Best VPNs for Asus routers in 2024 (and how to set them up)

Not every VPN works with an Asus router, and not every VPN that does can be relied on. Here's our list of the best Asus router VPNs and how to use them. 

Asus makes some of the most popular routers on the market, with high-performance devices suited to intensive online gaming and 4K streaming. Configuring a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection with an Asus router enables them to protect every device on your network – even those that don't otherwise support VPN apps.

Most modern Asus routers have a built-in OpenVPN client, which makes establishing a VPN connection less intimidating than it used to be. This article will tell you which VPNs work well with Asus routers and which provide the best overall functionality. 

We’ll get into more detail about individual VPN providers later. For now, here’s a summary of our top choices.

Best VPNs for Asus routers in 2023:

1. NordVPN: Our top choice VPN for Asus routers. Provides detailed guidance on setting up connections with Asus routers, including those running the latest AsusWRT firmware. Double VPN servers. Has very fast connection speeds and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best budget option for Asus routers. Has in-depth guides for configuring connections on a range of Asus routers. Its Linux app has a full GUI and the provider has fast, RAM-only servers in 100+ countries. Great choice for streaming. 
3. ExpressVPN: Has an app for newer Asus routers and manual configuration is possible for older devices. Combines robust security, effective obfuscation, excellent access to streaming platforms, and speedy RAM-only servers. Secure service with a router app, strict no-logs policy, and leak protection. Powerful streaming VPN. 
4. IPVanish: Provides instructions on configuring OpenVPN with routers running either the AsusWRT or Asuswrt-Merlin firmware. It owns the majority of its network hardware and has very fast connection speeds.
5. PrivateVPN: Works with Asus RT routers and guidance is available for using either OpenVPN or L2TP. Customer support will provide remote control assistance if needed. Popular option that provides consistently good access to major streaming platforms. 
6. VyprVPN: Provides support for routers running AsusWRT and Asuswrt-Merlin firmware. Has a proprietary connection protocol that can bypass Chinese blocks, fast connection speeds, and an audited no-logs policy.

Summary Table

Choosing the best VPNs from the many on offer isn’t easy, which is why we used specific criteria to help us objectively compare providers. These are summarized below and expanded upon later in the article. 

• Asus router compatibility
• Fast connection speeds
• Access to streaming services
• Security and privacy features
• Good value for money
• User-friendly apps
• Customer support

To be included as one of our top three providers, we also require VPNs to have a RAM-only server network, independently audited software and infrastructure, effective obfuscation, and a location beyond the reach of cross-border spying alliances.

Best VPNs for Asus routers

We’ll now explore each of our recommended providers in a little more detail:

NordVPN is compatible with Asus routers running OpenVPN 2.4.x as well as those made after 2022. The company provides detailed guidance on how to establish a connection on its website and 24/7 customer support if things go awry. 

Once set up, NordVPN provides consistently fast connection speeds and excellent access to all major streaming platforms. It has a large global network of RAM-only servers, with a presence in 60+ countries. 

Optimized servers are available for large P2P data transfers as well as for connecting to the Tor network. Obfuscation enables connections in heavily restricted countries like China. MultiHop connections double encrypt your data and send it through two VPN servers. 

Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. All apps come with 256-bit AES encryption, built-in leak protection, a kill switch, split tunneling, and a dark web monitor. NordVPN has made its Meshnet tool – which allows the creation of private networks between trusted devices – freely available without a subscription necessary.

In 2018, NordVPN suffered an attack on a third-party data center in Finland. Part of its response was to make its entire server network RAM-only, and to begin purchasing its own servers. The company has had its server network and apps independently audited on multiple occasions. These have verified its no-logs claims. 

BEST VPN FOR ASUS ROUTERS: NordVPN is our top recommendation. It works with numerous Asus routers and offers high-speed connections, strong security, and access to streaming platforms. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark offers a great range of features at an affordable price. These include unlimited device connections, RAM-only servers in 100+ countries, and the ability to change users’ IP addresses in session.

Its website provides detailed instructions for using the service with a variety of Asus routers, including those flashed with Asuswrt-Merlin firmware. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email if you encounter any problems.

Surfshark has very fast connection speeds and works well with all major streaming platforms. It has obfuscation able to bypass Chinese blocks and enables users to create MultiHop connections by manually selecting entry and exit servers. 

Apps all have a GUI and are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. They come with a built-in kill switch, split tunneling, a CleanWeb feature that protects your device against malware and ads, and automatic connection to dedicated P2P servers when an open torrent client is detected.

Surfshark has an audited no-logs policy and protects internet traffic using 256-bit AES encryption, together with a SHA512 authentication hash and 2048-bit DHE-RSA key exchange. 

As of 2022, the company is no longer independent, having merged with NordVPN’s parent company, Nord Security. For its part, Surfshark says that it will continue to operate autonomously. 

GREAT VALUE: Surfshark works with a range of Asus routers. It has thousands of RAM-only servers and excellent access to popular streaming platforms. Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is a well-established provider with fast connection speeds and servers in 105+ countries. It has a strong focus on security, with Trust Server Technology that – among other things – ensures that every server in its network has its operating system reinstalled every week.

The company produces its own firmware suitable for use with the following Asus routers: RT-AC68U (up to v3), RT-AC87U, RT-AC56R, RT-AC56S, and RT-AC56U. Alternatively, subscribers can use the OpenVPN manual configuration. ExpressVPN provides plenty of detailed guidance in both instances. 

The service works exceptionally well with a host of streaming platforms and provides buffer-free streaming of 4K content. Its features include obfuscation that enables connections in China, a kill switch, split tunneling, and a Threat Manager that prevents access to websites harboring malware. 

The company uses AES 256-bit encryption to secure internet traffic and has a strict no-logs policy. This has been verified through multiple independent audits of its software and infrastructure. 

ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021, though it says it continues to operate autonomously. Kape Technologies has a somewhat controversial past, having previously – under the name Crossrider – specialized in creating software designed to inject adware into users’ browsers. However, Kape Technologies now focuses on cybersecurity and has acquired several VPNs to better establish itself in the field. 

TRUSTED SERVERS: ExpressVPN has dedicated firmware for use with Asus routers. It also has fast, RAM-only servers in 105+ countries and excellent streaming capabilities. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

IPVanish is a US-based provider with notably fast connection speeds and unlimited device connections. It owns the majority of its network hardware and has servers in 51+ countries.

Its website provides detailed instructions on configuring a connection with routers running native AsusWRT firmware. There’s also guidance on establishing a connection with routers flashed with Asuswrt-Merlin firmware.

The provider works with some streaming platforms, but can struggle with services such as BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video. 

IPVanish apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, and FireTV. It doesn’t have a Linux app, though determined users can manually configure a connection by following the instructions on its website. 

Features include built-in DNS leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption, split tunneling, automatic start-up, a kill switch, and access to a SOCKS5 proxy. The service uses the WireGuard protocol by default, though OpenVPN, IKEv2, and IPSec are also available.

IPVanish has had several owners since its initial release in 2012 – some better than others. In 2016, when under the ownership of Highwinds Network Group, IPVanish provided details of one of its customers to the US Department of Homeland Security. This was despite claims that it was a no-logs provider. IPVanish is now owned by J2 Global and its no-logs policy was independently audited in 2022.  

FAST SPEEDS: IPVanish works with routers running AsusWRT and Asuswrt-Merlin firmware. It’s fast, owns most of its hardware, and offers unlimited device connections. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

PrivateVPN is a fiercely independent provider and a good choice for those who value transparency. It has decent connection speeds and is able to access all of the most popular streaming platforms.

It supports the Asus RT range of routers and provides detailed instructions on configuring a connection using either the OpenVPN or L2TP protocols. 

Other features include built-in leak protection, access to a SOCKS5 and HTTP Proxy, and both app-specific and system-wide kill switches. Its stealth mode is effective and able to bypass blocks imposed by China. 

PrivateVPN is a good option for torrenting. It operates servers optimized for P2P traffic, and its desktop apps allow port forwarding. This latter feature enables users to connect to more peers in a torrent swarm, thus making seeding and leeching more efficient. 

Apps have more customization options than most and are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. Available protocols include OpenVPN with UDP/TCP, L2TP, IPsec, PPTP, and IKEv2. Users can also adjust the level of encryption used on their internet traffic.

PrivateVPN acts as its own server host and ISP, and has a strict no-logs policy. It is based in Sweden, which has strong data protection laws. Sweden is, however, also a member of the SIGINT Seniors Europe international intelligence-sharing alliance. 

STEALTH MODE: Supports a range of Asus routers and provides good connection speeds. Works well with the most popular streaming platforms and has obfuscation that can bypass Chinese blocks. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

VyprVPN offers support for Asus routers running native AsusWRT firmware, as well as those flashed with Asuswrt-Merlin firmware. Instructions for how to configure a connection, in either case, are provided on the VyprVPN website.

The company owns all of its network hardware and its servers are fast enough to stream in HD without buffering. It’s able to access all of the major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Its proprietary Chameleon connection protocol is able to bypass VPN blocks in China and other similarly restrictive countries.

VyprVPN apps are easy to navigate and are available for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Roku. They come with built-in leak protection, automatic startup, public WiFi protection, and a kill switch. Split tunneling is available, though only on macOS and Android. Subscribers can connect using a range of protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2, Chameleon, and OpenVPN.

Internet traffic is protected using a combination of  256-bit AES-CBC encryption, 2,048-bit RSA keys, and SHA256 authentication. VyprVPN has a no-logs policy that’s been verified through independent audits of the company's infrastructure and software.

WIFI PROTECTION: VyprVPN works with Asus routers running AsusWRT and Asuswrt-Merlin firmware. It has fast connection speeds, automatic WiFi protection, and can bypass Chinese VPN blocks. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Methodology for choosing the best VPNs for Asus routers

Using a VPN on an Asus router is a good way to quickly protect all of the devices on your home network. However, with so many VPNs available on the market, choosing the best one can be challenging. We tackle the problem on a number of fronts, using our testing methodology and a specific list of criteria to compare providers against. These are discussed below.

• Asus router compatibility: Not all VPNs support router connections. Even if they do, they may not be compatible with Asus routers. Ideally, the provider will work with a variety of routers. 
• Connection speeds: If you’re paying for a high speed broadband package, it's crucial to choose a VPN that won't significantly impact your connection speeds. We regularly perform speed tests to ensure we only recommend providers that can at least stream HD content without buffering.  
• Access to streaming services: Using a VPN enables you to access otherwise geo-restricted content libraries – but only if you choose the right one. Major streaming platforms such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer are adept at identifying and blocking VPNs. We regularly test which providers still work with the most popular streaming platforms. 
• Security and privacy features: If you’re using a VPN that is going to protect every device in your network, it’s a good idea to be sure that it’s secure. We require that providers offer strong encryption, a no-logs policy, leak protection, and a kill switch. Ideally, they should also offer obfuscation, split tunneling, MultiHop servers, and port forwarding. 
• Good value for money: There’s no getting around the fact that access to a decent VPN service costs money. As everyone has different financial thresholds, we try to include VPNs that represent good value at a range of price points.  
• User-friendly apps: We look for providers that have invested in creating apps with an intuitive and consistent GUI. These should allow novices to establish connections in seconds, while also providing those with more experience the opportunity to configure the settings to their liking. 
• Customer support: Setting up a VPN on an Asus router can be a little complicated, so it’s worth choosing a provider with responsive customer support that is willing – and able – to help resolve any issues. The better VPNs have 24/7 live chat in addition to detailed guidance for using their service with particular models of Asus routers.

Bonus points

To be considered for our top three positions, VPN companies must additionally offer the following features:

• Access to China: China has become highly skilled at blocking VPN traffic. Those VPNs that can successfully navigate the so-called Great Firewall will almost certainly work in other similarly restrictive countries. However, very few providers are able to do this despite claims to the contrary. 
• Diskless servers: VPN servers can be targeted by bad actors or seized by the state, so it is important that they do not store any user data. The better VPN providers have switched to diskless servers that run on volatile memory. No data can permanently be stored on them.
• Incorporation outside the scope of intelligence alliances: Countries that are members of international intelligence alliances carry out mass surveillance of each other’s citizens and share the results. The existence of the Five/Nine/Fourteen Eyes alliances is well-documented, thanks to whistleblowers like Edward Snowden. The better VPN providers are incorporated in countries that are not part of these alliances, such as Panama and the British Virgin Islands.
• Audited software and infrastructure: To allay consumer doubt over whether their no-logs policies are adhered to, some VPN providers have their software and infrastructure examined by third-party auditors. This has the additional benefit of identifying any potential vulnerabilities or exploits.  

How to set up a VPN on Asus routers with AsusWRT

Follow these instructions to configure a VPN connection with Asus routers made after 2022:

1. Log in to the control panel of your Asus router by typing “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.50.1” in your web browser’s address bar. 
2. Enter your login credentials when the pop-up window asks for them. If this is your first visit to the control panel, enter the default username as “admin” and the default password as “admin”.
3. Select “VPN” in the left sidebar menu.
4. Click on the “VPN Fusion” tab at the top of the page.
5. Click on the “Add profile” or the “+” buttons.
6. In the pop-up window, select “OpenVPN” from the VPN type drop-down menu in the pop-up window and fill in the empty fields with details of your chosen VPN provider as follows: Connection name: [enter any name] Username: [enter the username for your VPN account] Password: [enter the password for your VPN account] 
7. Download the OpenVPN client configuration files from your VPN provider. For NordVPN, these are available by visiting https://nordvpn.com/servers/tools/, clicking “Show available protocols” and then clicking “Download config” for OpenVPN UDP and OpenVPN TCP.
8. Go back to the router control panel and click “Import .ovpn” file in the open pop-up window.  
9. Click the pen icon on the edge of the Device section.
10. Choose which devices you would like to route through the VPN tunnel by ticking the checkmark box next to them. Click “OK” when you’ve made your selections.
11. Click "Apply and enable" to finish.

How to set up a VPN on Asus routers with OpenVPN 

Follow these instructions to configure a VPN connection with an Asus router running OpenVPN 2.4.x:

1. Log in to the control panel of your Asus router by typing “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.50.1” in your web browser’s address bar. 
2. Enter your login credentials when the pop-up window asks for them. If this is your first visit to the control panel, enter the default username as “admin” and the default password as “admin”.
3. Select “VPN” in the left sidebar menu.
4. Click on the “VPN Client” tab at the top of the page.
5. Click on the “Add profile” button near the bottom of the page.
6. In the pop-up window, select the “OpenVPN” tab in the pop-up window and fill in the empty fields with details of your chosen VPN provider as follows: Description: [enter any name]Username: [enter the username for your VPN account]Password: [enter the password for your VPN account]Auto reconnection: type “yes”
7. Download the OpenVPN client configuration files from your VPN provider. For NordVPN, these are available by visiting https://nordvpn.com/servers/tools/, clicking “Show available protocols” and then clicking “Download config” for OpenVPN UDP and OpenVPN TCP.
8. Go back to the router control panel and click “Choose File” in the open pop-up window.
9. Find the recently downloaded OpenVPN configuration files and click “Open”.
10. Click “Upload” and wait for confirmation that the files have been successfully uploaded.  
11. Click “OK”
12. Click “Activate” in the VPN Client tab. This should generate a blue check mark in the Connection Status column. 
13. Your router is now connected to your VPN. To disconnect from the VPN, click the “Deactivate” button.

Can I use a free VPN with an Asus router?

Free VPNs are very unlikely to support router connections, Asus or otherwise. Even if you do manage to find one that is suitable, there are several reasons to be wary of using it. Free VPNs tend to have small server networks that are heavily congested. The resulting connections are usually sluggish and unsuited to all but the most basic online activity.

Because the majority of free VPNs rely on advertising revenue, they normally have some form of logging policy to collect data and monetise it. The worst can act as vectors for malware through badly configured app permissions. Many lack advanced settings, as well as keeping usage logs. We'd advise to stick with a reputable provider if possible. 

ASUS router VPN: FAQs

Should I still use a VPN on devices when it’s already running on a router?

No, if your router is connected to a VPN server it will be creating an encrypted tunnel for your devices to use. Using a VPN on individual devices as well as the router will cause an unnecessary slow down of your connection speeds. 

Which Asus routers are easiest to use with a VPN?

Asus introduced a new version of its AsusWRT firmware in 2022. This provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it relatively simple to configure a VPN connection. The following routers all have the latest version of AsusWRT:

• ASUS ZenWiFi XT9
• ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000
• RT-AX88U
• RT-AX86U
• RT-AX86S
• RT-AXE7800

What if my Asus router is running OpenVPN 2.3.x?

Older Asus routers are more difficult to configure. The easiest thing to do is to replace the router’s firmware with AsusWRT-Merlin. The relevant files for individual Asus routers are available for download here. Don’t attempt to replace your router’s firmware unless you have technical experience. Mistakes can result in a “bricked” router that is essentially useless. 

How do I check which version of OpenVPN my router has?

If you’re experiencing connection problems, it’s worth checking which version of OpenVPN your Asus router is running. To do this, follow these instructions:

1. Log in to your router’s control panel and select “VPN” from the menu in the left sidebar.
2. Click on the “VPN Client” tab near the top of the page.
3. Click “Activate” in the bottom-right corner of the VPN profile page.
4. Select “System Log” from the menu in the left sidebar.
5. Make a note of the OpenVPN version listed in the displayed log.

Can I access regional streaming services with a router VPN?

Installing a VPN on a router is no different from installing it on your individual streaming devices. The only difference is that it automatically protects all the devices in your home and makes them all automatically appear to be in the remote location of the VPN server. This means that when you access Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max – or any other streaming service that interests you – you will be able to watch it while abroad.

Just remember that you will need to ensure that the VPN on your Asus router is connected to the appropriate location for the streaming service you want to watch. So, if you want to watch BBC iPlayer, you should connect your router to a server in the UK; and if you want to watch Hotstar, you will need to connect to a server in India.

Is a router VPN connection as secure as a VPN installed directly on my device?

When you connect to a VPN through your router, you may not get all the extra features available in the standalone VPN client. Although the VPN will encrypt your traffic and route it to a remote location, features like a kill switch, obfuscation, split tunneling, or port forwarding may not be available. For this reason, you may prefer using the dedicated VPN client on your individual devices.

One of the advantages of using a router-based VPN solution is added convenience. It removes the need to manually activate the VPN on individual devices, reducing the chance of forgetting to enable your VPN connection accidentally.

By configuring your VPN on your Asus router, you ensure that every device in your home automatically benefits from the VPN's privacy and security. It also allows devices that don't support VPN apps, such as IoT devices or game consoles, to benefit from VPN protection.

It's important to consider your specific requirements when deciding between a router-based VPN setup or a standalone VPN client. Both options have advantages, and choosing the right approach will depend on your individual needs.