Your network is probably as secure as a screen door at the moment. In a world where protecting information is crucial, everyone definitely uses password. But what if you seek to access country restricted streaming services like Netflix or ensure that your online activities are shielded from snooping eyes? That is where inexpensive VPN routers come in.
The market for VPN routers is about to explode, jumping from a whopping $1.2 billion in 2024 to $3.5 billion by 2033, which means that the market has more options to provide at lower prices. Translation? More options, better prices, and gear that doesn’t suck.
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Why are regular routers not the best choice?
Your regular router is like a bouncer at a club that checks IDs and lets everyone see what drinks are served at the bar. A VPN router wraps your internet traffic in a secure envelope protecting every device that connects to your network.
Let’s imagine your smart TV, your gaming console, and that IoT coffee machine you bought in a moment of weakness on Amazon. They are all receiving VPN protection.
Top VPN Routers You Can Buy on a Budget Without Compromising Quality
ASUS RT-AX58U: The Sweet Spot Champion ($88-89)
It is easy to see why this WiFi 6 router is labeled as the best overall budget VPN router. It is compatible with every major VPN out there: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, you name it. The VPN Fusion app makes everything so seamless to configure even a technologically challenged uncle wouldn’t struggle to do it.
What you get:
- OpenVPN and WireGuard support
- 4 Gigabit LAN ports plus USB 3.0
- Easy GUI setup (no command line nightmares)
ASUS RT-AX1800S: The Bare Minimum That Works ($70)
This is a floor and especially budget-friendly. It has a built-in ASUS Instant Guard VPN and WiFi 6 with basic parental controls. It is plain, it is cheap, and most importantly, it is functional.
Cudy AX3000: The Value Overachiever ($119.99)
This one is for the customers that are willing to pay a little more. WiFi 6 speeds for this router go as high as 3,000 Mbps and the range is 1,070 square feet. The OpenWRT firmware is a level up giving you a decent range of options and even a mobile app.
Establishing Your Budget VPN Router (This Is Real)
As most of us know, setup is a drag. In most cases, checking device compatibility is a prerequisite. You’ll need to make sure the device is compatible with the router, set up the VPN details, and in some cases, flash the firmware.
Here’s your cheat sheet:
Step 1: Check Compatibility Most VPN services should work with most router models, but some may lack support for a specific low-end router. Most of the low priced routers support Open VPN, but always confirm before purchasing.
Step 2: Gather Your VPN Credentials Your VPN provider should give you a server address, username, and password. Make sure you have all of this information.
Step 3: Access Router Settings Open any browser and enter the router’s IP in the url (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
Step 4: Configure Credentials Locate the VPN section and enter your details. Most of these routers today have setup wizards that guide you through this.
Next: The Future Looks Exciting High-end VPN routers like the RT-BE96U are already being released which support WiFi 7 VPN and have cloud managed solutions for remote configuration and automatic security updates.
The outlook is much more gratifying. WiFi 7 is set to offer 46 Gbps of throughput which is a significant boost from 9.6 Gbps offered by WiFi 6 and comes with 4x reduced latency.
Frequent Minor Obstacles (And Their Solutions)
VPN Configuration Issues: Everything looks good and your VPN is connected. However, VPNs won’t mask your DNS requests, and those are still going through your ISP. Most modern routers have built-in DNS leak protection.
VPNs and reduced speeds: Yes, speed and VPN encryption are always at odds. Expect at least 10-20% speed loss. But, with proper server selection, this can be reduced.
Device Capacity: Budget routers have incredibly poor performance at the current industry standard. These routers only work best with 15-25 connected devices. More devices, less performance.
Conclusion
In the last few years, there has been a rise in VPN routers. The reason for this is the routers are geared towards a much lower price range, but still maintain optimal protection and give enterprise level security routers. The RT-AX58U for it’s price is best for the average user, and the RT-AX1800S is good for those wanting a simpler configuration.
VPNs shouldn’t be priced like they are in today’s market. They shouldn’t have offered users the protection they are offering at such a low price. Only a few years back this level of protection cost countless thousands. With drastic falls in price, routers giving enterprise level protection is bound to change the market for the better.
I’m a technology writer with a passion for AI and digital marketing. I create engaging and useful content that bridges the gap between complex technology concepts and digital technologies. My writing makes the process easy and curious. and encourage participation I continue to research innovation and technology. Let’s connect and talk technology! LinkedIn for more insights and collaboration opportunities: