Once thought of as solely the choice for those conducting nefarious activities, it now just makes sense for everyone to have an extra layer of security with a VPN when browsing online, especially when doing things like checking online banking accounts.
Without a VPN, your data is effectively open to anyone because it’s not encrypted. While most people don’t have to worry too much about being spied on, it’s still a risk that’s not worth taking. Circumventing it by installing a VPN really doesn’t take much effort. It’s simple enough to find a good quality VPN — such as ExpressVPN or Private Internet Access — before setting it up with your devices. Read more…
More about Tech, Vpn, Routers, Mashable Shopping, and Consumer Tech
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR FEATURES
Linksys WRT 3200 ACM
Open source firmware with plenty of features makes this the ideal router for all VPN users.
Frequency: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Data transfer rate: 2,160 Mbps
Processor: 1.8 GHz dual-core
Ports: 5 ethernet ports, 1 USB 3.0 port, 1 USB 2.0 port
£199.99 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR PERFORMANCE
Asus RT-AC86U
Fast and reliable performance makes the Asus RT-AC86U an appealing option, but don’t be surprised if its firmware feels overly complicated.
Frequency: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Data transfer rate: 2,900 Mbps
Processor: 1.8 GHz dual-core
Ports: 4 ethernet ports, 1 USB 3.0 port, and 1 USB 2.0 port
£156.99 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR A LARGE HOUSEHOLD
ASUS RT-AC5300
The Asus RT-AC5300 is an unusual looking device that’s impressively powerful.
Frequency: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Data transfer rate: 5,300 Mbps
Processor: 1.4 GHz dual-core
Ports: 4 ethernet ports, 1 USB 3.0 port
£488 from Amazon
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR TIGHT BUDGETS
TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750
A decent VPN router doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you don’t mind cutting back on some features.
Frequency: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Data transfer rate: 1,750 Mbps
Processor: 750 MHz processor
Ports: 4 ethernet ports, 1 USB 2.0 port
£72.97 from Amazon
IMAGE: Currys PC World
BEST FOR APP
Netgear Nighthawk R7000
Netgear comes equipped with OpenVPN for easy VPN client installation.
Frequency: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Data transfer rate: 1,900 Mbps
Processor: 1 GHz dual-core
Ports: 4 ethernet ports, 1 USB 3.0 port, 1 USB 2.0 port
£139.99 from Currys PC World