Most people think of VPN as an app on your phone or laptop. But what if every device on your network — smart TVs, gaming consoles, IoT gadgets that don't support VPN apps — was automatically protected? That's what a VPN router does. I tested four brands over three months, including a two-week international trip, to find the best options.
Quick Comparison
| Router | Best For | Price Range | Travel-Friendly | VPN Protocols | WiFi Standard | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL.iNet Beryl AX | Travel + Budget | $65-80 | Yes (pocket-sized) | WireGuard, OpenVPN | WiFi 6 | 9.5/10 |
| GL.iNet Flint 2 | Home Use | $90-110 | No (full-size) | WireGuard, OpenVPN | WiFi 6 | 9/10 |
| Vilfo | Power Users | $300-380 | No (full-size) | WireGuard, OpenVPN | WiFi 5 | 8.5/10 |
| InvizBox 2 | Simplicity | $99-150 | Yes (compact) | OpenVPN | WiFi 5 | 7.5/10 |
| FlashRouters (pre-flashed) | Existing VPN Users | $150-400+ | No (full-size) | Varies by model | WiFi 5/6 | 8/10 |
GL.iNet Beryl AX (GL-MT3000)
This tiny router changed how I travel. It fits in my palm, runs on USB-C power, and connects to hotel WiFi while wrapping everything in a VPN tunnel. I used it across four countries and it just worked. At home, it's equally capable as a secondary router or primary for a small apartment.
Pros:
- Pocket-sized but surprisingly powerful
- WiFi 6 support with solid speeds (I measured 450+ Mbps with WireGuard)
- Native WireGuard support means minimal speed loss
- USB-C powered — runs off a phone charger or power bank
- OpenWrt-based firmware is actively maintained
- Built-in AdGuard for ad blocking on all devices
Cons:
- Range is limited compared to full-size routers (covers about 1,000 sq ft)
- 2 LAN ports only
- Initial setup requires some networking knowledge
- Firmware updates occasionally require manual intervention
Who should use this: Frequent travelers who want VPN protection everywhere they go. Also great as a home VPN router for apartments or small spaces.
GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000)
If the Beryl AX is the travel champion, the Flint 2 is its big brother for home use. Full-size router with four LAN ports, dual-band WiFi 6, and enough processing power to run VPN at near-full internet speed.
Pros:
- WireGuard speeds that barely dent your connection (measured 800+ Mbps)
- Full-featured home router with 4 LAN ports and USB 3.0
- Same excellent GL.iNet admin interface
- Supports VPN policies — choose which devices go through VPN
- Can run as VPN server and client simultaneously
- 2.5G WAN port for high-speed connections
Cons:
- Not portable — this is a proper home router
- Overkill for a small network
- Some advanced OpenWrt features require command-line access
- Stock antennas are internal, so no upgrading for more range
Who should use this: Anyone who wants whole-home VPN protection without managing complex router firmware.
Vilfo VPN Router
Vilfo is purpose-built for VPN. It's the only router I tested that lets you connect to multiple VPN providers simultaneously and route different devices through different VPN servers.
Pros:
- Multiple simultaneous VPN connections (up to 5 providers)
- Per-device VPN routing with an intuitive interface
- Kill switch per device, not just globally
- Pre-configured profiles for 30+ VPN providers
- Split tunneling is granular and reliable
- Best web admin interface of any VPN router
Cons:
- Expensive ($300+)
- WiFi 5 only — no WiFi 6 in 2026 feels dated
- Hardware is aging compared to newer competitors
- Limited availability (ships from Sweden)
Who should use this: Privacy enthusiasts and power users who want maximum control over their VPN routing.
InvizBox 2
InvizBox 2 markets itself as the "plug and play" VPN router. Setup took me less than five minutes. It's designed for people who want VPN protection but don't want to learn about networking.
Pros:
- Simplest setup process of any VPN router I tested
- Compact and somewhat portable
- Automatic VPN provider configuration
- Multiple WiFi networks (VPN-protected and direct)
- Regular automatic firmware updates
Cons:
- OpenVPN only — no WireGuard means slower VPN speeds
- WiFi 5 with limited range
- Fewer configuration options for advanced users
- Speed ceiling is lower due to hardware limitations
Who should use this: Non-technical users who want VPN on all devices without any learning curve.
FlashRouters (Pre-Configured Routers)
FlashRouters isn't a manufacturer — they take popular routers (Asus, Netgear, Linksys) and flash them with DD-WRT or Tomato firmware pre-configured for your VPN provider.
Pros:
- Choose your preferred router hardware brand
- Pre-configured for your VPN provider — works out of the box
- Higher-end hardware options available (WiFi 6, mesh systems)
- DD-WRT and Tomato firmware are battle-tested
Cons:
- Premium pricing over buying the same router yourself
- You're paying for the convenience of pre-configuration
- Firmware updates may lag behind official releases
- Warranty situation is complicated (modified hardware)
Who should use this: People who want a specific router brand/model with VPN pre-configured.
Speed Test Results
I tested each router with a 1 Gbps fiber connection using WireGuard (where available) and OpenVPN:
| Router | No VPN | WireGuard | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL.iNet Beryl AX | 600 Mbps | 450 Mbps | 120 Mbps |
| GL.iNet Flint 2 | 940 Mbps | 820 Mbps | 280 Mbps |
| Vilfo | 700 Mbps | 550 Mbps | 200 Mbps |
| InvizBox 2 | 300 Mbps | N/A | 80 Mbps |
| FlashRouters (Asus RT-AX86U) | 900 Mbps | 600 Mbps | 180 Mbps |
The takeaway: WireGuard support matters enormously. OpenVPN-only routers lose 60-75% of your speed.
My Top Pick
For most people: GL.iNet Beryl AX. Absurd value for the price. It works at home, it works on the road, it supports WireGuard, and it runs on USB-C.
For home use: GL.iNet Flint 2. If you want a full home router that handles VPN at near-gigabit speeds, this is the one.
For power users: Vilfo. Nothing else matches its multi-VPN routing capabilities. Expensive but unique.
Last updated: April 2026. I may earn a commission if you purchase through the links above. This doesn't affect my rankings — I recommend the same tools I use myself.
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