5 Best VPNs for Asus Routers in 2023 — Easy to Setup & Use

Many VPNs are compatible with Asus routers but not all perform well with them. Asus routers usually come with an OpenVPN client, which helps you install a VPN easily. Many VPNs support Asus router firmware, so you don’t have to upgrade to DD-WRT or Tomato.

Plus, the routers that come with the AsusWRT firmware provide a graphical user interface (GUI), making the VPN installation process even easier. That’s why setting up a VPN on your Asus router usually isn’t a problem, but finding one that works well with the router can be challenging.

My team and I tested over 70 VPNs and found the best ones for Asus Routers. The VPNs on my list offer global server networks to quickly bypass geoblocks, so you can unblock your Netflix US and Amazon Prime Video accounts on any device. They also provide excellent security features to safeguard your online activity.

My top choice for Asus routers is ExpressVPN. The service offers a vast server network and blazing-fast speeds to stream your favorite shows buffer-free. It also has robust privacy and security tools to protect you against cyber threats on all router-connected devices. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it’s backed by a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is hassle-free if you’re not fully satisfied with the service.

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Best VPNs for Asus Routers — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)

The VPNs I selected work well on multiple Asus router models. They offer worldwide server networks to unblock your favorite content easily and protect your online presence with AES 256-bit encryption. You also get 24/7 customer support to help solve any issues while installing the VPN on your router.

Plus, all of them come with trustworthy money-back guarantees. So, getting a refund is very straightforward if you’re not 100% happy with the service.

1. ExpressVPN — Blazing-Fast Speeds to Stream and Game Without Interruptions on Any Router-Connected Device

ExpressVPN has blazing-fast connection speeds to watch your favorite shows in 4K on router-connected devices. I connected my PS5 and binge-watched Sherlock on my BBC iPlayer account from abroad without buffering. During the ExpressVPN tests, it provided fantastic speeds on the UK servers. I recorded an average download speed of 89.7 Mbps (just an 8% drop from my base speed). You only need 25 Mbps for seamless UHD streaming.

Unlimited bandwidth allows you to torrent as many files as you want without hitting limits. To help maintain speed, there’s also a split tunneling feature that lets you choose which device groups use the VPN tunnel (via your Asus router) and which don’t. So, I ran my smart TV with the VPN connection while gaming on a local server using my regular IP address.

I installed the VPN on my Asus router without issues. You can download custom firmware for specific Asus routers for an easy VPN installation. It’s available for several models, such as Asus RT-AC56(U/R/S), RT-AC68U (up to v3), and RT-AC87U. The setup is also possible for Merlin on Asus (Asuswrt-Merlin) and routers running DD-WRT firmware. Contacting customer support via 24/7 live chat is hassle-free if you ever get stuck; the Asus setup tutorials are very easy to follow too.

You can choose custom firmware for selected Asus router models or install ExpressVPN manually

Although it’s possible to get a pre-configured ExpressVPN Asus router, this is a costly option. Manual setup is (thankfully) a straightforward process. You can also use ExpressVPN on your mobile and desktop devices when away from your home wifi, as it offers 8 simultaneous connections.

A vast server network across 94 countries lets you unblock your streaming platforms no matter where you are. I accessed my Netflix US and Hulu accounts from abroad trouble-free using the US servers. Obfuscation (stealth tech) makes your VPN traffic appear like regular online activity if you set the protocol to automatic. It helps bypass strict firewalls like those of Amazon Prime Video.

Your traffic is protected with military-grade encryption. Perfect Forward Secrecy also improves your security by continuously changing the encryption keys. The service comes with a Network Lock (kill switch). It works by automatically cutting off your internet if you lose the VPN connection, but it didn’t occur during my testing. You can also choose between the very fast and safe Lightway protocol or OpenVPN — the industry’s golden standard for security.

Based in the British Virgin Islands, the VPN lies outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances — international data-sharing agreements. ExpressVPN follows a zero-logs policy, which means your information can’t be shared with any third party. Plus, the RAM-based servers (TrustedServer tech) wipe all user data with every server reboot. WebRTC/IPv6/DNS leak protection further prevents any accidental data exposure.

The overall cost of the VPN can be a slight issue — the plans start at $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN frequently runs generous discounts that bring the price down. I got 49% off my 12-month plan and additional 3 months of free service.

There’s a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee too. The refund process is very straightforward if you’re not fully satisfied with the VPN, no matter which payment method you use (such as a credit card, Bitcoin, or PaymentWall). I tested the policy using a live chat tool — after answering several messages, my refund was approved. The money was credited back to my PayPal wallet in just 2 days.

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2. CyberGhost — Vast Server Network to Bypass Geoblocks on Your Router-Connected Devices

CyberGhost comes with an extensive server network to easily bypass geoblocks with your Asus router setup. The VPN allowed me to watch The Capture on my BBC iPlayer account (via PS5) from the US. While testing CyberGhost, I also unblocked my HBO Max subscription using a US server. Some servers are streaming-optimized too (on the app only), and labeled with the platform they unblock. So, you can quickly access your Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ accounts abroad.

Installing CyberGhost on my Asus router was hassle-free. There’s an extensive knowledge base with step-by-step instructions and 24/7 live chat support if you encounter any issues. You can also easily manage your router settings with the CyberGhost online dashboard. Like ExpressVPN, it’s possible to get a pre-configured CyberGhost Asus router — but this isn’t necessary given the ease of setup.

The online CyberGhost dashboard allows you to view, edit and delete your Asus router configuration

You get super-fast speeds for seamless UHD streaming. I recorded an average download speed of 75.8 Mbps and 35 ms ping for streaming without buffering and lag-free gaming. Unlimited bandwidth also allows you to binge-watch the shows you want without hitting any data cap. P2P file-sharing is allowed as well, and it can be faster and more reliable if you use one of the torrent-optimized servers (on the app).

AES 256-bit encryption and DNS leak protection secure your network traffic. Thanks to a built-in ad and malware blocker, CyberGhost prevents you from viewing ads and malware-infected websites. I didn't see any annoying pop-ups while browsing the New York Daily News and other websites. There’s also an automatic WiFi protection feature that launches the VPN when connecting to any unknown network. Plus, the VPN has split tunneling and a kill switch.

A strict no-logs policy means your information isn’t stored or shared with anyone. The VPN is also based in privacy-friendly Romania (outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances). You get IP/DNS/WebRTC leak protection for additional safety against accidental data leaks too. I ran several leak tests with the Asus router setup, and my actual IP address wasn’t revealed. There’s split tunneling on Android devices, too, which lets you specify which app should use the VPN.

The monthly plans are quite expensive and come with a shorter money-back guarantee (only 14 days). However, it’s possible to get long-term subscriptions for as low as $2.19/month. They also have an extended refund period. I recommend the 3-year plan for the best value for money.

With a trustworthy 45-day money-back guarantee, you can try CyberGhost for free. I sent an email to customer support to apply for a refund. The reply to my request was quick, and I got the money back in my bank account after 3 days.

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3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Robust Security and Privacy Features to Protect Your Router Connections

PIA offers the OpenVPN protocol which is the golden standard for online security. You can also use the fast and secure WireGuard. AES 256-bit encryption with 2048-bit RSA authentication, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy safeguard your data too. While running leak tests on PIA’s US servers (via my Asus router), it didn’t expose my actual location data. Like CyberGhost, the VPN has an ad/malware blocker (MACE), so you can stop ads from popping up.

PIA allows you to customize security settings by choosing the protocol and encryption level

Installing PIA on an Asus router isn’t challenging, thanks to the in-depth support guides. If you ever get stuck configuring the router settings, reaching customer support via 24/7 live chat is very convenient. Plus, the VPN has easy-to-use apps for all major operating systems and Unlimited simultaneous device connections.

Servers in 84 countries let you unblock your favorite streaming platforms. I accessed The Orville on my Hulu subscription while abroad easily. Obfuscation makes your VPN traffic appear like regular online activity. This helps bypass strict firewalls, like those of BBC iPlayer, Netflix US, or ITV Hub.

Thanks to the fast speeds, you can stream videos buffer-free. There are no bandwidth caps either, meaning you can binge-watch your favorite shows without limits. I also streamed live soccer matches on my ESPN account in UHD without interruptions. The apps are P2P-friendly as well — I downloaded a 1GB torrent file in just 3 minutes. PIA also has split tunneling, allowing you to choose the app you want to send through the VPN tunnel.

One slight issue is that PIA doesn’t allow torrenting on its US servers. However, it’s easy to overcome it by connecting to any non-US server.

Subscriptions are reasonably priced — you can get PIA for only $2.03/month. The VPN offers the same features across all its plans. That’s why I recommend getting a 3-year subscription, as it saves you the most in the long run.

A trustworthy money-back guarantee means getting a refund within 30 days is easy. I visited PIA’s website, signed in to my Control Panel, and canceled the auto-renewal. Then I emailed customer support for a refund. My request was approved the next day, and the money was transferred to my credit card 4 days later.

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4. IPVanish — P2P-Enabled Network for Reliable Torrenting When Connected to Your Asus Router

IPVanish allows you to use all its servers for torrenting as its network is P2P-friendly. SOCKS5 proxy supports BitTorrent clients like uTorrent, Vuze, and Deluge. It also gives you faster speeds while file sharing. During IPVanish tests (via my Asus router), I downloaded a 700 MB file in less than 2 minutes. Thanks to the unlimited bandwidth, you can also torrent as much as you want.

A 24/7 live chat tool and dedicated FAQs help you install the VPN on your Asus routers. The setup process is easy with manual configuration for AsusWRT and Asuswrt-Merlin routers. There are also clearly-explained tutorials on the VPN’s website to guide you through the router installation process (OpenVPN, DD-WRT, and Tomato). Again, you can get pre-configured Asus routers that already have IPVanish installed, but it’s not really needed.

Installing IPVanish on Asus routers is a simple process that takes no more than 15 minutes

The VPN server network spans 75 countries, so you can unblock most streaming platforms without issues. I watched Killing Eve on my BBC iPlayer account (using my router-connected Kodi) abroad, trouble-free. The Scramble feature also obfuscates your traffic, helping you bypass strict firewalls — like those of Netflix.

AES 256-bit encryption safeguards your network. You can choose between multiple security protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, and mobile-friendly IKEv2). I use the OpenVPN protocol to safely manage my bank account, while the WireGuard protocol offers better speeds for gaming.

An audited no-logs policy, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and DNS/IP leak protection safeguard your data to keep your online activity private. This means your actual location and other sensitive information aren’t vulnerable to data exposure. Plus, IPVanish owns and operates its entire network of servers to reduce any third-party involvement.

A slight con of IPVanish is that it doesn’t accept Bitcoin payments. However, you can purchase the VPN using most major credit cards and PayPal. Subscriptions start at $2.49/month. I recommend getting the yearly plan which is more pocket-friendly than the monthly option.

You can test IPVanish for free thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee. I logged in to my dashboard and canceled my subscription. The process was straightforward, and my refund was approved instantly. My money was back in my PayPal account within 6 days.

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5. PrivateVPN — Beginner-Friendly VPN That Is Easy to Set Up on Asus Routers

Setting up PrivateVPN on your Asus router is simple. Using a live chat tool, you can also contact the support team managed by actual developers. It offers free remote VPN installation and can help with configuring your router settings if you ever get stuck. The interface is very intuitive, which is great for new VPN users. While testing PrivateVPN, I connected to the best available server with a single tap. For a quick installation, there are setup guides for OpenVPN and LT2P.

You can use PrivateVPN on Asus routers and change servers using the OpenVPN configuration file

A no-logs policy means your data isn’t stored or shared with anyone. Your connection is also protected with AES 256-bit encryption and Perfect Forward Secrecy. Plus, a kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection safeguard your location data to avoid accidental exposure.

The VPN offers decent speeds for streaming your favorite shows via your router. I got an average download speed of 42.2 Mbps which is good enough for UHD streaming. PrivateVPN also offers unlimited bandwidth, so you can game and torrent as much as you want.

Unfortunately, the VPN's server network is on the smaller side. However, servers in 63 countries let me unblock major streaming platforms (like my Netflix, ITV Hub, and Disney+ accounts).

You can get PrivateVPN for only $2/month. I recommend getting the 3-year subscription for the most significant savings.

There’s also a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee backing the VPN. I tested it by terminating my plan using the 24/7 live chat tool. The process was hassle-free, and my plan was canceled after answering a few questions about my experience. The refund was transferred to my credit card after a week.

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Quick Comparison Table: Asus Router VPN Features

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Asus Routers

You can effortlessly install all the VPNs listed on your Asus router. Furthermore, these VPNs provide expansive server networks worldwide, ensuring dependable unblocking, fast speeds, and strong security capabilities. However, should you prefer to conduct your own tests, here are the criteria I utilized:

• Easy-to-use service — Look for a VPN that offers a hassle-free setup for your Asus router. DD-WRT, OpenWRT, and Tomato support is also a plus. Live chat support is great to have, as you might need assistance installing the VPN on your router.
• Global server network — A worldwide server network means you can easily unblock your streaming accounts (like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max) on devices connected to your Asus router.
• Fast speeds — You need at least 25 Mbps for UHD streaming. It’s recommended to use a service that doesn’t drop your speeds by more than 50%.
• Strong security and privacy features — To protect yourself from cyber threats, pick a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN protocol, and a kill switch. A no-logs policy and DNS leak protection are also crucial for your data privacy.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee — Choose a service with a tried-and-tested money-back guarantee so you can get a refund if the VPN isn’t what you’re looking for.

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FAQs on the Best VPNs for Asus Routers

Is it legal to use a VPN for Asus routers?

Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN for Asus routers. In fact, it’s highly recommended to use a VPN service to safeguard your devices against cyber threats. Choose a VPN with strong encryption and a no-logs policy to stay protected from hackers and snoops.

Why should I use a VPN for Asus routers?

A VPN lets you unblock the content you need on all router-connected devices. Plus, VPNs provide robust security and privacy features for all the devices connected to your home network. This means you can safely access global content when using a VPN. Remember that not all VPNs are compatible with Asus routers or Republic of Gamers (ROG) routers, so it’s better to stick to the recommended ones.

However, there are a few limitations with VPN routers. The manual configuration process is challenging and can even brick your router (if it’s not done correctly). Plus, changing locations is quite complicated as you need to download the configuration file for each server you’d like to use, and all devices are locked to the same location.

Does my Asus router support VPNs?

Yes, your Asus router supports VPNs. Some routers are easier to set up with custom firmware, while others can require a complete manual configuration. Just download a VPN and follow a guide to set it on your Asus router.

Is it possible to set up a router to be a VPN server and client?

Yes, it’s possible to set up a router to be a VPN server and client. Some expensive home routers can be configured as both a VPN server and a client. You can also use a PC to host a VPN server on a separate device. However, it’s much simpler to use a commercial VPN that offers you fast speeds and excellent security for protecting your devices.

Setting up a router as a VPN server and client results in slower speeds (limited by your network’s upload speed). This process also takes quite a lot of time to complete.

What is VPN passthrough on an Asus router?

VPN passthrough lets specific sites and services bypass the VPN tunnel. It allows you to customize which devices use the VPN tunnel and which the standard internet connection. Use a VPN with a split-tunneling feature to access foreign and local services at the same time.

How to set up a VPN on my Asus router?

There are two main ways to set up a VPN on your Asus router. The first one is to flash custom firmware, and the other method requires manual installation. ExpressVPN offers custom router firmware for many Asus models. Installing firmware is fairly easy, and it provides more functionality than the standard Asus firmware.

You can use the OpenVPN manual configuration if ExpressVPN doesn’t offer firmware for your Asus router model (like RT-N66U or RT-AC5300). Just go to the ExpressVPN setup page, download the configuration file, and follow the on-site instructions to complete the setup.

If you have Asus RT-AX88U or GT-AC5300 models that aren’t listed as applicable with the OpenVPN setup on ExpressVPN’s page, try contacting the VPN’s support.

What can I do if my router’s VPN is not working?

You can try several methods if you have a minor issue with your router. However, if the problem is more severe, it’s recommended to contact Asus technical support. You also need a compatible VPN that works well with Asus routers. Here are some solutions that might help you:

• Restart your router.
• Choose another VPN server.
• Update your VPN app (or redownload).
• Check if there are no issues with your VPN account.

Can I use a free VPN with my Asus router?

You can, but free VPNs can put your router connection at risk. Most of them lack essential security features. Some free VPNs can even sell your data and install malware on your device. That’s why a reliable VPN with a money-back guarantee is a safer choice.

It’s highly unlikely to find a free VPN that offers full support for router configuration. Many free VPNs also have very limited server networks, bandwidth restrictions, and slow speeds. So you can’t use them for streaming or gaming without interruptions on all router-connected devices.

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Get the Best VPN for Asus Routers Today

Finding the best VPN for Asus routers can be tricky. That’s why I only shortlisted VPNs that work well with Asus routers and can be set up easily. All the services on my list also allow you to bypass geoblocks and stream content without interruptions.

My top recommendation for Asus routers is ExpressVPN. It has easy-to-install custom firmware that allows you to set up your router within minutes. The VPN also offers blazing-fast servers to unblock content buffer-free. Plus, the robust security features keep you safe from hackers. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN without risk. It’s backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee, so getting a full refund is easy if you’re not fully impressed.

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Asus Routers