Not every device in your home can run VPN software on its own, exposing you to unscrupulous internet-related activities. Fortunately, you can get around this problem by using a VPN router. However, which routers work with your router? This post looks at the best routers for Nordvpn.
NordVPN provides super-fast, secure, global connections allowing you to go about your business on the internet without risking your privacy and personal information. You can install NordVPN on your router, but you must ensure you have the right router first.
Below are some excellent NordVPN routers.
- Linksys WRT3200ACM- Editor’s Pick
- TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21)- Best Budget
- ASUS AX5700 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (RT-AX86U)- Best Value
Best Routers for NordVPN Reviewed
Below is an in-depth look into the best routers for NordVPN.
1. Linksys WRT3200ACM (WRT3200ACM)
This high-end router is top of our list because it supports DD-WRT, meaning you can enhance its capabilities and customize its firmware at your discretion. You can install a DD-WRT to make it compatible with NordVPN.
Installing DD-WRT or OpenWRT not only allows you to add a secure VPN like NordVPN, but it also lets you install TOR network browsing. This helps you browse anonymously, check reports on network intrusion, and view network traffic. Besides supporting open-source firmware, this router has MU-MIMO technology; hence multiple users can access a wireless network simultaneously.
Moreover, you can rely on WRT3200ACM to offer incredible speeds even if the network is congested because it has Tri-Stream 160 technology. This doubles the network streams’ 80MHz bandwidth. The other perks of this router include 256MB flash memory, 512MB RAM, and a 1.8GHz dual-core CPU.
It also comes with a separate modem port, four-gigabit ethernet ports, a USB 3.0, and an ESATA port.
Pros
- Excellent features
- It supports open-source firmware
- It offers options for bandwidth widening
- Unique design
Cons
- More suited for offices rather than homes
2. TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21)- B08H8ZLKKK
This router is an excellent choice if you are on a budget of below $100 but looking for a NordVPN router. You can use the tether app from TP-Link to set up this router pretty fast; you will be done in about 10 minutes.
However, note that you cannot establish a VPN client and server with the app, so you must use the web GUI by TP-Link. The upside is it supports OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP. Moreover, it has MU-MIMO and Beamforming technologies and supports OneMesh, allowing many compatible routers to create a mesh network.
Archer AX21 comes with fascinating new features like the OFDMA, which improves network performance and efficiency. It achieves this by dividing the channel bandwidth into tiny resource units.
This router is ideal for tiny or medium-sized apartments or homes that use a maximum of 500Mbps. In terms of looks, Archer AX21 is compact and has a glossy top and a rectangular plastic casing with four unremovable antennas. The downside is that its features are basic.
Pros
- Affordable
- Appealing build
- Easy to use tether app
- Many extra LAN ports
Cons
- Not powerful enough for extensive or storied houses
3. ASUS AX5700 WiFi 6 Gaming Router (RT-AX86U)- B08BJHS3X7
This router should at least make your list of considerations if you want a powerful and fast router that has extra useful features. For instance, it features the current WiFi standard iteration- 802.11 ax or WiFi 6, meaning it delivers faster and more efficient WiFi connections.
You can also quickly establish a VPN client and server using the Instant Guard, so you can use NordVPN with RT-AX86U. The AES2-56 bit and IPSec VPN protocol encryption it uses is relatively high standard. Also, the ASUS router application is straightforward, rendering the router setup breezy.
Other features that boost its functionality are the quality of service, USB 3.0 ports, and parental controls. Although WiFi routers have limited Tomato and DD-WRT support, RT-AX86U counters this issue using ASUSWRT-Merlin. This high-end firmware supports various VPN connections.
Get a pre-flashed version if you do not want to deal with configuring this router with NordVPN.
Pros
- A powerful, fast router
- It supports WiFi 6
- User-friendly ASUS app
- Beneficial gaming add-ons
- Pre-flashed version is available
Cons
- It cannot be mounted on the wall
4. NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart WiFi Router (R7800)- B0192911RA
You can stream games and high-quality videos on this router effortlessly without lags, and it can support 45 devices simultaneously. When it comes to compatibility with NordVPN, this router supports OpenWRT and DD-WRT custom firmware.
Additionally, it is loaded with the latest technologies, including MU-MIMO, Beamforming, four amplified antennas, Dynamic quality of service, and a dual-core processor (1.7GHz). It also has ethernet ports, so you can establish a wired connection to your streaming devices, game consoles, and computers, among other devices.
R7800 is also secure and safe since it supports WPA2/WPA security protocols, firewall protection, DoS, VPN, and guest WiFi access. Also at your disposal is the Nighthawk application that helps you filter websites and control the ability of devices to access the internet.
This dual-band router covers up to 2500 sq ft house with a wireless connection. However, its interface can be sluggish and confusing sometimes.
Pros
- It offers long-range wireless coverage
- Valuable hardware features
- Compatible with NordVPN
- VDSL modem
- 4 x 4 router
Cons
- It does not have 1024-QAM
How To Pick the best routers for NordVPN
NordVPN already partners with FlashRouters to provide pre-configured routers capable of running NordVPN. However, you don’t have to go for a pre-flashed router since you can configure yours, provided it can support NordVPN.
You can run NordVPN on your router if it can support and manage custom firmware like OpenWRT, DD-WRT, Merlin, Padavan, and Tomato. However, note that you may need to perform flashing.
Final remarks
Enhance your cyber security and protect your personal information from malicious entities by setting up NordVPN on your router, thus protecting every device connected to the network. NordVPN has established safety protocols that are extremely difficult to bypass to ensure you are always protected while using the internet.