best VPN – For 2026, the most practical VPN upgrade is increasingly about simplicity: routers that ship with VPN software ready to run are trading the messy, router-setting-heavy setup for an easier “install once, protect everything” approach—while more advanced models s
Setting up a VPN used to feel like a small project you’d have to schedule. In 2026, it’s starting to look more like shopping—because more routers on the market now come with VPNs preinstalled.
The promise is straightforward: once you enable a VPN on your router. every device connected to it can be protected at the same time. That matters as censorship and privacy concerns continue to grow worldwide. VPNs encrypt your online communication. mask your IP address. help you avoid geolocation blocks. and can make you appear to be in another location—sometimes even unlocking streaming content and services that are limited to other regions.
In its latest update. ZDNET says it refreshed its VPN router guide with the newest news in the VPN space and updated its FAQs. answering more of readers’ common questions. The update also removed ExpressVPN’s Aircove because it is out of stock online. even though it “remains a great VPN router.” The replacement choice is the Synology RT6600ax. and ZDNET added the ASUS ZenWiFi BQ16 as an alternative pick.
The guide’s top overall pick for 2026 is the Privacy Hero 2. It is currently on sale for $160 with the code ZDNET. and it comes bundled with ZDNET’s top preinstalled VPN: NordVPN. ZDNET says the router’s speeds. coverage. and server selection stood out during testing. and that it achieved high success rates accessing streaming content libraries.
ZDNET frames its testing approach around both software and the hardware around it: it says it closely monitors and tests standalone VPN software, alongside the hardware and associated services. The team also tests speed and security to make sure VPNs perform rather than just promise.
The Privacy Hero 2 earns its spot largely on the kind of convenience that makes people actually follow through. ZDNET describes it as lightweight, with the VPN managed through an online dashboard. It lets users select VPNs including NordVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access, and it supports protocols such as WireGuard. Switching server locations and countries can be done from a web browser. which ZDNET says is useful when testing different streaming and content libraries or when trouble appears with a specific server.
An ad blocker is also enabled by default, helping reduce clutter during online sessions—including when watching YouTube videos, according to the guide. ZDNET recommends researching which servers work best for this purpose.
The practical payoff shows up again in the “lived with it” part of the review. ZDNET says that a few years after receiving the Privacy Hero 2, it is still used daily without issues. In the author’s home setup. a standard router is used for home appliances and smart devices. while the Privacy Hero 2 is used for a smart TV.
For who it fits, ZDNET says the Privacy Hero 2 is suitable for medium-sized homes and offers speeds up to 3,000Mbps. It comes with one year of free NordVPN access. ZDNET also notes pricing details: the router’s typical recommended retail price (RRP) is $250. but the model “has been on sale at $180 for some time.” As a ZDNET reader. the code ZDNET is said to bring the price down to $160. The guide says users can spend an extra $30 to upgrade a Nord subscription to a two-year term. with plans starting from $3.09 per month.
For people who want a different kind of control, ZDNET’s second pick is the Synology RT6600ax. Here, the focus shifts from ease-of-use to settings depth. Once set up. the guide says. it offers a wide range of options. including network segmentation—allowing up to five separate networks for managing connected devices.
Its VPN functionality is described as “VPN Plus,” letting hardware act as a VPN server. ZDNET says the router can be used to connect via SMB. RDP. SSH. and other protocols. or route traffic through a standalone VPN service. There’s also an accompanying app to monitor the router and its traffic. Parental controls and threat protection are included.
ZDNET positions the Synology RT6600ax for readers who are comfortable configuring a router and willing to spend time setting up networks and a VPN connection. It also flags the tradeoff: it is expensive at $330, “even though it’s an older model,” so some readers may prefer a more affordable option.
Next comes ZDNET’s entry-level alternative from ASUS: the Asus RT-AX1800S. ZDNET calls it one of its top choices if you want an affordable VPN-ready router. It is a Wi-Fi 6 model operating on the 2.4GHz frequency, with speeds up to 1,000Mbps.
This router includes free IoT device security via Asus AiProtection. It also has built-in VPN support through Asus Instant Guard, which can be activated with a single button press. ZDNET says this removes the need to subscribe to another service. though it cautions that you won’t necessarily get all the benefits of a standalone VPN.
The Asus RT-AX1800S is compatible with AiMesh and includes five Ethernet ports—one Gigabit WAN and four Gigabit LAN. ZDNET adds that Wi-Fi extenders can be purchased to expand range for larger homes.
Customer feedback in the guide describes the value as strong, with many impressed by parental controls and security features. But it also notes reports of disconnection issues with the free VPN.
ZDNET says this is an affordable option, pointing to pricing where users “only pay $70” on Amazon. It also says readers should look elsewhere if they want the speed and reliability of competitors like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
For a more performance-focused option, ZDNET recommends the Asus RT-BE88U. It’s described as an upgrade aimed at people who want to use multiple connections simultaneously and who want more ports for flexibility.
ZDNET says the Asus RT-BE88U includes a 10 Gigabit SFP+ port, four 2.5G ports, and four 1G ports. It also supports mobile tethering. On the VPN side, the guide says VPN Fusion allows running multiple VPN tunnels simultaneously. It supports VPN protocols including WireGuard and OpenVPN.
Device grouping via VLANs is also included, along with the ability to set up a “Kid’s Network” for parental controls. ZDNET also highlights a small quality-of-life feature: the router’s antennae are detachable.
Pricing lands in premium territory. ZDNET says it is currently on sale for $300 and that it will last “you years,” even while calling it “expensive” and admitting it may influence decisions.
If travel is the priority, ZDNET’s portable pick is the GL.iNET Beryl-AX. The guide calls it “pocket-sized,” describes it as plug-and-play for portable VPN use, and says it includes a 1.3GHz processor delivering up to 3,000Mbps. It has a Gigabit Ethernet port and a USB port.
ZDNET says it supports major VPN providers including NordVPN. ExpressVPN. IPVanish. and Private Internet Access. and it works with OpenVPN. WireGuard. and OpenWRT protocols—making it one of the most flexible options in the recommendations. It also notes an option to have the router preconfigured with a preferred VPN at purchase.
On pricing, ZDNET says the router costs $99, but that it can be $150 on FlashRouters when in stock. It also warns that service plans can be expensive in the long term.
The guide also spells out the bigger tradeoff behind the list: what you gain by using a VPN router versus a standalone VPN app. A VPN router provides blanket coverage for all devices at home, while a VPN app’s coverage is limited by the number of simultaneous connections allowed under one account.
ZDNET also emphasizes setup friction. A VPN router “can be complicated to set up. ” and it warns that most routers do not come with a built-in VPN and that installing one can risk your router’s warranty. VPN apps. by contrast. are described as easier to install and use: install once and protect everything. with VPN usage handled on the device. VPN apps have to be opened and services enabled. and users need a compatible router. compatible PC or mobile device. and (typically) a subscription.
There are practical reasons this matters beyond tech preferences. ZDNET says a VPN router can protect devices that don’t support VPNs natively, like TVs. It also says VPN usage on a router is limited by the router’s capabilities rather than the app’s availability.
Z DNET’s guide then gets into how a VPN router is supposed to work: it is a router that supports VPN connections out of the box or comes with VPN software preinstalled. such as ExpressVPN. NordVPN. or Surfshark. Convenience. ZDNET says. is key because installation varies across “VPN-compatible” routers that aren’t marketed as VPN routers and can be technical and time-consuming. Once configured. PCs. laptops. smartphones. smart TVs. gaming consoles. and other internet-connected devices benefit from the same VPN protection. which the guide says is especially convenient for households with many devices.
But convenience has consequences. ZDNET notes that preinstalled VPN options usually require a subscription and may limit users to a particular VPN service. Switching providers later can be difficult.
The guide also includes the basic mechanics for installing a VPN on your router if you go the DIY route: check router compatibility. sign up for a VPN service if the router doesn’t already include one. access your VPN’s firmware through the router’s internet protocol (IP) address. find the VPN tab under settings. enable VPN services. choose between a static or dynamic IP address. and then install the VPN client—sometimes requiring additional network tweaks.
Even in a guide focused on hardware recommendations, the broader world keeps intruding. ZDNET points out that some online platforms, including streaming services, can detect VPN usage and block traffic. If that happens, it says you may need to temporarily disable your VPN service to resume watching.
The guide also tracks other shifts affecting VPN use and costs. It says VPN software is not included in current tariff changes “—at least. at the time of writing—. ” but it adds that the infrastructure. hardware. and equipment supporting VPN services “are likely to be” affected and that costs may eventually pass to consumers.
At the same time, ZDNET warns that some home routers might rise in price and that stocks may be impacted. It cites a situation where many global shipping firms have temporarily stopped deliveries to the U.S. due to tariff changes and uncertainty.
If there’s a single message running through the list. it’s that the biggest decision isn’t only about speed or Wi-Fi protocols—it’s about how much friction you’re willing to accept to keep your entire home’s devices protected. Some people want preloaded VPN convenience, with the router acting as an easy control center. Others are drawn to the routers that demand configuration time in exchange for granular control, VLAN segmentation, and monitoring.
Whatever side of that line you land on, ZDNET’s 2026 recommendation set makes one thing clear: VPN routers are no longer a niche idea you have to hunt for. They’re becoming a default upgrade path—one that’s increasingly about doing less, and protecting more, from the moment the Wi-Fi comes on.
VPN routers 2026 Privacy Hero 2 Synology RT6600ax Asus RT-AX1800S Asus RT-BE88U GL.iNET Beryl-AX NordVPN WireGuard OpenVPN OpenWRT online privacy