience. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our detailed PrivateVPN review.
6. PureVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PureVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS
PureVPN operates roughly 6,000 servers spread across 65 countries. In our latest round of testing, it delivered average download speeds approaching 400 Mbps, making it one of the fastest services on the market. We 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.
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 we know? Because this provider has been audited not once, but four times. There aren’t any anonymous payment methods, though, which is a shame because that’d really cement its privacy-first reputation.
In addition to routers, PureVPN works with Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and MacOS devices.
Pros:
- Impressive performance and no bandwidth limit
- Can beat just about any online restriction
- Large network and a high degree of customer support
Cons:
- Can’t block trackers if you’re using it on a router
- Customer service can be a little slow
Our score:
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. ProtonVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.protonvpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ProtonVPN has almost 4,000 servers and its network covers an impressive 85 countries. It delivers average speeds in excess of 330 Mbps, so you’re unlikely to notice any performance issues unless you’re already on a very slow connection. This VPN works with all manner of geo-blocked services, from Netflix to Disney+, and can even block ads or malicious downloads both in-app or when installed on a router. There are detailed setup instructions for various Asus models on the official website but if you get stuck, staff are on-hand 24/7 via live chat.
As you might expect, ProtonVPN uses uncrackable encryption, industry-approved connection protocols, and a kill switch. It also prevents IPv6 and DNS leaks, but it’s the Secure Core servers that really help it stand out from the crowd. These effectively function as multi-hop servers but are kept in high-security underground data centres to prevent third-party interference. Additionally, this provider follows a no-logging policy which we know for sure thanks to its independent audit. If you’d like to sign up anonymously, you can pay in either cash or Bitcoin.
ProtonVPN works with most router types and firmware but also offers support for Linux, MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS.
Pros:
- Extensive documentation makes router installation easy
- High speeds, automatic ad-blocking
- Plenty of built-in security features
Cons:
- Most of its advanced features are only available in the apps
- Pricier than competitors
GREAT MULTIPURPOSE VPN:ProtonVPN is suitable for streaming, torrenting, or gaming and delivers some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen. There’s a first-class customer support team in case anything goes wrong, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee, even on monthly plans.
Learn more with our full review of ProtonVPN.
Our Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Asus routers
Deciding which VPN to install on a home router can be a very difficult task. After all, some providers don’t even support Asus firmware, and others might not offer all of their security features outside of their apps. To ensure we only recommend the best of the best, we identified a few key areas in which the best Asus router VPNs should excel. Below, we’ll break down exactly what we expect in each category:
- Asus router support: First and foremost, we need the VPN to work on Asus router models. DD-WRT, OpenWRT, AsusWRT Routers, and Tomato support is also a plus since we know that people often change their routers over time. This could be through Router Firmware, or by providing step-by-step instructions and an OpenVPN configuration file.
- Plenty of server choice: Some providers only have a single server in each location, which means that you’re out of luck when that goes offline. We prioritize VPNs spanning dozens of countries and strongly prefer those with more servers. Just remember to download the config files of two servers for each location you’d like to use.
- Strong security features: At a minimum, we look for 256-bit encryption but some VPNs offer obfuscated servers that can replace more advanced tools like a stealth mode that’s available in-app but not via a router control panel. Note that you’ll have to configure DNS leak protection manually and a kill switch, however.
- A no-logs policy: The goal of a VPN is to improve your digital privacy. This is why we can’t recommend any service that logs your activities or any other personally identifiable information. Ideally, you’d be able to sign up anonymously by paying in cryptocurrency or prepaid gift cards, too.
- Customer support: Most people can’t configure their router VPN without a little help. In fact, due to the risks involved with a misconfiguration, it’s best not to. We look for VPNs that have clear, detailed, step-by-step instructions and ideally, 24/7 support over live chat.
- Fair pricing: We see a lot of VPNs here at Comparitech and can quickly tell if a provider is charging more than its service is actually worth. If this is the case, we’ll simply refuse to recommend it. Additionally, we’ll let you know about any discounts available on our top VPNs so that you never pay more than is strictly necessary. We also look out for a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can test whether or not a service is suitable for you.
Interested in finding out more? This is actually just the first stage of testing, but we have a whole post laying out our full VPN testing process.
Can I use a free VPN with an Asus router?
If you’re lucky, most free VPNs support the major operating systems, but they are unlikely to support router configuration. Even if you do manage to set one up, you’re opening yourself up to a host of other issues.
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 provider that prioritizes security, privacy, and user experience.
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. We 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. We 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.
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.
VPNs for Asus routers FAQs
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.
Can I use these VPNS on other types of routers?
Some of the VPNs on this list, like NordVPN, support installation for routers other than Asus. For example, NordVPN also allows you to install it on selected Netgear, Linksys, and D-Link routers.
How many devices can I connect to an Asus Router VPN?
The good news is that you can connect as many devices as you like to an Asus Router VPN. Any device you connect to the router will benefit from the encrypted connection. This includes devices that you normally wouldn’t otherwise be able to connect to your VPN, such as a games console. Needless to say, it’s a more practical way to secure many devices simultaneously because you won’t have to download and install individual apps for each. This is also a great way to overcome the device limitations set by many VPN providers.
Are VPN routers slow?
The short answer is yes. VPN routers can be slower than non-VPN routers. However, this speed decrease is minimal and should not drastically hinder your internet experience.
When using a VPN router, you may notice slight drops of around 10-20% in speed as the router encrypts and routes your connection through its servers. This drop in speed is normal and doesn’t necessarily mean that the device itself is slow; rather, more steps are being taken to secure your data before transmitting it across the Internet.
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 in our list above.
ExpressVPN:Â
- 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
NordVPN:
- How to configure your Asus router running original firmware (AsusWRT)
- AsusWRT Merlin setup with NordVPN
IPVanish:
Surfshark:
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.