In today’s digital landscape, having a reliable VPN firewall router isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for keeping your online activities secure and ensuring fast, stable connections. Whether for home or business use, choosing the right device can seem overwhelming with so many options available. Discovering the top contenders for 2025 can help you make an informed decision that balances security, speed, and ease of management. Here’s what you need to know.
GL.iNet GL-BE3600 Portable Travel Router with Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7
If you’re a frequent traveler who needs reliable, high-speed internet anywhere in the world, the GL.iNet GL-BE3600 Portable Travel Router with Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 is an ideal choice. It offers dual-band Wi-Fi 7 with speeds up to 688Mbps on 2.4G and 2882Mbps on 5G, ensuring fast, stable connections. With dual 2.5G Ethernet ports and a USB 3.0 port, it supports versatile connectivity. Its compact design and multiple plug options make it perfect for hotels, cruises, RVs, or planes. The intuitive touchscreen simplifies network management, allowing quick VPN toggling, speed monitoring, and provider switching, all while maintaining robust security features.
Best For: travelers who require fast, secure, and versatile internet connectivity on the go in various international locations.
Pros:
- Supports dual-band Wi-Fi 7 with high-speed wireless connections up to 2882Mbps on 5G and 688Mbps on 2.4G.
- Compact design with multiple plug options (US, UK, EU, AU) for seamless global travel.
- Intuitive touchscreen interface for easy network management, VPN toggling, and real-time speed monitoring.
Cons:
- Advanced features and customization may require familiarity with OpenWrt or networking concepts.
- VPN speeds are limited to 100 Mbps for OpenVPN, which might be insufficient for high-bandwidth activities.
- The device’s high performance and features could come at a higher price point compared to basic travel routers.
Norton 360 Deluxe Antivirus Software for 5 Devices
Looking for comprehensive protection across multiple devices? Norton 360 Deluxe Antivirus Software covers up to five devices, including PCs, Macs, iOS, and Android. You can quickly download and install security features within minutes, ensuring your entire digital ecosystem stays protected. It offers AI-powered scam protection through Genie, real-time malware defense against viruses and ransomware, and maintains device speed. Plus, it includes a VPN with bank-grade encryption and dark web monitoring to safeguard your privacy and personal info. With 50 GB of secure cloud backup, your files stay safe from hardware failures and ransomware. The subscription auto-renews annually, providing continuous protection without hassle.
Best For: users seeking comprehensive multi-device protection with advanced security features, privacy safeguards, and easy management.
Pros:
- Covers up to five devices including PCs, Macs, iOS, and Android, offering versatile protection.
- Includes AI-powered scam protection and real-time malware defense to keep devices secure.
- Features a VPN with bank-grade encryption and dark web monitoring for enhanced online privacy.
Cons:
- Subscription automatically renews annually, which may require manual cancellation to avoid charges.
- Limited to 50 GB of cloud backup, which may be insufficient for users with large storage needs.
- The initial setup and download process may be quick but could be complex for less tech-savvy users.
TP-Link ER605 V2 Wired Gigabit VPN Router
The TP-Link ER605 V2 Wired Gigabit VPN Router stands out as an ideal choice for small to medium-sized networks that require reliable multi-WAN connectivity and robust security features. It offers five gigabit Ethernet ports, including multiple WAN options and a USB port for mobile broadband backup. Supporting load balancing and failover for up to three WAN connections, it ensures stable internet access. Its security suite includes SPI firewall, DoS defense, and VPN support for remote access. Managed via Omada SDN or OC200, it provides centralized control, though its interface can be confusing at first. Overall, it delivers dependable performance and flexible network management at an affordable price point.
Best For: small to medium-sized businesses or home users seeking reliable multi-WAN connectivity, advanced security, and centralized network management on a budget.
Pros:
- Supports up to three WAN connections for load balancing and failover, ensuring stable internet access.
- Robust security features including SPI firewall, DoS defense, and VPN support for secure remote connectivity.
- Compatible with Omada SDN and OC200 for centralized management and network control.
Cons:
- User interface can be confusing and has a steep learning curve for initial setup.
- Limited traffic monitoring features compared to higher-end routers like Peplink.
- Basic management and reporting tools may not meet the needs of advanced network administrators.
TP-Link ER7206 Multi-WAN VPN Router
The TP-Link ER7206 Multi-WAN VPN Router is an ideal choice for businesses and advanced home users who need reliable, high-capacity network connections with comprehensive security features. It offers flexible port configurations, supporting up to four WAN links for load balancing and failover, ideal for multiple ISP setups like cable and 5G. With support for up to 150,000 client devices and robust security options—including advanced firewalls, DoS defense, and extensive VPN tunnels—it ensures secure, high-speed connectivity. Its integration with TP-Link’s Omada SDN platform allows centralized management via cloud or local controllers. Although setup can be complex, its performance, security, and management capabilities make it a top-tier, enterprise-grade router.
Best For: businesses and advanced home users seeking a reliable, high-capacity multi-WAN VPN router with enterprise-grade security and centralized management.
Pros:
- Supports up to four WAN connections with load balancing and failover for optimal bandwidth utilization.
- Robust security features including advanced firewall, DoS protection, and extensive VPN protocols.
- Seamless integration with TP-Link’s Omada SDN platform for centralized and remote management.
Cons:
- Setup and advanced configuration can be complex and may require navigating multiple screens.
- User interface navigation may be unintuitive, with controls located in odd or inconvenient spots.
- Support responsiveness can vary, with occasional inaccuracies in technical guidance.
ASUS ExpertWiFi EBG15 Gigabit VPN Wired Router
If you’re seeking a reliable wired router with robust security features for your small or midsized business, the ASUS ExpertWiFi EBG15 is an excellent choice. It offers gigabit Ethernet ports, including a dedicated WAN port and load-balancing WAN/LAN ports, ensuring fast, stable connections. Designed for security, it supports VPN protocols like WireGuard, VLAN segmentation, and ASUS AiProtection Pro with intrusion prevention. Its sleek metal case is wall-mountable, and setup is straightforward via web or mobile app. While it lacks WiFi and detailed connection logs, it provides multi-WAN failover and link aggregation, making it perfect for secure, high-speed wired networking.
Best For: small to midsized businesses seeking a secure, wired-only gigabit router with load balancing and VPN support.
Pros:
- High-speed gigabit Ethernet connections with load balancing for optimized bandwidth.
- Robust security features including VPN support, VLAN segmentation, and ASUS AiProtection Pro.
- Easy setup via web interface or mobile app, with a sleek, wall-mountable metal design.
Cons:
- No built-in WiFi functionality, limiting wireless capabilities for the network.
- Limited connection logging and hostname visibility within LAN for advanced security management.
- Designed primarily for wall mounting, which may be less convenient for desktop placement.
Netgear FVS318G ProSafe 8 Port Gigabit VPN Firewall
For small to medium-sized businesses seeking reliable remote access, the Netgear FVS318G ProSafe 8 Port Gigabit VPN Firewall offers an ideal solution. It supports up to five VPN tunnels, including IPsec site-to-site and remote client access, ensuring secure connections. The device features comprehensive security measures like DoS protection, stateful packet inspection, URL filtering, logging, and real-time alerts. With gigabit Ethernet ports, it delivers high-speed data transfer and consistent network performance. Designed specifically for businesses needing secure remote connectivity, this firewall combines strong security with fast, reliable networking, making it a solid choice for safeguarding your network while maintaining efficient operations.
Best For: small to medium-sized businesses seeking a reliable, secure, and high-performance VPN firewall solution to ensure safe remote connectivity and comprehensive network security.
Pros:
- Supports up to five VPN tunnels for flexible remote access options
- Includes robust security features like DoS protection, SPI, and URL filtering
- Provides gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed data transfer and reliable network performance
Cons:
- Limited to five VPN tunnels, which may be insufficient for larger organizations
- May require technical expertise for optimal configuration and management
- Lacks advanced features found in higher-end enterprise firewalls
Aircove Wi-Fi 6 VPN Router for Home
Home users seeking a secure, easy-to-setup Wi-Fi 6 router will appreciate the Aircove VPN Router, which offers built-in VPN protection compatible with ExpressVPN subscriptions. It provides always-on, device-wide VPN support, allowing instant connections and multiple VPN locations simultaneously. You can group devices with individual VPN settings, stream from different countries, or browse locally without VPN. The router covers about 1,600 sq. ft., delivers speeds up to 1,200 Mbps, and features four Ethernet ports and foldable antennas for portability. Setup is straightforward, often completed in five minutes, with user-friendly VPN management. Its security features include WPA3, but it lacks advanced security tools or mesh support, making it ideal for basic home protection.
Best For: home users seeking a secure, easy-to-setup Wi-Fi 6 router with integrated VPN protection for everyday browsing and streaming.
Pros:
- Built-in VPN support compatible with ExpressVPN, enabling instant, device-wide protection
- Quick and straightforward setup process, often completed within five minutes
- Provides reliable whole-home coverage with speeds up to 1,200 Mbps and portable design features
Cons:
- Lacks advanced security features and mesh networking capabilities
- Limited parental controls and no guest network support, requiring external solutions for these needs
- Potential setup issues with certain ISPs or older devices, sometimes necessitating additional hardware
TP-Link ER7406 Wired Gigabit VPN Router
The TP-Link ER7406 Wired Gigabit VPN Router stands out as an ideal choice for small to medium-sized enterprises seeking reliable, scalable network security. It integrates seamlessly with the Omada Cloud Management Platform, allowing you to configure and monitor your network remotely with AI-enhanced tools. Supporting multiple VPN protocols like PPTP, L2TP, IPSec, Wireguard, and OpenVPN, it offers flexible secure connections. Its multi-WAN ports ensure load balancing and failover, maintaining uptime during ISP outages. Built with a durable metal case and lightning surge protection, it’s designed for demanding environments, supporting up to 700 clients for robust, enterprise-level performance.
Best For: small to medium-sized enterprises seeking a reliable, scalable, and secure wired gigabit VPN router with advanced management features.
Pros:
- Supports multiple VPN protocols including PPTP, L2TP, IPSec, Wireguard, and OpenVPN for versatile secure connections
- Equipped with multi-WAN ports for load balancing and failover, ensuring network reliability during ISP outages
- Integrates with Omada Cloud Management Platform for centralized remote configuration, monitoring, and AI capabilities
Cons:
- May be more complex to set up for users unfamiliar with enterprise networking features
- Higher cost compared to basic consumer routers, potentially limiting budget-conscious small businesses
- Physical design is primarily rack-mountable, which might not be ideal for all deployment environments
Netgate 1100 pfSense+ Security Gateway
If you’re seeking a reliable security gateway that balances performance and ease of use, the Netgate 1100 pfSense+ Security Gateway is an excellent choice. It offers comprehensive network security features like VPN, routing, and firewall capabilities, all pre-loaded with pfSense+ software for quick setup and lifetime updates. Powered by a dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 1.2 GHz processor, it delivers near gigabit routing speeds and over 650 Mbps firewall throughput. Its compact, low-power design with silent operation makes placement flexible—on desktops, walls, or racks. With three 1 GbE ports for flexible traffic management and reliable support, it’s perfect for protected, high-performance edge networking.
Best For: small to medium-sized businesses or advanced home users seeking a reliable, high-performance security gateway with comprehensive features and easy setup.
Pros:
- Quick setup with pre-loaded pfSense+ software and lifetime updates
- Robust performance with near gigabit routing speeds and over 650 Mbps firewall throughput
- Flexible placement options with compact, silent, low-power design and multiple Ethernet ports
Cons:
- Limited to three 1 GbE ports, which may not suffice for large network setups
- Requires signature confirmation upon delivery, which could delay receipt
- May be overpowered for very basic home networking needs
Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway
Designed for small businesses seeking reliable security and flexible remote access, the Netgate 2100 pfSense+ Security Gateway offers a robust, all-in-one solution. It comes with pre-installed pfSense+ software, lifetime updates, and expert support available 24/7. Equipped with multiple VPN options like IPsec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard, it ensures secure remote connections. Powered by a 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex-A53 processor, it delivers over 850 Mbps firewall throughput and 1.55 Gbps routing speed. Its compact design features four Gigabit Ethernet ports plus a combo port, making it easy to deploy on desktops, walls, or racks while maintaining low power consumption.
Best For: small businesses needing a reliable, high-performance security gateway with flexible remote access options.
Pros:
- Supports multiple VPN protocols (IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard) for versatile remote connectivity
- Compact, low-power design suitable for various deployment options (desktop, wall, rack)
- High throughput performance with over 850 Mbps firewall and 1.55 Gbps routing speed
Cons:
- Shipped with an adult signature requirement, which may complicate delivery arrangements
- Limited to small business edge networking; may not be suitable for larger enterprise environments
- Hardware expansion options are limited, with only four Ethernet ports and one combo port
Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN Firewall Router
When selecting a VPN firewall router, you need to evaluate its security features and supported protocols to ensure your data stays protected. Hardware performance and speed are also crucial for maintaining reliable connectivity, especially with multiple devices. Additionally, consider how easy it is to manage the network, connect your devices, and set up the system effectively.
Security Features and Protocols
Choosing a VPN firewall router with robust security features and protocols is essential for protecting your network from cyber threats. Look for support for protocols like IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, and PPTP, which enable secure remote access and site-to-site connections. Advanced security measures such as stateful packet inspection (SPI), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and deep packet inspection (DPI) help detect and block malicious traffic efficiently. Wireless security is equally important; protocols like WPA3 and DNS over HTTPS/TLS safeguard data during transmission and protect user privacy. Multi-layered security features, including URL filtering, DoS protection, and virtual patching, add extra defenses against evolving cyber threats. Compatibility with multiple VPN protocols and encryption standards ensures flexible, secure connectivity tailored to your specific needs.
Hardware Performance and Speed
Optimizing your VPN firewall router’s performance depends heavily on its hardware capabilities. Higher CPU and RAM specs enable faster encryption and decryption, boosting overall network throughput. Multi-core processors and hardware acceleration features like AES-NI can significantly increase VPN speeds and cut latency. The maximum VPN throughput rating shows the real-world data transfer speeds you can expect when encryption is active, often ranging from 50 Mbps to over 500 Mbps depending on hardware quality. Gigabit Ethernet ports ensure wired connections support the increased data loads from VPN traffic without bottlenecks. Advanced routers designed with optimized hardware for VPN processing can handle multiple simultaneous connections while maintaining high performance levels. Choosing hardware with these features ensures a faster, more reliable VPN experience without sacrificing speed.
Network Management Capabilities
Effective network management is essential for maintaining a secure and efficient VPN firewall router, and selecting one with robust management features can make a significant difference. Look for routers that support centralized management platforms like Omada SDN or cloud-based controllers, which simplify overseeing your network. Multi-WAN capabilities, including load balancing and failover, improve reliability and require management tools to optimize their use. Advanced monitoring tools such as real-time traffic analysis, device listings, and VLAN segmentation help you keep track of network activity and troubleshoot issues quickly. An intuitive GUI or management interface makes configuring VPNs, port forwarding, and security policies straightforward. Additionally, remote management and automated backups ensure your network stays consistent, secure, and scalable as your needs grow.
Compatibility and Connectivity
When selecting a VPN firewall router, ensuring compatibility and connectivity with your existing network setup is crucial for smooth, secure operation. Check that it supports essential VPN protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPsec, or L2TP for reliable remote access. Make sure the device has enough Ethernet ports and supports multi-WAN connections for load balancing and failover, keeping your network resilient. Verify compatibility with your current infrastructure, including switches, modems, and mesh systems, to prevent integration issues. If you plan to connect cellular modems or fiber connections, confirm the presence of USB ports or SFP slots. Additionally, ensure the router supports modern security standards like WPA3, IPv6, and DNS over TLS to maintain a secure, private network environment.
User-Friendliness and Setup
Choosing a VPN firewall router that’s user-friendly can make a significant difference in how smoothly you set up and manage your network. Look for models with intuitive setup processes, such as guided wizards or mobile apps, to save time and reduce frustration. Clear, well-organized web interfaces with straightforward menus help you manage settings efficiently without a steep learning curve. Features like automatic ISP detection, QR code-based VPN setup, and pre-configured templates simplify initial configuration. Plug-and-play installation options and minimal technical knowledge requirements ensure anyone can get started quickly. Additionally, comprehensive documentation, detailed setup guides, and responsive customer support are invaluable for troubleshooting and ongoing management, making your experience smoother and more manageable.
Conclusion
Choosing the right VPN firewall router depends on your needs, whether it’s portability, enterprise security, or high-speed connectivity. Consider factors like security features, multi-WAN support, and ease of management. With options ranging from portable Wi-Fi 7 routers to powerful enterprise gateways, you can find a device that offers fast, secure internet access tailored to your environment. Invest wisely to enjoy reliable, protected browsing for work or home.
