A VPN is a Virtual Private Network. Once downloaded to your device, a VPN has the ability to form a direct and secure connection across a public network.
Basically, a VPN’s purpose is to encrypt (convert into code form) all of your internet traffic so that it can’t be interpreted or intercepted by third parties. Many people also use VPNs to disguise their current location, enabling them to access online content that may not be available in their region.
Sounds great, right? But what if we told you that there’s an even more convenient way of using a VPN than downloading one directly to your individual devices?
Instead of spending time installing the same VPN on each device connected to the router in your home, many routers now provide users with the option of configuring the VPN directly to the router.
Some of the easiest routers to which to configure VPNs are Asus routers. This is because the majority of routers within Asus’s range come with OpenVPN Client Connect, which is the software that allows for VPN configuration.
However, it is important to remember that just because Asus routers typically support VPN configuration, doesn’t mean that all VPNs work equally well with Asus routers. Instead, it is necessary to narrow down the choices to achieve the best compatibility.
Today, we will be discussing the top 10 best and most compatible VPNs for Asus routers.
OUR TOP PICK
Surfshark will be the most accessible VPN for many people because it is affordable whilst remaining highly functional and very secure. Most important in this context, Surfshark is also completely compatible with Asus routers that have OpenVPN Client Connect enabled.
Surfshark makes it easy to manually set up the VPN on your Asus router by providing a guided tutorial through its website, specifically aimed at AsusWRT-enabled routers.
The great thing about Surfshark is that even though it’s an affordable VPN option, it doesn’t compromise on security. Surfshark uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Specifically, it runs AES-256, which is the most secure type of encryption with the highest key length (256 bits).
For context, the higher the key length on an encryption system, the more difficult it is to break via brute force, so a 256-bit key length makes a VPN less vulnerable to third-party interference because it is more-or-less unbreakable through brute force attacks.
Surfshark also has a kill switch built into the software, which essentially provides emergency backup in case your VPN fails. The kill switch automatically disconnects your device(s) from the internet as soon as the connection is no longer protected by the VPN. This means that your internet connection never has to be left vulnerable to attack.
The speeds provided by Surfshark are also impressive, making this VPN a great choice if you regularly stream a lot of video content. Speaking of streaming, Surfshark allows you to bypass regional blocks on services such as Netflix.
There’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect to Surfshark via your Asus router, so you can rely on Surfshark to keep all of your devices protected.
In our opinion, the primary drawback to using Surfshark is that, compared to some other VPNs, its network of servers is relatively small. You also can’t manually select your nearest server when you set up the VPN, so network speeds do vary quite significantly depending on where you are.
Pros
- Online set-up tutorial - Easy configuration
- Advanced Encryption Standard - Very secure
- High speeds - Ideal for streaming
- 256-bit encryption - Almost unbreakable
- Unlimited device connection - Complete protection
Cons
- Comparatively small server network - Speeds can be inconsistent in different areas
EDITORS CHOICE
Our second recommendation if you’re looking for a reliable and secure VPN with several advanced features to configure to your Asus router is NordVPN.
NordVPN is a popular choice of VPN, and it’s compatible with Asus routers!
Like Surfshark, NordVPN offers online tutorials for configuring Asus routers, including AsusWRT and the AsusWRT-Merlin. Alternatively, there are also pre-configured Asus routers for NordVPN, so if you don’t feel up to the task of manually configuring your router, you don’t have to!
One of the most exciting features offered by NordVPN is its incredible speeds. To give you some context, anything above 40 Mbps is generally considered to be a very fast internet speed, suitable for HD streaming and supporting multiple connections at once. NordVPN runs at an average speed of 115 Mbps.
In addition to high speeds, NordVPN provides AES-256 encryption. As we mentioned previously in our review of Surfshark, this is the most secure type of encryption, to the point that it is considered to be military-grade.
It is almost completely impossible to break by brute force, so there is little to no vulnerability in the connection.
Additionally, NordVPN fully respects the online privacy of its users. The company does not keep logs or records of its customers’ internet usage through its services, meaning that you don’t need to worry about the safety and security of your data.
The main reason we’ve listed NordVPN as the second option on our list, however, is because its configuration process for OpenVPN (which is the VPN software that most Asus routers provide) is quite complex and time-consuming.
It basically involves downloading NordVPN’s ZIP archive of server files and relying on guesswork to find the one nearest to you.
Pros
- Preconfigured routers available - No set-up required
- Online configuration tutorials - Good customer support
- Average speed of 115 Mbps - Very fast
- Military-grade AES-256 encryption - One of the safest VPNs
- Does not keep logs - Maintains your online privacy
Cons
- Complex OpenVPN configuration - Involves over 8,000 files
BEST VALUE
ExpressVPN is a very popular VPN that you have probably seen advertised a lot through platforms such as Youtube. However, what you might not know is that ExpressVPN is actually one of the best VPNs out there for Asus routers.
Like NordVPN, you can buy pre-configured Asus routers to skip the manual configuration process. Alternatively, you can do it on your own with the help of ExpressVPN’s online tutorials, which can be accessed for free.
One of the factors that drive so many customers towards ExpressVPN as a provider is the fact that its speeds are generally considered to be the best on the market. At an average speed of 135 Mbps, you can trust this VPN to support HD streaming and other demanding online activities without lagging or dropping out.
ExpressVPN comes with AES-256 encryption, making it almost totally invulnerable to interception and brute-force cyber attacks.
You can connect up to 5 devices to your ExpressVPN-configured Asus router at once, which should be enough for most households.
Plus, ExpressVPN doesn’t log or store your private internet history records, so you can use your ExpressVPN connection with total peace of mind.
Unfortunately, because of its superior speeds as well as other factors, ExpressVPN is significantly more expensive than many VPNs out there, so if you’re working to a budget, it may not be the best choice.
Pros
- Preconfiguration available - Bypass configuration process
- AES-256 encrypted - Resistant to brute force
- Supports up to 5 connections - Connect 5 devices
- 135 Mbps average - Very high speeds
- No usage records - Total privacy
Cons
- Relatively expensive - Not great for budgets
RUNNER UP
CyberGhost is a less widely known VPN in comparison to our top 3 suggestions, but it’s a fantastic service with many advantages, especially for Asus routers.
The CyberGhost configurations available for Asus routers are customizable, so you can introduce ad-blocking or web security features during the set-up process.
However, you shouldn’t need to introduce any extra security measures because CyberGhost is encrypted using AES-256 encryption for maximum protection against brute-force attacks.
On average, CyberGhost delivers download speeds of 89 Mbps, which is above the threshold for HD streaming. With that being said, CyberGhost isn’t supportive of all streaming platforms. While it typically works with Netflix, it is not compatible with Hulu or Amazon.
CyberGhost has an impressive range of servers across 88 different countries. In total, there are more than 6,900 servers in operation, so you can expect fast and reliable service almost regardless of where you are.
Even better, CyberGhost comes with an extended money-back guarantee, with a period of up to 45 days risk-free.
Pros
- 89 Mbps on average - Good speeds
- Customizable configuration - Ad-block and added security
- Encrypted with AES-256 - Super secure
- 45 days risk-free - Money back guarantee
- Sizeable server network - More than 6,900 servers
Cons
- Incompatible with some streaming platforms - Does not work with Amazon or Hulu
RUNNER UP
VyprVPN is compatible with the majority of Asus routers via OpenVPN Client Connect.
In addition to its compatibility with most Asus routers, VyprVPN can benefit your private network connection in a number of ways.
For one thing, VyprVPN runs on AES-256 encryption for military-grade protection that will make it almost impossible to intercept your internet traffic through brute force.
You can connect up to 5 different devices to your router once you’ve configured it for VyprVPN. After connecting, you’ll be able to use various streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and many more.
Users will also be reassured to hear that VyprVPN operates on a no-logging policy, meaning that it doesn’t keep any identifiable records of your internet history.
If you do run into any problems while using VyprVPN, you can reach out to the company’s customer support network, which operates on a 24/7 live chat basis.
Our main issue with VyprVPN is that it runs at slower speeds than many of its competitors. At an average of 44 Mbps, it still has enough bandwidth to support HD streaming most of the time. However, it’s far from the fastest option out there.
Pros
- AES-256 encryption - Ultimate protection
- Up to 5 connections allowed - Supports 5 devices
- Supports streaming services - Works with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and more
- No logging - No privacy concerns
- 24/7 live customer support - Assistance whenever you need it
Cons
- Slower speeds - 44 Mbps average
RUNNER UP
PrivateVPN is one of the most user-friendly VPN services on the market that you can configure to your Asus router.
The average speed of PrivateVPN services is 94 Mbps, which is typically more than enough for streaming in high quality as well as other demanding applications.
PrivateVPN is compatible with all the most popular streaming services. While some other VPNs restrict their streaming compatibility to Netflix alone, you can use PrivateVPN to access or unlock Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon, amongst many others.
Another reason why we recommend PrivateVPN as a virtual private network for your Asus router is that the company is committed to maintaining your online privacy. From its AES-256, military-grade encryption to its lack of record logging, PrivateVPN helps to keep your history safe from prying eyes.
One of the best things about using PrivateVPN is that you get to try it before you commit to a payment plan! After signing up to PrivateVPN, you can make use of the 7-day free trial. If you don’t enjoy your experience, you can cancel your subscription at no extra cost.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that PrivateVPN has quite a small server network, which means that speeds will not be consistent in all areas. With only 150 servers, it’s one of the smallest popular VPNs.
Pros
- 94 Mbps average speed - Fast downloads and uploads
- Uses AES-256 - Invulnerable to brute force
- Streaming service-compatible - Supports Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more
- Does not record logs - No privacy issues
- 7-day free trial - Try before you buy
Cons
- Relatively small server network - Just 150 servers
RUNNER UP
Coming in at number 7, we have IPVanish.
IPVanish is easy to configure using the OpenVPN configuration tutorials for Asus routers available on the company’s website.
Once you’ve signed up and completed the configuration process for IPVanish, you’ll be able to enjoy a whole host of privacy benefits.
IPVanish hosts a large network of servers, with over 16,000 servers distributed across 55 different countries. Therefore, as long as you reside in one of the countries in which IPVanish servers are established, you should be able to secure a decent connection.
While IPVanish doesn’t have the fastest connection speeds by any means, its speeds are still very respectable at an average of 52 Mbps.
Another huge advantage of using IPVanish is that there’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect to your configured Asus router. Connections are completely unlimited, so you can protect as many devices as you need.
Plus, IPVanish doesn’t keep any logs of your internet history or IP address that could identify you, so you have nothing to worry about on that front.
Sadly, however, IPVanish does not support all streaming services in all locations. Depending on which server you are connected to, you may not be able to use or unlock Netflix.
Pros
- OpenVPN configuration tutorials available - Guided set-up
- Large server network - 16,00 servers
- 52 Mbps on average - Solid speeds
- Unlimited connections - No device limitations
- No logs kept - Supports user privacy
Cons
- Not all servers support streaming - Netflix may be inaccessible in some locations
RUNNER UP
ProtonVPN comes with its own unique combination of advantages and drawbacks, which can make deciding whether or not to use it tricky. However, it’s still a good enough service for us to recommend it as choice number 8 for Asus routers.
You can configure your Asus router for ProtonVPN relatively easily using the straightforward tutorials for AsusWRT outlined on the website.
One of the main reasons customers gravitate towards ProtonVPN is that, unlike many other VPN services, it has a free plan. This means that, as long as the free plan meets all of your requirements, you can enjoy the benefits of ProtonVPN free of charge.
However, the downside to the ProtonVPN free service is the 1 connection limit. If you go with the free plan, you can only connect 1 device at a time, which may not be suitable for many people.
With that being said, ProtonVPN provides military-grade encryption (AES-256) and does not keep identifiable logs of its customers’ history or IP addresses, so the high levels of security and data protection are a huge plus.
Additionally, you can use ProtonVPN to unlock streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and Disney+. The VPN’s average speeds, while not the best on the market, are still sufficient to stream in HD from these services.
Unfortunately, ProtonVPN’s customer service is limited to email-based support, which means that getting a quick response to your issue is more difficult than with other services.
Pros
- Tutorials for AsusWRT configuration - Assistance available for set-up
- Available for free - Good budget option
- AES-256 encryption - Military-grade protection
- Supports streaming services - Watch Netflix, Amazon, and more
- Does not log data - No privacy breaches
Cons
- Email-based customer support - Slower response time
- Only 1 connection on free plan - Payment required for multiple connections
RUNNER UP
If you’re looking for a VPN with a large and reliable server network and good speeds, Private Internet Access could be the service for you!
Private Internet Access provides tutorials on its website for configuring your AsusWRT-Merlin router, so you don’t have to struggle through the configuration process alone.
Running at an average speed of 81 Mbps, Private Internet Access is suitable for anyone who wants to use streaming services and receive HD quality. Plus, thanks to the size of Private Internet Access’s network (35,000 servers across 78 countries), you should be able to enjoy these speeds in the vast majority of areas.
While Private Internet Access isn’t quite unlimited in terms of the simultaneous connections it supports, it can support up to 10 devices at any one time, which is pretty impressive.
Private Internet Access will not keep any identifiable logs of your activity or location, so there’s no need to worry about how your data is being protected or accessed.
Our only gripe with Private Internet Access is that, despite AES-256 encryption being available through configuration settings, the default encryption for this VPN is AES-128, which is not as secure. Users should be aware of this before setting up a Private Internet Access connection in order to keep themselves protected.
Pros
- Provides tutorials for AsusWRT-Merlin configuration - Makes configuration simpler
- 81 Mbps average speed - Suitable for HD streaming
- 10-device connectivity - Supports many devices simultaneously
- 35,000 servers in 78 countries - Wide server network
- Does not keep identifiable logs - Protects user privacy
Cons
- Default AES-128 - Requires extra steps for AES-256
RUNNER UP
Finally, we’d like to recommend HMA as an Asus router-compatible VPN option.
You can find a configuration tutorial for AsusWRT routers on HMA’s website to help you set up your new Virtual Private Network. However, if you need any further assistance, you can contact customer support, which is available 24 hours a day on a live chat basis.
HMA uses AES-256 encryption to keep your connection as secure and private as possible. This high-level encryption, combined with HMA’s no-log policy, keeps your history and location totally private and virtually inaccessible, even in brute-force attacks.
Using HMA, you can connect up to 5 devices to your router for multiple simultaneous connections. This means that configuring your router for HMA will, in most cases, allow you to connect all the devices you need to encrypt traffic to and from.
However, the speeds provided by HMA aren’t the best. At an average of 40 Mbps (variable by location), it often provides just enough bandwidth for HD streaming. Download speeds can suffer as a result of this.
Pros
- AsusWRT configuration tutorial - Provides set-up support
- AES-256 encryption - Very secure
- Supports up to 5 simultaneous connections - Not too limited
- No-log policy - Does not retain identifiable logs
- 24/7 live support - Good customer assistance
Cons
- 40 Mbps average speed - Not very efficient for downloads
Final Thoughts
Now that we have reviewed the top 10 VPNs for Asus routers, we hope that you’ve been able to find a service that will work for you!
Remember to consider average speeds, encryption grades, multiple connection support, and server network sizes in addition to ease of router configuration before committing to a payment plan.
If you’re still on the fence, bear in mind that some VPNs listed above offer free trials or money-back guarantees to help minimize the risk.
- Does a VPN Protect You on Public Wi-Fi? - July 21, 2021
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- What Is VPN Passthrough? (Explained) - July 21, 2021